Qinchuan didn't say anything. Having someone talk to him like this at his doorstep was naturally irritating.
There were quite a few people gathered here, many of whom were competitors of the Martial Competition of the Seven Prefectures. The seven courtyards were all next to each other, and news of what was happening here would quickly spread. This kind of commotion naturally attracted a lot of attention.
Although the South Heaven Battlefield forbade private fights, friendly sparring was still encouraged.
The people from Star Lake County were present as well. They looked at Qinchuan and the others with faint smiles, a bit enigmatic and a bit gloating.
Cloudsea County, on the other hand, was a bit worried. After all, they were allies with the Riverwave Prefectural Office. Although they were both part of the Seven Prefectures, the internal strife was quite fierce. If a powerful prefecture was secretly colluding with another prefecture to topple them one by one, then perhaps the Southern Sky Empire would change hands.
Of course, this was only in principle. At this level, very few people would take such a risk. Besides, the Middle Plain County's foundation was simply too deep. The Southern Sky Emperor's glorious achievements were something they could only worship.
There was still more than half a month until the competition began. During this time, they could communicate with each other.
The people from Cloudsea County took the initiative to greet them. After all, they were allies, and when Silksnow Thousand Leaf had become the prefecture lord of the Riverwave Prefectural Office, they had come to greet them. Thus, most of these people knew the Riverwave Prefectural Office, although Qinchuan didn't.
The people from Cloudsea County walked into the courtyard. At the very front was the prefecture lord, an old man with a head of white hair. In terms of seniority, he was most likely Qinchuan and Silksnow Thousand Leaf's grandfather.
Perhaps it was because of seniority, but he was easy to get along with.
The old man was very kind and righteous, giving Qinchuan a good impression of him. He was also very powerful. If he didn't use his boosts, the Riverwave Prefectural Office and Cloudsea County would be a bit weaker than him.
"Prefecture Lord Silksnow, if you really can't do it, then don't go up. Don't give the Earthriver Prefectural Office any chance," the old man said after a moment's thought.
"Many thanks, Senior. When the time comes, we'll see what happens. If we don't go up, they probably won't let us off," Silksnow Thousand Leaf said.
"Ai," the old man said. "As long as we don't fight in the South Heaven Battlefield, they won't dare to do anything. Let's go back together. That way we can look out for each other."
"Thank you!" Silksnow Thousand Leaves expressed her thanks once more.
Qinchuan could tell that this old man truly cared for Silksnow and Thousand Leaves. For some reason, the two prefectures stood side by side in the south. Although the two prefectures were the weakest of the seven prefectures, if they joined forces, they would still be a force to be reckoned with. After all, they occupied two prefectures in the Southsky Empire.
There were dozens of people on both sides, and it was very lively. Qinchuan and Shen San were not stingy this time, and directly brought a lot of food and wine.
Although there were many people, Qin Chuan and Shen San worked together, and their speed was relatively fast.
Not long after, table after table of dishes were served. There were 60 people, so there were seven tables, and there were nine dishes on each table.
He took out some medicinal wine that he had brewed himself. This wine contained precious medicinal ingredients, turtle blood, tiger bones, and so on. It was mainly brewed by Qinchuan himself. Naturally, the taste went without saying.
The aroma of the dishes spread out and could be smelled hundreds of meters away.
Qinchuan smiled faintly.
However, although the food smelled good, they couldn't just eat it. Everyone was swinging their tongues, doing their best to resist the aroma.
Eventually, the last of the dishes were served.
A group of people walked in.
"It smells too good. I can't stand it. This old man has never smelled food so fragrant in my entire life. Oh, and there's also wine."
The leader was an old man, not very tall, dressed in plain clothes. As he walked, he wrinkled his nose. His nose was so large that it took up a third of his face ….
He looked a bit comical, but when the old man from the Cloudsea Commandery saw him, he shot to his feet. "Patriarch Zu!"
"Hahaha! Little brat Su, this food smells so good! Can you tell me who made it? Can I eat it?" The old man wrinkled his nose again, looking incomparably comical.
Of course, no one dared to laugh. This old man's status was too terrifying.
"This was made by this gentleman," the old man said, introducing Qinchuan.
Even though he wanted to say that he could eat it, he didn't deserve this favor.
The old man stared blankly at Qinchuan, then clapped his hands when he saw Qinchuan standing next to him. "Young man, you're so handsome! That's your woman, right? You're a perfect match. Little brat, your cooking skills are amazing."
"Hello, Senior!" Qinchuan smiled and bowed.
Although he didn't know who this old man was, he couldn't see through his strength. This shocked him to the core. Moreover, the expression of the old man from the Cloudsea Commandery was enough to prove that this old man's identity was terrifying.
But he couldn't guess what his identity was.
After all, this was the Martial Competition of the Seven Prefectures. Almost all of the most important people in the Southsky Empire were gathered here.
"Kid, this is the Patriarch Zu. He's giving you face by eating your food. Hurry up and give him a table," a middle-aged man said to Qinchuan.
Qinchuan frowned slightly.
At this moment, the old man's actions surprised Qinchuan.
Slap!
The old man turned and slapped the middle-aged man across the face, sending him flying. Then he looked at the other old man behind him. "Who's this idiot?"
"M-my grandson …."
"Get him out of here. Remember, don't let me see him again. Who taught this idiot to do this? You?" The old man looked at the other old man.
"Patriarch, your apprentice-disciple knows his wrongs." The old man knelt on the ground, cold sweat pouring down his face.
"It's been so many years since I came out. I never would have guessed that I'd become so corrupt." The old man was clearly angry.
"All of you, scram! What am I doing here? You bunch of idiots! If I see such a situation happening again, I will cripple all of you. Your cultivation bases are not for you to flaunt and show off. Not for you to be arrogant and despotic. I'm so pissed off. Scram!"
"Yes, yes, yes. We'll leave right away …."
The group of people trembled as they left.
"Um, little brat, I'm really sorry. I've been in seclusion for far too long. I never would have guessed that such a bastard would appear at home. I apologize," the old man said seriously.
The old man from the Cloudsea County trembled.
"You're too polite, old man. We're just eating. If you don't mind, how about we eat together?" Qinchuan said with a smile.
"Alright, alright. Then I won't stand on ceremony. It's delicious …."
There weren't many people at Qinchuan's table. Qinchuan, Shen San, Silksnow, Qianye, the old man from the Cloudsea County, and the new Patriarch Zu. In the end, however, it was the old man from the Cloudsea County and the Patriarch Zu who were fighting over food.