Yin Qianzhen said, "That's natural. And refined by my father himself, its quality has doubled. I reckon all the wealthy families in Huagu Prefecture will be clamoring for it."
Yin Heliang accepted the Thousand-Year Nine-Star Grass and then noticed the person standing beside him, "And this is...?"
Yin Fu quickly explained the entire situation, "It was this Brother Zhitian who rescued us at the critical moment. It was thanks to him that Sun Bo and I were saved from the clutches of the Eight Banners of the Netherworld. Had he not appeared, I might not have returned, and the Thousand-Year Nine-Star Grass would have fallen into the hands of the Netherworld Cult."
Yin Heliang's eyes lit up, and he looked at Ming Zhitian with admiration, "I never expected that at your young age, you possess the strength to eliminate the Eight Banners of the Netherworld. Truly a gifted talent! Someone, prepare a banquet immediately. I wish to host this young brother. Go and prepare at once."
"Yes, Patriarch."
Yin Qianzhen stepped forward, "I object, Father. This person is approaching my brother with malicious intent. Why do you still want to host him?"
Yin Heliang's brows furrowed, "Insolent! Qianzhen, how can you speak to our Yin family's benefactor like that? I've spoiled you too much. You're being utterly unreasonable. Stop this nonsense."
Yin Qianzhen wanted to retort, "But..."
Yin Heliang waved his hand, "Begone! If you continue to make trouble, you will go to the Quiet Wall for contemplation."
Yin Qianzhen still wanted to say something, but Yin Fu quickly covered her mouth, "Father, please let Zhenzhen attend this banquet. I guarantee she won't speak out of turn."
Yin Qianzhen finally settled down. Yin Heliang looked at her innocent, tearful eyes and agreed,
"Alright, but before that, I must ask you. A nation has its laws, and a family has its rules. I won't bother with how you've behaved in the past, but now that we have guests, do not let our Yin family lose its decorum. Do you know your mistake?"
Yin Qianzhen was no longer headstrong and acted like a docile daughter, "My esteemed Father, your daughter knows her mistake."
At the banquet...
Madam Jun, Yin Heliang's wife, ordered the banquet to be set. Exquisite dishes were served.
Soon, the table was laden with fine wine and delicacies. The group ate heartily and conversed freely, sharing everything.
Yin Heliang appreciated Ming Zhitian's straightforwardness. Neither of them beat around the bush. You discussed your alchemy experience, and I talked about my martial cultivation. Both listened intently.
Ming Zhitian also admired the Yin family patriarch's frankness. He realized for the first time that here was a person who spoke his mind and held nothing back, making him want to befriend Yin Heliang.
While toasting, Yin Heliang asked, "Young brother, where are you from? Do you have any siblings? Fu'er mentioned that you are not from around here. Are you here on some business?"
Ming Zhitian replied, "I am indeed not from Huagu Prefecture. I come from a place called Xiugu Realm. I have what could be considered four brothers at home. To be frank, I was sent here by an enemy through some unknown means. Do you understand what I mean?"
The four were initially stunned. Yin Fu thought for a moment and then said, "Xiugu Realm? I recall reading about it in an ancient text. It's considered a mythical existence. Brother Zhitian, are you sure you are from Xiugu Realm? But that's illogical, it's clearly just in books..."
Yin Heliang laughed heartily, smoothing things over, "If young brother does not wish to speak of it, I shall not press. Come, let's continue drinking."
Ming Zhitian shrugged, accepting it as it was. Even he found it hard to believe when he spoke of it, yet that was how he had arrived.