Chapter Seventy-Nine: Friends Reunited

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“Liu Feng? Isn’t that our senior brother?” Upon hearing the name, Lin Cheng’s excitement was unmistakable.

The arrival of Senior Brother meant that Sister Han Meng and the others must have come as well.

Just as a smile was tugging at the corner of his mouth, a group of people ascended the staircase of the tavern.

“This way, please, immortals…” The attendant led the way.

“Lin Cheng.” A voice thundered through the room.

Among those who had just come upstairs, Fat Lin instantly recognized Lin Cheng by the window, raising his cup and drinking.

The abrupt call startled Lin Cheng so much that he nearly tossed his wine cup.

He turned his head, stunned.

“Fatty…” He sprang up and strode over to Lin Hu, laughing heartily.

The two embraced each other in a bear hug.

“How did you all get here?” Lin Cheng quickly noticed Niu Shisan and the others as well.

Before Lin Cheng could let go of Fat Lin, Niu Shisan and Pang Bo threw themselves into the hug, and the four clung together tightly.

A wealthy-looking young man upstairs was about to make a comment when he caught sight of someone in the group and quickly clamped his hand over his mouth, his expression filled with apprehension. He nudged his companion beside him.

Clearly, those who could dine on this floor were no ordinary people. Several among them immediately recognized Liu Feng.

The wealthy youth forced a pleasant smile and walked toward Lin Cheng and the others. Passing the huddled group, he cupped his hands and greeted a man in blue: “Senior Brother Liu Feng, it’s been a long time…”

Hearing the voice, the four finally released each other and grinned sheepishly at the onlookers. “Brothers reunited—just a bit excited, that’s all…”

Liu Feng glanced at the young man, a hint of confusion on his face, unable to recall him.

“Um… I’m Zhao Chu, Fifth Prince Zhao Chu. Last time, when my father received you, Senior Brother Liu Feng, I was seated at the end of the hall…” Zhao Chu stammered with a nervous smile.

Liu Feng seemed to remember and nodded slightly at Zhao Chu.

Seeing Liu Feng recognize him, Zhao Chu was elated. “I’ve always admired you, Senior Brother Liu Feng. I’ve been hoping for this day for so long…”

“Would you do me the honor of sharing a drink?” Zhao Chu looked around and declared loudly, “Today, everything on the third floor is on me!”

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“This is wonderful. Senior Brother Liu Feng, why don’t we sit and have a drink together?” Before Liu Feng could respond, Fat Lin and the others slung their arms around the wealthy youth and made him sit with them.

“Brother, I like your style… How about you take care of our lodging and travel expenses from now on?” Niu Shisan shamelessly suggested.

Zhao Chu’s expression twitched, feeling like a lamb among wolves.

“All right, don’t tease him anymore. Look how you’ve frightened the poor boy…” Han Meng said with a laugh as she took her seat.

“Wine Master, Senior Sister Han Meng… This must be our senior brother, right?” Lin Cheng rose to greet the three.

Liu Feng scrutinized Lin Cheng, a flash of surprise in his eyes. “Spirit Realm already? Junior Brother, you’re remarkable…”

Now it was Lin Cheng’s turn to be astonished.

He hadn’t revealed his cultivation at all, yet Liu Feng had discerned his level.

Sensing Lin Cheng’s confusion, Liu Feng explained, “No need to be surprised, little brother. I possess a talent for seeing through illusions, so it’s only natural I can sense your cultivation.”

Lin Cheng nodded in understanding.

The realization dawning on them, Fat Lin and the others immediately sprang up and slapped Lin Cheng’s shoulders. “Well done, Madman! In just a few months, you’ve left us in the dust again…”

“A monster, truly!”

“How are we supposed to keep up?”

Niu Shisan and the others shook their heads in mock lament.

“All right, stop playing the victims…” Lin Cheng scolded with a laugh.

He waved his hand and laid out several spiritual tools and cultivation manuals in front of everyone.

Their eyes lit up, but after glancing at the manuals, they tossed them back. “Forget the manuals—they’re too basic…”

“This broadsword is nice, though—a mid-grade spirit weapon, Gale Blade…”

“This jade ruler, a top-grade spirit tool… impressive…”

“I’ll take this Coldwind Spear; I’ve been wanting a better spear for ages… Or maybe give me that Firecloud Bow as well…”

The group chattered away, picking through the items.

In the end, Fat Lin selected the Gale Blade, claiming he’d switch to a broadsword when he got tired of swinging his staff.

Niu Shisan picked up a three-foot sword named Spiritwater, examined it for a while, then tossed it to Han Meng, muttering it was more suited for a lady.

Pang Bo unceremoniously claimed the Coldwind Spear and Firecloud Bow, immediately arming himself.

With a treasured bow on his back and a spear in hand, he looked quite imposing.

As for the Jade Ruler, none of the three reached for it; they all knew it and the top-grade Blood Devouring Technique manual were the most precious.

They weren’t lacking for techniques; their elders had already taught them more advanced arts. But spiritual tools and elixirs could only be obtained through sect contributions.

Even Sister Han Meng, who had been in the sect for years, used only a low-grade spiritual sword. A mid-grade weapon was naturally a welcome upgrade.

Watching the group openly choose from these treasures, Zhao Chu and the others couldn’t help but swallow audibly, clearly envious.

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Lin Cheng then produced several hundred bottles of True Spirit Pills and divided them among the three, stowing away the rest.

Seeing the stunned expressions around him, Lin Cheng grinned smugly.

Niu Shisan said, “Senior Brother Lin, did you go out robbing people?”

Lin Hu chimed in, “If I’d known, I would have gone with you, Madman…”

Han Meng laughed, “Next time you strike it rich, don’t forget to invite your senior sister.”

Lin Cheng chuckled. “I just picked these up along the way…”

“Where did you pick them up?” Zhao Chu blurted out.

The group turned to stare at him, an odd look in their eyes.

Was this fat prince a fool?

Wine Master patted Lin Cheng’s shoulder. “Judging by this haul, your journey must not have been easy…”

The others fell silent, each moved by the thought.

It was clear Lin Cheng had faced many dangers; these treasures were both spoils of war and proof of his victories over death.

Liu Feng couldn’t help but look at him with admiration, thinking their master’s judgment was indeed exceptional—this junior brother was truly extraordinary.

“All right, if you keep getting sentimental, I’ll have nothing left to give…” Lin Cheng spread his hands helplessly.

——

They drank and laughed heartily.

All morning, the third floor echoed with their mirth.

“By the way, Fatty, weren’t you with Xiao Cui? Why don’t I see her?” Lin Cheng asked.

“We came to Chang’an together. The Jade Maiden Peak group arrived this morning, and Xiao Cui went with Aunt Tianhui and the others,” Lin Hu replied.

“Did Xu Xiner come too?” Lin Cheng asked.

Lin Hu grinned, “I knew you’d ask. Of course she’s here.”

Lin Cheng sighed inwardly. He’d once had special feelings for that girl, but that was just the naïve affection of youth; now, he wasn’t sure how he felt.

Seeing him fall silent, the others wondered—shouldn’t he be happy? Why did he look like this?

“Say, Senior Brother Lin, did you find a new love out there? You don’t seem excited at all to hear that Sister Xiner is here,” Niu Shisan teased.

Under their gazes, Lin Cheng tried to cover, “I’m happy! Who says I’m not happy? Ha ha ha…”