The banquet had begun in earnest, the hall alive with conversation and laughter. Guests moved about, exchanging pleasantries and offering congratulations to Zhou Yang.
“You’ve recovered so well, Young Master Zhou! Truly, it must be the Zhou Family’s extraordinary care,” one guest remarked with a smile.
“To regain your cultivation so quickly is no easy feat,” another added, their tone a mix of admiration and curiosity.
Zhou Yang offered polite nods, his lips curling into a calm smile. “Thank you all for your kind words.”
His demeanor was quiet and confident, putting the guests at ease while reflecting the grace expected of the Zhou Family’s young master.
As the hall bustled with activity, Su Yaofeng, the Su Family patriarch, rose from his seat. His movement was unhurried yet deliberate, and the chatter in the hall gradually died down as he addressed Zhou Wen.
“Brother Wen,” Su Yaofeng began, his tone smooth and steady, “in celebration of Yang’er’s recovery, the Su Family has prepared a gift.”
Zhou Wen nodded in acknowledgment, his expression as composed as ever.
With a subtle motion, Su Yaofeng summoned a jade box. The elegant container floated gracefully through the air, carried by his will, before settling in front of Zhou Yang.
Zhou Yang rose from his seat and accepted the box with both hands, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Patriarch Su, for this honor. I’m deeply grateful.”
Su Yaofeng smiled faintly, his voice calm as he explained, “This is the Revitalizing Soul Pill, a Rank-8 pill inscribed with two rings, crafted by a Rank-8 Alchemist. It will strengthen your vitality and refine your soul—a valuable aid as you progress.”
Zhou Yang’s gaze briefly flickered to the jade box. Even for the Zhou Family, acquiring a pill with a pattern would have been challenging, yet here was one gifted to him.
He bowed again, his tone sincere. “Thank you for this precious gift, Patriarch Su.”
Su Yaofeng returned to his seat with the same quiet composure, the guests murmuring their approval at the rare and valuable gift.
---
Next, Wang Bao, head of the Wang Family, stood with a wide grin that immediately lightened the room’s atmosphere.
“Brother Wen,” Wang Bao began, his voice hearty and loud enough to draw attention, “I couldn’t let Su Yaofeng steal all the glory tonight! So, I’ve prepared a little something as well.”
Zhou Wen raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching ever so slightly in amusement.
Wang Bao produced a simple yet elegant bracelet from his storage ring. The artifact gleamed faintly, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seemed to shift under the light.
“This here is a Perfected-Grade Spiritual Treasure,” Wang Bao declared proudly, holding the bracelet aloft for all to see. “It can block attacks from a mid-level Tribulation Stage cultivator. Now, I know the Zhou Family probably showers Yang’er with treasures already, but... well, what’s the harm in having one more?”
His laugh was loud and genuine, and the guests couldn’t help but chuckle along with him.
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Wang Bao stepped forward and handed the bracelet to Zhou Yang, who accepted it with a warm smile. “Thank you, Patriarch Wang. This is a truly remarkable gift.”
Zhou Yang’s thoughts drifted momentarily—a Perfected-Grade Spiritual Treasure. The rankings from my memories were clear—ordinary treasures, Qi treasures, Earth treasures, Sky treasures, Gold treasures, Spiritual treasures, and Immortal treasures, each with low, mid, and perfected tiers... except for Immortal treasures, which are in a league of their own. This is no small gift.
Wang Bao, now seated again, leaned back with a smug grin. “Of course, let’s not forget—our Wang Family already gave you the best gift. My brother, Wang Du, treated you, didn’t he?”
The hall erupted in laughter at his playful tone.
Wang Ming covered his face with his hand, clearly embarrassed by his father’s boast. “Father...” he muttered under his breath.
Zhou Yang chuckled, shaking his head slightly. Zhou Wen sighed audibly, his expression both amused and exasperated.
Zhou Mei, however, smiled warmly. “Truly, we owe Physician Wang Du a great deal. Without his expertise, things might have turned out very differently.”
“See?” Wang Bao said triumphantly, pointing toward Zhou Mei as if to say even she agrees.
The laughter died down gradually as the next guests prepared their presentations. Zhou Yang continued to receive a variety of gifts, ranging from rare herbs to intricate weapons. Each time, he expressed his gratitude with quiet grace.
---
The hall grew quieter as Fei Liang, the Saint of the Azure Sword Sect, stood. Just as he was about to speak, a ripple of unease spread through the room. A figure entered the hall, his presence drawing all eyes.
The man was middle-aged, his robes torn and streaked with blood. A hush fell over the crowd as he approached the center of the room, bowing deeply before Zhou Wen and Zhou Mei.
“Patriarch Zhou, Mistress Zhou,” he began, his voice steady despite his injuries, “I am one of the guards assigned to escort the Crown Prince. On our way here, we were ambushed by unknown assailants.”
Gasps rippled through the room, followed by murmurs of shock and speculation.
The man continued, “The attackers included a peak Tribulation Stage cultivator. We suffered many casualties and had no choice but to retreat. The Crown Prince ordered me to come ahead and offer his apologies for being unable to attend.”
Zhou Wen’s calm voice cut through the noise. “Is the Crown Prince unharmed?”
The guard straightened slightly. “He is safe, thanks to the Right General.”
“I see,” Zhou Wen nodded, his expression unreadable. “That is a relief. You’ve done well to bring this news. See to it that you receive treatment immediately. Servants, take him to the infirmary.”
The guard bowed again before being escorted out. The hall was abuzz with chatter, speculation running rampant among the guests.
“A peak Tribulation Stage cultivator? Who would dare?” one guest whispered.
“Is the Crown Prince truly safe?”
Zhou Wen cleared his throat loudly, and the hall fell silent. “As you have heard, the Crown Prince will not be attendingdue to unforeseen circumstances. However, with the Right General ensuring his safety, there is no need for concern. Let us continue.”
The room gradually settled, though tension still lingered in the air.
---
Fei Liang, who had remained standing, now stepped forward. From his storage ring, he retrieved a long, rectangular wooden box, its surface faintly glowing with an otherworldly aura.
I need one of those, Zhou Yang thought, eyeing the storage ring. I’ll ask Mother about it later.
Fei Liang held the box with reverence as he spoke. “This is the gift from the Azure Sword Sect, personally chosen by the Azure Sword Immortal. It is a named sword, forged by the legendary blacksmith Huo Tian.”
Gasps filled the room.
“An immortal treasure...” one guest whispered.
“And a named one, no less! Huo Tian’s work is legendary!”
Even Zhou Wen’s usual calm broke slightly, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. Wang Bao, ever the curious one, stood abruptly.
“Why would the Azure Sword Sect give something so priceless?” he asked, his tone genuine. “Surely there were other gifts that could have been chosen.”
Fei Liang, seemingly expecting the question, replied calmly. “I don’t know.”
He doesn’t know? The collective thought echoed in the room, unspoken but palpable.
Fei Liang continued, “This decision was made by my master.”
Fei Liang handed the wooden box to a servant, who brought it to Zhou Yang. The Saint returned to his seat without further comment, leaving the hall filled with awe and curiosity.