Supreme Emperor of Mist

"Congratulations, ninth prince, for achieving that brilliant victory." a few elders from various sects came to express their intention as they enjoyed the banquet.

There are a few reasons for them to be here, but the main one was the Rock Lotus Fragrance Wine made by the Qin Family Vineyard. Although there were plenty of delicious wines is available out there, none of them were as palatable as the one served before them.

Even the second prince and seventh prince's adjutants were here to deliver their intention to bring back a few crates of the wine for their prince to savor.

"Ninth Prince, this adjutant hope that your highness allowed a crate of wine to be delivered over to the second prince's camp. Please take it as this servant is owing to you a favor." a messenger from Sun Ding Tian came here with his request.

"Your highness, my liege, the seventh prince, sent me here to exchange some of these treasures for a crate of Rock Lotus Fragrance too. Will your highness be kind enough to fulfill the wish of this servant's master?" another adjutant said.

"Both adjutants, please rise. Although my relationship with both princes wasn't close to the point we're counted as life and death brothers, we're still bound together by the blood of our royal father." Sun Wu Jian moved from his position and helped the two adjutants up from their knees.

"Sparing a few crates of wine was the least I can do for my two royal brothers. Wang Xun, how many crates of Rock Lotus Wine we have left in our Qiankun Pouch?" Sun Wu Jian asked his trusted captain standing by his side.

"Your highness, we still have a little over a hundred crates in the pouch." Wang Xun cupped his fist together and lowered his posture while replying to Sun Wu Jian.

"A little over a hundred? Then bring the few crates out and splits them evenly into two Qiankun Pouches." Sun Wu Jian said.

Wang Xun immediately does what Sun Wu Jian asked and extends his hand out with the two Qiankun Pouches.

"Adjutants... These are just fifty crates that I manage to give out for now. I hope both of you won't mind about the small number of wine I had in hand." Sun Wu Jian took the Qiankun Pouch from Wang Xun and stuffed it into the adjutant's hand in person.

His action seems regretful as he sounded like blaming himself for unable to stock a little more in his inventory.

But to the two adjutants, how could they complain? From the initial one crate to fifty, it was more than what they're asking for! Not only Sun Wu Jian's action turned into doing them a favor, it indirectly influenced their mindset at the same time.

It might be impossible for him to influence the men under the prince, but different story altogether when it comes to the officers and experts. Those with some strength always know what they want and will always be looking for a more serve-worthy master.

"Thank you, your highness ninth prince." the two adjutants cupped their fists together and bowed towards Sun Wu Jian respectfully.

"Alright. Both of you should hurry. I can't wait to let both royal brothers enjoy this wine too." Sun Wu Jian patted their shoulder and created a reason for them to excuse themselves.

"See you then, your highness!" the two left.

...

"Your highness... Should I bring out some more from the Purple Dragon Spatial Jade?" Wang Xun asked. Evidently, from Wang Xun's words, there are more inside the said spatial jade.

"Just take fifty crates out this time. The guest that came next is likely the elders from other factions." Sun Wu Jian nodded. The smile on his face changed into a serious one as he waits for another guest to make his appearance.

"This is the elder of Thousand Blades Manor. Could I have the honor to speak a few words with the ninth prince?" the following guest arrived minutes later as he asked for permission to speak with Sun Wu Jian.

"This must be elder Impertinence, one of the three Disciplinary Elders from the Thousand Blades Manor. Please come in." Sun Wu Jian replied. Based on his estimation, he won't even have time to eat due to what happened today.

As for the banquet where soldiers, officers, and the others were gathered, everyone was celebrating their first-day victory. Dancers were brought from the Demon Mountain Fort to lighten the atmosphere, with wine and food kept flowing in.

But the lead for the show today, Qin Lan, was busier than the others as he was approached by a few guests coming over from the second and seventh prince's camp. Even some elders are fighting for the chance to have a word with Qin Lan.

"Fellow alchemists, I believe that there will be chances for us to discuss the alchemy very soon. Please do not hesitate to visit the Pill Hall in Demon Mountain Fort in the future as we exchange our knowledge concerning alchemy," said Qin Lan.

"Regarding the Chi-Lan Army's equipment? Please forgive this lowly for unable to answer this question right now. In the future, I'll make sure that we'll share this piece of knowledge with everyone interested." he turned around and replied to the question from another expert.

"Qing Yun! Lu Yi! We're out of wine here! Bring a few more to serve our esteemed guests!" Qin Lan raised his voice as he called for his subordinate.

All and all, it was a busy night for each one of them, be it the soldiers, the officers, and people from the Qin Faction. It only took a single battle and one night for the Qin Faction to rise in fame within the ninth prince's faction.

With the party finally ended at midnight, a few low-profile guests finally extends their invitation to Qin Lan for a meeting. He was greeted by a peak-level Bone Reconstruction Yao Beast that forcefully kidnapped him to a nearby mountain.

*Shua!*

The white-feathered crane dropped Qin Lan down on a flat surface scattered around the mountain, where two elders are seated side by side waiting for him to come to his sense.