“So, you truly are not.” The Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether withdrew his hand, feeling a little awkward and embarrassed. He had just sent a wisp of probing airflow into Jun Mo Xie’s meridians and clearly sensed that while the profound energy within was pure and vast, it was absolutely not the unique energy of his Nine Nether Clan, but rather a powerful cultivation technique, profound and sublime, entirely new to him… The facts were clear: he had indeed made a huge blunder. Yet this young man hadn't guarded himself at all, allowing him to grab his pulse point—a rare measure of trust… The Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether felt a warmth in his heart.

In over a thousand years, this was the first person to trust him this much… Although this fellow probably still didn't know his identity… Just then, footsteps sounded from the entrance of the Dan Guan Tower they were facing, and two figures walked in side-by-side. Behind them, four or five more people filed in. Jun Mo Xie’s pupils contracted slightly, then instantly returned to normal.

He picked up his chopsticks and continued to eat and drink with apparent nonchalance. The expression of the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether remained perfectly still, exhibiting total composure. A simultaneous thought surged in both their minds: What a coincidence!

We’ve run into acquaintances again. Although Jun Mo Xie’s appearance now was not his original one, it was certainly not that of the cross-eyed, crooked-mouthed “Great Scholar Dongfang”; as for the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether… who knew what his original appearance was like… The newcomers were indeed acquaintances—and mutual acquaintances of both of them! The two leading them were the Saint Emperor experts from the Reclusive Immortal Palace, Zhan Mubai; the other was Cao Guofeng from the Misty Illusionary Mansion, who had led the Saint Emperors attacking the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether that day!

As for those who followed behind, it was the Saint Emperor surnamed Bai belonging to the Misty Illusionary Mansion that day, along with a few others. But neither Jun Mo Xie nor the Fourteenth Young Master revealed any sign of abnormality. The Fourteenth Young Master was currently severely injured and lacked any ability to protect himself.

Young Master Jun, though brimming with Yuan Shen Qi, did not yet possess the true strength to openly seek confrontation; revealing the slightest flaw in expression or vital energy could easily spell instant doom! These three greatest silk threads—whoever they were—had all gathered at the Dan Guan Tower this very morning! This could certainly be called a miracle… “This is the Dan Guan Tower, the premier pleasure spot in Tian Xiang City.

Whether for drinking, eating, or enjoying song and dance, this place ranks among the very best super-venues.” It was Zhan Mubai speaking. As the ancestor of the Zhan family, he was naturally the host in Tian Xiang City. His tone carried a faint hint of mockery: “It was right here, only a few days ago, that a piece of music, ‘Smiling Proud of the Martial World,’ was circulated, spreading across the land in mere days, becoming universally popular!” “Truly a fine place.” Cao Guofeng smiled gracefully: “Brother Zhan, today you are the host, so my companions and I shall feast well.

Today, let us speak only of romance and enjoy ourselves until we are thoroughly drunk. How about it?” Zhan Mubai laughed: “Brother Cao, you don’t need to shut my mouth preemptively. You must know that at our level, whether we share a meal or not is hardly the main point.

Since I, Zhan Mubai, have invited everyone here, naturally, I have a favor to ask.” Before Cao Guofeng could speak, Zhan Mubai gestured deferentially: “Please, upstairs.” Cao Guofeng paused at the doorway: “Why bother with the trouble? Why don’t we just stay here? We have been far removed from the mundane world for many years; staying here allows us to soak up some human atmosphere, which can also count as cultivation.” Zhan Mubai laughed heartily: “Experiencing the life of the common masses in the mortal, turbid world is indeed a form of cultivation.

So be it, Brother Cao.” With that, the group found a random table in the main hall and sat down. Although his words were pleasant, Zhan Mubai felt a slight displeasure deep down. Cao Guofeng’s refusal to go upstairs for a private talk meant that sensitive matters could not be discussed in such a public setting—it was equivalent to rejecting his request.

One must know that this place was crowded and mixed; discussing business might be inconvenient for ordinary people. But for experts at the Saint level, any environment posed no hindrance; transmitting voice into rooms could easily resolve all issues. However, Cao Guofeng was using this specific environment to subtly convey to Zhan Mubai: The matter you wish to discuss with me is highly inconvenient, so let’s just skip it!

Being an old fox who had lived for several hundred years, his wisdom was superhuman. He could already guess what Zhan Mubai wanted to ask, so he shut down the possibility directly, avoiding potential future embarrassment—a subtle meaning Zhan Mubai understood perfectly. Coincidentally, the table they chose was right next to the one occupied by Jun Mo Xie and the Fourteenth Young Master.

Jun Mo Xie and the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of wry amusement. If you aren't from my hometown, then have you met me before? If we aren't acquaintances, then that makes it even more baffling to this young master.

the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether inquired. How should I put this? Perhaps I can say this: the main reason I struck up a conversation with you is… that I am just as suspicious as you are.

Jun Mo Xie suppressed his cultivation level to the Silver Profound tier but made no effort to conceal the sound of his voice, speaking like any normal person: Because I am suspicious, seeing a stranger like you acting suspiciously here, I naturally had to question you. And you, because you are suspicious, naturally thought of many things… What a case of mutual suspicion! The Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether laughed: Exactly!

Humans’ greatest flaw is being too suspicious. Because of suspicion, people miss out on so much, even destroying their own happy families and careers. But then again, it is precisely because of suspicion and caution that many people achieve success!

This is the best explanation I’ve heard. Let’s toast to the word ‘suspicion’! Well said, suspicion!

Hahaha! Since ancient times, be they emperors, generals, or peerless masters, which one among them is not suspicious! Brother's discourse on suspicion is truly to my liking!

Let me join in this toast! A hearty laugh came from the side: This old man will also share a cup with you. Please!

The voice belonged to none other than Cao Guofeng! He gazed at Jun Mo Xie and the Fourteenth Young Master of Nine Nether, his face displaying deep empathy. When his eyes landed on Jun Mo Xie, he suddenly paused, and then a golden light flashed in his eyes—an expression of extreme shock.

He subtly rubbed his eyes, looking at Jun Mo Xie again with suspicion, his gaze slowly transforming into one of ecstasy. Cao Guofeng’s words immediately drew the close attention of the other experts. Young Master Jun and the Fourteenth Young Master simultaneously felt seven or eight powerful divine senses wrap around them, scanning their bodies almost invasively, some even lingering… Jin Men County felt a strange chill.

Cao Guofeng’s gaze seemed off somehow. Had he discovered something? Both maintained static expressions, seemingly unaware of the interwoven divine senses, nodding faintly with a smile as they downed the wine in their cups.

“Brother Cao truly has high spirits.” Zhan Mubai’s divine sense shifted, and he immediately understood. Looking at the two at the adjacent table, the white-robed youth, from a secular perspective, could be considered talented—possessing Silver Profound cultivation at such a young age was quite rare, but still incomparable to the clairvoyance of Saint-level experts like themselves. As for the black-robed man opposite him, he appeared to be an ordinary person, nothing remarkable.

Little brother understands the reason for this. Zhan Mubai’s expression grew helpless: It’s not that I am being overbearing or forcing things, but this matter… truly requires Brother Cao’s assistance. My descendant possesses the Profound Yin Death Pulse.

Looking around at the present day, only the unique Warm Yang Profound Qi uniquely created by your sect can slowly regulate it. Moreover, only by joining Brother Cao’s lineage, after resolving the Profound Yin Death Pulse, can the innate Profound Yin Qi be transformed into the purest Warm Yang Profound Qi, forging an unprecedented prodigy of profound techniques. If Brother Cao refuses to grant this request, the Profound Yin Qi in my descendant’s body has no way to dissipate, and he absolutely cannot live past thirty.

Cao Guofeng held his wine cup and remained silent for a moment before replying: Brother Zhan, your noble Zhan family is now flourishing, with at least several thousand members, correct? As the ancestor of the Zhan family, Brother Zhan should maintain detachment and treat everyone equally. Why then are you so singularly devoted to this one youth?

Going so far as to humble yourself to plead with me, Cao, for assistance? Zhan Mubai gave a bitter smile. Back then, my Zhan family was merely a third-rate small clan, and I, Zhan Mubai, was a branch member of a branch family; only after my sudden ascent did I seize the legitimate position.

Over the centuries, the Zhan family has grown stronger and stronger, but the direct lineage descending from me now has only this single, surviving sprout! If Brother Cao truly refuses to offer aid this time, I fear that in a decade or two, although the Zhan family will be full of descendants, my branch will see its line extinguished, with no successor.