The two greeters from the Gezao Sect smiled faintly after glancing at the Three Emperors Sword behind Zhang Cunyì, and simultaneously bowed with cupped hands: "So, fellow Daoists from the Qingcheng Sect! Come in, come in!"

Zhang Cunyì also returned the gesture with a slight smile, looked over at Du Fei and the others, and inquired with curiosity, "And who might these gentlemen be?"

Du Fei, not waiting to be introduced, stepped forward with a smile and offered a single-handed salute: "Du Fei, from the Quanzhen Longmen Sect!"

Wei Qing chirped with a grin, returning the salute, "I am Wei Qing!"

Zhang Cunyì smiled and returned the courtesies, his gaze finally settling on Yue Sheng. The moment their eyes met, Zhang Cunyì’s body gave a slight involuntary jolt. He instinctively frowned, narrowed his eyes, and declared, "Then this must be the Three-Eyed True Man, Yue Sheng!"

Yue Sheng snorted, clasping his hands behind his back, and stated flatly, "Indeed!"

Seeing Yue Sheng’s arrogance, Zhang Cunyì, himself a man of high spirit, found it intolerable that anyone should appear more presumptuous than he. He scoffed, "I heard that True Man Yue previously engaged in a magical duel with True Man Li that nearly endangered mortals. I wonder who emerged victorious?"

Yue Sheng frowned, casting a distinctly displeased look at Wei Qing, clearly annoyed that she had spread the story so widely that it had now reached the ears of the entire cultivation world.

When Wei Qing saw Yue Sheng glare at her, she nervously stuck out her tongue. Just as she was about to intercede for him, Zhang Cunyì burst into laughter and said, "Actually, victory or defeat isn't the main point. The crucial thing is that such duels must not be discovered by the common folk, nor should bystanders be harmed. Otherwise, what use is all this cultivation of divine powers and combat skills?"

Saying this, Zhang Cunyì turned to Du Fei with a smile, "True Man Du, as the senior disciple, you must supervise your juniors in their practice more diligently. Otherwise, if their skills are inadequate, they will harm others and themselves!"

This single remark nearly caused the members of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect to lose their composure on the spot. Yue Sheng’s eyes widened, glaring fixedly at Zhang Cunyì, his fists clenched tightly.

The heavier of the two Gezao Sect greeters immediately stepped in to mediate, "Ah, we are all fellow Daoists here! Whatever grievances you have, we can discuss them aboard the ship. Why stir up such tempers right here?" He gestured warmly, "True Man Du, True Man Zhang, True Man Yue, please come inside!"

The leaner greeter chimed in, "Exactly, exactly! We share the same origins from two thousand years ago; why engage in verbal sparring?"

Yue Sheng, being young and hot-headed, sneered, "Who shares origins with them? Are they even worthy?"

Zhang Cunyì gave a cold "Ha!" "Yes, you certainly aren't worthy!"

Yue Sheng glared, ready to erupt, but Wei Qing, quick-eyed, noticed several figures in Daoist robes approaching from a distance. She quickly diverted the topic, "Hey, hey, look! More fellow Daoists are arriving! Hmm, why are they wearing Daoist robes?"

Du Fei couldn’t help but express his surprise as well, "Indeed. It has been many years since we’ve seen fellow Daoists attending the Lotus Gathering while still wearing the traditional robes."

The Lotus Gathering, dating back over thirteen hundred years since the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, was initially a grand event for all Daoist cultivators, exclusive to Daoist lineages. Naturally, every attendee wore the customary Daoist robes.

However, as times changed, and in order for the Daoist sects to adapt to the shifts in dynastic power, many cultivators, after the Gathering was reinstated, began wearing the plain clothing of ordinary people to evade the notice of mortals and the suspicion of the reigning government. Gradually, this evolved into an unspoken convention among the major sects attending the Lotus Gathering.

So, the sudden appearance of over a dozen Daoist cultivators in full robes walking together genuinely astonished and surprised them all.

Even Zhang Cunyì and Yue Sheng, who had been bickering heatedly moments before, paused in surprise, wondering inwardly.

But as the group drew closer, they realized that the leader, a woman with a dignified appearance and a cinnabar mark between her brows, was Zhang Ling, the elder sister of the Celestial Master of the Orthodox Unity Sect. Only then did they understand that these robed figures belonged to the Orthodox Unity Sect!

Although the Gezao Sect and the Orthodox Unity Sect had numerous private disagreements, they maintained impeccable decorum on the surface. The two greeters immediately stepped forward. The heavier one offered a one-handed salute: "So, it is kin from the Orthodox Unity Sect! Come in quickly, please come inside!"

Zhang Ling was flanked by nearly a dozen people. Closest to her was her disciple, Zou Ping. Standing next to Zou Ping were the imposing Wang Lingfei and a demure young girl, also clad in robes—the junior sister who had previously monitored Li Yundong's residence with her.

Zhang Ling didn't spare them a glance, nor did she acknowledge the groups from the Quanzhen Longmen or Qingcheng Sects. She walked forward with her head held high. The others naturally followed her lead. Only the junior sister curiously surveyed Du Fei, Yue Sheng, and Zhang Cunyì before quickly sticking out her tongue and hurrying after the others.

The aloof behavior of the Orthodox Unity Sect party left those who had intended to offer pleasantries feeling awkward. The Gezao Sect members inwardly fumed: Good heavens, I thought Yue Sheng was arrogant, but this Zhang Cunyì from Chengdu is even more so! And now, the most arrogant one is still behind them! The Orthodox Unity Sect is ignoring everyone? Are they relying on their sect's power to be so disdainful?

Yue Sheng and Zhang Cunyì watched the Orthodox Unity Sect members with flickering eyes. Just as they were about to offer a cold sneer, another Daoist in robes strode forward. Though he seemed slightly hurried, the man was refined, handsome, with eyes like stars—clearly a formidable young master.

They focused their gaze and saw that this Daoist’s robes were trimmed with gold, and his chest bore a black-and-white Bagua emblem.

Du Fei recognized him instantly: True Man Yuyang, Zhang Tianhe, whom he had met on Tianlong Mountain!

"Hm? Zhang Tianhe? Has his injury healed?" Du Fei was slightly taken aback. He proactively stepped forward to salute, "True Man Zhang, long time no see?"

Zhang Tianhe chuckled and stopped, saying, "Why, if it isn't True Man Du! A pleasure, a pleasure!"

Du Fei asked cheerfully, "Why is True Man Zhang walking at the very end?"

Zhang Cunyì, still smarting from the cold reception given to Zhang Ling and her group, allowed all his irritation to spill over onto Zhang Tianhe. He sneered, "Could it be because after the battle on Tianlong Mountain, True Man Zhang’s injuries have not yet healed?"

Zhang Tianhe considered the battle on Tianlong Mountain a deep humiliation. Hearing Zhang Cunyì bring it up, his expression immediately changed slightly. He offered a palm-hand salute: "May I ask which esteemed Daoist friend you are?"

Zhang Cunyì scoffed, "Zhang Cunyì of Qingyang Palace in Chengdu!"

Zhang Tianhe gave a slight smile and retorted with veiled sharpness, "Ah, the Daoist friend Zhang Cunyì who was sent tumbling down the mountain by a single palm strike from Li Yundong at the foot of Tianlong Mountain. I beg your pardon, my mistake!"

Zhang Cunyì had always considered his private confrontation and subsequent loss to Li Yundong highly confidential, believing no one knew. To have Zhang Tianhe expose it publicly shocked him. His face changed, and he thought with alarm: How does he know?! Could it be Li Yundong has been broadcasting it everywhere? Hmph, it must be! That despicable villain, I will certainly make him pay today!

As the saying goes, people fight for a breath of air, and monks fight for an incense stick. Although cultivators preach detachment from worldly desires and fame, they value their record of victory and defeat above all else. Furthermore, this was the very beginning of the Lotus Gathering. Admitting the incident now would mean admitting inferiority to Li Yundong—a matter of bolstering others’ prestige while diminishing his own. A man of Zhang Cunyì’s immense self-regard would never allow it!

Zhang Cunyì coldly laughed, "That’s utter nonsense! I have no idea what you are babbling about!"

Yue Sheng, having just endured Zhang Cunyì’s sharp ridicule, took the opportunity to add insult to injury, sneering maliciously, "If you don't want people to know, don't do it! My friend Zhang Cunyì, have you never read books? Goodness, how could your father feel safe letting you out? Isn't he afraid you'll make a fool of yourself?"

Zhang Cunyì instantly flared into rage, glaring with wide eyes at Yue Sheng. Yue Sheng met his gaze undaunted, his eyes sharp as blades in their mutual confrontation. Seeing the two men glaring at each other like fighting cocks, Zhang Tianhe gave a low laugh, "Please, you two carry on. I shall take my leave!"

Zhang Cunyì and Yue Sheng immediately turned, speaking in unison, "Don't go!"

Zhang Tianhe turned back and sneered, "What? You wish to detain me?"

Zhang Cunyì sneered back, "I was just about to test the skills of you, True Man Yuyang!"

The Gezao Sect Daoists and Du Fei’s group watched the exchange dumbfounded. The heavier Gezao Daoist muttered to his companion, "Brother, what should we do? The situation seems to be getting more complicated!"

The leaner Daoist whispered back, "Forget it. Let them fight amongst themselves like dogs."

Meanwhile, on the other side, Wei Qing of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect, seeing the three men about to clash, intervened, "Alright, stop it! All three of you have suffered losses at Li Yundong's hands. Since the debt is owed, let the debtor pay—it won't be too late to fight when Li Yundong arrives!"

Zhang Cunyì, Yue Sheng, and Zhang Tianhe all froze at her words. An immediate sense of shared grievance ignited among them. Zhang Cunyì sneered, "That Li Yundong, does he even dare to show up?"

Yue Sheng added coldly, "If he dares to come, I will ensure he is utterly defeated this time!"

Zhang Tianhe remained silent, but a sharp glint suddenly flashed in his eyes. Since his defeat by Li Yundong’s heavenly lightning strike, he had dedicated himself to secluded practice, and his cultivation was now vastly superior. He had long awaited the day he could finally wash away his shame.

Watching all this from a distance, Chris, John, and Alba stared wide-eyed at the Daoists, who were dressed so variously. Alba couldn't help asking, "Chris, what exactly is going on? Who are these people in long robes? Are they monks?"

Chris managed a wry smile, "Don't joke. They are Daoists, practitioners of Daoism. Buddhism came from India, while Daoism is a religion indigenous to China."

Alba then seemed to understand, "Oh, I see! But why are some dressed like that and others dressed differently?"

John shrugged and took over, "It's a free country... at least, dressing is quite free, isn't it?"

Alba shot him a look, "Thank you for your enlightening explanation, Mr. Liberalism. Now, can you tell me how we are supposed to get inside to watch this Lotus Gathering? Are we supposed to watch from the shore?"

John gave a wry smile, "We won't see much even from the shore. You should know, this cruise ship is going to move!"

Alba turned to Chris, "Chris, hurry up and figure something out!"

Chris spread his hands, "What can I possibly do? We aren't Daoists!"

Alba burst out, "We traveled all the way from America! Are we going to be stopped right here?"

As the three foreigners glared at each other in dismay, Chris suddenly heard a familiar voice: "Yundong, is that the pleasure boat? Why is the Lotus Gathering being held here? How strange!"

Chris turned and saw a beautiful and charming girl leaning close to a tall, imposing man, speaking with a light, graceful smile. Even from a distance, Chris instantly recognized the girl with the voice like silver bells as Su Chan, and the man beside her as Li Yundong!

Despite her refined upbringing from a prominent family, Chris couldn't help but excitedly grab John's arm: "John, look! Who is that!"

John, who had been looking listless, snapped his eyes wide open at the sight. He jumped up excitedly, roaring with laughter, "It's Master! Master has arrived!"

Alba frowned, "Eat Fu? What is Eat Fu? Is that the Li Yundong you mentioned? Has that scoundrel arrived? Where is he? I'll curse him to death!"

John’s distant shouts drew the attention of many passersby. Du Fei and his group also glanced over. Seeing him, Du Fei couldn't help but give a wry smile and glare at his junior sister, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear! Wei Qing, Wei Qing, you truly have the tongue of a crow! Li Yundong is here!"

Wei Qing seemed not to notice Du Fei’s gaze. She also spotted Li Yundong and shouted excitedly, "Look! True Man Li has arrived!"

Zhang Cunyì, Yue Sheng, and Zhang Tianhe all snapped their gazes toward Li Yundong. Around them, the atmosphere crackled as if two planets were colliding, sending out fierce waves of true energy, whipping up strong winds, filled with hostility and murderous intent, as if a fight were imminent in the next second.