Volume One: Entering the Path, Chapter 126: The Gathering

As the students in the classroom gradually left in twos and threes, Ye Junze and his companions exchanged glances, having no intention of lingering.

Li Ling looked at the group and said, "Since class is over, let's head out. After fighting all morning, I’m starving."

The others nodded in agreement; no one had any objections. Lu Renjia and Yun Tianhan even instinctively rubbed their stomachs.

Fan Yan turned around and urged, "Alright, let's go, let's go. Why are you grown men even more dawdling than I am?"

Ye Junze and the others chuckled at her words and, without further comment, followed her out of the classroom.

Once outside, Li Ling seemed to have a sudden thought and proposed, "It seems everyone is hungry. How about we have a group meal today? What do you all think?"

A look of curiosity crossed Fan Yan's eyes as she said in surprise, "Oh? Interesting. I have no objections."

"I'm in, too. It’s more fun with a bigger crowd," added Lu Renjia.

Ye Junze nodded as well, replying, "Yes, I don't mind either."

Although he wasn't naturally fond of large gatherings, Ye Junze now considered these people his friends. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse their good intentions or dampen their spirits, so he agreed.

The group then turned their attention to Yun Tianhan, who had yet to respond.

"If none of you have any objections, then neither do I. However, since our young Master Li is the one making the offer, does this mean you intend to treat us?" Yun Tianhan asked with a mischievous grin.

Hearing this, Fan Yan and Lu Renjia immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Li Ling, didn't you always say you were wealthy? You should definitely treat us to this meal. We won't show any mercy when it comes to 'slaughtering the rich'."

Li Ling laughed, as that had been his intention all along. Since everyone had said as much, he nodded and replied, "Of course, that’s no problem. I was thinking the same thing. Don't stand on ceremony with me; I’ll get annoyed if you act too polite. Eat as much as you like—after all, you’ve all worked hard today."

Fan Yan giggled, "Since Young Master Li has put it that way, we certainly won't hold back. I just hope we don't end up on your blacklist after we're done eating."

The group burst into laughter.

Li Ling waved his hand dismissively and said, "Of course not. After all, we are friends."

Hearing this, they all shared a knowing smile. Though it had never been explicitly stated, they had indeed come to regard one another as friends. Hearing Li Ling put it so plainly made them feel quite happy.

Yun Tianhan waved his hands at the group and said, "Alright, let’s stop being so sentimental. Where are we eating? I’m about to starve to death."

Li Ling and the others smiled, unbothered by Yun Tianhan breaking the mood.

Li Ling pondered for a moment and suggested, "That’s true. How about we go to the school cafeteria? What do you think?"

"Oh, the school cafeteria? I've heard it's quite good, but I've been here for so long and haven't been once," Lu Renjia said, his voice full of curiosity.

Fan Yan nodded, "That works. It's not far, so let's go to the cafeteria."

Ye Junze and Yun Tianhan had no objections and nodded in agreement.

Li Ling smiled, gave a grand wave of his hand, and declared, "Since no one has any objections, the school cafeteria it is. Let's go!"

The five of them set off in high spirits, marching toward the cafeteria.

Along the way, they shared their experiences from the morning's practical combat session.

When Li Ling learned that Ye Junze had faced Yun Tianhan and Fan Yan had faced Lu Renjia, his jaw dropped so wide that, without exaggeration, one could have stuffed a cow into it.

He wasn't too surprised to hear that Ye Junze had defeated Yun Tianhan, wearing an expression that suggested it was only natural. However, he couldn't help but be astonished when he heard that Lu Renjia had defeated Fan Yan.

Reacting much like Yun Tianhan, he clicked his tongue in amazement, "Lu Renjia, you fellow, I couldn't tell! You're quite good at hiding your strength, aren't you?"

Lu Renjia hurriedly waved his hands, saying, "That's not it at all. Fan Yan's strength is also very impressive; I'm just better at conserving my energy."

Fan Yan gave a puzzled "Hmm?" and retorted, "Oh? Are you implying that I’m not good at that?"

Hearing this, Lu Renjia crossed his hands and waved them frantically, saying, "No, no, not at all! Let me explain!"

Fan Yan waved him off, saying nonchalantly, "Forget it, I won't lower myself to your level. But next time we spar, I won't go easy on you."

The others were doubled over with laughter at this scene, casting sympathetic glances at Lu Renjia.

Sensing their stares, Lu Renjia glared at them.

However, the group responded in unison with a shrug, signaling that there was nothing they could do—as if to say, "You'll have to deal with that yourself."

Amidst their idle chatter, they drew closer to the cafeteria.

Upon approaching, they saw the "Food Palace" restaurant standing before them.

Li Ling looked ahead and said to the group with delight, "Look, we're here."

They nodded, having seen the massive restaurant themselves.

Those who were there for the first time, like Yun Tianhan and Lu Renjia, couldn't hide their curiosity, staring at the building incessantly.

Li Ling, Ye Junze, and Fan Yan, having visited for various reasons before, remained calm, not as wide-eyed as the others.

Li Ling urged them, "Alright, let's head in. No point in standing here like statues."

With that, he turned and led the way inside.

Once inside, Li Ling said to the others, "Let's just eat on the first floor. I’m not used to the cuisines on the other floors; they don't seem that great."

Fan Yan smiled, "Anything is fine. We have no objections, especially since you're the one paying."

"Sister Fan is right. You just arrange it however you like," Yun Tianhan added with a nod.

Ye Junze also agreed, "I have no objections either."

"What about you, Lu Renjia?" Li Ling asked, turning to him.

Lu Renjia smiled and replied, "If they don't have any, I certainly don't either. It's a rare chance to take advantage of a rich guy like you, so no matter what we eat, I won't show any mercy."

Li Ling laughed, "Of course. If everyone is fine with it, let's find a seat and start ordering. Eat to your heart's content, don't be polite!"

The group laughed and found a comfortable table.

After Li Ling skillfully pulled up the menu, he looked at them and said, "Here’s the menu. Order whatever you want; I’m footing the bill, so don't be shy."

Yun Tianhan said with a mischievous grin, "Don't worry, we wouldn't dream of being polite to you."

After a noisy and lively ordering process, they settled in to wait, continuing their banter.

When the delicious food finally arrived, they first feasted their eyes before indulging their appetites.

Seeing all the dishes laid out, Li Ling said, "Let's dig in. It's been a tiring day, and since we're all friends here, no need for formalities."

"Exactly, let's eat. Any longer and Yun Tianhan's drool is going to land in the food," Fan Yan teased.

Yun Tianhan retorted, "Sister Fan, you're making things up! There's no drool." Even as he said this, he instinctively reached up to wipe the corner of his mouth.

The group couldn't help but burst into laughter.

After the laughter died down, they stopped talking and focused on devouring the delicious meal.

Although they had ordered a lot for this first group meal, it still wasn't quite enough for people who had just spent the morning in combat. Consequently, they ordered several more rounds of dishes.

Finally, having polished everything off, they let out satisfied sighs.

Yun Tianhan remarked, "There really is something different about 'slaughtering' a wealthy friend. I feel like I ate way more today than I ever have before."

"Hahaha, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. It seems we are kindred spirits," Lu Renjia laughed.

Li Ling shook his head helplessly, looking at them and saying, "You guys..."

He waved his hand again and continued, "But it doesn't matter. As long as we're happy, that’s all that counts. Was everyone satisfied with today's meal?"

"Satisfied, satisfied—extremely satisfied!" Yun Tianhan laughed, hooking his arm around Li Ling's shoulder. "Hey Li Ling, if there’s another chance like this, I wouldn't mind doing it again. Don't blame me if I eat too much!"

Li Ling laughed, "Of course not. I’d only be worried if you didn't want to come."

Yun Tianhan beamed, "As long as Young Master Li is paying, I’ll always accept the invitation. I’m always free."

"Me too!" Lu Renjia quickly raised his hand and declared loudly.

Li Ling replied with a smile, "Alright, alright, we'll see then. Make sure you come."

Fan Yan, still smiling, suddenly suggested, "I think that's enough. Let's head back; no point in just sitting here."

The others nodded in agreement. There was nothing left to do, and they might as well get back and squeeze in some more cultivation.

With that decided, they stood up and headed toward the exit.