Today’s weather was less than ideal. Shortly after the sun set behind the western mountains, the sky grew dim, heavy with overcast clouds. Soon a fine drizzle began to fall, dampening everything it touched. Misty rain shrouded the scene, creating an ethereal atmosphere that lingered.
The wide slabstone streets stretched endlessly, flanked by towering red walls, completely deserted. Save for the faint whispers of wind and drizzle, it was eerily quiet here, until the rhythmic clatter of hooves suddenly echoed along the slabstones, breaking the silence. Two opulent flying carriages came into view, one following the other at a leisurely pace, traversing the rain-drenched street. The carriages soon stopped before the imposing gates of a grand estate. A steward, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached to open the carriage doors.
The passengers disembarked one by one, while a maid dressed in pink hurried forward with an umbrella to shield the esteemed guests from the rain.
“Welcome, honored guests,” they greeted solemnly.
Yan Zihui gave a polite nod to the steward. Lu Yaoyao and the other three stood by his side, maintaining expressions of cool indifference, perfectly mirroring one another, as they listened to the exchange of greetings.
Waiting for the customary pleasantries to finish, Lu Yaoyao tilted her head slightly to look up. The grand estate exuded majesty, with a plaque overhead inscribed with the words ‘City Lord Manor’ in bold, vigorous strokes that seemed to radiate an unyielding power, intimidating those with lower cultivation levels who could hardly bear to gaze upon the characters. On either side of the gate hung intricately carved red lanterns, their candlelight shone extremely bright, illuminating the entrance.
After a brief glance, Lu Yaoyao averted her eyes. They didn’t linger at the gate and were soon led into the estate.
Inside, they discovered a world of splendor. Pavilions, terraces, elegant streams, gardens, and artificial mountains filled the grounds, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. The meandering corridors twisted and turned endlessly, illuminated with brilliant lights. Even the pavilions and terraces were extraordinary, constructed from precious spiritual materials. The water surfaces were adorned with spirit stones, emitting a faint aura of spiritual aura. Even the grass and trees were rare spiritual plants.
Having seen the opulent Devil Palace, where every detail was even more elegant and luxurious, Lu Yaoyao remained unfazed. However, Wen Zixing and Du Qianshan struggled to maintain their cool expressions, nearly betraying their astonishment. They were overwhelmed. The sheer extravagance of the City Lord Manor screamed ‘wealth’ in every corner, to the point of being almost absurd. Was the Moxuan City truly this rich?
Before long, the group was led by the steward into a brightly lit and lavish banquet hall. The hall was enormous, complete with a stage for performances. A long carpet ran down the center of the hall, dividing it into two sides. On each side, low tables and cushions were symmetrically arranged for individual seating.
“Yan Zihui of the Guiyuan Sect—”
“Lu Yaoyao of the Guiyuan Sect—”
“Chao Muxue of the Guiyuan Sect—”
“Wen Zixing of the Guiyuan Sect—”
“Du Qianshan of the Guiyuan Sect—”
“We greet City Lord Hua.”
After their introductions, the group collectively performed a respectful bow.
“There’s no need for formalities, martial nephews and nieces,” Hua Bailing replied, though she remained seated steadily on the grand chair at the head of the room.
After completing their bows, the group straightened up. Yan Zihui stepped forward and said, “We juniors are on a training journey and happened to pass through Moxuan City. We should have delivered a calling card to pay our respects to City Lord Hua. Instead, we have inconvenienced the City Lord by having you extend an invitation to welcome us. This is a lapse in etiquette on our part.” He then presented their gifts, both as an apology and as tokens of respect.
“No need to blame yourselves. Considering the old relationship between your sect and our city, there’s no need to fuss over such formalities.” Hua Bailing smiled faintly. “When I heard you had arrived in Moxuan City, it was only natural for me, as the host, to extend a proper welcome.”
“Thank you for your courtesy. We, the younger generation, feel unworthy of your kindness.”
“You’re too modest,” Hua Bailing said with a light chuckle.
As they exchanged pleasantries, a maid gracefully came forward to receive the gift handed over by Yan Zihui. Hua Bailing gestured for the other maids to lead the guests to seats on either side of the hall.
The banquet hall was spacious, but Hua Bailing had not invited others; not even the elders of Moxuan City were present. The guests consisted solely of Lu Yaoyao’s group of five, with the rest being maids and guards.
Lu Yaoyao and Chao Muxue sat on one side, while the boys sat opposite. Soon, beautiful maids came forward serving food and drinks. The tantalizing aroma of meat, fruit, and wine intermingled, enough to make anyone salivate, but no one touched their chopsticks. They all remained motionless, even the big foodie Lu Yaoyao, sparing only fleeting glances at the table full of delicacies.
“Being a city lord sure is busy. It has been many years since I last visited Guiyuan Sect. I wonder how His Venerable and Sect Leader Lu are faring—” Hua Bailing tilted her head slightly, looking at Lu Yaoyao, who sat perched on a high cushion.
Being the shortest among them, Lu Yaoyao couldn’t sit cross-legged like the others. Thankfully, the host had been considerate enough to prepare a high cushion for her, ensuring her head wasn’t entirely hidden once seated.
Yan Zihui replied solemnly, “His Venerable and Sect Leader are both well. Thank you, City Lord Hua, for your concern.”
“There’s no need to be so formal. By seniority, I am your martial aunt. You may address me as such,” Hua Bailing offered.
Yan Zihui responded with a silent smile. For all her kind words, she still maintained the aura of superiority all along. Fully prepared for a possible trap, Yan Zihui remained highly vigilant, though the situation seemed benign so far, with Hua Bailing appearing to simply host them warmly.
Hua Bailing asked a few casual questions, to which Yan Zihui responded flawlessly. Before long, Hua Bailing’s gaze landed on Lu Yaoyao. With a smile, she remarked, “I’ve heard before that Senior Brother Mo would no longer take disciples, yet he accepted you as his last. Come to think of it, I owe you a congratulatory gift.”
Lu Yaoyao earnestly replied, “City Lord Hua, you are too kind. Your thoughts alone are more than enough; there’s no need for such formalities.”
“I am not one to be stingy. Naturally, I must make up for this,” Hua Bailing said, clapping her hands. Four maids entered, each carrying a box.
“You four entered the sect together, yes? May you all have smooth paths ahead,” Hua Bailing said warmly, then turned to Yan Zihui. “Martial Nephew Yan, there’s no gift for you this time!”
Yan Zihui chuckled. “It’s alright. The juniors shall have their turn.”
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