Stop grinding, I'm really just a free spirit.

Chapter 45 The Stream of Rogue Cultivators

Dozens of people had gathered on the deck, more than when Chen Bai first boarded the ship.

These people either chatted in small groups, gazed into the distance alone by the railing, or gathered around a renowned monk to listen to his profound discourse.

Chen Bai glanced around and found that, just as Fairy Yueyi had said, these people were all dressed in extraordinary clothes and had high spirits.

He knew very well that if he, a rogue cultivator with neither background nor reputation, were to rashly approach someone and start a conversation, he would most likely only be met with perfunctory responses and indifference.

Rather than making a fool of yourself, it's better to quietly remain an inconspicuous bystander.

So he began to wander around the boat at his leisure.

As I passed the long table, I casually picked up a pot of spirit wine and a few spirit fruits, found a relatively secluded spot by the ship's side, and leaned against the railing to slowly eat and drink.

The spirit wine was warm and mellow upon entering the stomach, with a sweet fruity aroma, clearly brewed from the finest spirit fruits. The spirit fruits themselves had thin skins and thick flesh; a bite released a burst of juice, and abundant spiritual energy flowed down the throat into the dantian.

As Chen Bai ate, he secretly remarked, "The disciples of the Immortal Clan really know how to enjoy life."

The spirit wine and spirit fruit casually displayed at this tea party would cost at least several spirit stones per serving in the market, but here they are just snacks for people to take at will.

He was enjoying his meal when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

The man's steps were steady, unlike the maid's light and delicate steps; it sounded like a man.

"Fellow Daoist, drinking alone here, you certainly have a leisurely and refined air about you."

His voice carried a hint of laughter, and his tone was calm and casual, not like someone who was there to cause trouble.

Chen Bai turned around and saw a male cultivator who looked to be in his early thirties standing not far away.

His appearance was not outstanding; he had a square face, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and slightly rough skin, which made it clear that he was someone who traveled a lot all year round.

He was wearing a slightly worn dark blue robe; the fabric was still acceptable, but there were some minor signs of wear on the cuffs and collar.

Hanging from his waist was an ordinary storage bag similar to Chen Bai's. The most valuable item he owned was probably a protective jade talisman hanging around his neck, its spiritual light dim and of low grade.

This attire clearly indicates that he is not a member of the immortal clan.

"Just want some peace and quiet."

Chen Bai raised the wine jug in his hand and replied with a smile, "If you also have the same idea, fellow Daoist, you are welcome to come and drink with me."

The male cultivator laughed heartily, and without any formalities, strode over and stood beside Chen Bai.

He first glanced at Chen Bai, then took an empty glass from the table, poured himself a glass of wine, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp before introducing himself.

"My name is Wu Liang, and I am also a rogue cultivator."

It was just good luck that I caught the eye of an elder of the immortal clan, and now I work as a guest retainer under a certain immortal clan, just to make a living.

Chen Bai thought to himself, "Just as I thought."

Although the tea party was mainly attended by disciples of the Immortal Clan, there were also quite a few cultivators from independent cultivation backgrounds.

However, most of them, like Wu Liang, were recruited by the Immortal Clan as guest elders.

"My name is Chen Bai. I have only recently attained the state of embryonic breathing. Today, I am honored to have the opportunity to board your ship and witness your presence thanks to the invitation of Fairy Yueyi." Chen Bai introduced himself.

Upon hearing the words "Fairy Yueyi," Wu Liang's eyes flashed with understanding, followed by a meaningful smile.

"So you're a friend of Fairy Yueyi, no wonder."

As he spoke, he poured himself another cup of wine and clinked glasses with Chen Bai. "I heard what Young Master Wei said just now. Fellow Daoist Chen responded with neither servility nor arrogance, very well. Those immortal clan disciples have been pampered since childhood and are used to being arrogant."

Chen Bai smiled noncommittally and did not reply.

Wu Liang was a natural at making friends, and after a few drinks, he started talking non-stop.

He claimed to be an expert in talismans, especially skilled in one or two ninth-grade spirit talismans, and was quite well-known in the rogue cultivator circle.

It was precisely because of his skill in drawing talismans that he was noticed by a certain immortal clan and recruited as a guest elder, responsible for supplying various talismans to the immortal clan's disciples.

"Speaking of which, Fellow Daoist Chen, Fairy Yueyi just mentioned that you have an amazing talent for talismans. You must also have considerable expertise in the art of talismans?"

Wu Liang asked, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of probing.

Chen Bai humbly replied, "I only know a little bit about it, and I can't say I have any real expertise."

Fairy Yueyi's words were mostly meant to help me out of a difficult situation; they shouldn't be taken seriously.

Upon hearing this, Wu Liang laughed and patted Chen Bai on the shoulder.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, there's no need to be so modest. To have Fairy Yueyi specially invite you and speak up for you in public, I trust your abilities."

Come, come, just in time before the tea party officially begins, let me introduce you to some fellow Daoists.

They were all originally independent cultivators; some were skilled in alchemy, others in setting up formations—they were all truly skilled individuals.

"Don't worry, these people aren't like those immortal disciples; they don't have many rules or etiquette, and they're the easiest to get along with."

Chen Bai hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

He came to the meeting today to expand his network, and since Wu Liang took the initiative to make the connection, he had no reason to refuse.

Moreover, although Wu Liang was a bit talkative, he was frank and natural, and his words lacked the reserve and probing of those immortal disciples, making it comfortable and easy to talk to him.

So far, Wu Liang has given him a fairly good impression.

"Then I'll have to trouble Fellow Daoist Wu to introduce me," Chen Bai said, putting down his wine cup and cupping his hands in greeting.

Wu Liang waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and then led Chen Bai to the other side of the deck.

There were seven or eight people gathered there, both men and women, dressed in different ways. Some were dressed neatly and cleanly, while others were dressed rather casually and carelessly.

Compared to the elegantly dressed and reserved immortal disciples in the center of the deck, the atmosphere among this group was noticeably more relaxed, with laughter frequently heard.

Chen Bai glanced at it from afar and felt somewhat relieved.

"It seems I might not be sitting on the sidelines the whole time before today's tea party begins."

Wu Liang led Chen Bai through the small groups of people on the deck and towards a corner where seven or eight people were gathered.

Before Wu Liang even got close, he waved and called out in a loud voice, "Everyone, I've brought a new friend!"

The seven or eight people stopped talking and turned to look at them.

Chen Bai could feel all those gazes falling on him.

Some were curious, some scrutinized, and others simply glanced at it casually before continuing to drink their wine.

"This is Fellow Daoist Chen Bai, also a rogue cultivator, who recently attained the state of embryonic breathing."

Wu Liang stepped aside to let Chen Bai stand in front of him, patted him on the shoulder, and spoke with a hint of hearty support for someone else.

"He was personally invited by Fairy Yueyi. He has some skills in talismanic arts and alchemy. I chatted with him for a bit over there and found him to be a very honest person, so I brought him over to introduce him to everyone."

No sooner had Wu Liang finished speaking than a short, stout middle-aged male cultivator spoke first.

The man was about forty years old, wearing a dusty old Taoist robe with several dark stains that couldn't be washed off, looking like some kind of medicinal liquid splashed on it.

His face was round, but his complexion wasn't good; there were two dark circles under his eyes, as if from years of staying up late.

But those small eyes shone with a shrewd and enthusiastic light, clearly indicating a talkative nature.

"It's good to be a rogue cultivator; rogue cultivators are truly practical."

He held up a cup of spirit wine with a smile and raised it to Chen Bai. "My name is Lü An. I don't have any great skills. I can only burn a few batches of pills. Since Fellow Daoist Chen is knowledgeable in alchemy, let's have a good chat another day."

Wu Liang added from the side, "Fellow Daoist Lü is considered a well-known alchemist in the Xiaojian Mountain rogue cultivator circle."

The Qi-Nourishing Powder and Vitality-Boosting Paste he concocted were of no worse quality than those from large shops, but at a much more reasonable price.

Lu An was a little embarrassed by the praise, and waved his hand, laughing and scolding, "Wu Liang, stop bragging about me. It's just a skill I use to make a living."

As he spoke, he looked at Chen Bai and said earnestly, "If Fellow Daoist Chen has time, you are welcome to come and visit me anytime. If there is anything you don't understand about alchemy, we can exchange ideas."

Chen Bai bowed and thanked him, feeling a sense of goodwill.

Although Lü An was not particularly handsome, he spoke frankly and directly, without any beating around the bush, and was easy to get along with.