After the path was cut off

As soon as Gu Chenglan left, the atmosphere on the platform dissipated.

Although everyone still held their teacups, their eyes were no longer on the table. Those words were like a knife plunged into the center of the table, dissecting the situation that could have been smoothed over.

This small banquet ended before it even truly began.

The night grew deeper.

Inside Qingyun Cottage, the protective barrier slowly closed, isolating the outside world from any sounds or prying eyes.

Gu Xiangyang personally led in a meek and obedient servant.

Once the door closed, the servant waved his hand across his face, and the illusion vanished, revealing Li Wangxiang's original appearance.

Liu Ruyan was taken aback at first, then a strange look flashed in her eyes.

"What a brilliant illusion."

She glanced at Li Wangxiang and chuckled softly:

"It is said that the [Return to Earth] path is best at concealing one's strength and hiding one's breath. Today it seems that even the illusion and disguise are so sophisticated."

Li Wangxiang did not respond to those words, but simply raised his hand in a slight bow.

"I apologize for disturbing you all tonight."

"This humble Taoist priest is unfamiliar with the intricacies of bidding for sacred land. I have come here today simply to hear your opinions."

Gu Xiangyang led him to sit down next to the head of the table, and then sat down himself.

The room was now only dimly lit, and the four people sat around the table, their faces much more somber than when they were on the hanging platform.

Gu Xiangyang coughed first, breaking the silence.

"As is customary, I'll start."

He glanced at the crowd, his voice low.

"We underestimated this Gu Chenglan."

"His move tonight wasn't just bold, it was ruthless."

Liu Ruyan nodded gently and followed up:

"From the moment he revealed the Immortal Skill Jade Disc, I knew that this person would not be content with just bidding up the price during the auction."

"His greatest strength lies in using the rules to his advantage. Back in the round of the General Affairs Hall, he didn't lose because of his ability, but because of his background. Shen Bai is a direct descendant of the inner sect of Duoling Peak, while he is just an outer disciple who has worked his way up from the First Peak."

He never swallowed his anger.

As she said this, the corners of her lips curved slightly, but her smile was somewhat cold.

"Now that he has decided to leave the sect, he naturally cares less about making a big fuss. The more difficult it is for the General Affairs Department, the happier he will probably be."

Gu Xiangyang continued:

"The problem isn't what Gu Chenglan thinks, but rather—"

"After he made his point out tonight, we were put in a difficult position."

He raised his hand and tapped lightly on the table.

Regarding his comment about "the two families sharing the table"—

"Should we answer, or not?"

The room fell silent immediately.

Li Wangxiang lowered his eyes, watching a wisp of tea smoke slowly rising from the table, and remained silent.

It was Zhou Mingyuan who spoke first.

"You can't answer directly."

He spoke in a flat tone, but very quickly.

"He said it in front of so many people tonight; he wasn't discussing it with us anymore."

"It's forcing us to take sides in public."

"If we accept, it will be tantamount to admitting that the Seventh Peak and the First Peak intend to divide and bid for the property first. At that time, whether it is the General Affairs Hall or the other peaks, they will hold us accountable for this."

Liu Ruyan frowned slightly.

"What good would it do if we didn't answer?"

"Since Gu Chenglan has already revealed his hidden magic tonight, it shows he's not afraid to fight us to the death. When the bidding war starts, everyone will be scrambling to buy, and the ones who get the best deals will be others."

Gu Xiangyang nodded slightly.

"Junior sister is right."

"The answer is a handle."

"Refusing to accept is a declaration of war."

As he finished speaking, he finally looked up at Li Wangxiang, who had remained silent.

"What do you think, junior brother?"

The eyes of the three people in the room all fell on Li Wangxiang.

The lamplight cast a dim glow on his profile. His face was clearly young, yet his expression always held an indescribable composure, as if he were burdened with something yet to be seen.

Li Wangxiang paused for a moment before slowly speaking.

"I don't understand the ins and outs."

"But the tide cannot be turned. Since Gu Chenglan dared to say this, it means that Siam will not care."

"If she doesn't care, I won't care either."

Gu Xiangyang was taken aback at first, then seemed to suddenly understand something and burst into laughter.

"it is good."

"What a convenient excuse for not caring."

"It's my perspective that's too narrow."

He turned to look at Liu Ruyan, and his expression immediately became firm.

"Junior sister, pass on the message."

"Let each peak begin preparing their immortal techniques."

"If you really want to follow me to the Seventh Peak, then you should settle the necessary arrangements in the next few days."

He paused, a faint glint of sharpness appearing at the corner of his lips.

"Spiritual space is limited."

"If you come late, there won't be any seats left."

--------------

Duoling Peak, Crossing Bridge Pavilion.

The night breeze swept across the bridge, and the stars and moon shone between the pavilion and the bridge.

Fu Yun stood beside the table, finally unable to hold back, and spoke in a low voice:

"Senior sister, I still don't understand."

"Of all the invitations you received, you chose Gu Chenglan, which is one thing. But his proposal is clearly designed to escalate the situation."

"Why did you agree so easily?"

Afterwards, Siam was leaning against the railing, watching the clouds and mist below the bridge.

Upon hearing this, she seemed to remember something, and a very faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Easy?"

She turned her head, her eyes showing a languid look that Fu Yun rarely saw.

"I actually think this proposal is quite interesting."

Fu Yun frowned.

"interesting?"

Siam raised his hand and lightly tapped the rim of the teacup with his fingertips, making a very soft, crisp sound.

"Gu Chenglan wants to use my influence to pressure the Seventh Peak and also the General Affairs Hall."

"And I—"

She paused, then her smile deepened.

"I'm also curious to see how long our awkward junior brother can keep up the act."

Fu Yunyi immediately realized what was happening.

"Is Senior Sister deliberately causing trouble for Junior Brother?"

Upon hearing this, Siam seemed to think that the statement was somewhat simplistic and gently shook his head.

"The more he wanted to send the person out safely, the more I wanted to see—"

"If the wind picks up halfway through, will he still be able to stay calm?"