Chapter 750

Chapter 750: The Dragon-Tiger Banquet Begins

Zhuang Ling stepped forward and took the invitation from Xiong Li.

The Dragon-Tiger Banquet had already become the stuff of legends in the outside world.

It was said that attending just one Dragon-Tiger Banquet could save a hundred years of grueling cultivation, enhance the body, strengthen the spirit, and boost comprehension—these were just the basic perks.

That’s why this invitation was so highly sought after by all cultivators.

At that moment, two towering figures, a muscular man and woman, each nearly ten feet tall, made for an imposing sight.

"Do you have a cultivation partner? If not, I can introduce you to some sisters—they’re both charming and tough," Zhuang Ling offered, figuring this was the least she could do to repay Xiong Li for the invitation.

The Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land watched the two with a satisfied smile.

Though it wasn’t quite accurate to call them a "golden boy and jade maiden," the Holy Lord couldn’t think of a better way to describe the scene.

They looked like a perfect match.

"My life is dedicated to protecting the sect. I have no interest in finding a cultivation partner," Xiong Li replied in a deep voice.

"Oh, alright then. How about we spar sometime and exchange tips on body refinement?" Zhuang Ling suggested bluntly.

Xiong Li raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. As the only one in the sect focused on body refinement, he figured exchanging insights with someone else on the same path could only help his cultivation.

"Sure, let’s spar and share ideas when we get the chance," Xiong Li said with a grin.

He then bowed to the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land and took his leave.

The Holy Lord glanced at the invitation in Zhuang Ling’s hand, then at the wary gaze of the elder from the General’s Tomb lineage, and decided against trying to persuade her to hand it over.

"Seems like we’re the only ones who got invitations a day before the Dragon-Tiger Banquet," the Holy Lord remarked with a sigh.

There was a hint of frustration in his tone. After all, he was a renowned invincible respected elder in the cultivation world, and showing up uninvited to a banquet felt like a blow to his prestige.

"Holy Lord, the Dragon-Tiger Banquet was originally an internal event for the Grand Elder of the Hidden Spirit Sect, only extended to a few higher-ranked elders and close allies."

"Reputation in the cultivation world is a different matter," the elder explained.

Hearing this, the Holy Lord nodded, acknowledging the truth in the elder’s words.

"We need to strengthen our ties with the Hidden Spirit Sect. It’s a shame we’re only just learning about such a remarkable sect in the cultivation world," the Holy Lord said.

"Previously, the Hidden Spirit Sect was known for its artifact crafting within the Elder Council. Their fighting strength has only recently come to light."

"It’s not our fault. Most top-tier sects in the cultivation world probably just found out as well," the elder reassured.

"True. Let’s prepare today and meet this legendary Grand Elder tomorrow," the Holy Lord declared.

The next morning, a dense spiritual mist formed from the abundant spiritual energy rose over the Ten Thousand-Mile Giant Lake, a clear sign of the immense spiritual energy present.

Countless spiritual boats lined the shores of the Ten Thousand-Mile Giant Lake, ready to ferry guests to the Dragon-Tiger Banquet.

Xu Fan had sealed the entire lake as a no-fly zone using his immense power. The only way to reach the banquet was by taking a spiritual boat to the small island.

The Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land, accompanied by two elders and Zhuang Ling, presented their invitation and boarded a spiritual boat.

"This mist is made of heavenly Qing Ling energy—how extravagant!" the Holy Lord exclaimed.

"To cover the entire Ten Thousand-Mile Giant Lake, it’s clear the Hidden Spirit Sect is taking this Dragon-Tiger Banquet very seriously," one of the elders remarked.

Just then, they noticed another spiritual boat gliding alongside theirs, keeping perfect pace.

On the spiritual boat, demonic energy swirled around as three Great Ascension Masters from the Demon Palace, clad in black robes, stood admiring the surrounding scenery.

Two of them exchanged knowing glances, recognizing each other as old friends.

"Respected Elder of the Joyful Union Sacred Land~"

"Demon Sovereign~"

The Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land straightened his posture upon seeing the trio, confident in his side’s numerical advantage of four.

Even the formidable Master of the Demon Palace had only secured three invitation cards.

Their eyes met briefly, no words exchanged beyond the necessary.

Yet, a flicker of irritation was evident in the Demon Sovereign’s gaze.

Suddenly, a tiger’s roar echoed through the sky, followed by the resonant call of a dragon.

Over the Ten Thousand-Mile Giant Lake, Xu Fan had drawn the consciousness from the true spirits of the Purple Jade Flood Dragon and the Golden Devourer Tiger, forming two massive Divine Beasts that danced playfully in the air.

"The Grand Elder of the Hidden Spirit Sect truly wields extraordinary power," remarked the Master of the Demon Palace.

Though his strength ranked among the top-tier in the cultivation world, he still fell short of Ming Kong’s prowess.

The spectacle of the two Divine Beasts showcased the might of the Hidden Spirit Sect’s Grand Elder.

Only a complete divine soul could manifest such consciousness.

By now, numerous spiritual boats had docked at the small island.

As guests stepped ashore, they were greeted by a luxurious carpet made from the dragon skin of the Purple Jade Flood Dragon.

Walking on it felt like immersing in a warm spring, with a soothing purple spiritual energy enveloping their souls.

Expressions of pure delight spread across the faces of those who tread upon the dragon skin.

It was an experience akin to indulgence.

The path, stretching hundreds of meters, felt like a journey of the heart, leaving an indelible impression on all who walked it.

The Dragon-Tiger Banquet followed a shared dining system, with each invitation card corresponding to a small table.

Upon entering the small square, the Master of the Demon Palace and the Holy Lord of the Joyful Union Sacred Land immediately recognized many familiar faces.

Among them were the higher-ranked elders of the Elder Council and the three Grand Elders of the Qianling Sect.

Their attention was soon drawn to the Immortal Jade flooring and the opulent decorations, prompting silent admiration for the extravagance.

A Hidden Spirit Sect Disciple guided everyone to their seats, while Xu Fan, seated at the head table, engaged in lively conversation with several acquaintances from a distance.

Master Qianling, in particular, seemed to radiate the sentiment "Xu Fan is my brother" with every gesture.

The higher-ranked elders of the Elder Council wore smiles of relief, as if they had narrowly escaped calamity.

With all invited guests present, the Dragon-Tiger Banquet commenced.

The event was divided into two parts: the first, a feast for the sect’s disciples, and the second, a grand banquet on the small island hosted by the Hidden Spirit Sect’s elite.

As anticipation for the banquet grew, an enchanting aroma filled the air.

All who caught a whiff of it were instantly captivated, even Ming Kong’s eyes softened in appreciation.

"The first course is an appetizer, crafted from the true spirits of the Purple Jade Flood Dragon and the Golden Devourer Tiger, infused with the essence of the five elemental origins and celestial energy," Xu Fan announced.

A celestial river materialized in the sky, bearing the first course of spirit food.

Like petals scattered by celestial maidens, a jade plate of the appetizer descended onto each table.

"This delicacy was masterfully created by our Gourmet Disciple Yan. Please, do savor it," Xu Fan encouraged warmly.

"However, this dish is unique—it requires a spoon fashioned from one’s own spiritual energy to partake," he added with a smile.

The mere scent of the dish was enough to leave everyone utterly entranced.