Qixia City, Receiving Immortals?

Li Guanqi sensed that there was something peculiar about this affair. Beside him, Meng Wanshu's eyes narrowed slightly as well, though she did not think too deeply into it. Instead, she felt that Qixia City had a rich cultural charm. The entire city gave her a very distinct impression, as though it possessed its own deep heritage, unlike Li Guanqi, whose thoughts ran far deeper. The reason Li Guanqi reacted this way was that from the very beginning, his destined enemies were the people of the Immortal Realm! "Sword spirit, is there something wrong with this so-called Immortal-Receiving Ceremony?" The sword spirit's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she answered with some uncertainty, "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the ceremony itself. I can't see through it yet." Li Guanqi pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Wanshu, let's stay in this city for the night." "Tomorrow morning, we can go and see this Immortal-Receiving Ceremony for ourselves." Only then did Meng Wanshu realize his intent, asking through voice transmission, "You think there's a problem with it?" Li Guanqi gave a slight nod. Meng Wanshu smiled and said, "All right, let's stay the night then." As they spoke, Li Guanqi's eyes narrowed. The hundred-strong ceremonial procession clearly consisted of ordinary mortals. Yet after performing their so-called ritual, every single one of them seemed enveloped in a layer of spiritual energy, astonishingly reaching the realm of Qi Refinement! Of course, these mortals could not actually wield such a realm, nor did they even understand what was happening. However, those wearing the grotesque, oversized masks would feel an abrupt surge of immense strength, their vitality greatly bolstered. They mistakenly believed this power had been bestowed upon them by the gods. Thus, throughout the procession, they walked as though blessed by immortals, imbued with divine strength and carrying a natural air of majesty! The corner of Li Guanqi's mouth curved upward as he murmured softly, "Interesting." "To think this world holds such an unfathomable and miraculous power." The sword spirit suddenly frowned and spoke up, "I think I know what the power in this ceremony is!" Li Guanqi's heart twitched, and he asked in bewilderment, "What kind of power is it?" "These people are clearly mortals, so why are they cloaked in lingering spiritual energy?" A sharp glint flashed in the sword spirit's beautiful eyes, a cold sneer hovering on her lips as she replied softly. "We really do need to watch tomorrow's ceremony!" "Besides... this power should be a branch inheritance of the Immortal Realm's Zhuyou art." Li Guanqi's brows knit tight in confusion, so the sword spirit went ahead and explained. "The Zhuyou art is a technique invoked through words, rituals, and incantations." "As long as the teachings are properly passed down, even a mortal body can commune with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, channeling its might to empower themselves!" "A formidable Zhuyou art can even grant a mortal the power to slay a Core Formation cultivator." Li Guanqi drew a sharp breath, his eyes widening in disbelief. He knew all too well how vast the chasm between a Core Formation cultivator and a mortal was; it could no longer be described merely as a gap. It was the difference between clouds and mud! A technique requiring neither medicinal pills nor external treasures could actually allow a mortal to rival a Core Formation cultivator... The sword spirit then scoffed. "The Zhuyou art here has already lost a great deal. Tempered by the wash of time, only these tedious rituals remain, and not even a tenth of the incantations survive." As she said this, her gaze flickered with an unreadable thought. Her expression turned somewhat dazed, her eyes tinged with reminiscence. It seemed as though she, too, had once known a formidable cultivator who practiced the Zhuyou art. Li Guanqi felt an inexplicable anticipation toward tomorrow's ceremony. Beneath the cloak of night, loud roars echoed across the sky as dazzling fireworks blossomed overhead. The entire city of Qixia was immersed in a joyous, festive atmosphere. Even late into the night, the streets bustled with voices, and the townsfolk showed no intention of going to sleep. Li Guanqi took Meng Wanshu strolling along the avenues for a long time, tasting countless snacks and purchasing many seemingly useless trinkets. Yet these little things brought Meng Wanshu immense delight, and the smile never once faded from her face. A scene like today's was something she had envisioned in her mind countless times. Back in Fulong Village, she had rarely gone down the mountain. After Meng Jiangchu brought her back to the Shenbao Domain to begin cultivating, she had even fewer opportunities. Furthermore, as the daughter of the Domain Lord of the Shenbao Domain, she naturally drew the scrutiny of countless hidden enemies. The moment an opportunity presented itself, those desperate outlaws would strike without hesitation. For they all knew that kidnapping Meng Wanshu would secure them unending wealth and glory for the rest of their lives. Thus, walking freely through a mortal city and soaking in the long-lost warmth of ordinary life was an experience she had looked forward to for far, far too long. Yunxia Restaurant. As the finest establishment in Qixia City, Li Guanqi waved his hand generously, intending to book the most luxurious suite on the top floor. However, the middle-aged female proprietor wore a troubled look. Seeing the extraordinary bearing of the two guests before her, she dared not cause offense. Bowing apologetically, she said, "Distinguished guests, I am truly sorry." "Heaven-grade Room One has already been booked for tonight, and I cannot break the rules just for the sake of making coin." Li Guanqi frowned slightly, though he did not mind much, saying softly, "Then we will take Heaven-grade Room Two." With that, he produced a mid-grade spirit stone from within his broad sleeve. The proprietor's heart trembled when she received it. In a mere mortal establishment, someone paying a whole mid-grade spirit stone for a single night's stay was unheard of! The woman lowered her gaze, her posture growing far more respectful. Bowing low, she moved to Meng Wanshu's side and led the two of them upstairs with an ushering hand. There were only three Heaven-grade rooms on the sixth floor. Room Two, where Li Guanqi was staying, was decorated with exquisite elegance. Upon opening the door, even Li Guanqi could not help but nod in approval. Standing at the threshold, the proprietor said softly, "There is a simple voice-transmission array in the room. If our honored guests require anything at all, please do not hesitate to speak up; a single word is enough." Li Guanqi nodded, then followed Meng Wanshu inside. Once the door was shut, the proprietor beckoned a young waiter standing not far from the entrance and instructed him quietly. "Serve them well. The two inside are not people we can afford to offend." The waiter was sharp-witted and caught the proprietor's underlying meaning at once. If he could attend to such guests properly, even the slightest tip falling from their fingers might set him up for the rest of his life! The youth's eyes lit up as he bowed and whispered, "Rest assured, Manager. I know what to do; I won't step out of line." Only then did a slight smile appear on the woman's face, and she turned to head down the stairs to attend to the other patrons. Looking at the bathwater already prepared in the room, Meng Wanshu's cheeks flushed pink. "After wandering around all day, I'm going to take a bath." Hearing this, Li Guanqi stood up with a start. Meng Wanshu rested her hands on her waist, turning back to scold playfully, "What do you think you're doing?" Li Guanqi chuckled slyly. "Whatever you're doing, I'm doing." Unfortunately, Li Guanqi did not get his way in the end. Left with no choice, he sat before the table sipping tea while listening to the gentle patter of water from behind the decorative screen. Suddenly! A burst of commotion arose, and the general clamor throughout the building dropped noticeably. *Clang! Bang!* "Didn't I tell you that no one is permitted on the entire sixth floor?!" "Can't you fucking understand human speech?" "Knowing full well that I was coming, you still dared to let people stay on the sixth floor?" Li Guanqi's ears twitched. Hearing the shouts, he felt somewhat exasperated, though a glint of cold light flashed through the depths of his eyes. Narrowing his gaze, he held his teacup and murmured under his breath, "A Void Refining Realm cultivator?" "Quite a crowd out there... What is inside those dozen-odd cages?"