“What’s going on at the gate?” A group of people walked out from inside the Cai residence.

Leading them was Cai Yueting herself.

“Miss,” Commander Cai snapped out of it and quickly explained everything that had just happened.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, thankful he hadn’t acted impulsively.

“May I know your name, sir?” Cai Yueting stepped forward with a gentle smile, speaking softly to Xu Zimo.

“Xu Zimo,” he replied with a smile. “I was wondering if I could still attend your tea gathering?”

He could clearly smell the faint fragrance lingering on her.

“Of course. It was my fault for not sending you an invitation sooner,” Cai Yueting said apologetically with a light bow.

Her eyes were dark and clear, her lashes fluttering gently as she curiously studied Xu Zimo.

“No need for that. You probably haven’t heard my name before,” Xu Zimo said calmly, shaking his head. But from now on, this name will echo across the entire Primordial Heartlands. You won’t be able to forget it, even if you try.”

Cai Yueting was stunned for a moment. She could feel the unshakable confidence in his voice.

“I’ll be watching,” she said with a smile, then turned to the crowd.

“The tea gathering is about to begin. Let’s not waste time, come inside.”

…

Under Cai Yueting’s lead, everyone entered the Cai residence.

The tea gathering was held inside their private tea garden, an independent pocket dimension.

Xu Zimo stepped into this realm, which was currently in the peak tea season. The air was filled with the fresh, soothing aroma of tea leaves.

Looking around, he saw all kinds of tea trees:

Blue-Dragon Nine-Pearl Tea Tree, Heaven-Clarity Seven-Star Tea Tree…

Some were rare, even considered extinct in the outside world, yet thriving here.

It was clear the Cai Clan had invested heavily in building and maintaining this garden.

…

Above this realm, sunlight streamed in through an open sky. The thick branches cast long shadows on the ground.

At the heart of the garden stood a large pavilion, surrounded by tea trees.

A cool breeze blew through, and several tea tables had been arranged.

Dozens of talented young cultivators had already arrived, prodigies from the Holyflower Tyrant Ranking, each with a powerful reputation.

Some had swords at their waists.

Some carried curved blades.

Others emitted intense cold that froze the air several meters around them.

With Cai Yueting's arrival, the gathering was nearly at full capacity.

There were no strict rules here, it was a place to relax, drink tea, and exchange ideas.

All the tea served was freshly picked and prepared through special methods.

Different teas used different spring waters, each paired with unique tea cups.

…

Once everyone was seated, the tea gathering officially began.

Across from the pavilion was a specially carved-out pond, its waters crystal-clear.

In it grew several Seven-Leaf Tea-Lotus Trees, similar to lotuses, blooming untainted from the mud, elegant and proud, like solitary beauties.

One of the prodigies stood up with a smile.

“I believe most of us here aren’t true tea connoisseurs. Simply drinking tea seems a little boring. With so many prodigies gathered here, in such a serene place… Why don’t we spar a bit over the tea pond?”

“I agree.”

“Bu Hang makes a great point.”

The others nodded in approval.

Bu Hang smiled, stepped into the air, and hovered above the pond.

“I’ll go first,” he said cheerfully. “Who wants to spar with me?”

The crowd exchanged looks. Finally, a white-robed young man stepped forward.

“That’s Lord Luo He!” someone exclaimed. “Ranked sixth on the Tyrant Ranking. He hasn’t fought in ages.”

“They say the day he was born, a scroll fell from the heavens, the Holy River Scripture, ranked eighth among all wondrous artifacts.

Lord Luo He merged with that book early in life. He’s studied all the classics and ancient texts, knowledge is his power.”

Now standing over the pond, the two floated midair. Ripples danced across the surface. Their long hair swayed though there was no wind.

“Lord Luo He, please enlighten me,” Bu Hang said with a light smile.

He opened his folding fan, then waved it. A sword made of spiritual energy shot through the water’s surface, kicking up waves as it flew toward Luo He.

Around Luo He, spiritforce gathered. A floating book slowly appeared before him.

As he flipped to the first page, a calm, resonant voice echoed through the air:

“The book says: all things have spirit.”

As his voice fell, the tea trees in the pond seemed to come alive.

The oncoming sword aura was instantly shattered by the trees.

Then, behind Bu Hang, a tea tree extended its branches and swiftly wrapped around him.

Bu Hang froze, then broke free after a brief struggle.

“Your Scripture’s attacks are truly impossible to defend against,” he sighed. “I admit defeat. That was a narrow loss.”

Watching the duel, Xu Zimo finished his tea in one gulp, stood up, and stepped into the center of the pond.

“Is there anyone from the Heaven-Severing Sacred Ground present?” he asked aloud.

As soon as he spoke, a purple-robed youth stood up.

“I am the current Holy Son of Heaven-Severing Sacred Ground. May I ask what business you have?”

“I came to annihilate your sect,” Xu Zimo replied with a faint smile. “And I’ll start with you, the Holy Son. Come on out, don’t be shy.”

“So, you’re the one who threatened to destroy us?” the purple-robed youth frowned.

There had been rumors in the sect that someone had made such a bold declaration. But it had been quiet for so long, most thought it was just empty talk.

“Young Master Xu,” Cai Yueting said uneasily from the side. “This is a tea gathering. Could you give me some face and avoid personal disputes today?”

“But I came here specifically to cause trouble,” Xu Zimo replied. “Don’t worry, though. I only came for the Heaven-Severing Sacred Ground’s Holy Son. No innocents will be dragged in. You all don’t need to be afraid.”

“Afraid?” one of the other prodigies scoffed. “Aren’t you being a little too arrogant?”

“Hey trash,” Xu Zimo waved dismissively, “Sit down and stop barking.”

As he spoke, he slowly drew the massive sword, Shadow Tyrant, from his back.

At that moment, the aura of peak Imperial Meridian Realm surged across the entire tea garden.

BOOM!

The tea pond beneath exploded.

Waves dozens of meters high surged upward, flooding the surroundings with violent force.