Volume Two: Travels in the Qi Kingdom Chapter 116: The Spirit Essence Connection

Zhang Heng turned around and offered a respectful greeting, "Hello there, Old Man Wu."

To the astonishment of everyone present, Wu Hong came running over with heavy, thudding footsteps and pulled Zhang Heng into a hug. Zhang Heng felt a bit helpless, but considering the old man was the guest of honor today, he decided to swallow his pride and let him have his way.

After a long while, Wu Hong finally released him. He had assumed Zhang Heng had gone off on his travels and might never see him again, so he was shocked to find him here in the Imperial City. Only then did he notice Old Man Ling Tian standing to the side. "Old Man Ling, you're here too? I’m a fifth-rank alchemist now, jealous? Are you here to beg me to brew some pills for you?"

"Old Man Wu, I was just passing through the Imperial City and thought I’d stop by to see if you were dead yet."

"You aren't dead yet, so how could I bear to kick the bucket first?" Wu Hong let out a hearty laugh. He was overjoyed; not only had he broken through to the fifth rank, but he had also been reunited with his dear friend and the promising youth he held in such high regard.

Wu Hong returned to his seat at the head of the table. Although he had no interest in the other guests, he didn't want to make things too awkward. "My talent is limited, and after years of study, I have only just managed to break through to the fifth rank. I suspect my potential is exhausted, and I shall make no further progress in this life. It is an honor that you fellow cultivators have come to visit."

Though he disliked such social gatherings, he couldn't simply drive away those who had come with good intentions.

"Master Wu, you are too modest," Qi Xuan said, bowing humbly. "Looking across the entire Kingdom of Qi, no one can rival your alchemy. You are, without question, our kingdom's greatest master alchemist."

"The path of alchemy is vast and profound; my humble skills are truly not worth mentioning," Wu Hong said, speaking with genuine sincerity. He waved a hand. "But enough of that. Pray tell, what is the purpose of your visit today?"

The guests exchanged confused glances. Wasn't it obvious why they were there? Why would Wu Hong ask such a thing?

"We heard that Master Wu has successfully refined a fifth-rank pill, so we came specifically to offer our congratulations," they replied in unison.

"Oh, is that so? Well, are you finished congratulating me?" Wu Hong asked, casting a sidelong glance at them with a touch of annoyance. He wanted to spend time with Zhang Heng and Ling Tian and had no patience to waste on these people.

"Yes, yes, we are finished," they replied, bowing repeatedly. They were perceptive enough to understand his meaning.

"In that case, Old Wu, we shall take our leave." After setting down their gifts, they rose to depart.

Just then, Zhang Heng stepped forward. He bowed slightly toward Wu Hong, then turned to face the others with a smile. "Honored seniors, meeting is a matter of fate. Why the rush to leave?"

Aside from Zhang Heng and the siblings Qi Xuan and Qi Sisi, everyone present was at least several decades old, so addressing them as "seniors" was perfectly appropriate. The group looked at the young man with suspicion. He clearly knew what Wu Hong wanted, so why would he insist on keeping them here? What was he planning?

They were on the verge of scolding him, but they suddenly recalled that when Wu Hong first appeared, this youth was the first person he had focused on. Their relationship must be extraordinary. Uncertain of how to proceed, they all turned to look at Wu Hong with awkward expressions.

Wu Hong rose to his feet. "Since you fellow cultivators have traveled so far, it is only right that I host you properly. If you have no urgent business, why not stay a while and chat?"

Seeing that Zhang Heng intended to build connections with these people, Wu Hong changed his tune to keep them there. Zhang Heng couldn't help but admire the man; one moment he was shooing them away, and the next, he could say all this without the slightest blush.

Once Wu Hong had spoken, the group abandoned their plans to leave and returned to their seats.

Zhang Heng began to speak. "Honored seniors, while I was traveling, I discovered a unique spring. This water is rich in spiritual energy; not only does it taste sweet, but it can also enhance one's cultivation."

Ling Tian felt a wave of dread and his expression darkened. He already knew what Zhang Heng was planning to do.

Sure enough, Zhang Heng continued, "Today is a momentous occasion with Master Wu’s breakthrough. I would like to share this to celebrate. If you have no urgent matters, why not stay for a drink?"

Zhang Heng took two jars of spiritual liquid from his spatial ring. As soon as they appeared, everyone could sense the overwhelming spiritual energy radiating from them—even the jars could not contain the aura. The energy was incredibly pure; just a whiff left one feeling refreshed.

The guests' hearts sank. This was truly a treasure! Why would this youth be so generous as to bring it out?

Zhang Heng had no choice. He wanted to forge ties with these people, but he lacked any other suitable offerings. He could only produce this liquid and hope they enjoyed it—he had plenty to spare, after all.

Though they were tempted, they initially declined. "Young friend, we appreciate your kindness, but such a precious item should be reserved for Master Wu. We fear we lack the good fortune to partake."

Wu Hong was the star of the day, and while they were moved, they had to restrain themselves.

"Honored seniors, I have prepared something else for Master Wu. These are specifically intended as a tribute to you," Zhang Heng explained.

"This..." the group hesitated, wanting to say more.

Wu Hong spoke up immediately. "Since young Zhang Heng has this intention, let us drink and enjoy ourselves. We are all decades or centuries old; do you want a junior to laugh at us for being so timid?"

"In that case, we shall accept your hospitality." Now that it had come to this, further refusal would be meaningless.

Wu Hong pointed to a maid at his side. "You, go fetch some cups."

"Yes, sir," she replied, returning shortly with a tray of cups.

"Come, young Zhang Heng, let me introduce you." Since Zhang Heng wanted to make these connections, Wu Hong decided to give him a hand. By introducing them himself, he was showing them respect as well.

"Thank you, Master Wu," Zhang Heng said with a deep bow.

Wu Hong then led Zhang Heng around to pour the liquid for each of the powerful cultivators, introducing them one by one.

"This is Shi Chen, head of the Shi family, a clan known for their physical training." The first man was a burly, middle-aged figure. Wu Hong took a cup, handed it to Zhang Heng, and introduced the man.

Understanding Wu Hong's intent, Zhang Heng filled the cup and offered it respectfully. "I am Zhang Heng. It is an honor to meet you, Head of the Shi family."

The man said nothing, merely nodding heavily before taking the cup and downing the liquid in one gulp.

"This is Chen Beicheng, Sect Master of the Hehuan Sect, and beside him is Li Qiuyue, the Deputy Sect Master and his wife." Wu Hong continued. These two were the fifth-rank cultivators of the Tianyuan realm.

Zhang Heng poured the liquid and offered it to them. "I am Zhang Heng. Sect Master Chen, Sect Master Li, please enjoy."

The Hehuan Sect—the name alone suggested it wasn't exactly a righteous organization, and it was likely a heretical sect.

"Not bad, not bad. The younger generation is truly impressive," Chen Beicheng said, taking a small, appreciative sip before nodding in thanks.

As they continued down the line, they stood before a man in black robes with a completely expressionless face.

Wu Hong introduced him as well. "This is Ye Wuji, Sect Master of the Yinshen Sect."