Chapter 455 - 424: Invitation

'A few Golden Core Cultivators want to see me?'

Chen Che frowned. He didn't know anyone in Faqian City, let alone someone who would want to meet him in a place like that. 'Could it be...'

Xiao Chan's expression was grim. He sent a telepathic message:

"It must be that group of Golden Core Cultivators Duobao contacted."

"I think so."

Chen Che mulled it over for a moment, then stood up.

It had to be.

It couldn't be anyone else besides those connected to Duobao. It might be a good idea to meet them. Across from him, Xiao Chan silently withdrew his Divine Sense. In a situation like this, it was best not to act rashly but to wait and see how things unfolded.

At the same time, he didn't forget to send another telepathic message:

"Be careful."

"I know."

...

Leaving the inn, Chen Che followed the attendant and Jin Wu into a lively establishment, the most famous "Gold Melting House" in all of Faqian City.

Once he was actually inside,

he discovered that the interior of the Celestial Paradise was surprisingly serene and elegant.

In the center of the main hall, there was even a Calming Incense Burner slowly emitting wisps of blue smoke. At first glance, it looked more like a spartan Daoist temple or monastery. It didn't look like an "entertainment venue" at all.

He went straight to the top floor. Following the attendant's directions, Chen Che casually pushed open the door to a spacious private room and saw a dozen or so figures inside. Spirit Fruits and Spirit Wine were laid out before them, but they all sat in silence. Some had their eyes half-closed, while others were seated cross-legged, all appearing to be waiting.

"V-Valley Master Chen, I'll take my leave now."

Jin Wu had originally intended to follow Chen Che inside, but when everyone's gazes fell on him in unison, his heart couldn't help but tremble. What right did he have to remain in a room where twelve Golden Core Cultivators were gathered?

He immediately took a few steps back, closed the door, and fled as if escaping.

"I am Chen Che of Jinyun Valley. Greetings, fellow Daoists."

Although he had already guessed their intentions, Chen Che feigned ignorance. "May I ask which fellow Daoist invited me here, and for what purpose?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the room.

He was secretly assessing the Cultivation Realms of the people before him. He found that every single one of them was around the Golden Core Fifth or Sixth Layer.

Not one of them was inferior to the likes of Fang Shuxian from the Black Tortoise Calm Sea incident. In fact, three of them were clearly stronger than Dan Xuanzi, having obviously entered the Late-stage Golden Core Realm. A lineup like this was strong enough to lay siege to the Primordial Sect.

Of course, whether they could actually succeed was another matter entirely.

"Haha, V-Valley Master Chen."

Amidst the laughter, the leader of the group—an elderly man with his silver hair tied up high, wearing a Daoist Robe and holding a horsetail Duster—stood up to greet him. This man, who had the air of a sagacious immortal, clasped his hands cheerfully and said with delight:

"I heard that a Cultivator arrived in Faqian City riding a Great Demon. Then I heard others say it was Valley Master Chen of Jinyun Valley, so I took the liberty of inviting you here to meet. Valley Master Chen, you certainly kept us waiting. A grand welcome to you!"

The others also rose to their feet, clasping their fists in greeting and offering a stream of compliments.

"Valley Master Chen, you've finally arrived."

"Seeing you in person is better than hearing a hundred tales!"

"Truly, a young and talented hero."

Some acted familiar, as if greeting a long-lost friend. Others couldn't be bothered and just gave a lazy wave. Still others, while playing along, were secretly sizing him up.

Chen Che smiled and returned their greetings one by one, clasping his own hands.

"I was injured some time ago and have been recuperating In the Valley ever since."

After ushering Chen Che to his seat and exchanging a few pleasantries, the atmosphere finally warmed up a little.

Among the three Golden Core Cultivators who were no weaker than Dan Xuanzi, one was a Daoist Nun with a sword on her back and a face that seemed free of all worldly desires; her name was Fan Sulan. Another was a Grand Monk, half-draped in a white kasaya and holding a Nine-Ring Staff, posturing as a transcendent master. He called himself Guang Hui.

The others also announced their names.

'They said some of them were from territories under the Primordial Sect's jurisdiction, so how come I've never heard of any of them?'

Although he had never heard of their origins, it didn't stop Chen Che from clasping his hands and saying he had long admired them. He figured these Golden Core Cultivators were either secluded masters who never left their training grounds, or they were wandering cultivators with no family or faction, which was why they weren't famous.

The immortal-like old Daoist who had been the first to greet Chen Che was named Yu Zhen.

This group of Golden Core Cultivators implicitly treated him as their leader.

Yu Zhen waved his Duster, poured Chen Che a cup of Spirit Tea, and got straight to the point.

"Valley Master Chen, you must be aware of why we have all gathered here. We are all here for Xiao Chan. We've been waiting all this time, and now that you've arrived, we have enough people. We can finally make our move."

"What do you need me to do?"

Averting his gaze from the Spirit Tea, Chen Che asked casually.

"Valley Master Chen, we already made arrangements before you arrived. Xiao Chan is only at the Golden Core Third Layer. Any two of us from this group would be enough to ensure he dies without a burial place."

"In the face of absolute power, there's no need for any meticulous plan. You just need to move with us. You won't even need to attack during the operation; just guard a position and prevent him from escaping."

After saying this, Yu Zhen paused slightly before asking:

"Valley Master Chen, you have no objections to this, do you?"

If they were ambushing someone else, Chen Che certainly wouldn't have any objections. He had no intention of being the one to stick his neck out. But... Chen Che picked up his teacup, then set it down again.

"None at all! However, since I've come here under orders, wouldn't it be inappropriate for me not to participate in the fight?"

TCH!

Someone in the private room let out a soft chuckle.

Chen Che followed the sound with his eyes, but everyone's expression was normal. He couldn't tell who it was.

"There's no need. Your injuries haven't fully healed, and you were ordered to come here on short notice. Chief Huang told me to take good care of you. If you really feel bad about it, I can leave the beheading to you. Would that satisfy you, Valley Master?"

Yu Zhen said without any attempt to hide his meaning.

"Oh!?"

Chen Che laughed heartily, an expression of mutual understanding spreading across his face.

At the same time, several people in the room exchanged glances, their expressions varied. Many of them joined in the laughter.

"When and how will we make our move? Fighting is forbidden in Faqian City, so how do we proceed?"

Chen Che asked, feigning concern.

"That's not difficult. We can just force him to attack first, or we can simply snatch him and drag him out of the city, then kill him outside..." Yu Zhen laughed loudly, patting Chen Che's shoulder enthusiastically and motioning for him to sit down.

"Of course, these are minor details. Valley Master Chen doesn't need to worry about them."

"No problem!" Chen Che agreed without hesitation.

On his way here, Chen Che had considered all sorts of possibilities.

He had thought they might push him to the front line to lead the charge. He had also thought they might draw a circle and trap both him and Xiao Chan inside. But he had never imagined that Yu Zhen, under Huang Shiwo's arrangement, would specifically look out for him, even letting him be the one to deal the final blow.

No matter how you looked at it, this was an easy job.

'But is it really that simple?'

Chen Che saw it as clearly as if looking in a mirror.

'How could there be such a good deal in this world?'

Especially regarding the plan against Xiao Chan, whenever he asked, they gave him the same glib answer. Although he was suspicious, it did make sense. For a group of their strength to annihilate a single Early-stage Golden Core Cultivator was like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito—complete overkill.

What need was there for a thorough plan?

It was like a group of mortals gathering to discuss how to step on an ant. Did they really need to?

Seeing their Valley Master integrate so easily, everyone was quite happy. With the official business concluded, the conversation gradually shifted to anecdotes and strange tales from all over the world, both ancient and modern.

Of course,

when discussing such matters, one couldn't let the atmosphere grow cold.

Yu Zhen clapped his hands, and the door to the private room was pushed open again. A line of impeccably dressed Female Cultivators walked in, some attired as Female Officials, some as cultivators, and others as demonesses. At the very end of the line were even a few handsome male consorts with sharp brows, star-like eyes, and perfectly sculpted noses.

The one leading them was a Female Cultivator in a palace gown with a frosty expression. Her Cultivation was impressively at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection Realm.

"Valley Master Chen, I'm sure you've heard of this one. She is Wanwan."

Yu Zhen gave him a look that all men would understand, then waved his hand. "Music! Let the dancing begin..."

Instantly, the crowd surged forward.

Chen Che simply focused on eating.

To his surprise, the three male consorts were actually for the Daoist Nun, Fan Sulan. One of the men was massaging her legs, another was kneading her shoulders, and the third was peeling grapes and feeding them into her mouth.

At the same time, Chen Che keenly sensed that the lit incense in the room seemed to have a slightly aphrodisiac effect. While it wasn't strong enough to make people lose control, it could slowly draw out the desires hidden deep in one's heart.

And in such an atmosphere, the behavior of the many Golden Core Cultivators present became unrestrained.

Seeing things escalating, Chen Che had no intention of becoming a 'kindred spirit' with these people. He made the excuse that his injuries had not yet healed and he needed to return to recuperate, then bid them farewell.

Yu Zhen saw him out of the room with a smile, but as soon as the door closed, his expression instantly turned cold.

The once-lively private room fell silent, a stark contrast to the boisterous scene from moments before.