The residence was an exquisite place. Cascading waterfalls poured down from artificial hills into crystal-clear spiritual pools. Verdant bamboo groves swayed in the breeze, while vast herb gardens were planted with all manner of rare flowers and spiritual herbs seldom seen in the outside world. Spiritual light flickered, medicinal fragrance filled the air, and all kinds of pavilions, towers, waterside halls, and winding corridors adorned the landscape. Carved beams and painted rafters were exquisitely beautiful, suffused with immortal mist...
What a splendid immortal residence!
The red-clad maid led Zhang Shuai through one winding, secluded corridor after another until they finally reached the depths of an especially tranquil bamboo grove rich in spiritual energy.
At the center of the bamboo grove stood a spacious pavilion with eight upturned eaves. Above it hung a plaque bearing the three words: "Listening Bamboo Pavilion."
At that moment, more than thirty figures were already gathered within the pavilion.
Some sat, while others stood. Every one of them bore an extraordinary bearing. There were not only human Divine Venerables, but also several demon gods and devil gods!
Zhang Shuai's gaze immediately locked onto Shanzhi amid the crowd.
When Shanzhi saw Zhang Shuai entering behind the maid, undisguised astonishment first appeared on his face. He had clearly never expected Zhang Shuai to dare pursue him here. A flicker of panic instinctively crossed his eyes, but he quickly realized that Zhang Shuai would not dare make a move in this place. The panic vanished in an instant, and he said nothing, pretending not to know Zhang Shuai.
Zhang Shuai sneered inwardly at this. He paid Shanzhi no further attention and turned his gaze toward the seat of honor at the center of the pavilion.
Seated there was a middle-aged man dressed in a purple scholar's robe and wearing