Nonsense! How could my adopted son be a villain?

Just as the news from Gong Fengyue had suggested, the events at the Huai'an Princess's residence spread like wildfire within a day, causing a huge uproar in Fufeng City.

This time, not only was the Western Prime Minister King furious and mobilized the Golden Scale Guards to conduct a full-scale search, but even the previously low-profile Rain Clan, Star-Picking Platform, and other forces took it seriously and sent their own forces to cooperate with the Golden Scale Guards in the search.

Because Yu Xi's death was too gruesome, and the Princess of Huai'an was like a monster before her death, when the news spread to the common people, it had already evolved into the appearance of a demon clan that could steal souls and rip out hearts in the city. For a time, the city was filled with fear and panic, and even fewer merchants came to the city to do business.

The city also strengthened its checks and patrols, but no matter how hard they searched, they found nothing.

Amidst this tense situation, Xu Lingguang asked Zhuang Shun and Lin Wen to help him pack his luggage, while he, accompanied by Lan Jian, discreetly made a trip to the Shentu family home.

Shen Tu Li had sent an invitation to Xu Lingguang before, but due to a series of events, it was delayed again and again. Seeing that he was about to leave, Xu Lingguang had someone send an invitation and set a date to visit.

After receiving the reply, the Shen Tu family prepared a banquet well in advance.

The Shen Tu family branch was not large; the head of the Shen Tu family had only two sons and one daughter, plus his wife, making a total of five people. The banquet was not extravagant; it was more like a family feast.

Before Xu Lingguang arrived, the brothers Shen Tu Jiao and Shen Tu Zhao were already waiting anxiously in the reception room. Shen Tu Li, who was originally pondering the new pill formula, was naturally pulled over by his two elder brothers.

Compared to her two older brothers, she was much quieter and more reserved, making the two brothers seem exceptionally noisy in comparison to their quiet sister.

"Little sister, is that person from Qianjin Tower really back? You're not just lying to us, are you?"

Shen Tu Zhao rested his chin on his hand and stared at the doorway, his mouth never stopping, muttering incessantly.

"When has my little sister ever lied to anyone? Do you think it's you?"

Shentu Jiao rolled his eyes and asked, "But if that person from Qianjin Tower really comes, our banquet will be too meager?"

"I already told my parents to order the best banquet at Liuyun Yazhu. Otherwise, what if they arrive and see such a meager banquet and think we lack sincerity?"

Shen Tu Zhao deeply agreed. Shaking his numb arms, he complained, "Mother insists those two people are from a certain background, so they must have seen all sorts of good things. If she's truly grateful, then the food at home is more sincere. But she hasn't cooked in years..."

"I remember my mother's cooking was pretty good... but I haven't eaten it for many years, so I don't remember it very well..."

Shen Tu Li sat between the two brothers, seemingly listening quietly to their rambling, but in reality, he had been lost in thought for quite some time.

These two are so noisy!

If Xu Lingguang were here, he would definitely resonate with Shen Tu Li—they would talk as much as the Qi Tu.

Just as Shentu Li's ears were starting to ache from being read so many times, the gatekeeper announced that the person had arrived.

Shentu Li suddenly stood up, leaving his two elder brothers behind, and strode towards the door.

So when Xu Lingguang and Lan Jian were led there by the maid, they saw Shen Tu Li walking briskly toward them, followed by two young men who looked about six-tenths like her.

The two boys kept muttering to themselves as they chased after each other:

"Ah Li, why are you walking so fast?"

"Hey, wait for us!"

Upon seeing Xu Lingguang and Lan Jian, the two brothers suddenly stopped in their tracks, becoming more relaxed and elegant. They then subtly and quickly sized each other up to make sure there was nothing amiss before straightening their expressions and stepping forward with the standard smiles of scions of noble families.

In contrast, Shen Tu Li was much simpler. She walked up to the two of them, cupped her hands in greeting to Xu Lingguang, then turned her gaze to Lan Jian beside her, quickly glanced at him, and then hesitated slightly before giving a junior's salute.

Although Xu Lingguang had said when he sent the invitation that Lan Jian would come to visit, seeing him in person, whose composure was as great as Shen Tu Li's, was still unbelievable.

If she's like this, imagine how her two brothers, with their even more unconventional personalities, must be.

The two brothers followed behind their sister, bowed to Xu Lingguang, and then paid their respects to Lan Jian as juniors.

Then he became unusually attentive and led the way.

The Shentu family truly lived up to its reputation as a prominent family in Fufeng City; their entire mansion occupied a vast area, with pavilions and towers nestled among lush trees, creating a sense of ancient simplicity and tranquility.

As we walked along, we heard no human voices, only birdsong.

After passing through several layers of hanging flower gates, we arrived at the Qionghua Terrace where the banquet was held.

Qionghua Terrace is located in the center of the lake, surrounded by lotus leaves and a light mist, creating a particularly picturesque scene.

When the two brothers led the people to the outside of Qionghua Terrace, the head of the Shentu family and his wife came out to greet them upon hearing the noise.

The head of the Shentu family looked very young, only in his early thirties. His smile was exactly like that of the Shentu brothers, making it clear at a glance which brother he inherited his looks from.

Lady Shentu was much more dignified in comparison, and every smile and frown of hers carried the elegance and composure of a noble family.

Moreover, you could tell who was in charge of the Shentu family just by hearing them speak.

"I have long admired Master Xu's name, and today I finally get to meet him."

Madam Shentu led the people in with a smile, not ignoring Xu Lingguang because of Lan Jian's higher status, but always putting Xu Lingguang first.

Xu Lingguang said, "Fellow Daoist Shentu invited me several times before, but I was too busy and only had some free time these past two days."

Madam Shentu said, "My husband and I originally wanted to thank Alchemist Xu for saving our son earlier. We are already grateful that Alchemist Xu and Master Lan were able to take the time to come."

After leading the two to their seats, Madam Shentu rang a bell to signal the servants to serve the dishes: "I heard from A-Li that Master Xu dislikes formalities, so this thank-you banquet will be prepared in a more casual manner. Master Xu, please make yourself at home and don't feel constrained."

As they were talking, maids came over one after another carrying dishes.

These are all dishes that cultivators eat daily, and they are very beneficial to their cultivation. The presentation is also simple, with large plates and bowls, and the portions are generous and filling.

Xu Lingguang smiled upon seeing this, thinking that coming here before leaving was not a mistake, as the Shentu family was indeed worth befriending.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Xu Lingguang raised his wine glass with a smile.

After drinking, the initial awkwardness disappeared silently. At first, it was mostly Madam Shentu and Xu Lingguang talking at the table, but after a couple of drinks, the head of the Shentu family finally couldn't resist joining in.

He looked left and right and saw Lan Jian sipping wine with his eyes down. He had only exchanged a few pleasantries since entering the room. He immediately felt that he should not neglect his guest, so he raised his cup and went over to make friends: "When my wife invited me, I really did not expect that Master Lan would grace me with his presence."

Lan Jian politely raised his glass and said casually, "I had nothing to do, so I came."

His attitude was somewhat cold, but he wasn't as unapproachable as rumored.

It just so happens that the head of the Shentu family is a good talker. After thinking it over, he felt that the best way to quickly get closer to people was through diplomacy with his wife. And he just happened to find out from his daughter that she seemed to be about to become a Daoist couple with Master Xu.

Although I was surprised when I first heard it, I wondered if my daughter had made a mistake.

But now that he has seen the people, the Shentu family head's keen radar tells him—yes, these two are a couple.