358: Chapter 359 The other party has so many friends in the Lingxiao Sect!

"Fellow Daoist Zhang! You came as well?"

"Haha, how could I miss the grand ceremony of the Ye Family of Longmai Mountain? I heard they are showcasing High Grade Tier 2 Talismans today, so I came specially to broaden my horizons!"

"Indeed. It is said that Fairy Xiao will personally demonstrate the Dao of Formations... Tsk tsk, Ancestor Ye is truly blessed to have married such a talented and beautiful Dao Companion!"

"That goes without saying. Ancestor Ye is young and accomplished, so naturally, he is never short of beauties by his side. Haven't you heard? Ancestor Ye has a house full of wives and concubines, with dozens of offspring, all with impressive Spiritual Roots. With such a thriving Bloodline, I fear a truly extraordinary figure will emerge in the future!"

Discussions rose and fell, with some expressing envy, some admiration, and others muttering in secret with a hint of sourness.

But regardless, everyone shared one consensus—the Ye Family of Longmai Mountain had firmly established its footing.

The Old Ancestor of White Crane Mountain wore a crane-feather cloak; with white hair and a youthful complexion, he possessed an extraordinary bearing. When he landed before the mountain gate, a slight flick of his sleeves exuded an air of transcendence. Behind him followed two Foundation Establishment Disciples, both with solemn expressions, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

"The Old Ancestor of White Crane Mountain has arrived—!"

Before the announcement had even faded, another streak of green light swept in from the horizon, landing before the blue stone steps. The person who arrived wore a green robe with a gaunt face, and a jade gourd hung from his waist; it was none other than the Old Ancestor of Green Wind Lake. The two met at the gate, exchanged bows and smiles, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then walked into the villa together.

Responsible for greeting the guests was Ye Changge's eldest son, Ye Ping'an.

Ye Ping'an was only fourteen years old this year, but because he had Cultivated the Kunpeng Heaven-Swallowing Art》 passed down by his father, his physique had shot up early on.

He was tall and straight, a full head taller than youths of his age, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist; his facial contours already revealed a handsome and heroic appearance.

He wore a black brocade robe with a gold-threaded jade belt at his waist. Standing there, he was like a spear, steady and sharp.

His eyes were clear and bright, his expression respectful yet neither humble nor pushy, and his every gesture carried the clean and upright air unique to a youth.

"Senior of White Crane Mountain, Senior of Green Wind Lake, Junior Ye Ping'an respectfully welcomes both Old Ancestors. Please follow this Junior into the villa to settle in." His voice was clear, his speaking pace neither fast nor slow, and his posture upright.

Both Old Ancestors were veteran figures who had been at the Foundation Establishment stage for many years. At this moment, they glanced at Ye Ping'an, and a look of approval flashed in their eyes. The Old Ancestor of White Crane Mountain stroked his beard and laughed:

"Ancestor Ye's Qilin son is truly extraordinary. At such a young age, his bearing is already so composed; his future is limitless."

Ye Ping'an's face flushed slightly, but he did not panic, only bowing and saying: "Seniors flatter me; this Junior dares not accept such praise."

Having said that, he turned to lead the way, guiding the two through the mountain gate with steady steps along the blue stone road into the interior.

Along the way, the gazes of many guests fell upon Ye Ping'an, especially those female Cultivators who had come with their elders, whose gazes lingered on him for an exceptionally long time.

Some whispered to each other, some had flushed cheeks, and the bolder ones stared straight at his back, unable to look away for a long time.

Ye Ping'an, however, was completely oblivious.

He diligently guided the two Old Ancestors through the courtyards to an elegant guest courtyard, arranged for servants to serve Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruits, and meticulously explained the schedule and timing of the grand ceremony before bowing and taking his leave.

The entire process was meticulous, and he completely failed to notice the gazes of those female Cultivators behind him.

Inside the guest courtyard, the Old Ancestor of White Crane Mountain picked up his teacup and watched Ye Ping'an's departing back, unable to help but laugh: "Truly an honest child."

The Old Ancestor of Green Wind Lake also shook his head with a smile: "A good seedling indeed."

Ye Ping'an returned to the mountain gate to continue greeting guests. One after another, many more Old Ancestors from Foundation Establishment Families arrived, and he guided and settled them one by one, remaining calm and orderly throughout.

As for those Foundation Establishment Cultivators of true status, they were greeted personally by Ye Changge and his wives.

Directly in front of the mountain gate, Ye Changge wore a black-based robe with gold patterns; his figure was tall and straight, his face as handsome as jade, and his bearing exuded the unique dignity of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator amidst his gentle demeanor.

Lu Shiyin wore a water-blue palace dress with her hair tied up in a high bun, looking dignified and gentle; Lu Shiqing wore a crimson dress, her brows and eyes carrying a hint of coquettish pride, though she had restrained herself somewhat for an occasion like the grand ceremony, appearing exceptionally bright and moving.

Liu Yiyi, Xiao Caiyue, and the others were also dressed in their finest, standing by Ye Changge's side; the whole family standing there was a beautiful sight to behold.

"Old Ancestor Zhang of Jingyang Mountain, long time no see, please take your seat."

"Fellow Daoist Li of Hanshan, sorry to trouble you for traveling such a long distance, please come in."

Ye Changge greeted everyone with a gentle smile, leading the various Foundation Establishment Cultivators to take their seats in "Changge Hall" in the center of the villa.

The hall had long been prepared, fully stocked with Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruits, with several clan elders accompanying them, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Just at this moment, the announcement from outside the mountain gate rang out again—

"Lingxiao Sect, Zhao Xiaoguang, has arrived!"

"Lingxiao Sect, Ye Changsheng, has arrived!"

"Lingxiao Sect, Xiao Qingxue, has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of warmth flashed in Ye Changge's eyes, and he turned and walked out quickly to greet them.

In front of the mountain gate, three figures stood side by side.

In the lead was a youth of fifteen or sixteen years, not very tall, with delicate features, wearing the blue and white Daoist robe of a Lingxiao Sect Disciple, with a Sect identity token hanging from his waist; it was Zhao Qingli's younger brother, Zhao Xiaoguang.

Standing beside him was Ye Changge's younger brother, Ye Changsheng, a sixteen-year-old youth whose brows and eyes bore some resemblance to Ye Changge; his complexion was rosy, his cultivation was already at the Late Stage of Qi Refining, and his entire being exuded the vitality and sharpness unique to a youth.

On the other side was a woman of about twenty years old, with a slender figure and a beautiful appearance, her brows and eyes carrying a hint of scholarly air; it was Xiao Qingxue.

When the three saw Ye Changge come out to greet them, their eyes all lit up.

"Brother!" Ye Changsheng took a step forward, his brows and eyes full of smiles, "Look at me! I am already at the Late Stage of Qi Refining!"

Ye Changge looked at his younger brother, who was eager to claim credit, feeling both gratified and amused. He reached out and patted Ye Changsheng's shoulder, scanning him with a gentle gaze, and nodded with satisfaction:

"Mm, not bad, not bad. Did you receive the Medicinal Pill and Spirit Stones I entrusted someone to bring to the Sect last time?"

Ye Changsheng nodded repeatedly, then scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "Of course I received them! But Brother, that was too much! I am already at the Late Stage of Qi Refining, and I can accept tasks in the Sect to earn Spirit Stones; you don't need to always give me so much!"

Ye Changge laughed upon hearing this, did not reply, and turned to look at Zhao Xiaoguang. Zhao Xiaoguang had grown quite a bit taller since they last met; the childishness between his brows had faded, replaced by a bit more composure, but his eyes remained clear, shining with the earnestness unique to a youth.

He bowed to Ye Changge and said respectfully: "Brother-in-law!"

Ye Changge nodded and said gently: "Your sister is in the hall; you two siblings can have a good talk later."