Anping County, Fengyue Residence.
Fengyue Residence, the most prestigious restaurant in the county run by the Li Family, had uncharacteristically hung out a red plaque today, indicating it was booked for a private event.
The wide, bluestone street had been swept spotless. A red carpet, unfurling from the restaurant’s entrance like a crimson dragon, ran the length of the road.
The air was no longer filled with the worldly scent of cosmetics, but with the faint, soul-refreshing fragrance of Spirit Wine.
Even Cultivators couldn’t help but feel intoxicated by the aroma of such wine. If an ordinary person were to take a single whiff, it could probably cure half a year’s worth of stubborn ailments.
Yet, within Fengyue Residence today, a heavy, awe-inspiring presence hung in the air.
It was the lingering aura from Chu Bai’s breakthrough into Late-stage Qi Cultivation, which he had yet to fully restrain.
The attendants with weaker cultivation felt their spirits tremble upon entering. They even lightened their steps, afraid of disturbing the "Tiger of Anping" seated at the head of the room.
On the second floor of the restaurant, at the head table.
Chu Xianglin and Mrs. Li were dressed in fine, fitted silks and satins today.
Chu Xianglin wore a hair crown. Despite looking a little awkward and out of place in the lavish restaurant, his cloudy eyes were now filled with pride from his son’s glory. Mrs. Li clutched Little Manx’s hand tightly, her own eyes filled with gratification as she gazed at her eldest son, who sat at the head of the table with an overwhelming aura.
Seated in the center of the family was Chu Bai’s esteemed master, Daoist Zhang.
"Excellent! Truly excellent!"
Daoist Zhang, dressed in a brand-new, cyan Daoist Robe, stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell. "Back when you were still in the Qi-Introducing Stage, I knew you were talented."
"But I never imagined your progress would be this fast. It seems I underestimated you!"
"I have taught nine disciples. Now, aside from Han Xingmo, only you have the promise to advance even further."
Chu Bai slowly rose, personally picking up the warmed wine pot. He first filled his parents’ cups, then walked steadily to Daoist Zhang’s side and bowed to refill his master’s.
"A master’s grace is as heavy as a mountain, a parent’s love as deep as the sea. My achievements today are all thanks to your guidance."
When the representatives from the various Noble Races standing in attendance witnessed this, a chill ran through their hearts.
This was Chu Bai’s declaration, using the banquet as his stage: he was not only a man of decisive, thunderous action but also one of deep loyalty and righteousness.
From this day forward, within Anping County, the Chu Family’s old residence and Daoist Zhang’s temple would become untouchable forbidden lands.
Anyone who dared to touch a single hair on their heads would face the unrelenting wrath of this Late-stage Qi Cultivation expert who was not yet even twenty years old.
"Wuu Ping, Patriarch of the Wuu Family, congratulates Lord Chu on his realm-breaking! He presents three drops of Flood Dragon Spirit Blood and wishes his lordship the vigor of a dragon and horse!"
"The County Magistrate from the Wang Family congratulates Lord Chu on his breakthrough! He presents one Spiritual Object, a Purple Coral, and wishes Lord Chu an eternal path to immortality!"
The attendant at the door announced the guests in a loud voice, his calls echoing halfway down the street.
Wuu Ping, the representative from the Wang Family, and a procession of other influential figures who usually commanded the wind and rain in the city now entered the private room one by one.
No longer did they carry themselves with the airs of elders meeting a junior. Instead, they all bowed in unison, their humility bone-deep.
Late-stage Qi Cultivation. This meant Chu Bai had officially entered the highest circle of power in Anping County.
Even such Noble Races had to admit that the young man before them was now a fearsome deity who could decide the rise and fall of their families on a whim.
"I have arrived late, Lord Chu. I hope you are not offended."
Lii Feng strode in, his face a mask of astonishment.
He had personally set up the Spirit Gathering Array for Chu Bai, so he knew its effects, but even he hadn’t expected Chu Bai’s progress to be so terrifying.
"My lord, your Five Elements Foundation is already extraordinary. I have nothing else to offer, but I am willing to perform a free maintenance on the array in your Qingfeng Courtyard soon, to stabilize its Spiritual Mechanism."
Lii Feng’s arrival represented not only the Lii Family behind him but also the goodwill of the Celestial Observatory that had granted him his position.
Next, Han Xingmo of the Water Department came forward with a gift. He looked at Chu Bai with a complex expression and lamented, "Junior Brother, during the battle at Sanmu River, you still needed us to cover your flanks."
"Looking back now, I’m afraid I have already fallen behind you. From now on, whatever intelligence you require, Lord Chu, the Water Department will not refuse."
"Lord Chu, receive the armor!"
A deep voice boomed, and Pang Song walked in, his eyes red-rimmed.
In his hands, he held a set of heavy armor that emanated a dark red glow. Runes flowed across its surface, faintly radiating the murderous intent of a hundred battles without defeat.
"This is the Low-Grade Dharma Artifact, the [Hundred Battles Armor], a specially approved gift from the department." Pang Song solemnly handed the armor to Chu Bai. "I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. From this day forward, the title of the Anping Evil Suppression Department’s number one combatant belongs to you, Lord Chu! You’ve earned it!"
At that moment, the atmosphere in the room reached its peak.
Just as everyone was taking their seats, a stable, mountain-like pressure suddenly descended.
Everyone rose to their feet again. Zhang Cheng, the Regular Seventh-Grade County Captain and a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator, was entering with his hands clasped behind his back. His mere appearance silenced the entire noisy room.
"Today, we celebrate Chu Bai, captain of our Anping Evil Suppression Department’s Demon-slaying Team!"
Zhang Cheng scanned the room. His voice wasn’t loud, yet it rolled across the crowd like muffled thunder.
Chu Bai raised his cup in response, his gaze meeting Zhang Cheng’s mid-air. He recalled Zhang Cheng’s instructions from a few days ago, telling him to host this grand banquet.
The banquet served to engage with the various powers and declare the current strength of the Evil Suppression Department.
At the same time, it was to build his reputation—a Late-stage Qi Cultivator not yet twenty years old. Such talent was enough to attract the attention of the higher-ups even in the Prefecture City.
"Let the banquet begin!"
With a clear laugh from Chu Bai, the atmosphere in the restaurant instantly became lively.
Every table was laden with rarely seen Spiritual Birds, Exotic Beasts, and nourishing Spiritual Cuisine.
The mortals’ tables were served gentle, life-extending tonics, while the cultivators’ tables featured rich Spiritual Cuisine that aided in cultivation.

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