Chapter 226: The Left-Hander Appears

　　"Since Sister Hong has said so, I must give it a try."

　　Lu Fei nodded with a smile.

　　He had been worrying about where to get information on the Ling Yin Association, and now, the association had practically come to him.

　　About half an hour later.

　　Duan Tiankui came into the teahouse with his granddaughter and three others, each exuding a formidable presence.

　　"I apologize, everyone, for keeping you waiting."

　　Duan Tiankui cupped his hands in greeting. When he saw that Lu Fei was also there, he immediately gave him a warm and kind smile, nodding at him.

　　Duan Lingyue was even more delighted, hopping and skipping over, her fair and plump face full of surprise.

　　"Brother Lufei, when did you arrive?"

　　"I just got here. What snacks do you want? I'll treat you." Lufei smiled too; this little girl was incredibly cute, and seeing her always lifted his spirits.

　　"I like all the desserts that Sister Hong makes, thank you, Brother Lufei!"

　　Duan Lingyue laughed happily and sat down at Lufei's table right away.

　　The others were momentarily stunned.

　　"Who is he exactly, to be so close to Elder Duan?"

　　"Could he be a disciple from some major sect?"

　　They whispered their guesses, but Lufei pretended not to hear, curiously observing the three people who had walked in with Duan Tiankui.

　　Two men and one woman.

　　The woman was around thirty, dressed all in black, as cold as ice, not even deigning to look directly at the people in the teahouse, as if everyone owed her five million.

　　One of the men, about forty, wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.

　　He was dressed in an expensive-looking white shirt, had a tall and slender figure with a kind face, resembling a well-learned and talented teacher, mature and refined.

　　The other man was the complete opposite, with a rugged face and a large beard.

　　Taller and stronger than Hu Zǐ, his muscles bulged like rocks, making him seem very unapproachable.

　　Among the three, the most unthreatening-looking one was the refined man.

　　But Lufei knew that in reality, this refined man was the core figure among the three.

　　The cold-faced woman and the tall, muscular man both intentionally or unintentionally revolved around him.

　　"Fellow friends, please be quiet for a moment."

　　Duan Tiankui smiled, scanning the crowd in the teahouse. His voice wasn't loud, but everyone instinctively fell silent, their gazes collectively landing on the old man.

　　"As everyone knows, in the world of the mystic sects, there are many unique and extraordinary people, but they are scattered all over the place."

　　"As the saying goes, unity is strength. To bring everyone together and help each other, the Ling Yin Association opens its doors to the world every year, and this year is no exception."

　　"Following the old rules, anyone who has cultivated magical powers, regardless of their background, can sign up."

　　"If any of you are interested, please register with Vice President Xu. For all qualified friends, today's tea and snacks will be on the house, courtesy of the Ling Yin Association."

　　As soon as he finished speaking, there was a round of enthusiastic applause in the teahouse.

　　These people from the mystic sects were very excited, all rubbing their hands in anticipation and rushing to Duan Tiankui's table to register.

　　Tianyuan and Kudeng were among them.

　　The refined man wearing gold-rimmed glasses was none other than Vice President Xu.

　　He had a warm smile, patiently and calmly receiving each registrant.

　　The stern-faced woman and the tall, muscular man were maintaining order nearby.

　　Lu Fei sat at his desk, leisurely sipping tea and eating small pastries.

　　"Brother Lu Fei, aren't you going to sign up?"

　　"There's no limit on the number of people who can sign up, it's the same whether you do it early or late, no need to rush."

　　"That's true, I wonder what they are hurrying for. It's not like whoever signs up first will get in." Duan Lingyue nodded and popped a small pastry into her mouth.

　　Her cheeks puffed out, making her look like a little hamster.

　　However, Duan Tiankui, with his hands behind his back, slowly walked over.

　　"Young Lu, why, don't you plan to join the Lingyin Association? Your grandfather may not be interested in these things, but times have changed. Even in the Xuanmen underworld, connections and resources matter."

　　"Grandpa Duan, I do plan to try. It's just that there are too many people right now, so I'll go sign up later." Lu Fei stood up and explained.

　　"You don't need to go then. I'll give Vice President Xu a heads-up and add your name. If you and Sinisterium Pawnshop are willing to join, the Lingyin Association would be more than happy to welcome you."

　　Duan Tiankui said as he walked back and whispered a few words to Vice President Xu.

　　Vice President Xu raised his head, his gaze passing over everyone as he looked at Lu Fei, sizing him up slightly.

　　Lu Fei nodded at him, and he returned a friendly smile before lowering his head and picking up a pen to write Lu Fei's name on the list.

　　Lu Fei's eyebrows suddenly twitched.

　　He noticed that Vice President Xu was writing with his left hand.

　　A left-hander!

　　To become the vice president of the Xuanmen Association, this person's cultivation must be exceptional.

　　Could he be the one who met Grandfather in the underworld?

　　Lu Fei picked up his tea and took a few sips, steadying his agitated mind, making sure not to show any change in his expression that might arouse suspicion.

　　It's just being left-handed; it doesn't mean anything.

　　More clues are needed.

　　After finishing the tea, his mood returned to normal, and he looked up to observe Vice President Xu without showing any emotion.

　　This person had a good-tempered face, always wearing a smile. He must be well-known in the Xuan Sect, as every person who came to register showed him great respect.

　　After a noisy period, the people in the teahouse finally finished registration.

　　Everyone's face was beaming with joy.

　　Even if they didn't pass the test, it wasn't a loss, as they got to enjoy a free cup of tea.

　　Lu Fei thought to himself, this Lingyin Association is quite powerful; the tea at Sister Hong's place is not cheap, yet they could afford to treat everyone to tea.

　　"Has everyone registered?"

　　"This year is pretty good, with a total of twelve fellow practitioners signing up. Enjoy your food and drinks today, and we will notify you about the test details in one week."

　　Vice President Xu checked the time, put away the documents, smiled at everyone, and prepared to leave.

　　"Wait... please wait a moment."

　　At this moment, an anxious voice came from outside the door.

　　Immediately after, a man in white clothes ran in, drenched in sweat, supporting himself on the table, gasping for breath.

　　"I, I want to sign up!"

　　Lu Fei and Hu Zi looked surprised: "Jing Jian?!"

　　"Fellow Daoist, I'm sorry, our registration time has ended. Please come earlier next year," Vice President Xu politely waved him off.

　　"It's over? I saw the message and rushed here as fast as I could..." Jing Jian's face grew stern with anxiety. He said hurriedly, "Vice President Xu, can you make an exception..."

　　"I'm sorry, rules are rules. Making an exception for you would be unfair to others..."

　　Vice President Xu looked troubled.

　　"This guy, he's always too late for everything!" Lu Fei shook his head, stood up, and said, "Vice President Xu, Jing Jian is with me. We just signed up together."

　　"Signed up together?" Vice President Xu was slightly taken aback and looked at Duan Tiankui.

　　Duan Tiankui nodded to him.

　　"Since that's the case, then we haven't missed the timing. Please pay attention to the examination notice." Vice President Xu didn't probe further and left with his team in large strides.

　　Jing Jian wiped his sweat and walked over to Lu Fei with gratitude.

　　"Lu Fei, thank you!"

　　Lu Fei glared at him: "What's going on with you? I haven't heard from you for so long; I thought you were dead!"

　　Jing Jian waved his hand, his face filled with a bitter smile.

　　"You don't even have to mention it; I really almost died! I..."