Several cultivators who had only recently entered the Nascent Soul stage then rose to their feet, respectfully announced their names, flattered True Lord Huode a few times, and each offered a cup of spirit wine. True Lord Huode appeared greatly pleased, refusing no one and draining every cup. After several cups, his small face flushed faintly, as though he could not hold his liquor.
When True Lord Huode's gaze fell upon Xiao Hua, a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes. In a rare gesture, he raised a hand and asked, "This fellow Daoist is truly unfamiliar to me. In which cave abode do you cultivate?"
"This humble Daoist is Xiao Hua." Xiao Hua rose and cupped his hands. "I currently cultivate at Black Wind Ridge in Yuzhou."
"Yuzhou?" True Lord Huode tilted his head slightly and frowned. "This old man has not had many chances to visit Yuzhou. I recall that six hundred years ago, Fellow Daoist Zhenhong invited me to his Fish Sword Cave. At the time, Fellow Daoist Zhenhong also invited all the fellow Daoists of Yuzhou to welcome me. Yet I do not seem to have seen you there?"
"Yes, indeed." Xiao Hua nodded. "This Xiao has never seen Fellow Daoist Huode either."
With that, Xiao Hua was about to sit down.
"Hm?" The plump Nascent Soul cultivator frowned, displeased. "Xiao Hua, Fellow Daoist Huode is guiding the younger generation. Though you may not be familiar with Fellow Daoist Huode, you have now met him. In the future, there may well come a time when you need to rely on him. Since you are here, surely there is no reason not to offer Fellow Daoist Huode a cup of wine? Everyone else has toasted him, yet you alone have not. Not only are your manners incomplete,