The entire time, [Shou] waited anxiously outside the Poison Valley. He was completely unaware that his Master, Qu Le, was long gone; he only assumed that Ji Changkong was Qu Le reincarnated after seizing a new body.

As a disciple of Qu Le, [Shou] naturally had many informants within the Myriad Poison Sect. Wuan Xiongjie had long ago revealed his ambition, and although Gong Ba seemed reserved and low-key, he too had been making small moves behind the scenes. [Shou] understood clearly that these elders, who held immense power in the Myriad Poison Sect, all harbored different plans.

The five of them entered the Poison Valley together. [Shou] remained deeply worried that Ji Changkong might not emerge safely, fearing some major catastrophe might unfold inside the valley.

When Ji Changkong, wearing a mask, was the first to step out from the thick, poisonous miasma of the valley, [Shou] visibly paused for a moment before rushing forward eagerly, asking joyfully, "Master, did you get the item?"

"Mmm." Ji Changkong nodded lightly, glancing at Ye Youshan in the distance. "Let's go back first."

"What about the elders?" [Shou] looked up towards the heavily shrouded, dense area of the Poison Valley, his face etched with confusion.

Repeating the words he had told the Myriad Poison Sect disciples earlier, Ji Changkong’s tone was detached: "Let's go. There’s nothing left for us here."

[Shou] said no more, bowing and following closely behind Ji Changkong. Under the uncertain gazes of Ye Youshan and his group, they departed from the Poison Valley at an unhurried pace.

Ji Changkong certainly considered killing Ye Youshan. Unfortunately, outside the Poison Valley were the retainers of the five elders. Under the public scrutiny, it wasn't convenient to strike at Ye Youshan, so he had to let him live a while longer.

As soon as Ji Changkong and [Shou] left, the subordinates and disciples of Wuan Xiongjie and Gong Ba outside began to stir, clamoring around the entrance of the Poison Valley, demanding to know why their masters hadn't emerged.

From the dense poisonous air, a decrepit, white-haired old man emerged. He bowed and repeated the words Ji Changkong had spoken to them, then turned and re-entered the Poison Valley without looking back.

Many people gathered outside the Poison Valley, including Ye Youshan, looked on with astonishment. They could not fathom why their masters would make such an abrupt and seemingly irrational move at this critical juncture. When was a better time to cultivate poison arts? Why choose this crucial moment?

Some confidants of Wuan Xiongjie and Gong Ba, who vaguely knew a little about their masters' plans, heard the explanation from the man exiting the valley. Considering Ji Changkong's recent actions, their faces suddenly turned grim. They vaguely suspected that the five great elders who entered the valley and did not return had met with misfortune.

These people suddenly panicked. Unable to enter the valley to verify, one of them rushed out of the Poison Valley, intent on returning to their main base camp as quickly as possible to confer on the next steps.

Ye Youshan, whose schemes were deep, sensed the situation was deteriorating. Without waiting for anyone, he quietly vanished.

"You go back alone. I need to go out for a while." As soon as they left the Poison Valley, Ji Changkong suddenly said.

[Shou] froze.

"Master, what is it?"

"[Shou], I am giving you the Sect Master’s token. From today onward, I am the new Sect Master of the Myriad Poison Sect. Wuan Xiongjie and the other four will remain in the Poison Valley forever; his subordinates are not capable enough to cause you trouble. Remember this, you are the new Sect Master of the Myriad Poison Sect. With this token, you can command all the sect members." Turning around, Ji Changkong solemnly handed the Myriad Poison Sect's token of authority to [Shou].

[Shou] was aghast, feeling not the excitement of receiving a supreme treasure, but sheer dread and unease.

"Master, what is happening? Why are you suddenly passing the Sect Master position to me?"

"There is no 'why.' Just remember that you are the new Master. I likely won't be back often. Make your own decisions on everything."

Without further ado, Ji Changkong gave a final instruction: "There is a man from the Central Plains named Ye Youshan who followed Wuan Xiongjie. Keep an eye out for him; find him and kill him. Also, do not allow any sect members to touch Dragon Pond in the Great Marsh of Cloud Dreams. That place is not for you to meddle with!"

Before [Shou] could agree, Ji Changkong's figure blurred like a ghost, leaving trails of afterimages as he receded farther and farther from [Shou].

Ji Changkong held no great affection for the Myriad Poison Sect. Now that Wuan Xiongjie, Gong Ba, and the other five elders were dead, and he had passed the leadership to [Shou], the sect was bound to descend into chaos. Although [Shou] held the Sect Master's token, it was uncertain whether he could truly control the sect.

In his view, the Myriad Poison Sect descending into chaos for a while was not a bad thing. For the Dragon Pond of the Great Marsh of Cloud Dreams and for the Water Cloud Kingdom, the internal turmoil of the sect could only bring benefits. He understood that the Divine Archer Sect would certainly not let this opportunity to strike at the Myriad Poison Sect pass. However, the true power of the Myriad Poison Sect lay not in the cultivation levels of its members, but in their stealthy and undetectable poisoning methods.

If the Divine Archer Sect truly cornered the Myriad Poison Sect, driving them to desperation, they might unleash large-scale poisonous fog and rain across the Southern Yi territories, which would mean no easy time for the Divine Archer Sect either. The more the Myriad Poison Sect and the Divine Archer Sect killed each other off, the more secure Ji Changkong felt.

[Shou] was Qu Le's disciple, but he was nobody to Ji Changkong. He had no obligation to help [Shou] secure his position in the Myriad Poison Sect. Giving the token to [Shou] was already a gesture in thanks for [Shou]'s respect during their time together. Whether [Shou] could truly become the master of the Myriad Poison Sect depended solely on his own efforts.

After parting ways with [Shou], Ji Changkong felt a momentary sense of being adrift. Matters concerning the Myriad Poison Sect were settled; Wuan Xiongjie, Ba Gejiu, and Gong Ba were dead. The Dragon Pond should be free from ambitious individuals for a time.

However, Ba Gejiu had falsely claimed that the "Star River Divine Water" lay within the Dragon Pond. As long as the Arrow God believed this, even with Ba Gejiu dead, the Arrow God would likely remain fixated on the "Star River Divine Water." If he possessed the cultivation of a Grandmaster like Gu Bang, reaching the Ninth Heaven Realm, he could storm Wolf Mountain and ensure the Arrow God never harbored designs on the Dragon Pond again.

Unfortunately, even with the power drawn from the Celestial Origin Pearl, he was currently no match for the Arrow God. Wolf Mountain's Eight Trigrams Celestial Masters were not just the Arrow God alone. Rashly invading Wolf Mountain would lead only to death.

After careful consideration, Ji Changkong decided against visiting Wolf Mountain for the time being. Having made the rare trip to Southern Yi, he suddenly remembered Zhongli Jingyi and Zhongli Hui, the siblings. The pair had once shared wine and pleasant conversation with him at the Ji family home; they were among his few true friends. Now that he was in Southern Yi, and this Poison Valley was not far from the Chi Yi tribe where the siblings resided, he felt a sudden urge to visit Chi Yi.

This thought, once conceived, became impossible to suppress. He smiled and murmured to himself, "It’s been several years; I wonder how those two siblings are doing. I should go take a look."

The Chi Yi Tribe.

Across the emerald green grasslands, enormous circular yurts dotted the landscape, and herds of horses and sheep, driven by the herders, returned from the distance with soft bleating sounds.

Even before nightfall, preparations for a grand bonfire feast were underway on the plains. Every member of the Chi Yi tribe wore a sincere smile, celebrating their young tribal chief.

In the year Dan Tian, the old Chief had finally passed the leadership of the Chi Yi tribe to the new Chief. The new Chief was young and intelligent, treating others with modesty and courtesy, and was himself the strongest **Celestial Master among the younger generation—hailed by the elders of the Divine Archer Sect as one of the most capable youths in Southern Yi.

They never tired of recounting the achievements of the new Chief, but what they spoke of most often was his heroic feat of retrieving the last three pages of the Divine Archer Scroll from the Tian Shan mountains, from those fiendish, demon-like Universe Spiders.

For so many years, envoys had journeyed to Tian Shan, bearing numerous Southern Yi treasures, only to return unsuccessful. Only their young new Chief had managed to bring back the Divine Archer Scroll from Tian Shan, restoring the hope for all Southern Yi Celestial Masters to reach the pinnacle of cultivation.

Now, the head of the Ye family, the foremost of the Seven Great Families in the Central Plains, had sent a Ye family daughter to marry the new Chief. This news thrilled every member of the Chi Yi tribe.

This young lady, who traveled thousands of miles, not only lacked any pampered, difficult temperament but also possessed divine medical skills. Within days of her arrival, she cured the chronic ailments of many in the tribe. She was kind-hearted and benevolent; knowing she would soon become the Chief's wife was truly a blessing for the Chi Yi tribe.

Every member of the Chi Yi tribe, thinking of this beautiful and gentle goddess marrying their wise and valiant new Chief, felt that life would only improve in the future.

"The bonfire feast is about to start, Qiangwei. Don't be stingy with your smile. Remember, a smile is the best way to win them over. These people genuinely cheer when they see you now, and that's good. Zhongli Jingyi is a good marriage prospect. I was worried you wouldn't settle well before, but seeing him, I am finally at ease. Qiangwei, Zhongli Jingyi has the greatest chance of becoming the Lord of Southern Yi. If he succeeds, you will be second only to him in all of Southern Yi, which is excellent for our Ye family—"

Inside a elegantly decorated large tent, Zhou Miaoshan fussed with her daughter's makeup and clothing while coaching her patiently. She appeared quite happy, seemingly delighted that her daughter had found such a worthy spouse. Zhongli Jingyi was handsome and refined, and his manner toward her was modest and polite, which greatly satisfied her, as she had always worried about her daughter's happiness.

"Mother, stop talking. I know you're fond of him, but when we are alone, can you stop rambling about this person in my ear?" Zhou Qiangwei sat stiffly before the vanity mirror, allowing her mother to style her, her expression detached, completely unmoved.

Zhou Miaoshan suddenly fell silent, letting out a low sigh, and paused her combing. Looking at the girl in the mirror from behind her, Zhou Miaoshan saw a faint melancholy in the girl's eyes. After a moment, she asked, "Qiangwei, is Zhongli Jingyi not good enough? Even among the talents from the Central Plains' great families, or even the scions of the Three Royal Houses! How many can compare to him? Why are you still unsatisfied?"

In the mirror, Zhou Qiangwei’s melancholy deepened, and the corner of her mouth, freshly painted with crimson, curled into a mocking arc.

Zhongli Jingyi is indeed good, but he is not my type. And while you think he is young and promising, and I know he is, to say no one can compare to him—that’s not necessarily true. At the very least, I know he is superior to Zhongli Jingyi in every aspect.

Zhou Miaoshan clearly knew who she was referring to, nodding with a wry smile. "You are right, Ji Changkong is indeed superior to him in every aspect. But that man is too dangerous, and he hasn't shown even a shred of affection for you, Qiangwei. A figure like Ji Changkong, seen only once in a century, is not someone you can control. Be more realistic."

Zhou Qiangwei pursed her lips, a gesture that seemed to mock her mother's pragmatism, or perhaps to mock herself.

"Madam Zhou, how is Qiangwei? It is getting dark, and the bonfire outside is ready. Can Qiangwei come out?" Zhongli Jingyi's gentle and humble voice suddenly came from outside the tent.

"Alright, Jingyi. Hearing you call me Madam Zhou feels awkward. For these next few days, why don't you call me Auntie? Hehe; in a few more days, you can change that title," Zhou Miaoshan chuckled lightly, her words carrying unspoken meaning.

Zhongli Jingyi outside the tent showed no awkwardness, merely smiling slightly. His next words changed the address: "Very well, Auntie Zhou. Can Qiangwei come out now?"

"Yes, yes, she'll be right out." Zhou Miaoshan's voice was filled with relief.

With a soft, lingering sigh, Zhou Qiangwei allowed her mother to quickly finish her final touches. In moments, the already beautiful Zhou Qiangwei became even more radiant under the rouge and powder.

As she stepped out of the large tent, Zhou Qiangwei distinctly saw the surprise and adoration in Zhongli Jingyi's eyes. The tall Zhongli Jingyi possessed the bold and sturdy bearing of a Southern Yi youth combined with the modesty and gentleness of a Central Plains scholar. By any measure, Zhongli Jingyi was a peerless, ideal husband. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Zhou Qiangwei could never be moved by him.

"Qiangwei, the bright moon on the grassland pales beneath your beauty. Tonight's scenery is merely your backdrop." Zhongli Jingyi’s eyes burned with intensity; he made no attempt to hide his admiration for Zhou Qiangwei. People of Southern Yi generally do not conceal their feelings for women they admire; they express them openly.

"Thank you," Zhou Qiangwei replied faintly with reserved politeness, her tone slightly cool.

Zhongli Jingyi did not mind. In his view, a girl from the Central Plains should be reserved. The more aloof Zhou Qiangwei acted, the more highly she was valued in his heart.

"Qiangwei, let's go. My people are waiting for you. My sister has brought out half of her 'Storm Scent' fine wine. She was originally planning to save all that wine for a very important person, but this time, for you, my sister took out wine she has been aging for years. Haha, don't underestimate my sister; her brewing skills are extraordinary. Many people in Southern Yi would pay a fortune for a single bottle of her Storm Scent."

Zhongli Jingyi laughed.

"Then I must certainly sample it," Zhou Miaoshan felt a surge of warmth. The fact that Zhongli Hui was willing to share her treasured wine showed that she must truly like her future sister-in-law, which Zhou Miaoshan saw as a very good sign.

Zhou Qiangwei knew that from the moment she set foot on this land, she would likely be entangled with the Chi Yi tribe. Although she still harbored other thoughts, she understood she had no other choice. With a sigh of resignation, Zhou Qiangwei, her expression indifferent, walked towards the tribal celebration where the singing was vibrant around the bonfire.

The moon shone brightly. Unburdened, Ji Changkong moved steadily against the cool evening breeze, heading in the direction of the Chi Yi tribe.

After the battle in the Poison Valley with the five great elders, Ji Changkong suddenly discovered a subtle, marvelous change in his Essence, Qi, and Spirit. When dealing with Ba Gejiu's Star Arrow and Moon Arrow attacks, his soul operated according to the trajectory of the Star Cloud Soul Refining Art, moving several times faster. Yet, the speed of the Star Arrow and Moon Arrow flying toward him suddenly appeared several times slower.

As he channeled his vital blood to activate the crushing power of the Great Nine Dragon Styles' Ruin-Crushing Art, sinking the Moon Arrow, his Essence, Qi, and Spirit seemed to merge miraculously. At that moment, the flow and inherent power of the vital energy within his body underwent a change that was difficult to articulate in words.

After separating from [Shou], he had been covertly observing his body with his divine sense. Though he found no physical changes during this internal examination, he unexpectedly discovered that if he closed his eyes and merely moved his soul, he could project the sights from all directions into his mind.

This was an exceptionally marvelous sensation. It was as if his forehead and ears had suddenly grown eyes; he could perceive every direction—front, back, left, and right. When he opened his eyes and turned his head, the scene behind him was exactly the same as what he had "seen" with his eyes closed.

This wonderful discovery greatly delighted him. It meant that in future battles, even if his eyes were closed, he could keep track of all enemies surrounding him. In this state, anyone attempting a sneak attack from his blind spot would be unable to escape his sensing.

Furthermore, he realized that as long as he settled his mind during this period, he could feel his soul continuing to cultivate through the Star Cloud Soul Refining Art. Unconsciously, his soul's perceptive ability had greatly increased. Every faint fluctuation of life around him seemed unable to escape his sensing.

Suddenly, he understood that he had reached the peak of the **Celestial Master Realm. The internal harmonization of Essence, Qi, and Spirit was likely showing signs of melding like water and milk. Once Essence, Qi, and Spirit truly synchronized harmoniously, he could advance further, breaking through to the Seven Star Celestial Realm.

As he walked toward the Chi Yi tribe, he did not cease his cultivation. Both physically and mentally, amidst the silent, pure expanse of the grassland, under the glaring sun and the clear moonlight, he felt his entire being relaxing, sensing that his body and mind had undergone a kind of sublimation through the recent days of practice.

He knew the location of the Chi Yi tribe from Zhou Qiangwei. Once he had truly committed to coming to Southern Yi, he had begun inquiring about everything related to the region from the Ye family. The Ye family frequently traveled to Southern Yi and knew the distribution of the Nine Southern Yi tribes like the back of their hands. Although Zhou Qiangwei was also visiting Southern Yi for the first time, she had thoroughly studied the region's situation before coming, making her very familiar with it.

Under the hazy moonlight, he heard melodious singing ahead. The tribal people’s voices were rough, their lyrics direct and clear, possessing a peculiar charm. As the song reached his ears, Ji Changkong knew he had arrived at the Chi Yi tribe.

Unbidden, Ji Changkong recalled the mother and daughter, Zhou Miaoshan and Zhou Qiangwei, whose whereabouts were unknown. Zhou Miaoshan, in particular—that kind-hearted, incredibly calm, and beautiful woman—was easily recalled, especially since he had experienced two instances of deeply **lewd behavior with Zhou Qiangwei.

A ripple passed through his heart; he subconsciously recalled some intimate memories. By the time he finally saw the dazzling firelight, Zhou Qiangwei’s image faded from his mind. A tall, burly Chi Yi youth, his upper body bare, stood slightly crouched, holding a torch in one hand and raising the other as if offering a tribute, performing the Chi Yi tribe's "Worship Dance."

Many Chi Yi maidens, adorned with silver ornaments and wearing revealing attire, twisted their supple, serpentine waists under the blazing bonfire light. Their long, straight thighs were bare, with only the very upper part covered by short, narrow skirts.

The people of Southern Yi were historically open; there were few reservations regarding intimacy between men and women. If both parties were interested, they could find a secluded spot on the grass after the bonfire feast for pleasure. Here, the maidens were often the initiators, winking flirtatiously at men they favored while swaying their hips. If the man showed interest, they could become a couple through mutual consent.

The intoxicating scent of wine drifted over. After just one sip, Ji Changkong knew this was an excellent strong liquor. While not as fierce as Fire Dragon Brew, it was stronger than most strong spirits in the Central Plains. Not having indulged in a good drink for a long time, the drinking urge within Ji Changkong stirred faintly.

He strode toward the source of the sound. With a single step, he covered over ten meters. Although he hadn't reached the Seven Star Celestial Realm, he felt a sense of ethereal lightness, his speed of movement far exceeding ordinary imagination.

"Who are you?" A thin, bare-chested man suddenly emerged from a nearby tent, blocking Ji Changkong and watching him alertly.

"Are Zhongli Jingyi and Zhongli Hui here? I am a friend of theirs, passing by to see them," Ji Changkong asked in fluent Southern Yi dialect. Since sorting through Qu Le's memories, the Southern Yi language, which was never difficult for him, had become extremely familiar.

"You're looking for our new Chief? Who are you? Are you... are you someone from the Goddess's family?" The thin man paused, then his expression suddenly softened, and a kind smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Come, I’ll take you there."

Songs, shouts, and the rhythmic pounding of feet mingled in the air. Oxen and sheep, skewered on spits, roasted over open flames, their savory aroma drifting everywhere. Burly Nanman men, young and old, clutching flat waterskins, laughed heartily, tilting their heads back to drink deeply…

The powerfully built Zhongli Jingyi, accompanied by a wizened Nanman elder, moved through the crowd, each holding a drinking bowl. Zhongli Hui, her strong arms adorned with silver bracelets, stood gracefully before a table laden with earthenware jars of wine, smiling warmly as she poured for the simple Nanman folk.

A slender figure suddenly caught his eye. Ji Changkong paused mid-stride, a strange look on his face as he regarded Zhou Qiangwei, who stood beside Zhongli Hui. Unaware of the scrutiny, Zhou Qiangwei poured wine for the approaching Nanman visitors with a detached expression and a slight furrow in her brow.

Zhongli Hui, bubbling with excitement, tugged playfully at Zhou Qiangwei’s arm, chattering animatedly about something. It was clear she held a strong affection for Zhou Qiangwei.

Only when dealing with Zhongli Hui did a faint smile grace Zhou Qiangwei’s lips, yet she was clearly less buoyant than her companion, appearing heavy with thought, burdened by some deep concern.

“Let’s go, they are all waiting up ahead,” the guide called back, turning curiously to look at Ji Changkong.

“Forget it, perhaps I’ll come another time. I just remembered I seem to have some unfinished business,” Ji Changkong said, his feet remaining rooted, offering a strained chuckle as he prepared to slip away quickly.

Subconsciously, he mentally filed Zhou Qiangwei and her daughter, Zhou Miaoshan, as trouble. Having finally escaped the pair, he was vexed to run into them again among the Chiyi tribe. He dreaded any potential encounter, fearing they might once again present him with some unreasonable demand.

Deep down, he felt a stirring of guilt toward Zhou Qiangwei. He viewed his own past actions as somewhat base and shameful, which fueled his fear of seeing her—and his fear that she might ask something of him he wouldn't be able to refuse.

“What could be more important than meeting friends?” The guide let out a hearty laugh and suddenly bellowed, “Female Bodhisattva! Your people have come looking for you!”

Zhou Qiangwei, whose composure had been so cool, flinched at the sudden, loud cry. Her delicate face registered astonishment. She instinctively turned toward the source of the sound. After just one glance, she gasped softly, covering her mouth, the unconcealed joy in her eyes impossible to hide.

Zhongli Hui glanced over casually, equally stunned. Unlike the frozen Zhou Qiangwei, Zhongli Hui immediately dropped the wine jar she was holding and sprinted toward Ji Changkong, her face alight with pure, ecstatic delight. “Brother Ji!”

“Uh…” Ji Changkong, who had been preparing to pivot and leave, found himself trapped, his face a mask of awkwardness.

In a flash, Zhongli Hui was upon him, throwing her arms around him with utter abandon, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Brother Ji! Why are you here? This is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! I thought you’d never come visit our side! Brother Ji, I’ve been preparing the Violent Rain Fragrance for years, and now that you’re here, I’ll give it all to you!”

Zhongli Hui was not usually so unrestrained, but seeing someone she absolutely never expected to appear before her had rendered her excitement almost uncontrollable, leading to this uncharacteristic display.

Zhongli Hui’s eyes sparkled with life. Tonight was the bonfire festival, and although she wore little already, she was dressed even more sparsely now. A single strip of python hide wrapped around her delicate chest. As she jumped and hugged Ji Changkong tightly, her firm breasts pressed and molded against his chest.

Recalling the intoxicating moments he’d shared with Zhou Qiangwei, Zhongli Hui’s close embrace sparked an unfamiliar sensation in Ji Changkong; his lower body began to grow hard and rigid as iron.

Many of the Nanman people suddenly gasped in shared amazement, staring oddly at Zhongli Hui and Ji Changkong. They couldn’t comprehend why the jewel of the Chiyi tribe would willingly throw herself into the arms of a Central Plains man. The eyes of the younger, strapping Nanman men were filled with jealousy and sorrow.

In the Chiyi tribe, the beautiful and skilled wine-maker Zhongli Hui was the dream lover of many young men. Over the years, more and more Chiyi youths had declared their admiration, only to be politely refused with a smile. To outsiders, Zhongli Hui seemed lofty and untouchable.

That she would today throw herself into the embrace of a stranger, with unconcealed excitement radiating from her, left those who knew her utterly bewildered.

Zhou Qiangwei, who had been standing beside Zhongli Hui, saw her companion suddenly rush toward Ji Changkong and embrace him without hesitation. At that moment, Zhou Qiangwei’s heart clenched, overwhelmed by a sudden, inexplicable pang of grief.

How did Zhongli Hui know him? What was going on? Had his visit to the Chiyi tribe not been to find her? Was he here for Zhongli Hui? A cascade of thoughts rushed through Zhou Qiangwei’s mind, leaving her pale and trembling slightly.

“Bodhisattva! Female Bodhisattva!” A voice sounded near her ear. A Nanman elder stood there, holding out a cup, still waiting for his wine. Noticing her distress, the elder spoke kindly, “Female Bodhisattva, perhaps you are too tired lately? You look very pale. You should go back and rest.” In the Chiyi tribe, where the kind and healing Zhou Qiangwei was regarded as a living Bodhisattva, they worried deeply when she seemed unwell.

Biting her lip lightly, Zhou Qiangwei shook her head, forcing a faint smile. “I’m fine. Here, let me pour you some wine.”

While pouring, Zhou Qiangwei’s thoughts spiraled wildly. Why? Did she really care that much about him? Did she not have a right to care? This man had repeatedly bullied her! Even though… although nothing truly happened, his actions had clearly… clearly crossed a line!

How could she possibly remain calm around him?

As Zhou Qiangwei lost herself in rumination, Ji Changkong awkwardly managed to pull free from Zhongli Hui’s tight embrace. He glanced at the still flushed and exuberant girl and forced a smile. “Little Hui, long time no see. How have you been these past few years? Haha, it looks like you’re doing well, with singing and dancing every day!”

“It’s alright,” Zhongli Hui giggled. “I just missed Brother Ji a bit. If you didn’t visit for a few more years, I was going to travel to the Central Plains to find you.”

“Changkong!” A cry of joyous surprise rang out from a distance. Zhongli Jingyi had finally spotted the newcomer. He stopped his slow circuit and strode directly forward, his hearty laughter echoing long before he arrived.

“Changkong, what made you think of us? Haha! I thought you scoundrel would never come to our Chiyi tribe!” Zhongli Jingyi reached Ji Changkong and gripped him fiercely in a powerful hug, laughing to the crowd. “Today, the Chiyi tribe has received a most honored guest! Everyone drink and feast to your hearts’ content! No one leaves until dawn!”

“I’ll go fetch the best, most treasured Violent Rain Fragrance!” Zhongli Hui chirped delightedly. Without waiting for Zhongli Jingyi to say more, she skipped happily toward her own tent, frequently glancing back with a smile at Ji Changkong, as if unable to bear being away from him for even a moment.

“Jingyi, is this the person who helped you in the Central Plains?” The withered elder who had been accompanying Zhongli Jingyi walked over, asking kindly.

“Yes, Grandpa. If it hadn’t been for Changkong’s help, we never would have reached Mount Tianshan; we likely would have been killed by those vicious people along the way,” Zhongli Jingyi said, pulling Ji Changkong along. “Grandpa, you must have heard of the Xuanyuan lineage, right? Changkong here is the new generation Xuanyuan of the Ji family—”

Zhongli Chongjun’s eyes flashed with keen light, then he nodded with a smile. “The Xuanyuan of the Central Plains gracing our Chiyi tribe—this is truly a great honor for us! We absolutely must celebrate properly!”

“Elder, you are too kind. I am merely Jingyi’s friend, and I was passing through. When I remembered Brother Jingyi and Sister Hui were here, I took the liberty of stopping by,” Ji Changkong said humbly. This Zhongli Chongjun was a master of the Seven Star Heaven Count Peak realm. While such experts were no longer utterly beyond Ji Changkong’s reach, given that he was Zhongli Jingyi’s grandfather and the former Chiyi patriarch, Ji Changkong needed to show the courtesy due a junior.

“Ji Changkong, is that really you?” Zhou Miaoshan suddenly appeared from somewhere, her expression odd.

“Aunt Zhou, you know each other?” Zhongli Jingyi frowned, full of confusion.

Zhongli Chongjun glanced at the strangely affected Zhou Miaoshan, then looked toward the somewhat distraught Zhou Qiangwei gazing at Ji Changkong, and his brow suddenly furrowed slightly.

“Of course we do. If it weren’t for his help, we might never have reached the Chiyi tribe,” Zhou Miaoshan confirmed.

“The expert who escorted you all the way—that was Changkong?” Zhongli Jingyi suddenly realized, exclaiming in surprise.

“And who else would it be?” Zhou Miaoshan smiled, her expression complex as she gazed deeply at Ji Changkong. “I truly never imagined you knew Jingyi. This is truly… truly like family reunion.”

Glancing over at Zhou Qiangwei, Ji Changkong felt a bitter pang in his heart. It seemed leaving the Chiyi tribe immediately was going to be difficult. With both Zhou Miaoshan and Zhou Qiangwei present, he felt a vague sense of unease.

In the middle of the conversation, Zhongli Hui returned, carrying several enormous wine jars. Most of her body was obscured by the jars, revealing only her bright, intelligent eyes as she walked. She called out, “Brother Ji! I brewed several jars of the best Violent Rain Fragrance for you. I was planning to bring it to you in the Central Plains, but now that you’re here, you can drink it all!”

“Hmph! Our Nanman warriors can’t get this fine wine, yet it’s being saved for an outsider—why?” A burly Chiyi man suddenly stood up, his face contorted in anger.

“Yes! Why should the best wine be reserved for an outsider? Do we, who fight for the tribe’s might, not even deserve a sip?” The Chiyi youths who admired Zhongli Hui also stood up, muttering indignantly.