Even Qi Shu and Yan Tie Lu said it was all Ming Zhi Tian's credit; they reluctantly took only some elixirs.
On the road, Fairy Xiao Ling asked, "Ming Zhi Tian, would you like to join my sect?"
Ming Zhi Tian glanced at her. Seeing her idly run her fingers through her long, beautiful hair, he thought, "Where on earth did this kid come from? At first, he said Xia Li brought him in, but no matter how I look at it, he seems interested in me. Could it be that he's smitten with my beauty? That's not impossible."
Without a second thought, Ming Zhi Tian politely declined. Fairy Xiao Ling asked, "Why?"
Ming Zhi Tian gave the same answer, "I already have a master."
Fairy Xiao Ling felt a great pity. However, it was understandable; this young man was a dragon among men, not destined to remain in a mere pond. Since he dared to refuse Emperor Hong Suan Tian, he wouldn't fear refusing her, Fairy Xiao Ling.
Then, Ming Zhi Tian took out the grand prize for first place in three Douluo events – the Heavenly Tribulation-grade magical artifact, Tian Wen! He directly fed it to the Little Sky Swallowing Python on his shoulder.
The Sky Swallowing Python smacked its lips. "Hmm, tastes alright. That's that. Your strength is too weak, you're not qualified to wield this divine beast yet..."
Fairy Xiao Ling was stunned. "What are you doing?"
Ming Zhi Tian said, "I made a promise to it. I'm merely fulfilling my end of the bargain now."
Fairy Xiao Ling still couldn't understand the man before her. "That's a Heavenly Tribulation-grade magical artifact! Do you know how precious it is? Ten thousand bottles of top-grade elixirs wouldn't be enough to trade for one Heavenly Tribulation-grade artifact."
"Ah?! It's that valuable?! But this fellow has already swallowed it! Give it back to me!" Ming Zhi Tian feigned extreme shock.
He then relaxed, "It doesn't matter. I'm not lacking."
"Do you have another Heavenly Tribulation-grade artifact?" Fairy Xiao Ling asked.
Ming Zhi Tian shrugged. "Why not?"
Upon returning to Fairy Xiao Ling's Immortal Mansion, Ming Zhi Tian was promoted to Vice Steward. From then on, he no longer needed to do chores and had the freedom to come and go.
Outside the divine beast realm, Ming Zhi Tian said, "We're even now. We owe each other nothing." He then sent the Sky Swallowing Python back into the divine beast realm.
The Sky Swallowing Python threw a parting remark, "Little god, if you become powerful, perhaps this divine pet of yours will consider following you and embarking on a great venture."
"Ming Zhi Tian! So you're here! Come, let's go for a drink. Don't welch."
Yun Yan grabbed Ming Zhi Tian, and the two laughed heartily. Ming Zhi Tian had completely forgotten about drinking.
They arrived at the Immortal Wine Cellar. Seeing countless wine jars, Ming Zhi Tian's jaw dropped. "This... did your family open a winery?"
"Shhh... don't be so loud. Let's steal some." Yun Yan gestured for silence.
Ming Zhi Tian blinked. "Then we should leave. If we're caught, we're dead."
Yun Yan grabbed him. "We're already here. Who cares? Let's drink our fill first."
"But why drink wine in broad daylight?" Ming Zhi Tian was hesitant.
Yun Yan urged, "What are you afraid of? Broad daylight is perfect for drinking to our heart's content. We have important matters to attend to tonight."
The two opened a wine jar, and the aroma instantly filled the air, captivating their senses.
Taking a gulp, they savored the rich, mellow, and lingering taste.
Ming Zhi Tian let out a satisfied sigh. "Good wine! Yun Yan, what wine is this?"
Yun Yan took another sip. "This is Ten Thousand Year Immortal Luo Di. Let's drink!"
"Cheers!"
The two jars clinked, splashing wine, a truly delightful moment!
Dropping the empty jars, they opened new ones and continued drinking!
Ming Zhi Tian had been busy outside and hadn't drunk wine in a long time. He used to be able to hold his liquor exceptionally well.
In no time, they had downed several jars!
Soon enough, someone actually came. The two quickly jumped into a wine jar, not forgetting to seal the lid.
Two stewards pushed open the door. "Strange, I thought I heard a sound."
The other replied, "Perhaps it's your imagination. Making a fuss over nothing. Let's go."
"Wait, why does it smell so good?"