Chapter 2044: Sorry, everyone

Those who received the invitation were full of vigor, their steps seemed to carry wind, their backs straightened, and they showed off to anyone they saw.

"Yo, Old Li, you're going together tonight, right? Has Young Master Ye invited you?"

"Get lost."

"Not invited? Ah, what a pity, but don't worry, maybe next time."

"Get lost."

"Old Zhao, tell me what you want to eat tonight."

"How come, you can still pack it up and bring it back for me?"

"I'll tell you the taste after I finish eating."

"I'll kill you."

Because we've lived together for several years, we're familiar with each other, so speaking comes naturally without restraint, and teasing each other a few sentences is normal.

Just looking at those who were invited, each one smug beyond measure, everyone felt their teeth itch with anger, all having the same thought.

"Young Master Ye is clueless, how could he invite these beasts? If he's going to invite, he should invite us."

Not understanding why Ye Zhangqing suddenly wanted to host a banquet, but feeling upset is real, yet there's nothing we can do.

We can't go find Ye Zhangqing to demand an explanation, can we?

In the blink of an eye, evening arrived, and the banquet time came as scheduled.

Early in the morning, many of the invited people rushed to the canteen to wait.

Upon seeing Bai Hua Xianzi and the others, everyone called them "younger sister-in-law" in unison.

"Younger sister-in-law, no need to be polite, we can handle it ourselves."

"How could we let younger sister-in-law do the trouble of making tea? We'll do it ourselves."

"Exactly, younger sister-in-law, just rest; we'll take care of ourselves."

These people are sect masters and clan heads of the major powers, at worst they are elders or the like.

Their cultivation far surpasses that of Bai Hua Xianzi and the others, yet when facing them, everyone still calls them "younger sister-in-law" in unison.

Their attitude was exceedingly kind—who let them have such a good husband?

Facing the crowd's kind attitude, Bai Hua Xianzi and the five women felt a mix of emotions.

They knew why Ye Zhangqing was hosting the banquet today; thinking about what they'd have to say later left them uneasy.

They also didn't know how these people would react upon learning the truth, fearing they might lose composure on the spot.

At this moment, everyone was still immersed in the anticipation of the forthcoming feast, utterly unaware of any problem.

In the fire room, Ye Zhangqing had been busy all afternoon, and finally finished preparing the dishes.

Bai Hua Xianzi and the others personally served the dishes, naturally being politely insisted upon by the crowd, who refused to let them serve.

In the end, everyone rushed to the fire room themselves to serve the dishes.

Once the dishes were all served, there were five tables in total, without exception all having been patronized by Yun Xiantai and company.

After Ye Zhangqing took his seat, everyone then laughed and raised their cups to toast, thanking him for the banquet.

This table of food, perfect in color, aroma, and flavor, made people's eyes light up.

Facing the crowd's thanks, Ye Zhangqing responded without changing expression, chatting and laughing freely with everyone.

This made Bai Hua Xianzi and the five women beside him extremely uncomfortable—this husband truly has a big heart.

Soon we'll have to say that kind of thing, but for now we can still chat with these aggrieved parties, sitting at the same table drinking.

The five women don't have Ye Zhangqing's state of mind, so even while seated they are somewhat absent-minded.

Moreover, as his dao companions, the five women aren't that crazy about Ye Zhangqing's food; after all, whenever they want to eat, as long as he has time he'll make it for them, with no need to compete with others.

So the five women naturally won't drool over this table of food like others; they just lower their heads and eat.

While drinking and eating, the invited crowd simply felt wonderful.

And Ye Zhangqing wasn't in a hurry to speak; he waited until everyone had eaten their fill and drunk enough, then rose and raised his cup to speak.

"To be frank, today I invited you all also because I have a matter to discuss."

"Young Master Ye, you're being distant; your affairs are mine, just say what you need."

"Yeah, Young Master Ye doesn't need to be like that."

"Just send someone to pass a word."

The crowd still hadn't realized the seriousness of the matter, and showed no surprise at Ye Zhangqing's words.

They're all old monsters who've lived who knows how many years; Ye Zhangqing's unusual behavior today, everyone could guess a thing or two.

Earlier, with the food before them, they couldn't talk about these things, but deep down they were clear.

They just hadn't guessed the exact matter, but they were sure something was up.

However, to the crowd, having a matter is a good thing—this is a favor.

Eating at Ye Zhangqing's place, immortal crystals and spirit stones are useless, and he doesn't care about those either.

Moreover, in this town, people lacking immortal crystals are everywhere, but everyone's the same when it comes to eating—you have to queue.

But a favor is different; if Ye Zhangqing owes you a favor, at the very least you'll get to eat a meal from his private kitchen.

So, upon hearing Ye Zhangqing's words, the crowd not only didn't find it troublesome, they were delighted.

"Having a matter is good; no matter how big, we'll settle it for you."

The crowd spoke one by one with cheerful smiles, appearing completely unconcerned, and even somewhat eager to try.

Facing the crowd's chatter, Ye Zhangqing's smile didn't diminish, he didn't continue with nonsense, and went straight to the point.

"Thank you, everyone; then I, the junior, will speak plainly."

"Young Master Ye, you're being distant; of course any words will be spoken plainly."

"Yeah, Young Master Ye, if you have something to tell us, we'll spare no effort to get it done for you."

Exactly, if we join forces, there aren't many things in the Immortal Realm we can't do.

That boast is blown so loud it shakes the heavens.

Amid the chorus of agreement from everyone, Ye Zhangqing slowly said.

"Actually, there's no need for me, the junior, to say it; you all know I come from the Xia Jie."

Everyone already knows this, and there's nothing strange about it, so they all quieted down to wait for Ye Zhangqing's next words.

However, Ye Zhangqing's following words left all the Immortal Realm powerhouses present dumbfounded; all they heard was Ye Zhangqing speaking from the heart.

"Recently, the matter of the Thieves' Sect, you've all heard about it, right?"

Not only have they heard about it, everyone here is a victim; the sects and families behind them have all been targeted by the Thieves' Sect.

Currently, they are still searching throughout the Immortal Realm for the Thieves' Sect's thieves.

Before everyone could react, all they saw was Ye Zhangqing giving a deep bow to everyone, then he said.

"Not to hide it from you all, actually the Thieves' Sect is me, the junior."

Huh???

Completely dumbfounded, everyone present stood frozen like struck by lightning, wondering what it meant.

Ye Zhangqing is a member of the Thieves' Sect? So, the one who stole their treasury is Ye Zhangqing?

"Impossible, Young Master Ye, you can't just spout nonsense; when our sect was robbed back then, you were with us, and we all are witnesses."

"Exactly, when my clan was robbed, I was still eating in the canteen."

"Young Master Ye, what do you mean by this?"

"Young Master Ye, this saying of yours leaves this old man somewhat confused."

Everyone has already guessed something, and their hearts are filled with mixed feelings.