At the Banquet, Three Days Later
It was specially held in a spacious venue within the Inner Sect. The hall was packed with an immense, unrivaled crowd.
The banquet was extremely lively, with invitations extended to many of the sect's genius disciples and notable figures.
"There really are so many people!" Su Ming couldn't help but marvel.
After having their invitations checked,the two entered the hall.
It was already summer, yet flowers were still blooming outdoors, their rich fragrance filling the air. This was the inner garden. Venturing deeper, one could notice crates of wine lined up on the side, hundreds of tables, and many already seated, holding wine cups and talking loudly.
Zhang Yong and Su Ming walked forward. Upon seeing them, some disciples began to whisper, but Zhang Yong, with both hands behind his back, walked calmly ahead.
The host, Chen Biao, was a young man who appeared full of vitality, with sharp eyebrows, a high nose bridge, light green hair, and a straight back. He immediately seemed to spot Zhang Yong.
Chen Biao walked towards Zhang Yong and bowed slightly in greeting."I didn't expect Brother Zhang Yong to grace us with his presence."
Zhang Yong bowed to the same degree and smiled. "Hehe, I received an invitation, so why wouldn't I attend? Thank you for hosting me."
Immediately,Chen Biao's expression changed. 'I didn't send him a message. That means Lu Li did!' Chen Biao's heart surged with jealousy instantly.
However, his facial expression remained calm. "No, the honor is ours. But I didn't anticipate Brother Zhang Yong's attendance, so I failed to prepare appropriately. If you don't mind, you can sit in the back seats. They offer a wide view and good ventilation."
Zhang Yong narrowed his eyes immediately. The back seats were servant chairs. Sitting him there was nothing more than an insult.
No one had expected Zhang Yong to be invited to this event,so Chen Biao couldn't be blamed for this arrangement.
Zhang Yong didn't really care about being insulted, but it seemed sooner or later, this Chen Biao would keep annoying him or do something. So why not just hasten the inevitable?
Zhang Yong grabbed Chen Biao's shoulder, applying pressure with his strength, wearing a smile. "Oh, I understand what you're saying. But isn't there a spot already?"
Chen Biao immediately felt the pressure on his shoulder, but showed no sign of pain, keeping his smile intact.
He glanced around the hall quickly for a moment,then replied with a smile, "But Brother Zhang, all those chairs are filled. You surely don't want to make someone swap places with you, right?"
Zhang Yong smiled mockingly. "Then just give me your seat."
Without waiting,Zhang Yong walked towards the chair in the back that was supposed to be Chen Biao's, sat down, crossed his legs, and smiled arrogantly.
"Why don't you accept it? I think it's fitting, since it was your mistake in preparing the seats"
"Arrogant!"
"This Zhang Yong doesn't know the height of the sky!"
"Damn,he actually dared to insult Brother Chen!"
A vein throbbed on Chen Biao's forehead, but he maintained a calm expression. "Brother Zhang, I understand your anger, but don't you think you're being a bit disrespectful?"
Zhang Yong laughed softly. "You're talking to me about respect? Aren't you the one who should have it? You clearly intended to seat me and my brother in the servant seats on purpose. Do you think I'm blind?"
The words were sharp as a sword, and clear shock spread among the attendees. Some disciples began whispering anxiously, while others looked at Chen Biao to see how he would handle this public humiliation.
Chen Biao, despite the anger rising within him, kept his outward appearance calm and tried to regain control. "Brother Zhang, I urge you to calm down. I meant no offense; it was merely a misunderstanding."
Zhang Yong gestured with a cheerful expression. "I am already calm. But unfortunately, it seems the seats have indeed run out. Oh, I found one! Why don't you sit on the servant seats?"
He seemed to be struggling to contain his anger.He clenched his fist at his side so hard the veins on his arm bulged, but he didn't move. "Brother Zhang, there are limits to everything. Don't you think you're going too far?"
Zhang Yong shrugged lightly. "If you can't even bear your own mistakes, how can you call yourself a host?"
Chen Biao was truly furious. He clenched his fist at his side until the veins bulged. "I am a personal disciple of the Sword Peak Elder. How could I sit there?"
No one had imagined Zhang Yong could push Chen Biao to this extent. Chen Biao had planned to humiliate Zhang Yong, and it was clear he was now using his status to suppress him.
Zhang Yong looked at him coldly, a chilling glare piercing Chen Biao's spine. "And I am a personal disciple of the Serenity Peak Elder." Zhang Yong's expression then changed to a calm one. "You still haven't sat down yet? Don't worry, it offers a wide view and good ventilation. It's suitable and special for you."
There were some stifled laughs from the back.
"This Zhang Yong really doesn't know his limits!"
"This banquet has turned into a farce."
Just as the atmosphere became incredibly awkward, a silver shadow appeared outside the hall and advanced.
Everyone turned their gazes towards it,seemingly forgetting everything that had happened inside the hall. Their expressions were almost intoxicated.
She had silky white hair flowing gently behind her. Her eyes were purple like beautiful amethyst stones. What stood out was the butterfly hairpin at the back of her head, giving her appearance a touch of purity and gentleness.
"She deserves the title Sword Fairy!"
"Definitely the number one beauty in the sect!"
"I feel like I'm in a dream."
The crowd couldn't hide their admiring gazes, which concealed incredible admiration. But truth be told, even the girls present admired her.
Everyone held feelings of awe. Zhang Yong's gaze was sharp as he stared at her, gears quietly turning in his mind. 'This girl... I can't detect any trace of Death Qi emanating from her. The sword energy-infused message carry a trace of sword energy, but Big Brother said her element is Light, like Su Ming. Death Qi would definitely be antagonistic to the intention of a Light element sword. So why didn't I sense Death Qi...'
While Zhang Yong was thinking, Su Ming nudged him with his elbow, bringing him back to reality. Lu Li was standing directly in front of him.
Zhang Yong cleared his throat slightly and stood in front of Lu Li. It wasn't proper to remain seated in his position. But he could notice a faint blush on Lu Li's cheeks.
Immediately, Lu Li bowed, clasping her hands gently. "I thank both Brother Zhang Yong and Brother Su Ming for accepting my humble invitation."
Zhang Yong smiled calmly. "The pleasure is mine to accept your invitation. It wouldn't be proper to ignore it."
Su Ming looked at him, raising an eyebrow sarcastically. 'You know what 'proper' means?' He could only mock internally.
Su Ming in turn bowed slightly. "It was an honor to receive your invitation."
Lu Li smiled politely. "The honor is mine. For today's banquet, many people were invited, so I apologize if the reception isn't adequate." She immediately gestured to some servants standing to the side. "Please bring seats and tables."
Immediately, the servants stepped forward promptly. By the end of their work, everyone was seated, and the tense silence from a moment ago was replaced by laughter and conversation.
Su Ming could only glance at Zhang Yong from the corner of his eye. "Can't you spend one day without insulting someone?"
Zhang Yong smiled and shrugged indifferently. "It would end in conflict between us anyway. No need to postpone the inevitable."
After Zhang Yong finished speaking, someone had stood up and walked towards Lu Li's chair, clasped his fists, and bowed. "Sister Lu has been in the sect for a few years and has achieved impressive progress through her pure strength. You have a bright future."
Upon hearing his voice, the laughter and conversation stopped, and silence fell once again.
Lu Li replied calmly. "Senior Brother is too kind."
The man smiled and opened his hand, revealing a small box of white, pristine wood, then presented it to her. "This is Blood Jade. Today, I happily present it to Sister Lu."
When the box was opened, a small jade orb appeared with red lines on it coiled around like octopus arms.
The moment it was revealed,pure energy immediately blossomed from it. Blood Jade could increase the density and purity of spiritual energy around the user, thereby increasing their training speed.
Lu Li clasped her palms together with a smile. "I am grateful for Senior Brother's kindness. Thank you."
Immediately, everyone rushed to present their gifts: treasure swords, pills, everything one could think of, even high-grade herbs.
Then gradually, people returned to their places, but they were clearly looking at Chen Biao. Everyone had brought valuable gifts. Could it be that the person known to harbor feelings for Lu Li wouldn't present a gift?
But his expression was calm. He planned to be last and thus leave the deepest impression.
When Chen Biao felt everyone's gazes, he felt a sense of superiority and decided to begin his display.
Chen Biao stood up confidently and said lightly, "Since Sister Lu entered our peak, we've had many encounters. I have always held affection, respect, and love for her. Therefore, I can only express it in my way."
Immediately, Lu Li's face was dyed red by this confession, but a flash of unwillingness passed through her eyes. She clearly did not accept his feelings, but trying to say otherwise in such a situation in front of everyone wasn't the best option.
Chen Biao gestured to some servants, and they pushed a cart inside. On the cart was placed a large egg, twice the size of an ostrich egg, and it seemed to have shells around it. It was a spirit beast egg.
"This is a Level 4 spirit beast egg,a Winged Forest Lizard," Chen Biao presented it as if it were nothing.
The audience hummed in amazement when they saw the egg. A Level 4 beast was not something to be taken lightly. Even a Level 5 beast attracted the interest of a royal family member, because finding eggs is difficult. Some species only lay their egg once in their lifetime.
Therefore, a Level 4 beast egg was rare, especially the Winged Forest Lizard, known for its combat and flying abilities, making it an excellent spirit beast among spirit beasts.
"Chen Biao really planned this carefully. A gift like this is not only rare but also reflects his devotion towards Lu Li."
"He's trying to use this to show his superiority in front of everyone.But will Lu Li accept this?"
At that moment, Chen Biao turned towards Lu Li with a confident smile and pointed at the egg. "This is a simple gift expressing my admiration and respect for you. I hope you accept it."
Lu Li remained silent for a moment, her facial expression composed but her eyes holding a hesitant look. She knew that accepting such a gift in front of everyone implicitly meant accepting his feelings.
Chen Biao stepped towards Lu Li and took her hand. Immediately, Lu Li jumped in place with a shudder. Chen Biao's next words made her even more tense. "Lu Li, this gift isn't just a gift; it's also a marriage proposal. Will you marry me?"
Upon hearing that, many hearts leapt. A direct marriage proposal?!
Immediately, Lu Li pulled her hand away from Chen Biao's grip. "Brother Chen, you must be joking."
Chen Biao's expression changed to displeasure when he heard her words. "Joking? Do I look like I'm joking to you? The marriage proposal was decided by me and the Master. You must accept it."
Adding these words, it was clear this marriage was for the sake of advantage. If Lu Li married, being a woman, she certainly wouldn't get the Elder position. And since the competition was between Chen Biao and Lu Li, Chen Biao would of course win.
Lu Li cherished her master. She came from a very ordinary background, not from any prominent social family. But with her master's help, she had reached where she was, and she owed him a lot. But did the Master decide this marriage?
Clearly, her progress was faster than Chen Biao's. So, to prevent any chance of her becoming an Elder, he decided to do this, which affected her deeply.
Su Ming looked towards Zhang Yong quietly. "Should we have brought a wedding gift too? I didn't plan for this."
Zhang Yong shrugged indifferently. "Just give whatever you want." Then suddenly, Zhang Yong's sensitive nose was struck. "Ugh! This smell!" A foul smell had hit his nose.
Su Ming looked puzzled and sniffed. "Is there something? I can't smell anything."
Zhang yong was a special case , having a contract with the cub increased his basic features , which gives him a bit of advantage like strengthing the five senses
Zhang Yong looked around before identifying the source of the smell. "Oh, the spirit beast egg is rotten."
Su Ming was immediately shocked. "What?! The egg is rotten?" His voice was loud, causing everyone to hear his words.
Everyone's gazes focused on Su Ming, while Zhang Yong slapped his own forehead. "You idiot!"
Zhang Yong had no intention of interfering in this marriage proposal. So what if it was rotten? It wasn't his business. But Su Ming had now stirred the hornet's nest.
"Rotten?" Chen Biao repeated in an angry tone, trying to maintain his composure. "You two have caused enough trouble. Now you want to cast doubt on the sincerity of my words and feelings?!"
Zhang Yong whispered to Su Ming. "I save you or you save yourself self?"
Su Ming breathed heavily with a frown on his face, unbelieving of his own stupidity. "I owe you one."
Zhang Yong rose from his seat and walked towards Chen Biao, sighing. "No, no. I didn't say that, nor did my friend. We meant to say that the assessment of this egg failed."
In a situation like this,trying to defuse the situation was more rational.
The whispers among the attendees rose, and suspicious looks towards Chen Biao increased. He didn't want this situation to turn into a farce, but he couldn't ignore the direct accusation.
Chen Biao pointed his finger at Zhang Yong. "How dare you make these false accusations and sabotage my confession!"
Zhang Yong walked towards him and sighed. "I don't care about your foolish confession. But the smell of the egg is suffocating."
Simply, Zhang Yong put his finger on the egg and tapped it. With his strength, it was very easy. In a moment, the egg cracked.
Chen Biao cursed. "You bastard! How dare you break my gif—"
Before he could even finish,a foul smell hit his nose. A terrible smell emanated from the egg along with a green, mucus-like substance—the smell of rotten, putrid egg filling the place.
The smell was so strong it made some feel nauseous and want to vomit. The attendees covered their noses and mouths.
Chen Biao cursed as he covered his nose too. "Damn, this is disgusting!"
Zhang Yong smiled calmly. "Brother Chen Biao, the egg really is rotten. Is this what you want to present to the Sword Fairy? How insincere of you."
Chen Biao gritted his teeth in anger. "You!..."
Behind him, Lu Li breathed a sigh of relief and was truly grateful to Zhang Yong from the depths of her heart. But if this continued, it would be dangerous.
She stepped forward a little and said with a peaceful expression. "There's no need for these words. Junior Brother Zhang, there's no need for this. It's not as if Brother Chen intended it. The appraisers failed to know this egg was rotten."
Immediately, Chen Biao was stunned as he realized Lu Li's attempt to save face. "That's right. But this is also my fault for my negligence and not discovering it sooner."
What Lu Li said formed a path for him to save face. Showing his remorse made him gain the respect of many, including the girls. Where could you find such a compassionate, big-hearted husband?
On the other hand, the real villain here was Zhang Yong, who was currently picking his ear with an indifferent expression.
Lu Li smiled gently. "Senior Brother, since the egg has spoiled, please withdraw this marriage proposal. It's not the right time for us to deepen our relationship."
Chen Biao's heart leapt. This was an indirect rejection from her. But he had already failed and in front of this gathering, it would only get worse. But there was resentment in his heart. "Very well, I understand. But I don't think Brother Zhang Yong and Brother Su Ming have presented any gifts yet. Why don't you let everyone see what you've brought?"
Everyone could only guess what these two troublemakers had brought to the party. If they brought something of little value, or brought nothing, they would lose face.
Lu Li almost wanted to facepalm. In the message, she hadn't asked them to bring any specific gift or told them anything in particular. Clearly, Chen Biao was trying to embarrass them.
Lu Li tried to save the situation. "There's no need for gifts. Everyone's presence here is already the greatest gift."
"No. Since Brother Chen Biao asked, why don't we present a gift? After all, everyone gave one. How could I and my companion not? Su Ming."
As Zhang Yong called out, Su Ming was already sitting with a sulky expression. 'Why am I dragged into this? Whatever.' He stood up quietly and turned over his palm, where a technique scroll appeared from his spatial ring. It was an Earth-rank skill scroll: "Golden Twilight Sword."
This skill was no longer useful to Su Ming after he had completely mastered it
It allowed one to create a single sword intent within its path. Only outstanding geniuses, one in a billion people, could make two and master them
The audience was astonished at the appearance of a low Earth-rank skill.
"An Earth-rank technique!"
"Even in the sect's technique pagoda,there are less than a ten, and they exist only on the sixth floor."
"This gift is truly exceptional."
"When could an Earth-rank skill be given as a gift?!"
Su Ming placed the scroll in Lu Li's hand, and she smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Brother Su Ming, for your generosity."
Su Ming waved his hand. "No need. It's just a simple thing."
Simple!
Some felt like they were about to vomit blood at that moment.
Zhang Yong chuckled lightly at their expressions, enjoying himself. Hehe, the gift wasn't the best among the gifts, but it wasn't the worst either.
"Oh ho, look at my brother here." Zhang Yong nudged Su Ming with his elbow. "What's the matter? Did you take a liking to Miss Lu?"
Su Ming's face immediately turned red, and he felt a strong urge to hit Zhang Yong for his foolish joke. "Shut your mouth, you bastard!" he said in a low but angry voice.
As for Lu Li, she smiled lightly but didn't say anything. She maintained her composure to avoid any further embarrassment. However, the gazes of the attendees were directed at her, making her feel a little awkward.
Zhang Yong smiled with enjoyment. "Well, as for my gift..."
Immediately,Zhang Yong's bloody eyes turned into a pair of black eyes. He quietly drew his sword from its sheath and unleashed Death Qi through his body. The sword energy flew out and formed an unclear word on the wall, resembling a symbol.
Then quietly, his eyes returned to being bloody. 'Thanks for the support, Ling Xi.'
Ling Xi raised her thumb arrogantly.'It's just a simple thing.'
Zhang Yong clasped his hands. "I still remember Miss Lu's words in the message. It was a request for a sword discussion. Rather than treasures, swordsmen live by the sword. Therefore, Su Ming and I gave you something suitable for the Sword Path."
"I personally am not from the Sword Path, so all I had was this symbol I found in ancient ruins. I had no information about it except that it belongs to the Sword Path. I hope Miss Lu can decipher its secret. I'm confident in your talent for that."
Lu Li looked at the symbol carved on the wall, from which a distinctive and powerful Qi emanated. The attendees had become stunned and curious. Even those who had no knowledge of the Sword Path felt an unusual essence emanating from the symbol.
As for Lu Li, she stared at the symbol briefly before clasping her hands and smiling gently at Zhang Yong. "Brother Zhang, your gift is truly unexpected. Thank you for this effort and for your confidence in my talent."
While the attendees were discussing the importance of this symbol, Chen Biao felt overwhelming rage rising within him. He hadn't expected Zhang Yong and Su Ming to turn the tables on him like this.
He tried to restrain his anger but couldn't stop himself from shooting a murderous glare at the two. He wanted to strangle them severely. Now, just looking at them made him feel hatred and anger, so he withdrew, no longer able to watch.
Sometimes anger leads to mental instability... and accidents happen, whether by someone's action or by chance.
Deep within the sect, wild golden eyes emerged in the midst of nothingness. "It's her. She's here!"