After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere grew pleasantly warm.
Renxiao raised his cup, walked over to Zhang Shuai's seat, and gave him a deep bow.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, you have acted repeatedly today and helped this old man resolve a burden that has weighed on my heart. I... cannot thank you enough. I have witnessed the rise and fall of countless heavens and remained trapped here for far too long. Yet after seeing Your Divine Venerable's methods and bearing today... I know that Fellow Daoist Zhang's future path is destined to reach the heavens. I only hope that if Your Divine Venerable one day truly has the ability to create a world and establish a supreme foundation, you will remember the modest bond forged today and grant this old man, as well as these followers under my command... a place to stay, and an opportunity to continue our lineage."
As the master of the marketplace, Renxiao had humbled himself greatly by speaking such words.
The entire banquet fell silent at once, and all the Divine Venerables held their breath as they looked at Zhang Shuai.
Were Renxiao's words not the very thoughts in all their hearts?
It was simply that they possessed nothing Zhang Shuai needed and had no friendship with him, so they did not dare speak rashly.
Zhang Shuai set down his wine cup, nodded, and said, "If Zhang truly gains such ability and fortune one day, I will certainly help Fellow Daoist Renxiao carve out a pure land where you may rest, thrive, and comprehend the Great Dao."
Renxiao was exceedingly satisfied with Zhang Shuai's promise. With a sweep of his hand, he released Shanzhi and returned him to Zhang Shuai.
Zhang Shuai stored Shanzhi, whose cultivation had been sealed and who looked like a dead