Chapter 154: The Evening Tea Gathering

Mo Shouchen was once again rendered speechless, unsure where Chen Mu’s confidence came from to speak so boldly, as if the city’s young talents were all utterly mediocre. If those young disciples from various factions heard this, they would surely beat Chen Mu into a pulp.

Mo Shouchen was puzzled. Wasn’t it beneficial for young people to exchange cultivation experiences? As the old saying goes, "Among three people walking, there is always a teacher for me." Surely someone would have insights to inspire Chen Mu in his cultivation.

But Mo Shouchen did not know that Chen Mu was accompanied by two supreme beings in the entire Bixiao Continent—two who had already stepped into the second level. With such guidance by his side, why would Chen Mu need to learn from peers’ trivial experiences?

Chen Mu’s words were not arrogance but truth. Those so-called insights were beneath his notice. The help from Rou’er, tender yet strong, and Xue Tian, both rival and ally, was invaluable—priceless beyond any material wealth.

If only Xue Tian and Rou’er were not limited by their current cultivation, Chen Mu’s Yuan Dan could have been refined to a higher grade when it was formed. Perhaps then, Chen Mu might truly have possessed a Nine-colored Yuan Dan.

Alas, Chen Mu had no time to wait for Xue Tian to regain his strength, and Rou’er’s sealing of her cultivation was even more difficult to break, requiring Chen Mu’s own power to grow.

Thus, Chen Mu could only strive toward higher realms on his own. Before reaching the Yuan Dan stage, he had already done his utmost, and producing a top-tier Purple-gold Yuan Dan was an exceptional achievement.

Even with the Purple-gold Yuan Dan, Chen Mu’s talent remained among the very best on Bixiao Continent. As long as no one else could form a Nine-colored Yuan Dan, no one of the same realm could surpass him.

This was why Chen Mu looked down upon those so-called young talents; their rank might be slightly higher, but their strength was incomparable at the same level.

Mo Shouchen was unaware of Chen Mu’s circumstances but, for his sake, offered a suggestion: “Actually, there’s something that might count as a benefit for you. After this tea gathering, there will be a trading fair. If there’s anything you want, you can trade there. I don’t know your inventory situation... This trading fair allows you to sell anything you wish, and everyone hides their identity—it’s the object that matters, not the person. You should go see it for yourself. Trading may not be worth much, though, since most attendees are at the Nascent Soul stage. No matter how attractive your items are, they probably won’t catch their eyes. Just come with me and take a look.”

Chen Mu’s heart stirred upon hearing this. A trading fair? He had some high-grade items obtained from the Floating Dust Daoist’s cave that were useless to him but undoubtedly valuable—far beyond what a Yuan Dan practitioner could afford.

He had been hesitant to reveal these, fearing that if others discovered them, they would relentlessly pursue him.

Since the trading fair concealed identities and only recognized goods, the organizers must have measures to protect both parties’ identities. Chen Mu asked cautiously, “Old Mo, how reliable are the identity concealment measures at this trading fair? If I attend, what are the chances others can uncover my identity?”

Mo Shouchen was surprised. He had thought Chen Mu wouldn’t be interested, and this suggestion was merely to coax him out of his single-minded cultivation in the guild.

To his amusement and slight exasperation, Chen Mu was genuinely intrigued—and worried about being discovered by others.

Mo Shouchen shook his head, wondering what Chen Mu could possibly possess that would attract those Nascent Soul experts. Did Chen Mu’s items really entice such powerful figures?

Still, he answered truthfully after some thought: “The organizers provide special masks that prevent mental probing and unique robes that conceal identities. These are highly effective. However, attendees aren’t forced to wear them; they can also bring their own protective gear. The organizers’ robes and masks are nearly impossible to detect unless the wearer is at the Divine Spirit stage, so you can wear them with confidence.”

Though reassured, Chen Mu remained skeptical. What if the organizers had tampered with these robes or masks to expose him?

He changed the subject, subtly asking, “Do the Nascent Soul members of the Minghuan Guild bring their own protective gear, or do they use the organizers’?”

Mo Shouchen replied without hiding anything, “Every time I attend, I use my own cloak and mask. They were crafted by a master and are far superior to the organizers’—no need to use theirs.”

Since Mo Shouchen’s gear was his own, it was presumably safe. Chen Mu nodded and said, “Old Mo, could you lend me that cloak and mask this time?”

Mo Shouchen paused, then said thoughtfully, “Do you really have something good to sell? Are you sure it will tempt us Nascent Soul practitioners?”

Chen Mu answered honestly, “Somewhat. That’s why I don’t trust the organizer’s gear—I fear they might identify sellers and turn against them.”

Mo Shouchen fell silent for a moment, suspecting Chen Mu might indeed be from a hidden noble family. A mere Yuan Dan-level wanderer wouldn’t have anything to entice even Nascent Soul cultivators unless they were incredibly lucky.

After a moment, he nodded, “Alright, I’ll lend them to you. I’ll use the organizer’s black robe this time. If their equipment truly has problems, stay away from me. If they find out you’re from Minghuan Guild, they might identify you. So I won’t accompany you around the trading fair—you go see for yourself, but be careful not to offend anyone.”

“Don’t worry, Old Mo. I know my limits,” Chen Mu said firmly, clearly sensing Mo Shouchen’s concern and wanting to ease his worries.

There was still plenty of time before nightfall, so Chen Mu returned to refining pills. He aimed to soon participate in pill refining for mid-level junior Nascent Soul practitioners. Such opportunities would allow him to earn large amounts of spirit stones quickly.

After all, assisting mid-level junior pill refiners could yield many spirit stones. Chen Mu’s expertise in refining medicinal materials could undoubtedly support Nascent Soul alchemists. This was why he had chosen Minghuan Guild to earn spirit stones in the first place.

At sunset, Chen Mu finally stopped and prepared to attend the tea gathering Mo Shouchen mentioned. Though he cared little for the tea gathering itself, he was determined to join the trading fair.

He knocked on Mo Shouchen’s door, and upon hearing a response, entered.

Mo Shouchen was already prepared, handing Chen Mu the cloak and mask with a smile: “Use these carefully. They’re valuable to me, so don’t damage them.”

Though Mo Shouchen joked, he wasn’t truly worried—fighting and treasure-snatching were forbidden in Kun’an City.

Still, Chen Mu replied solemnly, “Rest assured, Old Mo. I will return them intact.”

Mo Shouchen laughed and scratched his white beard. “Since you’re ready, come with me to the tea gathering. My old friend will bring that Yao Juanjuan girl too. Don’t keep Old Xiang Ming waiting.”

With that, the old and young strode out of the guild to meet Xiang Ming at the agreed location.

When Yao Juanjuan saw Chen Mu accompanying them, she immediately snorted with displeasure, finding Chen Mu annoyingly omnipresent.

Chen Mu paid her no mind, treating her as if she were invisible. Though he hadn’t paid much attention to the temperamental young lady, he knew she disliked him.

Since she disliked him, Chen Mu saw no reason to show her kindness, which only infuriated Yao Juanjuan further.

After meeting with Xiang Ming, Mo Shouchen and Chen Mu headed toward the private residence of Wanyan Shen, the successor to the future city lord—the venue for the tea gathering.

Only the most distinguished young scions of Kun’an City’s prominent families were invited. They all knew each other; Chen Mu was the only stranger.

Though unfamiliar, seeing Chen Mu arrive with Mo Shouchen and Xiang Ming, they understood he was from the Minghuan Guild.

They were especially surprised Mo Shouchen would bring a junior along, as he rarely favored any.

Moreover, when some noticed Chen Mu had come with Yao Juanjuan, gossip arose. Was there some connection between them?

Such rumors instantly bred hostility toward Chen Mu. Yao Juanjuan was a celebrated prodigy, known as the “Kun’an Little Alchemist” for her talent and beauty. Many wealthy young men vied for her favor.

Though Chen Mu appeared youthful, everyone knew those who entered Wanyan Gongzi’s private estate were top-tier geniuses of Kun’an City, usually in their twenties and having formed their Yuan Dan. They assumed Chen Mu’s youthful looks must be artificially maintained.

Curiously, they glanced at Yao Juanjuan, wondering if she preferred boys with youthful appearances. Without reason, Chen Mu was thus perceived as a mere pretty face, eliciting disdain.