C76 The Shameless Qi Yun
Qi Yun spotted Azure at the very heart of the Small Chiliocosm and soared forward to say hello.
At that moment, Azure had shrunk back to palm size, lounging on the ground with a lazy air.
With its dragon eyes half-lidded, it seemed to look right through Qi Yun.
Qi Yun paused, feeling a bit awkward.
Soon after, Lan Wenhao and Qi Yun rejoined Qin Buyi.
Lan Wenhao relayed the locations he had marked to Qin Buyi, who inquired:
"Mr. Wenhao, when do you plan to relocate the clan members?"
"After we celebrate Mr. Qin's achievements, we'll bring the Lan family disciples over," Lan Wenhao replied.
Qin Buyi's Divine Consciousness enveloped them both, and they reappeared at the Lan family estate.
It was Lan Tianhe who came from outside, announcing, "Third Brother, everything's ready outside."
Lan Wenhao turned to Qin Buyi and gestured, "After you, Mr. Qin."
"And you, Mr. Wenhao."
Leading the way, the two left Qi Yun standing alone.
Lan Tianhe clapped Qi Yun on the shoulder, saying, "Come on, old-timer."
Qin Buyi and Lan Wenhao made their way to the banquet's central stage.
The chattering crowd fell silent at the sight of Qin Buyi.
Eyes riveted on the stage, everyone aimed to put their best foot forward, each hoping to catch Qin Buyi's eye—even if just to be chosen as a humble servant, for it promised a future filled with potential.
Lan Wenhao intentionally lagged a half-step behind, highlighting Qin Buyi as the day's protagonist.
His voice projected throughout the venue, "Let's celebrate Mr. Qin's significant advancement in cultivation. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves to the fullest today!"
The crowd echoed with enthusiasm:
"Congratulations to Senior Qin on your cultivation progress!"
"Congratulations to Senior Qin on your cultivation progress!"
...
Following the exchange of pleasantries, the guests and their host settled into their seats, and the venue buzzed with excitement.
The revelry went on until the early hours of the next morning, with a few overindulgent souls slumped on the ground, snoring away.
Qin Buyi noticed that the crowd was nearly done with their meal and announced, "Let's wrap up the celebration here."
Lan Wenhao agreed, "Sounds good. We'll follow Mr. Qin's lead."
He then summoned Lan Tianhe, "Please arrange accommodations for our guests to rest."
Lan Tianhe acknowledged, "Understood."
His voice then echoed through the venue, "Ladies and gentlemen, our celebration concludes at this point. The Lan family has prepared places for you all to rest."
The cultivators were escorted to their quarters by the Lan family's disciples and maids.
Before long, only Qin Buyi, Lan Wenhao, and Qi Yun remained in the hall.
Qin Buyi addressed Lan Wenhao, "Mr. Wenhao, let's commence with the relocation of the Lan family's disciples now."
"Agreed," Lan Wenhao responded.
He then gathered the Lan family's young disciples and commanded,
"Mr. Qin is our Grand Upper Elder. Upon entering the secret realm, you will follow his orders."
"Regard Mr. Qin with the same respect you would show me. Should anyone misbehave in the secret realm, they will face our family's discipline."
"Linglong, you are tasked with leading and overseeing them."
Lan Linglong stepped forward from the group and affirmed, "Yes."
In truth, Lan Wenhao's extensive instructions were unnecessary. The attendees were the cream of the crop among the Lan family's younger generation, and none were foolish.
Qin Buyi's formidable reputation was well established in their minds.
The opportunity to engage with such a powerful figure was too precious for the Lan family's disciples to squander with reckless behavior.
Qin Buyi's Divine Consciousness enveloped all those present.
In an instant, they found themselves transported to the Small Chiliocosm.
Qin Buyi addressed the Lan family's disciples, "This secret realm is known as the Small Chiliocosm. Mr. Wenhao has selected a suitable cultivation site for you."
He paused, surveying the vast emptiness of the Small Chiliocosm, and added, "Feel free to utilize the resources here in the Small Chiliocosm without any restrictions."
Qin Buyi had his reasons for this approach.
The Small Chiliocosm required caretakers, and confining the Lan family's disciples to a set boundary would be counterproductive.
A significant part of the Small Chiliocosm would otherwise fall into disuse.
Rather than allow that to happen, it seemed wiser to expand the freedoms of the Lan family disciples, which in turn would foster the growth of the Small Chiliocosm.
Joy unabashedly brimmed in Lan Wenhao's eyes upon hearing this.
Having a place to cultivate had already filled him with contentment, but Qin Buyi's revelation was an unexpected delight.
"The resources of the Small Chiliocosm are at your disposal; don't confine yourselves," Qin Buyi's words echoed in Lan Wenhao's mind, refusing to fade away.
It was common knowledge that the Lan family had once controlled only a third of the Fire Cloud Secret Realm.
Yet, that mere third had sustained the Lan family's legacy for generations.
Now, the Small Chiliocosm—a fusion of three great secret realms—was theirs to develop, thanks to Qin Buyi's grant.
Lan Wenhao's elation was immeasurable. With this chance, the Lan family's younger generation could very well advance to the Combination Stage.
Qin Buyi's magnanimity solidified Lan Wenhao's resolve to stand steadfastly by Qin Buyi's side.
"Thank you, Mr. Qin," Lan Wenhao expressed his gratitude.
Turning to the Lan family disciples, he urged, "Express your thanks to the Grand Upper Elder."
In unison, the disciples voiced their appreciation, "Thank you, Grand Upper Elder."
Qi Yun, witnessing the scene, was taken aback by Qin Buyi's liberality.
He observed the Lan family's members, their eyes flickering with thoughts and plans.
The Lan family disciples wasted no time in the Small Chiliocosm, quickly setting to work.
They extracted a variety of materials and tools from their storage rings, busily erecting all sorts of living facilities.
After observing with keen interest for some time, Qin Buyi wrapped Qi Yun and Lan Wenhao in his Divine Consciousness and exited the Small Chiliocosm.
Back in the outside world, Qin Buyi announced, "Mr. Wenhao, I have other matters to attend to, so I must bid you farewell."
As Qin Buyi prepared to depart, Lan Wenhao, struck by a thought, inquired, "Mr. Qin, is your next destination the Penglai Secret Realm?"
Qin Buyi's thoughts were laid bare by Lan Wenhao, to which he openly conceded with a simple, "Yes."
Lan Wenhao urged him to stay, "Mr. Qin, there's no rush. Why not extend your visit with the Lan family for a few more days?"
Qi Yun chimed in with support, "Wenhao's got a point. Balance is key in cultivation. Try not to be on edge all the time."
...
Yielding to the warm hospitality of Lan Wenhao and Qi Yun, Qin Buyi postponed his trip to the Penglai Secret Realm and settled in with the Lan family.
During his stay, the Lan family conducted their Patriarch Ceremony.
Throughout the ceremony, Lan Wenhao was all smiles.
Though not as grand as a feast in Qin Buyi's honor might be, the presence of Qin Buyi and Qi Yun—two influential figures from Blue Star—graced the entire event.
Such high-profile participation was unprecedented in the Lan family's history of Patriarch Ceremonies, and it brought great joy to Lan Wenhao.
With this, Lan Wenhao's role as the Lan family Patriarch was solidly affirmed.
Qi Yun, not one to depart, decided to stay on after Qin Buyi. With unabashed cheek, he remained.
He stuck close to Qin Buyi all day, under the pretense of jointly delving into the mysteries of the Great Dao.
In reality, it was just an excuse to enjoy leisurely conversations with Qin Buyi.
In essence, wherever Qin Buyi went, Qi Yun was sure to follow.