As the banquet drew to a close, Cheng Xinzhan could tell the others probably still had things to discuss, so he rose first and took his leave. Only when he returned to Sun Terrace Residence did he realize dusk had gathered all around.
"Master, how was the banquet today?"
Li came forward with a smile and asked.
Cheng Xinzhan smiled and nodded.
"Quite good. All the wine was excellent."
Hearing this, White Dragon swallowed.
"Master, I want to go next time too."
Before Cheng Xinzhan could answer, Li stepped on his foot.
"Master was drinking with his friends. What would you tag along for? You can go drinking once your cultivation reaches his level."
White Dragon's face fell, and he muttered under his breath.
"Master started drinking when his cultivation was still low."
"You!"
With one hand on her hip, Li reached out with the other to twist White Dragon's ear.
Cheng Xinzhan laughed heartily.
"I can take you drinking, as long as you can persuade Li to agree."
With that, he paid no further attention to the two attendants' expressions. He sat upright on Sun Terrace, his palms, soles, and crown facing heaven, and settled into meditation.
Today's banquet had clearly been a private gathering. Daoist Ding had probably invited him on the spur of the moment because he was new here and they got along rather well.
The six Rogue Persons had such similar titles and interacted so naturally that they were plainly old acquaintances.
There was one thing, however: whether the three young people were speaking to the three elders or clinking cups with them, close observation revealed a trace of deliberately concealed respect.
So the six probably were not friends across the generations, as they claimed. The three young people were more likely juniors of the