Booze, truly a fine thing. Lu Yuan had always loved drinking. It was the same when he was a child in Donglin Town, often sneaking drinks. Under the quiescent and non-interfering educational style of his master at the Huashan Immortal Sect, his master basically left him alone, allowing him to drink heavily. Everyone on North Peak, from top to bottom, knew about Lu Yuan's fondness for alcohol, though Lu Yuan rarely got drunk—he merely enjoyed that feeling of being half-intoxicated, half-muddled, and half-awake.

Of course, if someone offered Lu Yuan a drink, Lu Yuan would certainly not refuse. When toasted, Lu Yuan drank with even greater bravado. Back on North Peak, Lu Yuan was practically unrivaled in drinking contests. However, this was choosing the tallest among the short; few on North Peak enjoyed drinking, and even fewer had good tolerance.

Now, having arrived at the Five Immortals Alliance, Lu Yuan realized his tolerance was truly insufficient. Having heard of Lu Yuan's heroic deeds—slaying two leaders with a single sword strike, single-handedly turning the tide of the Five Immortals Alliance's defeat into victory—everyone rushed forward to toast him. Lu Yuan started drinking boldly, but soon realized he simply couldn't keep up; too many people were toasting him.

His own tolerance couldn't sustain it; it was quite embarrassing. With no other recourse, he had no choice but to use his spiritual power to force the alcohol out of his body so he could continue drinking. For a cultivator, forcing out alcohol to keep drinking was naturally simple, but Lu Yuan rarely did such a thing. Now, he was forced by necessity; the atmosphere was too fervent, and refusing was impossible.

The atmosphere was indeed incredibly fervent. Lu Yuan thought to himself: alcohol is a good thing, but even the best things must be taken in moderation. He finally understood this seemingly simple principle.

Amidst this heated atmosphere, the leaders of the Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth Branches of the Five Immortals Alliance—the latter being Song Jianjiu—all took their places. The three leaders did not go to any high ground to shout or make speeches; that would have ruined the current fiery mood.

The environment here at the Five Immortals Alliance was much harsher than on the mountain, but since they had to come here to guard the ground, everyone had come. Being here meant, "We only know today, not tomorrow." So, let everyone enjoy themselves heartily while the present is known.

The light of the bonfire illuminated the faces of the three branch leaders. The three leaders all wore smiles. They were situated in a corner of the celebration venue, casually taking a few drinks. Naturally, the three leaders could not revel as wildly as those below; they had many things to consider. The leader of the Fourth Branch spoke: "Our primary task now is to investigate this attack: whether it was the initiative of the four Demon leaders, or if it was ordered by their superiors..." Everyone understood what he meant; the consequences would naturally differ if it were an order from above versus the private actions of the few Demon leaders.

The Seventh Leader took a sip of wine: "It should be the four leaders acting on their own initiative. The demons' current focus is the Bright Demon Emperor's two-thousandth birthday celebration, not here. Moreover, if this were truly an order from the demon hierarchy, this attack would not have been so simple; the demons are full of deeply cunning individuals."

Song Jianjiu nodded: "It should be so... but we only need to report this matter, and the higher-ups will naturally draw a distinction."

The Fourth Leader then asked doubtfully: "By the way, Branch Leader Song, what is the deal with Lu Yuan from your branch this time? He ranked forty-third in the previous Underground Demon Test, but this time he possesses the combat strength of a Branch Leader. That shouldn't be possible. If he had Branch Leader level strength, how could he rank forty-third in the Underground Demon Test? Even Nangong Lie, who ranked first, would likely struggle to last thirty to fifty moves against Lu Yuan, who wields Branch Leader level strength—perhaps losing in about ten moves."

Although the Seventh Leader said nothing, he also looked at Song Jianjiu with suspicion—this was also their point of confusion. Seeing a young man display such combat power, the two leaders were naturally puzzled. What was even more confusing was that it completely contradicted his performance in the Underground Demon Test.

Song Jianjiu gave a wry smile: "I took the opportunity back then to inquire about some intelligence from above and learned why Lu Yuan was ranked forty-third. The Underground Demon Test assesses magical arts and swordsmanship. For his magic, other than the ten commonly used spells, he didn't need to know anything else. Furthermore, regarding the assessment of underground demons and their weaknesses, he knew absolutely nothing; he essentially failed the written, theoretical part completely. He only achieved forty-third place by passing the practical combat portion flawlessly. If he hadn't passed the practical part perfectly, he might not have even secured the forty-third spot."

When he explained this, the other two leaders were stunned. Such a result was truly difficult to comment on.

The celebration was proceeding normally when suddenly, continuous screams and flashes of blood-red light erupted from the south.

What was happening? Some people moved toward the sound, only to see even more people and more flashes of blood-red light soaring up. Since the area was open ground, the crowd immediately dispersed and gained a clear view of the scene ahead.

Ahead, a white-haired, white-bearded old man was strolling leisurely, and anyone who approached him was ruthlessly struck down, severely injured. This old man's strength must be terrifying!

Lu Yuan instinctively felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. At this moment, the three leaders, who had been drinking and chatting, all changed expression. The Fourth Leader's face twisted: "Elder Hu."

"It seems you recognize this old man. Indeed, it is I," the white-robed, white-haired old man nodded, his eyes narrowed slightly like a fox when he spoke. Lu Yuan had heard that early-stage demons had significant differences in form from humans, but demons who reached the Longevity Stage could generally transform into human shapes. Judging by this exchange, the white-robed, white-haired elder was none other than Elder Hu, one of the Ten Great Elders of the Demons.

At that moment, Gu Chenzi launched a 'Lone Cloud Drifting Stab' at Elder Hu, but with a mere shake of Elder Hu's sleeve, Gu Chenzi was sent flying an unknown distance, his life or death uncertain. What a formidable Elder Hu, capable of sending a Department Head flying, his life uncertain, just by shaking his robe!

Elder Hu chuckled leisurely: "It seems you still don't understand the full scope of events. Very well, since you are all destined to be gifts for the Bright Demon Emperor, I shall reluctantly tell you, lest you remain clueless even as birthday tributes. This entire plan was orchestrated by me."

"I originally came here only to collect Bènzhuōhuā; the Bright Demon Emperor is extremely fond of this flower. I happened to witness the leaders of these three branches planning how to prepare a birthday gift for the Bright Demon Emperor. This gave me the chance to offer a suggestion: for these three branches to invite another nearby branch, creating a four-against-three situation to capture you as tribute. If they had succeeded in eliminating you according to plan, I, as the planner and an Elder of higher status than the four branch leaders, would naturally be entitled to a share of cultivator flesh and blood."

Song Jianjiu asked gravely at this point: "So you were already hidden nearby? Since you were already lurking nearby, why didn't you offer assistance when the four demon branches were at a disadvantage? Wouldn't we have lost then, and wouldn't you have obtained even more flesh and blood?"

Elder Hu shook his head: "That kind of thinking is flawed; that is why I am an Elder and you are merely a Branch Leader. If the four demon branches were on the losing end and about to be defeated by you, why would I offer support? In any case, if those four branches were destroyed, you would have expended your spiritual power. This way, you are now much easier to deal with—wouldn't it be better if you all became my birthday tribute, allowing me to exclusively possess so much cultivator flesh and blood? Why would I share it with others?" Elder Hu's words sent a chill through Lu Yuan's heart. Demons were truly demons; they could watch their comrades die in battle without concern, waiting on the sidelines to reap a greater reward. This was certainly the way of demons.

Elder Hu burst into laughter: "I originally thought I would only get some cultivator flesh and blood to divide, but I never expected a kid named Lu to suddenly appear, single-handedly turning the advantage of the four organized demon branches into a disadvantage, causing them to lose disastrously. This has made my birthday gift even richer. Thank you, little Lu boy."

Elder Hu laughed, filled with an indescribable smugness: "With this, I will have three gifts: one, the Bènzhuōhuā; two, the flesh and blood of cultivators from the three branches; and three, a young man who is only twenty years old yet possesses Branch Leader level combat strength. I trust the Bright Demon Emperor will gladly accept these three gifts. This Elder might even be promoted to a Five Elements Demon Marquis."

Having reached this point, there was nothing left to say. Elder Hu laughed heartily. The faces of the Fourth Leader, the Seventh Leader, and Song Jianjiu all sank. Their spiritual power was vastly depleted. If they hadn't expended so much energy, combined with Lu Yuan's strength, they might have been able to contend with Elder Hu. But now, although they were not utterly drained, they were close. Even with a four-against-one advantage, they stood no chance of victory. But having come this far, fighting was the only option; none of them wished to become cultivator flesh and blood.

The Fourth Leader, the Seventh Leader, Song Jianjiu, and Lu Yuan attacked simultaneously. Now, attacking was their only recourse.

Elder Hu laughed heartily, an indescribable composure hidden within his laughter: "You truly seek death." Firelight flickered in his hand, subtly containing a flavor of intent. As one of the Ten Great Demon Elders who had reached the Great Dao Intent stage, having mastery over the Sword Intent level of the Sword Dao was perfectly normal.

Elder Hu's cultivation had reached the Longevity Stage, and he had grasped the Intent of Fire. He held an advantage in every aspect, so the four Branch Leader level combatants were naturally at a disadvantage. Any other attacks would be utterly useless.

Elder Hu smiled broadly, a scheme to kill three birds with one stone. Elder Hu probably never dreamed that a sword would pierce straight through his body. If he hadn't moved fast enough, this strike could have pierced his heart. Who was this?

The person now holding the pitch-black long sword that pierced Elder Hu's body appeared to be an unfamiliar old man. This person gently peeled off the mask covering his face. "Elder Hu, it has been many years since we last met at Qiligu."

And now, seeing this person's mask, Lu Yuan trembled violently all over. This person was actually...

(If anyone can guess who this newly appeared person is, I will be impressed. Hint: the next chapter deals with long-standing grudges, and pay attention to the three words 'Qiligu,' which have appeared before in the text. The title of this chapter is 'Asking for Monthly Tickets' because I realized it's been too long since I asked for them—if I don't ask, I feel uncomfortable Siji. Those who have them, please cast them!)