Chapter 42: Attending the Banquet (Please Add to Favorites)

Page 1/3

Seeing Zheng Huangjin personally come out to welcome this talisman master, many of the guests widened their eyes in astonishment, their faces full of shock.

What kind of person could make Zheng Huangjin himself come out to greet them?

A scion of a cultivation family?

Judging by his bearing and manner, he certainly seemed the type...

The guests speculated quietly among themselves. Zheng Huangjin’s character was well-known in Qing’an City; although he was somewhat greedy, he was principled in his dealings and not so morally bankrupt as to be detested. Moreover, he had a keen eye for talent. Anyone who earned his praise, or whom he welcomed in person, was never an ordinary figure.

Li Guanyuan followed Zheng Huangjin into the reception hall. Glancing at the assembled guests, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly and say, “Brother Zheng, with your capacity—one cup and joy is boundless, two cups and you’re halfway to the Western Paradise—do you really think you can outdrink so many of us?”

Zheng Huangjin was left speechless at that.

The guests, meanwhile, could not help but tease and laugh.

“What you said is true, my friend. All of us know well enough just how much Shopkeeper Zheng can handle.”

“Best to let him drink tea instead tonight, lest he gets drunk and causes a scene.”

“Hahaha...”

With no other choice, Zheng Huangjin cupped his hands in mock surrender, casting a covert glare at Li Guanyuan before pulling him to the seat on his own left.

Wen Rongxin and Qin Jiyue sat one on each side of him.

Wen Rongxin seemed a little nervous. She had never attended such a gathering before, and seeing that everyone present was either at the late stage of Qi Refining or even Foundation Establishment, she, as a body cultivator, inevitably felt out of place.

Li Guanyuan sensed Wen Rongxin’s unease; he reached out and gently took her hand, murmuring, “Don’t be nervous. Just relax.”

Wen Rongxin nodded slightly, but the social anxiety was still plainly written on her face.

“That’s right, Sister. You’ve been cooped up at home long enough. It’s time you came out with your husband to see the world,” Qin Jiyue said with a smile.

Zheng Huangjin, ever perceptive, smiled and added, “Sister-in-law, there’s no need to be so tense. I’ve known Brother Li for many years, and he’s often spoken of you. If you need anything, just say the word.”

“I—I’m not nervous…” Wen Rongxin muttered softly in her own defense.

Zheng Huangjin smiled, realizing it was best not to press her further, lest she grow even more uncomfortable.

At that moment, the butler at the door announced loudly:

“Array Master Song has arrived!”

Page 2/3

Song Zhiqiao entered with unhurried grace, her long green dress fluttering as she took the seat to Li Guanyuan’s left.

Song Zhiqiao recognized both Wen Rongxin and Qin Jiyue. With a soft smile, she greeted them: “Young Master Li, Sister Wen, Sister Qin, you arrived so early! Had I known, I would have come with you—it wouldn’t have been so lonely on the road.”

“I came over as soon as I finished my work,” Li Guanyuan replied politely.

Qin Jiyue, on the other hand, showed no intention of making conversation, merely nodding with a courteous smile like Wen Rongxin.

As a few more Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived, Zheng Huangjin announced the start of the banquet.

After a few stirring remarks and words of thanks, Zheng Huangjin drained three cups in quick succession, then invited the dancers to liven up the atmosphere.

He had also arranged for a skilled musician to play nearby. The music was like a mountain stream, moving and cleansing, helping to soothe the soul. Even Wen Rongxin was no longer as tense as before.

Yet when she followed Li Guanyuan to toast Zheng Huangjin, she still bowed her head quickly after drinking, retreating into her own little world.

“Brother Li, Sister Wen, Sister Qin, let me toast you all,” Song Zhiqiao said, raising her glass with a smile.

“Brother?” Li Guanyuan was momentarily taken aback, then said helplessly, “Miss Song, perhaps you should reconsider such terms of address, lest others get the wrong idea.”

Song Zhiqiao only smiled and explained, “The Li and Song families of the Great Heng have been friends for a thousand years. Calling you Brother Li, or even Brother, is perfectly proper.”

Qin Jiyue frowned slightly. Truth be told, she disliked such attempts to ingratiate oneself. Having been taught to be cautious by Li Guanyuan, she even began to suspect Song Zhiqiao of having ulterior motives.

“This is Qing’an City in the Immortal Ruins, not Yongning Prefecture of the Great Heng. Out in the world, it’s best to call my husband ‘Fellow Daoist’ or ‘Young Master,’” Qin Jiyue said, raising her cup with a smile before drinking it down.

Song Zhiqiao stared for a moment, then put on an apologetic look, her peach-blossom eyes tinged with a delicate sorrow. “I’ll listen to Sister Qin. Please don’t be angry. I’ll drink three cups as an apology.”

With that, she drained three cups in a row, her fair cheeks flushing with a soft pink.

“It’s fine, really. Jiyue isn’t upset—she didn’t mean it that way,” Wen Rongxin quickly tried to smooth things over.

Song Zhiqiao sighed in self-reproach. “Sister Wen, I didn’t realize Sister Qin would mind. I only hope she won’t hold it against me.”

Qin Jiyue’s brows knit even more tightly. Why did this sound as if she were the guilty party?

Just as Qin Jiyue was about to speak, Li Guanyuan transmitted a message to her: “Don’t get angry. The more upset you are, the more she’ll play the victim and win everyone’s sympathy.”

“She’s infuriating! Who calls someone else’s husband ‘Brother’ in front of his wife, and in such a plaintive tone? Anyone listening would think you two were up to something improper!” Qin Jiyue replied, fuming.

Page 3/3

“Calm down, calm down. Look at Rongxin—she doesn’t let herself get riled up...”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I’m being unreasonable?”

“…”

Li Guanyuan was nearly at a loss for words but continued to transmit: “Trust me—take a deep breath and settle yourself. The less you react, the less power she has over you. Don’t fall into her trap.”

He gently stroked Qin Jiyue’s back, his expression turning stern.

Qin Jiyue, still somewhat angry, saw his serious face and obediently took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

Gradually, she realized she had almost made a scene and wrongly blamed Li Guanyuan.

“Husband, I’m sorry...”

“It’s all right.”

He offered her a reassuring smile, transmitting privately, “With a woman like her, you have to outdo her at her own game—be even more delicate and pitiable.”

To defeat a green tea type, you must be greener tea than she is.

“Hmph, I get it now. Watch how I deal with her!” Qin Jiyue’s lips curled in a sly grin.

Li Guanyuan was momentarily stunned.

But he knew Qin Jiyue’s competitive spirit—she would never let herself be outdone, or she wouldn’t sleep well tonight. So he cautioned, “Don’t go too far—remember to keep it in check.”

“Don’t worry.”

With that, Qin Jiyue filled her cup, rose, and walked over to Song Zhiqiao, putting on an apologetic expression.

“Miss Song, I’m sorry for my earlier tone. My husband has already scolded me. I’d like to apologize—let me drink this cup as a token.”

Song Zhiqiao hurriedly raised her glass to join her. “Not at all, Sister Qin. You did nothing wrong—it was my own thoughtlessness... Oh!”

Just as she was about to drink and cover her face, a sudden force pushed her right hand, spilling the wine all over Qin Jiyue.

...

PS: Dear readers, please cast your recommendation votes!