It has been over a month before the Tianji Divine Ranking Competition, and Li Xuan was not in a hurry to sign up. Since he had learned of the Tianji Divine Ranking Competition, he naturally had to inquire for more information.
As Li Xuan drank his tea, he managed to gather some latest intelligence.
Among the six great families and four hidden sects, almost every one of them had three disciples on the ranking list, on average.
“Truly worthy of being the six great families and four hidden sects. In this Chaos Heaven, existences at the Divine King realm are as numerous as cow hair, but the fifty-six individuals who made the list clearly showcase their power.”
Li Xuan murmured with emotion. As he had gathered enough information, Li Xuan put down his teacup and stood up, heading directly back to his guest room to rest.
Half a month passed quickly. During this period, Li Xuan had already sensed the arrival of several existences with immense auras. Some of these auras, even after Li Xuan secretly compared them, made him feel a sense of solemnity.
These existences might have already reached the Immortal Vanquishing realm.
“This is truly an eye-opener. The Chaos Continent is indeed a gathering place for the most outstanding prodigies of heaven. It is worthy of being a world above the five dimensions. It is truly fortunate that I came at the right time.” Li Xuan smiled slightly, then his figure moved, and he walked out of the room.
“Guest, still the maiden’s brew?” As Li Xuan appeared in the tavern, the waiter immediately stepped forward and asked with a smile.
Li Xuan nodded at the words. For the past half month, Li Xuan had come to this tavern every day to drink a pot of maiden’s brew. Although it was not some exquisite spiritual wine, it had its own unique flavor.
Moreover, Li Xuan was always generous with his payments, which made the waiter even more attentive to his arrival.
“Guest, please wait a moment. I will go and fetch the wine for you now.” Seeing Li Xuan nod, the waiter said with a smile.
Then, bowing slightly, he hurried towards the kitchen in the back. In less than a few minutes, a pot of warmed maiden’s brew and three small dishes were presented before Li Xuan’s table.
“Thank you for your trouble.” Li Xuan nodded slightly at the sight, then with a wave of his hand, one hundred mid-grade spirit stones instantly landed in the waiter’s hand.
Upon seeing this, the waiter’s face lit up with joy, and he bowed to Li Xuan, saying, “Thank you, guest, thank you, guest. Guest, please enjoy. If you need anything, just call.”
Li Xuan nodded, and the waiter, being quite sensible, turned and left.
“Sir, won’t it be a bit lonely drinking alone?” Just as Li Xuan raised his wine cup, a voice rang out.
Li Xuan’s wine cup stopped in mid-air at the sound. Looking over, a man dressed in exquisite brocade robes directly sat down opposite Li Xuan’s table.
Li Xuan smiled slightly at the sight and said, “Judging by your attire, you don’t seem like someone who would come to scam free food and drinks. Are you, like me, feeling bored drinking alone and want to join me?”
“Ah, my good brother, you speak the truth. Wine tastes better when one has a companion. If one drinks alone, won’t they be left with only their shadow for company?” the white-robed man said with a laugh.
“Well said, ‘If one drinks alone, won’t they be left with only their shadow for company.’ This pot of wine, I invite you to drink it!” Li Xuan said, putting down his wine cup. He then tilted the wine pot and poured a full cup for the white-robed man.
“Cheers.” Li Xuan gently pushed the wine cup, then smiled and said.
The white-robed man did not hesitate. He brought the cup to his nose and sniffed, then said, “This worldly wine, even its aroma is intoxicating. My name is Li Mingkai, and I toast you, brother.”
“My name is Li Xuan, cheers.” Li Xuan nodded slightly at the words, and also picked up his wine cup, drinking it down in one gulp.
“Good wine, good wine. Although it’s not as good as the tribute wines I drink at home, it has its own unique flavor. Initially spicy, then fiery, and finally refreshing. Excellent, excellent! And since we share the same surname, we should naturally drink a few more cups!”
Li Mingkai took a deep breath and then, to Li Xuan’s surprise, began pouring wine for himself. Before Li Xuan could speak, Li Mingkai had already downed eight cups before stopping.
“Brother Li, thank you for your hospitality today. If fate allows tomorrow, I will treat Brother Li to a hearty drink!” Li Mingkai said with satisfaction, smacking his lips, his voice sounding slightly intoxicated.
“Alright.” Li Xuan smiled slightly and nodded.
“Then it’s settled! Brother Li, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Li Mingkai said, then stood up and strode away.
Watching Li Mingkai leave, Li Xuan smiled and shook his head, murmuring, “An interesting person. At such a young age, he has already cultivated to the intermediate stage of the Mortal Breaking realm. Could this person also be on the Tianji Divine Ranking?”
However, Li Xuan soon withdrew his gaze. Picking up the wine pot, he smiled bitterly and shook his head.
The entire pot of maiden’s brew had been drunk dry by Li Mingkai. If Li Xuan had not sensed Li Mingkai’s aura, he might have really mistaken him for a freeloader.
With no other choice, Li Xuan beckoned the waiter again and ordered another pot of maiden’s brew, continuing to drink alone.
The next day, in the afternoon.
As soon as Li Xuan arrived at the tavern, he found that someone was already occupying his usual seat. Just as Li Xuan was about to ask the waiter to change his seat, he saw the figure at the table move and instantly appear before him.
Li Xuan smiled when he saw this. It was Li Mingkai, who had drunk a whole pot of maiden’s brew yesterday.
“Brother Li, I have been waiting for you here since early morning. I didn’t expect you to arrive so late. Come, I am grateful for your hospitality yesterday, so today I will treat Brother Li to a hearty drink.” Li Mingkai familiarly slung an arm over Li Xuan’s shoulder and led him towards the wine table.
Li Xuan wanted to speak, but in the end, he chose to remain silent.
“Brother Li, after drinking the maiden’s brew yesterday, I slept very soundly when I returned. It has been many years since I slept so comfortably. So, to repay your kindness, I have brought the best wine from my family, Emperor Jade Dew. Brother Li, please try it.”
Li Mingkai said, then poured a cup for Li Xuan.
As the cork was removed, a fragrant aroma of wine instantly filled the air. In an instant, the entire tavern was permeated with this rich aroma.
Li Xuan’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. He had never seen this Emperor Jade Dew before. However, the aroma of this wine was clearly superior to spiritual wines.
And now, there were ten bottles of it laid out on the table.
“Such fine wine is not comparable to my maiden’s brew from yesterday. Brother Mingkai, I appreciate your kindness. You should keep this wine for yourself.” Li Xuan said, waving his hand.
Firstly, Li Xuan had only met Li Mingkai for the second time, and no matter how compatible they were, it wasn’t enough for this.
Secondly, Li Xuan believed that he was unknown in the Chaos Continent and had not made any reputation. Why would someone treat him so warmly for no reason?
“When there is no reason for an offer of favor, there must be a plot.” Therefore, Li Xuan ultimately chose to decline.
“Brother Li, if you leave, these ten bottles of Emperor Jade Dew will likely have to be discarded here. Brother Li and I hit it off immediately. Can Brother Li really not give me this much face?”
Seeing Li Xuan preparing to leave, Li Mingkai said with a wry smile.
Li Xuan shook his head, walked to the wine table, and sat down, speaking frankly, “We have never met before, and we have only shared a drink once. Moreover, it was a common maiden’s brew from the mortal world. I do not believe that one pot of maiden’s brew is enough for you to prepare ten bottles of Emperor Jade Dew for me.”
Li Xuan paused and continued, “I think it would be best if you tell me the reason directly. Otherwise, I dare not touch a single drop of this wine.”
Li Mingkai nodded awkwardly at this, then said, “To be honest, I was born with an extraordinary perception. This perception is not for external things, but for things that can greatly help me. When I saw Brother Li yesterday, that perception arose.”
Li Mingkai lowered his voice and continued, “Moreover, it was the most intense one I have had in many years. Therefore, I wish to befriend Brother Li. There is nothing else.”
Li Xuan was stunned. Looking at Li Mingkai’s clear eyes, he did not seem to be lying. However, such an absurd statement left Li Xuan with doubts. But at present, there seemed to be no other reason that would make Li Xuan choose to believe.
“The world is vast, and Brother Li’s ability is truly astonishing. I am merely a rogue cultivator and cannot offer any help to Brother Li.” Li Xuan said with a bitter smile and a shake of his head.
Li Mingkai immediately laughed at this, “Brother Li, you are too modest. To have cultivated to the Mortal Breaking realm at such a young age is not something everyone can achieve. Moreover, Brother Li’s demeanor does not suggest someone who has not seen the world.”
“Oh, right, I have another ability, which is to discern a person’s aura. No matter how deeply it is hidden, I can detect it. And I can feel that I am not Brother Li’s opponent.”
Li Xuan looked at Li Mingkai with surprise again, then picked up his wine cup and said, “Brother Li, as a disciple of the Li family, one of the six great families, you have surprised me greatly. To bring out so much Emperor Jade Dew, even the patriarch of the Li family would feel pained, wouldn’t he?”
“Indeed, Brother Li has guessed correctly. Yes, I am indeed a disciple of the Li family. I have come to Danyang City with my father to participate in the Tianji Divine Ranking competition. Since Brother Li is here, you must also be waiting for the Tianji Divine Ranking to commence.”
Li Mingkai said, then raised his wine cup to toast Li Xuan. After drinking it down, he spoke.
With the misunderstanding resolved, the two began to drink together again.