Shen Xuan looked at the signature on the invitation, puzzled.

Previously, the information he received always said that Lei Yaoyang was coming to Cyan Yang Prefecture to take charge.

Now, it had become He Zhengming from the Law Enforcement Hall.

This person should be the direct disciple of Master Lingxiao.

"Could it be that Master Lingxiao intervened?"

Shen Xuan heard that Master Lingxiao seemed to take good care of his master, Master Gu Feng.

"Forget it. No need to overthink. When a Golden Core True Master's direct disciple shows up, you have to attend."

The Pill Master Lin and Artifact Master Dai, who were with him on Feiyun Mountain, also received invitations.

Shen Xuan and the two of them arrived together at Tiger Stream Ridge.

He Zhengming and Xiao Keyuan personally led fellow sect members to welcome them in front of the Zhao Clan Territory.

After everyone entered,

and exchanged greetings,

the Zhao Patriarch hosted a grand banquet.

The core members of the Zhao Family and the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Cyan Cloud Sect were all present.

A total of thirty-seven people.

For a moment, the atmosphere was lively.

Shen Xuan observed for a while.

He Zhengming was at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, and he brought five Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Law Enforcement Hall junior brothers.

His resources were much more substantial than the solitary Xiao Keyuan.

More than a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators from Cyan Cloud Sect, who had recently taken on the task of slaying demons and banishing evils, also came.

Seven Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Zhao Family attended, except for one who stayed behind to guard the clan's defense array.

Shen Xuan nodded.

With such a lineup, they could hold their own against the Blood Spirit Sect's demon cultivators.

Otherwise, relying solely on Xiao Keyuan and a dozen others would stand no chance of victory.

At the banquet, He Zhengming had considerable leadership charisma.

As a direct disciple of a Golden Core True Master, he showed no arrogance, treating everyone with kindness and warmth, inquiring about their well-being.

Moreover, He Zhengming's words always seemed to hit the right note, subtly praising others, making them feel greatly appreciated.

He could point out the strengths of every Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Zhao Family.

Evidently, he had done his homework before coming to Cyan Yang Prefecture.

Shen Xuan noticed a bashful, baby-faced junior brother standing beside He Zhengming.

From start to finish, he followed closely behind He Zhengming.

At the seating arrangement, He Zhengming sat at the head, with the Zhao Patriarch to his right and this baby-faced junior brother to his left.

Even Xiao Keyuan willingly gave up his seat.

It was clear that this person was He Zhengming's confidant among confidants.

According to He Zhengming's introduction, the baby-faced junior brother's name was Zhou Haoyu, also a direct disciple of Master Lingxiao.

"Fellow Daoists, today we gather together, with united hearts, to slay demons and banish evils, and achieve great things in Cyan Yang Prefecture!"

"Let's all drink the spirit wine in our cups!"

After a few rounds of drinking, He Zhengming led a toast, enlivening the atmosphere.

At the Zhao Patriarch's signal, over seventy beautiful female cultivators walked gracefully in, serving drinks and dishes to everyone.

Two beautiful female cultivators sat beside every male cultivator, making for a lively scene.

The one approaching Shen Xuan was the same one he had met at a previous Zhao Family banquet.

Though her makeup was carefully done, different from last time,

her unique faint body fragrance was easily recognized by Shen Xuan.

"This female cultivator is different!"

Shen Xuan pretended to be unaware, joining in the laughter and drinks with everyone else.

However, his eyes would occasionally, inadvertently, land on this fragrant female cultivator's alluring figure.

Her skin was like condensed jade, her figure graceful, slender waist swaying gently, sparking endless imagination.

A subtle touch revealed her body to be soft and elastic, and her voice was charmingly coquettish, full of temptation.

For someone as worldly as Shen Xuan, he felt his blood stir slightly, wishing for some vigorous exercise.

"This charm technique of hers is extraordinary!"

"She must be a core disciple of the Hehuan Sect, without a doubt!"

Suppressing the emotional turbulence within him, Shen Xuan asked the fragrant female cultivator's name.

"This humble one is Wan Meng, please show mercy, Master Shen,"

she replied with a slightly blushing face and enchanting eyes, exuding a captivating charm.

Shen Xuan laughed it off, pretending not to notice.

He was not some lust-driven fool.

He dared not loss his guard with such a beautiful female cultivator of unknown origin.

A strong sense of caution left no room for any romantic interest.

He Zhengming raised his cup and declared, "I, He, swear to the Heavenly Dao that I will not allow Cyan Yang Prefecture to be occupied by the Demon Sect! If I violate this oath, let my path be cut off, with no further progress!"

The atmosphere at the banquet stalled slightly.

Cultivators take cause and effect seriously, and usually do not swear lightly.

For someone like He Zhengming to make such a solemn oath to the Heavenly Dao was a testament to his sincere intention.

The Zhao Patriarch was the first to respond.

The Zhao Family had been deeply rooted in Cyan Yang Prefecture for many years, ranking among the top three families in the area, naturally hoping to expel the demon cultivators and take control.

The dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators from Cyan Cloud Sect who came alongside He Zhengming also swore to the Heavenly Dao, led by Zhou Haoyu, pledging to stand together with Senior Brother He Zhengming.

Xiao Keyuan did not swear.

He frankly stated that, due to old age, he planned to return to the sect after wrapping things up.

Only a mere three people were in the same situation as Xiao Keyuan.

When it was Shen Xuan's turn,

he seemed oblivious and continued to drink and eat.

"Senior Brother Shen, it's your turn."

Someone reminded him.

Shen Xuan seemed to wake up from a dream.

"What's the matter?"

Zhou Haoran said, "Everyone is swearing to fight against the demon cultivators."

"Oh. My skills are limited; I only know talisman making and am not adept at magical combat. I'll make more Tier Two Spirit Talismans to support my fellow brothers in slaying demons and banishing evils!"

"I, Lin, will refine more spirit pills to support my fellow brothers!"

"I, Dai, will work with Senior Brother Shen and Senior Brother Lin to repair Magical Treasures and refine Magical Artifacts for our fellow brothers."

Pill Master Lin and Artifact Master Dai quickly expressed their positions.

Both of them came to Cyan Yang Prefecture to hone their skills and earn Spirit Stones.

It's absolutely impossible to let them go to the front line to fight against the Demon Cultivators.

According to the rules of the Cyan Cloud Sect, Shen Xuan and the other two did not take on the task of eliminating demons, so He Zhengming cannot order them around.

Zhou Haoran looked towards He Zhengming.

He Zhengming smiled slightly, stood up, and said, "I've long heard of the great name of Junior Brother Shen. Your [Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman] is in high demand!"

"And Junior Brothers Lin and Dai, you're about to break through to Tier Two Pill Master and Artifact Master, right?"

"With the strong support from you three in the rear, why should we worry about not being able to clear out the Demon Cultivators in Cyan Yang Prefecture?"

After He Zhengming finished speaking, the atmosphere suddenly became relaxed.

Shen Xuan nodded silently to himself.

This He Zhengming is indeed more pragmatic than Lei Yaoyang.

"In the Cultivation Realm, it's hard to make a name for oneself through solo efforts. Eventually, it depends on one's background."

He Zhengming, during the banquet, was the first to pledge allegiance, win over hearts, and boost morale.

At the same time, he was also testing Xiao Keyuan, Shen Xuan, and others.

"Alright! Let's all drink as much as we please!"

"Daoist Zhao, why not let the fairies sing and dance?"

The Patriarch of the Zhao Family clapped his hands to signal.

The beautiful female cultivators among them, divided into half, started dancing gracefully.

The translucent veils fell halfway, revealing snow-white skin.

One by one, their long, enchanting legs moved with perfect harmony, their allure occasionally revealing itself.

"Marvelous!"

"Seize the flowers while they can be plucked!"

"Advising you to cherish the person before your eyes!"

Each beautiful female cultivator approached their favored cultivator, singing and dancing together.

"I've arranged rooms for you all. If you're drunk, feel free to rest early!"

By hearing the notes, one understood the sentiment.

Those who were eager left the banquet early, supported by two beautiful female cultivators, and retired to their rooms to rest.

Naturally, it was a night as picturesque as spring water.

Shen Xuan ignored Wan Meng's seduction.

Claiming to be unfit for drinking, he bid farewell to He Zhengming, Xiao Keyuan, and others.

This time, the Pill Master Lin and Artifact Master Dai did not return with him.

These two, also claiming to be unfit for drinking, each embraced two beautiful female cultivators back to their rooms.

"Feel free, fellow brothers. I will see Junior Brother Shen off!"

Amidst the surprising looks of everyone, He Zhengming followed Shen Xuan out of the banquet.

This time, even Zhou Haoyu did not follow them out.

The two came to a secluded place.

He Zhengming waved his hand, setting up a simple Spirit Shield, isolating Divine Sense probing.

"To be honest, Junior Brother Shen, I came to Cyan Yang Prefecture because I switched places with Lei Yaoyang from Celestial Thunder Peak."

"Originally, I was supposed to go to Celestial Chapter Prefecture."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xuan's face showed a look of astonishment.

"Just before setting off, my master ordered me to switch places with Lei Yaoyang."

He Zhengming said with emotion, "Junior Brother Shen, our master values you highly. The Hidden Image True Master has also praised you multiple times. Now, your reputation in the Cyan Cloud Sect has already risen significantly."

"However, Lei Yaoyang is, after all, a direct disciple of the Celestial Thunder True Master. Standing behind him is not only Celestial Thunder Peak but also many direct disciples of True Masters."

"Junior Brother Shen, your reluctance to join the team is understandable, and your senior brother will not mind."

"Not long ago, Su Huaijing, the head of the Su Family in Feiyun Mountain, approached me, willing to offer ten Thunder Talismans each month. Haha, this person is rather ambitious. Junior Brother Shen, you should be cautious."

He Zhengming gazed at Shen Xuan, his tone sincere.

"Ten Thunder Talismans are far from enough. I know you are an ascetic. Regardless, for the sake of Senior Brother, how about selling some Thunder Talismans to fellow disciples? Consider it as Senior Brother owing you a favor."

The words had reached this point.

Shen Xuan had no choice but to agree, willing to sell thirty Thunder Talismans at a fair price to fellow disciples each month.

The precondition is that the Su Family must provide enough Talisman Paper and Cinnabar.

He Zhengming was quite satisfied with Shen Xuan's response.

He immediately stated that if Shen Xuan encountered any difficult issues, he could certainly seek him for coordination.

Shen Xuan agreed with a smile, but he didn't take it to heart.

If something really happened, he would rather ask his master for help than discuss it with He Zhengming.

...

After returning to the Rain Listening Pavilion, Shen Xuan officially hung up the sign of seclusion and cultivation.

All external matters were entrusted to Su Xue'Er for handling.

Even the request to see him from the Patriarch of the Su Family was politely declined.

He asked Su Xue'Er to tell the Su Patriarch to prepare more materials for the Thunder Talismans.

During the Cyan Spirit Secret Realm trip, Shen Xuan obtained various water attribute Demon Beast Essence Blood.

Three-legged Golden Toad, Bloodthirsty Mosquito King, Blue-Ringed Octopus, and the unknown Water Demon Essence Blood gifted by Master Wuchen.

"Starting from the easy, leaving the surprises for later, always having something to look forward to."

Shen Xuan continued his seclusion, while also seizing the talent skills of the water demons' Essence Blood.

Shen Xuan first seized the Essence Blood of the Three-legged Golden Toad.

He brought [Wealth Attraction] to Great Success.

This Talent Skill is similar to [Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil].

It can enhance intuition and perceptiveness.

Unfortunately, the Dao Rhyme was somewhat scarce, with only over a thousand points.

For the time being, he stored it.

During this period, Shen Xuan crafted a new Divine Thunder Treasure Talisman.

In the Cyan Spirit Secret Realm, the power of the Divine Thunder Treasure Talisman impressed him greatly.

Unfortunately, despite [Self-Healing] at the Perfect Level, it could only simultaneously restore the Dao Foundation Origin Spiritual Power absorbed by three Divine Thunder Treasure Talismans.

Beyond that, it would affect his cultivation speed.

Lv Zhengying arrived as scheduled.

Shen Xuan handed him two Magical Treasures and a list of Spirit Medicine.

The Magical Treasures were to be sold slowly, without hurry.

As for the Spirit Medicine on the list, as long as the price wasn't excessively high, they could be purchased first.

Lv Zhengying gathered them within the Sect, more conveniently than Fairy Lilian.

At this time, Shen Xuan was wealthy, with substantial savings.

He no longer went out to gather cultivation resources, focusing entirely on cultivation and seizing the water demons' bloodline talents.

This time, he prepared to seize the Blue-Ringed Octopus.

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