Chapter 717: The Banquet

While Mo Hua was secretly observing Shangguan Ce, Shangguan Ce did not glance at Mo Hua once.

This was a Gu family banquet, with many descendants and plenty of children.

Shangguan Ce held high rank and power, so he would not inquire about everyone individually.

He was whispering to the head of the Gu family.

The head of the Gu family, named Gu Shouyan, looked somewhat elderly, with thick eyebrows and sword-like eyes, his expression stern and unyielding.

He had once served as the Zhou Zhangsi of the Dao Ting Si in Qianxue Prefecture, wielding great authority and immense prestige.

Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan, the two heads, wore serious expressions, seemingly discussing something.

Because they used soundproofing techniques, Mo Hua could not hear them.

Not only the high platform where the two heads sat, but even the banquet table where he now sat was surrounded by at least third-grade soundproof arrays.

These soundproof arrays separated the Gu family's direct lineage, elders, and honored guests from the ordinary descendants outside.

Mo Hua could not hear the noise from outside.

The disciples outside could not hear what the elders were discussing.

They mingled with the clan yet remained undisturbed by each other.

Mo Hua glanced at the others and noticed many unfamiliar faces besides the Gu family cultivators.

These cultivators all bore haughty expressions, lived in comfort, and possessed notable cultivation levels.

These must be the Gu family's "honored guests," and most were likely elders of the Shangguan family.

They were seated according to status, rank, and cultivation level.

Mo Hua looked from top to bottom at the seating arrangement, muttering to himself.

The larger the clan, the more rules there were; what seemed an ordinary family banquet carried intricate seating etiquette, not to be taken lightly.

With the Ancestor not appearing, the highest seat naturally belonged to the two heads.

Below them were the senior elders with real power and deep cultivation.

Then came the core direct-line disciples—or rather, candidates for the next head.

After that, seating followed lineage, status, cultivation, and other factors, likely also considering relationships among guests.

Those with good relations were seated together to ensure harmony between host and guests.

Those with grudges were seated apart to avoid trouble.

Mo Hua saw Shangguan Yi.

Shangguan Yi sat near the top, close to the heads, because he was a direct-line member of the Shangguan family and a candidate for the next head.

Gu Hong, the elder who often gave Mo Hua snacks, also sat among the upper seats.

She was a senior direct-line elder, high in status and seniority, with formidable cultivation.

Mo Hua glanced lower and spotted Gu Changhuai.

Uncle Gu sat in the upper-middle section.

Though he was direct-line, his parents had died early, leaving him without support in the clan; though gifted, his reclusive nature meant he only secured a middling-to-upper seat.

Still, this was not bad.

Many were worse off than him.

Like Mo Hua himself.

Mo Hua looked down and saw his own seat was in the lower-middle section.

That was normal.

After all, he was just here for the free meal.

He was a lone cultivator, with no power or influence, poor elemental roots, and not a single drop of blood relation to the Gu family—not even remotely connected.

At a banquet like this, just getting a seat was lucky; how could he complain?

But…

Mo Hua turned his head, glancing at Yu'er beside him and Xu Wanyi, his brow slightly furrowed.

He was allowed to attend this banquet partly because of his decent ties to the Gu family, but mostly because of Xu Wanyi and Yu'er.

Yet why were Xu Wanyi and Yu'er seated only in the lower-middle section at such a grand banquet?

That was odd.

Xu Wanyi was a direct-line member of the Wen family and the legally wedded wife of Uncle Shangguan Yi.

And Yu'er was the sole direct-line grandson of the Shangguan family head.

To be seated so low at such a banquet… this was strange…

Mo Hua turned his head again.

Yu'er, being young, knew nothing of clan hierarchy or banquet seating; he merely clutched his chopsticks tightly, eagerly awaiting the meal to begin.

Xu Wanyi surely understood, but her eyes were entirely fixed on her child.

As long as Yu'er was safe and happy beside her, she cared nothing for clan status or seating order.

Mo Hua frowned in thought, then suddenly sensed several gazes.

"Someone is watching me?"

Mo Hua glanced back without revealing his awareness, then realized it wasn't him.

These gazes were all directed at Xu Wanyi and Yu'er beside him.

One of them belonged to Shangguan Yi.

Though seated among the upper tier, Shangguan Yi clearly seemed distracted, his gaze occasionally drifting downward toward his beloved wife and son, filled with longing and melancholy.

A grown man, looking so pitiful…

Mo Hua shook his head.

Next is Uncle Gu.

His gaze toward Xu Wanyi and Yu'er was mostly concern.

Of course, he also saw Mo Hua, sitting beside Yu'er.

Mo Hua winked at him.

Gu Changhuai pursed his lips, let out a soft huff, then turned away and picked up his wine cup to drink.

These two gazes were well-intentioned.

The rest of the gazes came from the Shangguan clan's elders.

Their gazes, though not malicious, held no warmth—cold, indifferent, filled with scrutiny and criticism, accompanied by murmurs.

Mo Hua sighed faintly.

This banquet held no good intent.

The infighting among aristocratic families was simply too troublesome.

But soon, the family banquet began, and Mo Hua pushed these thoughts aside.

One dish after another of rare delicacies was brought to the table.

Flying spirit beasts, immortal fruits, fine feasts.

Fish, shrimp, pig-dragons, chickens, geese, phoenix-birds.

Color, aroma, and flavor exquisite, making mouths water.

Though the Gu family had not reached fifth grade, they were still a prominent great clan; last year's banquet, while not extravagant, was certainly abundant.

Especially for Mo Hua, who had risen from a solitary cultivator.

Heaven and earth are vast, but eating is paramount.

Since he was attending the banquet, he might as well enjoy the free meal.

Aristocratic youths observed etiquette, chatting while exchanging hollow pleasantries.

Mo Hua and Yu'er, however, focused entirely on devouring their food.

Yet as they ate, Mo Hua suddenly sensed another gaze turning toward him.

Harsh, and filled with displeasure.

When Mo Hua looked, he saw an elder woman seated at the head table, dressed in green, heavily made-up, staring at Xu Wanyi with ill intent, as if plotting something.

Mo Hua continued gnawing on his chicken leg, silently observing her.

The banquet continued; the dishes were delicious, cups clinked, outwardly harmonious, yet the atmosphere remained distant.

Finally, after some time, as Mo Hua sipped fruit wine, he felt a wave of revulsion—and then heard the green-clad elder ask someone beside her:

"I hear Miss Wenren from the Wenren clan is also at the Gu residence. Forgive my poor memory, but which one is she?"

Her tone was perfectly calibrated.

Not loud enough to be rude, yet not deliberately lowered—so everyone could hear.

And this question was clearly intentional, pretending ignorance.

Wenren Wan set Yu'er down, rose gracefully, and bowed to the green-clad elder.

The green-clad elder feigned surprise, remained seated, and offered insincere small talk:

"I come from a great clan in Qianzhou, a direct daughter of the Shen family. I married into the Shangguan clan not long ago; I've only heard of Miss Wan before, never met her in person. Out of curiosity, I asked—forgive me if I was Tang Tu."

Wenren Wan nodded slightly.

The elder's smile faded slightly as she assumed an air of authority. "By seniority, I should be your aunt."

Wenren Wan, though somewhat displeased, still restrained herself and respectfully replied:

"Aunt."

"Mm." The elder smiled in response, then sighed. "Don't blame your aunt. You've been away so long, I've hardly seen you—naturally, we've grown distant."

"But speaking of which…" The elder glanced at Wenren Wan coolly, revealing her true intent. "Yi Young Master is, after all, the next head of the clan. You, as his wife, the Lady of the clan, stay here in the Gu residence day after day—what does that mean? Are you… not taking the Shangguan clan seriously?"

Wenren Wan's face paled slightly.

The atmosphere in the hall grew colder.

Wenren Wan was about to speak when Shangguan Yi stood up and said gently:

"Wan'er stays at the Gu residence to care for Yu'er."

"Yu'er has been frail since childhood; to strengthen his body and consolidate his foundation, he was sent at a young age to the Grand Void Gate to cultivate."

"Mother and child are bound by heart. Worried Yu'er might slack off, Wan'er remained here—not only to care for him, but to oversee his training."

"And near the Qianxue Province border, the Shangguan, Gu, and Wenren clans all have numerous Daoist enterprises—all managed by Wan'er…"

Seeing the deep affection between husband and wife, the elder scrutinized Wenren Wan with a critical eye and smirked maliciously:

"Gentle beauty, outwardly graceful, inwardly wise—truly a great beauty. No wonder Yi Young Master is so devoted, always defending you, always catering to your wishes. How enviable."

At these words, everyone's expression changed.

It was an insinuation that Shangguan Yi, as Shangguan clan's heir, had been blinded by lust, controlled by his wife, and unfit for leadership.

Shangguan Yi's expression shifted slightly.

Some secretly glanced at the face of the clan head, Shangguan Ce, seated at the head.

After all, Shangguan Yi was Shangguan Ce's only son.

Yet Shangguan Ce remained calm, as if he heard nothing, seemingly unconcerned that his son was being criticized.

Gu Changhuai frowned. Seeing Wenren Wan standing alone, enduring the Shangguan clan's slurs, he immediately rose to his feet.

But instantly, a sharp gaze turned toward him.

It was Gu Shouyan, head of the Gu clan.

Gu Changhuai's expression grew stubborn; he opened his mouth several times, hesitated, but ultimately could not defy the clan head, and sat down reluctantly.

Gu Changhuai knew in his heart that standing up to speak would do no good, only make things worse.

On the other side, Shangguan Yi pretended calmness, but his heart sank.

He realized that the more he defended Wan'er and Yu'er, the more blame they would attract.

It would only make him seem overly sentimental and indecisive.

Even though he was indeed sentimental, others' words didn't matter to him.

But he could never bear to drag his wife and children into it.

A female elder from the Shen family, seeing this, let a faint cold smile touch her lips, then turned her gaze to Yu'er and shook her head.

"Scions of noble houses learn propriety at three, their posture, movement, sitting, lying, eating, drinking, daily routines—all must follow decorum, never overstep."

"Who ever behaves like this child—cheerful, unguarded before elders, walking recklessly, lacking all grace, at family banquets only focused on eating and drinking…"

The female elder sighed, "Such a child, if left like this, will surely be corrupted."

Yu'er, publicly scolded, suddenly became flustered and shrank behind his mother.

Wenren Wan's heart ached, then flared with rage; her gaze turned icy, ready to retort—when she caught Shangguan Yi's worried look.

She instantly understood.

This Shen family female elder was a senior; her cryptic remarks were, on the surface, mere instruction.

As a junior, it was better to endure them.

If she couldn't bear it and spoke back, the consequences would be worse: she'd earn the label "disrespectful to elders," and Yu'er would be tainted too, called "ill-bred."

Because she was his mother, and Yu'er had been raised by her.

Wenren Wan's eyes grew slightly red, her pale hands clenched white.

Mo Hua looked furious; he was about to speak—when he noticed the female elder, smug and satisfied, had already turned her gaze toward him.

"Young Master, which family are you from?"

Mo Hua froze.

Before Mo Hua could answer, the female elder sneered:

"Poor spiritual roots—I'd wager you're no scion of nobility, just some wild boy from who-knows-where."

She turned her gaze again to Wenren Wan and sighed:

"This is your mistake, cultivator. The Dao demands Law, Wealth, Companion, and Ground. The 'Companion' refers to fellow cultivators who share your path."

"From childhood, noble scions must carefully select their friends."

"Those of low birth, low status, inferior bloodline, and poor spiritual roots—such people are not worthy, nor fit to sit at the table."

"Moreover, this child eats more crudely and rudely than Yu'er, utterly unrefined—aren't you truly unafraid that this boy will corrupt my esteemed Shangguan family's direct heir?"

Yu'er didn't fully understand, but knew his Mo brother was being insulted; his face turned pale with anger.

Wenren Wan could no longer hold back.

She could endure insults aimed at herself.

But Mo Hua was Yu'er's savior.

When Yu'er was kidnapped, Mo Hua rescued him; when Yu'er suffered nightmares, only Mo Hua soothed him.

Wenren Wan's gaze turned icy, and she spoke: "You—"

But before she could finish, she felt Mo Hua tug her sleeve.

Wenren Wan froze, looked down—and saw Mo Hua sip fruit wine, moisten his throat, wipe his mouth, then slowly rise.

Wenren Wan didn't know what Mo Hua intended.

Mo Hua, with a guileless expression, secretly pointed at the female elder and whispered to Wenren Wan:

"Wan Yi, who is this fierce old woman…?"

He deliberately lowered his voice.

But he lowered it only physically—no spiritual sense to conceal it.

Every cultivator present had formidable cultivation; none could miss what he said.

"Fierce old woman…"

Everyone's expressions shifted subtly.

The female elder froze, then immediately glared with fury.

In her two hundred years, she had only ever heard flattery: "peerless beauty," "like a painted maiden," "still as graceful as ever…"

She truly believed her beauty matched no one's.

Yet this brat!

Called her "old woman"!

She pointed at Mo Hua, voice sharp: "Who is this 'fierce old woman'?!"

Her furious question answered itself.

Mo Hua seemed startled, voice weak: "Wan Yi calls you 'Auntie'—if you're not an old woman, what are you?"

The female elder's eyes blazed.

Wenren Wan felt a flicker of satisfaction, but also a wry helplessness: "She's Auntie, yes—but she's only a hundred years older than me; calling her 'old woman' is excessive…"

Mo Hua muttered: "How was I to know? Her face is caked in powder thicker than a wall—I couldn't tell her age…"

The female elder nearly ground her teeth to dust.

Mo Hua asked Wenren Wan again: "If not 'old woman,' then… 'old auntie'?"

Someone at the table finally couldn't hold back and laughed.

Soon, others followed, stifling chuckles.

Provoked by the laughter, the Shen family female elder finally exploded—slamming her palm down, shattering every dish and cup on the table, soup and food spilling across the floor.

Mo Hua shook his head, speaking precisely:

"This old auntie, always falling and stumbling, has no manners at all."

"In posture, movement, eating, drinking, daily routines—there must be propriety."

"Isn't it taught from age three? How can someone over two hundred still not have learned it?"

Mo Hua muttered softly again, "Look, you haven't even mastered it yourself, yet you want to teach others…"

The female elder's face, powdered white, turned as black as a sooty pot, her features twisting.

After a long silence, she suppressed her fury and gritted her teeth:

"Disrespectful to elders! The Gu family truly… any brat can now sit at the table… Who are your parents? What is your true status?"

"If you don't reveal your origins, the Shangguan family—and even the Shen family—will not let you go!"

At these words, everyone frowned.

After all, she was born into the great Shen family, now married into the Shangguan family and holding the rank of elder—how could her heart be so narrow, so lacking in grace, picking a fight with a child and threatening him publicly…

Then everyone turned to Mo Hua, their expressions tinged with concern.

Several Gu family elders who knew Mo Hua stepped forward to defuse the tension.

"He's just a child—childish words, why take offense…"

Elder Gu Hong also replied vaguely:

"The New Year is near; we shouldn't fly into a rage. It's a family banquet—harmony is best. I'll scold this child later…"

But the female elder pressed on, sneering:

"This brat isn't from your Gu family, is he?"

The elders froze, exchanging glances.

Mo Hua was certainly not from the Gu family.

Under these circumstances, they couldn't possibly lie.

The female elder coldly said, "Then why is this brat attending your Gu family's banquet—and daring to speak disrespectfully to me? The Gu family had better give me an explanation!"

This was an insult.

The Gu family elders all glared darkly.

We tried to calm you before out of respect for the Shen family—and the Shangguan family.

Better to avoid trouble.

But to act so reckless, so arrogant, is to show no regard for the Gu family at all.

Though the Gu family may not rival the Shen family, it is no ordinary minor clan—how easily do you think you can manipulate us?

As the atmosphere grew tense, Mo Hua finally took out a wooden box and placed it slowly on the table, his voice clear:

"I'm here to deliver a gift!"

The female elder glanced down and saw that the wooden box held only a simple calligraphy scroll—plain, unframed, devoid of any noble aura—and sneered:

"No ambition at all—bringing such a shabby painting as a gift? Don't you feel ashamed…"

But an elderly Shangguan elder nearby turned pale and immediately shouted:

"Shut up!"

And on the raised dais, the Shangguan patriarch and the Gu patriarch both slowly rose to their feet.

The female elder looked bewildered, utterly confused.

A Shangguan elder frowned, glanced at the calligraphy, his eyes slowly widening in disbelief. Then he looked at Mo Hua, his tone unconsciously more respectful: "Young brother, this calligraphy is…"

Mo Hua said: "It was given to me by Master Xun."

Master Xun?

Everyone exchanged glances.

A few of the most senior elders trembled internally and whispered low: "The Grand Void Gate's Grand Master Xun."

"This calligraphy… is the Grand Master's own hand."

At these words, everyone drew a sharp breath; when they looked at Mo Hua again, their eyes were filled with utter disbelief.

The Grand Void Gate's Grand Master had sent this young cultivator to deliver a gift?

What virtue and ability does this young cultivator possess… to deliver a gift on behalf of the Grand Master?

What connection does he have with the Grand Void Gate's Grand Master Xun?

All the cultivators were shaken.

Wenren Wan beside Mo Hua was stunned.

She had feared he was bullied in the sect—how had he, out of nowhere, earned the Grand Master's protection…

Gu Changhuai was even more dazed.

He knew Mo Hua was doing well in the Grand Void Gate—but he never imagined he could be doing this well.

The Master Xun, whom Mo Hua said had taught him arrays… was the Profound Void Grand Master…

The atmosphere froze; the hall fell utterly silent.

At that moment, a shadow flickered—Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan had already appeared beside Mo Hua, staring at the characters in the box:

Abundant Fortune.

Both men were stunned, their hearts startled.

"Abundant Fortune?"

"Why did the Grand Master Xun of the Grand Void Gate write these four characters? What meaning lies within?"

Their minds raced with thoughts, yet their faces remained calm, showing nothing, asking nothing.

Gu Shouyan bowed to the calligraphy and said solemnly: "Thank you, Elder, for the gift of these characters."

Then he turned to Mo Hua, a faint smile on his stern face, "Put it away, kid—growing boys need to eat more."

Mo Hua blinked slightly, then smiled warmly and bowed politely.

"Thank you, Head of the Clan!"

After that, Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan said nothing more.

The banquet proceeded normally.

But when the next dishes arrived, Gu Shouyan ordered:

"Add a seat at the upper table."

The guests looked puzzled, yet felt it was only natural.

So a new seat was hastily added to the upper table.

It was a sign of respect for Mr. Xun.

But since the Old Ancestor himself had not come, it was not placed at the foremost seat.

Thus, this seat ranked just below the two Heads of the Clan, yet above all other upper seats—it was the "Upper-Upper Seat."

Gu Shouyan said, "Young brother, please."

Mo Hua's eyes lit up; he tugged at Xu Wanyi's sleeve. "Wan Yi."

Xu Wanyi froze, then rose with some hesitation.

Mo Hua then took Yu'er's small hand, and the three of them walked calmly to the dais and sat at the "Upper-Upper Seat."

Upper-Upper Seat.

This was Mr. Xun's prestige.

Mo Hua knew he was riding on Mr. Xun's coattails, basking in his reflected glory.

But since Mr. Xun had gifted him that calligraphy, he surely understood these matters—so Mo Hua made no pretense of modesty.

The spiritual dishes at the Upper-Upper Seat were better than those below.

Now no one dared to interfere with him—Mo Hua ate however he pleased.

Empowered by Mo Hua's leniency, Yu'er's fearful eyes gradually brightened; her timid expression vanished, and she ate and drank heartily alongside Mo Hua, bold and unashamed.

Xu Wanyi watched the two children, her gaze filled with both relief and gratitude.

The green-robed elder who had been so arrogant earlier now sat below Mo Hua.

She could only stare helplessly as Mo Hua sat above her, eating and drinking without a care, making her tremble with rage, her face contorted, her makeup flaking off in dust…

(End of Chapter)