Chapter 1941: Drunken Fragrance Banquet

"I am Qingfeng, a humble Daoist."

Qin Sang bowed and sized up the storyteller.

He only noticed the storyteller was extraordinary when the young girl entered the tea house and was enchanted by the storyteller's words, sensing an unusual fluctuation then. Before that, the storyteller had already been telling stories in the tea house. Qin Sang couldn't constantly extend his spiritual sense to lock onto the county town a hundred miles away, but the fact that the storyteller could evade his spiritual perception indicated his remarkable cultivation.

Initially, Qin Sang thought there was some connection between the storyteller and the girl, but then he realized something was amiss. The storyteller had likely exposed himself on purpose, targeting Qin Sang. The other party had known about him for a long time, while he only discovered the storyteller when the latter made a move—the difference in skill was immediately apparent.

Qin Sang guessed that the storyteller must have been drawn by the thunder and fluctuations when the main altar erupted. He had initially thought that no matter whether the storyteller was a master from Cloud Capital Heaven or Soul Subduing Abyss, this encounter would likely not end well. However, the other party's attitude was rather intriguing. The storyteller had intentionally revealed himself, stirred up trouble in Jinxian County, drawn the girl and the local ghosts and gods into his story, clearly signaling his presence, yet he didn't confront Qin Sang directly. In a way, it seemed like he was conveying a goodwill gesture.

As the storyteller said, Qin Sang couldn't move the main altar, nor could he allow the storyteller to gather all the ghosts and gods, drawing the world's attention to this place. After much thought, Qin Sang decided to send his avatar to pay a personal visit, curious to see what this person truly intended.

"Master Qingfeng," the storyteller Qingyuan mused, "that should be an alias, shouldn't it?" His words seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

Qin Sang's eyes flickered, and he calmly replied, "The same could be said for you."

Qingyuan chuckled, "I am merely a storyteller; my true name or alias is of no consequence."

A storyteller?

Qin Sang looked at the tea house behind Qingyuan. Inside the tea house, the girl and all the ghosts and gods had escaped from the story, but some ghosts and gods still looked bewildered, unsure of what had just happened. City God Yu, the two Judges, and the girl, who were the first to recover their senses, now wore various expressions. The girl seemed annoyed. City God Yu and the two Judges looked solemn. Without exception, they were all wary of the storyteller. The storyteller stood with his back to them, yet he felt like an insurmountable mountain, preventing anyone from daring to step out of the tea house. The tea house was eerily silent, the atmosphere strange.

"Like yourself, I too enjoy observing the human world's hustle and bustle and savoring its myriad flavors. The owner of Zuixiang Restaurant truly has excellent culinary skills; the Zuixiang Feast is simply unparalleled. Might I invite you to join me, Master Daoist?" Qingyuan pointed his folding fan towards the City God Temple.

Not far from the City God Temple stood a three-story wooden building, every detail meticulously carved, yet it didn't appear ostentatious. Instead, it exuded a refined nobility, possessing a unique charm. Even in the capital of the Yan Kingdom, Zuixiang Restaurant would be considered impressive, and in the small Jinxian County, it truly stood out from the crowd.

Qin Sang had just heard City God Yu and Judge Yi mention the Zuixiang Feast yesterday. "I heard the owner of Zuixiang Restaurant is a person of strong character, and it's rare for ordinary people to have the good fortune of tasting their food?"

His voice carried into the tea house. City God Yu and Judge Yi looked strangely at each other, thinking, *Are you two ordinary people? You could flatten Zuixiang Restaurant with a single breath.*

"It's not boasting, but though I've known the owner for a short time, we felt like old friends meeting for the first time. I guarantee you'll get to try the Zuixiang Feast today," Qingyuan said proudly, gesturing with a raised hand, inviting Qin Sang forward.

Qin Sang nodded slightly and walked alongside Qingyuan. Yulang sensed the unusual situation and quietly followed behind them.

"My lord, what should we do?" Judge Wu asked in a low voice.

City God Yu pondered for a moment, then said, "Wait!"

With that, City God Yu sat back in his original spot. The other ghosts and gods looked at each other, then had no choice but to sit down as well. The girl had been gritting her teeth, not daring to act rashly. Seeing Qin Sang and Qingyuan enter Zuixiang Restaurant, she stomped her foot fiercely and rushed out of the tea house, disappearing from sight.

Compared to the exterior, Zuixiang Restaurant's interior decor was even more elegant, with a faint scent of sandalwood permeating the air upon entering. There weren't many diners in the main hall. The waiter, familiar with Qingyuan, spoke casually, "Sir, are you off work so early today? Please head to the third floor; I'll go invite the owner right away."

"Tell the owner I'm treating a distinguished guest and want a full Zuixiang Feast today," Qingyuan instructed.

"Ah?" The waiter glanced at Qin Sang in surprise. "Yes! I understand..."

"Yulang!"

Suddenly, a loud shout, particularly jarring in the quiet ambiance of Zuixiang Restaurant, caused the diners to frown. Everyone looked over to see a half-grown boy, and could only shake their heads helplessly.

"Troublemaker?" Yulang also frowned. His nickname truly wasn't wrong; it was Tao Teng, whom he had parted with just yesterday.

"Are you two also here to eat at Zuixiang Restaurant?" Tao Teng had just come out of a private room and, upon seeing his friend, was immediately overjoyed, dashing over quickly.

Yulang tried to stop him, but it was too late. He knew Tao Teng came from a good family, but he hadn't expected to meet him at Zuixiang Restaurant. While happy to see his friend, this was simply not the right time! Yulang opened his mouth, about to speak, when he suddenly saw Tao Teng's expression dim, his joy replaced by sorrow, and he let out a long sigh.

"Sigh, today might be the last time we see each other!"

"What's wrong?" Yulang asked with concern.

"My father received a family letter last night. My second uncle has made a fortune in the capital and set up a large business, needing people to manage it. My father is preparing to move the entire family to the capital, leaving this afternoon. Fortunately, I met you here; otherwise, I would only have been able to leave a letter for you and the master, with no time for goodbyes," Tao Teng sniffled, his voice becoming increasingly low. For mortals, the Yan Kingdom was already vast enough. After this farewell, it was very likely they would never meet again.

"So sudden?" Hearing this, Yulang also felt a little down; he truly considered Tao Teng a genuine friend.

"Yes! Second uncle is pressing hard; we're not even celebrating New Year's! It's a pity you won't be going to the capital for the imperial examination, otherwise, we could reunite soon. I would definitely treat you well," Tao Teng knew his friend's ambition was to cultivate the Dao, not caring for fame or fortune.

"I'll be wandering with my master in the future; perhaps I'll go to the capital. I'll certainly visit your home then," Yulang said.

"Then it's a promise! My father and the others will be a while finishing their meal, so let's have a good talk." Tao Teng's worry turned to joy.

As they talked, the two unconsciously followed Qin Sang and Qingyuan up to the third floor, arriving at the private room with the best view. Seeing his master and the storyteller enter, Yulang suddenly remembered that bringing Tao Teng was inappropriate. As he hesitated, he heard his master's voice.

"Come in, both of you."

"Yes!" Yulang immediately felt at ease and pulled Tao Teng to seats near the door.

Qin Sang was ushered to the main seat. He appeared casual, but in reality, facing the mysterious Qingyuan, his mind was never at ease for a moment; every word had to be carefully weighed. Just as he was about to speak, Qin Sang's expression subtly changed. He looked out the window and said with an amused smile, "Trouble has arrived."

Jinxian County town had uneven terrain; the area near the City God Temple was higher, allowing one to see the mountains outside the city from the third floor. Just then, a green arc of light flew from the horizon, heading straight for Jinxian County town.

Qingyuan said, "I did not harm that girl in the slightest; she walked into the tea house herself. Master Daoist, you must bear witness for me."

Qin Sang repeatedly shook his head. "This humble Daoist has been here for less than half a year, dealing with mortals every day. I don't know a single immortal cultivator, so no one would believe anything I say. I'm afraid I can't help you." He leaned back slightly, watching the private room's door, adopting a posture of someone settling in to watch a show, and cast a spell to isolate Yulang and Tao Teng. The two youngsters were huddled together, whispering, completely oblivious to what was happening.

Soon after, a knock came at the door. Qingyuan lightly coughed, "Please come in."

*Creak!*

A lean, bony hand pushed open the wooden door. The newcomer was an elderly man in a black robe, his face as gaunt as his hands, highlighting his bright, piercing eyes. After sweeping his gaze over Qin Sang and Qingyuan, the elder clasped his hands together and said in a booming voice, "I am Lin Baoshan, a retainer of the Yin Family from Silver Screen Mountain. Greetings to both fellow Daoists."

Qin Sang was determined not to get involved.

Qingyuan said in surprise, "For a fellow Daoist of your cultivation to condescend to be a family retainer, it seems the Yin Family must be a prominent clan."

Lin Baoshan was a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. Although he was quite old and unlikely to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, he was still considered a master within the various kingdoms.

"Fellow Daoist doesn't know of the Yin Family? All my cultivation was bestowed by the family head; his benevolence is as deep as the ocean, and I have no way to repay it." Lin Baoshan's brow furrowed imperceptibly, and he cupped his hands again. "My young lady's temperament is still unsettled. She came down the mountain for recreation. If she inadvertently offended any fellow Daoists, I apologize on her behalf."

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you overstate it. Your young lady did not offend me. I merely played a small trick on her," Qingyuan repeatedly shook his head.

Lin Baoshan nodded and said gravely, "I see. In that case, please release the spiritual restriction on my young lady's mind!"

"Restriction?" Qingyuan was taken aback, then chuckled, "Don't worry, it's beneficial for her. In just three days, she'll feel the effects."

The girl's mind and body had been drawn into Qingyuan's story, allowing her to experience another life firsthand. Although she had awakened, the story's influence hadn't vanished, making her feel increasingly uncomfortable. Having one's mind controlled would undoubtedly be a huge impediment to cultivation, leaving them with no choice but to be cautious.

Lin Baoshan, as expected, did not believe Qingyuan's explanation. He said gravely, "Since that is the case, I boldly invite fellow Daoist to be a guest at Silver Screen Mountain. The truth will be revealed in three days."

"What if I don't go? Will you attack me?" Qingyuan asked.

Lin Baoshan stepped across the threshold, his voice heavier, "It's an invitation!"

"You can't defeat me, so don't ask for trouble," Qingyuan advised kindly, appearing to consider the other's well-being.

Anyone else would probably have been provoked by Qingyuan. Lin Baoshan's expression, however, remained unperturbed, and he showed no sign of backing down. His body vibrated slightly, and his gaunt frame erupted with a ferocious, beast-like aura.

"As a family retainer, I failed to protect my young lady, and even death cannot atone for it. If I am no match for fellow Daoist and die by your hand, then I will have died a worthy death!" Lin Baoshan's voice resonated like a great bell, his aura rising steadily, reaching its peak as he uttered the last word. His aura condensed into a single formidable force, descending upon Qingyuan like a towering mountain.

He had heard his young lady describe her experience in the tea house and knew this storyteller was not simple. However, the Yin Family's young lady had been manipulated for nearly two days, with a restriction planted in her mind. If this news spread, the Yin Family would lose all face, which was intolerable to them. Lin Baoshan had already sent a message to the Yin Family and ordered his subordinates to escort the young lady back to the mountain. His sole presence here was to gamble with his life and test Qingyuan's abilities. This way, the Yin Family's subsequent actions could be precisely targeted. If Qingyuan was indeed a top-tier expert, the Yin Family would only lose one retainer, which was not an irreconcilable, life-and-death feud. This would prevent the family from attracting a powerful enemy that could severely weaken the Yin Family or even lead to its destruction.

Both Qin Sang and Qingyuan could see through Lin Baoshan's intentions. Qin Sang slightly straightened his posture. Qingyuan also stopped speaking and said seriously, "Fellow Daoist Lin, please make the first move."

*Whoosh!*

A sudden gust of wind erupted within the private room. Lin Baoshan held his hands flat, green light surging from his palms, his skin turning rough and bark-like, like wood. Amidst the dense green light, his arms and fingers, previously like withered branches, rapidly sprang to life. Above his palms, streams of green light intertwined like pythons, forming an unusual phenomenon, instantly manifesting into a wooden stake.

*Boom!*

The wooden stake vibrated, and the void itself seemed to tremble, yet it surprisingly faded and vanished. At the same time, above Qingyuan's head, a rune woven from what appeared to be vines materialized out of thin air. Without any warning, the wooden stake reappeared through the rune. This move was truly unexpected.

The next moment, Lin Baoshan was utterly stunned. The wooden stake, which had manifested above Qingyuan's head and should have smashed down, instead floated lightly into Qingyuan's hand like a leaf, and Lin Baoshan completely lost control over it.

"A fine Daoist spell. Did you create it yourself? For your cultivation, achieving this is truly no easy feat," Qingyuan said, holding the wooden stake and rotating his wrist, a look of approval on his face. "According to your intention, when this Daoist spell reaches completion, it should manifest a true spiritual tree, right? Like this?"

The wooden stake suddenly sprouted branches and roots, growing so rapidly that it touched the private room's ceiling in the blink of an eye. Everyone was enveloped by the tree's shade, leaving Lin Baoshan dumbfounded.

Qin Sang, even more so, stared intently at Qingyuan's hand, his mind shaking. Facing Lin Baoshan's attack, Qin Sang had countless ways to resolve it, but even if his true body were present, he couldn't have done it like this. Qingyuan didn't merely restrict the wooden stake or sever Lin Baoshan's control over it; he directly claimed it as his own. The true essence, spiritual sense, and everything contained within this Daoist spell had become Qingyuan's, no longer having any connection to Lin Baoshan. It was as if Qingyuan had cast it himself from the very beginning, yet throughout the entire process, there wasn't the slightest fluctuation of true essence from him. Moreover, the wooden stake maintained its original form throughout the entire process. Before Qingyuan activated the wooden stake's vitality, there wasn't a single ripple of fluctuation, either inside or out.

Qin Sang's true body could have shattered the wooden stake, or used great divine abilities to restrict it while preserving its original form, or even imitated the spell itself. But he absolutely couldn't have, upon seeing the opponent cast it for the first time, so effortlessly claimed it as his own.

*Snap!*

Qingyuan flicked his finger, dispersing the small tree, and looked at Lin Baoshan with a smile.

"Thank you for your mercy, Senior. This junior bids you farewell."

Lin Baoshan couldn't fathom these profound mysteries, but he knew Qingyuan was incredibly powerful, unimaginably so. He bowed deeply and respectfully retreated. He wasn't afraid of death, but the disparity was too great; a fight to the death would be meaningless.

Lin Baoshan came quickly and left just as fast. No sooner had he left than another knock came at the door. This time, it was the owner of Zuixiang Restaurant, an elderly man with silver hair but a vigorous spirit.

"We have three types of Zuixiang Feast: the Seven-Head Feast, the Eight-Jade Feast, and the Nine-Treasure Feast. The main ingredients for all of them just arrived from the provincial city. Which one would you like to order, sir?" The owner presented several wooden plaques with the dishes written on them.

Qingyuan gestured, "Master Daoist is our main guest."

Qin Sang picked up the wooden plaques. From the names alone, while elegant, he couldn't make out what they truly meant. After a moment's thought, Qin Sang asked a question that stumped both Qingyuan and the owner: "Which one has steamed buns?"