Chapter 390

Chapter 390: Master Lieyang

During the exchange, Zhou Luo hadn’t been idle either. Holding a wine cup, he walked straight toward the middle-aged man he’d previously noticed.

Yet before he could approach, someone blocked his path from ahead.

It was a man in a purple greatcoat, radiating authority. His brow held the commanding presence of a superior, and his towering figure cast a shadow over Zhou Luo.

"Pill Master Zhou, I’ve long heard of your fame."

His voice was soft, seemingly complimentary, yet utterly devoid of emotion, giving it an aloof quality.

Zhou Luo recognized him. This was the one whose gaze had lingered on him earlier, halting his approach.

"Might I know your esteemed name, friend?" Zhou Luo asked, cupping his hands in respect.

"Fang Li. Head of Immortal City’s logistics," the man declared, chin lifted and posture haughty.

These words made Zhou Luo’s heart tighten.

Logistics was always the most crucial part of any place.

And here he was—the head.

Didn’t that imply deep ties with Master Xuanlong?

"So it’s Friend Fang." Zhou Luo nodded with a smile.

That this man sought him out now… his purpose was unknown.

Fang Li wasted no time: "Pill Master Zhou has built quite extensive holdings in Immortal City."

As head of logistics, he must have engaged with Tian Xia Pavilion or Yao Yuan Pavilion.

Hearing this, Zhou Luo quickly replied, "Friend Fang, this is entirely owed to Tian Xia Restaurant. I’m merely accessory to it."

Invoking Tian Xia Restaurant was his safest card, whatever the other intended.

Especially with Long Yunshuang also present at the banquet, conversing nearby.

Fang Li’s eyes narrowed slightly, lips curling. "Pill Master Zhou is humble. I wonder if I might join this endeavor?"

His words carried a clear implication—his interest lay in profits from Tian Xia Pavilion’s commercial district.

Zhou Luo understood instantly and deflected again to the restaurant: "Friend Fang, you surely know I lack authority here. Manager Long holds the decision."

He deliberately glanced toward Long Yunshuang in the distance, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

But Fang Li sent a direct telepathic message: "Should Pill Master Zhou withdraw, matters would resolve themselves, wouldn’t they?"

As he spoke, those sharp eyes locked onto Zhou Luo. Though the tone remained empty of feeling, his presence pressed down oppressive as a mountain—clear intimidation.

Meeting that gaze, Zhou Luo thought to himself: His speculation had been right.

This banquet was far more complex than it appeared.

His immense gains through Tian Xia Restaurant had made him a target.

They wouldn’t tolerate his control over such a vast profit chain and would inevitably strike.

But Tian Xia Restaurant’s deep backing left them no opening.

So they turned to the only available target: Zhou Luo.

He hadn’t expected that the first person to approach him would be this individual in charge of logistics for the Immortal City.

This presented a somewhat tricky situation for him.

He didn’t respond, merely watching him in silence.

The other man didn’t make a move either. He was very patient, waiting to see how the other party would answer.

Just as Zhou Luo was pondering what to do, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Friend Fang Li, what are you discussing?"

Long Yunshuang, dressed in a white long dress, approached. She maintained her usual detached expression, and her voice carried an air of refusing anyone a thousand miles away.

Seeing her, Fang Li’s expression softened slightly.

He took half a step back, a smile appearing on his serious face. "Manager Long, it’s merely a business matter."

Long Yunshuang looked at him, showing no sign of feeling pressured by his position.

"Is that so? Well, the tavern has some matters too. I was just about to have a word with Friend Fang Li."

As she finished speaking, she cast a glance towards Zhou Luo.

Zhou Luo immediately understood her meaning. Cupping his hands respectfully, he said, "Since Manager Long and Friend Fang Li have matters to discuss, I shall take my leave now."

Then he departed the spot and headed towards his original destination.

Simultaneously, he felt a twinge of relief inside. Thank goodness he had given her the Heartfelt Gu back in that relic.

While it hadn’t made her fall in love with him over this incident, at least her favorable impression of him had increased somewhat.

Otherwise, given her temperament, she definitely wouldn’t have helped him out of that awkward situation.

This also alerted Zhou Luo. Relying solely on Long Yunshuang was definitely insufficient.

After all, an open attack is easier to evade than a hidden arrow. As long as his own status remained unchanged, people like that could casually threaten him.

This thought inevitably led him to consider his children back in the Qingyuan Sect.

It seemed he needed to help them enhance their influence soon.

Lost in thought, he had already arrived in front of the middle-aged man rumored to have ties to the Wan Gu Sect.

"My name is Zhou Luo."

He proactively introduced himself with a respectful clasped fist salute.

The man was slightly taken aback for a moment before responding with a smile. "So it’s Pill Master Zhou! I’ve long heard of your reputation, but we never had the chance to meet."

"Come, have a drink." He smiled and raised his wine cup.

Zhou Luo nodded politely in return and clinked cups with him.

"Might I ask your name, friend?"

"I am Hong Han," said the middle-aged man.

"I heard Friend Hong Han is involved in the Gu insects business. Coincidentally, my wife is also a Gu Master, and I personally have a deep interest in Gu techniques." Zhou Luo said with a light smile.

"I’ve also heard about this matter. I actually wanted to discuss it with Pill Master Zhou, but never found the right opportunity." Hong Han chuckled softly.

Subsequently, the two had a fruitful discussion regarding aspects of Gu techniques.

Although Hong Han was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was only a First Level top-grade Gu Master. Consequently, much of what he elaborated on were things Zhou Luo had deliberately inquired about.

Sensing it was almost time, Zhou Luo suddenly brought up, "I remember my wife mentioning that her master seemed to have originally come from the Wan Gu Sect."

Hearing these three words, Hong Han’s expression subtly changed. He looked at Zhou Luo, a hint of seriousness flashing deep in his eyes. "Oh? Are you certain, Pill Master Zhou?"

"I can’t be entirely sure," Zhou Luo replied. "But before he passed away, he left me a token."

Saying this, Zhou Luo opened his right palm. Resting in the center was unmistakably a token—precisely the one Yao Wu’s master had once entrusted to him.

Seeing that token, Hong Han’s pupils instantly constricted, his expression shifting once more.

He lifted his head, casting a disbelieving, startled look at Zhou Luo. He sent a mental message: "How… how do you possess Master Lieyang’s token?"

Zhou Luo feigned confusion. "Master Lieyang? This was given to me by my wife’s master, who said it belonged to his own master."

"His master?" Hong Han asked, his voice tinged with urgency. "What was his name?"

"Zhu Wushi," Zhou Luo stated the name.

Hong Han then fell into silent contemplation, deep in thought.

Within moments, an unusual glimmer of light flickered in his eyes. "He was indeed Master Lieyang’s disciple! Excellent. Master Lieyang has finally found his heir!"

Hearing the word ‘heir,’ Zhou Luo felt puzzled inside.

He inquired, "Friend Hong Han, what does this mean?"