On the second floor of The Bell and Cauldron, a large group of Qi Refinement cultivators occupied several tables, their conversations lively amidst the exquisite spread of spirit-infused delicacies.0

Each table boasted dishes that easily cost over a thousand spirit stones, yet, for this occasion, none of the Qi Refinement cultivators had to pay.0

Luo Chen found himself seated at a table slightly off-center, brought over by Gu Caiyi. The table was mostly occupied by female cultivators, making him the only man present, a fact that did not go unnoticed. Curious glances and piercing stares were sent his way, but Luo Chen, utterly unfazed, focused on the food in front of him, eating heartily.2

Across the table, Xiangxiang from Tianxiang Tower spoke with a tone tinged with both excitement and reluctance. “When my ten years are up, I’ll...1