Accompanying my Martial Uncle to the alliance meeting was primarily to broaden my horizons and witness the grandeur of the Daoist Alliance.
I had no intention of drawing attention.
Therefore, I paid no mind to Wang Qi.
Unexpectedly, however, I attracted the attention of quite a few people.
After all, the Daoist circle is rather small.
These people had, to varying degrees, heard of me and the duel with Wang Qi at Blackwater Temple.
But the discussions were scattered, mostly filled with doubt and disbelief.
No one would believe that an ordinary rogue cultivator could truly defeat a talented disciple of a major sect with a single blow.
I paid no heed to these murmurs.
Following my Martial Uncle, I left the area and headed towards the guest rooms.
After passing through several side halls and seeing many Daoist fellow attendees,
we arrived at our assigned accommodations.
Because my Martial Uncle's invitation was of a higher tier,
this time we were not staying in the temporary structures of Blackwater Temple, but in a row of small courtyards.
We each had our own small room.
The rooms weren't large, but they were equipped with a television, a mini-fridge, and even a microwave.
The amenities were comparable to those of a decent hotel.
After putting down our luggage, we left our rooms.
Upon reaching the small courtyard, my Martial Uncle and Old Mo were already smoking.
Seeing me emerge, Old Mo tossed me a cigarette and then, smiling, began:
"I must say, the accommodation at Wudang Sect is truly excellent.
Last time at Blackwater Temple, it was no comparison."
"It's quite nice! It looks like a boutique hotel."
I replied with a smile, my experience was very positive.
We chatted for a while, and then Chen Yao also came out.
"Martial Uncle, Senior Brother!"
Seeing Chen Yao emerge, my Martial Uncle glanced at the time and said:
"It's almost time for lunch. The three of you can figure out your own plans.
I'm going to meet up with our Aunt Yunxia!
You can arrange your own afternoon, but try not to wander off."
The three of us responded with an "Mm," and watched our Martial Uncle leave the courtyard alone.
It was a little past eleven in the morning. After our Martial Uncle left, we lingered for a moment before also leaving our lodgings.
Consulting the map provided by Wudang Sect,
we confirmed the location of the restaurant and headed in that direction.
Upon reaching the dining hall, we found that many people had already arrived.
Daoists from various sects and factions were present, men and women, young and old, around three hundred people.
People came and went, constantly conversing.
My ears were filled with all sorts of Daoist gossip and their unusual tales.
"Wow, so many people have come!"
Old Mo exclaimed in surprise.
"A once-every-five-years alliance meeting, of course, there will be many attendees.
Moreover, the alliance meeting officially begins tomorrow.
The number of people arriving this afternoon will likely be even greater."
I replied.
As for Chen Yao beside us, she was probably starving. Seeing us stop,
she tugged us forward:
"Senior Brothers, let's go. We might not get a seat if we're too slow."
Old Mo and I chuckled and quickened our pace.
The dining hall was a buffet with a wide selection of dishes.
After choosing our food, we found a table and sat down.
While eating, we chatted about what to do in the afternoon.
However, before we could say much, several male Daoists nearby suddenly started discussing excitedly.
"Look, look!"
"So beautiful!"
"Her figure is really amazing!"
"..."
The conversation from the next table immediately captured our attention.
Old Mo and I also turned our heads, and upon seeing, we smiled.
A tall female Daoist, dressed in the robes of the Qingcheng Sect, was walking towards us.
It was none other than our friend Xia Qiu Xi.
Xia Qiu Xi was the type of woman who, when placed in a crowd, would immediately catch the eye with her stunning presence.
She appeared somewhat aloof, but possessed a kind heart.
The male Daoists next to us were quite excited:
"She's coming over!"
"What's happening!"
"Damn, she must have been attracted by my looks."
"..."
As soon as the male Daoists next to us finished speaking,
I, sitting nearby, called out,
"Qiu Xi!"
Xia Qiu Xi continued to approach:
"You arrived and didn't even tell me!"
Hearing me greet her, the male Daoists nearby turned to look at us, looking quite awkward, and then stopped talking.
Qiu Xi then sat down beside us.
Then, Old Mo on the side spoke,
"Qiu Xi, how long have you been here?"
"I arrived last night. And you must be Junior Sister Xiao Yao?"
Qiu Xi's gaze fell upon Chen Yao.
Chen Yao quickly stood up and hurriedly formed a hand seal, exclaiming,
"Senior Sister Qiu Xi, I am Chen Yao. Please guide me in the future!"
Qiu Xi quickly waved her hand,
"Junior Sister Xiao Yao, there's no need to be so formal, please sit down!"
They had both heard of each other and had a general idea of each other's background, but had never met.
Today, they were finally introduced.
"By the way, Qiu Xi, have you eaten? Why don't you sit down and have something with us?"
I spoke again.
Qiu Xi, however, shook her head, saying she had arrived early and had already eaten.
Then she added,
"By the way, have you been to the Mind-Refining Path?"
Mind-Refining Path?
The three of us were completely bewildered, having never heard of it, and thus hadn't been.
We all shook our heads:
"No, what is the Mind-Refining Path?"
"Yeah! We only just arrived."
"Senior Sister Qiu Xi, what's on the Mind-Refining Path?"
The three of us inquired one after another.
Qiu Xi patiently explained,
"The Mind-Refining Path is a major feature of this alliance meeting, and also a benefit for our younger generation.
There are many tests and challenges along the path.
As long as you pass the tests and challenges, there will be various excellent rewards!
Most of the younger generation who come to Wudang are basically testing themselves on the Mind-Refining Path on the back mountain!"