Chapter 254: Celebration Banquet

**Wind Rises in Kyushu**

"We achieved a great victory in this battle, and the sect will surely reward us. According to Senior Brother Luo's wishes, a celebration banquet will be held tonight, which will also serve as a welcome for you, Fellow Daoist." In the side hall, Qi Shi's voice echoed. "Before Senior Brother Luo left, he entrusted me to ask you if it would be convenient for you to attend. After all, your contribution was immense in making this battle so smooth."

With that explanation, Lu Ye understood. Most Silverlight Island cultivators believed that the Sky-Reaching Sect's stronghold was captured because they were simply unlucky to be targeted by the Ying Jiao for unknown reasons. However, a few insiders knew that Lu Ye had lured the Ying Jiao there. During the final battle, it was also Lu Ye's secret manipulation that caused the Ying Jiao to relentlessly pursue the Sky-Reaching Sect members while avoiding those from Silverlight Island. Therefore, Lu Ye had played a crucial role in this battle.

As it was a celebration banquet, Lu Ye, the chief contributor, naturally could not be absent. But if this were publicly announced, it would reveal Lu Ye's ability to manipulate the Ying Jiao to some extent. Furthermore, the name "Lu Yiye of the Scarlet Blood Sect" was already deeply resented by the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge, and its exposure could cause Lu Ye considerable inconvenience. Luo Fu and Qi Shi had no intention of claiming credit. Their report to the sect would be entirely factual, without any concealment. However, they had to consider Lu Ye's personal wishes.

They were, it must be said, very considerate. Lu Ye surmised that someone of Luo Fu's character wouldn't have considered these nuances. It was likely Qi Shi, standing before him, who had thought of these critical points and used this visit to gauge Lu Ye's opinion.

"The victory in this battle was due to the combined efforts of the Sky-Reaching Sect Fellow Daoists, coupled with the Ying Jiao's attack. It actually had little to do with me."

Hearing this, Qi Shi nodded. "In that case, I understand."

After chatting idly with Lu Ye for a while longer, Qi Shi finally bade farewell and departed.

Yiyi closed the door and excitedly rushed upstairs with Lu Ye to tally their gains from the battle. There were one or two hundred storage bags. Even with Lu Ye's current efficiency in unlocking them, it would take two or three days to open them all. However, a few of them were unlocked, containing strange flowers, herbs, and spirit artifacts. These flowers and herbs must have been plundered by Silverlight Island cultivators from the Sky-Reaching Sect stronghold. As for the spirit artifacts... after the Sky-Reaching Sect members died, their spirit artifacts naturally became ownerless. Just by looking at these items, it was clear that Luo Fu had truly split the spoils equally with Lu Ye, without taking any extra share.

"We're rich!" Yiyi exclaimed excitedly. She had never seen so many storage bags piled together before.

Lu Ye picked up a storage bag to break its restrictive lock. Each time one was opened, Yiyi would count its contents, sorting them into several pre-prepared storage bags. Some cultivators had substantial fortunes, while others were rather poor. However, with such a large quantity, the accumulated wealth was considerable.

As night fell, a clamor gradually rose from outside, growing increasingly lively. It seemed many cultivators had gathered. Yiyi peeked out and saw Silverlight Island cultivators assembled in the Heavenly Mystery Hall Plaza, setting up tables and chairs. Various lighting fixtures adorned the area around the plaza, illuminating the entire space brightly.

A moment later, a fragrant aroma wafted from that direction. The Silverlight Island cultivators were preparing to hold their celebration banquet. Having been enemies with the Sky-Reaching Sect for over a century, they had never experienced such a resounding victory, so their excitement was palpable. The sleeping Amber stirred at the scent, raising its head and looking at Lu Ye with an expectant, hungry expression.

Hao Ren and his sister led a group of people over, setting up a table on the first floor. Exquisite food was continuously delivered. Silverlight Island had even considered Amber, sending over a large piece of fresh beast meat.

A moment later, Luo Fu's booming voice echoed from the Heavenly Mystery Hall Plaza. He essentially stated that he had finally lived up to the sect's expectations, that everyone had worked hard in the expedition to the Sky-Reaching Sect stronghold, and that they should continue their efforts in the future. Cheers periodically erupted, and the celebration banquet began, bustling with activity.

After another moment, Luo Fu and Qi Shi arrived together.

"Brother Yiye, I truly apologize." Luo Fu began with an apology. With the Silverlight Island celebration banquet bustling, it felt wrong for the greatest contributor to be hidden away here. However, after hearing Qi Shi's analysis and Lu Ye's earlier decision, Luo Fu realized he had oversimplified the situation. While it might be a slight injustice to Lu Ye, this current arrangement was the best option.

"It's fine." Lu Ye smiled, inviting them inside. A flurry of toasts and drinks ensued, with Yiyi watching anxiously from the side. Lu Ye had never drunk alcohol before. Perhaps due to Li Baxian, his second senior sister at the Scarlet Blood Sect forbade everyone from drinking. Even the Sect Master, when he occasionally craved a drink, had to do so furtively. Thus, Yiyi was unsure if Lu Ye could drink alcohol. Fortunately, after three rounds of drinks, Lu Ye's expression remained normal. After all, he was a seventh-level cultivator; it wasn't easy for him to get drunk.

At the table, Luo Fu proactively suggested forming an alliance with the Scarlet Blood Sect. Lu Ye naturally agreed with pleasure, as this had been his very purpose in coming to the Silverlight Island stronghold. The two immediately formed an alliance using their respective authority as stronghold masters. This meant that Scarlet Blood Sect disciples could henceforth come to the Silverlight Island stronghold for training, and could even spend merit points to directly teleport back to the Scarlet Blood Sect stronghold from there.

"I heard some rumors earlier that two Ten Thousand Demon Ridge factions bordering the Scarlet Blood Sect have been crippled. Is that true?"

During the insect tide outbreak, this matter caused quite a stir. However, as this location was quite far from the Scarlet Blood Sect stronghold, Luo Fu and others had only heard about it occasionally and hadn't paid much attention. Inner Circle sects paid little attention to matters in the Outer Circle, just as Core Circle sects paid little attention to the Inner Circle. This wasn't a matter of disdain, but rather that each circle's sects had their own allies and enemies, and their own affairs to handle.

"That is correct."

"Was it related to the insect tide?"

"Yes, a sect called the Heaven-Fiend Hall mishandled the insect tide, leading to its outbreak and dragging down the Feng clan with it. My Scarlet Blood Sect took advantage of the situation to launch a surprise attack, killing many."

"I see!" Luo Fu nodded. "So, the Scarlet Blood Sect is quite safe then?"

"You could say that. Brother Luo, do you have something in mind?" Lu Ye sensed something.

Luo Fu sighed, "It's like this: an elder in our sect has a beloved daughter who has been cultivating within the sect stronghold. She is now at the third-level cultivation realm. As you know, Brother Yiye, the spiritual energy in Inner Circle strongholds is dense, making cultivation efficient. However, she can't keep cultivating in isolation like this. As a cultivator, how can one not experience some bloodshed? That junior sister has been clamoring to go to the Outer Circle for training and has been pestering me endlessly to find a way to send her out. You wouldn't believe it, Brother Yiye, I get a headache just seeing her. But the elder disagrees, fearing she might encounter some mishap in the Outer Circle. If the Scarlet Blood Sect's situation is indeed so favorable, I was thinking perhaps we could send her there."

"For now, no one dares to attack the Scarlet Blood Sect stronghold." With Xiao Hui guarding it, who would dare to seek death? The Ying Jiao almost broke through the Sky-Reaching Sect stronghold's protective formation single-handedly; how could Xiao Hui, on the same level, be any less formidable?

"I will consult that elder about this matter later."

After some eating and drinking, with casual talks concluded and important matters settled, Luo Fu and Qi Shi bade farewell and left. After all, they were the stronghold master and deputy master. With the celebration banquet in full swing, it wouldn't be appropriate for them to stay with Lu Ye all evening. They needed to go and have a few drinks with their junior brothers and sisters and perhaps boast a little.

After seeing Luo Fu and Qi Shi off, Lu Ye looked thoughtful, then shook his head with a chuckle.

"What are you laughing at?" Yiyi asked, puzzled.

"Nothing."

"Tell me, please," Yiyi said, shaking Lu Ye's hand and pouting playfully.

"Luo Fu and I have already formed an alliance. If he truly wanted to send a disciple to the Scarlet Blood Sect for training, he wouldn't need to inform me; he could just send them. But he asked about the Scarlet Blood Sect's situation and mentioned that junior sister's circumstances. He was essentially telling me that his junior sister is of noble status and should be given extra care when she arrives at the Scarlet Blood Sect."

"Why didn't he just say so directly? Why be so roundabout?"

Lu Ye raised his hand, pinching her cheek and twisting it gently from side to side. "Some things lose their charm when you spell them out."

The little girl's skin felt better and better. Yiyi angrily swatted his hand away, pouting.

However, what Luo Fu requested wasn't a major issue. If the Scarlet Blood Sect took good care of the people sent by Silverlight Island, then Scarlet Blood Sect disciples coming here would certainly receive similar treatment in return. Such was the way of human relationships.

Under the night sky, Luo Fu and Qi Shi walked side by side.

Qi Shi remarked, "Senior Brother, that Fellow Daoist Lu seems quite adept at using others to achieve his goals."

"What do you mean?"

"Look, in the Outer Circle, he used the insect tide to cripple the Heaven-Fiend Hall and the Feng clan near the Scarlet Blood Sect. Now, in the Inner Circle, he used the Ying Jiao to cripple the Sky-Reaching Sect."

Luo Fu was taken aback. He hadn't realized this before, but now he suddenly understood. "So, three Ten Thousand Demon Ridge factions have already fallen because of him?"

"Furthermore, Fellow Daoist Lu just said that the Heaven-Fiend Hall's ineffective handling of the insect tide led to its outbreak, dragging the Feng clan down with it. However, the insect tides that Outer Circle sects have to deal with are actually not difficult to handle. As long as they are sufficiently united, there's no way an insect tide would break out; at most, they would lose some personnel."

"Are you saying..."

"I fear Fellow Daoist Lu's hand was at play there. As for what exactly he did, we don't know. Just like this time, those unaware don't know he lured the Ying Jiao here."

Luo Fu thought about it and realized it was true. Although insect tides were natural disasters, they could generally be managed if dealt with promptly, unless someone had secretly caused trouble.

"Moreover, he's only at the seventh level, yet he can defeat ninth-level cultivators—two ranks above him! Such talent, such methods... if he continues to grow..."

"Terrifying!" Luo Fu clicked his tongue. "The Ten Thousand Demon Ridge might not have many good days ahead."

Qi Shi said, "Indeed. I'm just grateful he's from the Vast Sky Alliance."

Luo Fu laughed heartily. "Then we must celebrate properly! Come, let's drink until we drop tonight!"

"Senior Brother, I'm trying to be serious here," Qi Shi said, looking helpless as Luo Fu dragged him towards the plaza. Soon, a large group of cultivators surrounded them, each holding a wine jar.