You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Qiuniu also put down his wine cup and stared intently at Huang Zhenren, clearly equally curious about this question.

Their Special Administration Bureau possesses a lot of modern technology, but it seems to have encountered a bottleneck in this "psychic product" that combines ancient methods with modern needs.

Master Huang stroked his beard and explained with a smile.

"Actually, it's quite simple. The key is to 'go with the flow.' The water, grains, herbs, and fruits we use all grow in an environment imbued with spiritual energy, possessing their own spiritual essence. During the brewing process, we don't use materials containing powerful spiritual energy to 'force' an enhancement."

Instead, through special ancient techniques, in a specific environment where natural energy gathers, the wine naturally absorbs and blends with the energy of the environment during a long aging period in cellars, slowly combining with the flavor compounds of the wine itself. Time, combined with the right environment, is the best 'winemaker'.

Of course, there are also some auxiliary, gentle spirit-gathering formations, but these mainly guide rather than infuse.

After listening, Jiang He felt both envious and admiring.

"The ancient way of nature, adapting to local conditions... I've learned a lot! It seems that we 'modernists' still have a lot to learn from you 'traditionalists' when it comes to the application of spiritual energy."

His eyes darted around, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at Chen Yang and Master Huang.

"Chen Yang, Master Huang, could you spare some of this spirit wine for me? This stuff tastes so good, it's really beneficial for cultivation and recovery! I'll take some back for the guys in the bureau to try, and let them see what it's like!"

Chen Yang looked at Master Huang. This wine was brewed by Master Huang's lineage, so he naturally had to respect the old man's opinion.

Master Huang waved his hand generously.

"It's our honor that Minister Jiang likes it. Don't worry about sharing it; we'll just give you some! Just tell us how much you want, and I'll have someone prepare it and send it to you later."

Jiang He was overjoyed, but felt bad about taking it for free, so he quickly said...

"How could I accept this for free! Here's what we'll do: once our new drug is in mass production, I'll send you the first batch in exchange for this!"

Master Huang did not refuse and smiled.

"Then this old man will accept it without hesitation and await Minister Jiang's fine gift!"

As he spoke, he turned to a disciple standing outside the hall and gave him a few instructions.

The disciple accepted the order and quickly left.

Jiang He rubbed his hands together, looking somewhat anxious.

"Um...Master Huang, if I may be so bold as to ask, could you give me a taste first? We're setting off tomorrow, so a little drink tonight will help me get some energy!"

Master Huang was amused by his straightforwardness.

"No problem, I'll have someone fetch it right away."

Before long, the disciple returned, carrying a palm-sized, cyan storage bag embroidered with cloud patterns, which he respectfully handed to Master Huang. Master Huang didn't even glance at it and simply passed it to Jiang He.

"Minister Jiang, here are ten jars of 'Green Pine Brew,' each containing five jin (2.5 kg). Please take them and drink them first. If you need more, just let me know."

Jiang He happily accepted the storage bag. It felt heavy in his hand. He probed inside with his divine sense and found ten ancient wine jars neatly stacked inside.

He carefully put it away, patting his chest as a guarantee.

"Master Huang, you're so kind! Once our potion is ready, I'll personally deliver the best to you!"

Seeing this, everyone burst into laughter again. Jiang He raised his glass once more.

"Come on, let's drink to Master Huang's generosity and to our closer cooperation!"

Wang Xuan was engrossed in eating a piece of tender, juicy spirit beast tendon when his master suddenly gave him a light kick under the table.

He jolted awake, hurriedly put down his chopsticks, grabbed his wine glass in a flurry, and drank it down with the others, his face still smeared with sauce, making him look quite comical, which made Luanfeng cover her mouth and chuckle.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious. Liu Yu put down her silver chopsticks, elegantly wiped her mouth, looked at Jiang He, and asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Minister Jiang, please forgive my intrusion, but I wonder if you have any other important matters to discuss with the sect leader regarding tomorrow's operation, since you have personally led the team to my Qingwei Sect this time? Of course, if it involves confidential information, then please disregard my question."

Jiang He glanced at Chen Yang, and seeing Chen Yang nod slightly, he put down his wine glass and said seriously.

"Since Elder Liu has asked, and we're all on the same side, there's no harm in sharing. The main purpose of our gathering here is what we just discussed with Chen Yang—to join forces with the Qingwei Sect to destroy the secret stronghold of the black-clad assassin organization we discovered in the Northwest!"

His tone turned serious.

"These cowardly rats have not only repeatedly targeted Sect Master Chen Yang with assassinations and sneak attacks, but have also committed numerous bloody crimes within our country, harming our colleagues in the Special Administration Bureau and innocent cultivators."

More importantly, we have conclusive evidence that they are secretly colluding with certain unscrupulous families and sects within the country, transferring benefits and providing protection! Without eradicating this cancer, the nation will never have peace, and the spiritual community will find it difficult to maintain tranquility!

Upon hearing this, Master Huang's smile faded, and he said in a deep voice.

"I see. To be honest, Minister Jiang, these assassins in black also infiltrated the back mountain of my Qingwei Sect, attempting to commit wicked deeds. Fortunately, they were discovered and repelled in time, but several of our outer disciples were lost. This grudge is etched in the hearts of everyone in the Qingwei Sect."

A hint of coldness flashed in Liu Yu's eyes as she replied.

“Exactly. I recently took a liking to two decent handyman disciples, intending to observe them before taking them under my wing and teaching them carefully. However, when the men in black infiltrated last time, those two disciples happened to be on guard duty on the outer edge of the back mountain and were unfortunately killed... I, Liu Yu, will avenge this grudge!”

She looked at Chen Yang, her tone firm.

"Sect Master, may I accompany you on tomorrow's operation? I want to personally seek justice for those two disciples!"

Looking at the genuine anger and pleading in Liu Yu's eyes, Chen Yang pondered for a moment before turning to Jiang He.

"Elder Liu's cultivation is remarkable, and she is meticulous in her thinking. If she is willing to go with us, she would be a great help. I just wonder if Minister Jiang has made proper arrangements for the manpower? Is it necessary to add more?"

Liu Yu immediately turned her expectant gaze to Jiang He.

Jiang He laughed heartily.

"Elder Liu's willingness and willingness to personally take action is more than we could ask for! Naturally, the more experts we have for this operation, the better our chances of success! We warmly welcome Elder Liu's participation!"

Liu Yu smiled and cupped her hands in greeting.

"Thank you, Minister Jiang!"

Master Huang, standing to the side, stroked his beard and said.

"Sect Leader, since Elder Liu is going, then this old man will humbly request permission to go with him. These scoundrels have repeatedly trespassed on our sect. Although they have not succeeded, they have still disturbed the peace and tranquility of Qingwei. Although I am old, I would like to personally meet them and see what abilities they have that make them so arrogant!"

Chen Yang glanced at Master Huang, then at Jiang He, and seeing that Jiang He also nodded in welcome, he said...

“Alright! Since Minister Jiang has no objections, then Master Huang will also go. However, the number of people should not be too large, as the sect’s important location needs strong people to guard it. Just the two of you will come with me and Minister Jiang and the others. Elder Xuan Shui, Elder Li Zheng Guo and the others need to stay behind to guard the mountain gate, take charge of the overall situation, and guard against any possible diversionary tactics.”

"Yes! Leader!"

Master Huang and Liu Yu responded in unison, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

Seeing this, Jiang He felt even more at ease. He raised his wine cup again, this time to toast Huang Zhenren and Liu Yu separately.

"Master Huang and Elder Liu are truly wise and righteous. Jiang He thanks them in advance! I wish us a resounding victory tomorrow and that we may avenge our fallen comrades!"

"Dry!"

The three of them clinked their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

The atmosphere warmed up again, and everyone began to truly enjoy their meal. Qiuniu devoured the spiritual meat on the table with great speed, while muttering indistinct praises.

"That was awesome! Absolutely awesome! Sect Leader Chen, True Man Huang, if I have the chance in the future, I will definitely come here and stay for a few more days. I won't do anything else but eat these good things every day!"

Chen Yang smiled.

"You are always welcome. The doors of the Qingwei School are always open to friends."

At this moment, the disciple who had previously fetched the wine quietly entered again, handed another, slightly smaller storage bag to Master Huang, and whispered a few words. Master Huang nodded and waved for the disciple to leave.

The banquet drew to a close in a joyful atmosphere. After the last platter of spiritual fruits had been shared by everyone, Chen Yang stood up and said...

"Minister Jiang, you have come from afar and will soon be participating in the operation, so please rest early today. I have already arranged accommodations in several secluded caves in the back mountains. The conditions are simple, but I hope you will not find them unpleasant."

Jiang He quickly waved his hand.

"Chen Yang, you're too kind! It's our honor to be able to rest for the night in this blessed land. Don't say it's humble!"

"Then please come with me."

Chen Yang led the way, accompanied by Master Huang and Liu Yu, with Wang Xuan obediently following behind Chen Yang.

The group left the welcoming pavilion and walked along the bluestone path towards the area behind the mountain where the spiritual energy was more abundant.

Before long, a group of caves carved into the mountainside and hidden among the pines and cypresses came into view.

These cave dwellings are not simply mountain caves, but rather carefully designed and reinforced with formations. The cave entrances are simple and ancient in style, blending seamlessly with the mountain landscape.

The cave dwelling is divided into two areas, left and right. On the left, some cave dwellings have disciples on duty at their entrances or faint traces of cultivation fluctuations, clearly indicating that they are used by members of the Qingwei Sect. The right side is relatively quiet, with its doors tightly closed, and is used to entertain guests.

Chen Yang led the group to a cave in a prime location with a wide view on the right side, and pushed open the heavy stone door. The cave was not dark and damp as expected, but rather bright and dry.

The top is inlaid with several luminous pearls that emit a soft white light, the walls are polished smooth and flat, and there are even several landscape paintings with a profound artistic conception hanging on them.

The cave was quite spacious, cleverly divided into a front hall, a meditation room, a bedroom, and a small cultivation area. The floor was covered with thick animal hide carpets, and the furniture was complete, not luxurious, but clean and comfortable.

Most notably, a simple spirit-gathering array was carved on the ground of the cultivation area, where strands of pure spiritual energy from heaven and earth were slowly being gathered, making the concentration of spiritual energy inside the cave significantly higher than that outside.

Master Huang introduced with a smile.

"Minister Jiang, fellow Daoists, this is the cave dwelling where our Qingwei Sect entertains distinguished guests. Although it cannot compare to the grand mansions outside, it is quiet, close to nature, and has a relatively abundant spiritual energy."

The effects of meditation and breath regulation here are better than outside. If needed, simply touch the communication talisman beside the door, and a disciple will come to your aid.

As Jiang He entered the cave, he felt the abundant spiritual energy flowing in the air, and after looking at the spirit-gathering array and the luminous pearl on the ceiling, he exclaimed in admiration.

"Master Huang is too modest! This place is far from simple; it's clearly a paradise for cultivation! It's warm in winter and cool in summer, full of spiritual energy, quiet and undisturbed... It's so much better than those so-called five-star hotels we stayed in in Yanjing! This is true 'high-end' enjoyment!"

Qiuniu looked around and nodded repeatedly.

"Indeed! This cave dwelling looks simple, but it's practical and thoughtfully designed in every way. This spirit-gathering array is simple, but its effect is real, and it feels much more natural and comfortable than those fancy 'spiritual energy regulating chambers' in our department!"

Luanfeng's eyes gleamed with wonder. She walked to the window, looked at the misty mountain scenery outside, and said softly.

"So beautiful... How wonderful it would be to live and cultivate in such a place for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yang half-jokingly replied.

"If Fellow Daoist Luanfeng truly likes it, this cave dwelling will be reserved for you. Whenever you come to Qingwei Sect in the future, it will be your exclusive residence. You are welcome to stay here anytime."

The phoenix turned its head and smiled sweetly.

"Is what Sect Leader Chen said true? Then I'll remember it! However... our Special Administration Bureau is very busy with affairs, always on the go, so I'm afraid we really won't have the opportunity to stay for a long time. But if we have the chance, we will definitely come and bother you!"

Chen Yang smiled and nodded, then led Jiang He, Qiu Niu, and the others to see several similar cave dwellings nearby, arranging for them to stay in each one. Once everyone was settled, Chen Yang bid farewell to Huang Zhenren, Liu Yu, and Wang Xuan and left.

As they walked out of the guest cave area and back to the main peak, Huang Zhenren and Liu Yu's relaxed expressions faded, and they looked at Chen Yang.

Master Huang said in a low voice.

"Sect Leader, Elder Liu and I volunteered during the banquet without consulting you beforehand. Please forgive us. We were just in a moment of anger when we heard that we were going to wipe out those men in black, and that's when we blurted it out."

Liu Yu also said.

"Sect Master, the same applies to me. If the Sect Master finds this inappropriate, or has other arrangements, I will obey."

Chen Yang waved his hand, his tone calm.

"It's alright. I understand your intentions. Deepening cooperation with the Special Administration Bureau is more beneficial than harmful to our Qingwei Sect. Their modern research methods and resources, combined with our inherited cultivation methods, have enormous potential for the future."

Those potions and armor will genuinely enhance our disciples' strength. Letting them participate in this operation will not only deepen mutual trust but also allow them to experience firsthand the battle against these foreign forces—it's a good thing.

He paused and continued.

"As for potential risks... the path of cultivation is never smooth sailing. Disciples will always face various challenges and dangers in the future. Cooperating with the Special Administration Bureau to go out for training in the form of 'missions' can control the risks."

They would receive practical training and resource rewards, which is far better than keeping them sheltered within the sect. Without experiencing hardship, even the most talented individuals are merely hothouse flowers, unfit for great use.

Liu Yu deeply agreed.

"Sect Master is absolutely right. I also believe that sending some promising disciples out on missions is crucial for their growth. It can broaden their horizons, hone their character and combat skills, and also help them understand the responsibilities they bear earlier." (End of Chapter)