Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Gathering

Amidst the crowd, Zhou Luo noticed this scene, feeling rather surprised.

Turns out this Immortal Sect was no different from the mortal world; all the necessary interests and exchanges still existed, and it seemed everyone took it for granted.

Only after paying the so-called "toll" did the haughty young man allow everyone to pass.

Entering the stone gate, they saw a large circular plaza paved with jade, emanating a faint sheen under the sunlight. A massive golden boulder stood at the center, carved with the words: "Outer Sect."

It was precisely where Zhou Luo had once attended the Awakening Ceremony.

Though these two characters weren’t as terrifying as the three on the stone gate, staring at them too long made one’s eyes sting, forcing them to look away.

Now, disciples in Qinyuan Sect robes occasionally hurried across the plaza, drawing envious gazes.

"Hiss… that aura from the immortal is terrifying. I’ve only sensed it from my grand-ancestor, yet he looks so young."

"And that female immortal—truly the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen."

"Look! Is that a Spirit Beast? How adorable."

"Keep your voice down. If we upset them, we’ll be in trouble."

"Ah… if only I could become an outer disciple of the Immortal Sect too."

These elite youths from noble families now resembled ignorant commoners, brimming with curiosity and astonishment.

Even Lin Xin, the proud Fifth Miss, had set aside her arrogance before the outer disciples, acting with utmost respect.

Zhou Luo, however, felt little awe. Having a system assured him he’d soon look down on all this.

He glanced around, searching for Wang Yu Wei.

Surrounding the circular plaza stood buildings of glazed tiles and white jade stone.

These likely served as dwellings for disciples, as people could be seen entering and leaving them.

Lin Zhi Shou, evidently familiar with the place, glanced briefly before heading toward the largest structure behind the plaza.

An ancient-styled building, distinct from its neighbors, it stood entirely constructed of purplish-red spiritual wood, rising five meters high. The wooden pillars supporting it bore intricate carvings.

As they drew near, a light fragrance washed over them.

This singular scent drifted into their nostrils, refreshing their minds and easing their bodies.

Within the broad hall paved with bluish-grey bricks, the space divided into three sections. Apart from the central bronze gate, crimson walls blocked the other areas. Standing guard by the doors were several expressionless sect disciples.

Outermost, a group conversed casually—young members from other long-life families sent to study at the Immortal Sect.

The Lu Family, longstanding rivals of the Lin Family, was present.

But it wasn’t Lu Chen from before; instead, a grey-robed elder represented them now.

Besides the Lu Family, both the Li and Zhang Families had arrived. Only the Wang Family was missing.

Each long-life family wore distinct robes, clan insignias embroidered on their chests for easy recognition.

Only esteemed clan members like Lin Xin and outsiders like Zhou Luo were exempt from uniform requirements.

Lin Zhi Shou stepped forward, greeting the overseers from the other two long-life families one by one.

"Unexpectedly, it is Grandmaster Zhi Shou attending the Immortal Sect this year." Li family’s middle-aged man bowed respectfully towards him.

Zhou Luo had seen this person before—he was Li Zehou, the son of the Li family head who presided over the Spiritual Pill Conference last time.

Facing this top-level first-level Pill Master before him, Li Zehou accorded him the utmost respect.

The elderly man from the Zhang family beside him merely nodded in acknowledgment.

The Zhang family and the Lu family were quite close, with frequent marriages between them, so beyond a courteous nod, he paid no further attention to Lin Zhi Shou.

In contrast, the Li family, often acting as a mediator and maintaining significant ties with all long-life families, engaged Lin Zhi Shou in lively conversation instead.

"Grandmaster Zhi Shou, this must be the Third Young Lady of the Lin Family, I presume?"

Li Zehou smiled as he looked at Lin Xin, whose appearance was strikingly beautiful.

It was undeniable that in terms of both beauty and grace, Lin Xin was a leading figure among the long-life families.

Even dressed so simply today, she still stood out distinctly among the assembled young masters and ladies of the families.

Since she was addressed, Lin Xin politely performed a slight curtsy.

Li Zehou beamed at her: "Formalities can be cast aside. My son Wei is utterly captivated by the Third Young Lady. Pity he couldn’t come today. Perhaps once your studies conclude, the two of you could find time for a chat."

This eldest son of the Li family head seemed intent on matchmaking for his own child.

Marriages between long-life families were commonplace; moreover, since she was also a main lineage descendant, this potential union could benefit both families greatly.

Take Lin Xin’s mother, for instance—she was the daughter of a certain elder from the Wang family’s branch lineage. This was indeed why the two families remained so close.

Lin Xin lowered her head without speaking.

"Hall Master Li, I fear you are somewhat late on this matter."

At that moment, Lin Zhi Shou spoke up.

"Oh? Why is that?" Li Zehou asked, puzzled.

"Because Xin’er has already been betrothed to that young master of the Wang family," Lin Zhi Shou explained.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Luo’s heart jolted. He fixed a deep gaze on them.

Could it be… the reason she’d lingered at the Wang family for so long was precisely for this betrothal?

Li Zehou was momentarily stunned by the news, then chuckled heartily: "Ha! Then congratulations to both the Lin and Wang families on this auspicious union!"

The failure of his matchmaking attempt didn’t dampen Li Zehou’s spirits. Both families had plenty of main lineage scions, after all. If this one didn’t work out, there was always the next.

Just as the conversation between the two men seemed to wind down.

Another group entered through the doors—members of the Wang family.

Zhou Luo immediately spotted Wang Yu Wei among them.

Today, she was dressed far more elaborately. Her stunningly beautiful face bore exquisite makeup, and a Purple Gold hairpin held her gathered, lustrous hair, from which a few strands fell beside her temples, reaching down to her chest.

She wore a pale blue, suggestive garment bare at the shoulders, its surface embroidered with gold thread forming a magnificent picture extending precisely to her proud décolletage—a sight that drew the eye irresistibly.

The lower part of her robe was surprisingly short. Visible below were a pair of impeccably straight, long legs. Her fair skin was covered by sheer, white silk stockings as light as cicada wings. On her feet were white shoes embroidered with clouds and mist, showcasing those long legs perfectly.

Her appearance instantly seized the attention of everyone present.

Compared to Lin Xin’s simple attire, Wang Yu Wei’s elaborate finery seemed almost excessively luxurious.

So much so that Zhou Luo felt she wasn’t here to cultivate, but rather… as if she were recruiting a husband.

And that was indeed the case.

This entire ensemble was entirely mandated by her family. Their purpose was naturally to try and secure an outstanding match from among the eligible young masters gathered here today.

Of course, if she could catch the eye of an Immortal Sect disciple, that would be ideal.

Leading the Wang family group was an elderly man who had also appeared at the Spiritual Pill Conference before.

He was the family’s Fifth Elder, named Wang Xian. Like Lin Zhi Shou, he oversaw his family’s Alchemy Division discipline.

But compared to the Lins, the Wang family’s alchemy operations were far more prosperous.

Not only was Wang Xian, younger than Lin Zhi Shou, already knocking at the door of top-level first-level Pill Master attainment—simply in terms of the number of superior first-level Pill Masters, the Wang family boasted over five times as many as the Lin family.

Thus, in recent years, the Lin family had consistently strived to deepen their friendship with the Wangs, aiming for deeper levels of cooperation.