Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 368 - Let Me Buy You a Drink, Brother Xu.

Early the next morning, Xu Ming woke up from his bed.

Stepping out of the courtyard, he brushed his teeth and washed his face, feeling much more refreshed.

Last night, his Uncle-Master, Lu Xiaoliu, had come to see him. The two had chatted about various things, and in the end, Lu Xiaoliu told him—if Xiao Mochi were to encounter trouble, he hoped Xu Ming would stand by and do nothing.

Although Xu Ming had asked for the reason behind this request, Lu Xiaoliu didn’t give him an answer. He simply smiled, stood up, and said, “It’s getting late; I won’t disturb you further,” before leaving.

Xu Ming didn’t press the matter further. Even if he had, he knew this Uncle-Master wouldn’t tell him anything. He figured he would have to wait until he returned to Wu Kingdom to ask about it himself.

Of course, Xu Ming wasn’t sure he would get any real answers from Mr. Xiao either.

But if things truly unfolded as Lu Xiaoliu implied—if the situation became that dire—could he really just stand by and watch?

Xu Ming wasn’t certain.

After all, Mr. Xiao was his first teacher.

And truthfully, Xu Ming deeply respected him.

So, last night, he hadn’t agreed to Lu Xiaoliu’s request.

But Lu Xiaoliu had merely said his piece—he hadn’t pressured Xu Ming for an answer. In the end, whatever decision Xu Ming made would be his own, and Lu Xiaoliu knew he had no right to force him into anything.

After washing up, Xu Ming placed his sword, Hongxiu, on his lap and meditated.

Then, he practiced a set of martial arts and went through the Tianxuan Heart Method once. By the time he finished, it was nearly noon.

Feeling that the time was about right, he decided to visit Minister Turtle.

However, just as he stepped out of the courtyard, he saw two people standing there, grinning at him.

“Brother Yu, Brother Miao—you two? What are you doing here?”

Seeing the two before him, Xu Ming was momentarily stunned. But soon, his eyes lit up with delight.

He knew the White Deer Academy would definitely send some young talents to the Four Seas Grand Ceremony to offer their congratulations and gain experience. But he hadn’t expected these two to be the ones chosen.

Did they really hold such importance? He had never noticed before.

“Hahaha! If even you can come to the North Sea Dragon Palace, why can’t we?” Yu Wenxi said in a half-joking tone. “Or could it be that you look down on us?”

“Of course not.”

Xu Ming chuckled.

“The two of you being here makes perfect sense. After all, among our generation, who could be more qualified than you two? I just thought you weren’t the type to enjoy such grand occasions.”

Miao Feng shook his head. “This isn’t just some lively event. The Four Seas Grand Ceremony happens only once every thousand years, and each time it’s an extraordinary occasion. Being able to attend is our honor. For all we know, this might be our only chance.”

“Exactly, exactly.”

Yu Wenxi nodded in agreement.

“Not to mention how rare the ceremony itself is—just the opportunity to glimpse the legendary Dragon Empress makes this trip worthwhile.”

“That’s true,” Xu Ming nodded. “The two of you should definitely take this chance to see Her Majesty. Even if it’s just from a distance, it will be well worth it.”

“Oh?” Miao Feng’s interest was piqued. “Does that mean you’ve already seen her?”

Xu Ming replied, “I was summoned by Her Majesty yesterday and met her in person.”

“How was she?” Yu Wenxi asked eagerly.

“There are no words to describe the beauty of the Dragon Empress,” Xu Ming said. “At the Grand Ceremony, you’ll see for yourselves.”

Miao Feng chuckled. “Brother Xu, hearing you say that makes us even more eager. But as you said, we’ll save our anticipation for the Four Seas Grand Ceremony. Come, it’s rare for us to reunite like this—let’s drink! Last time, you treated us, so this time, it’s on us.”

Xu Ming smiled. “Then I won’t hold back. After you.”

Miao Feng and Yu Wenxi grinned. “After you, Brother Xu!”

Laughing and chatting, the three of them left the palace, heading toward a tavern for drinks. As they walked, they caught up with each other about their recent experiences.

“Brother Xu, how about this place?” Miao Feng suggested, pointing at a tavern. “I’ve heard it has a great reputation, and their sashimi is said to be unmatched.”

Xu Ming nodded. “Sure, since you two are treating, I won’t be picky. But don’t expect me to hold back when ordering.”

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“Haha!” Yu Wenxi laughed. “Order as much as you like. We can afford to treat you to a meal.”

Xu Ming gestured ahead. “Please!”

Yu Wenxi and Miao Feng returned the gesture. “Please!”

Just as Xu Ming stepped inside, Yu Wenxi and Miao Feng exchanged a glance and nodded before following him in.

—

Meanwhile, four people stepped out of the Dragon Palace.

They were Zhu Cici, Fang Yu, Ling Bisheng, and Chen Kun from White Deer Academy.

As Zhu Cici walked through the streets of the Dragon Capital, many eyes turned toward her.

Fang Yu and the others knew that those gazes weren’t directed at them but at Zhu Cici. Still, they all stood a little taller, feeling a sense of pride—after all, she was their fellow disciple.

“How odd,” Fang Yu muttered. “That guy Yu Wenxi invited us to eat at Pan Hai Tavern, yet now he’s nowhere to be seen.”

Around noon, Fang Yu had been resting in the courtyard when Yu Wenxi mentioned a famous tavern, saying it would be a shame to visit the Dragon Capital without trying it—and that he would be treating.

But when Fang Yu and the others gathered at the palace gates, Yu Wenxi and Miao Feng were nowhere to be found.

Ling Bisheng chuckled. “Miao Feng told me they went ahead to order, and they’ll be waiting for us.”

Zhu Cici smiled. “They’re already treating us, Brother Fang. Don’t be so picky.”

Fang Yu laughed. “Hahaha, you’re right, Cici. Those two are usually stingy despite their wealth—getting a free meal out of them is rare. I really shouldn’t complain.”

“Alright, let’s hurry,” Chen Kun said eagerly. “I’ve heard that Pan Hai Tavern’s food is amazing, and it’s not easy to get a table there.”

“Hearing you say that makes me even more excited, Chen Kun. Let’s go!” Fang Yu quickened his pace.

Soon, they arrived in front of a tavern.

“Pan Hai Tavern.” Zhu Cici read the sign softly. “This should be the place. Let’s head in.”