Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Announcement: Update coming soon, please stay tuned!

"It seems that our reputation as the 'new elite of the Southern Region' has now spread far and wide." Shen Mo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a faint, elusive smile playing on his lips. "However, it's spread along with the evaluations of us as 'weak and easily bullied' and 'worthless and worthless'."

Zhao Qingyan frowned and said, "Sect Leader, although this matter is small, its impact may be significant. In the future, I'm afraid more people will come to test us, observe, or even... kick us when we're down, with various motives."

"As expected." Shen Mo nodded. "The tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. We were already attracting a lot of attention because of the 'Thirty-Year Nascent Soul,' and now with this 'interesting anecdote,' it's hard not to attract attention."

"Pass down the order: from this day forward, all disciples are forbidden from leaving Yunqi Garden unless absolutely necessary. Focus on preparing for battle, avoid conflicts with any outsiders, and refrain from accepting visits or invitations without authorization."

"Yes," Zhao Qingyan and Su Xiao replied in unison.

"Furthermore," Shen Mo pondered, "Su Xiao, keep an eye out for any forces or individuals who show a significant change in their level of attention towards our Qingyun Sect after this incident, especially those who attempt to make contact with us."

"clear."

As Shen Mo predicted, in the following two days, the news of the "Southern Region Qingyun Sect's conflict and humiliation with the Heavenly Sword Sect" spread like wildfire within a small circle of the cultivators attending the Tianyuan Conference.

Although it wasn't anything earth-shattering, the relatively calm period leading up to the conference was enough to become a topic of conversation for many.

"Have you heard? Those disciples from Qingyun Sect were called 'chickens and dogs' by Leng Feng of Tianjian Sect, and they didn't dare to fight back!"

"Tsk, this is the kind of cowardice that Sect Leader Shen, who is only at the Nascent Soul stage for thirty years, has trained? It seems that the Qingyun Sect is indeed all show and no substance, all bark and no bite."

"Not necessarily. Perhaps they are holding back? After all, in Tianyuan, the cost of taking action is too high."

"Endure? Being insulted to that extent and still endure? I think that's just cowardice! They're from the Southern Region, they've never seen anything like this before, they're terrified!"

"I'm more interested in that Sect Leader Shen. His disciples have been so humiliated, yet he hasn't shown any reaction? Is he truly patient, or... is he all bark and no bite?"

Similar discussions could be heard frequently in restaurants and teahouses, in corners of exchange meetings, and even during breaks in public training areas.

The names of Qingyun Sect and Shen Mo were mentioned more frequently, but they were accompanied by doubt, disdain, ridicule, and a condescending curiosity.

The area in front of Yunqi Garden was also more "lively" than usual.

A cultivator claiming to be from a certain loose cultivator alliance sent a letter requesting an audience, saying that he "admires the demeanor of Sect Leader Shen and wishes to befriend him and discuss the Dao."

Managers from various chambers of commerce and intelligence organizations would arrive with small gifts, claiming it was for "exchanging information" and "providing the latest intelligence from the conference."

There were even two rogue cultivators with low cultivation levels who appeared out of nowhere, peeking around outside the courtyard gate, but were startled away by the warning marks secretly left by Su Xiao.

Shen Mo politely declined all such requests, citing his "seclusion for war preparations and inconvenience in receiving guests." He also returned the visiting cards and gifts unopened.

Yunqi Garden's gates remained tightly closed, its array fully activated, exuding a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

This behavior, in the eyes of some, became evidence of "guilt" and "cowardice." But a few more shrewd individuals secretly became more vigilant.

Something unusual must be going on. Such composure suggests either a complete incompetence or... something far more ambitious.

In this slightly eerie atmosphere, a beautifully crafted invitation, gilded and stamped with gold foil, was respectfully delivered to the gate of Yunqi Garden by a Foundation Establishment cultivator dressed in the attire of "Wanbaolou".

"My master, Jin Wanqian, the third manager of Wanbaolou, will be hosting a small tea party for discussion at Juxiange tomorrow evening. He has specially invited young talents and sect leaders who have recently arrived in Tianyuan and whose cultivation is between the Golden Core and early Nascent Soul stages to enjoy tea, discuss the Dao, exchange ideas, and share their knowledge."

"I have long admired the profound Taoist skills and unique insights of Headmaster Shen of the Qingyun Sect. Therefore, I am sending this invitation, hoping that Headmaster Shen will spare some time to attend." The cultivator who delivered the invitation was eloquent and respectful. After handing the invitation to Zhao Ming, the gatekeeper, he bowed and withdrew without saying anything more.

The invitation was delivered to Shen Mo. He opened it and saw that it was written in a sincere tone, listing the names of more than ten invitees. In addition to him, there were Golden Core Perfection Elders from several medium-sized sects, two newly promoted Nascent Soul Guest Elders from cultivation families, and two or three rogue cultivators who were not well-known but whose strength was considerable according to Su Xiao's intelligence.

It appeared to be a purely social event organized by the chamber of commerce, aimed at expanding networks and exchanging information.

"Sect Leader, shall we go?" Zhao Qingyan asked. She was somewhat worried. In such an occasion, there would inevitably be verbal sparring and covert competition. Given the current delicate reputation of the Qingyun Sect, if the Sect Leader went, he would probably become the focus of attention, and might even be deliberately made difficult.

Shen Mo pointed to the smooth surface of the invitation, pondered for a moment, and said, "Go. Why not go? They've offered us the way; wouldn't it be a waste not to go and see the scenery? Perfect, let them see if my Qingyun Sect is just someone who stays inside all the time."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "Moreover, you can often hear some interesting things in these kinds of situations."

The following evening, the eternally gentle light of the sky over Tengen transformed into an even more hazy and dreamlike twilight.

Shen Mo changed into an ordinary blue Taoist robe, and without any attendants, he went alone to the "Juxian Pavilion" located in the core business district of Tianyuan, which was decorated in a magnificent yet elegant manner, following the address on the invitation.

The attic had three floors, and the entire third floor had been booked for tonight. Shen Mo handed over the invitation, and a beautiful maid immediately led him upstairs.

The third floor is an extremely spacious hall, with a thick spiritual carpet embroidered with cloud patterns on the floor, and sandalwood incense burning in the four corners to calm the mind.

A dozen or so low jade tables were scattered throughout the hall, each with a futon behind it. Most of the futons were already occupied, with people chatting quietly in small groups.

Shen Mo's arrival caused a slight pause in the conversation in the hall. Almost everyone's eyes instantly focused on him.

Curiosity, scrutiny, exploration, indifference, disdain... a variety of emotions are at play.

Manager Jin of Wanbaolou, whom I had met once before in Wanfa City, was now the host. Dressed in a brocade robe and beaming with joy, he immediately rose to greet me.

"Oh my, it's an honor to have Sect Leader Shen here! Please take a seat!" Jin Wanqian warmly led Shen Mo to a jade table on the left, a very good spot, directly opposite the head of the table, showing that he was highly regarded.

Shen Mo remained calm, nodded slightly to everyone, and then sat down with an air of quiet contemplation, seemingly waiting for the banquet to begin.

Jin Wanqian then introduced everyone present.

Shen Mo silently noted it down and verified it against the information provided by Su Xiao.

Sure enough, apart from a few unknown rogue cultivators, the rest all had some background. Their cultivation level was at least late Golden Core stage, and most were stuck at the Golden Core Perfection stage. The two newly promoted Nascent Soul guest elders still had somewhat unstable auras, indicating that they had only recently broken through.