Great Powers Gather, Are You Here to Escape Disaster?

Passing through the majestic and ancient gates of the Purple Cloud Palace, one finds an incredibly vast white jade plaza.

This area is the outer perimeter of a Saint's dojo. Although it's shielded from the chaotic winds, the pressure originating from the Great Dao's Origin is even more intense than outside, filling the air with a suffocating solemnity.

The Great Desolation's mighty figures, arriving one after another, gathered in twos and threes. Some closed their eyes to rest and adjust their breathing, while others spoke in low voices, exchanging information.

Everyone here was a prominent figure. Before the Saint's presence, they naturally maintained their composure, preserving the demeanor of accomplished cultivators.

The Three Pure Ones had also arrived.

Grand Supreme Elder remained tranquil, as if unaffected by his surroundings. Primordial Heavenly Lord's expression was proud, his gaze sweeping across the plaza with a scrutinizing air. Sovereign of Heaven, carrying the Qingping Sword, had sharp brows and striking eyes, his presence radiating sharpness.

When the three of Taiyuan swaggered in, they immediately drew the attention of everyone present.

After all, the spectacle at the entrance just moments ago – the "luxury car blocking the gate" and "spirit fruits paving the way" – had created too much of a commotion to ignore.

Primordial Heavenly Lord frowned slightly and let out a soft snort, turning his head away. He clearly disdained the group of three from the West and their behavior, which was imbued with the smell of money, considering it beneath them.

Just then.

Two domineering and scorching presences descended with a roar, shattering the solemn atmosphere of the plaza.

Golden flames soared, and heat waves rolled.

Two men, clad in golden imperial robes, strode forward, surrounded by True Sun Fire, their presence causing even the surrounding space to warp slightly.

Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Taiyi.

These two rulers of the demon race had displeased expressions. Tai Yi, in particular, was subtly gripping the Chaos Bell in his hand, his gaze fixed like a falcon's on Taiyuan, who was preparing to find a place to rest.

Earlier at the entrance, Taiyuan's Star Grapes had caused them, who only held a piece of Lihuo Jingjin, to lose face completely. How could these arrogant Golden Crows swallow such an insult?

"Hmph, from the barren lands of the West, you truly have no manners."

Tai Yi's voice was not loud, but it carried a sharp mockery that clearly reached everyone's ears. "Even if you have some fortuitous encounters and obtain some spirit fruits, you still act like nouveau riche, utterly lacking in substance."

Although Di Jun did not speak, he stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes cold, clearly tacitly approving his brother's provocation.

The surrounding mighty figures cast sideways glances, and some even wore expressions of anticipation, eager to watch the show.

The reputation of the Western duo had always been poor. Now, with the addition of this Elder Brother named Taiyuan, who seemed to be swimming in wealth, it was a good opportunity to test their strength using the demon race.

Facing Tai Yi's sarcastic taunts, Zhunti's brows furrowed, and he was about to roll up his sleeves to argue.

Jieyin's expression was also pained, his prayer beads spinning rapidly in his hand.

However, Taiyuan reached out and stopped his two juniors. There wasn't even a hint of anger on his face, as if he hadn't heard the barking of dogs.

"Second brother, third brother, it's windy out here on the plaza. Let's not just stand here and freeze."

Taiyuan said nonchalantly, waving his large sleeve.

Swish.

A set of table and chairs, crystal clear and emitting a faint cold aura, appeared out of thin air in the center of the plaza.

These were no ordinary furnishings. They were carved from a single piece of [Ten Thousand Year Extreme Ice Jade]. The natural patterns on them resembled a landscape painting, making them not only beautiful but also capable of calming the mind and dispelling inner demons when one sat on them.

"Sit."

Taiyuan was the first to sit down, his posture languid, as if this were not a Saint's dojo but his own backyard.

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged glances, instantly understanding their Elder Brother's intention. With mischievous smiles, they sat down.

"It's boring to just sit here."

Jieyin chuckled, and with a flip of his hand, produced an ancient-looking jade pot. This was the [Nine Heavens Jade Nectar] he had found in a certain innate secret realm, condensed from the pure qi of the nine heavens. Upon opening the lid, a clear, sweet aroma of wine instantly spread. Just a single whiff made one feel refreshed, and their magical power circulated faster.

"This is what Elder Brother taught us about having 'quality of life'."

Zhunti was not to be outdone. From his sleeve, which seemed to be a treasure bag, he pulled out a large jade plate.

The plate was filled with neatly stacked jerky.

Its color was a vibrant red, the grain clear, and each piece of jerky emanated a faint fiery sheen.

This was [Premium Kirin Jerky], made from the corpse of a pure-blooded Kirin that Zhunti had stumbled upon during the Dragon-Phoenix Calamity. Following Taiyuan's instructions, it had been roasted with Innate Spirit Fire and marinated with a hundred kinds of immortal herbs.

"Come, come, Elder Brother, try this piece. This is the tenderest part of the loin."

Zhunti solicitously poured wine and offered meat to Taiyuan.

The three of them, under everyone's watchful eyes, began a... tea party, as if no one else were present.

The visual impact of this scene on everyone present was even greater than that of the car earlier.

Were they crazy?

This was the Purple Cloud Palace!

Everyone was trembling with apprehension, waiting for Old Ancestor Hongjun to appear, not daring to even breathe loudly. And here they were, setting up tables to drink and eat meat?

The contrast was simply too stark.

On one side, Di Jun, Tai Yi, and the others were tense, maintaining their aloof and powerful posture, standing tall in the cold wind.

On the other side, Taiyuan and his two juniors sat on the Cold Jade Chairs, clinking cups and feasting heartily.

Gulp.

Zhunti, who was gnawing on jerky, let out a satisfied swallow. The crisp sound was particularly jarring in the silent plaza.

That unique meaty aroma, mixed with the scent of wine, seemed to have eyes, drilling relentlessly into Tai Yi's nostrils.

Tai Yi, who had been maintaining a dignified demeanor, stiffened slightly at the onslaught of the fragrance.

The demon race had not yet established the Heavenly Court, and most of the Great Desolation powerhouses at this time subsisted on mist and dew. To pursue cultivation speed, very few would bother with the desires of the palate.

Even Tai Yi normally directly absorbed spiritual energy from heaven and earth; when had he ever smelled such a meticulously prepared delicacy?

Moreover, the vital energy contained within the Kirin Jerky held an instinctive allure for him, a member of the demon race.

"Gulp..."

An extremely faint sound, yet like thunder to the hearing of all the experts present, echoed out.

Tai Yi's stomach growled.

Though brief, the sound was suffocatingly embarrassing.

The originally tense standoff instantly fell into a deathly silence.

Di Jun's majestic face instantly darkened like the bottom of a pot. He turned and looked at his own brother in disbelief.

Tai Yi's face turned the color of liver, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to burrow into the Chaos.

Who was he?

The Eastern Emperor Taiyi! A born divine being!

To be so enticed by the enemy's food that his stomach growled in front of everyone?

Just then.

Taiyuan leisurely put down his wine cup, picked up a piece of jerky, and without putting it in his mouth, looked at Tai Yi with a half-smile.

There was no mockery in his eyes, only a kind of benevolent affection, like "caring for a poor child."

"Oh dear, it seems we were negligent."

Taiyuan's voice was gentle and mellow, resounding throughout the venue. "Seeing all you fellow Daoists looking so gaunt and travel-worn, you must all be famished from your journey?"

He pushed the plate of jerky forward, his movements generous and graceful.

"If this Golden Crow fellow is hungry, just say so. Don't try to tough it out."

"We people of the West are always hospitable. Although we're not wealthy, this food is still quite good."

"Here, take some and eat. Don't be shy. Just consider it poverty relief."

Pfft.

Old Ancestor Hongyun, not far away, couldn't help but laugh out loud. He quickly covered his mouth, his body convulsing.

Nuwa also couldn't help but smile, her beautiful eyes darting around, finding this Western Daoist truly amusing.

Tai Yi trembled with rage, the True Sun Fire around him erupting with a roar, about to lose control.

Poverty relief?

Take away your damn jerky! Who wants your poverty relief!

This was a grave insult!

"You go too far!"

Tai Yi roared, about to unleash the Chaos Bell.

Di Jun, quick as lightning, firmly grasped Tai Yi's shoulder and whispered through gritted teeth, "Second brother! Calm down! This is a Saint's dojo; you cannot act recklessly! If we anger the Saint, the opportunity for enlightenment will be lost!"

Tai Yi's chest heaved violently, his eyes spitting fire. He stared intently at Taiyuan's infuriating smiling face, but ultimately forced himself to endure.

"Fine! Fine, you Western Taiyuan!"

Tai Yi had never suffered such a loss in his life, and it was such a soft knife that left him unable to vent his anger.

"I will remember this humiliation today!"

With that, the two brothers, their faces dark, turned and walked to the farthest corner of the plaza, no longer daring to look at the table of delicacies, lest their stomachs betray them again.

Taiyuan smiled faintly, withdrew his gaze, and continued to host his two younger brothers in their feast.

"It's good that you remember. Come visit the West often in the future. I can't promise much else, but you'll eat your fill."

Another stab.

In the corner, Tai Yi stumbled, nearly falling.

The surrounding powerhouses, watching the three people continuing their picnic as if nothing had happened, found their contempt replaced by a deep sense of dread.

This person was not simple.

Not only was he wealthy, but his words... were too venomous.

With a few casual remarks, he had inflicted a great loss on the arrogant Demon Emperor brothers, likely cracking their Dao Hearts.

Taiyuan slowly sipped his Jade Nectar, inwardly ecstatic.

His prestige was at its peak.

[System Notification: Congratulations to the host for successfully striking the Dao Hearts of the Di Jun and Tai Yi brothers with the path of gourmet food and top-tier rhetoric, and establishing the persona of "divine tycoon and scheming" in front of many mighty beings.]

[Reward: Special Physique - Immunity to All Laws · Glazed Pure World Body.]

[Note: This physique is exactly as the host wished, an ultimate "lazy person's defensive cheat." Upon activation, the body will be enveloped in supreme Glazed Pure Fire, rendering it immune to all laws and repelling all evil. In future fights, you will only need to sit there and drink tea; whoever dares to strike you will break their own hand.]

A warm current instantly flowed through Taiyuan's entire body. He felt every cell in his physical form cheering and leaping with joy, a faint, indestructible glazed treasure light subtly appearing on his skin's surface.

"Good stuff."

Taiyuan praised inwardly.

With this physique, showing off would be much safer from now on.

As he was happily eating, the tightly shut inner door of the Purple Cloud Palace ahead finally let out a rumble and slowly opened to both sides.

The sermon was about to begin.