Chapter 388

Chapter 388: Status of Nobility

Hong Xiu’s words caused Zhou Luo to fall into deep thought.

Although his cooperation with Tian Xia Restaurant had never had any problems, according to what had been said, this banquet was held once every ten years.

But last time, he was not invited.

Why was he invited this time?

Zhou Luo did not think this was a coincidence.

He grew vigilant and even prepared for the worst.

If Qinyuan Sect intended to take back his and Tian Xia Restaurant’s industries, what would he do?

Over these years, he thought he could rely on Tian Xia Restaurant to expand wildly in Immortal City, but he forgot who the master of this city was.

This made him somewhat worried.

"Pill Master Zhou, are you worried about your industries?"

Beside him, Hong Xiu looked at his thoughtful and frowning expression and asked via transmission.

Zhou Luo remained silent, which was akin to indirectly admitting it.

Seeing this, a smile appeared on Hong Xiu’s charming face: "Rest assured, someone like Master Xuanlong wouldn’t care about such things as long as the taxes are paid in full and on time."

For a great figure like him, his vision was already not on the same level.

As long as Immortal City was running smoothly and making a profit every year, he wouldn’t interfere in its management.

Currently, those managing Immortal City were basically all his disciples.

These words made Zhou Luo sigh with slight relief, but he was still somewhat uneasy.

After all, Tian Xia Pavilion’s profits were so huge, and Long Yunshuang had a royal background, so Qinyuan Sect probably wouldn’t dare to do anything.

But although he seemed to be the controller of long-life families, in terms of real background, it was completely insignificant.

Master Xuanlong might not mind, but who could guarantee that his disciples wouldn’t envy such a "big cake" like that?

With such thoughts, Zhou Luo unknowingly saw that huge mountain peak already.

That mountain peak was held up by two Jade Pillars, carved with dragons and phoenixes, exquisitely luxurious.

Above the pillars, there was a huge plaque.

On the plaque were written the three large characters "Mount Xuanlong."

The characters were written with golden spiritual liquid, floating like clouds, energetic like startled dragons, majestic, deeply attracting people.

On those three golden characters, Zhou Luo felt a heavy, mountain-like power.

Looking at it for a long time, his eyes actually felt a bit sore, compelling him to look away.

"It seems that Master Xuanlong is also skilled with the sword," Zhou Luo thought to himself.

From the characters, he sensed an extremely majestic sword intent; if he kept looking at it long-term, he might be able to gain some insights.

At the mountain peak, other people gradually arrived one after another.

To show respect, none of them were flying; all came walking.

Pill Master Sun happened to be among them.

"Pill Master Zhou, it has been a while."

Upon seeing Zhou Luo, Pill Master Sun approached with a friendly expression to welcome him.

A familiar smile stretched across his face, the kind shared between friends, showing no sense of distance.

Since the last encounter, he had benefited from some Alchemy Techniques gained from Zhou Luo, leading to significant improvement in refining the Foundation Establishment Dan. At the very least, his success rate was no longer as pitifully low as before.

One could say Zhou Luo could be considered half a teacher to him.

Thus, this second level Pill Master, usually held in lofty esteem, appeared exceptionally warm and amiable at this moment.

"Pill Master Sun, I trust you have fully grasped those techniques?" Zhou Luo gave a slight cupped-hand salute, maintaining his smile.

"Thanks entirely to Pill Master Zhou’s willingness to share, I am endlessly grateful," Pill Master Sun stated earnestly.

Loose cultivators like him had reached their current status early on through fortuitous immortal encounters.

However, advancing further would prove extremely difficult without dedicated mentorship and deep-rooted support.

Therefore, for him, Zhou Luo’s willingness to impart those techniques taught by that senior represented immense fortune. He genuinely harbored gratitude towards Zhou Luo.

"You flatter me. Pill Master Sun is also attending the banquet, I presume? Shall we head in together?" Zhou Luo extended the invitation.

"That would be excellent, truly excellent," Pill Master Sun replied cheerfully.

He had prior acquaintance with Hong Xiu. Following a brief exchange of greetings, the trio traversed the mountain ridge and ascended upwards.

Behind the ridge lay a long staircase paved with blue bricks. Intricate, exquisite patterns, even faint array patterns, adorned every single step.

Stepping on them felt like treading on cotton, utterly devoid of any harshness.

The moment the three stepped upon the staircase, a sense of lightness filled their bodies, hastening their movements considerably.

Shortly after, they laid eyes on the resplendently golden and jade palace.

Its exterior walls were constructed from brick-red stone slabs, each depicting grand, imposing scenes—carved beams, painted rafters—overwhelmingly magnificent.

A wide-open vermilion door offered glimpses of densely packed figures inside, buzzing with activity.

Upon reaching the entrance, servants promptly approached to greet them.

"Might the esteemed guests present their tokens?"

The trio exchanged glances before each produced their identification token.

After receiving the tokens, the servant respectfully escorted them into an inner chamber.

The palace’s exterior was imposing; its interior radiated opulence and noble refinement.

A long corridor unfolded in concentric rectangles, its columns carved from white jade. Surrounding lawns flourished with spiritual grass that shimmered under the sunlight.

Moving along the corridor, they observed servants carrying gourmet spiritual food towards side halls.

Steam rose gently from those dishes, accompanied by a light, pervasive fragrance in the air.

Even Foundation Establishment cultivators like Zhou Luo found the sensation delightful and the aromas enticing.

Following the servant, they arrived at a side hall.

This side hall was vast and expansive, divided into numerous distinct sections.

Jade curtains partitioned these sections. Within each resided a large chair and a dark walnut wood table, crafted from golden-threaded nanmu.

Some guests had already taken their seats. Noticing the newcomers, they rose to their feet.

Whether it was Zhou Luo, Pill Master Sun, or Hong Xiu, all were figures of profound significance within the Immortal City.

Compared to others present, their status and position were undeniably higher.

Thus, everyone stood, expressing their respect.

"Honored guests, please come forward," the servant gestured with a welcoming hand.

The seating arrangement at the banquet followed strict protocol: proximity to the front signified greater prestige and reflected the host’s distinction accordingly.

Subsequently, Pill Master Sun settled within a section in the third row, while Zhou Luo and Hong Xiu were seated in the front row.

Though separated by jade curtains, such barriers were negligible to cultivators of their stature.

Zhou Luo glanced at the delicacies arrayed on the table and felt a flicker of surprise.

He hadn’t anticipated that his status would warrant a seat in the front row.

Earlier, he had discreetly surveyed those around. Though unfamiliar with some, their attire, demeanor, and the aura they emanated marked them as anything but ordinary.

After all, even someone of Pill Master Sun’s standing was only placed in the third row.

Hong Xiu’s voice reached him via sound transmission from beside him.

"Pill Master Zhou, it seems your concern was unnecessary."