Chapter Twenty-Two: Making Friends Over Wine

Mo Fan walked over step by step, holding a small wine cup, and toasted the patrons one by one. His demeanor was open and straightforward, his actions decisive. Every movement carried the refined air of a young master from a prominent family.

"Fellow Daoists, I just heard you discussing the major events of the world. Your conversation never strayed far from the three great families of Dongyang County, the major powers of Gancheng Prefecture, or that nobody named Mo Fan who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, not to mention the purple mist rising over Panlong Mountain. Is it possible that in this vast world, there is truly nothing else of note?"

Mo Fan raised his cup, his voice impassioned, as if he were privy to even greater secrets. From his preliminary observations, he had already surmised that many of the people present belonged to formidable clans; some might even be disciples from the three great families of Dongyang or the major factions of Gancheng. Having spent too much time in the mountains with Xiahou Ji, he was ignorant of current affairs, and he would not let such a golden opportunity to extract information slip by.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated! Since these people were potentially targeting him, learning more about them was no bad thing. Furthermore, the talk of Panlong Mountain might even yield some unexpected gains for him.

"What kind of thing are you, daring to pry into our business?"

A delicate-looking youth, who had been holding a folding fan, stood up arrogantly, eyeing Mo Fan with utter contempt. His name was Duan Jiutian, and he hailed from the Feathered Pattern Pavilion of Gancheng Prefecture. The Pavilion was one of the four major powers of the region, alongside the Asura Martial Mansion, the Nether Palace, and the Drunken Flower Pavilion. Its reputation was widespread, and thus, Duan Jiutian had every reason to look down on Mo Fan.

"Oh, oh! I’m just a humble fellow from the countryside. I heard you esteemed gentlemen talking about pills that can open up the Wild Domain and the invitation tokens for the major sects of Gancheng, and I got a bit excited—I thought I might try my luck," Mo Fan said, bowing and scraping with a sycophantic smile, feigning insecurity.

After studying Duan Jiutian closely, he detected a certain opening in the man’s demeanor and felt he could be played. He hurriedly poured a cup of wine and offered it with a fawning grin: "I cannot compare to you gentlemen, who dare to vie with the sun and moon for divine artifacts. But I’d like to see the world; even if I can't eat the swan meat, perhaps I can have a taste of the broth, don’t you agree?"

Mo Fan lowered his posture, flattering everyone in the room. His strategy proved effective; after a round of sycophancy, the entire room was stirred into a high-spirited frenzy.

"I am a crude man, unskilled in the refined arts of poetry and prose. I only understand the principle that a lifetime of sentiment is found in a cup of wine. Today, I wish to share a drink with you all—not for any other purpose, but to make friends through wine. I truly hope you gentlemen will do me the honor."

Mo Fan poured a cup of mellow wine, a slight smirk playing on his lips. With a toast of "I’ll drink first as a sign of respect," he drew them into his trap.

"Good! Refreshing!" Duan Jiutian, seeing Mo Fan finish his cup, snapped his folding fan shut, filled his own cup, and said, "I, Duan Jiutian, toast you. Whatever you wish to know, just ask. When it comes to the strange and curious tales of the world, I shall surely clear up any confusion you have."

"Heh, I wonder where Brother Duan gets the confidence to make such a bold claim," the previously mentioned youth from Dongyang County said with a sinister expression, clearly trying to provoke Duan.

"Oh! I was so excited I forgot to introduce myself. I am Duan Jiutian, a disciple of the Feathered Pattern Pavilion. It is my duty to collect the strange tales of the world and archive them for exchange with other major powers." Duan Jiutian, as if seeing through the man’s intentions, stated his identity without fear, effectively silencing the murmurs and curious stares of the crowd.

Duan’s words not only shut the youth up but also drew many eyes. However, upon hearing the name of the Feathered Pattern Pavilion, the youth felt a surge of silent rage: *Damn it, I didn't expect the Pavilion to intervene and beat me to the punch, gathering so many shields for themselves.*

The Nether Palace had already received word that a divine artifact was descending upon Panlong Mountain in the Western Ridge. Their three Palace Masters had issued an order: the artifact must be secured. He and his fellow disciples had been traveling here to reach the mountain as quickly as possible. Uncertain of what they might face, they had stopped at this small tavern to recruit others as cannon fodder. Unfortunately, he had been a step too slow.

"Heh, I didn't expect the Nether Palace to be here as well—and led by the famous Dou brothers, the 'Three Heroes' of the palace. What an eye-opener!" Duan Jiutian claimed to collect all the world's secrets; the youth’s identity had likely been exposed to him long ago. As for why he had kept silent, only he knew.

"Brother Duan has excellent methods; we Dou brothers admit defeat," the youth said, cupping his hands. He then turned to Mo Fan, a hint of murderous intent flickering in his eyes before he quickly concealed it. "Greetings, brother. I am Dou Jian. My brothers, Dou De and Dou Ren, and I are heading to Panlong Mountain. Would you like to join us?"

"This..." Mo Fan hesitated, glancing at Duan Jiutian as if seeking his counsel.

"Hmph, ungrateful fool!" Dou Jian’s eyes had never left Mo Fan, and he did not miss the small gesture. With a flash of unexplained anger and a sharper edge of murderous intent, he returned to his seat.

"Um... Brother Duan!" Mo Fan appeared frightened, his body trembling slightly, looking toward Duan Jiutian for help.

Duan Jiutian was no fool. He had clearly sensed the murderous aura Dou Jian let slip. However, his own goal for this trip was to secure the divine artifact for the Pavilion. Although others had been tasked as well, he did not want to miss this chance to distinguish himself. The Feathered Pattern Pavilion was already a leader in Gancheng, but as a young man, who wouldn't want to climb higher? He had heard of a place called the Baiye Tower, where the true masters gathered. The reward for this mission was entry into that very place.

To enter the Baiye Tower, he would spare no cost. Since the Nether Palace was willing to take Mo Fan in, there was no need for him to offend the Dou brothers for the sake of a "wasted" youth who hadn't even opened his Wild Domain. If they formed a connection now, perhaps they could fight side-by-side at the mountain. He had already used the boy to gather intelligence; losing him didn't matter.

With this thought, Duan Jiutian decided to abandon Mo Fan.

"Brother, the Nether Palace and my Pavilion are old friends. Since they think highly of you and are willing to take you along, that is your fortune. Why hesitate?" Duan Jiutian pushed Mo Fan toward the Dou brothers.

Hearing this, Mo Fan understood instantly. He smiled slightly and said pitifully, "But..."

"There are no 'buts.' A master of your caliber is not suited for me!" Duan Jiutian’s pleasant demeanor vanished; he darkened his face and roared, "Anyone who wishes to travel with me, drink with me!"

He ignored Mo Fan thereafter.

Mo Fan smiled to himself, thinking, *I knew you would do exactly that.* Abandoned by Duan, Mo Fan feigned embarrassment and awkwardness, turning his gaze once more toward the Dou brothers, hoping for their acceptance.