"The Zhuang family's ambition is quite significant!"
Qian Ni Chang transmitted her thoughts via divine sense, along with her emotions.
She expressed her disdain for the Zhuang family's actions with a cold laugh.
However, it was understandable. Within the entire Ling Yang Prefecture, there was only one sect that could claim to be certain of victory against the Nine Profound Sect.
Whether it was in Fei Yun County or the other three counties, countless forces wished to send their direct descendants to cultivate there.
Unfortunately, the Nine Profound Sect's disciple selection process was notoriously stringent.
No matter how astonishing one's talent, if their ideals clashed, their disposition was lacking, or if their background was not clean enough.
The Nine Profound Sect would reject them all!
"How did you handle those people?"
Qian Ni Chang suddenly seemed to recall something and quickly inquired via divine sense.
If Ji Yuan had not handled it properly, not only would this evening's banquet fail to secure any benefits for them,
It was likely they would be fortunate to avoid being targeted.
"Rest assured, they've all stayed, and their treatment is quite decent."
Ji Yuan smiled faintly, his face betraying no unusual expression.
As for the people sent by the Zhuang family, he had not turned away a single one; all of them had been kept.
However, entering Xuan Tian Peak was, of course, a pipe dream.
Currently, those individuals, including two exceptionally talented youths, were working under Zhuang Chang Ming.
They had been brought into Xuan Tian Temple and were sent to various parts of Fei Yun County, ostensibly for practical experience.
And if nothing unexpected occurred, it would be exceedingly difficult for these individuals to ever step foot within the Nine Profound Sect's gates in their lifetime.
Yet, he had not treated them poorly; the necessary resources were all provided, and for their daily cultivation, they consumed the rather expensive Profound Heaven Dew Pill.
Although these people might not truly care for such resources.
Since the Zhuang family's focus was merely on an opportunity to infiltrate the Nine Profound Sect, they likely wouldn't fuss over such minor matters.
As the two conversed via divine sense, the banquet's food and wine were finally ready.
The Zhuang family's principal representative, along with his family members, arrived fashionably late.
Attending this evening was the head of the Zhuang family, a cultivator in the third realm who, despite his youthful appearance, was nearly two hundred years old.
His wife was also a cultivator in the second realm, and her aura indicated she had long since reached the late stage.
However, without a fortunate encounter, it was unlikely she would advance further in her lifetime, with no hope of ascending to the Ming Dao realm.
Their child was a boy of thirteen or fourteen, with rosy cheeks and a handsome appearance, who had already embarked on the path of cultivation.
With just a glance, Ji Yuan could tell that this young man was likely in the middle stage of the Enlightenment realm.
Such cultivation would undoubtedly be considered genius outside.
However, given the Zhuang family's wealth, his progress seemed somewhat slow.
"Greetings, Daoist Zhuang."
Ji Yuan cupped his hands in a respectful salute, speaking calmly.
Qian Ni Chang merely offered a slight bow.
The wife of the Zhuang family's head frowned slightly upon seeing this.
Although the other party was also a third-realm cultivator, their indifferent tone and casual address as equals
Caused a flicker of displeasure to arise in her heart.
"I am Zhuang Lin Dao, greetings Daoist Ji."
The head of the Zhuang family chuckled heartily, unlike his wife.
Or perhaps he harbored such feelings but did not reveal them.
After all, as the head of a family, possessing vast wealth and influence, he would not display everything on the surface.
Before long, they all took their seats, and beautiful maids came forward to pour wine.
"It is only today that I have the honor of meeting you, Daoist Ji."
Zhuang Lin Dao said with a hearty laugh, "Come, let's finish this cup!"
He tilted his head and drank the wine in his cup. Despite his refined demeanor, he appeared as boisterous as a martial practitioner.
Seeing this, Ji Yuan could only offer a wry smile and also drained his cup of spiritual wine.
"I have a humble request to make of you, Daoist, for inviting you here today."
As soon as Zhuang Lin Dao set down his wine cup, he spoke directly.
The maids beside them had not even refilled their cups.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan and Qian Ni Chang exchanged glances subtly.
Almost simultaneously, they thought to themselves, "Here it comes!"
This banquet tonight was not only for them to have their own calculations; the Zhuang family surely had their own agenda.
Yet, neither of them had expected the head of the Zhuang family to be so eager.
He had gone straight to the main point.
"This is my youngest son, Tian Xin."
Zhuang Lin Dao pointed to the young man and said, "Although my son has fortunately awakened his enlightenment, I have yet to find a master for him."
"I have had an idea, and I hope he can become your disciple."
"Daoist Ji's talent is renowned even in Luo Xia County, a fact I have long heard."
"If Tian Xin can become your disciple, it would truly be a commendable story."
Ji Yuan's expression froze, and he looked at the man with a peculiar expression.
He truly had not expected that the first thing this man would do was request his son to become a disciple!
Even Qian Ni Chang wore a look of considerable surprise, seemingly not having anticipated this turn of events.
"Please, Senior, accept Tian Xin as your disciple!"
The young man, without hesitation, rose and immediately clasped his hands in a bow.
However, this bow could not be completed; a force restrained his hands.
Ji Yuan glanced at the young man, thinking that if this matter had not been prearranged, he would not believe it for a moment.
Then, he shifted his gaze to Zhuang Lin Dao, the head of the Zhuang family.
"Your action, Daoist, truly surprises this humble one!"
He chuckled, not revealing any particular emotion.
However, his words carried a hint of displeasure and annoyance.
Seeing this, Zhuang Lin Dao laughed heartily, seemingly unconcerned.
"If you accept Tian Xin, the Zhuang family will naturally not be disrespectful."
He toyed with his wine cup, which had long since been emptied.
As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Yuan inwardly guessed that what the man referred to was likely the betrothal gift.
"If Tian Xin becomes your disciple, the Zhuang family will wholeheartedly support you from now on."
"Whatever the Zhuang family possesses, we will not be stingy in the slightest!"
"Oh, and by the way, Ming Xin Xuan has always had three benefactors who mutually support and develop each other. A position has now become vacant."
"I believe that Daoist Ji, with his excellent relationship with the Zhuang and Qian families, and his deep ties to Ming Xin Xuan."
"Why not, then, become the third benefactor?"
After finishing his speech, Zhuang Lin Dao's face remained impassive.
He calmly played with his wine cup, his eyes filled with sincerity, as if his preceding words were from the bottom of his heart.
Meanwhile, within Ji Yuan's mind, waves of emotion surged.
He was surprised that the man had seen through his intentions and also impressed by the man's grand gesture.
However, Ji Yuan rejected this transactional proposal without a second thought.
He used his divine power to return the young man to his seat, then shook his head:
"What this humble one desires, he will obtain through his own efforts."