There were two prevailing rumors about the Tang family:
First, that they were not actually the weakest among the four great families, but rather had been hiding their true strength, biding their time.
Second, that they lacked promising successors. No matter how powerful they seemed, once the old master of the Tang family passed away, the family would inevitably collapse. Given this, it was speculated that they wouldn’t dare participate in this year’s Mid-Autumn Gathering. Even if they did attend, they would only serve as the bottom-rung contenders.
Both rumors were equally credible, making the upcoming event all the more intriguing. Everyone was eager to see how the Tang family would perform this time.
As time passed, the Qin, Wu, and Liu families arrived one after another, yet there was still no sign of the Tang family.
"I bet they won’t even show up."
"Even if they did, they’d only embarrass themselves. If I were them, I wouldn’t bother coming either."
"If they skip this event again, it’ll confirm the rumors—once the old master dies, the Tang family is finished."
The crowd buzzed with discussion, and most opinions were dismissive of the Tang family.
Just then, a clear, resonant voice rang out—
“The Tang family has arrived—”
The moment the announcement was made, all heads turned.
Leading the procession was an imposing elderly man with a spirited demeanor, walking with the confidence of a dragon and the strength of a tiger—Tang family’s patriarch, Master Tang!
However, what truly captured everyone’s attention was the stunning young woman following closely behind him.
She exuded an air of nobility, as ethereal as a celestial maiden.
Every man in the crowd was instantly captivated by her presence.
Beside her walked a strikingly handsome young man.
Dressed in white, with a cheerful smile, he fanned himself idly while glancing around, occasionally winking at beautiful women—a demeanor of pure mischief. Who else could he be but Tang family’s notorious eldest son, Tang Yan?
Behind them, the rest of the Tang family followed, making their way to the most prominent lakeside seating area on the eastern side. For the first time in three years, all four great families of Yun City were gathered at the Mid-Autumn Gathering.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE MYRIAD ELIXIRS PAVILION
Soon after—
"The Myriad Elixirs Pavilion has arrived—"
The crowd’s excitement peaked as they turned to look.
At the forefront was none other than Myriad Elixirs Pavilion’s chief alchemist, Wu Xuan.
Clad in fitted battle robes, she exuded an air of heroic elegance, her confident strides accentuated by the generous curves of her figure, making many men gulp audibly.
Walking beside her was the Pavilion’s Grand Elder, Ge Ming.
The Myriad Elixirs Pavilion was the dominant alchemy power in Yun City, supplying nearly all of its medicinal pills. Naturally, no one dared show them anything but the utmost respect.
Wu Xuan greeted the crowd with a charming smile, her every gesture alluring. Her regal aura and undeniable charisma made the hearts of many men race uncontrollably.
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Of course, no one dared flirt with her.
No one—except for Tang Yan.
Just as the crowd respectfully greeted Wu Xuan and the others, Tang Yan suddenly stood up, enthusiastically waving.
“Wu Xuan, Master Ge! Over here! Come sit with us!”
The scornful murmurs began immediately.
"Hah, a wastrel will always be a wastrel. Does he really think the Myriad Elixirs Pavilion would sit with them?"
“Exactly. The Pavilion is leagues above the Tang family. Why would they lower themselves like that?”
At that moment, a refined voice sounded from the Liu family’s section.
“Miss Wu Xuan, we at the Liu family have prepared fine tea. Won’t you join us? We could chat and enjoy the moon together.”
A tall, handsome young man stood up gracefully, extending a courteous invitation—Liu Zhi, the Liu family’s most accomplished heir.
"Wow, Young Master Liu is so charming!"
The admiration in the young women’s eyes was evident.
Seeing that it was Liu Zhi who had extended the invitation, the crowd fully expected Wu Xuan to accept.
Wu Xuan heard both Tang Yan and Liu Zhi’s offers. She took a few steps toward the Liu family’s seating area, and just as everyone assumed she would join them—
She paused.
Then, in a voice as melodious as an oriole’s song, she smiled and said,
“I appreciate Young Master Liu’s kindness, but I previously made a promise to Young Master Tang to discuss poetry with him. I hope you won’t mind.”
She gave Liu Zhi a polite nod before elegantly making her way toward the Tang family’s seating area.
The moment Wu Xuan chose the Tang family over the Liu family, the crowd erupted in astonished murmurs.
Did she just indirectly slap the Liu family in the face?!
Wu Xuan, a high-ranking figure of the Myriad Elixirs Pavilion, had prioritized Tang Yan.
What was the relationship between the two?
Why was the Myriad Elixirs Pavilion suddenly siding with the Tang family?
Speculation ran wild.
Upon reaching the Tang family’s area, Wu Xuan respectfully greeted Master Tang, but her gaze soon landed on the strikingly beautiful woman beside Tang Yan.
As someone who frequently dealt with prestigious families, Wu Xuan’s heart skipped a beat the moment she laid eyes on the woman.
With no makeup, she was still breathtaking. She exuded a natural nobility—not overwhelming, yet making it clear that she was not to be casually approached.
This woman… she must be from a powerful clan.
Wu Xuan carefully studied her. Yun City had only a handful of aristocratic families, yet she had never seen this woman before.
Could she be from outside the city?
“Oh? You look unfamiliar, sister. May I ask your name?” Wu Xuan asked with a polite smile.
The woman was equally surprised by Wu Xuan’s sharp intuition. Maintaining her graceful composure, she responded with a warm smile,
“My name is Ziyun. Wu Xuan, you are truly stunning.”
Just as the conversation began, Wu Xuan’s expression suddenly shifted.
She asked urgently, “Are you from the legendary First House of Tianxiang?”
Ziyun blinked, then nodded calmly.
"Elder sister, you are not only beautiful but incredibly perceptive."
Wu Xuan’s gaze flickered toward Tang Yan, her mind racing.
Ziyun, the legendary beauty of Tianxiang’s First House, was sitting so close to Tang Yan?!
Why was she here in Yun City?
And more importantly—what role had Tang Yan played in this?
As the two unparalleled beauties sat beside Tang Yan, every man in the crowd felt a surge of burning jealousy.
Several young heirs quietly swore to themselves—when the martial competition began, they would make Tang Yan suffer.
THE START OF THE GATHERING
Not long after the Myriad Elixirs Pavilion’s arrival, representatives from the Heavenly Treasure Auction House also appeared. With that, Yun City’s top forces had all gathered.
A moment later, a resounding announcement rang out—
“The City Lord has arrived—”
The crowd stirred in anticipation.
According to tradition, once the City Lord made his entrance, the Mid-Autumn Gathering would officially commence.
City Lord Lin Xiao greeted the attendees with a warm smile, exchanged pleasantries, and then quickly moved on to the main event.
“On this beautiful night, let us not delay. Steward Zhou will now introduce the competition rules.”
A scholarly-looking elder stepped onto the stage.
Everyone in Yun City knew Zhou Ying, a renowned literary master whose poetic works were widely admired.
After a respectful bow, Zhou Ying spoke in a refined tone—
“Another Mid-Autumn Festival is upon us. Under this bright moon, let us drink and celebrate without restraint. As always, the Mid-Autumn Gathering consists of two contests—literary competition and martial combat.”
“All Yun City residents under the age of thirty-five are eligible. First, we begin with the literary contest. The examiners are City Lord Lin, Grandmaster Ge of Myriad Elixirs Pavilion, Steward Qin of the City Lord’s Mansion, and myself.”
“The competition will be held in three rounds. All contestants, please ascend the literary stage!”
At his words, scholars and poets surged toward the platform, their spirits ablaze with confidence.