512: Chapter 512 Hundred-Day Banquet

Soon, the ten-day deadline arrived as scheduled.

Situ Fengyan's Full-Moon Feast was held with grand momentum, its magnificence peaking in the Northern Frontier.

The entire Northern Frontier City was decorated with lanterns and colored banners; even the giant plaque on the city gate tower had been repainted with fresh gold lacquer, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.

Around the necks of the two stone lions that had guarded the city gates for a thousand years, large red silk flowers as thick as bowls were tied. When the wind blew, the silk ribbons fluttered, sending an air of festivity straight into the heavens.

Inside the City Lord's Mansion, it was a scene of splendid prosperity.

The vermilion corridor pillars were wrapped in layers of Cloud Brocade silk, as vibrant as flowing rosy clouds. The octagonal palace lanterns under the eaves remained lit throughout the night, their warm light pouring out to illuminate the entire residence like daylight, making every tile under the corridors glow with a gentle luster.

On the long street outside the mansion, the flowing banquet tables stretched from the head of the street to the end of the alley, seemingly endless at a glance.

The aroma of beast meat sizzling over charcoal fires, mixed with the rich fragrance of the Northern Frontier's unique ale, drifted with the wind through the entire street and into every household.

Children had changed into brand-new silk clothes, clutching sugar paintings and dough figurines as they chased and played in the bustling crowd, their crisp laughter filling the streets. White-haired elders sat around the tables, sipping warm ale from ceramic bowls as they gazed at the peaceful and prosperous scene before them, their wrinkled faces full of stability and contentment.

Inside the City Lord's Mansion, distinguished guests had already gathered in abundance.

Bai Yu had specifically rushed back from the Zhou Dynasty overnight, not only to offer congratulations in person but also to bring a heavy gift privately bestowed by the Monarch of Zhou—a statue of a Qilin bringing a son, carved from warm jade.

The jade's quality was as gentle as fat and the carving was exquisitely translucent, with the Qilin's whiskers and cloud patterns visible down to the finest detail. One could tell at a glance it was a priceless treasure.

Zhu Changpo and Tu Xiong led a group of Northern Frontier generals, standing Guard at the mansion gates to welcome the guests.

Everyone was dressed in black martial attire with long sabers at their waists, standing as tall and straight as pines with a daunting Aura. Yet, the smiles in their eyes and on their brows could not be hidden, their entire beings radiating the unique ferocity and enthusiasm of the Northern Frontier Army.

Mo Chenggui led the members of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce to the door, presenting a set of Protective Magical Artifacts as small as pearls.

Though the objects were small, their spiritual light was restrained and flowed ceaselessly, containing an extremely powerful defensive formation sufficient to protect an infant from the swaddling clothes until they grew up safely. They were worth a fortune.

Jiang Yumei, the beautiful Dao Companion from the Hundred Herbs Hall, even personally prepared Mind-Concentrating Incense and Foundation-Stabilizing Pills.

The Mind-Concentrating Incense was elegant and long-lasting, capable of settling the soul; the Foundation-Stabilizing Pills had a gentle Aura that could solidify the Foundation and nourish the origin, helping the Young Master's future path of Cultivation be smooth and unobstructed.

Even Widow Ya, who was far away in the Southern Frontier and usually had little contact with the outside world, specifically sent a trusted confidant across the regions to deliver a thousand-year-old Vermilion Fruit.

This fruit was crimson all over with a rich medicinal fragrance. Rumor had it that it could cleanse the marrow, cut the veins, and reshape the Foundation. It was a one-in-a-million Heaven And Earth Treasure.

The accompanying letter further stated that everyone in the Poison Scorpion Cult hoped the Young Master would be healthy and successful. If there were an Opportunity in the future, they would surely visit the Northern Frontier in person to pay their respects to this Young Lord of the Northern Frontier.

Inside the main hall, Su Yunniang gently held Situ Fengyan in his swaddling clothes, her posture graceful and her eyes full of warmth.

Standing beside her was Situ Jun, who was usually cold, reticent, and stern. At this moment, however, a rare gentle smile rippled across his face as he calmly dealt with the endless stream of congratulating guests.

The infant in the swaddling clothes seemed to understand the joy filling the hall, opening a pair of large, dark eyes as clear as spring water. His small mouth opened and closed, occasionally letting out soft, milky babbles while his small hands and feet kicked gently, drawing continuous praise from the guests.

“The City Lord is truly blessed! The Young Master has handsome features and an extraordinary bone structure. In the future, he will surely be a pillar of talent, skilled in both the pen and the sword, and a power that awes the world!”

An old official with white hair and beard stroked his long whiskers, his eyes squinting with laughter.

“More than just a pillar! In my view, the Young Master's future achievements will definitely far surpass the City Lord's!”

A wealthy merchant nearby hurriedly bowed in agreement, presenting a gift that felt heavy in the hand, sparkling with jewels and showing full sincerity.

Situ Jun nodded slightly, his tone humble and polite:

“You all overpraise him. My son is still young; in the future, he will still need to rely on your care.”

Su Yunniang wore a pomegranate-red soft satin dress, which complemented her rosy complexion and gentle temperament.

Hearing everyone praise her beloved son, a shallow smile hung on the corners of her mouth as she softly thanked them one by one.

After decades of storms and hardships, of many disasters and troubles, she now not only had a stable life in a peaceful era but had also found a husband she could rely on for a lifetime and had their child. Her heart was full of joy and peace.

Amidst the harmony and joy, just as the banquet reached its midpoint, a Guard suddenly rushed in from outside with a hurried expression, kneeling on one knee and reporting in a low voice:

“City Lord! A distinguished guest from the Dayue Dynasty has arrived!”

Situ Jun's eyebrows twitched slightly, a hint of surprise arising in his heart.

The Northern Frontier and the Dayue Dynasty had always had little contact. Why would a distinguished guest suddenly come to the door today?

He raised his hand to signal everyone to remain calm, then walked with steady steps toward the mansion gates.

Just as he reached the front hall, he saw a figure in a bright yellow brocade robe slowly stepping into the mansion.

The newcomer was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a handsome face and a high bridge of the nose. Between his brows, he carried the natural arrogance of imperial royalty.

Two black-clad Guards followed closely behind him, their aura as deep and still as an abyss. One could tell at a glance they were death warriors with profound Cultivation.

The man looked up and saw Situ Jun. He was momentarily stunned, then cupped his hands with a smile, his voice clear:

“Are you the City Lord of the Northern Frontier, Situ Jun? I am Li Baixiang of the Dayue Dynasty.”

Li Baixiang?

Situ Jun's heart stirred slightly.

He had never heard this name before.

A well-informed guest nearby whispered in his ear, and only then did Situ Jun slowly understand—this person was the only son of the Dayue Dynasty's Duke Protector. He had a reputation for virtue, and his Cultivation had already reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, the False Core realm, only one step away from forming a Golden Core. He held significant prestige in the Great Yue capital.

However, his identity was sensitive, and he was restricted everywhere in the imperial court, making it difficult to realize his ambitions.

Why would such a person suddenly visit the Northern Frontier in person?

Situ Jun remained calm on the surface, cupping his hands in return:

“Brother Li's presence brings light to my humble abode. May I ask what business brings Brother Li here today?”

Li Baixiang smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the splendid decorations in the hall, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes:

“I heard the City Lord has been blessed with a son, so I came today specifically to present a small gift and congratulate you.”

As his voice fell, the Guards behind him presented a red sandalwood box with both hands.

Situ Jun signaled a servant to take it and gently opened it—inside the box lay a lustrous white spiritual jade, its body carved with intricate dragon patterns and a faint spiritual light flowing through it. It was clearly a rare treasure.

“This is a Protective Spiritual Jade unique to my Great Yue imperial family, carved from ten-thousand-year-old warm jade. It can ward off evil and nourish the Divine Soul.”

Li Baixiang's tone was indifferent, yet he could not hide the value as he continued:

“I heard the Young Master is the City Lord's eldest son and will surely be a pillar of the Northern Frontier in the future. I gift this to the Young Master as a token of my regards.”

This congratulatory gift was staggeringly heavy.

Situ Jun's gaze darkened slightly, and the doubts in his heart intensified.

As the son of the Great Yue Duke Protector, Li Baixiang would never travel thousands of miles to the Northern Frontier just for a Full-Moon Feast and a gift.

He raised his hand to signal the servant to put away the spiritual jade, his voice calm:

“Brother Li is too polite. Please, come inside. The banquet is prepared; why not join us for a cup of simple wine?”

Li Baixiang did not decline, accepting with a smile and walking into the inner hall side-by-side with Situ Jun.

As soon as the two were seated, a maid presented ale, its clear fragrance wafting into their noses.

Li Baixiang took a light sip from his cup, his eyes brightening as he praised:

“The Northern Frontier ale truly lives up to its reputation. It is rich and fragrant, adding a bit more heroic flavor compared to the imperial wine of the Great Yue capital.”

Situ Jun gave a faint smile and did not beat around the bush, asking directly:

“Brother Li's visit today is likely for more than just offering congratulations, isn't it?”

Hearing this, Li Baixiang slowly put down his wine cup, the smile on his face fading slightly as his expression grew more serious.

He looked around and saw that everyone was busy clinking glasses and drinking, with no one paying attention to them. Only then did he lower his voice, speaking with a hint of awkwardness:

“The City Lord is indeed a straightforward person. To be honest, I have come this time because I wish to ask the City Lord to fulfill a beautiful match.”

“Oh?”

Situ Jun raised an eyebrow:

“What is this 'beautiful match' Brother Li speaks of?”

“I have taken a fancy to a deacon in the City Lord's Mansion.”

Li Baixiang's voice was very soft. Seeing Situ Jun's face darken slightly, he immediately added:

“As long as the City Lord is willing to agree, I am prepared to offer a Low-Grade Spirit Stone Vein from the Dayue Dynasty as a betrothal gift!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone seated nearby was shocked.

Zhu Changpo and Tu Xiong, who had been chatting and laughing, suddenly stopped. Their wine cups froze in mid-air as their gazes shot toward Li Baixiang, their eyes filled with shock.

A Low-Grade Spirit Stone mine?

This Li Baixiang's generosity was simply unheard of!

Situ Jun's eyes darkened as he gently rubbed the rim of his cup with his fingertips, remaining silent.