Feast of the Prodigies

After putting away the communication talisman, Qi Yuan dismissed the Restriction, stepped out of the house, and casually stopped a passing Maidservant, asking with a smile:

"Junior Sister, do you know a new Disciple named Qi Yao?"

"She should have joined the Sect a little over three months ago."

Being approached by a man without cause, the Maidservant seemed a bit nervous, but she still blushed and replied:

"Are you asking about Senior Sister Qi?"

"She joined with our batch, but her talent is very high. She was noticed by the Sect Head right after joining, and now she's already the Sect Head's Personal Disciple."

The Maidservants in Sunset Glow Courtyard were actually Utility Disciples of Linglong Holy Land, most of whom had just joined. Because the Sect was holding a ceremony, they were sent here to act as Maidservants and entertain distinguished guests.

The forces invited to the grand ceremony were all renowned orthodox Sects, possessing basic decorum on the surface. Coupled with the prestige of Linglong Holy Land, even though these female Utility Disciples seemed to have low status, no one would dare to act recklessly, otherwise, they would likely be hung up, castrated, and then killed.

"I see."

Qi Yuan's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "Your Senior Sister Qi and I are old acquaintances. Could you tell me where she is now? I'd like to go visit an old friend and catch up."

Linglong Holy Land is not a place one can just enter. If that Mythical Beast truly is in Linglong Holy Land, he can only act during these two days.

Since he had already come, it wasn't in his nature to be intimidated and retreat without even trying.

This time, he planned to use the pretense of visiting Qi Yao to investigate Linglong Holy Land. Afterwards, whether successful or not, he would not get overly entangled to avoid arousing the suspicion of Linglong Holy Land.

This was just an Opportunity that was dispensable; it would be too uneconomical to get himself involved.

However, the Maidservant hesitated for a moment, then shook her head with a troubled expression, "Senior Sister Qi is currently cultivating in Jade Cicada Palace. Without a Senior Sister from Jade Cicada Palace to lead you, you won't be able to enter at all."

"If you want to see Senior Sister Qi Yao, it's best to notify our Saintess first, and only after her approval will it be possible."

"Oh, I understand. Thank you, Junior Sister, for clarifying."

Qi Yuan nodded. He still remembered that Linglong Saintess owed him a favor, and now it was time to collect... Just then, a richly dressed female Cultivator flew over from a distance. Upon seeing Qi Yuan in the courtyard, she immediately curtsied politely and respectfully said:

"Lord Daozi, our Saintess has set up a banquet in Jade Cicada Palace to welcome all distinguished guests. She specifically sent this servant to invite you to the feast."

"Oh?"

Qi Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. After a brief contemplation, he said, "In that case, please lead the way, young lady."

...A short while later.

Jade Cicada Palace.

The magnificent grand hall was adorned with lanterns and streamers, with flowers filling the corridors. Inside, crystal jade paved the floor, and golden pillars supported the beams, exuding the graceful grandeur of a top-tier Sect.

Qi Yuan followed the richly dressed female Cultivator to the plaza in front of Jade Cicada Palace. As his Escape light dissipated, he immediately saw a stunningly beautiful female Cultivator in a light blue long dress standing outside the hall. Her features were like a painting, her beauty ethereal, and she was none other than Linglong Saintess, Xiao Yueni.

Beside her stood a girl who looked about thirteen or fourteen years old. The girl was also beautiful and charming, and she was Qi Yuan's old acquaintance, the Original Owner's Junior Sister, Qi Yao.

"Brother Qi!"

Upon seeing Qi Yuan's figure, Qi Yao's beautiful eyes lit up, and she joyfully greeted him, "So Senior Sister Xiao didn't lie to me; you really came here as a guest."

Qi Yuan replied with a smile, "Junior Sister Qi, I heard you're now a True Disciple of Linglong Holy Land. Congratulations!"

Qi Yao curved her eyes and said sweetly:

"If it weren't for Brother Qi, I would have been bullied to death by bad people long ago. How could I become a True Disciple? When I achieve success in cultivation, I will definitely repay you well."

Looking at Qi Yao's radiant smile, Qi Yuan decided to temporarily preserve this smile and not tell her about the destruction of the Qi family until the culprits were dealt with.

In the current setting, it was also inappropriate to discuss such matters.

"Dao Child Qi, it's been months, and I didn't expect your cultivation to advance so greatly. You truly live up to your name as a peerless Prodigy."

Xiao Yueni offered Qi Yuan a faint smile, then raised her slender hand and gestured towards the hall, "Coincidentally, I'll introduce you to a few Fellow Daoists."

As she spoke, she lightly moved her lotus steps, personally leading Qi Yuan into the hall.

At this moment, three young men and women, dressed in various styles, were seated in the guest-of-honor positions. Upon seeing Xiao Yueni and Qi Yuan enter, except for the sole woman who seemed oblivious, the other two looked at Qi Yuan with scrutinizing gazes.

The young male Cultivator in the middle had thin cheeks, an ancient and refined appearance, and wore a somewhat faded dark blue Daoist robe. Just sitting there, he exuded an aura of harmlessness and transcendent inaction.

The male Cultivator to his right had his hair bound by a golden crown, wore an embroidered brocade robe, had a face like polished jade, and a slight hint of intoxication in his eyes, clearly a dashing Young Master of the mundane world.

Separated by a few seats from the two, sat a woman dressed in white like snow.

The woman was like celestial white jade, exquisitely beautiful. Though she sat there, she seemed like a block of ice that had not melted for ten thousand years, radiating a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

At this moment, the woman seemed to be immersed in her own world, as if everything happening around her had nothing to do with her.

After entering the hall, Xiao Yueni looked at Qi Yuan beside her and softly introduced, saying:

"Fellow Daoists, this is Qi Yuan, the new Dao Child of Tai Xuan Holy Land. We are all Fellow Daoists and should help each other in times of need. Today is a good Opportunity to get to know each other."

For some reason, upon hearing the name "Qi Yuan," the white-robed woman, who was like an ice sculpture, trembled slightly, raised her eyes to glance at Qi Yuan, but quickly withdrew her gaze, a faint, imperceptible sorrow flashing in her eyes.

"Dao Child of Tai Xuan truly possesses outstanding demeanor and extraordinary bearing. A pleasure to meet you, a pleasure to meet you."

The brocade-robed male Cultivator spoke first, politely cupping his hands towards Qi Yuan, "I am Zhuang Qingyun, the Dao Child of Boundless Holy Land. It's our first meeting; please guide me."

Next, the refined male Cultivator sitting beside him also nodded slightly to Qi Yuan, saying indifferently:

"Tu Ruoxu, Daozi of Wangu Holy Land, greetings, Fellow Daoist."

This was a feast of Prodigies!

Upon learning their identities, this thought immediately surged in Qi Yuan's mind, but he remained outwardly calm, returning the salutations one by one:

"Qi Yuan of Taixuan Holy Land, greetings, Fellow Daoist Tu, Fellow Daoist Zhuang."

"Qin Lingxue."

At this moment, the silent white-robed woman suddenly uttered three words. Her voice was clear and pleasant, yet subtly exuded traces of Sword Intent, making those who heard it feel as if frost and snow were assailing their faces, with a piercing chill.

Qin Lingxue?

Qi Yuan was startled. He had just heard this name not long ago, and he didn't expect to meet the person so soon.

Although this Original Owner's fiancée's cultivation was only at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, for some reason, she made him feel a sense of danger... Seeing Qi Yuan's silence, Xiao Yueni thought he was angry and quickly explained:

"Fairy Qin is the mingshuang sword Master of Liyuan Holy Land. Although her personality is a bit aloof, she means no offense. Please don't misunderstand."

mingshuang sword?!

Qi Yuan was once again shocked.

No wonder she was qualified to sit here. The mingshuang sword is one of the three top-tier Flying Swords passed down through generations in Liyuan Holy Land, a genuine Spirit Treasure-grade Flying Sword. He didn't expect it to recognize a junior in the Nascent Soul Realm as its master.

The Rank of Spirit Treasure is far above Magic Treasure. Flying Swords of this level have often given birth to Sword Spirits. Without gaining the recognition of the Sword Spirit, one cannot hope to wield the sword to attack enemies.

Qin Lingxue, wielding a great weapon of slaughter like the mingshuang sword, even though her own cultivation was a bit lower, if they truly fought, even a Soul Transformation Cultivator might not be her opponent.

As his thoughts turned, Qi Yuan's lips curved into a smile, "So it's the mingshuang sword Master. My apologies for the disrespect."

Just then.

Another round of footsteps came from outside the hall, and soon, three more Prodigies arrived one after another.

The first male Cultivator had a tall crown and wide sash, with a handsome appearance. After entering, he nodded to Xiao Yueni, the host, and without waiting for an invitation, directly found a seat and sat down, saying indifferently:

"Hurry up with the food and wine. I have something important to do after eating."

As he spoke, he carelessly glanced at Qi Yuan, his gaze subtly hinting at Battle Intent.

Who is this guy?

Qi Yuan was a bit bewildered, and then Pu Genshuo's Voice Transmission sounded in his ear:

"Brother Qi, I suggest you run quickly after the feast. Ji Tianpeng is here for you today. If he challenges you, you must not accept. This guy is a madman..."