Celebration.

Bai Xuebing had barely left the arena, his breathing still heavy as he tried to recover his strength. 

Mei Lin took a step toward him, clearly worried, but before she could get close, a group of Xia Ruyan's team members surrounded him with contagious energy. 

—Come on, kid! —one of them exclaimed, slapping him on the back so hard he almost lost his balance. 

—What are you doing? —Mei Lin asked, a mix of surprise and indignation in her voice. 

—Didn't you hear? 

—The leader said we're celebrating. And when the leader commands, we obey. 

Without giving her time to protest, they hoisted Bai Xuebing up and carried him toward the exit, the air filled with laughter and applause. Bai could only emit a resigned grunt. 

The group quickly dragged Bai Xuebing to the nearest bar. Rather than a celebration, it seemed they had gone there just to drink. 

On the second floor of the restaurant, they joined several tables together to form one long, lively, noisy space. Xia Ruyan sat at the head of the table with her usual confidence. To her right was Ren Jihao, her second-in-command—a burly man with a scar across his face. To her left was Bai Xuebing, who kept his serious expression as he observed the bustling scene. 

The drinks and food arrived quickly, filling the table as if it were an endless banquet. Xia Ruyan raised her glass, capturing everyone's attention. 

—Today, we welcome a shameless rogue who's joining our ranks! 

—Cheers! —everyone echoed in unison, raising their glasses and clinking them enthusiastically. 

While the atmosphere filled with laughter and merriment, Bai Xuebing remained silent, his gaze fixed on the liquor glass he held. In the reflection of the glass, he saw his own face: empty, lifeless, as though something essential had vanished. 

"When did I become like this?" he thought. 

He remembered the three years of grueling training he had endured. His body had changed significantly: now taller, his once bamboo-thin arms were strong and firm. His face had taken on the features of his father, though his somber expression distanced him from that image. Even his eyes, inherited from his mother, had lost the warmth she possessed, replaced by a cold, distant gaze. 

He had changed, not just in appearance but also in strength. Yet for Bai Xuebing, it still wasn't enough. In his mind, he remained weak... as weak as that day he could never forget. 

The sound of a glass hitting the table echoed just after a firm pat on Bai Xuebing's back, pulling him from his thoughts. 

—Why the serious face, rookie? Come on, drink, drink! Today we celebrate, so no excuses. —Xia Ruyan, cheeks flushed from alcohol, shot him a teasing look as she pushed a full glass toward him. 

Bai Xuebing looked up, somewhat startled by the leader's shift in behavior, but before he could respond, she let out a laugh. 

—What's wrong? Don't tell me you can't drink. Hmm… I see, looks like that's the case! —she said with a mischievous grin, leaning toward him—. Fine, fine, let this big sister show you how it's done. Hehe. 

—What? No, wait, I... 

Before he could finish his sentence, Xia Ruyan grabbed him by the collar of his tunic, tilted the glass, and started pouring the liquor directly into his mouth. 

—Glug, glug! 

The team members erupted in laughter at the scene, clapping and cheering as Bai Xuebing tried not to choke. 

—That's it, rookie! That's how a real celebration starts! —someone shouted from the back, raising their glass. 

Bai Xuebing, coughing slightly, set the glass on the table, trying to regain his composure while Xia Ruyan laughed with satisfaction. 

—See? It wasn't so bad, was it? Now relax a little. —She winked at him before refilling her own glass, ready for another toast. 

Bai Xuebing, his cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, barely raised his glass when two of the team members grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him to their side. One of them, a tall man with short, messy hair, laughed as he pushed him to sit between them. 

—We're taking the rookie for a bit. 

—Sure, sure, show him how it's done. 

—Come on, rookie! Don't just sit there; this is a celebration! —one said as he filled Bai's glass with liquor. 

The other, younger but just as imposing, nodded enthusiastically. —Yeah, and it's all because of you! Congratulations on your appointment. You were bold, I'll admit, barging into our meeting and saying you wanted to join! You've got guts, I'll give you that! 

Bai Xuebing tried to respond, but the first interrupted him with a light slap on the back. 

—And what about your skill? We've never seen anyone capable of injuring our leader in combat. Not even making her fight seriously! —he exclaimed with admiration, raising his glass as if to toast a hero. 

The younger one leaned toward Bai, smiling. —Yeah, when we saw you walk in, we thought you were just some brazen kid. But what a surprise. You've got guts, kid. And now we know you've got talent too. 

—Exactly! —added the older one, leaning over to refill Bai's glass before downing his own in one go—. No one's ever done what you did. No one! Our leader is a beast, and you made her work for it. 

Although Bai Xuebing had lost the fight against Xia Ruyan, his performance was commendable. Despite being in the third realm, first stage, facing someone in the fourth realm and forcing her to fight seriously was no small feat. 

In the path of cultivation, the realm level is crucial. A cultivator in a higher realm naturally has an advantage over those in lower levels, as each advancement not only grants more power but also a deeper understanding of cultivation. However, level alone is not everything. The number of stars, mastered techniques, artifacts, talent, and above all, experience are factors that can tip the scales in a confrontation. 

It's true that as cultivators progress to higher levels, the gap between realms becomes immense. Advancing becomes a monumental task, but the reward is proportional: the strength gained at advanced levels can render differences in stars, artifacts, or techniques irrelevant. At those heights, only cultivators of similar levels have a real chance of competing on equal terms, where victory depends solely on skill, strategy, and the combatant's willpower. 

In this world, there are 20 cultivation realms, each divided into various intermediate stages. Each realm represents a monumental milestone on the path to immortality. The final realm is the threshold separating mortals from immortals, and achieving it means transcending the limits of mortality and ascending. 

The two men laughed as they shoved another glass into Bai's hands, forcing him to drink while continuing their endless praises. 

—By the way, we haven't introduced ourselves formally yet —the older one pounded his chest with one hand—. I'm Han Zhuang, and this brat here is my younger brother, Han Lin. 

—We're brothers and also inseparable in combat! —added Han Lin, proudly gesturing to his brother. 

Han Zhuang let out another hearty laugh. —And now, it seems you're part of the family too, Bai. So get used to it, because we're not going to leave you alone! 

Bai Xuebing, trapped between the two, could only nod with a small, resigned smile as they kept talking and pouring him more liquor, the warmth of the atmosphere and the alcohol momentarily softening his usually cold demeanor. 

"Why won't these two leave me alone? I need to get out of this, because if I keep drinking, I'm..." he thought as they kept forcing him to drink. 

From the other side of the table, Ren Jihao and Xia Ruyan leaned back slightly, distancing themselves from the rowdy group that continued drinking and laughing. The lively atmosphere didn't reach their corner, where the air seemed denser, laden with an invisible weight. 

—Leader... —Ren Jihao began, his tone lower than usual—. Did you really have to start drinking right away? We didn't even finish talking in the meeting. Even though that brat interrupted us and then you fought, I think we should have wrapped up the discussion before starting all this. 

Xia Ruyan's expression changed instantly. The carefree smile she wore moments ago disappeared, and her gaze turned cold and sharp, stabbing into Ren like a dagger. 

—Why the insistence? —she said, setting her glass on the table with a sharp thud—. If we don't finish today, we'll do it tomorrow when everyone's sober. Besides, the meeting wasn't anything extraordinary—just the routine security and transport mission. 

Her tone was firm, but there was a hint of challenge in her words. 

—What's strange, Ren, is that you're so interested in this matter. Normally, you're the first to drag us to a bar. 

Ren Jihao let out a nervous laugh and turned his gaze to his glass. 

—Haha, that's true, Leader. Forgive me... —he said, scratching the back of his neck—. I suppose I've been a bit tense lately. I needed to focus on something to distract myself. 

Xia observed him silently for a few seconds. Something about his posture—perhaps the way his fingers drummed against the table—struck her as unusual. But she decided not to press the matter. 

—I see... —she finally replied, relaxing again and taking another sip from her glass—. Then stop thinking about whatever's on your mind and enjoy yourself. We're celebrating, aren't we? And besides, we have a new member. 

Ren Jihao hesitated before replying, as if carefully weighing each word. 

—...About that —he finally said—. Why did you accept that brat into the group? 

Xia Ruyan laughed, though her eyes gleamed with cunning. 

—I thought he was pretty cute; do I need any other reason? —she teased with a sly smile before adopting a more serious tone—. Honestly, I was interested from the moment I saw him. It's clear he hasn't been a stellar cultivator for long, yet he's already in the third realm. That's not something you see every day. 

Ren Jihao's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent as Xia continued. 

—Besides, his way of fighting impressed me. Changing strategies mid-combat isn't something just any rookie can do. Sure, he's still clumsy, but he has talent. I'm just making an investment for the future. That's all. 

Ren nodded slowly, though something in his expression remained unsettled. 

—I see... 

For a moment, their eyes met, and Xia felt there was something Ren wasn't saying. But before she could probe further, someone in the group raised a glass and called for a toast, breaking the tension between them. Xia seized the distraction to let the matter drop, though a small spark of mistrust lingered in the air. 

—Brothers, sisters! Without a doubt, our rookie has heart. Now, to prove his courage as a comrade, he'll face the Han brothers in a drinking contest! —someone from the team exclaimed, provoking a roar of excitement from those present. 

Before Bai Xuebing could process what was happening, he was already being pushed to the center of the table, where two burly men were watching him with broad smiles. 

"How did I get here…?" Bai thought, a nervous tic in his eye. "Those two wouldn't stop talking, they didn't even let me speak. And now I'm caught up in this!" 

—Oh, this is getting interesting! —Xia Ruyan said, laughing and drumming the table enthusiastically. 

—All right, rookie, I like that attitude —one of the Han brothers, the one with a scar on his eyebrow, crossed his arms and gave him a challenging look—. As the newest member of the team, you've already proven your worth as a warrior. Now it's time to prove your worth as a comrade. Hahaha! 

Xia Ruyan, with a spark of mischief in her eyes, raised her glass and added: 

—To make it more interesting, why don't you guys set a prize? 

—As expected of the leader! —shouted one of the team members, followed by cheers. 

The Han brother without the mole slammed the table, making the glasses clink. 

—All right. The one who lasts the longest drinking without passing out will win... nothing less than **10 blue jade coins**! 

A murmur spread through the group. Ten blue jade coins were a small fortune; each one was worth a hundred green jade coins. 

Upon hearing this, Bai Xuebing straightened his back immediately. His hesitant expression turned into one of determination. 

"Money?" he thought, a glint of resolve in his eyes. "I can't miss this opportunity." 

Although he had never drunk alcohol before that night, a surge of confidence filled him. 

—After all —he told himself— I'm my parents' son. Back in my village, they were known as the great kings of alcohol. This is in my blood! 

—Bring the pitchers! —shouted Xia Ruyan, her laughter echoing across the upper floor. 

The crowd erupted into cheers of excitement as several pitchers filled with a dark, aromatic liquor were placed on the table. Bai Xuebing took a deep breath, ready to face not only the Han brothers but also his limits. 

The members of the team filled the air with cheers, creating an electrified atmosphere. The three contestants stood surrounded by a circle of spectators who didn't stop cheering on the Han brothers and the rookie with shouts and laughter. In front of each participant, three massive pitchers of liquor glimmered under the restaurant's dim light. 

For a mortal, drinking that amount would be a death sentence, but for cultivators, it was just another test of endurance, pride, and camaraderie. 

In the center of the circle, the man who had announced the contest raised his arms to draw everyone's attention. 

—Listen up! —he shouted, his voice firm and commanding—. The drinking contest is about to begin. I hope you've all placed your bets well because there are no second chances here! 

The team members roared with excitement, some pounding the table, others raising their glasses. Bai Xuebing took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the pitcher in front of him. 

"I hope I don't disappoint them... or my wallet," he thought, remembering the sum of blue jade coins at stake. 

The announcer, his face brimming with excitement, lowered his arms dramatically. 

—Ready! 

A second of silence filled the air, as if time itself had frozen. 

—Begin! —he yelled, and chaos erupted. 

The three lifted their pitchers in unison, tipping them back forcefully as the dark liquor flowed. The noise of laughter, shouts, and chants blended with the sound of pitchers hitting tables and hurried gulps. 

—Come on, rookie! Don't let them win! —someone shouted from the crowd as Bai Xuebing felt the burn of the alcohol sliding down his throat like liquid fire. 

The Han brothers, with challenging grins, seemed unfazed. Each gulp they took felt like a direct blow to the rookie's pride, but Bai wasn't about to give in so easily. 

The competition had barely begun, yet the air was already charged with adrenaline. Who would be the first to falter? 

The chaos of the drinking contest intensified as Bai Xuebing slammed his first empty pitcher onto the table, the sound of glass hitting wood sparking cheers of praise among the team members. Breathing heavily, his trembling hands reached for the second pitcher. 

Across from him, the Han brothers also gulped down their drinks, their confident smiles still intact, though their faces had begun to flush. 

—Come on, rookie! —someone shouted from the circle—. You can't let those two beat you! 

Bai Xuebing, his eyes narrowing and his head starting to feel heavy, didn't respond. He focused solely on the dark liquid still left in his pitcher. 

"I'm not going to lose… not this time," he thought, gritting his teeth and forcing his body to keep going. 

He finished the second pitcher with monumental effort, barely managing to set it on the table before his hands gave in to trembling. He looked up to see the Han brothers also finishing theirs, sweat dripping down their foreheads and their breathing uneven. 

The third pitcher was placed in front of all three at the same time, and a momentary silence fell over the group. Bai Xuebing looked at it as if it were a mountain impossible to climb, but a spark of determination lit up in his eyes. 

The three began drinking, but this time at a much slower pace. Every sip felt like torture, every gulp a test of endurance. Cheers mixed with nervous laughter as the spectators watched the three competitors begin to sway, barely staying conscious. 

When Bai Xuebing reached halfway through the third pitcher, he could barely hold it. His vision was blurry, and his entire body felt like it was made of lead. However, the Han brothers couldn't take it any longer. First one, then the other collapsed heavily onto the table, their pitchers rolling to the floor unfinished. 

Bai didn't notice. To him, the only thing that existed was his pitcher and the promise of victory. 

—I'm not going to lose... —he murmured through gritted teeth, forcing himself to lift the edge of the pitcher to his lips one more time. 

With one last, titanic effort, he drank until not a single drop remained. He let the empty pitcher fall onto the table with a dull thud, weakly raised his arm, and muttered: 

—I won... 

And in that instant, his body couldn't take any more. He collapsed onto the table, unconscious. 

A roar of approval filled the room as everyone celebrated his victory. 

—The rookie won! That kid's got guts! —they shouted, laughing and toasting. 

However, the leader, Xia Ruyan, remained calm, watching Bai with an unreadable expression. She stood up gracefully and, to everyone's astonishment, walked over to him. 

—Leader, what are you doing? —asked one of the members, confused. 

With a smile that mixed amusement and mystery, Xia Ruyan lifted Bai Xuebing into her arms, cradling him like a princess. 

—Well, I'm collecting on a bet —she said with a light laugh—. You all keep drinking. I've already paid for everything. 

—Hahaha! The leader's the best! Take good care of the rookie! —they shouted as she walked away with Bai in her arms, leaving the commotion behind.