Xiao Jin, on the other end of the phone, stammered,
"This... Brother Wan, give me some face, come have a drink. I'm treating. Some good friends of mine have admired you for a long time and really want to meet you. Do me a favor, okay? They've all heard about our good relationship."
Upon hearing this, Wan Lei understood. It must be that blabbermouth Xiao Jin, who had been bragging to others about how he had brought Wan Lei in and how close their relationship was. Now, these people wanted him to call Wan Lei out for a drink to prove it, leaving Xiao Jin in a difficult position.
Wan Lei felt a bit annoyed, but then he thought that, given Xiao Jin's personality, his connections couldn't be bad. If he could get information about the Five Hall Masters from him, or even have him help contact people in the prison, it might be useful.
"Alright then. You're the only one I have a good relationship with in the Five Elements Hall. I'll definitely give you face, but you have to make it clear to them that I'm coming because of you, not because just anyone called me."
Wan Lei used his words to secure Xiao Jin's compliance, making him feel as though he was doing him a favor. This way, when Wan Lei asked for help, Xiao Jin wouldn't be able to refuse.
Xiao Jin was ecstatic, feeling his importance soar,
"Yes, yes, yes, Brother Wan, you can count on me. I'll definitely say that, and I'll tell them to be careful with their words then."
After agreeing on a time, Wan Lei hung up the phone, already picturing Xiao Jin's flushed, excited face.
An hour later, darkness had fallen, and the outer城区 surrounding the Five Elements Hall lit up with beautiful neon lights.
The Five Elements Hall headquarters had tens of millions of disciples training outside and millions cultivating within. Including the servants of the Five Elements Hall disciples and staff from various external departments, the total population of the Five Elements Hall reached over a hundred million. This population, comparable to a nation's, naturally generated immense commercial and entertainment demand, leading to the development of these城区.
The southern城区 at night had everything for sale, bustling with activity. Wan Lei followed the address to a restaurant and pushed open the door to a private room on the third floor, then walked in.
Inside, there was a round table. Seven or eight people were seated around it, all disciples of the Sword Hall. Xiao Jin sat in the main seat, with an empty seat beside him.
Seeing Wan Lei arrive, everyone immediately clasped their hands in greeting, and Wan Lei returned the gesture.
Xiao Jin insisted that Wan Lei take the main seat, but as he was a guest, he sat in the seat beside it.
The feast was lively, with frequent toasts. Wan Lei accepted them all with a genial smile, giving off a friendly impression, thus showing great respect to everyone present.
As they drank, they chatted about various gossip. Wan Lei also shared some interesting events from the Molten Lava Dead Domain, omitting anything he shouldn't.
Throughout the meal, Xiao Jin's most frequent remark was, "My brother Wan Lei has the demeanor of an Immortal Venerable."
For some reason, Wan Lei felt a sense of being cursed.
The banquet didn't break up until midnight. Everyone was well-fed and satisfied, leaving with good spirits. They bid farewell to Wan Lei, who responded with equal warmth, though he hadn't remembered a single one of their names.
Xiao Jin offered to escort Wan Lei back, which was exactly what Wan Lei wanted, as he had some things he needed to ask Xiao Jin about in private.
Speaking elsewhere was not safe, so Wan Lei led Xiao Jin to his cave.
"Welcome, Senior Brother Jin, to my humble abode."
Wan Lei said with a smile.
Xiao Jin looked at the scene before him with utter shock. When others called their dwellings "humble abodes," it was usually a form of modesty. But Wan Lei's "humble abode" was truly humble – a mere cave dug out casually, with a prayer mat thrown on the ground, and that was it.
This was not the first time Wan Lei had been looked down upon for his cave dwelling.
The last time he was ridiculed was in the Thunder Emperor's Cave of the Yin Yang Sect, where his sister-in-law had mocked him.
He had to admit, his sister-in-law's peach-shaped buttocks felt…
Bah! What was he thinking? Focus on the task at hand.
Wan Lei thoughtfully fetched a chair for Xiao Jin to sit on. Who knew what else was in his storage bag?
"Brother Wan, how can you live in a place like this? Tomorrow, I'll go buy you a mobile home and have it delivered. This is too crude, unworthy of your status."
Xiao Jin was being polite. This wasn't just crude; it was practically bare.
Even a thief would leave behind two bags of rice before leaving.
"Alas, there's no need. We cultivators should strive for simplicity and detachment, so we can cultivate properly and not be swayed by material comforts, which can easily lead to corruption."
Hearing this, Xiao Jin's respect surged. No wonder Senior Brother Wan had achieved so much at such a young age. He was truly incomparable.
No, he needed to work harder. Those who are more accomplished than him are even more diligent.
"Brother Jin, do you know anything about the Five Hall Masters of the Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth Halls?"
Wan Lei, having held back for too long, could no longer contain himself and asked directly.
"Hall Masters? I don't know much about them, but I've read some classics. Why are you asking about this, Brother Wan?"
"Oh, it's like this. I suspect one of them secretly helped me before, but I don't know who. So, I want to visit them personally and ask some questions. However, I don't know their personalities, so I've come to you, Brother Jin. You know, in the Five Elements Hall, you're the one I'm closest to."
Xiao Jin relished these words, laughing heartily.
"So, you have something to ask the Hall Masters? That's easy. I do know a bit about their personalities.
The five of them are very close. They were even teammates in a small squad before. You know that, right?"
"I know that."
"Yes, their squad was called the Dream Team. After the Five Elements Hall was established, they became the five Hall Masters.
The Gold Hall Master, He Xu, is the captain of their squad and the strategist. All directions, plans, and combat operations were formulated by He Xu.
His personality, as his name suggests, is very gentle and affable.
If you're looking for someone, I don't recommend him. He's too clever; you can't outsmart him and will only be led by the nose.
The Wood Hall Master, Xi La, is a... little loli.
That's right, fifty thousand years ago she was a short, fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl, and she still is now. Her personality is very mischievous and lively. If you go to her, she might end up playing with you or turning you into a toy."
Hearing this, Wan Lei remembered Meng Meng from the Ghost Immortal Secret Realm, who was skilled at turning people into dolls. It was too terrifying. He immediately shook his head, gesturing for the speaker to move on to the next.
"The Earth Hall Master, Shield Warrior, is a burly man over two meters tall. His personality is very honest and sincere; he hardly ever lies. But because he's so honest, people often speak to him for a day, and he still can't get a word back.
It will be very difficult to communicate with him.
The Fire Hall Master, Li Yan, has the most explosive temper. He is extremely strict with disciples, meting out the heaviest punishments, and will kill at the slightest disagreement.
He is the one I least recommend you approach, especially since you have animosity with the disciples of the Fire Hall, and the Hall Master himself is not an easy person to deal with. You'd be lucky if he doesn't come looking for trouble with you."