"Explain? Explain what?"
Zhang Zhiwei replied while stuffing food into his mouth, speaking indistinctly between bites.
"Of course your surname—'Zhang'!"
"Not just our table—people at other tables are also guessing what kind of 'Zhang' you are."
Gojo said quietly as he sampled the dishes.
Although their table seemed lively, anyone paying close attention would notice—
Their conversations were distracted.
Their real attention was still on Zhang Zhiwei's name.
Even the surrounding tables were discussing it.
"Let them talk. Eating comes first!"
Zhang Zhiwei replied casually, reaching out with his chopsticks to pick up another pastry.
"Here, Junior Brother—this one's good. Eat more."
He dropped another piece into Gojo's bowl.
"You…"
Gojo shook his head helplessly.
Since Zhang Zhiwei didn't care, he stopped worrying and tasted the pastry.
…And it was actually quite delicious.
—
"By the way, Lu Jin—how long will your master be staying?"
Lü Ci suddenly asked.
"My master? He's just here for the banquet. He'll probably leave after it's over."
Lu Jin answered directly.
At that moment, Gojo perked up.
Lu Jin's master—
Was none other than the Great Ying Immortal, Zuo Ruotong.
Thinking of this, Gojo quickly turned his gaze toward Old Master Lu's table.
At the head seat sat Old Master Lu.
To his left was Zuo Ruotong.
To his right—Zhang Jingqing.
Although Gojo didn't want to admit it—
At this moment, whether in reputation or strength—
Zuo Ruotong slightly surpassed Zhang Jingqing.
After all, when the two first appeared in the original story, Zuo Ruotong's position was subtly higher.
—
"Lu Jin, why does Sect Leader Zuo look so young?"
Wang Ai asked in a low voice.
"Young? Fatty Wang, don't be stupid!"
Lü Ci scoffed.
"Sect Leader Zuo is from the same generation as our fathers!"
"He might even be older!"
"Same generation as our fathers?!"
Wang Ai's eyes widened in disbelief.
"But he looks about the same age as Brother Lü Ren!"
"That's because of our sect's technique."
Lu Jin explained quickly.
Still young and eager to show off in front of friends, his tone carried a hint of pride.
"Will you look like that in the future too?"
Wang Ai asked, full of envy.
Imagining himself becoming fat and sluggish with age—
While Lu Jin remained youthful—
A trace of jealousy rose in his heart.
"Like my master? Probably not."
Lu Jin shook his head.
"Everyone's mastery of Reverse Life Third Stage differs greatly."
"In our sect, someone like my master—who can maintain that state constantly—is extremely rare."
"I see…"
Wang Ai let out a small sigh of relief.
Even though he and Lu Jin were friends—
His feelings were complicated.
He didn't want his friend to fail—
But he also didn't want him to succeed too much.
—
"Maintaining Reverse Life Third Stage at all times…"
"For Sect Leader Zuo, it must be as natural as breathing."
Gojo observed Zuo Ruotong from afar.
Though seated at a distance—
He could still see clearly.
White hair, youthful face.
A faint, pure aura seemed to flow around his body.
Truly worthy of the title "Immortal."
—
As the feast progressed and most had eaten their fill—
The highlight of the banquet began.
With Zhang Jingqing and Zuo Ruotong as witnesses—
Old Master Lu formally passed the position of family head to Lu Xuan.
After Lu Xuan finished his speech—
The atmosphere reached another peak.
Guests gathered in groups, chatting about the jianghu while drinking merrily.
Some close acquaintances even began drinking contests and finger-guessing games—
And soon, the younger generation joined in.
At Gojo and Zhang Zhiwei's table alone—
Several people had already started competing in drinking.
When Old Master Lu finally withdrew due to fatigue—
The restraint disappeared.
The celebration grew even more lively.
—
"Brother Lu! Brother Lu!"
Wang Ai's father suddenly grabbed Lu Xuan's arm.
"Brother Wang?"
Lu Xuan turned, puzzled.
Though slightly tipsy, he had kept himself under control and remained clear-headed.
"Brother Lu, Sect Leader Zuo, Celestial Master—look over there."
Wang Ai's father gestured toward the younger generation.
"What is it?"
Lu Xuan looked over.
The younger ones had already stood up, pouring drink after drink into themselves.
"Drink!"
"Don't stop!"
Encouraged by the crowd, Lu Jin lifted a large bowl and gulped it down.
"Well done, Young Master Lu!"
"He's had eleven bowls already! Lü Ci, can you match that?"
The onlookers quickly turned their attention to Lü Ci.
"Eleven bowls? I can do that!"
Already hot-tempered, Lü Ci was immediately provoked and began drinking.
"Good! Young Master Lü can handle twelve! What about you, Young Master Wang?"
The crowd shifted to Wang Ai.
"I… I… I can't drink anymore!"
Wang Ai hesitated.
"Don't chicken out! Guan Shihua is watching!"
Gojo chimed in, unable to resist stirring the pot.
There was no way he'd miss such a perfect chance to mess with someone.
In fact—
He had been one of the loudest instigators all along.
"Hm? Shihua'er is watching?"
"I'll drink!"
Hearing that his crush was paying attention, Wang Ai immediately lifted the bowl and drank.
At this point, the younger generation was fully fired up.
The intensity rivaled that of the elders.
—
"That troublesome disciple…"
Zhang Jingqing sighed, watching Gojo egg everyone on.
He had clearly noticed—
Gojo was the biggest instigator.
"Don't say that, Celestial Master!"
"Look at these youngsters—they're having such a great time!"
Wang Ai's father laughed heartily, not the least bit upset that his son was being teased.
Lu Xuan understood there was more behind his words.
"So what do you mean, Brother Wang?"
"My meaning is…"
Wang Ai's father glanced at the group, then spoke slowly—
"Why not let them perform for us tomorrow?"
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