Volume Three: How a Crooked Merchant Was Made - Chapter Four: Riding the Wind to Power (Part One)

Daoist Wanwan had a comical title, but he was a meticulous man. His Daoist robes were spotless, a lotus crown sat on his head, and cloud shoes covered his feet. A fly whisk rested in the crook of his left arm. With his square face, thick brows, and regular features, he rarely smiled. Mu Fengming was much more affable. He had friends everywhere, and before he had even reached the foot of the stairs, old acquaintances were greeting him. He smiled and returned each salute. Most Immortals were happy to befriend a Pill Refiner or two. After all, no one knew when misfortune might strike. A "private physician" was a useful precaution.

There were no seats left downstairs, but tables were still available on the third floor. The host sent a young attendant ahead to guide the two honored guests upstairs. The attendant was also a disciple of Distant Hall. After seeing so many wonders today, he was delighted to meet two more masters of pill refinement and hurried ahead, bowing and scraping as he led the way. He had barely stepped onto the stairs when he ran headlong into something soft. A gentle force surged toward him and deftly pushed him aside. Longque stood above them halfway up the staircase. He moved the attendant aside with a light touch, then looked down at Daoist Wanwan and Mu Fengming. "Step aside. These two are friends of mine. I should receive them personally."

Longque's face was all smiles. The attendant believed him, nodded repeatedly, and went to see to the other guests.

Longque loved the feeling. He stood high above while Daoist Wanwan and Mu Fengming climbed toward him step by step, like a court of officials coming to pay homage. Today, a wish he had cherished for centuries would finally