Versatile Sword Cultivator

Chapter 215 – Birthday banquet

Today, Fengqu City was exceptionally lively.

Because today was the birthday of the current emperor of the Hidden Dragon Royal Family, Ji Hongyue. Representatives from various major sects in Mu Xian Province had come to celebrate his birthday.

However, everyone went directly to the royal city. The players didn't even know about this event; it had nothing to do with them.

The Hidden Dragon Royal Palace was adorned with lanterns and decorations, drums and music resounded, and the atmosphere was filled with celebration.

Inside the jewel-encrusted palace, rows of luxurious tables were set up.

Each seat was labeled with the name of a different sect, arranged in an orderly manner.

Over a thousand beautiful palace maids stood gracefully behind the tables, ready to serve the incoming guests at any moment.

A group of songstresses danced gracefully to the music.

This was the venue for tonight's banquet.

At the head of the hall, many tables were also set up. Ji Hongyue sat in the center on a golden dragon throne, with his empress by his side.

Behind him were his children, all the princes and princesses were present.

"The Grand Elder of the Saber Sect, Wang Shuhai, and his disciple Zhang Chang, present five Nine-Curve Spirit Ginsengs to celebrate the birthday!"

"The Sect Leader of the Crimson Flame Fist Sect, Quan Buming, and his disciple Fang Feifeng, present ten Golden Flame Ink Crystals to celebrate the birthday!"

"Abbot Zhiyuan of Tianyin Temple and his disciple Shengjue, present five Bodhi Flower Seeds to celebrate the birthday!"

"The Grand Elder of the Star-Gazing Spell Sect, Chu Feiyan, and his disciple Wei Tai, present five bottles of Earth Grade Broad Spirit Pills to celebrate the birthday!"

...

As the eunuchs outside the hall announced the guests, one by one, they entered the hall and politely congratulated Ji Hongyue at the head of the hall.

All these people were either sect leaders or elders, bringing their most outstanding disciples to attend the birthday banquet.

Ji Hongyue and his empress greeted each of them with smiles and invited them to take their seats.

The princes behind them, their eyes gleaming, were already thinking about how to seize the opportunity to converse with these people once the banquet started.

Of course, they couldn't possibly strike up a conversation with the grand elders and sect leaders.

But those disciples, who were the future pillars of each major sect, were definitely worth befriending.

Next to the princes were two stunningly beautiful princesses.

The two princesses were whispering to each other.

"Sister, it's so lively today~"

"Yes, you love lively events, don't you? Are you happy today?"

"Hehe, sister, I have a secret to tell you."

"Go ahead."

"Yesterday, I passed by Mother's bedchamber and overheard her talking to Grandmother. They mentioned that today's birthday celebration is not only for Father but also for you to choose a consort."

"What? You're making this up. I haven't heard anything about it."

"It's true. Grandmother agreed too. She asked Father to keep an eye out for you. I heard there's even an event planned for it."

"This... this is ridiculous. I don't want it!"

"Shh, let's just wait and see. Besides, the disciples from these sects are all outstanding. What if you fancy one of them?"

"I..."

...

The two sisters wanted to continue chatting but were reprimanded by the empress: "Linglong, Tongyin, what are you two talking about? Do not be disrespectful during the banquet."

The two girls immediately fell silent.

More and more guests arrived, and the hall's tables were quickly filling up.

From the seating arrangement of the various sects, one could see the relative strength of different professions in Mu Xian Province.

Artifact cultivation sects were at the front, followed by spell cultivators, then body cultivators and healers.

The seats of the artifact cultivation sects at the front were all filled: Saber Sect, Spear Sect, Sword Sect, Axe Sect, and so on.

Ji Hongyue's gaze constantly swept over these disciples. The disciples of the artifact cultivation sects had significantly stronger cultivation and aptitude than those of the other three types of sects.

However, one sect was notably absent—the Sword Sect, the leader of artifact cultivation!

The Sword Sect seemed to have not arrived yet.

Just as Ji Hongyue thought of this, the eunuch's voice came from outside the hall.

"Lin Jichen, the personal disciple of the Sect Master of the Tianyan Sword Sect, presents an eight-foot white jade pendant to celebrate the birthday!"

Upon hearing this announcement, the entire hall fell silent.

Tianyan Sword Sect! Personal disciple of the Sect Master!

These two pieces of information greatly stimulated everyone present.

The Sect Master of the Tianyan Sword Sect was Leng Feiyan, the strongest person in Mu Xian Province, at the peak of the Feather Transformation Realm.

Her personal disciple?

Before anyone could react, a tall and composed figure stepped into the hall.

This person was young, with a tall and elegant stature, long hair flowing like a waterfall, eyes like stars, exuding an extraordinary charm.

He wore a simple Sword Sect robe, light and elegant, yet he possessed an unparalleled grace!

His appearance made the other male disciples, who were already quite handsome, seem dull in comparison.

All the elders and sect leaders couldn't help but sigh. What a graceful young man! With such looks and temperament, no wonder he could become Leng Feiyan's disciple. Truly one in a million.

The palace maids in the hall were all captivated by his divine presence, blushing and their hearts racing. They envied the two palace maids standing behind the Sword Sect's table, thinking they were incredibly lucky to serve such an extraordinary young man.

Those two palace maids also felt fortunate, thinking they could boast about this for a year.

"It's Young Master Lin!" Ji Tongyin suddenly smiled in delight.

But her sister beside her had a completely different tone: "Why is it that guy, the playboy, hmph~"

Seeing her sister's delighted expression, Ji Linglong couldn't help but worry and started badmouthing Lin Jichen.

"Sister, don't be fooled by his appearance. Although he saved you, he's a two-timer. I saw him flirting with the girls at Autumn Moon Pavilion. He seems very familiar with them. You should think carefully about such a person."

Ji Tongyin covered her mouth and laughed, saying, "Brother told me about it, and I checked the records at Autumn Moon Pavilion. He didn't spend any money there. He just went once and then left."

"Really?" Ji Linglong was a bit skeptical.

"Of course. If you don't believe me, you can ask Third Brother."

"Is that so..." Ji Linglong was still half-convinced.

Clearly, the first impression had left a deep mark on this young girl, making it hard for her to change her mind quickly.

After entering the hall, Lin Jichen cupped his hands in salute and smiled, "My master is currently in seclusion, comprehending the Dao, and couldn't attend Emperor Ji's birthday celebration. She specifically sent me to attend on her behalf. I hope Emperor Ji can understand."

Ji Hongyue looked at Lin Jichen and suddenly laughed heartily, "No problem, no problem. Sect Master Leng's seclusion is a major event. Her sending her only disciple is already a great honor for me, Ji Hongyue."

"Moreover, you once saved my daughter Tongyin. I, Ji Hongyue, have always remembered this kindness. Young Hero Lin, please take a seat."

Lin Jichen didn't expect Ji Hongyue to react so warmly and enthusiastically. Moreover, the empress beside him seemed quite pleased with him, whispering a few words to Ji Hongyue, who nodded repeatedly with a beaming smile.

This left Lin Jichen somewhat puzzled. What's going on? I'm just a disciple of the Sect Master. Is it necessary to treat me with such importance?