Lin Xun was caught off guard and had to take a closer look at Peng Tianxiang. When they first met, this guy was lofty and arrogant. Now, his attitude had taken a complete turn, full of warmth and hospitality. Lin Xun couldn’t help but wonder what this was about. Peng Tianxiang hurriedly said, “Dao Brother, I know you must have developed an unpleasant feeling about me, but please believe that I’m here to offer my most sincere apology.” Lin Xun thought for a moment and suddenly smiled strangely, “You're chasing after Dugu Youran?” Peng Tianxiang was shocked inside. What a keen intuition this guy has! “Sure enough, it didn’t escape you, Dao Brother,” Peng Tianxiang revealed a bitter smile. “I won’t hide it, I have been in love with Youran for a long time, head over heels under her charm. My heart and mind are so attached to her that sometimes I overreact out of fear. That’s why I offended you before, even though it was not my intention.” After a pause, he said, “I’ve come here to seek your understanding. After all, you saved Youran. If she knows about this, then maybe...it will change her impression of me in a positive way?” At the end of his sentimental question, he sighed long and hard. It finally dawned on Lin Xun as everything made sense now. He laughed, “You’ve really given this a lot of thought, Fellow Daoist, but I'm afraid that there’s not much I can help you with. I still need to collect Green Cast Golden Dipper Stone for the trial...” Before he could finish his words, Peng Tianxiang waved his hand generously, “If you agree to go to the banquet, then the trial won’t be a problem!” He took out a purple jade token and handed it to Lin Xun, “Dao Brother, this is the talisman that the participant will receive after passing the trial, please take it.” Hearing this, even Lin Xun was moved a little, “How...how can I possibly?” Peng Tianxiang chuckled, “It's just a token. Consider it as an expression of my good will.” He shoved the token to Lin Xun in a manner that refused objections. “Then I'll gladly accept it.” Lin Xun smiled. He hadn’t expected that the matter of the trial would be resolved just . Peng Tianxiang responded with a hearty laugh. Right at this moment— “Why are you here?” rang a melodious voice. Not far away, a stunning, delicate Dugu Youran in a blue robe was leisurely walking over. There was a hint of unexpectedness in her black, twinkling eyes and a slight frown on her face. Peng Tianxiang also found this unexpected, “Youran, didn't you go back to the inn to rest?” Dugu Youran's expression was as tranquil as water as she said, “Do I need to report everything I do to you?” Peng Tianxiang hurriedly put on an apologetic smile, “Youran, please don't misunderstand. I’m just here to apologize to this dao brother. Since he saved your life in my territory, how can I not show my gratitude?” Maintaining a smile on his face, he swept a hinting glance at Lin Xun. Getting it, Lin Xun said, “That's right. Not only did Brother Peng give me the token for passing the trial, but he also invited me to a banquet as an apology. His sincerity makes me feel very flattered.” This was what they called returning the favor. Dugu Youran was stunned and couldn't help but look at Peng Tianxiang one more time, “I didn't expect you to be so attentive.” The few words actually energized Peng Tianxiang's spirit. His heart was stirred with excitement, and he felt as though he could cry. During these last several days, he had spent untold efforts on Dugu Youran, but what he had always gotten in return was a resistant and perfunctory attitude from her. However, just now, she finally gave him a compliment! Even if it was just one sentence, Peng Tianxiang was over the moon, feeling like the sky had cleared up! A bright smile was splattered all over his face, “It’s just what I’m supposed to do. I...just want to do something for you and lighten your burden.” Dugu Youran imperceptibly frowned, causing Peng Tianxiang's heart to jump. He immediately shut up as he recalled his third uncle Peng Qianhe's advice about trying not to go overboard! He immediately stepped aside and said, “Youran, you’re here to talk to him, right? You guys chat, I'll go to the City Lord’s Residence and check if the identity of that assassin has been found out.” He then smilingly cupped his fist toward Lin Xun, “Dao Brother, I will send someone to escort you to the banquet in the evening. Please show up.” After saying that, he turned and left, directly and dashingly. Lin Xun was surprised by the way he acted. Has this guy...been enlightened? “Fellow Daoist, do you want to talk right here?” Dugu Youran looked at Lin Xun and joked. Lin Xun inwardly sighed. After hearing what the green sparrow said about this woman, he really didn't want to get involved with her in any way. It would only bring him endless troubles if her admirers knew about it. Pondering a little, he said, “Miss, if you’re also here to apologize, then it’s not necessary. In fact, we both know that you’d be able to safely resolve that assassination attempt yourself even if I hadn’t acted.” Dugu Youran's eyes lit up as she laughed out loud, “You seem to be wary of me, Fellow Daoist. Forget it, I won’t force you, but we will definitely meet again.” Dropping those words, she actually turned and left as well. Lin Xun was stunned for a moment. Then, he shook his head and closed the door. Dugu Youran took a deep breath. Twice in a row she had taken the initiative to express her gratitude to Lin Xun, but twice in a row she had been rejected. It gave her doubts ... They didn’t know each other and had never met before, so why was this person so wary of her? After some thought, she quietly flipped her palm, and a light-green jade mirror appeared. There was a face reflected in it – clearly Lin Xun's real face! Hmph, Ling Xuanzi ah Ling Xuanzi, do you really think that your disguise can fool me? Dugu Youran's lips curled up. I'd like to see if you’ll still dare to reject me next time... While pondering, she put away the mirror and said with cold eyes, “Come out.” From a nearby tea house, Peng Tianxiang stepped out with an embarrassed look, “Youran, I'm just here to have a cup of tea. I didn’t...” Dugu Youran turned her head and looked straight at Peng Tianxiang, “I’ve been aware of what you want for a long time. Let me remind you that anyone who wants me like you do will, without exception, face a lot of trouble.” “I understand,” said Peng Tianxiang seriously. How could he not know that in the Eternal True Realm, there were many amazingly talented individuals chasing after Dugu Youran, who worshiped her as a goddess and always flocked around her like stars wanting to surround the moon. Among them, there was no lack of dazzling and matchless geniuses whose backgrounds and cultivation were not inferior to his. Some might be even stronger! This meant that the first thing one needed to consider before pursuing Dugu Youran was the competition! “You don't understand,” Dugu Youran sighed softly. There was a hint of sadness on her face as she walked off. “How can I not understand?” Watching as her silhouette became farther and farther away, Peng Tianxiang's eyes flickered dimly, “But no matter what, I definitely won’t give up. No matter who my rivals are, I will never withdraw. I will show you who is the best person for you!” In the inky night, the City Lord’s Residence was brightly lit and colorfully decorated. In the central area was a massive lake with a beautiful view that was covered in aeth qi all year round. Today, this area was lively, hosting a gathering of a good number of Great Emperors. The lake showed a pure turquoise color, gleaming ethereally under the vast mist of aeth qi. In the vicinity stood various small mountains of spiritual beauty. Diffusing gorgeous hazes, they lined up around the lake like sky-piercing halberds. Rooted on those mountains were ancient trees upon ancient trees that rose up to the sky. In addition to them, there were also pavilions, silver waterfalls, and springs. The scenery looked like it had been carefully arranged with a concept in mind. Standing next to the turquoise lake, Lin Xun looked all around and secretly nodded in approval. This was indeed a rare feng shui treasure land, housing thick and vast aeth qi and steaming law power. In an ancient pavilion not far away, Peng Tianxiang was having a great talk with a group of Great Emperors over wine. Those Great Emperors, no matter who they were, all demonstrated excellent manners as well as their own charm and authority, which showed how extraordinary they were. Most of them, like Lin Xun, came from different planes of the Great Thousand Worlds. Even when faced with a character from an Immortal Imperial Clan such as Peng Tianxiang, they behaved naturally without the slightest hint of subservience. This was the confidence of a supreme Great Emperor, far from what an ordinary Emperor could ever attain. “Brother Jin, come come come, let me introduce you to these fellow daoists.” Peng Tianxiang got up and greeted Lin Xun with a warm smile. Lin Xun’s character was a bit resistant to this kind of gathering. His main purpose of coming here was to see what Peng Tianxiang's so-called shocking secret was. Since ‘Ling Xuanzi’ had been put on the wanted list, Lin Xun could only borrow Toady’s identity again. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Fellow Daoist Jin Duyi, a supreme seventh realm Great Emperor with unparalleled combat strength. Just today, outside the city gates, his timely intervention helped Miss Youran resolve a danger,” Peng Tianxiang introduced Lin Xun with a smile. The gazes of those supreme Great Emperors all fell on Lin Xun. They nodded smilingly. Lin Xun also greeted them one by one. Peng Tianxiang revealed a mysterious smile,“Brother Jin, why don't you have a seat first. After everyone has arrived, I’ll have a big event to announce, but right now, please excuse me as I have a very honorable guest to welcome.” After saying that, he left the scene. Lin Xun casually sat down and drank to himself. He had no interest in getting to know and befriending anyone. When the others saw this, they also dismissed the idea of starting conversations with him. Who of them, as supreme Great Emperors, didn’t have a bit of pride? Thus, Lin Xun found himself in a comfortable state of leisure. Shortly afterward, there was suddenly a small hubbub in the distance. In that direction, a slender figure in blue was walking in. In the bright light of all the lamps, Dugu Youran’s fair and beautiful face radiated a striking luster that should only exist in fantasy. Holding a feather fan, she was taking steps so light that they were almost imaginary. Although she was dressed up like a man, she exuded a unique and unrestrained beauty that made her stand out. Lin Xun was dumbfounded. Doesn’t this woman always seem repulsed by Peng Tianxiang? Why did she also come here? Could she be the very honorable guest that Peng Tianxiang has mentioned? While Lin Xun pondered this, the group of Great Emperors in the pavilion had stopped talking. Unexpectedly, they quickly got up from their seats and greeted the blue-robed woman with respect. Of course, there was also visible curiosity, admiration, astonishment, and fervor in their expressions.