The banquet at the He Mansion was set up in the spacious front yard, tables spread out like a peacock’s tail, filling all directions.

Qingfeng, who usually didn’t go out much, crossed the threshold led by Housekeeper Gui, taking in the bustling scene and secretly complained:

"Marriage, childbirth, and grand celebrations for birthdays, even when a son died, they’d make it a grand affair. These influential masters from the Thirteen Shops are truly strange."

Qingfeng, dressed in a dark blue Daoist robe, was quite short, resembling a half-grown child, but as he walked, he raised his chin high, stood up straight, and swaggered, making his sleeves rustle.

The senior brothers in the observatory said this would give him more presence and help him hold the scene.

"People from Yuanyang Temple are also here?"

"The He Family really has face!"

"I remember He Jinghong and He Jingyun being students at the Daoist School in Zhi Xin Temple?"

"Such a delicate-looking Daoist child, carved from jade..."

The last comment reached Qingfeng’s ears, and he glared sideways with a fierce expression.

This was also a tactic taught by his senior brothers—looking sideways was easier to show authority, preventing others from underestimating him due to his rosy lips and white teeth.

"Young Master Bai is inside the hall discussing business with a group of influential figures..."

Housekeeper Gui slightly bent over, cautiously attending to him.

The Pai Bang Leader and influential figures of the Thirteen Shops truly were powerful people within Yihai Prefecture, capable of summoning wind and rain.

But the true "Earth Emperor," who held life and death in his hands, was only the Lord Daoist Official bestowed with the Daoist robes by the Dragon Court.

"Is the business of the influential figures more important than my master’s affairs?"

Qingfeng frowned, showing displeasure, having already bought some good items from Fenghui Trading Company, waiting for Bai Qi and Bai Ming to visit.

Originally, the master of the observatory was calmly seated, saying he was waiting for two good seedlings to take the bait.

But upon hearing the name of Bai Qilang’s master as Ninghai Zen, he immediately rushed, urging himself to invite them.

"Alas, when the master speaks, Qingfeng runs till his legs break."

The little Daoist child sighed, lamenting about life’s difficulties.

Before dawn, he had run from the north of the city to the south, his legs unbearably tired, yet hadn’t even had a sip of tea.

This housekeeper also lacked insight; while Bai Qilang was busy, couldn’t he arrange for him to drink tea, eat snacks, and take a rest?

"Little Daoist, you’re too kindly spoken, even big matters in Yihai Prefecture pale before the Lord Daoist Official."

Housekeeper Gui was inwardly startled; Chongxu Zi from Yuanyang Temple had stationed himself in the County City for ten years. Though his influence had waned in recent years, falling behind the rising Zhi Xin Temple, he still had broad connections and significant face, his words still carried weight.

Offending this experienced Lord Daoist Official was a burden the He Family couldn’t afford.

"Don’t just talk pretty, where is Bai Qilang?"

Qingfeng maintained his sideways glare, making Housekeeper Gui more nervous, for this little Daoist from Yuanyang Temple had such a temper that he wouldn’t look at him properly.

Could it be the He Mansion did something wrong and angered them?

While Qingfeng was waiting impatiently, he looked up to see Bai Qi leading Bai Ming out of the spiritual hall, his eyes lit up as he hurried forward to catch them:

"Bai Qilang, finally found you!"

"Qingfeng... Little Daoist Child."

Bai Qi was briefly taken aback; he had some impression of this pink-faced Daoist child.

"Bai Qilang, you promised me yesterday to visit today, keep your word, don’t cheat."

Qingfeng grabbed Bai Qi’s sleeve while surveying Bai Ming, also dressed in a dark robe, thinking to himself:

"Looking at them, it’s evident the younger brother has better cultivation potential than the elder. Yet, the master of the observatory claims Bai Qilang has an innocent heart."

Bai Qi smiled without declining, jestingly saying:

"I clearly said I’d visit another day; how is this little Daoist child making it seem as though I’m deliberately neglecting Yuanyang Temple?"

Qingfeng hurriedly explained:

"The master of the observatory is eager for talent, which is why he urged me to seek you out..."

The little Daoist was quite easy to coax.

Bai Qi was surprised; he didn’t expect a slight verbal provocation would reveal the truth.

Saving him from having to further understand the situation and discuss strategies with the master.

Since Qingfeng claimed the master of Yuanyang Temple was striving for talent, he must have favored his brother.

"It’s almost mealtime; if the little Daoist isn’t in a hurry, why not come back to Jiuque Platform Villa with me for some vegetarian dishes, hmm?"

Bai Qi wasn’t planning to stay long either; this group of influential Thirteen Shops figures considered their share of the dining pot precious and guarded it fiercely, fearing others would partake.

Though they sounded grand with names like "Hundred-Victory Saber" Zheng Xuanfeng, "Xieling Celestial King" Lu Zhongping, "Iron Cable Across Rivers" Zhu Jiren, they weren’t much different from big-city households in Black River County Inner City.

If not for He Lichang and He Jingfeng suddenly proposing an extra seat to bring him into Yihai Prefecture’s Thirteen Shops, he wouldn’t bother to engage with them.

Tangling with so many elderly men in their twilight years was truly dull, where’s the joy found in practicing boxing with Xu Zirong?

"Vegetarian dishes? The master of the observatory is still waiting for me to return!"

Qingfeng shook his head, clearly unmoved.

"Brother, the ’Red Crispy Cake’ and ’Sweet Osmanthus Taro’ you had yesterday were so delicious, buy me some again today."

Bai Ming interrupted on purpose.

He guessed Bai Qi intended to keep Qingfeng for a meal to gather more information about Yuanyang Temple.

"Red Crispy Cake! Sweet Osmanthus Taro! Sweet ones!"

Qingfeng’s eyes suddenly widened, his throat unconsciously rolling twice, rubbing his hands as he changed his mind:

"The master of the observatory will be meditating at noon; indeed, it’s inconvenient to disturb him. Bai Qilang, let’s hurry back to Jiuque Platform, lest your brother goes hungry!"

Bai Qi paused, quietly giving Bai Ming a thumbs-up; indeed, his brother knew how to handle someone of his age.