Lu Fei tidied up, carrying the small black dog, and hailed a taxi to rush to the location of the welcoming ceremony.
He was too lazy to drive himself, as he found parking troublesome.
As it turned out, he had already arrived, but Jing Jian, who had left earlier than him, was still not there.
He waited at the entrance for a while and then saw in the distance an old, rickety god car approaching slowly at a speed of thirty miles per hour.
He instantly understood why.
The rickety god car drove into the parking lot, standing out conspicuously among the luxury cars and drawing peculiar glances from all around.
"Lu Fei!"
Jing Jian carefully locked his car, waved at Lu Fei, and ran over happily.
Lu Fei really wanted to pretend he didn't know this guy.
"You're late; couldn't you just take a taxi?"
"I have my own car, why should I take a taxi, isn't that a waste of money?" Jing Jian said seriously, "Let me tell you, my car is very fuel-efficient. It doesn't cost much in a year..."
"6!"
Lu Fei rolled his eyes and entered with the small black dog in his arms.
This was a high-end restaurant, where the Ling Yin Association had rented an entire floor for a welcoming party, demonstrating their financial power and opulence, no wonder everyone in the Xuanmen wanted to join.
Lu Fei and Jing Jian were the last to arrive.
"Manager Lu, over here!"
Ku Deng, the plump monk, Zhang Molin, and Tie Shenglan had arrived early.
The three were seated at a table, and upon seeing Lu Fei, they waved enthusiastically.
Lu Fei and Jing Jian signed in at the entrance and then quickly walked over.
This table was specifically reserved for the newcomers.
"Manager Lu, please take a seat! Why are you two so late? We're only two minutes away from starting the welcoming ceremony," Zhang Molin said as he set out cups and dishes for them.
"There was traffic on the way."
Lu Fei looked around, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Are those all members of the association?"
There were three other tables, each seating about five or six people. The men and women, old and young, dressed in various styles, were also looking at them with curious glances, whether intentionally or not.
"Yes, there aren't many people. Including us newcomers, the Ling Yin Society only has a little over twenty people in total." Zhang Molin couldn't hide his excitement.
"It's mainly because the association has high requirements, and very few people can join each year. It's unprecedented for five people to join at once like this."
"This poor monk could join the association mainly due to the grace of Manager Lu and all of you young friends!" Kudeng clasped his hands together, bowing in gratitude to the four young people.
"Master, don't belittle yourself. The five of us made it to the end through teamwork and cooperation," Zhang Molin said with a smile.
"That's right! None of us who held out until the end are cowards!" Tie Shenglan nodded emphatically, "Except for that sly Tianyuan. Fortunately, someone like him isn't qualified to join the association!"
Zhang Molin quickly gave Tie Shenglan a nudge.
"Why did you nudge me?" Tie Shenglan was puzzled.
A hint of bitterness appeared on Kudeng's plump face.
Lu Fei said, "Master, in fact, being able to recognize a person is also a good thing."
"Mr. Lu is right." Kudeng nodded. "Actually, I should be grateful. He was pushing me out rather than pulling me in; otherwise, I wouldn't have had the chance to sit here with all of you."
"By the way, how is Master Xiang? Can his leg be cured?" Lu Fei asked again.
"The injury is too severe and can't be cured. He will have to use a wheelchair from now on," Zhang Molin sighed regretfully. "However, the association has made corresponding compensation, promising to establish a cooperative relationship with his Fengshui Hall and take good care of his descendants. At least, he won't have to worry about making money in the future."
"Trading a pair of legs for wealth in the latter part of his life, I wonder if it's worth it." Lu Fei couldn't help but shake his head.
As they were talking.
Xu Bei and another middle-aged man with an extraordinary demeanor entered the venue.
The welcome ceremony began.
"That is the president, Shangguan Wuliang," Zhang Molin whispered.
"Shangguan?" Lu Fei was surprised, "Are you referring to the Shangguan family, one of the three major families?"
"That's right! However, the president is not a biological member of the Shangguan family, but an adopted son of the old patriarch. The Shangguan family is the largest financial supporter of the association."
Lu Fei immediately understood: "No wonder he could become the president."
"President Shangguan didn't rely on his background," Zhang Molin waved his hand, "Among the independent cultivators, Vice President Xu ranks second, and President Shangguan is the first. The association was founded by President Shangguan alone."
"He's that impressive?"
Lu Fei curiously examined President Shangguan, narrowing his eyes.
The man had a broad and ample forehead, with a pair of tiger-like eyes that shone with spirit, exuding an aura of authority even without anger. But what surprised Lu Fei the most was the slightly protruding bone on his forehead.
This is called the Fuxi Bone.
It extends from the top of the Baihui acupoint to the middle part, surrounded by the two sides of the head, straight up into the temples, and down to the ends of the eyebrows, forming a square mark, also known as the Square Fuxi Bone.
This facial feature signifies great wealth, prominence, and longevity.
In ancient times, he could have enjoyed the blessings of an emperor, and at the very least, he would have been a prime minister or a general. In today's context, he would be material for a provincial governor or a minister.
This President Shangguan is no ordinary person!
"How powerful is the president, can he leave his body with his soul?" Lu Fei couldn't help but ask.
"This is also our first time meeting President Shangguan..." Zhang Molin smiled somewhat awkwardly, "But when cultivators reach a certain level, they can separate their souls from their bodies, and given President Shangguan's capabilities, he should be able to do it."
Lu Fei nodded thoughtfully.
The welcoming ceremony of the Mystic Gate Association was simple. First, the president would go on stage to say a few words, welcoming the newcomers into the association, and then the banquet would begin, where everyone ate and toasted.
Actually, it's just a gathering to let everyone get to know each other.
As a newcomer, Zhang Molin suggested that everyone take the initiative to greet others.
It's all about social graces.
Basic courtesy is still necessary.
Everyone, with wine glasses in hand, went together to toast the president.
"I never thought that this year, Sinisterium Pawnshop could also join our Lingyin Association. It's a real honor! Lu Fei, welcome! And to all the young Daoist friends, Master Kudeng, welcome to you all!"
Shangguan Wuliang specially clinked glasses with Lu Fei, his tiger-like eyes showing appreciation.
Duan Tiankui was also at this table, smiling with considerable pride: "Wuliang, I'm going to ask for a drink from you today! If it weren't for me reminding Little Daoist Lu, who knows when you would have received such talent!"
"Old Duan is right!" Shangguan Wuliang laughed heartily and toasted Duan Tiankui.
The elders at other tables were sizing up Lu Fei, many of them with不服气的目光unyielding looks in their eyes.
"He's just relying on his family background to get in, what's so great about that?"
"We rely on real skills...
someone muttered under their breath.
Lu Fei didn't care, and calmly continued toasting everyone.
After some observation, he found that President Shangguan was not left-handed, so he temporarily put aside his suspicions and shifted his attention back to Xu Bei.
Xu Bei, with his always cheerful and amiable demeanor, was quite popular within the association.
Who could have no temper at all?
Either they are a saint or they are just pretending.
Lu Fei thought it was more likely to be the latter.
After toasting, he pretended to take out his phone for group photos with friends, but actually secretly took several photos of Xu Bei.