The steward stepped out.

Zhou Hai wore a smile, continuing to savor his tea.

Many guests had already arrived outside.

The scene was bustling with activity.

They all sat at their seats, sipping tea and drinking wine, in various manners.

"Isn't that Chairman Zhang Yun from the Cultivator Association? Hello, hello!"

"I've heard a lot about you... So you're the director of the Spiritual Stone Mining Group!"

Many began exchanging business cards at the birthday banquet.

For them, this was also an opportunity.

Quite a few people had already sat down and started conversing.

"I heard that this time Mr. Zhou is celebrating his six-thousandth birthday, a date set long ago. Has Mr. Zhou really reached six thousand years old?"

"Of course, Mr. Zhou's ability to enter the Heaven Stepping Realm is due to his strength and cultivation. Without the Time Secret Realm's boost, it would be impossible to achieve!"

"Indeed, fortune doesn't come to everyone! Mr. Zhou spent six thousand years in the Secret Realm enduring hardships and slaying many beasts to achieve his current cultivation. Without this, he couldn't have entered the Heaven Stepping Realm!"

"Times have changed now, with spiritual energy recovering rapidly and abundantly. Many universities have adopted new cultivation methods, and some even have students reaching the Heaven Stepping Realm. Sadly... no one can compare to Mr. Zhou."

"How could they compare? Mr. Zhou's Heaven Stepping Realm was forged through constant slaughter, gaining experience and combat skills. Moreover, to extend his lifespan, Mr. Zhou diligently researched medicinal grass, achieving what he has today. Those students are mere sheltered flowers with no combat experience. In my opinion, Mr. Zhou is the strongest in the Heaven Stepping Realm!"

"You make a valid point. However... the cultivation method rumored to have spread from Jiangzhou University truly works well. Apparently, that teacher told the world that true cultivation starts with the Qi Sea. Since then, the path of cultivation has been set on the right track."

"Yes, that teacher is remarkable. Still, it's not solely his credit; I understand many Great Cultivators from Tiandu Mountain also descended, some even accepted Inner Chamber Disciples!"

"Inner Chamber Disciples?"

"Indeed, I heard two Inner Chamber Disciples will also congratulate Mr. Zhou on his birthday today, they should be arriving soon!"

"Who?"

"Disciples of the Four Saint Generals from Tiandu Mountain, young yet already entered the Shattering Ancient Realm. Surpassing Supreme Saints!"

"The Four Saint Generals?"

"Yes, the earliest followers of Emperor Yu at Tiandu Mountain, once under the Demon Lord of Black Mountain Sect, one of the Seventy-two Sects. Later they repented and followed Emperor Yu. After ascending Tiandu Mountain, their cultivation advanced rapidly. By now, they've surely surpassed Heaven Stepping!"

As they spoke.

Two young people walked in from outside.

Confident and poised.

A young man and a young woman.

Everyone pointed them out.

"There they are... The young man's name is Li An, and the woman's name is Jiang Ying."

"What a golden couple."

"You've got an eye for it; they are indeed a couple."

Li An and Jiang Ying came to the venue, calmly surveying with their gaze.

Li An said:

"Junior Sister, our purpose this time is to congratulate Mr. Zhou on his birthday. Master mentioned, Mr. Zhou is one of Jiangzhou's big figures. Yet we're merely here to celebrate, there's no reason to grovel, Master reminded us not to forget our identity as we're from Tiandu Mountain... not inferior to any force."

"Senior Brother speaks the truth... My greatest fortune in life is joining Master's tutelage."

At that moment.

Zhou Hai entered supported by a servant.

Everyone glanced over.

Zhou Hai coughed a few times, smiling as he walked onto the stage.

Scanning around, many had settled and were silent.

Zhou Hai first said some pleasantries.

Then he proceeded to the main topic, saying:

"I, Zhou Hai, have been in Jiangzhou for many years. Ever since the great disaster ended seventy years ago, I've been earnestly dedicating to real estate, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. Achieving today's success entirely depends on all of you. However..."

His voice sank.

"If anyone in Jiangzhou doesn't respect me, Zhou Hai, I won't hesitate to turn hostile and heartless."

Upon saying this.

There was a buzz below.

Clearly, this message was aimed at certain individuals.

Jiang Ying looked puzzled and asked: "Who would dare offend Mr. Zhou with such audacity? They must have a death wish?"

Li An cupped his hands and said loudly:

"Mr. Zhou, today is your birthday. Why let minor matters cause displeasure? If anyone crosses Mr. Zhou, they're crossing us too."

Zhou Hai's gaze shifted over, falling upon the pair.

The steward whispered details in his ear.

Zhou Hai's eyes lit up, saying: "So you're disciples of the Four Saint Generals, truly honored by your presence, please sit, please sit."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhou."

"Today is my grand birthday... Never so formal before, if there's any lack in hospitality, I ask for your tolerance."

Everyone shook their heads.

All in flattery and praise.

Zhou Hai knew it well enough.

He didn't sit at the main seat but headed toward Li An and Jiang Ying's place.

He realized, with Tiandu Mountain backing them, with their support, future pursuits would be smoother.

Since people from Tiandu Mountain came, it showed respect, why miss such a golden opportunity?

Just as he walked to the lower area.

A voice came from outside.

"Trouble... Some reckless youths have intruded!"

The crowd was in an uproar.

"Who dares to risk their life intruding on Mr. Zhou's estate?"

"Outrageous!"

Zhou Hai frowned deeper, saying: "Cripple them all!"

"Yes!"

But as soon as the words fell—

A faint voice wafted from afar.

"Quite the spectacle, quite the authority."

Everyone's gaze turned over.

Four people slowly emerged.

Leading them was none other than Fang Yu.

Behind him were Chen Daotian, Fan Tong, and Yan Hu.

Fan Tong and Yan Hu had drunk quite a bit; though they say alcohol lends courage, confronted by such a grand scene, they sobered up some.

Chen Daotian seemed unconcerned, a toothpick in his mouth.

"Brother Yu, if you need me to act, just say the word... My hands are itching... I really want to hit someone!" Chen Daotian murmured.

Fang Yu ignored him.

Instead, his gaze fixed ahead on Zhou Hai.

"Where did these lunatics come from? Trespassing Zhou Family Estate? Send for guards—"

At his command.

Suddenly, a crowd of men in black surged from all directions.

All of them were practitioners.

These so-called practitioners were at least cultivators.

Their bodies brimmed with primordial qi, signaling their strength above the Great Heavenly Position.

These men, placed before the great disaster, would be akin to a ten-thousand strong army!

"Capture these four!"

"Yes!"