Chapter 389

Chapter 389: Master Xuanlong

Since Zhou Luo could be arranged to sit in the first row, it indicated Master Xuanlong held no malice toward him at least.

That was why Hong Xiu spoke those words.

"Friend Hong Xiu, could you introduce the others?"

Compared to this, Zhou Luo cared more about who was seated in the first row.

Many were practically strangers to him; he hadn’t met them before.

"Of course," Hong Xiu replied.

Through her introduction, Zhou Luo finally learned who occupied the first row.

Some were disciples of Master Xuanlong himself, responsible for governing crucial sectors of the Immortal City.

These individuals represented official authority and typically stayed detached from commercial ventures.

Yet gaining a foothold in the Immortal City required their approval.

The city’s stability relied utterly on them.

Beyond them sat leaders of other major enterprises.

Besides chains like Tian Xia Restaurant and Yao Chi Pavilion, the Immortal City hosted various industries generating immense profits.

Each enterprise was led by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and behind every one stood influential figures of formidable background and identity.

Some hailed from the Qinyuan Sect, others from different sects.

After all, Qinyuan Domain maintained constant trade interests with neighboring regions—even a representative from Chimagong Sect resided here.

Among these people, one person caught Zhou Luo’s attention.

A square-jawed middle-aged man dressed in splendid silk robes.

Seated calmly on a large redwood chair, he maintained an unruffled composure.

According to Hong Xiu, this man seemed connected to the Wan Gu Sect.

Previously, Qinyuan City had no dealings with the Wan Gu Sect; its Gu insects market had been supplied solely by Yao Wu’s master.

After her master’s death, Yao Yuan Pavilion emerged.

But Yao Wu’s skills in Gu techniques remained modest, leaving the Immortal City’s Gu insects market largely untapped.

Five years ago, this man named Wan Mo arrived and opened a shop specializing in Gu insects, filling that void.

His establishment grew rapidly, earning significant prestige in the city’s southern outskirts.

Zhou Luo recalled Zhu Wushi had once given him a Wan Gu Sect token.

He wondered if the man would recognize it.

If so, perhaps he could propose collaboration in Gu techniques.

That would effectively conceal his identity as a First Level top-grade Gu master.

Once the banquet began, he decided to seek contact.

Zhou Luo gathered his thoughts, now grasping the general background of the first-row guests.

Dong—

Just as attendees conversed through transmitted voices, a crisp bell toll gradually resonated through the grand hall.

Everyone immediately ceased their psychic transmissions, rising to their feet in unison with solemn and dignified expressions, gazing towards the front of the great hall.

A long, vermilion table was placed ahead, covered with various delicacies, and behind it stood a Throne.

The chair was crafted from the highest-grade spiritual wood, ornamented with intricate dragon patterns that resembled real dragons soaring through the skies.

The backrest of the Throne was embedded with gems and pearls, giving off a glow of vibrant colors that inspired awe and reverence at first sight.

The seat area was cushioned with white brocade, soft and comfortable.

A figure slowly approached from the side, making his way toward that Throne.

Everyone wisely lowered their heads, not daring to look directly.

He was an elderly man clad in a white robe, with pale hair, deep eyes like the sea, and a face etched with wrinkles that showed no trace of emotion.

He walked steadily and silently toward the throne.

The crowd detected no aura emanating from him, only feeling a light breeze pass over them, leaving a churning coolness in their hearts.

Once the old man sat down, everyone remained with bowed heads.

"Sit."

Only when the old man’s calm, emotionless voice was uttered did everyone obediently take their seats, yet they still averted their eyes from him.

Even the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the front rows only dared to stare at their cups or the delicacies before them.

For he was the most powerful in the Immortal City, the renowned Master Xuanlong.

Although this Golden Core master never displayed any imposing presence from start to finish, appearing entirely ordinary, no one risked showing the slightest disrespect.

When all were seated, Master Xuanlong gently raised his index finger.

Whoosh—

Instantly, a bright spiritual light flared within the hall, filling the air with a warm glow that wrapped around everyone like sunshine, easing their strained nerves.

"Do not be tense," Master Xuanlong said indifferently.

As he spoke, one person promptly stood up and offered a respectful bow, "Congratulations on master’s birthday."

"Congratulations on master’s birthday!"

"Congratulations on master’s birthday!"

"Congratulations on master’s birthday!"

…

With that opening, others rose one after another to offer their greetings.

The birthday celebration was merely one goal of this banquet; the critical focus was the industrial matters of the Immortal City.

This was especially true for the factions that had recently settled in Qinyuan City.

Not firmly rooted, they knew gaining Master Xuanlong’s favor here could ease their dealings in the future.

Zhou Luo stood in the throng, cautiously lifting his head enough to glimpse only a pair of spiritual shoes of average size, with white boots embroidered with cloud patterns.

When he tried to look higher up, he abruptly sensed a gaze land on him.

The gaze came not from straight ahead, but from the side.

Someone had detected his intention and sought to warn him.

Zhou Luo did not wish to stir trouble, so after offering his congratulations, he sat back down.

"Let the banquet commence."

The low voice drifted down from above—not booming or imposing, yet carrying a wave-like heaviness that covered everyone in the hall, stifling even breaths.

"Master, disciple wishes you eternal blessings!"

The one who spoke first called out again, and as his words faded, the sound of strings and bamboo instruments began; a troupe of dancers entered through the doors, clad in revealing garments, swaying gracefully, their faces flushed like spring peaches and their skin glistening like snow.

At any time or with any audience, such entertainment was essential at a banquet.

These powerful cultivators might have grown indifferent to these emotions, but cultivating a festive ambiance was necessary.

With the dancers’ appearance, the mood in the room slowly softened.

One by one, people stepped forward to offer birthday wishes and present gifts.

When it was nearly done, Master Xuanlong stood and exited, and the atmosphere immediately turned lively.

Familiar cultivators among them lifted their cups to start conversations.

At such an event, celebrating the birthday was one segment; socializing was another.

The most vital segment naturally centered on the upcoming distribution of interests.