Through Zhangsun Qian’s account, Chen Qingyuan roughly understood Wu Junyan’s whereabouts.

So, Chen Qingyuan hurried over and soon contacted Wu Junyan.

In a misty mountain villa, Wu Junyan, dressed in a purple robe, faced the distance with an indifferent expression.

“Old Wu.”

Chen Qingyuan appeared beside him, standing shoulder to shoulder.

“What do you want?”

Wu Junyan turned his head slightly, his voice cold.

“You should know about the Hundred Veins Banquet by now!”

The Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness had all received secret hints from the Academy to head to the Imperial Province to participate in the banquet, seeking fortune through their own abilities.

“I know.”

Wu Junyan did not come from a top force in the Northern Wilderness but was merely from an ordinary family in a remote Star Domain.

Not long ago, a jade slip had fallen before Wu Junyan, inscribed with details about the Hundred Veins Banquet, revealing the significance of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness.

“The journey is long, let’s go together!”

Chen Qingyuan invited.

Hearing this, Wu Junyan gave Chen Qingyuan a deep look, sensing something unusual. “Explain clearly.”

Can’t fool this guy!

Chen Qingyuan had originally planned to coax Wu Junyan to the Misty Palace, where he would have no choice but to stay.

“The warship of the Misty Sacred Ground is very sturdy, and many Elders will accompany us to protect the Dao. I am friends with the Holy Son, Zhangsun Fengye, so bringing you along won’t be an issue. We can look out for each other.”

Since Wu Junyan asked, Chen Qingyuan had to answer truthfully.

“No.” Wu Junyan refused without hesitation.

“Don’t be like that!” Chen Qingyuan persuaded, “There is an endless chaotic star sea between the Northern Wilderness and the Imperial Province. How do you plan to cross it? Even if there are teleportation arrays between the two provinces, they only open at specific times and require an astronomical amount of Spirit Stones.”

“None of your concern.”

Wu Junyan said coldly.

“We’re brothers. If I don’t worry about you, who will?” Chen Qingyuan took half a step closer, placing a hand on Wu Junyan’s shoulder with a smile. “I know you’re refusing because of the Holy Maiden of the Misty Palace. I can assure you that she won’t bother you during the journey.”

“Does your assurance mean anything?”

If it weren’t for their shared interests, Wu Junyan wouldn’t have bothered to speak further.

People like Wu Junyan, who value promises, are rare in the world.

He didn’t dislike Zhangsun Qian’s appearance because, to him, even the most beautiful women were just skeletons. It was her calm eyes that had deeply captivated Zhangsun Qian, making her unable to extricate herself.

He disliked Zhangsun Qian’s untrustworthy nature. Despite their agreed duel, Zhangsun Qian didn’t keep her promise and still followed him, causing his displeasure.

“To be honest, the Holy Maiden gave me some resources to persuade you to go to the Imperial Province. I don’t care about the resources; I care about your safety.”

“The Hundred Veins Banquet is extremely important. If you don’t arrive on time or encounter trouble on the way, what then?”

“We’re brothers. Traveling together day and night, the Holy Maiden won’t have a chance to disturb you. Besides, you can go into seclusion to cultivate, and by the time you open your eyes, we’ll be in the Imperial Province.”

Chen Qingyuan sighed lightly, reasoning with emotion.

Hearing the first sentence, Wu Junyan’s eyes showed a hint of strangeness. The next two sentences made some sense.

However, Wu Junyan still felt a strong resistance in his heart and remained silent.

“Old Wu, think long-term. It’s not worth missing the Hundred Veins Banquet over a bit of discomfort.”

Chen Qingyuan continued.

“I’ll trust you one more time.”

After a long contemplation, Wu Junyan murmured.

“Great!” Chen Qingyuan didn’t want to let down Zhangsun Qian’s request or let Wu Junyan face danger, so he had to persuade him with all his might. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer.”

After saying this, Chen Qingyuan felt something was off, like a man promising a woman.

Forget it, no more wild thoughts.

Chen Qingyuan pulled Wu Junyan and immediately headed to the Misty Palace.

A few days later, they arrived at the Misty Palace’s territory.

“Young Master Wu!”

Zhangsun Qian ignored Chen Qingyuan and walked joyfully towards Wu Junyan, her eyes full of admiration.

Wu Junyan remained expressionless and did not respond.

At this moment, Chen Qingyuan stepped in front of Wu Junyan and whispered to Zhangsun Qian, “Holy Maiden, Old Wu is willing to go to the Imperial Province with us, but on one condition: you must not disturb his cultivation.”

“Of course.”

As long as Wu Junyan was willing to accompany them, avoiding dangers on the road, Zhangsun Qian had no reason to refuse this condition. At most, she would have to suppress her longing.

“That’s good.”

Chen Qingyuan nodded lightly.

Then, Zhangsun Fengye appeared, personally leading Wu Junyan onto the warship and arranging a secluded elegant room for him.

In the void, until Wu Junyan entered the warship, Zhangsun Qian reluctantly withdrew her gaze and turned to Chen Qingyuan, saying, “Thank you, Young Master Chen.”

“Small matter.” Chen Qingyuan waved his hand. “Holy Maiden, forgive me for being blunt, but you don’t seem to understand Old Wu very well!”

“What do you mean?”

Zhangsun Qian asked, puzzled.

“Old Wu is a solitary person. In his heart, I’m probably the only one he considers a friend. Even as friends, we almost had a misunderstanding because I missed our duel twice.”

“He values promises more than his life. Last time, you had an agreed duel with Old Wu but didn’t keep your promise. That must have made Old Wu dislike you.”

“If the Holy Maiden wants to change how Old Wu sees you, don’t make promises lightly. Once you make a promise, you must keep it no matter what.”

Given Zhangsun Qian’s previous generosity, Chen Qingyuan decided to say a few more words.

“Is that so?”

Zhangsun Qian pondered, understanding why Wu Junyan had been so unfriendly after their duel.

She had investigated Wu Junyan thoroughly, knowing his background and deeds but not much about his personality.

Few people in the world understood Wu Junyan’s temperament, and Chen Qingyuan happened to be one of them.

“If you want to get closer to Old Wu, start now and don’t disturb him. You two meeting is fate. Whether it leads to anything depends on careful management, without crossing each other’s boundaries.”

Chen Qingyuan advised.

“Thank you for the reminder, Young Master Chen.”

After Chen Qingyuan’s words, Zhangsun Qian roughly understood what to do and thanked him sincerely.

Not just verbally, but with a practical gesture.

Zhangsun Qian took out a Heaven and Earth Bag containing over ten thousand medium-quality Spirit Stones. Though not much, it was a token of her appreciation.

“Holy Maiden, you’re too kind!”

Even Chen Qingyuan, with his thick skin, felt a bit embarrassed to accept it.

“A small token, please accept it.”

Zhangsun Qian said.

“Alright then!”

Since you insist, it would be rude not to accept.