The bustle within Spirit Firmament Gorge gradually faded as daylight ebbed away.
Cultivators left the various Daoist grounds one after another, some thoroughly satisfied, others still wishing for more.
Unlike the solemn, dignified atmosphere of the day, a relaxed, cheerful anticipation began spreading through their conversations.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, we hit it off like old friends during this discussion of the Dao. Why not take a leisurely outing to Moon-Worship Valley together?"
"Certainly, let's go together."
"Tonight, neither of us leaves sober!"
"Fairy, it's been years. Have you been well at the Moon-Listening Sect? I recognized you at first sight in the hall at the Cinnabar Dawn Daoist Grounds today-"
"Might I have the honor of inviting you to tour the river valley tonight?"
"Heehee, I've already promised to go with my sisters. What would I get out of going with you instead?"
"I-"
"Hahaha, look at that silly face of yours-come on, let's go."
Whether in the Foundation Establishment Realm or the Golden Core Realm, many young cultivators called their friends together as soon as the day's official business ended, leaving the main gathering grounds in Spirit Firmament Gorge in groups of three or five.
They traveled along verdant mountain paths, chatting and laughing merrily.
The flow of people gradually converged toward Moon-Worship River Valley.
The Clear-Talk Gathering was indeed a grand gathering for the Immortal Dao Alliance to maintain ties, discuss the Dao, and resolve practical matters, but keeping everyone's nerves constantly taut was hardly ideal.
Thus, careful arrangements had been made in Moon-Worship River Valley at the foot of Daoyuan Mountain, creating another world altogether.
And so, on the first evening of the Clear-Talk Assembly, there were not only grounds devoted to such leisurely, mind-nurturing pursuits as qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also lanterns, pleasure boats,