Xu Wen took a step forward, towering over Cai Quan.
Cai Quan stammered, "I-I am the captain of the third squad of the Moon Clan's Spirit Guard, a subordinate force of the Tianyi Sect. My uncle-in-law is the commander of the entire Spirit Guard."
Ordinarily, this identity allowed him to strut around Heng City with impunity.
But clearly, he'd hit a wall today.
"Captain, my ass!" Xu Wen snorted. "A mere Guiyuan Realm dares to act so arrogantly here? Impudent!"
The sound waves of his shout rolled out, making Cai Quan cough up blood again.
"I'm a member of the Moon Clan," Cai Quan said, his voice shrinking. "Our clan leader is at the Immortal General stage."
"So what?" Xu Wen shot him a cold look.
"Our clan leader has invited you all as honored guests. If you don't show proper respect, don't blame the Moon Clan for being ruthless," Cai Quan said, breathing heavily and clenching his fists.
"And what kind of ruthlessness is that?" Xu Wen raised his hand, grabbed Cai Quan by the neck, and sneered. "Like this?"
Cai Quan's face turned beet red as he was choked. He could only exhale, unable to inhale, his legs flailing desperately.
Just as he was about to pass out, Xu Wen let go. Cai Quan crashed to the ground with a thud, dazed and seeing stars.
"You—you'll regret this." As he spoke, Cai Quan crushed the command token in his hand. "Our Moon Clan elder will be here any moment now. You'd best prepare yourselves—"
He hadn't even finished speaking when Gu Chenyuan casually strolled out from inside.
Previously, Gu Chenyuan had concealed his aura, so Cai Quan hadn't sensed him.
Now that he did, he was too frightened to speak.
Immortal Lord Realm!
Their clan leader was only at the Immortal General stage, and even their secluded ancestor was only at the Immortal King stage.
This... this was on another level.
Heng City wasn't large, and the Moon Clan's Great Elder arrived in the blink of an eye.
Not because Cai Quan was important, but because today's banquet was of critical importance.
The Moon Clan used to be just a second-rate faction in Heng City.
But one of their direct descendants, Yue Ran, had recently risen in fortune.
She successfully joined the Tianyi Sect and became an inner disciple.
Yue Ran was exceptionally beautiful.
Paired with the Moon Clan's secret art—the Alluring Physique—which she had fully mastered, she quickly caught the attention of Song Jue, the third disciple of the Tianyi Sect's Grand Elder.
Song Jue adored her.
As a result, the Moon Clan's status soared, becoming the top clan in Heng City.
Today was the birthday of the clan leader, Yue Dekong.
Yue Ran was returning to celebrate her grandfather's birthday.
Even better, she had managed to persuade Song Jue to accompany her.
If Song Jue attended the birthday banquet, the Moon Clan's position would rise once again.
So, the clan spared no effort to make sure every detail was perfect.
Originally, the cook was to be Miss Ruan of the Myriad Flowers Pavilion. Though a woman, her culinary skills were unmatched in Heng City.
But two days ago, Yue Dekong personally visited the pavilion to make arrangements, only to find her in a cooking contest with Shao Fei—testing dishes made with wine-based techniques.
After tasting three dishes, Miss Ruan voluntarily admitted defeat.
At the time, Yue Dekong hadn't cared much—he didn't like wine-based cuisine.
Until yesterday, when Yue Ran sent word that Song Jue's favorite food was wine-based dishes.
Only then did Yue Dekong order his people to scour the city for Shao Fei.
Once they discovered he was at the Immortal's Rest Inn, they immediately sent someone to fetch him. If he refused, they were to intimidate him.
That's why Cai Quan had come in person.
His cultivation level was just enough to suppress Shao Fei.
If Shao Fei cooperated, all would be well.
If not, Cai Quan would "teach him a lesson"—just enough to make him comply without causing permanent harm.
The Moon Clan's Great Elder hadn't expected Cai Quan, that useless brat, to be defeated by someone merely at the Avatared Body stage.
Now he had to show up in person.
Even before the Great Elder arrived, his voice rang out:
"Who dares cause trouble in Heng City!"
At the same time, a wave of pressure at the Immortal Spirit Realm rolled in.
He had only recently broken through to the Immortal Spirit stage with Tianyi Sect's help, and his foundation was still unstable.
But against someone at the Avatared Body stage? A finger would suffice.
Then—
With a casual wave of Gu Chenyuan's hand, that crushing pressure vanished completely.
The Great Elder arrived just in time to see him.
His pupils shrank. He gasped.
"Im—Immortal Lord Realm…" he stuttered, involuntarily taking a step back.
Then he shot a glare at Cai Quan.
This damned idiot! There was an Immortal Lord present, and he still had the nerve to call for backup?
If he survived this, he'd personally skin Cai Quan alive.
"N-Not realizing such a noble guest had arrived, please forgive the disrespect shown by this ignorant subordinate," the Great Elder said, taking a deep breath.
Before Gu Chenyuan could reply, the elder added:
"We are a subordinate faction of the Tianyi Sect."
"The Tianyi Sect's patriarch is at the Immortal Emperor level."
At this, his spine straightened again. "I suggest you don't bring misfortune upon yourselves."
Gu Chenyuan snorted coldly. "The little Moon Clan—just a remote, insignificant vassal. You think the Tianyi Sect has time to bother with your petty business?"
"So what if we're remote? I'll tell you the truth—an honored guest from Tianyi Sect will be arriving today," the Great Elder snapped.
"If you apologize now and prepare a decent meal—"
"I can pretend none of this happened."
"Otherwise, if you lose your lives, don't say I didn't warn you."
Shao Fei tugged on Xu Wen's sleeve. "Old Xu… maybe I should just cook one meal."
If it were just him, he'd rather die than yield.
But he couldn't drag his friends down with him.
This was the Tianyi Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects of Central Continent, with Immortal Emperors at their helm.
If they really offended them, the Misty Sect wouldn't even be enough to fill a tooth gap.
Hearing this, the Great Elder breathed a sigh of relief, though he kept a stern face. "I'll give you a few breaths to decide."
"No," Gu Chenyuan refused on Shao Fei's behalf. "We have urgent matters. We're leaving now."
"You—!" the elder clenched his fists. "If you dare leave, I'll make you pay for your arrogance!"
Gu Chenyuan exchanged glances with the others, then laughed aloud. "Now I'm curious—what kind of price?"
"Why don't we go to the Moon Clan and see this so-called honored guest for ourselves?" Lin Danhua suggested.
"Sure, I've never seen a Tianyi Sect disciple before," Li Changtian nodded.
Yu Ruyi looked a little worried.
The Central Continent was no joke—it
Xu Wen patted his chest. "Let's go. I'll guarantee your safety."
With talismans in hand, the world is mine to roam.
"Let's use the Face-Altering Art," Xiao Huohuo suggested. "No need to drag our Sect Master into trouble."
"But they've already seen our faces," Jiang Wanwan pointed out, gesturing to Cai Quan and the Moon Clan elders.
"That's easily solved." Gu Chenyuan made his move.
He wiped all memories of the events inside the Immortal's Rest Inn from the minds of Cai Quan and his group.
It was an ancient forbidden technique he had discovered by chance in a hidden realm.
It could only be used on those far weaker than himself.
And it couldn't erase memories from too far back.
The eyes of the Yue Clan's Grand Elder and Cai Quan's group turned vacant in an instant.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gu Chenyuan's group hurriedly used Face-Altering Techniques.
Those above the Immortal realm could use such techniques.
So naturally, Xiao Huohuo, Shi Jingjing, and Jiang Wanwan were disguised by Gu Chenyuan himself.
Once they'd successfully changed their appearances, the Grand Elder and the others slowly came to, confusion flashing briefly in their eyes.
Cai Quan scratched his head. Why is the Grand Elder here?
Wasn't I just supposed to bring that Shao Fei guy back to the clan as a cook?
Does the Elder not trust me?
The Yue Clan's Grand Elder frowned, glancing at Cai Quan, then at the disguised Gu Chenyuan and the others.
Gu Chenyuan not only altered their appearances but also suppressed his aura.
A few in the Immortal realm, and a few below it...
Right.
With Cai Quan only at the Returning Origin stage, there was no way he could handle opponents at the Immortal level.
That's probably why he rushed to summon me.
But why don't I remember doing that?
"Grand Elder, this is the cook the Clan Head asked us to bring back," Cai Quan said, pointing at Shao Fei.
Big Fatty and Little Fatty glared instinctively. "Our master isn't a cook."
"Come with me. Prepare a banquet for the birthday celebration. Cook a few more wine-infused dishes. The Yue Clan will make it worth your while," the Grand Elder said casually.
Among Immortal cultivators, his Immortal Spirit realm cultivation still commanded authority.
"We'll consider coming," Xu Wen said coolly. "But not as cooks—more like party crashers."
"Insolence!" the Grand Elder roared.
"I can get more insolent if you want," Xu Wen replied without a care. "Just look at that saggy tangerine-peel face of yours—ugly as sin."
Xiao Huohuo couldn't help but facepalm.
Elder Xu, have you forgotten what you look like?
Just because you changed your face doesn't mean you're handsome now. The spell wears off, you know.
The Grand Elder trembled with rage. "You're courting death!"
He struck with full force.
Gu Chenyuan narrowed his eyes and calmly received the Grand Elder's strongest blow. Then he casually lifted his hand—
—and slapped the Grand Elder across the face with a crisp, resounding smack.
It didn't hurt. No injury. Just humiliating.
The Grand Elder nearly exploded with rage, losing all reason.
Only after five or six more slaps did he finally come to his senses.
This person had restrained aura, but was treating him like a toy—his cultivation must be higher.
"We're from the Tianyi Sect—"
"You're from the Yue Clan, a subsidiary of Tianyi Sect. Yes, I'm beating you on purpose," Gu Chenyuan cut in cheerfully.
As he spoke, he released the full pressure of his Immortal Venerable cultivation.
"You—who are you?" The Grand Elder's expression changed drastically.
The Yue Clan had many enemies, but they never provoked true powerhouses—
—especially those above the Immortal King realm.
This man was at the Immortal Venerable level. The Yue Clan should be trying to befriend him, not offend him.
"Too noisy," Gu Chenyuan said, casually flinging his arm.
The Grand Elder rolled down the stairs like a rubber ball.
Cai Quan crouched to the side, not daring to breathe, terrified of getting caught in the crossfire.
"Let's go visit the Yue Clan," Gu Chenyuan said, grabbing Cai Quan with a wave of his hand.
"Please spare me!" Cai Quan trembled, wetting his pants a little.
Gu Chenyuan tossed him aside in disgust. "Lead the way if you want to live."
"Y-yes, sirs. Right this way!" Cai Quan finally found strength in his legs and scurried ahead like a loyal dog.
Immortal Venerable?! How many lives did he have to waste offending someone like that?
Soon, they arrived at the Yue Clan estate.
Yue Dekong, the clan head, was standing proudly at the gate in brand-new robes, his face glowing with joy.
Beside him were his two sons, several elders, and the heads of other Heng City families.
A grand scene.
"Well now, what a welcome party," Xu Wen said with a grin.
Yue Dekong spotted Shao Fei in the crowd and frowned immediately. "Cai Quan, take them in through the back. Don't clutter up the entrance."
Cai Quan clutched his chest, eyes filled with fear.
Clan Head, maybe take a look first?
That group includes an Immortal Venerable. He could beat you down like a drum.
Yue Dekong furrowed his brows, about to reprimand again, when a spirit vessel suddenly descended from the sky and landed before the Yue Clan gates.
From the ship stepped Song Jue, holding Yue Ran's hand.
Yue Dekong hurried to greet them, offering effusive flattery.
The others at the entrance also rushed forward, piling on the praise.
Song Jue wore a smile, clearly pleased.
He was a true favored son of heaven: a personal disciple of the Tianyi Sect Elder, holder of a ninth-grade spiritual root, and bearer of the 11th-ranked Sacred Sword Physique.
Everywhere he went, people fawned over him.
He was long used to it.
Though smug inside, he maintained a modest demeanor. "Clan Head Yue, you flatter me."
"You're Ranran's grandfather, so naturally, you're a senior to me as well."
"I heard from Ranran that today is your birthday. Please accept this small token of respect."
With a gesture to his storage ring, he revealed a low-tier eighth-grade longsword.
Yue Dekong's eyes lit up instantly.
Eighth-grade!
Sending Ranran to Tianyi Sect was clearly the right move.
In the future, we must groom more girls with the Linglong Enchantment Physique. Let them bring more benefits to the Yue Clan.
"We were here first, by the way," Xu Wen suddenly interjected.
Song Jue looked over and asked, "Clan Head Yue, who are these people?"
"They're cooks we hired for the banquet. I heard Lord Song enjoys wine-infused dishes. Please excuse their lack of manners," Yue Dekong said quickly.
Then he turned to bark at Cai Quan: "Hurry up and take them away!"
"We're not cooks. We're here to crash your party," Gu Chenyuan said, unleashing the full force of his Immortal Venerable aura.
Yue Dekong flinched, stepping back without making it obvious.
The pressure rolled directly toward Song Jue.
Though young, Song Jue had indeed reached the Immortal realm.
But in front of an Immortal Venerable, he was nothing.
Blood trickled from the corner of Song Jue's mouth.
Yue Ran shouted furiously, "How dare you! That's a direct disciple of Tianyi Sect's Grand Elder! Do you want to die?!"
"Good. Very good." Song Jue wiped the blood from his mouth and crushed a talisman in his hand.
A vast energy surged forth as a projection of a powerful cultivator appeared in the sky.
A towering pressure loomed over everyone.
"Immortal Saint Realm!" Gu Chenyuan narrowed his eyes.
He had only just ascended to Immortal Venerable yesterday. He was still a full major realm below that.
And this one… at least third-level Immortal Saint.
Even fighting desperately, he wouldn't win.
He had thought this remote Yue Clan, even if tied to Tianyi Sect, wouldn't amount to much.
He hadn't expected a direct disciple of the Grand Elder to show up.
A serious miscalculation.
Had he known, he wouldn't have come here to stir up trouble.
Now that the damage was done, their only choice was to run.
Fortunately, they had a Teleportation Talisman gifted by the Sect Master.
If you can't win—run.