In the only inn in Jinxia City's market in the Immortal Realm, business had been booming recently. Every private room was occupied, and all the guest rooms were filled.
Xiao Fei was currently sitting in a private room with a group of Earth Immortals.
"Come, come, finish this cup, and there's another!"
"After finishing this cup, there are still three more!"
"Then..."
After several rounds of drinks and food, the Earth Immortals began to chat, each boasting about the most glorious moments of their lives.
"A hundred years ago, I was traveling in the west and encountered a Viper of the Earth Immortal realm. I fought it for three days and three nights, and in the end, it was defeated and fled..."
"Fellow Daoist, your skills are truly remarkable!"
"Heh heh heh! Twenty years ago, I used a little trick and defeated two Earth Immortals who were robbing treasures in one go..."
"Fellow Daoist, your wisdom and strategy are unparalleled!"
"I haven't gone anywhere these past few years, just stayed in Jinxia City, and I stumbled upon a great opportunity.
You might not know, but there seems to be a slight flaw in the formation of the Jinxia Cave Heaven, and it occasionally leaks out wisps of immortal energy.
Over the years, all the leaked immortal energy has been absorbed by me, and my cultivation has slightly advanced!"
"Fellow Daoist, you actually had such good fortune!"
"Truly enviable!"
For the boasts of each person, there were always a few skilled flatterers to chime in, making everyone feel respected.
Mutual praise and flattery could quickly bridge the gap between people.
Xiao Fei quietly listened to everyone's bragging. From their conversations, he could also gather much useful information.
His purpose in mingling with them after finishing his stall was precisely to learn more about the Immortal Realm.
However, because he never bragged or flattered, he seemed a bit out of place.
In truth, Xiao Fei also wanted to brag, as everyone has a desire to show off.
But he genuinely couldn't. He had many things that couldn't be revealed, and saying them would bring him endless trouble.
Moreover, everyone present was a rogue immortal who had not joined any major forces, was impoverished, and lacked strength.
The fact that they could obtain a few immortal stones was already considered a great fortune, and defeating an Earth Immortal of the same realm was enough to make them smug.
If Xiao Fei were to reveal his achievements, the conversation would be over.
But fate would have it that someone liked to bring up the most sensitive topics.
"Fellow Daoist Zhu Yu, why don't you share some of your interesting experiences with us?"
An old man named Zhou Yi, having seen Xiao Fei's extraordinary performance in the market today, wanted to probe his background.
"I don't seem to have any interesting experiences."
"Each of us has cultivated for at least tens of thousands of years to reach the Earth Immortal realm. How could we not have any?
Or we could share our cultivation experiences together, as there will be an experience sharing and exchange session soon."
"If you insist on something interesting, once, more than ten Earth Immortals chased me, and I killed them all. That world was also destroyed.
Later, fifty to sixty more Earth Immortals chased me, and I tricked them all to their deaths, incidentally destroying another world..."
Xiao Fei felt he was speaking plainly, but everyone's faces contorted.
They usually got together to brag, but they didn't expect him to make up such wild stories.
Let alone a mere Earth Immortal, even a True Immortal would not dare to brag like this. Those who didn't know would think he was some supreme being.
After everyone had their fill of food and drink and finished their boasting, the formal part of the banquet began: exchanging cultivation experiences.
Xiao Fei also enjoyed this segment. Since entering the Immortal Realm, he knew very little about it and its cultivation system.
Xiao Fei perked up his ears and listened intently to everyone's insights on cultivation. Unknowingly, everyone had spoken, and now it was his turn.
Seeing their gazes, Xiao Fei smiled awkwardly.
"My view on cultivation is... is... to cultivate diligently and advance bravely..."
When it came to cultivation experience, Xiao Fei's was practically zero. Now, he could only improvise.
His main experience before was not to cheat too much. Once the cheat was too powerful, his cultivation advanced too quickly to be restrained, but this couldn't be revealed.
In fact, he felt a little embarrassed about taking advantage of everyone. Seeing their strange expressions, he felt even more awkward.
Finally, inspiration struck him. He realized his comprehension of laws was quite good, so he decided to talk about heavenly laws.
Xiao Fei's comprehension of laws far surpassed that of cultivators at the same level, which captivated everyone.
"Excellent! After listening to Fellow Daoist Zhu Yu's explanation, my mind has been greatly enlightened!"
"Fellow Daoist Zhu Yu, with his comprehension of laws, is already qualified to join the Jinxia Cave Heaven."
"Yes, Fellow Daoist Zhu Yu's spot is definitely secured!"
While everyone praised him, they cast envious and jealous glances at Xiao Fei.
The recruitment conditions of these cave heavens were strict, and not every Earth Immortal could successfully join.
"I have no intention of joining a cave heaven. I only wish to be a free and unfettered rogue immortal."
Xiao Fei's words shocked everyone. The more than ten people present were all aiming to join the Jinxia Cave Heaven, yet they felt their chances were slim.
As they were all worrying in private, someone with excellent qualifications was unwilling to join.
"Fellow Daoist Zhu Yu, do you know that while being a rogue immortal seems to offer freedom and detachment, it is actually fraught with difficulties at every step?"
It was still the old man named Zhou Yi. Seeing Xiao Fei about to give up such a great opportunity, he felt pained and couldn't help but offer his advice.
"I have been a rogue immortal for 100,000 years, and I understand the hardships best.
Rogue immortals receive almost no resources and can never advance to the True Immortal realm. There are almost no figures above True Immortal among rogue immortals.
If you are detached and have no desires, and have no intention of advancing your cultivation, you are still at a disadvantage when you travel in the Immortal Realm and encounter disciples of major forces.
Disciples of major forces can bully rogue immortals as they please, but you can only endure it silently. Even retaliating becomes a grave sin.
Once you offend them, you offend the countless powerful beings of their entire force..."
Old man Zhou Yi gave Xiao Fei many examples of the hardships faced by rogue immortals, and everyone present listened with deep empathy.
One Earth Immortal even had tears welling up in his eyes, perhaps recalling some unbearable past.
"My 100,000 years of experience have proven one principle: in the entire Immortal Realm, rogue immortals are at the very bottom, receiving no benefits and only being bullied by others."
"Thank you for your reminder, Fellow Daoist Zhou!"
Xiao Fei bowed respectfully to Zhou Yi, expressing his gratitude.
"However, my mind is made up. I have decided to be a rogue immortal for a few years first. When I get tired of it later, I will find a more seasoned and honest cave heaven to join."
Hearing this, everyone could only shake their heads and sigh.