Though he wanted to, Zhang Yuanqing didn’t necessarily have such an unusual taste. Yin Ji left a very good impression—warm, kind, and like a wonderful elder sister. Their shared experience on the sea cliffs had been one of true companionship and survival, forging a solid bond. Bringing Lady Yin with him would surely make that elder sister feel uncomfortable. Of course, if the魔 king were still alive, Zhang Yuanqing would be delighted to witness this scene. Yet, given the magic king’s nature, he would probably not find it awkward at all—he might even say: "My dear consorts, today I shall treat each of you equally, ensuring harmony and fairness, so that good deeds are rewarded and misfortunes are addressed." Then, he would host a grand party with his beloveds. "Should I change into a different outfit?" Zhang Yuanqing examined his plain attire. Ling Jun also looked at his own appearance. "Have I changed at all?" he asked. He offered this advice: "When you are still relatively unknown, a striking and elegant appearance enhances your image. But once you've gained recognition and fame, what you need is to express your individuality and stand out from other men." "For instance, my always loose and casual attire, Fu Qingyang who wears a white suit year-round, and Zhao Chenghuang who always keeps a cool expression whenever he meets someone." Zhang Yuanqing nodded, "Once you establish a certain style, you need to shape yourself into a brand, with distinctive characteristics, right? I see. I see. Truly, one conversation with you is worth ten years of reading." As he spoke, Zhang Yuanqing pressed the unlock button, and the white sedan emitted a soft beep, its folded rear mirror slowly unfolding. Zhang Yuanqing opened the driver's side door, while Ling Jun opened the passenger door. Feeling the car gently start and move toward the community gate, Ling Jun said, "Fu Qingyang mentioned that your net worth has now surpassed ten million, hasn't it? How about you consider buying a top-tier sports car? Take your girlfriend out for drives—what a thrill!" "Why don't you buy a sports car to impress women?" Zhang Yuanqing gently pressed the accelerator and stopped at the community entrance. "I don't have the funds," Ling Jun shrugged, "My money has all been given to women." As the gate arm rose slowly, Zhang Yuanqing pressed down hard on the accelerator, his sedan roaring into the flow of traffic. Only then did he turn and mock: "So you're the money-minded gentleman all along, huh? You're just a real fool." Ling Jun closed his eyes and opened his arms, like a devout pilgrim, his voice timeless and resonant: "Love is the most beautiful thing in the world. Flowers, wind, snow, and moon—these are the only purposes men come to this life for. Power, wealth, and reputation? All mere passing clouds. I deeply cherish every woman I've shared a bond with, yet my pursuit of love never halts for anyone. Therefore, beyond the ordinary trappings of wealth, I can't think of any way to repay them." "Oh, Master, how can I be as charming and graceful as you are, without making Guan Ya angry?" Zhang Yuanqing humbly asked, "When will I ever be as accomplished as you?" "During your dreams." "...” … Three Chong Street, Baihua Club. Located in the suburbs, this area is not remote or dull—on the contrary, it is dotted with luxurious mansions and villas, and is well served by shopping centers and farmers' markets, offering exceptional convenience for daily life. Moreover, its peaceful distance from urban noise and outstanding landscaping make it particularly favored by the wealthy. Baihua Club is a villa featuring a marble façade, three stories high, with each floor covering one thousand square meters and six spacious balconies, plus a garden, totaling six mu in area. On the second floor, elegant crystal chandeliers shine brightly, illuminating long tables draped in white cloth, laden with an abundance of delicious dishes, fine wines, and fresh fruit. Several servers continue to deliver drinks and meals to the dining area. In addition to the spacious dining hall on the second floor, there are also card rooms, game rooms, lounges, billiards rooms, a movie theater, and a cigar room. As the hostess, Miao Teng'er wears a simple long dress, adorned with elegant jewelry, combining freshness with grace, her face smiling gently as she welcomes one guest after another. This is both a dinner gathering for her circle of friends and a social event. Besides her close friends from the three regional branches—Songhai, Jiangnan, and Sanzhuang—she has also invited the young, promising talents from each of the three branches. In such social settings, guests typically wouldn't attend without a mix of genders. To that end, she specially invited her laid-back cousin, and upon hearing that the young gentlemen would be attending, the sisters in the group were thrilled, excitedly expressing their eagerness to come, to meet her long-time close friends. As time passed, most of the guests arrived as scheduled. In the restaurant, familiar guests gathered in small groups, either sitting around the sofa or standing by the tables, chatting and enjoying fine wine and cuisine. Miao Teng checked her watch—it was 6:50 p.m., just short of her unreliable cousin arriving. She had grown accustomed to clinking glasses with each guest, exchanging pleasantries, fulfilling her hostess duties. After circulating around, she walked toward the large window, where an elderly man stood, his hair white, face lined with wrinkles, and back slightly bent. Yet his gaze remained sharp and steady, fixed on the outside. He had been standing there for thirty minutes. Miao Teng spoke softly, "Uncle Yang, if the atmosphere here isn't to your liking, you might prefer to return to your room and rest." Uncle Yang was the bodyguard arranged by her grandfather—a Saint at the initial stage of the Sixth Rank. Uncle Yang replied solemnly, "Miss, there was a sensation outside just now that didn't feel comfortable to me." Miao Teng furrowed her brows, "A dark, evil profession?" Yang Su shook his head. "I'm not sure—it was just a fleeting glimpse. I've already instructed the flowers and plants in the courtyard to remain alert, hoping it's merely a trick of my imagination." After speaking, he turned to glance at the gathering of guests, hesitating before speaking further. "Yang Su, don't worry," Mei Teng'er reassured him. With such a gathering of elite talents, every guest invited was at the very least a Level 3, and there were even several Saints. They were certainly safe from attacks by evil professions. Moreover, this was a private venue, where only close friends had been invited, ensuring a high level of confidentiality—evil professions couldn't have known in advance. Recently, the Primordial Sovereign has successfully shut down several black markets in Songhai, Jiangnan, and the Dispersed Province, and the evil professions in Songhai have grown increasingly cautious. There hasn't been any attack since September. Such incidents are nearly nonexistent. "Notify the Dog Elder immediately if any danger arises," she reminded, maintaining her vigilance, then stepped away from the window and moved toward a corner of the room. There were two sets of长沙furniture, with six or seven young women and young married ladies, all beautifully dressed and radiant, chatting pleasantly, occasionally leaning in to discuss the young men in the restaurant, or bursting out with a clear, bright laugh. "Veng, who is that young man? Could you introduce him to me?" As Veng approached, a woman dressed in a black dress, with a refined appearance, smiled warmly and gestured with her eyes. This lady was from the Xie family of Jie City—Xie Lingyun. Her grandfather was the seventh son of the Xie family's founding ancestor. Though not as influential as the main line, she was a direct descendant of the family. Veng glanced over and saw a handsome young man in a suit, standing out with his upright posture. Around him were several elegant men in their thirties or forties. He was the only one of the younger generation among them. Miao Teng'er smiled and said, "That's the 'Broken Bridge Residual Blood' from Hangzhou's branch—a Level 3 Scout, a top graduate from Jiangnan University. He became a Lingjing Xingzhe this early in the year, and already reached Level 3 just within six months. He's a key seed being cultivated by Hangzhou's branch. Originally, in June, they hoped he'd join the Killing Instance, but Hangzhou's branch believed the evil organization wouldn't let go of the Yuan Shi Tian Zun, and the mid-year Killing Instance would pose too great a risk, so they didn't approve his participation—missing his golden opportunity to become a Saint. Yet, given his talent, becoming a Saint is only a matter of time. He's a truly promising 'Phoenix-type' young man. If you like him, act quickly—I've already asked on your behalf. He's single!" The lady who had just spoken sipped her red wine, glanced toward the table, and asked, "Teng'er, who is this one?" She was looking at a middle-aged man with a refined appearance, dressed in casual business attire, short hair, mature and composed, with deep, thoughtful eyes—exactly the kind of partner ideal for a lady. "He's...," Teng'er spoke with ease and confidence, listing off details as if from memory, "the steward from Songhai Puning District, one of our Blossom Society members, with a spiritual realm ID of 'High Mountains and Flowing Water.' He visited my grandfather last year. If Man Yan likes him, I'll introduce you both." Stewards from Songhai hold a higher status than those from other branches—typically, they are either Level 5 or exceptionally promising Level 4 candidates. The lady beamed and nodded warmly, "Let's make friends." Teng'er smiled softly. Man Yan is also a steward from the Blossom Society, based in Jizhou Branch, currently on leave. She recently saw that Teng'er was hosting an event and came over to enjoy the occasion. She's been divorced once, but has no children. Then she introduced the distinguished men in the hall to her sisters one by one. "That one is Li Zhiyi, the grandson of Li Elder from the Hangzhou branch—Li Elder himself is the second-in-command there." This was said to the sisters who were eager to climb the ladder. "This one is Hua Yang Zi, reportedly a cultivator from a temple in the past; he's 33 now, and it's said he has an especially close relationship with the Fire Prince." This was for the sisters looking for a promising prospect. "This one is known as the Master of Ink and Color, the beloved mascot of the Xie Market branch—he's kind-hearted, with average talent, but quite handsome..." This was aimed at the sisters who wanted to nurture a charming, easygoing young man. Silence fell at the table, the atmosphere somewhat awkward. Lady Manyan smiled gently, deftly shifting the conversation, her demeanor alluring. "Teng'er, where's your brother? You've introduced him time and again—can't you see these young ladies are eyeing the young man with admiration?" The atmosphere instantly warmed up. Upon hearing the words "the young man," several women nearby turned to look. It was clear how much the young man was cherished by the ladies. Teng'er sighed impatiently. "He's always so carefree—no idea when he'll arrive. Just leave him be and enjoy your drinks." At that moment, a young woman dressed in a light blue gown, adorned and lively, asked, "Teng'er sister, did you invite Yuan Shiyuan?" More women turned to look, and even some men joined in. Teng'er shook her head. "I'm not particularly familiar with him, so I didn't extend an invitation." The lively young woman's face fell with disappointment. Her companions chuckled. "Yan'er, you still have your eyes on Yuan Shiyuan, haven't you?" "Even if your father is second-in-command at the Crab City branch, it's still quite challenging to win over Yuan Shishen." Though their positions are respectable, they still lack the stature to reach someone like Yuan Shishen—such a future powerhouse of the heavens. They'd like to get to know him, to become friends, or perhaps develop something more, but even Miao Teng'er, who was tactful enough not to invite Yuan Shishen, hasn't done so. How much less so could they? Miao Teng'er's maternal grandfather is the Grand Elder of the Hundred Blossom Assembly, a senior figure with a seat at the headquarters. Yan'er huffed, then turned toward the window, asking, "Are those people from Taiyuan Sect?" At the round table by the window sat two men dressed in black, with an air of elegance and a striking appearance. Opposite them sat a woman draped in a black veil, her flowing hair cascading down her shoulders, wearing a black silk dress, a black T-shirt, and a short black jacket. She was composed and serene, with a quiet melancholy in her eyes, like a peony blooming in the night—radiant and splendid, yet solitary and self-assured. "I had originally planned to introduce them to you both, but once Yin Ji came, they immediately took on the role of guardians of the flowers," Mei Teng'er chuckled. "How did you manage to invite her here?" Xie Lingyun sighed, "As soon as she sat down, the men's eyes never left her." Miao Teng'er sighed helplessly, "She wasn't on my invitation list. I only heard she had arrived at Songhai today, so I made a symbolic invitation—only to find she had accepted." Though she said that, she was secretly delighted that Yin Ji had come. Since the man passed away, Yin Ji had been veiled in a veil, presenting herself as utterly devoted and emotionally detached—was she trying to remain a widow for him? Miao Teng'er envied her deeply. She found Yin Ji's rigid adherence to the image of marital fidelity rather unappealing, and she often hoped that one day a man would finally sleep with her. Why should the magical sovereign have only loved her? At that moment, a server led two young people into the restaurant. Unlike the well-dressed men, these two wore loose, seven-seam pants, sport shoes, and T-shirts priced under two hundred yuan.