Li Qingxian smiled. "Once I have an extra Communication Talisman Disc, or one with more layers, I'll be sure to add you next time we meet, Lord Duan."
Duan Qing waved a hand. "Ah, it's nothing important. Don't take it to heart. Come, let me offer you one last toast, and thank you for doing me the honor of coming."
Li Qingxian drained his last cup, and everyone crowded around him to see him out.
After seeing Li Qingxian off and returning to the room, Duan Qing sat down and sighed. "We're all among friends here, so don't think I've lost face. Things like this couldn't be more normal. Who could have imagined that someone utterly unknown six months ago would rise so far in half a year that even I, the head of the Artifacts Office's Finance Section, couldn't secure a talisman slot? Yushan, this man's future has no limits."
Lou Yushan nodded emphatically, his thoughts racing. He secretly regretted having put on too many airs at their last meeting, but was also relieved that he had said nothing excessive to Li Qingxian. He had only been a little harsh toward Dai Tie.
When Li Qingxian returned to the Mingxuan Room, everyone except Han Anbo, who never touched a drop, had drunk too much. They all accused Li Qingxian of ducking out on drinks. Loudly protesting his innocence, he explained what had happened.
After hearing him out, everyone fell silent.
He Lei sighed. "Your circumstances really are unusual. Still, however you look at it, you did slight him. How about this? Let's ask Lord Jing to lead us over and offer him a toast together, to give him some face."
Jing Guan smiled. "Old He is right. We should at least go through the motions. If I'd found myself