Chapter 218: Gathering of the Elite

Liu Xing and Mei Qing listened to Lu Bing’s words with grave expressions. At their level of cultivation, when it came to open conflict, there was little room for schemes or stratagems. Victory would depend solely on sheer strength. The more masters they had on their side, the better their chances.

Both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had left Bi Zhen and her daughter at home on purpose, hoping to keep them out of the coming conflict. At present, their available forces consisted only of Lu Bing, Mei Qing, Liu Xing, and Master Bai—seemingly double the number of their two opponents. Yet in terms of true cultivation, the advantage was far from certain.

Although Lu Bing possessed considerable cultivation, he had forcibly boosted his power using secret techniques and medicines after arriving in the capital, leaving his foundation somewhat weak. Moreover, having grown accustomed to a life of ease and comfort, he had little actual combat experience. Mei Qing, having reached the Foundation Building stage in merely a year, lacked both experience and insight. Liu Xing, though more experienced than the other two, had grown lax in his cultivation since the incident with the Five Blossoms, and his innate talent was somewhat inferior, making it difficult for him to match up to his juniors and seniors in the sect. As for Master Bai, although he had cultivated for many years, his power was roughly on par with Liu Xing’s.

In contrast, their two opponents had received direct instruction from the Plum Sect and had fought across numerous sects, gaining vast experience. Years of relentless cultivation had further sharpened their abilities. In terms of actual combat strength, they were clearly superior to their adversaries.

Upon hearing Lu Bing’s words, Liu Xing and Mei Qing both wore heavy expressions. Having reached their level of cultivation, when it came to direct confrontation, there was little room for strategy or deceit; it all boiled down to the strength and depth of one’s cultivation. Each additional expert meant a greater chance of victory.

Both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had, without prior agreement, left Bi Zhen and her daughter at home, intending to keep them out of this affair. Currently, their side could only count on four people: Lu Bing, Mei Qing, Liu Xing, and Master Bai. While this seemed to double the number of their opponents, in terms of actual cultivation, it was hard to claim any advantage.

Although Lu Bing’s cultivation was quite high, it had been forcibly enhanced through medicinal and secretive methods after he arrived in the capital, leaving his foundation somewhat weak. Moreover, accustomed to a life of comfort, he lacked combat experience. Mei Qing had reached the Qi Refining stage in just a year, naturally lacking in experience and insight. Liu Xing, though more experienced than the other two, had relaxed his cultivation after the incident with the Five Flowers, and his slightly inferior aptitude made it difficult for him to match his peers. As for Master Bai, despite his long years of cultivation, his level was only on par with Liu Xing.

In contrast, their two opponents had received true teachings from the Plum Blossom Sect and had fought across various major sects, gaining extensive experience. Coupled with their relentless cultivation over the years, their combat prowess far surpassed that of Lu Bing’s group.

Thinking back to the previously mentioned unknown expert like Mao Yang Zhenren, everyone felt a heavy weight in their hearts. Mei Qing thought… there must be some arrangement?

Lu Bing nodded, “Arrangements have indeed been made, but most of the capital’s manpower remains by the Emperor’s side, and we dare not withdraw them all at once. Moreover… while we have our arrangements, the fact that Dian Zhenren has yet to appear suggests he might have his own plans.”

With a smile, Lu Bing added, “Since the situation is as it is, it’s better to be open rather than secretive. The friends who have arrived are already outside the manor. Fellow Daoist Liu, could you invite them in for a meeting?”

Liu Xing nodded with a smile, “Exactly, it would also prevent anyone from saying the Liu family has been discourteous to guests. Where are these esteemed guests? I should go out to welcome them, as is the duty of a host.”

Lu Bing smiled, “You’re too polite, Fellow Daoist.” With that, he lightly tossed a small talisman into the air, which floated gently towards the door, carrying a message: “Respectfully to Manor Lord Liu. We, Zhang Jingding of the Dragon Gate Sect and Lu Xixing of the Dandong Sect, have presumptuously come and hope for your forgiveness.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xing quickly smiled, “The arrival of such esteemed guests brings honor to our humble abode, how fortunate we are.”

As they spoke, everyone hurried outside to see several guests, tall and short, some in Taoist robes and others in secular attire, already at the courtyard gate.

Mei Qing looked up and saw the first person, dressed in a worn-out Taoist robe, slightly hunched, with a dark complexion, wrinkled face, sparse gray beard, and dim eyes. As their gazes met, the Taoist’s eyes suddenly flashed with a strange light that quickly disappeared.

The old Taoist glanced at Mei Qing before turning to Liu Xing and bowing, “I am Zhang Jingding, greeting Manor Lord Liu and Lord Lu.”

Mei Qing, though unimpressed by Zhang Jingding’s appearance, sensed a restrained yet immense aura around him, indicating a top-tier cultivation level. He was inwardly shocked, thinking that such a figure could be invited by his father-in-law, showing that the old man indeed held some good cards.

When Liu Xing heard the name Zhang Jingding, he was inwardly startled. Mei Qing, being young, was not very familiar with the name “Zhang Jingding,” but if one mentioned his Taoist name “Wu Wo Zi,” it would be clear who he was.

Zhang Jingding was from Yuhang and later became a disciple of Zhou Xuanpu, the Great Clumsy Zhenren of the Quanzhen Sect, belonging to the orthodox lineage of Changchun Zhenren. He became famous during the Chenghua era, but as the Quanzhen Sect was not favored by the Ming court, he gradually faded from public view.

Liu Xing naturally knew of Wu Wo Zi’s reputation and that the Quanzhen Sect had split into seven sects led by the Seven Masters, with the Dragon Gate Sect, led by Changchun Zhenren Qiu Chuji, being the largest.

However, due to the court’s preference for the Zhengyi Sect and neglect of the Quanzhen, these sects were not doing well. Even the Dragon Gate Sect was just maintaining appearances. That Wu Wo Zi, who was close to reaching the Return to Void stage, would come out at this age to serve Lu Bing was indeed lamentable.

After the introductions, it was revealed that besides Master Bai, there was no one else at Liu Xing’s manor. Zhang Jingding had brought along his disciple, Zhao Zhensong, a tall and robust man from Shandong with considerable cultivation. Accompanying them was a scholar in white, Lu Xixing from Yangzhou, who called himself Qian Xu Zi.

Lu Xixing was not well-known and appeared quite young, but his cultivation level was unclear. Liu Xing and the others did not dare to be discourteous and respectfully invited them in.

Besides these, Mei Qing noticed several people in secular attire following behind, silent. One of them was familiar—Lu Zeyou, a member of the Imperial Guard’s inner group.

Mei Qing was technically under Lu Zeyou’s command, but due to Lu Bing’s favor, Lu Zeyou had never treated Mei Qing as a subordinate. Seeing him here, Mei Qing was surprised, wondering why a scholar like Lu Zeyou would get involved in such a mess.

Despite his surprise, Mei Qing still respectfully greeted Lu Zeyou, who quickly stopped him, “Lord Mei, we’re not at the guard station, and you’re the honored guest of the Sixth Lord. I dare not accept your courtesy!”

After exchanging a few modest words, Mei Qing also greeted the others, whose cultivation levels varied but were mostly at the post-Core Formation stage. These were all inner group members who knew Mei Qing’s status and did not dare to be arrogant, quickly returning the courtesies.

After a few words with Liu Xing, Zhang Jingding turned his gaze to Mei Qing, pondering, “This young friend seems unfamiliar. May I ask which sect you belong to?”

Mei Qing quickly stood up and bowed, “Greetings, Senior Zhang. I am Mei Qing, a wandering cultivator. I look forward to learning from you in the future.”

Zhang Jingding waved his hand, “You’re too polite, young friend. In the Dao, there is no seniority; the accomplished come first. With your cultivation level, I dare not presume to be your senior.”

Everyone was shocked, their eyes turning to Mei Qing in surprise. Zhang Jingding held a high position in the cultivation world and was well-respected, so his deference to Mei Qing was unexpected.

The group that came with Lu Zeyou, usually inner group members, had been polite to Mei Qing out of respect for the Sixth Lord, assuming he had no cultivation and was merely a scholar. Hearing Zhang Jingding’s words, they realized they had misjudged—Mei Qing’s cultivation far surpassed theirs, and they were inwardly shocked and relieved they had been courteous to him.

Zhang Jingding, however, had a different feeling. Upon seeing Mei Qing, he was startled by the faint purple aura and the bright light hidden between his eyes, indicating a cultivation level just a step below his own.

In cultivation, seniority is not based on age; if one cannot cross the final hurdle, it’s all for naught. Zhang Jingding had long been at this threshold but had found no way to cross it. Now, seeing Mei Qing, who at such a young age was almost on par with him, he knew the young man’s future was bright. Regardless of the reason, it was essential to befriend such a person. Thus, Zhang Jingding did not put on airs due to Mei Qing’s youth, addressing him as “young friend” and treating him as an equal.

At this point, Lu Zeyou smiled, “Senior Zhang, you’re too polite. Perhaps you don’t know, but Mei Qing is the son-in-law of our Sixth Lord, so in a way, he’s your junior.”

Zhang Jingding nodded, “Oh,” and glanced at Lu Bing, saying nothing more. Lu Zeyou and the inner group members were unaware, but Zhang Jingding, with his high cultivation and status, could easily discern such things without being told. Thus, Lu Bing did not hide it.

Zhang Jingding shook his head with a smile, “It seems the Sixth Lord is indeed blessed, holding a high position and having such a fine son-in-law, truly enviable.”

Lu Bing laughed, “If the Sixth Lord hears this from Senior Zhang, he’ll be overjoyed.”

The two exchanged a glance and laughed heartily.

Liu Xing, hearing this, was somewhat surprised. He knew Mei Qing was Lu Bing’s son-in-law, but now it was mentioned he was also the Sixth Lord’s son-in-law, leaving him confused. Could Mei Qing have married two wives? Observing Zhang Jingding and Lu Bing’s behavior, he quickly grasped the underlying meaning. He also thought that Mei Qing was indeed a fine young man, the son of Wu Duo. Having missed his chance with Wu Duo in the past, he had hoped to match their children, only to find someone else had beaten him to it, leading to a soft sigh.

While Liu Xing was lamenting, Zhang Jingding also felt a pang of sadness. He looked at his disciple, Zhao Zhensong, standing beside him, feeling a complex mix of emotions. Zhao Zhensong had a good heart and was diligent, but his aptitude was lacking. Despite years of hard work and Zhang Jingding’s best efforts, his cultivation had stagnated, far behind Zhang Jingding’s own progress at the same age. Seeing Mei Qing now, it stirred up his concerns about the declining state of the Quanzhen Sect, with the Dragon Gate Sect also weakening generation by generation, filling him with a sense of bitterness.

Lu Bing nodded and replied, “Indeed, there are arrangements in place. However, the majority of our forces in the capital remain guarding the Emperor—we dare not deploy them all at once. Besides… if we have our plans, the Master Dian has yet to reveal himself, and surely has plans of his own.”

With a smile, Lu Bing continued, “Since the situation has come to this, rather than hiding in shadows, let us bring it into the open. Some guests have already arrived outside the mansion. Brother Liu, would you be so kind as to invite them in so we may all meet?”

Liu Xing nodded and smiled, “A fine idea indeed. It would be impolite to let them wait outside. I should go out to greet them properly, as befits a host.”

Lu Bing chuckled, “You flatter me, Brother.” He then tossed a small talisman into the air. It floated gently toward the gate, and a voice echoed from afar: “Greetings to Master Liu. This humble Daoist, Zhang Jingding of the Dragon Gate Sect and Lu Xixing of the Dan Dong Sect humbly request an audience.”

Liu Xing quickly replied with a smile, “Honored guests indeed! It is a great pleasure to have such noble visitors.”

As he spoke, everyone hurried outside. Several figures, some tall, some short, some in Daoist robes and others in lay clothes, were already at the courtyard gate.

Mei Qing looked up and saw a man at the front, wearing tattered Daoist robes, slightly hunched at the waist. His face was dark, wrinkled, and covered with sparse, grizzled beard. His eyes were yellowed and dull—until they met Mei Qing’s gaze. At that moment, a sudden flash of piercing brilliance lit up the old Daoist’s eyes, vanishing as quickly as it came.

The old Daoist glanced at Mei Qing, then turned to bow to Liu Xing, “This humble Daoist, Zhang Jingding, greets Master Liu and Lord Lu.”

Upon hearing Lu Bing’s words, Liu Xing and Mei Qing’s expressions turned grave. Having reached their level of cultivation, when it came to direct confrontation, there was little room for cunning strategies—victory hinged solely on the strength of one’s cultivation. The addition of another skilled practitioner would tip the scales in their favor.

Both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had intentionally left Bi Zhen and her daughter at home, not wanting them to be involved in this matter. Currently, their side could only count on four individuals: Lu Bing, Mei Qing, Liu Xing, and Bai Ye. While this seemed to double the number of their opponents, in terms of actual cultivation strength, it was hard to claim any advantage.

Although Lu Bing’s cultivation was quite high, it had been forcibly enhanced through medicinal and secret techniques after he arrived in the capital, leaving his foundation somewhat lacking. Moreover, accustomed to a life of comfort, he had little combat experience. Mei Qing, on the other hand, had reached the Qi Refining stage in just a year, and his knowledge and experience were far from sufficient. Liu Xing, though more experienced than the other two, had relaxed his cultivation after the incident with Wu Duo, and his innate talent was slightly inferior, making it difficult for him to match his fellow disciples. As for Bai Ye, despite his long years of cultivation, his strength was only on par with Liu Xing.

In contrast, their two opponents had received genuine teachings from the Plum Blossom Sect and had fought across various sects, giving them extensive knowledge and experience. Coupled with their relentless cultivation over the years, their combat prowess far surpassed that of Lu Bing’s group.

Thinking back to the previously mentioned unknown masters like Mao Yang Zhenren, everyone felt a heavy weight in their hearts. Mei Qing wondered… had arrangements been made?

Lu Bing nodded and said, “Arrangements have indeed been made, but most of the personnel in the capital remain by the Emperor’s side, and we dare not withdraw them all at once. Moreover… while we have made preparations, it’s possible that Dian Zhenren, who has yet to appear, has also made his own arrangements.”

With a smile, Lu Bing continued, “Since the situation has come to this, it’s better to be open rather than secretive. The friends who have arrived are already outside the manor. Fellow Daoist Liu, would you please invite them in so we can meet?”

Liu Xing nodded with a smile, “That’s the right thing to do, lest people say the Liu family has been discourteous to our guests. Where are these esteemed guests? I should go out to greet them, as is the duty of a host.”

Lu Bing smiled and said, “You’re too kind, Fellow Daoist.” With that, he lightly tossed a small talisman into the air, which floated gently toward the door. A voice echoed from afar, “Greetings to Manor Lord Liu. We, Zhang Jingding of the Dragon Gate Sect and Lu Xixing of the Dandong Sect, have come uninvited and hope for your forgiveness.”

Liu Xing quickly replied with a smile, “The arrival of such esteemed guests brings honor to our humble abode. We are most fortunate.”

As they spoke, everyone hurried outside and saw several guests of varying heights and appearances, both Daoist and secular, standing at the gate.

Mei Qing looked up and saw the first person, dressed in a tattered Daoist robe, slightly hunched, with a dark complexion, wrinkled face, and sparse gray beard. His eyes were dim, but when their gazes met, a sudden flash of brilliance appeared in the Daoist’s eyes, a strange light that vanished as quickly as it came.

The old Daoist glanced at Mei Qing before turning to Liu Xing and bowing, “This humble Daoist, Zhang Jingding, greets Manor Lord Liu and Lord Lu.”

Mei Qing observed that while Zhang Jingding appeared unremarkable, there was an aura of immense power restrained within him, indicating that his cultivation had reached a pinnacle. Mei Qing was inwardly shocked, thinking that such a figure had been invited by his father-in-law, suggesting that Lu Bing indeed held some valuable cards.

When Liu Xing heard the name Zhang Jingding, he was also taken aback. Mei Qing, being young, was not very familiar with the name “Zhang Jingding,” but if one mentioned his Daoist title, “Wu Wo Zi,” it would be clear who he was.

Zhang Jingding was from Yuhang and had studied under the great Daoist Zhou Xuanpu of the Quanzhen Sect, making him a true disciple of the Quanzhen Changchun Zhenren lineage. He had gained fame during the Chenghua era, but as the Quanzhen Sect had long been neglected by the Ming court, he had gradually faded into obscurity.

Liu Xing naturally knew of Wu Wo Zi’s reputation and was aware that the Quanzhen Sect had since split into seven branches, with the Dragon Gate Sect, led by Changchun Zhenren Qiu Chuji, being the largest. However, due to the court’s preference for the Zhengyi Sect over Quanzhen, these sects had not fared well. Even the Dragon Gate Sect was merely a shadow of its former self. The fact that Wu Wo Zi, who was close to reaching the “Return to Emptiness” stage, had come out at this age to serve Lu Bing was indeed something to marvel at.

After the introductions, Liu Xing’s manor had no one else besides Bai Ye. Zhang Jingding had brought along his disciple, Zhao Zhensong, a tall and robust man from Shandong with considerable cultivation. Accompanying them was a scholarly-looking man in white, who introduced himself as Lu Xixing from Xinghua, Yangzhou, and went by the Daoist name Qian Xu Zi.

Lu Xixing was not well-known and appeared quite young, but his cultivation level was difficult to discern. Liu Xing and the others did not dare to be discourteous and quickly ushered the guests inside.

Apart from these individuals, Mei Qing noticed a few others dressed in secular attire, following silently behind the group. One of them was a familiar face—Lu Zeyou, a high-ranking official from the Imperial Guards.

Mei Qing was, in fact, subordinate to Lu Zeyou. However, due to Mei Qing’s close relationship with Lu Bing, who had taken on the identity of “Sixth Master,” Lu Zeyou had never dared to treat Mei Qing as a mere subordinate. Seeing him here, Mei Qing was somewhat surprised, wondering why a scholar like Lu Zeyou would involve himself in such a mess.

Despite his surprise, Mei Qing respectfully greeted Lu Zeyou, who quickly stopped him, saying, “Lord Mei, we are not at the Imperial Guards headquarters, and you are Sixth Master’s esteemed son-in-law. I dare not accept such courtesy from you!”

After exchanging a few modest words, Mei Qing also greeted the others, whose cultivation levels varied but were mostly at the Core Formation stage or higher. These individuals were all high-ranking members of the Imperial Guards and naturally knew Mei Qing’s status, so they quickly returned his greetings.

After exchanging a few words with Liu Xing, Zhang Jingding turned his gaze to Mei Qing and thoughtfully said, “This young friend seems unfamiliar. May I ask which sect you belong to?”

Mei Qing quickly stood up and bowed, “Greetings, Senior Zhang. I am Mei Qing, a wandering cultivator. I look forward to learning from you in the future.”

Zhang Jingding raised his hand to stop him, “Young friend, you are too modest. In the Dao, there is no seniority—those who achieve are the seniors. With your level of cultivation, I dare not presume to call myself your senior.”

Everyone was shocked by this and turned their eyes to Mei Qing, filled with doubt and surprise. Zhang Jingding held a high status in the cultivation world and was widely respected, so for him to show such deference to Mei Qing was entirely unexpected.

The group that had come with Lu Zeyou, who were high-ranking members of the Imperial Guards, had been polite to Mei Qing out of respect for Sixth Master but had assumed he was a mere scholar with no cultivation. Hearing Zhang Jingding’s words, they realized they had misjudged Mei Qing, whose cultivation far surpassed their own. They were inwardly astonished and relieved that they had treated him with respect, or else they would have made a grave mistake.

Zhang Jingding, however, had a different feeling. Upon seeing Mei Qing, he was immediately struck by the faint purple aura within him and the subtle light hidden between his brows, indicating that Mei Qing’s cultivation was only slightly inferior to his own.

In the world of cultivation, seniority was never determined by age—no matter how long one had cultivated, if one could not cross the final threshold, it was all for naught. Zhang Jingding himself had long been at the edge of this threshold but had been unable to cross it. Now, at the age of sixty, he had given up on ascension and come out of seclusion, partly to seek external opportunities and partly to secure a legacy for his sect and descendants.

Seeing Mei Qing, who was so young yet already close to his own level of cultivation, Zhang Jingding knew that Mei Qing’s future was boundless. Regardless of the reasons, it was essential to befriend such a person. Thus, Zhang Jingding did not dare to put on airs due to Mei Qing’s youth, addressing him as “young friend” and treating him as an equal.

At this moment, Lu Zeyou chuckled and said, “Senior Zhang, you are too modest. Perhaps you are unaware that Mei Qing is Sixth Master’s esteemed son-in-law, so in a way, he is your junior.”

Zhang Jingding let out an “oh” and glanced at Lu Bing before nodding and saying no more. Lu Zeyou and the others from the Imperial Guards were unaware of this, but Zhang Jingding, with his keen insight and high status, could easily discern such things. Thus, Lu Bing did not try to conceal it.

Zhang Jingding shook his head and smiled, “It seems Sixth Master is indeed blessed, not only holding a high position but also having such a talented son-in-law. It’s truly enviable.”

Lu Bing laughed and said, “If Sixth Master heard your words, he would be overjoyed.”

The two exchanged a glance and shared a hearty laugh.

Liu Xing, listening nearby, was somewhat puzzled. He knew Mei Qing was Lu Bing’s son-in-law, but now he heard that he was also Sixth Master’s son-in-law. He wondered if Mei Qing had married two women. Seeing the exchange between Zhang Jingding and Lu Bing, he quickly grasped the underlying meaning. He also thought highly of Mei Qing, who was the son of Wu Duo. Liu Xing had once harbored feelings for Wu Duo but had missed his chance. Now, seeing Mei Qing, he felt a pang of regret, wishing he could have facilitated a match between Mei Qing and his own daughter, but it seemed someone else had beaten him to it.

While Liu Xing was lost in his thoughts, Zhang Jingding also felt a tinge of melancholy. He turned his gaze to his disciple, Zhao Zhensong, who stood by his side. Zhao Zhensong had a good heart and was diligent in his cultivation, but his innate talent was lacking. Despite years of hard work and Zhang Jingding’s guidance, Zhao Zhensong’s progress had stagnated, falling short of Zhang Jingding’s own achievements in his youth. Seeing Mei Qing now, Zhang Jingding couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow, thinking of the decline of the Quanzhen Sect, which had splintered into seven branches. His own Dragon Gate Sect was also a shadow of its former self, and he felt a deep sense of loss.

Upon hearing the name Zhang Jingding, Liu Xing’s heart stirred. Mei Qing, being younger, was unfamiliar with the name, but if one mentioned his Daoist title, “Wuwozi,” even the uninitiated would know who he was.

Zhang Jingding hailed from Yuhang and had studied under Master Zhou Xuanpu, known as the Great Clumsy Immortal, making him a direct disciple of the Chongyang Patriarch Qiu Chuji. He had already gained fame during the Chenghua era, but due to the Ming court’s favoring of Zhengyi sects, the Quanzhen sects remained largely hidden and forgotten.

Liu Xing naturally knew of the legendary “Wuwozi,” and he also knew that Quanzhen had since split into seven sects, each led by one of the Seven Sons. Among them, the Dragon Gate Sect, founded by Qiu Chuji, was the largest.

However, due to the court’s preference for Zhengyi Daoism, these sects had fallen into obscurity. Even the Dragon Gate Sect had lost much of its former glory. That Wuwozi, who had nearly reached the final stage of cultivation, had come out of seclusion in his old age to serve Lu Bing was truly a cause for admiration.

After the introductions, the two sides exchanged greetings. At Liu Xing’s estate, aside from Master Bai, there were only three guests: Zhang Jingding himself, his disciple Zhao Zhensong from Shandong, a tall and sturdy man of considerable cultivation, and a white-robed scholar who introduced himself as Lu Xixing of Xinghua, Yangzhou, with the title “Qianxuzi.”

Though Lu Xixing’s name was not well known and he appeared quite young, his cultivation was difficult to gauge. Liu Xing and the others treated them with the utmost respect and invited them in.

Besides these three, Mei Qing also noticed a few others in lay clothes trailing behind. One of them was familiar—Lu Zeyou, a senior officer from the internal division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

In a way, Mei Qing was under Lu Zeyou’s command. However, since Mei Qing had gained favor from Master Lu, known as the Sixth Master, Lu Zeyou had never dared to treat him as a subordinate. Seeing him now, Mei Qing was somewhat surprised, wondering how a mere scholar like Lu Zeyou had ended up involved in such dangerous affairs.

Though surprised, Mei Qing still stepped forward respectfully to greet him. Lu Zeyou hurriedly stopped him, saying, “Lord Mei, this is not an official setting, and besides, you are the Sixth Master’s favored son-in-law. I dare not accept your bow!”

Mei Qing humbly replied with a few polite words, then noticed that the others accompanying Lu Zeyou were cultivators of various levels, mostly at the Foundation Condensation stage or higher. He greeted them all in turn. These men were inner division guards, already aware of Mei Qing’s identity, and dared not act arrogantly. One by one, they returned his greetings.

After a brief exchange with Liu Xing, Zhang Jingding turned his gaze to Mei Qing and asked thoughtfully, “I do not recognize this young friend. May I ask which sect you belong to?”

Mei Qing quickly stood and bowed, “Esteemed Senior, I am Mei Qing, a humble wandering cultivator. I hope to learn much from you in the future.”

Zhang Jingding raised a hand to stop him, “No need for such formalities. In Daoism, seniority is not determined by age, but by attainment. With your cultivation, I dare not presume to be your senior.”

Everyone was stunned and turned their gazes toward Mei Qing, filled with doubt and astonishment. Zhang Jingding was a highly respected figure in the cultivation world, known for his lofty reputation and disregard for lesser cultivators. For him to treat Mei Qing with such respect was truly unexpected.

The group that had arrived with Lu Zeyou, being inner division guards, had previously regarded Mei Qing as a mere scholar with no real cultivation, assuming he was simply favored by the Sixth Master. But upon hearing Zhang Jingding’s words, they realized their mistake. Mei Qing’s cultivation was likely far superior to their own. They were secretly astonished and relieved that they had treated him politely, or else they would have suffered great embarrassment.

Zhang Jingding, however, had his own thoughts. Upon seeing Mei Qing, he immediately sensed the faint glow of purple energy within him and a subtle radiance between his brows, indicating a cultivation level nearly on par with his own.

In the cultivation world, seniority had never been based on age but on attainment. No matter how many years one cultivated, if one could not cross the final threshold, it was like chasing illusions. Zhang Jingding had long stood at that threshold but had been unable to break through. Now in his sixties, he had abandoned thoughts of transcendence and emerged from seclusion. Partly to seek external opportunities, and partly to secure a future for his sect and descendants, he had come forth.

Seeing Mei Qing’s youth and yet such formidable cultivation, Zhang Jingding realized that this young man’s potential was boundless. Regardless of the reason, it was wise to befriend someone of such caliber. Thus, Zhang Jingding made no attempt to assert seniority due to Mei Qing’s youth, addressing him repeatedly as “young friend” and treating him as an equal.

At this, Lu Zeyou chuckled, “Master Zhang is too modest. Perhaps you don’t know—Mei Qing is the son-in-law of our Sixth Master. By all accounts, he is your junior.”

Zhang Jingding let out a soft “Ah,” glancing briefly at Lu Bing before nodding slightly. Lu Zeyou and the others were unaware of the full implications. However, with Zhang Jingding’s cultivation and insight, he could easily recognize Lu Bing’s identity even without explanation. Thus, Lu Bing made no attempt to hide it. He shook his head and laughed, “It seems the Sixth Master is truly a man of fortune. Holding such a high position and now having such a fine son-in-law—truly enviable!”

Lu Bing smiled in reply, “If the Sixth Master heard you say that, he would be delighted indeed.”

The two exchanged a glance and laughed heartily.

Liu Xing, standing nearby, was somewhat surprised. He knew Mei Qing was Lu Bing’s son-in-law, but now hearing him referred to as the Sixth Master’s son-in-law, he grew a little confused. Could it be that Mei Qing had married two women? At that moment, seeing the subtle exchange between Zhang Jingding and Lu Bing, he quickly pieced together the meaning. Reflecting on Mei Qing’s talent, and recalling how he was the son of Wu Duo, Liu Xing thought back to his own youthful admiration for Wu Duo. Now, if he could help bring together their children, it would fulfill a long-held wish. But someone had already beaten him to it, and a quiet sigh escaped his lips.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhang Jingding was also feeling a pang of sorrow. Glancing at his disciple Zhao Zhensong beside him, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. Zhao had a good temperament and worked diligently, but his innate talent was lacking. Despite years of hard cultivation and Zhang’s full instruction, Zhao’s progress had slowed, and his power was far behind Zhang’s own at a similar age. Seeing Mei Qing now stirred old regrets. The Quanzhen sect was scattered and declining, and his own Dragon Gate Sect was growing weaker with each generation. A bitter feeling welled up in his heart.