Chapter 441 - 274: Divine Blood Curse Seal, Upper Grade Spirit Root
Chapter 441: Chapter 274: Divine Blood Curse Seal, Upper Grade Spirit Root
Bai Hengwan was one of the most renowned geniuses of the younger generation in Floating Immortal City. She was the True Disciple of the Qing Lan Wanderer and, barring any surprises, would likely become his closed-door disciple.
Moreover, it was said that Bai Zhenchuan was highly regarded by the Qing Lan Wanderer. Her status and standing were far beyond that of anyone present!
Bai Hengwan’s gaze was indifferent as she scanned the plaza below, finally landing on Lin Changheng, who was greeting guests before the main hall. Her vermilion lips parted slightly, and her clear, melodious voice, like celestial music, reached everyone’s ears distinctly, "By order of Elder Kong, I have come to congratulate Mr. Lin on his hundredth birthday."
A sharp hiss of indrawn breath swept through the crowd.
A sudden commotion erupted among the guests below.
’Bai Zhenchuan herself came to celebrate Alchemist Lin’s birthday?’
’And on Elder Kong’s "orders," no less?’
Anyone who gave it a moment’s thought would realize the hidden implications. This wasn’t a simple matter of ’coming on behalf of Elder Kong’; she most likely had her own reasons for being here.
Otherwise, for a simple congratulatory visit, Elder Kong could have just sent a delegation of messengers. Why have a True Disciple of the Immortal City make the trip? Even if she were just passing through, it would have been inappropriate.
After all, her status was clear for all to see. Elder Kong wouldn’t rashly ask her to do something that didn’t match her station.
Unless...
...she already had some sort of connection to Alchemist Lin, or she had wanted to come on her own.
...
The moment Bai Hengwan finished speaking, two cultivators dressed as maids descended from behind her. Each held a red sandalwood box, and they landed before Lin Changheng to present the gifts respectfully.
Lin Changheng glanced at the two of them but did not reach out. Instead, he looked up toward the sky.
Bai Hengwan’s voice rang out once more. "The first is a Tier Two Upper Grade furnace once used by Elder Kong himself for his alchemy. The second is a bottle of Tier Two Upper Grade Masterpiece Elixir he personally refined: the Three-Turned Green Spirit Pill. Elder Kong hopes that Mr. Lin will remain true to his original aspiration and continue to advance on the Alchemy Dao."
’A Tier Two Upper Grade alchemy furnace! A Three-Turned Green Spirit Pill! And personally refined and bestowed by Elder Kong himself!’
The entire plaza and main hall instantly fell into a dead silence, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
Everyone was struck speechless by the sudden and momentous gifts. Elder Kong! He was one of the most revered elders of Floating Immortal City, a master of Tier Three Alchemy!
’He actually paid attention to Lin Changheng’s hundredth birthday? And even sent such precious gifts, including something he himself had used? The implications were impossible not to dwell on.’
’This went beyond a simple gesture of friendship. It was practically a sign of his acknowledgment and high hopes!’
A storm of emotions churned within Lin Changheng. He took a deep breath, quickly calming himself, and bowed with cupped hands toward Bai Hengwan in the sky. "This junior, Lin Changheng, thanks Elder Kong for his generous gifts! I am endlessly grateful that Fairy Bai has taken the trouble to come in person!"
"Would you perhaps care to enter the hall for a cup of wine?"
"I have other urgent business to attend to. Please, Mr. Lin, save that drink for me. I will come to claim it on a future visit."
Bai Hengwan gave a slight nod in return. After one last, deep look at Lin Changheng, she led her retinue aboard the Spiritual Ship. It transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the heavens as quickly as it had appeared.
Her arrival was sudden, and her departure was just as swift.
But though the Spiritual Ship was gone, the shock of its visit was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, sending massive waves through the heart of every guest.
The guests, whose thoughts had been stirred by the arrival of the Sun and Huang Families, now looked at Lin Changheng in a completely different light.
’To think Alchemist Lin has such connections!!!’
’A gift from a Tier Three Alchemist, a congratulatory visit from a True Disciple of the Immortal City, and even a Foundation Establishment friend from the Purple Extreme Sect...’
Instantly, a mix of awe, fear, fervent admiration, and the desire to curry favor... swirled together in everyone’s minds, refusing to dissipate.
It was easy to imagine that after the celebration, everything the guests had witnessed at the banquet would spread far and wide by word of mouth. Alchemist Lin’s reputation would soar once more, perhaps even taking on an aura of mystery.
...
「At 7:00 AM, the auspicious hour arrived.」
The melodious sound of chimes rang out, echoing across the entire island.
Lin Changheng, having changed into a set of formal black robes, emerged slowly from behind the main hall. He ascended the high platform where the seat of honor had been prepared.
"Congratulations to Alchemist Lin!"
"May you enjoy eternal blessings and a prosperous path in the Dao!"
Seeing the man of the hour appear, every guest in the plaza, regardless of their cultivation level, rose in unison. They bowed with cupped hands as their congratulatory cheers rang out as one.
Lin Changheng smiled, sweeping his gaze across the crowd as he bowed with cupped hands. "For a minor milestone like my hundredth birthday, I have troubled you, my fellow Daoists, to travel from so far," he announced, his voice clear. "Your presence brings honor to my humble abode. For that, I thank you all!"
His voice wasn’t loud, yet, amplified by his potent Magical Power, it carried clearly to every guest’s ears. His tone was neither servile nor overbearing, but perfectly poised and composed.
The more perceptive guests were inwardly startled, taking this display as a chance to gauge Lin Changheng’s true strength.
’After all, a Tier Two Upper Grade Alchemist without the strength and means to protect themselves could easily invite disaster!’
With the formalities concluded, the banquet officially began.
Fine Spirit Wines flowed freely, all of them either specialties of Moonrest Island or precious gifts from the guests. The fragrant aroma of delicious Spiritual Cuisine filled the air. Beautiful maids and silver-white Puppets weaved through the tables, refilling cups and serving dishes.
The guests raised their cups to one another, their conversations lively and cheerful.
From time to time, guests would approach to offer Lin Changheng congratulatory toasts. He returned each one, his bearing impeccable and his responses poised.
Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling also took it upon themselves to help him, entertaining the various guests.
Down below, the guests’ gazes would occasionally drift toward the four women who appeared rather close to Lin Changheng, their curiosity about the nature of their relationships with him palpable.
...
The banquet proceeded smoothly, but Lin Changheng’s mind was elsewhere.
For one, Mo Zhaoli’s gaze kept flitting over to the other three women—Tantai Feiyue, Yan Mingyi, and Xu Hanji. Though she feigned indifference, Lin Changheng could sense the contemplation in her eyes.