Seeing Off!

The void was silent.

Every Epoch Paragon present held their breath, their gazes converging on the young man, on the hand tightly gripping the saber hilt.

Under their watchful eyes, his fingers loosened one by one.

Li Qingshan suddenly turned around and cupped his fists.

"Senior Taishang, you have honored us with your presence. Qingshan failed to welcome you from afar; please forgive me!"

Taishang gave a slight nod, but did not reply. He walked straight past Li Qingshan and looked toward the enormous mountain of flesh.

"Fellow Daoist Wanjin, what a fortuitous meeting. How about we share a drink?"

"Hahaha, of course!"

Cao Wanjin waved a large hand, stepped forward, and headed toward the ceremonial platform below alongside Taishang.

Cao Wuyan shot Li Qingshan a smug glance, then warmly called out to Yue Zhen.

"Brother Yue, let us take our seats as well!"

Yue Zhen silently nodded. The two drifted downward, following behind Cao Wanjin and Taishang.

Meanwhile, Li Qingshan, the star of the birthday banquet, had been completely reduced to a foil!

The Epoch Paragons watched without mockery. Instead, they all quietly breathed sighs of relief.

There was no shame in backing down before a Ninth Order.

Especially when the visitor was... Taishang!

Every surviving elder of Lingtian had died beneath Li Qingshan's blade. The grudge could not have run deeper!

Taishang might refrain from acting lightly out of consideration for his status as a councilor, but if Li Qingshan took the initiative to provoke him, that would be another matter.

Fortunately, Li Qingshan had not been arrogant enough to draw his blade against a Ninth Order!

"Everyone, the banquet is ready. Please, take your seats!"

As though he had noticed nothing, Li Qingshan still wore a smile as he extended the invitation.

"Good! Today, we'll enjoy a