"Master Shi? He actually came."
"Now this is interesting. Do you think they'll get into a fight later?"
"Hard to say. If Master Li, that rising star, hadn't been so capable, Nine-Wan Island might have become the Nine Spirits Sect's home. They would have been the ones holding their sect-founding ceremony here today."
"Tsk, tsk. The affairs of the world really are unpredictable..."
As fellow practitioners of unorthodox traditions, the pill Dao naturally had some overlap with the Incense Path. Shi Jizi had also had dealings with Li Ling, so Li Lin could hardly avoid sending them an invitation.
Unexpectedly, whether to demonstrate his magnanimity or for some other purpose, Shi Jizi had actually come.
The onlookers' expressions grew a little more knowing.
The gathering had fallen silent because everyone vaguely sensed that a good show was coming.
Several Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators had been invited as distinguished customers of the merchant association. With no stake in the matter, they promptly sat in a row and picked up the sweet melons on the table, looking ready to enjoy the spectacle.
"Master Shi, welcome. Today marks the founding of my Incense Accumulation Sect. Many fellow practitioners of unorthodox traditions have already arrived. We were only waiting for an elder of the pill Dao such as yourself to grace us with your guidance."
A smile appeared on Li Ling's face as he stepped forward to greet him, perfectly composed.
"Fellow Daoist Li, congratulations! I've prepared a modest gift today and come expressly to offer my congratulations."
Shi Jizi smiled as well, speaking without the slightest sign of anything amiss.
With that, he presented a gift list.
Li Ling beckoned for the newly recruited administrative elder beside him to take it.
The onlookers found the sight rather intriguing.
Although the grievances between these