The welcome banquet was not grand at all. In fact, it could even be described as simple to the point of austerity.0

Apart from the host, Qi Xuansu, and the guest, Shangguan Ya, there were only three others present: Han Yongfeng, Ke Qingqing, and Lu Yuting. These three were Qi Xuansu’s trusted aides. Although Lu Yuting was from the Taiping Sect, she could be trusted.0

Being part of a sect did not mean that one’s loyalties lay with it. Everything was intermingled, just like how Wang Jiaohe could not be trusted, even though he was from the Quanzhen Sect. 0

For Lu Yuting, there was no benefit in being loyal to the Taiping Sect. Li Changge would never give her special treatment since there were too many who had already pledged allegiance to him. But Qi Xuansu was different because he lacked foundation and manpower. Following him was a gamble, but if the bet paid off, she would rise to the top in one leap.2

The best way to stand out was to serve someone not yet established. That way, she could quickly become part of the inner circle. In contrast, great powers...0