The banquet had reached its latter half, yet it remained extraordinarily lively.
Songs and dances flourished, wine cups passed back and forth.
From time to time, maidservants glided through the hall on feather-light steps, refilling the guests' wine.
Amid the clamor, the beautiful female cultivators drew many Outer Disciples over to strike up conversations.
As for those disciples from prominent families, they were always surrounded by groups of friends, with laughter and flattering voices never ceasing.
Zhou Liang, however, was different from usual. He did not go about chatting up beautiful female cultivators, and there was a touch more seriousness about him.
He rose to his feet, waved his hand, and said:
"Junior Brother Yu, Junior Sister Zhang, I'm leaving, I'm leaving."
"I need to go back and make preparations as well. This trip to the Hidden Immortal Land is fraught with danger. I don't want to stake my old life on it."
Zhang Ziling hurriedly rose as well and said:
"Farewell, Senior Brother Zhou."
Just as Zhou Liang was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and stepped back.
He spoke earnestly to Yu Ke:
"Junior Brother Yu, you accepted Qingshui's waist token. If you plan to take part in the trial, you must be cautious."
"I know your heart is wholly set on cultivation. Last time, when you reached Foundation Establishment, I couldn't talk you out of it. You've always been stubborn as a one-track mind. But this time is different. You must proceed carefully."
Zhou Liang's words were full of concern.
"Enough, I'm leaving. No more talk!"
Yu Ke nodded.
He watched Zhou Liang's departing figure gradually fade into the distance beneath the light of the formation.
Concern filled Yu Ke's eyes.
He did not know whether Zhou Liang's choice this time would bring fortune or disaster.