Brother Long rang a bell on the table. On cue, the doors to the room were opened as carts full of delicacies were wheeled in by beautiful attendants. Both female and male attendants were handpicked for their looks to pair properly with the food. They shot flattering glances at the occupants of the table while elegantly placing the meals on the table. Once Ye Fan’s eyes caught onto the food, his eyes refused to break from the plates. The porcelain was glowing a variety of colors from the dense spiritual Qi that the food emitted. It was a magnificent scene that stole his spirit, body, and soul. Golden pearls of rice called out to the boy's saliva glands causing him to audibly gulp.
Wen Meihui watched Ye Fan’s actions with great amusement. Although he looked like a country bumpkin that hadn’t seen the immensity of the Heavens, none of the onlookers could draw such a picture from the cute little boy that resembled a porcelain doll. This cute little scene drew the boisterous guests back into another silence. Even the hostile Ji Tiandao only huffed once before turning his gaze to the side.
“Feel free to dig in.”
Ye Fan looked toward the source of the voice. Brother Long still had his genial smile and looked at him encouragingly. The little boy nodded and bashfully began filling his plate under the gazes of everyone else. When the first scoop of rice touched his plate, the others also began filling their plates at their own paces. The blond-haired host was the sole exception. His caramel complexion continued to quietly regard everything with a smile. Seeing that everyone had settled down, he felt that it would be a good time to breach the true subject at hand.
“Hello, and welcome everyone from the Vast Sea Immortal Realm! I hope you’ve enjoyed your vacation in the Mortal Realm so far.”
The atmosphere grew awkward as everyone except Ye Fan stared at Brother Long with strange expressions. Although a few continued eating and grabbing food, a little over half stopped their actions having lost their appetite. Pairs of eyes regarded the blond-haired young man with varying expressions. Among these, a figure with furrowed brows scratched his neck under the strange atmosphere. Eventually, he couldn’t hold under the pressure. Ji Tiandao took the initiative to break the silence.
“I don’t think that calling this a vacation would be right, Brother Long.”
His tone was cold. It seemed Brother Long’s words affected him, the previously seen modicum of respect couldn’t be found anywhere. A pair of golden pupils shined as they observed Ji Tiandao with rapt interest. Despite the bad atmosphere, the genial smile had never left the blond-haired young man’s face.
“Well, it might not be for the others. But this is your… fourth time now, Brother Ji. I'm sure you're quite comfortable with the Mortal Realm.”
The others around the table revealed surprised expressions of varying degrees. Ye Fan had no idea of the true significance of the conversation so he just listened quietly. What did it matter to him what their origin was? As long as they didn't have any ill intentions, the little boy didn't mind making friends with fierce beasts. Instead, the basket of soup dumplings in front of him was much more appealing and quickly consumed. Watching from the seat next to him, Wen Meihui’s surprise stemmed as she watched Ye Fan swallow the soup dumplings without draining the steaming hot liquid inside first with admiration. It was as if his mouth was an endless pit with walls of steel. Although she had initially judged Ye Fan as someone with a firm foundation due to her cursory inspection of the exterior of his physique, her warm orange eyes were filled with interest as she extended out her spiritual sense to observe the little boy at the Peak of Body Tempering.
"Isn't it a bit rude to release your spiritual sense and check others without permission, Wen Meihui?"
Wen Meihui didn't react for a while to Ji Tiandao's words. She was used to tuning out his rude nonsense. It took a few seconds before she realized what the young man had said. With a blank expression, the fiery-haired woman turned toward the figure who watched her with unconcealed annoyance and discomfort. Although the others didn't find anything too strange about Ji Tiandao's action of standing up for Ye Fan's dignity, she would never expect this proud young master to speak up for a little boy from the Mortal World even if his own life depended on it.
"I didn't know you could care for another human being. Not to mention speak up for someone I regard as my savior."
Ji Tiandao flinched nearly imperceptibly at Wen Meihui's words dripping with poison. At this, Brother Long's smile grew wider. His gaze hadn't left Ji Tiandao. The others sitting at the table sat on the sidelines with no intentions of entering the conflict. The black-robed young man's expression of annoyance and discomfort intensified, but he continued speaking as if nothing had happened.
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"Humph. If you truly treated him as your savior, you'd have spared him from an inspection."
The arrogant young master crossed his arms to show his disapproval. Most around the table showed approval in their eyes. Although they usually showed disregard towards mortals, it was a different matter when someone with equal status as them took the initiative to speak up for the mortals. They might regard the mortals as ants, but their face was important among their peers.
"Bravo, bravo. The arrogant Young Master of the Eternal Fate Tower has truly grown up. Look how mature and righteous he has become."
Wen Meihui clapped loudly and wore a fake expression of approval and pride. Her sarcastic words and actions caused Ji Tiandao to grow furious. His gaze bore intense heat as the pair of brown pupils locked onto the young woman. The young man's fists were clenched firmly and his lips were trembling. Wen Meihui's eyes shrunk as she circulated some of her Qi. A minute passed and Ji Tiandao finally started to move. A pair of orange eyes flickered with surprise as she watched the arrogant young master turn toward Brother Long instead of pursuing the matter.
"Brother Long, you are the supervisor this time in the Mortal World. What did you mean previously by your words?"
The blonde-haired young man adjusted his wide smile back to a more genial expression. He seemed unhurried to respond to Ji Tiandao's question. His gaze slowly moved around the table lingering for a long moment on everyone. Although most people showed clear signs of displeasure, Brother Long continued in a carefree manner. As his gaze reached the young master of the Eternal Fate Tower once more, he finally began to speak.
"Are the Immortal Realms at the peak of the world, young master Ji?"
"Of course not, above…"
The black-robed man's eyes grew sharp. The two young women that Ye Fan had observed before also narrowed their eyes. Others surrounding the table had shocked expressions as they deduced the implications of such a statement. Although they clearly weren't privy to the same information the other four were, this information was a serious matter. The realm above the Immortal Realm was a lofty goal that was out of reach for them. Anything related to that realm was something to be approached with great care. Brother Long nodded appreciatively as he took in everyone's reactions.
"That's right. I'll let you in on a secret. The Chi Dynasty is related to one of the powers from that place."
This time even the three that were knew about the place beyond the Immortal Realm were shocked. Ji Tiandao's expression was grave. His eyes were full of solemness and calm. It was uncharacteristic of him. The two pairs of brown pupils stared into each other unblinkingly. The young master spoke slowly making sure to enunciate every word carefully.
"Is this something you would swear on, Brother Long?"
"Of course. I assure you this information is accurate."
The atmosphere grew grim at this news. This time, the young man with yellow robes didn't stall in his answer. He had gotten the effect that he wanted to. As long as they behaved, he wouldn't be in trouble with his superiors. Although he might have used the stick, there was still a chance to use the carrot as bait effectively.
"Don't worry too much. I'm sure your respective factions will understand. If anything, they should reward you for cooperating… I'll be sure to make any clarifications. So, I hope you'll have a nice and relaxing vacation. If you ever get in trouble in the Mortal Realm, you know how to get to me. Let's enjoy the meal."
The words had their intended effect and many of the room's occupants let out sighs of relief. Although they found this supervisor a little unreliable, their families wouldn't choose any random person in the Earth Immortal realm to oversee their tasks in the Mortal Realm. Their situation was a bit unique so the supervisor was there for their safety and to maintain the collective interests of the Immortal Realm.
Those who still had an appetite began digging into the glowing food once again with glee. Three of the cultivators bid their leave to Brother Long who sent them off with a single nod. It wasn't long before the table was cleared. Everyone began bidding their farewells. The girl with the frilly pink dress and satin sash walked up to Ye Fan. Before she could get to close, Wen Meihui stood in her way.
"If you need to say anything, you can say it from there."
Her stance was like that of a mother bear protecting her cub. The cutesy girl didn't pay much mind to Wen Meihui. Peeking around the young woman's body, she waved at the little boy. Her head and hand barely peeked out behind resulting in a rather comical scene.
"Hello there, young friend! Let's get to know each other. You can call me Sister Xia."
She was lively and upbeat. Tossing over a silver coin with a distinct floral scent, she gave him another flirtatious wink before walking away. Wen Meihui watched the back of the frilly dress with a hostile gaze. The little boy stared at the silver coin lying on his open palm in a daze. A pleasant floral scent filled his nostrils causing his little cheeks to grow a bright red. He gently placed the coin into his spatial artifact. His eyes were glazed as he stared blankly ahead.
Wen Meihui shook her head slightly as she watched the innocent boy's actions. The vixen had claimed many victims and usually she didn't pay any mind, but Ye Fan was different. She felt a bit aggrieved as she felt she could've done more. Walking over to Ye Fan's side, she began speaking to him.
"Little Fan! Is there anything else you want to do?"
She held a bright smile as she stared into his glazed eyes. It was a few seconds before Ye Fan snapped out of it. His first few words were slow and staggered as he regained awareness of his surroundings.
"Pretty... I-. What? Sister Wen? Did you ask me if I wanted to do anything?"
Hearing this, the fiery haired young woman felt even more guilty. She tried her best to maintain a genuine smile and nodded. Patting the boy on the back lightly, she helped the boy to his feet with her other hand. Ye Fan eventually reassured her that he was fine. Wen Meihui did let go, but she continued eyeing him with a worried and discomforted look. The boy felt uncomfortable under her gaze. He felt that he could handle himself pretty well and having someone who he barely knew worry over him so diligently made him embarrassed. Delving into the depths of his mind, he desperately tried to find something to talk about and deflect her attention.
"Um… Maybe. We could try some gambling?"
Wen Meihui's eyes widened as she exclaimed in horror.
"Gambling?! You're too young for that!"
Ye Fan quickly realized what he had said. He started waving his hands frantically and immediately made clarifications.
"I meant Stone Gambling! I've never been and I just wanted to tag along. Could you show me it?"
A relieved look crossed the young woman's face. She smiled at the little boy gently and ruffled his hair. Ye Fan displayed a comforted expression, mostly due to having successfully removing her pitiful glance. Wen Meihui replied joyfully.
"If that's what you really want, then I'll be sure to give you the best show!"