Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King
Chapter 517 - 316: The Spirit Fox Banquet Begins, The Lady’s Threat, Former Lovers Meet Again!
Li Xiaofan nodded and said, "I have learned. By the way, Sister Gu, when are you planning to leave?"
Gu Nianjun was taken aback. She could leave at any time, but secretly she didn’t want to, saying, "I’m not sure yet." Zhou Shijie had long wanted to leave, but seeing that Gu Nianjun still wanted to stay longer, he had to say, "I’ll go with Nianjun’s decision."
Zhou Shijie noticed Gu Nianjun seemed distracted, her gaze wandering constantly toward the guests, he asked, "Nianjun, are you looking for someone?" Gu Nianjun shook her head, saying, "No, let’s sit down quickly."
Visitors came one after another, making it lively. Fu Haoran’s reputation was widespread, often attracting people to pay their respects. The Five Great Sword Sects, being reputable and upright, revered Fu Haoran the most and all eagerly offered him tea and chatted idly.
The elders of the Li Mountain Sword Sect were "Jin Yingjie" and "Ge Qiujian," both newly promoted elders, nearly forty, youthful and handsome in appearance, with quite impressive demeanor.
Jin Yingjie and Ge Qiujian respectfully visited, saying, "Senior Fu, on behalf of our sect, we greet you!"
Fu Haoran stood up and said, "The Li Mountain Sword Sect, with the sword as its heart and the mountain as its righteousness, I deeply admire!"
Many juniors from the Li Mountain Sword Sect respectfully offered wine, all knowing Gu Nianjun, Zhou Shijie, and Li Xiaofan, and actively chatted, especially with Li Xiaofan who was sitting close to Fu Haoran. Nonetheless, they did not neglect Gu Nianjun or Zhou Shijie.
The conversation was harmonious and joyful. Li Xiaofan bore no grudges and was friendly with everyone. His extraordinary demeanor won over others, attracting the admiration of Li Mountain Sword Sect’s Hua Wu and others.
Soon, people of noble families and talented individuals also entered the banquet. Everyone holding tea and chatting, making it bustling. The Five Great Sword Sects’ Hushan Sword Sect, Yangshan Sword Sect, Yueshan Sword Sect, and Jiushan Sword Sect gradually appeared.
Fu Haoran said, "The Five Great Sword Sects, all named after mountains, with the sword as their heart. They are upright sects. Each area nurtures its people; although there are similarities among the Five Great Sword Sects, there are also subtle differences."
"The Hushan Sword Sect is situated by Lake Mountain, surrounded by water on all sides, hence the name Hushan. This sect leans towards the gentle and feminine, with humidity and moisture mixed in their moves. The sect’s disciples are mostly women."
Two elders from the Hushan Sword Sect came to pay respects. Both were women; one with long hair cascading down, with light makeup and ordinary appearance, the other with a white scarf wrapped around her head, a fair complexion with a large mouth and short nose. These two women were named "Peng-san Luo" and "He Lijun," both elders of the Hushan Sword Sect.
Although they were women, they had remarkable poise, conversing gracefully. Fu Haoran reciprocated with proper courtesy. Behind Peng-san Luo and He Lijun followed young disciples like Mu Hongchou. Mu Hongchou’s gaze was peculiar, looking at Gu Nianjun, but not as warmly as usual.
Fu Haoran introduced the Five Great Sword Sects one by one. The Yangshan Sword Sect was located within the "Yanglong Mountain Range" with a robust and straightforward style. The attending elders were named "Liang Gang" and "Xu Hu."
The Jiushan Sword Sect was represented by two elders, "Wang Tiexin" and "Dai Rushi." Dai Rushi was very young, but Wang Tiexin had been famous for a long time, quite formidable. Though both were elders, they surpassed Liang Gang, Xu Hu, Peng-san Luo, He Lijun, Jin Yingjie, and Ge Qiujian by a notch.
The Yueshan Sword Sect attendees were elders "Yuanbaoxiao" and "Su Changning," both young and newly appointed. The disciples of the Five Great Sword Sects had already met and naturally chatted familiarly, discussing who might be the "White-faced Red Bow" person.
Gathered elites and freelance guests of the Jianghu, noble family heirs... various personalities. It was so lively. City Lord He was also present, making the area in front of Jieyou Tower bustling.
In the venue was a long incense stick, smoke curling up and spreading fragrance. After some socializing, everyone returned to their respective tables. Servants brought wine and delicacies, and everyone indulged themselves.
Yangshan Sword Sect’s Liang Gang, with a hasty and uninhibited nature, picked up a piece of meat with his hand and took a big bite, asking, "Strange, why hasn’t Madam Wang arrived yet?"
Only the main seat was empty. City Lord He laughed, "Madam Wang must be getting dressed. Hahaha, although I’m not the host, I want to take advantage while Madam Wang isn’t here, borrow a leaf to present to Buddha, and hope you enjoy yourselves in Flying Dragon City, eat and drink well. Please don’t be reserved with Madam Wang."
Everyone laughed and started eating. A voice came from behind the screen, "City Lord He is trying to steal the show." This voice was playful, melodiously pleasant to listen to.
Everyone was curious about "Madam Wang’s" appearance, having only heard and never seen. Now they looked up, and the beauty was meticulously dressed, almost ethereal, wearing a Golden Jade Glaze Crown, a wide-sleeve phoenix dress, noble and elegant, with gold and jade pieces enhancing her dignity.
With light makeup, her beauty was indescribable. The room fell silent for a moment, City Lord He’s tiger-like eyes lit up, dumbfounded. Elders Wang Tiexin, Liang Gang, and others paused with their chopsticks, showing surprise, their eyes shining with amazement. Those with stronger willpower soon snapped back, secretly relieved, quickly averting their eyes. The less resolute were utterly entranced.
Madam Wen rarely showed herself. Her natural beauty needed no embellishment. He Wentian was infatuated, saying, "Madam Wang’s natural beauty is truly rare."
Gu Nianjun frowned, "How could it be her?" Zhou Shijie said, "I forgot to tell you, you’re out early and back late every day, unaware that Madam Wang’s true identity is actually Madam Wen."
Gu Nianjun said, "This woman is extremely dangerous." Zhou Shijie said, "She is indeed dangerous, but..." Suddenly dazzled by the scene.
Gu Nianjun asked, "The one beside her..." just about to say "Li Xian," she remembered that Li Xiaofan didn’t know this woman was Madam Wen, naturally unaware that his brother once worked for her. So she said, "What about the disciple beside her?"
Zhou Shijie chuckled, "What disciple, just trying to get close to her for fame. I heard this lady say, they’ve all been dismissed by her. Lack of talent, there’s nothing that can be done."