Meditating deeply through the night, Li Xian felt muddled, but steadied his heart and continued dining as usual. He had hunted Snow Beasts and amassed over a thousand taels of silver. This passage of fate is fraught with misfortune, leaving him uncertain of his remaining life.

He spent lavishly, renting a large table at a high-end restaurant and inviting Jin Yi, Huo Er, Tu San, Shui Si, and Mu Wu. He ordered extravagant dishes like Phoenix Spreading Wings and Golden Dragon Soaring... costing several hundred taels.

Jin Yi excitedly said, "Brother Hua, have you struck it rich?" Li Xian replied with a bitter smile, "The riches are uncertain, but calamities are sure."

Shui Si said, "Who dares trouble you, Brother Hua? We five brothers will handle it for you." Mu Wu and Huo Er agreed.

Jin Yi scratched his head and said, "It’s quite embarrassing to say. We five take from you, eat what you provide, but haven’t been much help." Li Xian said, "Don’t make things worse, come, let’s drink!" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The group raised their glasses and drank together in high spirits. As they reveled, it approached evening, and the restaurant grew lively. Guests hurried in, and the sounds of drinking and talking were unceasing. Then they overheard from the neighboring table: "Unbelievable! Have you heard? A young man has hunted the Spirit Fox!"

"Is it true? Madam Wang has promised a grand reward, gifting Essence Treasure to whoever hunts the Spirit Fox, especially if he’s young and handsome. During this time, the Daybreak Golden Summit spectacle in Flying Dragon City draws countless young heroes and prodigious talents; many are skilled in archery yet haven’t caught sight of the Spirit Fox. Has someone truly hunted it?"

"Indeed, I just heard the Snow Mountain Spirit Fox is extremely difficult to catch. Even with City Lord He’s outstanding archery, he didn’t hunt it till he was over forty. Yet this young man is said to be just seventeen or eighteen, so young!"

"Really? So this young man’s archery skill rivals City Lord He’s?" "It must be true, Madam Wang has spent a fortune, arranging a grand feast inviting this fox-hunting young man." "Ah! That’s surely a meteoric rise; if he connects with this golden branch, his future is limitless."

"Furthermore, many Jianghu warriors are curious about this young man’s identity. Some suspect he’s from the Five Great Sword Sects; thus, many want to attend the feast as spectators."

"Frankly, my brother has been invited. The feast is called ’Spirit Fox Feast’. It’s not only Jianghu warriors who are curious. Even the great master Fu Haoran, known as Celestial Official, seems interested. No surprise if he composes a poem then."

"What admiration! To witness such grandeur firsthand would be the ultimate honor."

The guests exclaimed repeatedly, speaking with envy. Li Xian shook his head and sighed, already understanding Wen Caishang’s motive: "This woman is forcing me to reveal myself. She’s yet to fall out with Fu Haoran and prefers not to. If I reveal myself, she won’t need to confront Fu Haoran, which benefits both her and Xiaofan. This is merely personal grievance; it’s better if Xiaofan isn’t involved."

He leisurely tasted the dishes, contemplating future events and change. Li Xian mused quietly, "No matter how dangerous, I cannot give up. There’s always a way out. I’m not entirely without a card to play."

His gaze swept over the five men, plans shifting quickly in his mind. He said gravely, "Jin Yi, Huo Er... you’ve been in Flying Dragon City long enough; it’s time to regroup with the Flower Cage Sect."

Jin Yi asked, "Do you have leads on other elders, Brother Hua?" Li Xian replied, "Not yet. But if my guess is right, Elder Ye, Elder Han... have probably arrived in Flying Dragon City, perhaps disguised as merchants in hiding. Follow my orders, find them and meet up. I have three strands of hair; guard them carefully. When the time comes, plant them and speak; I’ll be able to hear."

The five had been idle for long and were eager to follow orders, naturally complying enthusiastically. Li Xian had no solid plan, with the Spirit Fox Feast imminent, he had to attend. Meanwhile, he instructed the five to join Flower Cage Sect, providing them strands of hair to react flexibly as needed.

...

...

Two days passed swiftly. The Spirit Fox Feast was set in Jieyou Tower. The area in front of Jieyou Tower was spacious and beautiful, with a serene lakeside view to the left, snow falling lightly, willows swaying, seven-colored exotic fish frolicking in the lake. In front of the tower, a red platform was set with red silk decorations, festive and lively.

Wen Caishang widely sent out invitations, beckoning guests to take their seats; she was quite versed in etiquette. Though lavish and grand, the Spirit Fox Feast was by no means imposing. She wasn’t from local prominent families, so it was inappropriate to host too showily.

The big families of Flying Dragon City, like the "Hu Family", "Duan Family", and "He Family", all gave due respect, sending representatives to the feast, along with several juniors to observe. The timing was special, crucial for the alliance of the Five Great Sword Sects. Though all arrived in Flying Dragon City, the juniors only became familiar but have yet to truly meet.

The matter regarding the Five Great Sword Sects is serious and can’t be taken lightly. It shouldn’t be dealt with at others’ venues; hence each sect merely sent "two elders and three disciples" to the feast. Disciples attended voluntarily, numbering sometimes five or six, but elders only two, no more, indicating merely attending the feast, not meeting; strictly instructed not to discuss alliance affairs. Wanting to learn about the "fox", He Feilong attended with Madam Duan.

Along with various Jianghu wanderers, notable adventurers, roaming talents visiting on wanderings, mansion masters self-established, occasionally stationed sects... the procession was indeed impressive.

Most attendees were young.

Fu Haoran, Gu Nianjun, Li Xiaofan, and Zhou Shijie were also present at the feast. Gu Nianjun asked, "Teacher Fu, will you really leave after the feast?"

Fu Haoran replied, "I’ve been in Flying Dragon City for long, showing Xiaofan this scene; then we continue our journey. As it’s said, wealth shouldn’t corrupt, poverty shouldn’t sway. One must experience luxury and hardship to truly understand oneself. So in the journey of learning, one must endure both suffering and enjoy wealth."