1455 Accepting White Dance Fire

The Three Immortals of Thousand Vines had been watching from the sidelines for quite some time. Seeing how the group had built their house with such confidence and seamless efficiency, they couldn't help but feel a secret sense of admiration. These immortal friends were truly possessed of vast supernatural powers; their control over their spiritual energy was incredibly precise, not wasting a single shred. In particular, the one who split the stone performed every strike with such exactitude that it was as if they had used a professional measuring tool. The bricks and tiles fit together without leaving the slightest gap, as if crafted by nature itself. If it were up to the three of them, they certainly couldn't have managed it. It seemed they had underestimated the strength of these newcomers; they would have to be careful not to offend them.

Once the house was finished, the Luo family was filled with joy. This was a nest they had built with their own hands—how could they not celebrate?

Luo Yu hopped over to the Three Immortals, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "Many thanks to the three fellow Daoists. We’ve just completed our new home and would like to host a small gathering. Are you all free? If you’re not too busy, how about joining us for a casual meal?"

The Three Immortals of Thousand Vines were intent on building a good relationship, so naturally, they wouldn't refuse. The one called Zhaohua bowed and said with a smile, "How could we dare miss the celebration of your housewarming, fellow Daoist? However, to arrive empty-handed would be impolite. Allow us to return to our residence to prepare a modest gift. We hope you will not decline."

Luo Yu felt a bit embarrassed at the thought of them bringing gifts and tried to politely decline, but he was no match for the ritualistic customs of these ancient beings and had to let them go. He then ran to discuss the matter with his family: "What should we name it? All immortal dwellings have names, right?"

Bai Wuhuo suggested, "Hmm, the name should be elegant... how about 'Ethereal Palace'?"

Luo Li retorted, "No! There’s already a 'Heaven-Defying Palace'; this one sounds like the headquarters of a demonic cult!"

Bai Wuhuo pondered and offered, "Then how about 'Dustless Abode'?"

Luo Li said, "Too tacky!"

The group argued incessantly over the name, and before they could reach a conclusion, the three immortals had already returned. The immortal named Huajianli listened to their opinions, smiled slightly, and said, "The spiritual mist beneath the Peak of Accumulated Verdure is like a vast sea, and this immortal pavilion sits right amidst the clouds. I find the name 'Cloud Foothill' to be quite fitting. What do you think, fellow Daoists?"

Luo Yu was delighted. "That's a great name!" The others nodded in agreement. Luo Li added, "Then let's call it 'Cloud Foothill Immortal Mansion'—that finally gives it the feeling of living in an immortal cave! Hohoho!"

With no further objections, Qin Yue gave a light wave of his long sleeves, and a flash of golden light swept across the archway, leaving behind four bold and elegant characters.

Now that the guests had arrived, the banquet was yet to begin. Feeling a bit apologetic, Luo Yu hurriedly invited their three distinguished neighbors inside to sit for a moment, while he rushed to a stone terrace on the mountainside to set up the banquet. This terrace was surrounded on three sides by a secluded valley, with beautiful, strange peaks beneath their feet and a vast expanse of cloud waves. The terrace was nearly two hundred square meters in size, its surface polished to a mirror-like shine by the fox’s 'Phantom Fox True Fire.' The railing at the edge was carved with a series of quaint cat figurines, and in the center sat a dining table decorated with nine-tailed spirit fox and cloud patterns.

Luo Yu was quite satisfied with Bai Wuhuo. This foodie not only knew how to eat but also how to appreciate the scenery; he had chosen an excellent location!

He waved his hand, scattering a row of silk-satin, space-cotton cushions on the floor, and then opened his necklace to place food on the table. The wine was spirit-fruit wine brewed by Sun Wuming; though not overflowing with spiritual energy, it tasted quite good. He also took out two jugs of immortal wine purchased at a high price in the Kara Empire—he was reluctant to bring too much, but it was a nice gesture. There were immortal shellfish and seafood brought from Shakama, various delicacies from the Heaven-Defying Palace, as well as pastries and immortal fruits. The spread was truly sumptuous.

Once the banquet was set, the hosts and guests took their seats. The Three Immortals of Thousand Vines were immediately dazzled by the table of food and wine. Although they had long since reached a state of fasting, they usually consumed spirit fruits and wine regularly. This spread, rich in spiritual energy, was akin to a mortal feasting on highly nourishing turtle soup. In comparison, their previous austere lives were like a shut-in eating instant noodles every day. They immediately tucked in with great appetite.

The Luo family had never been ones for excessive formalities. After a few polite exchanges, everyone began to eat, and soon the table was filled with laughter and conversation. The Three Immortals hadn't had a proper feast in nearly a hundred years; letting their guards down, they all became slightly tipsy. As they grew more comfortable, their talk flowed more freely.

Under his robes, a few green vines sprouted from Teng Xuanzi without him realizing it. He gestured with his five fingers, unaware of the vines, and said, "Fellow Daoists are truly... generous. This banquet... I fear it must have cost a hundred spirit coins..."

Bai Wuhuo, also quite tipsy, had let three tails appear without realizing it, and his human ears had turned into fluffy, pointed ones. He hugged a wine jug and shouted, "Don't bother saving money for me! My family’s spirit orchard... is huge! The whole mountain is full of spirit birds and beasts... all raised to be cooked, you know? Only the shellfish... and the immortal wine cost a few spirit stones. His Highness and my master are both wealthy! As for me... I’m just going to latch on and never leave... Your Highness~ I beg you to keep me..."

Luo Li pounced into Bai Wuhuo's arms, trying to pry the jug away. "This is definitely the immortal wine from the Kara Emperor; I still remember the scent! You jerk, let go! You’re not allowed to drink it all by yourself!"

The most reserved of the group was Qin Yue, who drank at a steady, leisurely pace. Suddenly, he said, "Although this immortal gorge is not bustling, there are quite a few cultivators here. Since you three are worried about the safety of the valley, why not set up an array outside?"

Teng Xuanzi shook his head like a rattle at these words, waving his hands. "A mountain-protecting array? Where would we find the spirit coins to set one up... Even if we had the old and young in the valley donate their savings, we couldn't afford the long-term upkeep of such an array."

Luo Yu asked curiously, "Can't you buy one that draws spiritual energy for itself?"

Zhaohua sighed, "Those cost even more. We live in a remote area and have no significant spiritual resources. Fortunately, no one covets this place, so we just muddle through."

Qin Yue pondered for a moment before asking, "Have the three of you ever heard... that outside the continent, there are still places where cultivators gather?"

Zhaohua nodded. "We are aware of this."

Teng Xuanzi raised a hand and said, "I come from beyond the realm! I was originally a thousand-year-old rattan vine. Back then... I was fortunate enough to be favored by a senior who brought me into this realm, which is how I gained sentience... Had I stayed beyond the realm, I would likely still be a common vine that flourishes in spring and withers in autumn, or perhaps I would have frozen to death in the dead of winter long ago."

Huajianli added with a sense of shared sorrow, "Brother Teng is correct. When my Immortal Butterfly clan was beyond the realm, we were nothing more than insects caught in the cycle of life and death. If my ancestors hadn't followed their master to move here, how could there be a Huajianli today?"

Seeing the look of fear on their faces whenever they mentioned the world beyond the realm, Luo Yu couldn't help but ask, "Your cultivation has reached the Nascent Soul stage now; haven't you thought about going out to find your roots?"

Huajianli frowned. "How could we not have tried... but the spiritual energy beyond the realm is thin. As soon as I crossed the boundary, I felt completely unwell... not to mention the strange odor in the air that made me dizzy. I only traveled a hundred miles before I couldn't take it anymore and turned back."

Zhaohua agreed, "I fared a bit better than them. I traveled to a prosperous land in my homeland, but everywhere I looked, black smoke was rising, gray mist was rolling, flowers were withered, trees were thin, and the rivers were stained red. I wanted to see what the 'stars' were, but when night fell, all I saw was a sky filled with murky gray haze—where were the stars? I had to spend the night waiting on a strange, square-shaped building, and I hurried back the next morning. However, although I didn't see the stars, the 'bright moon' was quite large, like a silver disk, but it wasn't very bright. Truly, seeing it is not as good as hearing its reputation."

Luo Yu was deeply struck and muttered, "You looked in the wrong place. If you go to the countryside or the suburbs, you can still see the stars."

The three immortals were unimpressed by Luo Yu’s words. Even if stars did exist, in a place with such strange odors, they would have no desire to admire them. It would be better to invite a few immortal friends over to sip spirit tea at home.

Qin Yue watched their expressions silently and added, "Since the three of you feel financially strapped, have you never thought about going beyond the realm to get some spirit stones?"

Teng Xuanzi replied, "I observed that the mountains beyond the realm are barren and the water is thin; how could spirit stones grow there? Even if they did... I suspect they would be firmly occupied by the cultivators beyond the realm, who would hardly give us a share."

Qin Yue picked up his wine cup, calm and collected. "Could you not just take them by force?"

Teng Xuanzi’s face changed dramatically, and he waved his hands. "Fellow Daoist Qin, that would be absolutely unwise! I have heard from predecessors that if a cultivator above the Nascent Soul stage wants to go beyond the realm, they must seal their own power, otherwise, their lives would be in danger. To seal one's power and compete for profit with the cultivators beyond the realm is foolish. Every place beyond the realm where spiritual energy gathers is filled with countless fierce spirit beasts. If one were to fail and fall there, wouldn't it be a terrible loss? Fellow Daoist Qin would be better off hunting for money-beasts in the Chaos Domain; it is far safer."

Qin Yue had finally managed to ask what he wanted through his roundabout questioning. Satisfied, he took a sip of his wine and said no more.

Soon, the banquet drew to a close. After the three immortals had eaten and drank their fill, they chatted for a while longer before reluctantly taking their leave on the clouds.

After seeing the guests off and cleaning up the remains of the feast, Luo Li took out the gifts the three had brought for Luo Yu to see. They were all daily necessities like gauze curtains, brocade quilts, and silk canopies. Although not precious, they were just what they needed, so they happily put them to use. They then had Qin Yue and Bai Wuhuo set up a bunch of arrays.

When all the work was finished, the group finally had some free time. They sat on the terrace, admiring the view and discussing matters.

Luo Yu brought out the magical stove he had bought in the Kara Empire, set up a clay pot on the spot, brewed some spirit spring water, and served everyone a cup of spirit tea. As the breeze blew, the fragrance of the tea was refreshing and soothing—truly one of life's great pleasures.

Qin Yue picked up a porcelain cup, took a sip, and looked at Bai Wuhuo. He said calmly, "Senior Bai has been living with us for quite some time now. Your seal has been lifted, and you are far from the Kara Empire; the world is vast and open, and you are free to go wherever you please. We have fulfilled our promise to help you find a residence and settled our old debts. What are your plans for the future?"

Bai Wuhuo slumped onto the floor at these words, sweeping his tails back and forth. "Master, we've been living together for almost a year; your attitude is so heartless. 'Senior Bai'? I'll be hurt by that, you know. Are you trying to drive me away?"

Qin Yue maintained his composed expression. "Not at all. You and we have no blood relation. If you have any plans, feel free to speak your mind."

Bai Wuhuo suddenly sat up. "No blood relation? Hey, aren't I the guardian beast of the Heaven-Defying Palace? Are you going back on your word? A man should take responsibility, you know! Besides, we're all orphans adopted by Mr. Luo; you just arrived a little earlier than me... I won't be driven away by you! I’ve decided to go back to Osmanthus Alley and recognize Mr. Luo as my foster father, so you’ll never be able to get rid of me, hahaha!"

Luo Yu looked awkward. "Who said I was adopted by Dad? I'm his biological son!"

Luo Li also said fiercely, "And I'm Daddy and Mommy's biological daughter!"

Bai Wuhuo scoffed, "Little brats who refuse to face reality. Can a former ordinary human like Mr. Luo give birth to a phoenix and a cat?"

Qin Yue said coolly, "Uncle Luo is Xiao Yu's biological father."

Bai Wuhuo frowned. "Are you trying to lie to me? His Highness isn't a half-demon; I know that very well!"

Qin Yue said, "So, you've made up your mind to latch onto us?"

Bai Wuhuo lay back down on the floor. "Unh-huh~ I'm not leaving. I demand that you register me as part of the family~"

Qin Yue said calmly, "Since you insist, would you be willing to enter into a contract with me, pledging that you will never disclose any of the secrets of the Luo family or the Heaven-Defying Palace in any form, for all eternity?"

Bai Wuhuo scrambled up at these words, looking very happy. "Secrets? Wow, Master, are you finally willing to open your heart to me?"

Qin Yue had a face full of black lines and said impatiently, "Do you want to enter the contract or not?"

Bai Wuhuo said with a grin, "Of course I do!"

Qin Yue said coldly, "If the day comes that you betray us, I will hunt you down until your soul is scattered."

Bai Wuhuo was silent for a moment before suddenly becoming serious as well. "Hey, I know you have a lot of secrets and are always guarding against me. But I really like being with you guys. However, if we're going to sign a contract, I have a request too!"

Luo Li asked, "What request?"

Bai Wuhuo looked at Qin Yue and said earnestly, "I require you to treat me as family."

The usually lazy person had suddenly become serious, and the others were a bit unaccustomed to it. Luo Yu and Luo Li fell silent.

Qin Yue and Bai Wuhuo locked eyes for a long time before Qin Yue finally looked away. "Very well."

Having received Qin Yue's promise, Bai Wuhuo smiled slightly—though he looked like a demonic beauty, his smile was unexpectedly pure.

He looked up at the flowing light dancing in the sky, and his mood suddenly turned sentimental. Was I accepted? From now on, this is finally a true "home"... Although I had family before, we weren't very close, which is why, after being scolded, I so easily abandoned those family ties.

Whether that was the rebellion of youth or lost confusion, perhaps even he couldn't tell. However, what was lost was already lost, and there was no point in dwelling on it. To find another group of people willing to treat him as family was already a great stroke of luck. From now on, he had people he could cherish and protect, and there would be people who treated him the same way—it felt wonderful, didn't it?

Bai Wuhuo wrinkled his nose and gave a proud "Hmph!" toward Qin Yue. "Come on then! A contract is a contract!"