The cultivator convention officially began as soon as the words of the old man with the white crane fell.
First, the Second Elder of the Cultivator Guild shared his cultivation experiences, detailing how to become a super-powered Land Immortal.
Everyone listened with great interest. The experiences personally shared by a Land Immortal were invaluable to them.
How many people were stuck at the Grandmaster realm, forever stagnant, never even touching the threshold of a Land Immortal before they died?
"What kind of nonsense is this old guy spouting? I can't understand a single word!" exclaimed National Little Wang, complaining to Qin Dou beside him.
"He's at least a powerful Land Immortal, while you're just a piece of trash. Do you expect to understand?" Qin Dou retorted with a laugh.
"We're just here to watch the fun. Why would you need to understand?" Jiang Xin chimed in.
Everyone was just seeking novelty; cultivation had nothing to do with them.
"It's just that everyone seemed so engrossed, I was curious and asked," National Little Wang explained.
The group whispered amongst themselves in a corner, appearing quite uninterested.
They were there to watch a show, hoping for some conflict or drama to entertain them.
"Brother-in-law."
A clear voice shattered their hushed conversation when everyone was feeling bored.
Dongfang Lingyu had arrived next to Xia Feng at some point.
The way she called him "Brother-in-law" drew everyone's attention to her.
"Brother-in-law, you're here! Where's my cousin? I haven't found her yet."
As everyone pondered, Dongfang Lingyu continued her inquiry.
Xia Feng reminded her again, "I'm not your brother-in-law. Your cousin is over there."
Xia Feng then pointed in Lin Yuwei's direction.
"It's not now, but it will be eventually. I'm just getting used to calling you that," Dongfang Lingyu said shamelessly, casually addressing him as "Brother-in-law."
"Who are you, talking nonsense here?" Qin Wen turned to Dongfang Lingyu and questioned.
"And who are you? Why are you by my brother-in-law's side?" Dongfang Lingyu looked at Qin Wen with a defensive air.
"I..." Qin Wen was momentarily speechless.
Who was she?
How should she explain herself? It seemed she didn't have any actual relationship. Should she introduce herself as a mere follower?
Wouldn't that make her look inferior in front of Dongfang Lingyu for no reason?
"Xiao Wen, she's just a child. Let her be," Xia Feng said upon seeing this.
"Okay," Qin Wen replied quickly.
At a moment of awkwardness, Xia Feng came to the rescue.
"I'm not that young, Brother-in-law. I'll come find you later," Dongfang Lingyu said, then went to look for Lin Yuwei.
After Dongfang Lingyu left, Xia Lin sidled up to Xia Feng and asked, "Brother, why does she call you brother-in-law? Did you secretly find a sister-in-law for me?"
Xia Feng looked at the sly Xia Lin and smiled, "It's just a misunderstanding. If I were to really find a sister-in-law for you, how could I keep it from you?"
Xia Feng didn't dwell on such trivial matters. If there was a misunderstanding, so be it.
When one's state of mind reaches a certain level, external affairs no longer affect their disposition.
Just like Dongfang Lingyu's constant address of "Brother-in-law," Xia Feng remained unfazed.
She could call him whatever she liked; it was insignificant to Xia Feng.
Xia Lin's question made Qin Wen, Liu Jingru, and Ma Yuqin eavesdrop with their ears perked up. When they heard Xia Feng mention a misunderstanding, all three breathed a sigh of relief.
They then glanced at each other, their thoughts unknown.
"Brother, you should find a sister-in-law too," Xia Lin patted his shoulder, reminding him.
At Xia Feng's age, other people already had children who could fetch groceries.
Xia Feng gave a wry smile and didn't pay it any mind.
Dongfang Lingyu followed the direction Xia Feng indicated and found Lin Yuwei.
"Cousin, I just saw brother-in-law," Dongfang Lingyu said as she walked over.
"You didn't bother him, did you?" Lin Yuwei quickly asked.
"I went to say hello. Brother-in-law told me you were here, which is how I found you," Dongfang Lingyu said, tilting her small head.
"Brother-in-law told me you were here." Lin Yuwei only registered this part.
Was he paying attention to her all along?
Lin Yuwei couldn't help but overthink it. If Xia Feng wasn't paying attention to her, how would he have known she was here?
Thinking of this, Lin Yuwei felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
"Cousin, what are you spacing out about?" Dongfang Lingyu waved her small hand in front of her.
"Cough... It's nothing." Lin Yuwei coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment.
"You're obviously daydreaming, yet you say it's nothing. Don't think I don't understand; it's written all over your face."
Dongfang Lingyu sniffed the air with a serious expression, exposing Lin Yuwei's flimsy excuse.
"Is... is it that obvious?"
Lin Yuwei looked surprised and asked softly.
"Very. It's obvious at a glance," Dongfang Lingyu nodded.
Lin Yuwei's face turned red, unsure of what to say.
"Cousin, here you go." Dongfang Lingyu reached into her embrace and handed a small packet to Lin Yuwei.
Lin Yuwei instinctively took it; the packet still held the residual warmth of Dongfang Lingyu's body.
"What is this?" Lin Yuwei asked.
"Heh heh..."
Dongfang Lingyu's smile was somewhat mischievous.
She then whispered into Lin Yuwei's ear, "This is the medicine I told you about yesterday. I stole it from someone. It'll guarantee you and brother-in-law make it happen."
*Swish...*
Lin Yuwei's face flushed crimson upon hearing this, and she immediately threw the packet of medicine onto the ground.
"You're messing around! How could I do something like that?" Lin Yuwei quickly refused.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... You want it but don't dare to go for it, and you're too shy. How will you win brother-in-law over?"
Dongfang Lingyu, that little imp, smacked her lips. Coupled with her playful expression, she was indeed quite endearing.
However, her methods were truly… fascinating.
One wondered which man would capture her attention; they'd likely be worn down to the bone, if not worse.
"Forget it, you've completely defeated me." Lin Yuwei turned away, ignoring her.
This wasn't just a girl; even a tomboy would be ashamed.
"Miss this shop, and you won't get another chance," Dongfang Lingyu reminded her at the end.
This made Lin Yuwei instinctively glance at the medicine she had thrown on the ground. Was there truly no second chance?
Thinking of this, Lin Yuwei kicked the medicine far away, blushing in embarrassment and muttering, "Lin Yuwei, what are you thinking?"
...
"Alright, I'll stop here for today. Next, I invite our Guild Leader Tong to say a few words."
After the Second Elder of the Cultivator Guild finished his speech, Guild Leader Tong Jiade stepped onto the stage to speak.
As Tong Jiade took the stage, a crowd erupted in cheers.
Tong Jiade waved to everyone politely and said,
"Welcome everyone to the Cultivator Guild for our triennial convention. First, I must criticize one sect. They imprisoned their fellow cultivators, which is very disappointing."