At this moment, another elder, full of vigor, walked over and bowed to Young Master Xiao Li with a smile.
"This old man is Gu Ling. I've long heard of Young Master Xiao Li's great name, and today I finally get to meet him. He truly lives up to his reputation."
"Venerable Feng, you flatter me."
Among the Four Directions Pavilion, Venerable Feng was the only one who had no grudges with Young Master Xiao Li.
As early as the battle on Tianmu Mountain, Venerable Feng had heard of Young Master Xiao Li's great name.
However, it was only now that he finally saw Young Master Xiao Li in person.
"Qingluan, come and greet Young Master Xiao Li."
Venerable Feng beckoned, and a beautiful woman with an elegant demeanor walked out from behind him—Mu Qingluan!
"Qingluan... greets Young Master Xiao Li."
Mu Qingluan bowed slightly, her gaze somewhat evasive, not daring to look at Young Master Xiao Li.
Back on Tianmu Mountain, both Mu Qingluan and Feng Qing'er had been claimed by Young Master Xiao Li in that spatial realm, becoming his women, and the deed was done.
At that time, Feng Qing'er harbored deep hatred for Young Master Xiao Li, but dared not express her anger, only leaving in silence.
Mu Qingluan's attitude towards Young Master Xiao Li at that time was actually quite good; she didn't resist much, and even submitted to him.
However, after the event, she needed to return to explain things.
But once she returned, she never went to find Young Master Xiao Li again.
Mainly, she had calmed down.
Her submission when she was claimed by Young Master Xiao Li was real.
But at that time, she was more or less influenced by Young Master Xiao Li.
Later, after returning to Starfall Pavilion, she sobered up and still felt that such a thing was too much of a grievance for her.
Although Mu Qingluan had not told anyone about this, she also didn't want to go find Young Master Xiao Li again.
Until now, Young Master Xiao Li had arrived.
"Miss Qingluan, you are too polite." Young Master Xiao Li smiled slightly, not mentioning too much about their past.
Today's protagonists were not them, and he saw no need to spoil the atmosphere over such a small matter.
The two sides exchanged a few pleasantries, then got to the main topic—today was the day Yao Chen, after reconstructing his body, officially took office as the Pavilion Master of Starfall Pavilion!
Although Venerable Feng had presided over Starfall Pavilion for decades, he had always reserved the position of Pavilion Master for Yao Chen, and now it had finally come to pass.
Various forces offered congratulations, and many powerful individuals came upon hearing the news.
Many of them came specifically for Yao Chen.
After all, the name of Venerable Yao had once resounded throughout the entire Central Plains.
When these people arrived at Starfall Pavilion and discovered that Young Master Xiao Li, the new champion of the Pill Gathering, was also present, they were even more surprised.
If Yao Chen was the most famous Alchemist of his era, then Young Master Xiao Li was undoubtedly the most famous Alchemist of the current era.
Moreover, both of them had won the Pill Gathering championship.
The two appearing together was a truly rare sight... Young Master Xiao Li was merely a guest for dinner today, with no other intentions.
These guests were all here to congratulate Yao Chen.
However, Young Master Xiao Li's reputation was undeniable. While congratulating Yao Chen, those people also greeted Young Master Xiao Li.
After all, with the labels of 'new Pill Gathering champion' and 'killer of the Hall Master of the Soul Hall' attached to him, no one present dared to object.
Young Master Xiao Li might not care if they greeted him or not, but they couldn't not greet him.
This was social etiquette.
Finally, Young Master Xiao Li grew somewhat annoyed and voluntarily retreated to the inner hall of Starfall Pavilion, where it became much quieter.
At this time, most of the people in Starfall Pavilion were outside, chatting and drinking with guests.
There was almost no one in the inner hall ≠ no one.
Besides Young Master Xiao Li, there was one other person in the inner hall—Mu Qingluan!
Mu Qingluan had quietly hidden in the inner hall because she was somewhat afraid to face Young Master Xiao Li.
Unexpectedly, Young Master Xiao Li also came in.
Of course, Young Master Xiao Li had no idea Mu Qingluan was there; he simply came in to find some peace and quiet.
Mu Qingluan's presence also surprised him.
In fact, Young Master Xiao Li had noticed that ever since she saw him today, Mu Qingluan's gaze had been constantly darting away, not daring to meet his.
Young Master Xiao Li hadn't shown any ill intentions towards her, nor had he said anything privately.
One could only say that Mu Qingluan herself felt guilty.
"Young Master Xiao Li..."
There were only the two of them in the inner hall.
After a moment of hesitation, Mu Qingluan still walked over proactively, greeting him with her head slightly lowered.
"Qingluan, it's so lively outside, why are you here alone?"
"I... don't really like crowds," she said.
"Actually, I don't like crowds either."
Young Master Xiao Li didn't say anything particularly special.
But Mu Qingluan felt an invisible pressure.
"Young Master Xiao Li, I'm sorry..."
She lowered her head.
"Why are you suddenly apologizing?"
"After we parted on Tianmu Mountain, I said I would return, but then I never came to find you..."
"Raise your head," Young Master Xiao Li said.
Mu Qingluan obediently did as she was told.
She raised her delicate face, her eyes welling up with tears, looking utterly pitiful.
Young Master Xiao Li sighed helplessly: "Do I really make you so afraid?"
He actually understood Mu Qingluan's feelings.
After finally returning, why would she want to go back?
It was just that Mu Qingluan couldn't overcome the high wall within her own heart.
Especially now that Young Master Xiao Li's reputation had soared, and his strength had advanced by leaps and bounds.
He alone was stronger than the entire Starfall Pavilion.
Starfall Pavilion was no longer Mu Qingluan's safe haven.
She was very afraid that Young Master Xiao Li would blame her.
"Come here."
Young Master Xiao Li spoke in an almost commanding tone.
Mu Qingluan dared not resist and obediently walked over.
Young Master Xiao Li didn't touch her; he merely raised his hand and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Don't cry. You're making me feel like I'm some kind of bad guy. I'm not going to eat you."
"I don't blame you. Since you want to distance yourself from me, I won't force you to stay by my side."
His gentleness warmed Mu Qingluan's heart. She looked up at him in disbelief, seemingly not quite trusting him.
"Alright, no matter what, you are now my woman. Although our feelings might not be very deep yet, I, Young Master Xiao Li, am not the kind of person who would bully his own woman."
"I came here today simply to attend the banquet, not to settle scores with you."
Mu Qingluan's reaction truly made Young Master Xiao Li feel as if he were some great demon lord.
It was too strange.
Conversely, Mu Qingluan was touched by his gentleness.
Just like back on Tianmu Mountain, she was inexplicably drawn to Young Master Xiao Li's aura and couldn't help but fall for him.
"Young Master Xiao Li, thank you..."
"Such a beautiful face will be ruined if you keep crying. Go wash your face, then come out and eat something with me."
"Mm..."
Mu Qingluan wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, nodded, and turned to wash her face.
Soon, she adopted a different demeanor. The knot in her heart and her worries vanished, and she went out with Young Master Xiao Li openly and confidently...