Chapter 129: At the Welcome Banquet

By the time they returned to the Wanxiang Sect, the sky had turned completely dark. Several more sects had arrived for the grand ceremony tomorrow, but because Mu Fanghe, the First Vice-Governor of the Western Region’s Domain Office, had yet to arrive, the welcome banquet co-hosted by the Wanxiang Sect and the Sect Alliance had not officially commenced.

Fortunately, the wait was not long. Ren Yinhuai had already received word that Mu Fanghe’s party was approaching. Immediately, a vast and impressive welcoming party surged toward the mountain gate of the Wanxiang Sect, turning the once-dark entrance into a brilliantly illuminated space.

Before long, a massive airship descended slowly from the sky. Mu Fanghe, who appeared to be nearing his fifties, was the first to step out. He had a kindly, weathered face, and his once-dark hair had turned the color of the first frost of autumn—a mix of silver strands partially concealed and faintly visible. The wrinkles on his face seemed to trace the winding path of a long and eventful life. In his movements, he exuded a faint, iron-like aura that made his cultivation level impossible to discern; despite his constant, warm smile, a sense of righteous dignity emanated from him.

Under Ren Yinhuai’s guidance, the leaders of the various sects stepped forward to bow and pay their respects to Mu Fanghe, who responded to each with a gracious smile. When Liu Junhuai stepped forward, Mu Fanghe recognized him before he could even speak.

"Indeed, a young man of great promise! I have heard so much news about Sect Master Liu lately that I had mentally categorized you as someone steady and seasoned. I never expected to meet such a vibrant young man in person! Excellent! If the Western Region can produce more young, determined, and talented geniuses like Sect Master Liu, there is no reason to worry about the future of our region!" Mu Fanghe did not hold back his praise for Liu Junhuai.

Liu Junhuai bowed quickly. "You are too kind, senior; I am merely young. Without the support of leaders like Sect Master Ren and Sect Master Xiao, I would never have had the opportunity to meet you."

After paying his respects, Sect Master Xiao remarked, "The Governor has a discerning eye. Sect Master Liu was instrumental in the establishment of the Sect Alliance and was the first to discover clues regarding the two tragedies in the Fengling Kingdom. He played a crucial role in several battles against the Blood-Slaying Alliance, always placing himself at the forefront of the conflict while the Sect Alliance operated behind him. Our victories over the Blood-Slaying Alliance are inseparable from Sect Master Liu’s accurate intelligence and sound judgment."

Ren Yinhuai added with praise, "Sect Master Liu is truly remarkable. He has turned the tide while remaining calm, demonstrating a level of sophistication and experience far beyond his actual years. He makes us old folks feel quite inadequate!"

Mu Fanghe patted Liu Junhuai on the shoulder and said, "After every victory against the Blood-Slaying Alliance, the Domain Office received accurate reports. I have heard your name almost every day—you have done well. Furthermore, the establishment of the Sect Alliance is also largely due to your efforts. The Alliance has taken on the responsibilities that the Western Region’s Domain Office should have fulfilled, contributing greatly to the peace and stability of the cultivation world. This is undeniable. The spirit of selflessness and the courage to stand up in the face of adversity that the Sect Alliance has shown have already spread throughout the Western Region. I believe this official establishment will attract more like-minded people and sects to join us, making our fight against evil forces even stronger."

Listening from the side, Liu Junhuai secretly mused that Mu Fanghe was truly a high-ranking official of the Domain Office; the pleasantries flowed from him with effortless ease.

As he was thinking this, he saw Guan Chaoyong, the Chief of the Intelligence Hall, and Fang Yexu, the Chief of the Punishment Hall, walk over. Liu Junhuai stepped forward to greet them, and they were both extremely polite in return.

At Liu Junhuai’s suggestion, the group returned to the front of the main hall. Because of the large number of people and the lateness of the hour, the welcome banquet needed to start as soon as possible. Liu Junhuai arranged for most of the cultivators to wait at the banquet hall, while the leaders of the Wanxiang Sect and the Sect Alliance joined the party from the Domain Office in the VIP lounge for a brief conversation.

Once inside, Mu Fanghe began, "Time is tight, so let us skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point. Representing the Western Region’s Domain Office and Governor Liangqiu Tuochu, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Sect Alliance and the Wanxiang Sect on your establishment and founding ceremony!

"The Yanfu Palace colluded with evil forces, and its destruction in the sea of righteous people was inevitable. The establishment of the Wanxiang Sect marks the beginning of a formal declaration of war against evil, and the start of victory for the righteous forces of the cultivation world! The Sect Alliance is an expansion of this righteous power and a pioneer in the struggle against deviant groups like the Blood-Slaying Alliance. It has already stirred up great waves in the Western Region, serving as a shining example.

"To be honest, after the two tragedies in the Fengling Kingdom, the Domain Office had begun investigative actions. Due to various reasons, the intelligence from the Intelligence Hall was not given enough weight. But it was the appearance of the Sect Alliance that shared the burden for us and exposed the true face of the Blood-Slaying Alliance. On behalf of the Domain Office, I bow in gratitude to all the pioneers present here!"

With that, Mu Fanghe stood up and bowed deeply to the group, prompting everyone present to stand and humbly decline the honor. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the mood became even more harmonious, and every face wore a look of satisfaction.

After they were seated again, Fang Yexu, Chief of the Punishment Hall, whispered to Liu Junhuai, "Sect Master Liu, find a moment to see me later. Chief Guan Chaoyong and I have an important matter to discuss with you." Liu Junhuai nodded secretly, noting that Mu Fanghe was still holding court. The Wanxiang Sect’s grand ceremony was benefiting from the prestige of the Sect Alliance, which was why the Domain Office had sent people to congratulate them. The Wanxiang Sect needed to save face, so they could not afford to offend Mu Fanghe at this moment. In truth, Liu Junhuai understood what Fang Yexu and Guan were after, and it was a good time for him to learn more about them as well.

Mu Fanghe was still speaking fervently, "The Sect Alliance has set a precedent in the Western Region. As the first large-scale civilian organization to confront evil, you have captured everyone's attention. Let me say this now: if you have any requests, state them freely. We must depart tomorrow after the ceremony, and if the Alliance has further needs, it will have to wait until we meet again."

Ren Yinhuai and Xiao Qingtian exchanged glances, and then Ren Yinhuai smilingly presented a series of requests. Mu Fanghe did not interrupt, listening silently with a smile. When Ren Yinhuai finally finished, Mu Fanghe chuckled. "It seems League Leader Ren has put a lot of effort into this! You were well-prepared. Very well! On behalf of the Domain Office, I can say your requests are reasonable. I will strive to fulfill them as quickly as possible upon my return. However, the rank of the permanent Domain Office cultivators to be stationed here must be decided in consultation with Governor Liangqiu and the other governors.

"As for the establishment of a secret intelligence channel, I will arrange for Chief Guan to stay at the Wanxiang Sect for a few more days, and you can work out the details then. Furthermore, I think your appetite is not large enough! I have decided to double the quantity you requested. Leave some for the Wanxiang Sect as well! After all, Sect Master Liu’s contributions have been significant!"

Hearing this, Liu Junhuai quickly stood up and bowed repeatedly to Mu Fanghe, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. Mu Fanghe accepted Liu Junhuai’s sincere appreciation with a smile.

After discussing a few more details for the next day, the group rose and headed to the banquet hall. Inside, dozens of tables were lined up, and jars of vintage Sanggan fruit wine were placed beside the banquet seats. The shrewd Mu Fanghe noticed the unique quality of the wine at a glance and gestured for Ren Yinhuai to explain.

Ren Yinhuai smiled and looked toward Liu Junhuai, his gaze flicking to the wine jars. Liu Junhuai quickly stepped forward and said, "The Governor is in for a treat. This is an immortal wine I brewed myself, called Sanggan Fruit Brew. Gathering the ingredients nearly emptied my coffers. If the Governor is satisfied, I shall provide you with a few more jars to take with you when you depart!"

Mu Fanghe laughed, "Then I must taste this immortal wine of Sect Master Liu’s! I am known in the Domain Office as a great wine lover; no matter how tightly a jar is sealed, I can always catch the scent of the spirit within. This Sanggan Fruit Brew smells fragrant indeed, and I am very much looking forward to it!"

Liu Junhuai thought to himself, *It will certainly blow your mind. This is true immortal nectar, a rare treasure that even ordinary immortals seldom see.*