Chapter 178: Chapter 67: Banqueting Zi Luan

Jinhuai Prefecture City.

In a private room on the top floor of the Fuqing Restaurant, located on the same street as the Daoist Scripture Hall, two neatly dressed waiters were meticulously cleaning dust from every hard-to-reach corner. The Shopkeeper’s orders from the morning were that not a single speck of dust was to be seen in this room.

Outside the private room, a circular corridor wrapped around the third floor. The row of red lacquered windows was wide open. Although the sea breeze was strong, the open windows didn’t move an inch. Bright sunlight fell upon the thick, red carpet on the floor, revealing not a single mote of dust.

Several young servants carefully carried in pots of spring orchids, which were in early bloom, and placed them on either side of the carpet. They each carried a clean white towel; if they accidentally soiled anything, they had to wipe it clean immediately.

After arranging the flower pots, the servants tucked the white towels into their pockets and walked downstairs with their heads lowered.

The main hall, usually bustling with people, now held only a few individuals. The entire restaurant had been booked for the day. The restaurant’s staff stood along the edges of the hall, awaiting instructions. The best spots were occupied by several Cultivators in Daoist Robes.

The man leading them was none other than Wang Ping. He stood in the center of the hall, with Liu Zixiu and Xingshan at the entrance. Outside, a few Inner Sect Disciples served as a welcoming party, while also turning away any uninformed guests.

Three days ago, Wang Ping had formally sent an invitation to Zi Luan. He received a reply yesterday, sent another invitation this morning, and was now awaiting the response.

At 7:45 AM, an Inner Sect Disciple ran through the main door and handed a reply to Liu Zixiu. Liu Zixiu turned and walked over to Wang Ping, presenting the letter.

After reading it carefully, Wang Ping took out another pre-written invitation and handed it to Liu Zixiu. "Deliver this invitation yourself," he said.

"Yes!"

Liu Zixiu took the invitation and left. He returned in less than a quarter of an hour. Then, at a quarter past Noon, another reply arrived. This time, no further invitations were needed, as the guest was already on his way.

After Wang Ping finished reading the message, he personally walked to the restaurant’s main entrance. From a distance, he saw Zi Luan, dressed in a Blue Daoist Robe and smiling as he approached. Wang Ping quickly led Liu Zixiu and Xingshan forward to greet him.

"Daoist Zi Luan." Wang Ping was the first to cup his fist in salute.

"Daoist Changqing, you’re too kind."

After some pleasantries and introductions, the group walked to the restaurant entrance. Once inside, Wang Ping stepped to the side. Zi Luan didn’t stand on ceremony, either, striding confidently into the center of the group. Surrounded by the others, they headed for the private room on the third floor.

Only Wang Ping, Zi Luan, Liu Zixiu, and Xingshan entered the private room. The other Inner Sect Disciples could only wait outside.

The dining table in the middle of the room had been removed, as none of them had much of an appetite. In its place sat a Go board. The gentle spring sunlight from the window landed perfectly upon the board, giving the room an otherworldly feel.

"I remember when I first advanced to the Second Realm, this building had just been constructed. It was right here that I drank tea and chatted with Xiu Yu, discussing our future and our past."

Zi Luan sat in the northernmost seat, taking on the air of a host, and invited Wang Ping to sit as well.

After Wang Ping sat, Zi Luan continued, "Time flies. In the blink of an eye, a dynasty changes. Most of the friends I once had are gone, and some have become enemies."

He stared into Wang Ping’s eyes. "Will we become enemies in the future? Or perhaps one day you’ll be gone first. Of course, it’s also possible I’ll be the one to go first."

Hearing this, Wang Ping remained calm and replied with a smile, "Does a Daoist like yourself hesitate in the present because of an uncertain future?"

"Of course not!"

"Neither will I..."

"Very good."

Zi Luan made a gesture of invitation. "Care for a game?" He then gestured for Wang Ping to make the first move.

Wang Ping didn’t stand on ceremony and naturally placed a stone.

Half an Hour later...

As the game reached a tense stalemate, Wang Ping said with a smile, "The state of the world today is much like this game."

"Yes and no."

Zi Luan replied with a smile, "Our game is at a standoff, but the board of the world can be changed by human hands. It simply depends on whether the players are willing."

After speaking, he looked up at Wang Ping and said, "It all depends on whether you, Fellow Daoist, can make up your mind."

Wang Ping immediately cupped his hands. "I am willing to serve the Lord and you, Daoist."

Zi Luan showed little surprise. He said a single word, "Good," and gently placed a stone. At this, Liu Zixiu and Xingshan, who were watching the game from the side, both bowed.

"A good move."

Wang Ping praised, then placed a stone of his own.

"My skill at Go is surely no match for Mr. Zixiu. I’ve heard that not even grandmasters are your opponent," Zi Luan said, looking at Liu Zixiu.

"You jest, Daoist. We cultivate in the mortal world. Being in the midst of the game, how could we possibly be a match for the one who plays the pieces?" Liu Zixiu replied with a humble bow.

"You are too modest."

Zi Luan placed another stone, but his gaze fell upon Wang Ping.

What followed was the continuous CLACK of Go stones being placed on the board. Wang Ping had to use all his concentration just to keep up with Zi Luan’s line of thought.

Thirty minutes later, Wang Ping tossed down two stones, conceding defeat.

Xingshan, who was standing by, immediately served tea to them both. Zi Luan chuckled, picked up his cup, and said, "It’s been decades since I’ve had someone who could play a game of Go with me."

Wang Ping smiled and suggested, "Upper Yang Mountain has been almost fully restored these past few years. When we have time, we could go there for a game. I’ve heard the students from the academy at the foot of the mountain say that one’s skill at Go improves just by sitting on Upper Yang Mountain, because no one would dare to squander such beautiful scenery."

"Upper Yang Mountain... I went there when I first succeeded in my Qi Cultivation. I’ve been busy ever since and haven’t had the time. The memory is a bit hazy now."

Zi Luan fell into a brief moment of reminiscence...

The two continued to chat idly, slowly building mutual trust. Their conversation flowed endlessly, putting each other at ease.

When the street crier announced the time as 3:45 PM, Wang Ping looked at Liu Zixiu and Xingshan beside him and instructed, "You two may leave us."

"Yes!"

The two took their leave.

Once they had left, Wang Ping said with a smile, "I have an urgent matter to discuss."

Zi Luan’s interest was piqued. He pointed at the Go board and said, "Let’s play while we talk."

"Excellent!"

In less than a quarter of an hour, Wang Ping had clearly explained the matter of him acquiring the Outer Realm Demon and his dealings with the First Sect. He told the truth about everything except for the gathering. In the end, he didn’t try to be clever by suggesting a solution; he simply asked how to deal with the two Second Realm Cultivators from the First Sect.

"I know of Lv Wen and his wife. How did the item in their possession find its way to you?" Zi Luan asked this question first after listening, as if the two Second Realm Cultivators from the First Sect were no issue for him at all.

"Through an invitation." Wang Ping gave this answer calmly.

"Ah, I almost forgot. You, Fellow Daoist, are the wealthiest man in the Southern Four Roads, and now you’re also the Patrol Envoy for the Daoist Scripture Hall." Zi Luan said with sudden realization.

With that, he placed a stone and said with a chuckle, "Regarding your situation, the best solution would be to talk with the two Cultivators from the First Sect. See if you can negotiate. If they’re willing to buy it back at a high price, then the matter can be considered closed."

Wang Ping mulled it over for a few breaths. After placing a stone, he shook his head. "I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Fellow Daoist Lv Wen tried to negotiate with them before, but he failed every time!"

"True. They’re even more stubborn than those old bastards from the True Yang Sect..." Zi Luan placed another stone. "These days, the Lord wants peace in the world. And a peaceful world must be maintained. That means fixing what’s broken. The madmen from the First Sect are clearly broken. Using madmen to deal with old relics... a perfect match."