A figure clad in deep crimson-purple attire, adorned like a butterfly wrapped in flowers, approached in a flash from the edge of the crowd. The girl's face was delicate, her green eyes brimming with joy—it was Dugu Yan.
Hearing the sound, Chen Yi turned his head, genuine surprise flashing across his face before it quickly softened into a gentle smile. He naturally opened his arms, and Dugu Yan, like a swallow returning to its nest, leapt into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Why are you here?" Chen Yi hugged the girl's slender waist, lowered his head, and asked with a loving tone as he smiled.
Dugu Yan looked up at him foolishly, frowned, and said, "The Second Master of the Wind Sword Sect has advanced to Soul Douluo. Invitations were widely sent out, and nearly all major forces on the continent accepted. Naturally, our sect also accepted. Grandfather and a few elders were too busy with academy affairs, so they asked me to represent Grand Martial Academy and deliver congratulations." She wrinkled her small nose and added, "It was boring, but I never thought I'd see you here!"
Chen Yi nodded with a smile. The level of Soul Douluo might not be on par with top factions like the Body Sect or Spirit Hall, but across the Douluo Continent, a sect strong enough to seat itself among the powers had already established itself. The Wind Sword Sect held a banquet for guests, and all the major forces sent representatives—both a matter of etiquette and an opportunity to observe.
Yet, in this warm moment, Chen Yi keenly sensed a cold, obviously malicious gaze. It came from the side and behind, fixed firmly on his arm around Dugu Yan. He calmly glanced to the side and left the spot.
Nearby stood a young man with black hair. He was tall, with a cold look, dressed in a deep blue robe embroidered with thunder dragon patterns—the signature attire of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. His face was gloomy, his eyes fixed on Chen Yi and Dugu Yan embracing, his barely suppressed jealousy and anger almost tangible.
Next to the young man stood a short-haired girl, beautiful and cute, dressed in an elegant, simple, light pink dress. Her expression was calm and well-mannered, watching the scene before her with interest. But if one looked closely, one could see a strong distaste hidden in her large, intelligent eyes.
Recognizing the black-haired youth's attire, understanding flashed briefly in Chen Yi's eyes.
At that moment, Dugu Yan, still wrapped in his arms, also noticed the cold gaze. She glanced past Chen Yi's line of sight and, curling her lips, whispered in his ear, "That annoying ghost is Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. His grandfather is Thunder Douluo Yu Yuanzhen, his father Yu Xiaoqiang is the current young sect master, and he himself is the designated successor. Back when I was at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he used to pester me constantly. It was so irritating." She added, "I ran into him outside Qianfeng City earlier, wanted to chat, but just ditched him. The girl next to him, watching the drama with interest, is Ning Rongrong, daughter of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's master."
A flash of understanding appeared in Chen Yi's eyes; it seemed the major powers were ready to let their young talents take the stage.
Dugu Yan hadn't deliberately lowered her voice, so Yu Tianheng heard everything clearly. His face grew even gloomier, as if water might drip from it.
He had once fallen for Dugu Yan at first sight and, being from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his peerless talent and strength among his generation firmed his resolve to win her. Unexpectedly, Dugu Bo had risen to the Body Sect and become Head of Control Department of Grand Martial Academy, raising both status and Dugu Yan's standing. Recently, his family had hinted that, if he worked hard and secured this marriage, they would gain powerful external support.
Now, seeing the beauty in his heart throw herself affectionately into another's arms—the other being the rising Body Sect's young master—new grudges and old resentments tangled together. How could he not be vexed?
"Tch, looks like Yu Tianheng, you don't stand a chance," Ning Rongrong suddenly sighed quietly beside him. Though her tone was one of regret, her clever eyes brimmed with schadenfreude, and her words, though light, were clearly laced with mischief.
As expected, Yu Tianheng's eyes turned icy. Unable to hold back, he strode straight toward Chen Yi and Dugu Yan.
He stopped in front of Chen Yi, lifted his chin slightly, blatantly showing the arrogance of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. "You must be Chen Yi. I am Yu Tianheng." He waited for a reaction—surprise, fear, or at least a courteous greeting. But Chen Yi only glanced at him, calm and unwavering, as if passing by an insignificant ornament.
Immediately, Chen Yi turned to the Xu siblings and Feng Baiyu, speaking in his usual tone, "It seems the banquet is about to start. Feng'er is in charge. Brother Xu, Sister Xu, let's go in." He hugged Dugu Yan and led the Xu siblings and Feng Baiyu inside, completely disregarding Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng had never been so thoroughly ignored, especially in front of Dugu Yan. His eyes turned cold; he stepped forward and raised his voice, questioning, "Young Sect Master Chen! Is this how the Body Sect treats guests? Not even basic manners?!"
Chen Yi paused, finally glancing sideways with a still-flat gaze and a voice utterly devoid of emotion. "Call your father." Just three words, but clearly heard by many guests around, who pricked up their ears.
Yu Tianheng was stunned for a moment, then, flushed with shame and anger, rushed straight for the doors. "You—! You think I'm not qualified to speak with you?!"
Before Chen Yi could reply, Dugu Yan turned around, her blue eyes full of unconcealed sarcasm, and smiled. "Yu Tianheng, didn't you understand what Xiao Yi said? According to the rules of equal exchange between sects, your father Yu Xiaoqiang, the 'young sect master', should be here. Only then would the statuses be matched."
"And…" Dugu Yan deliberately dragged out her words, her gaze lingering on Yu Tianheng's ornate clan attire, her unfinished sentence self-evident. Besides, hasn't your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan always looked down on the Body Sect? Even your father, Yu Xiaoqiang, looks down on Chen Yi.
Faint laughter and whispers could be heard. Yu Tianheng's chest heaved violently, his fists clenched until white, blue electric arcs flickering all over his body. He stared at Chen Yi's hand around Dugu Yan's waist, then at Chen Yi's unruffled face, but could only watch as Chen Yi led the Xu siblings to the Wind Hall's most honored seats under Feng Baiyu's polite guidance.
Ning Rongrong walked lightly to Yu Tianheng's side, tilting her head and whispering in a playful tone only they could hear, "Tch, what a pathetic man."
Her tone was so mockingly light, it couldn't be dissolved. Yu Tianheng suddenly turned and glared coldly at her, squeezing out, "Miss Ning, mind your own business!"
He snorted coldly, swung his sleeves, and strode toward the palace, his back stiff but his attitude burning. Ning Rongrong shrugged nonchalantly, looked at the direction where Chen Yi and the others had disappeared, then at Yu Tianheng's angry back. The corners of her pink lips curled in a bright smile, her eyes showing a cunning glint. "Looks like tonight's banquet won't be boring," she muttered softly, hurrying after him.
….
Bonus chapter at 500 PS