"A True Disciple named Han?"
Ji Tianxing frowned, as if he had never heard of him.
But he vaguely remembered an Elder mentioning it once, though when he asked again, the Elder became silent.
Zhao Yuan, however, seemed to recall something and said:
"With the demonic tribulation upon us, it is time for us Cultivators to step forward. Yet, he acts like a coward, isn't that chilling?
I think his position as a True Disciple will have to be given up sooner or later!"
Zhao Yuan's tone was filled with disdain and contempt for Han Xuanji's "inaction," but he was unsparing in his praise for Su Ming, clearly viewing him as the leader of the Dan Meridian's younger generation, having replaced Jiang Hao's former status.
Jiang Yuan heard this and was somewhat puzzled as to why Zhao Yuan was so hostile towards Han Xuanji.
Even Li Qianluo, who initiated the topic, couldn't help but feel awkward. He hadn't expected Zhao Yuan to speak so rudely.
Ji Tianxing's eyes flickered, and he understood.
The Sacred Forest Peak, where Zhao Yuan was a Disciple, had always been at odds with Purple Firmament Peak.
It seemed Zhao Yuan knew more than they did.
After Ji Tianxing learned that the Dan Meridian's Head had taken Su Ming as a Disciple, he gave up that obsession and became a Disciple of the Scarlet Sun Peak, devoting himself to Cultivating.
His state of mind became increasingly peaceful. At this moment, he spoke calmly, his voice as unruffled as an ancient well:
"Personal Opportunity cannot be forced. Junior Brother Han's actions have their own reasons. We should just do our best; why bother to criticize?"
There was a certain authority in his words, and everyone nodded slightly, saying no more.
"Senior Brother is right."
Seeing this, Zhao Yuan didn't dare to erupt further, only letting out an almost imperceptible snort through his nose, the hint of disdain and displeasure in his eyes still lingering.
Jiang Yuan's lips moved, but he ultimately did not defend Han Xuanji.
After all, Han Xuanji was indeed overly low-key; no one knew his cultivation level or his Dan Dao refinement, and he had no impressive achievements to speak of.
At a time when the great tribulation was approaching and everyone was striving to be first, such conduct, in the eyes of others, was no different from self-abandonment.
Ji Tianxing's eyes even flashed with a faint hint of pity. For many Cultivators, even for True Disciples of their great Sects, the struggle for the Dao was like sailing against the current; one step slow, and every step would be slow, and a missed Opportunity would be difficult to catch up to.
Countless calamities lay ahead, countless people were striving, comparisons were everywhere, fearing that being a step too slow would mean being unworthy of the Dao.
Han Xuanji, sensing that someone was discussing him, inexplicably perceived this scene.
However, his expression showed no fluctuation, as if they were discussing someone completely unrelated to him.
How could the Heart of Seeking the Dao be moved by a few idle words?
He walked calmly, heading directly to the "Hundred Flavors Immortal Brew Workshop."
He saw that the front of the workshop was already surrounded by many Disciples, and the atmosphere was quite lively.
This Immortal Brew Workshop was said to be opened by an experienced True Disciple, and it only received extraordinary people.
Ordinary Disciples couldn't even enter.
Just then, a figure strode out from inside the workshop. His posture was tall and straight, his aura deep and steady. Although his brows carried a hint of sharpness from having experienced battles, his face still retained a youthful appearance, and his eyes were exceptionally clear. Who else could it be but Su Ming?
The surrounding Disciples immediately stirred, all showing reverence and envy.
"It's Senior Brother Su Ming!"
"Is Senior Brother Su also here to taste the brew today?"
"I heard he just returned from a Sect mission."
To the surprise of everyone, Su Ming did not pay attention to the Disciples greeting him. Instead, his gaze swept around and landed precisely on Han Xuanji, who had just arrived at the front of the workshop.
The next moment, his face instantly bloomed with genuine joy and enthusiasm. He quickly stepped forward and, under countless incredulous gazes, respectfully bowed to Han Xuanji, his tone filled with utmost reverence:
"Senior Brother Han! You're finally here! I've prepared a private room and the best 'Thousand-Year Dream' just for you!"
This scene instantly brought all the noise at the front of the workshop to a sudden halt.
Inside the workshop.
Zhao Yuan saw this scene, felt puzzled, and asked:
"Who is this person? Could he be a Junior Martial Uncle?"
Ji Tianxing shook his head; he also didn't recognize who this person was.
Only Jiang Yuan showed a shocked expression. Wasn't this the Han Xuanji they had just been discussing?
It turned out that he and Su Ming also knew each other, and judging by their demeanor, their relationship seemed quite close.
On the other side.
Han Xuanji merely nodded faintly. He was used to Su Ming's respectful attitude and casually said:
"Hmm, you went to a lot of trouble."
Su Ming, however, didn't mind at all. Instead, he turned to lead the way, adopting a very humble posture:
"Senior Brother Han, you're too polite. It's my honor to invite you to taste it!"
He knew that with Han Xuanji's personality, it was not easy to get him to come out.
Throughout the entire Lingxu Heavenly Palace, he was probably the only one who could do it.
Led by Su Ming's eager guidance, Han Xuanji slowly walked into the Immortal Brew Workshop, leaving behind a group of petrified Disciples outside, bewildered in the wind.
It wasn't until the two figures disappeared at the stairwell that the outside of the workshop suddenly erupted into a frenzy.
"I… I didn't see wrong, did I?"
"Who exactly is that person? To make Senior Brother Su treat him like that?"
"I don't know him. He looks like he's also a True Senior Brother of the Dan Meridian…"
…
Everyone was puzzled, and inside the immortal workshop, someone noticed Jiang Yuan's unusual expression.
Zhao Yuan asked:
"Brother Jiang, do you know this Senior Brother?"
Hearing this, Jiang Yuan nodded and said:
"How could I not know him?"
"Weren't you just discussing him?"
"Hmm?"
Zhao Yuan frowned, realizing it belatedly.
"You mean, he is Han Xuanji?"
Zhao Yuan murmured to himself.
If that were the case, it wouldn't be surprising.
As far as he knew, Han Xuanji was a Disciple of Yunmiao Xianjun, while Su Ming had long been guided by Yunmiao Xianjun, which could be considered teaching on behalf of his master.
It was normal for them to know each other.
But to command such respect from the other party, what ability did this person possess?
…
In the private room of the Immortal Brew Workshop, Han Xuanji and Su Ming sat facing each other. Outside the window, the exclamations and uproar from the Disciples downstairs could still be faintly heard.
Su Ming filled a cup of emerald immortal brew for Han Xuanji and said with a smile:
"A few idle words, Senior Brother, don't take them to heart."
Han Xuanji picked up the wine glass, sniffed the rich aroma of the thousand-year spiritual brew, and smiled calmly:
"Why should I care?"
The world's troubles, myriad criticisms, to him, were but reflections in a mirror, fleeting and transient.
Only the Great Dao was eternal and real.
Su Ming drank the wine in his cup, smacked his lips, and shook his head with a hint of disdain:
"Although this 'Thousand-Year Dream' is famous, its taste is far less profound and clear than the nameless immortal brew Senior Brother brought out last time…"
Han Xuanji smiled without speaking, amused in his heart.
Indeed, the immortal brews he obtained through his sign-ins were all of high quality; any random pot he brought out would be a peerless immortal brew.