Chapter 77: Get to Know the Four—Just Try Tasting Them

“No problem!”

Zhou Liang withdrew his gaze, yet a ripple stirred in his heart.

Yu Ke seems… different!

He truly felt the subtle change in Yu Ke’s aura.

This change was not merely superficial, but a quality radiating from within.

The Yu Ke of his memory.

Quiet and reserved, utterly focused on cultivation, as if indifferent to all things beyond cultivation.

In over four years since joining the Shenxiao Sect, he had attended barely any banquets and rarely interacted with others.

Yet now, Yu Ke.

Was slightly different from the figure in his memory.

Under the glow of the banquet’s magical array lights.

Yu Ke’s face carried a gentle smile, not forced, naturally expressed, like a spring breeze brushing the face, evoking warmth and closeness.

What surprised him even more was.

Yu Ke’s skin had turned fair and pale, his once messy eyebrows neatly groomed, his eyes no longer dull but brimming with spiritual vitality, as if able to pierce through the soul.

Tall and elegant, spirit bright, demeanor icy.

He radiated an aura of refined composure, utterly unlike his former self.

Zhou Liang couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath.

“This lad has even one ten-thousandth of my charm.”

Good job, Yu Ke, Brother Zhou underestimated you.

Zhou Liang had assumed Yu Ke disliked such gatherings, so he hadn’t specifically invited him.

But this gathering, due to one person’s absence and insufficient numbers, he had been forced to hastily drag Yu Ke in to fill the spot.

He had expected Yu Ke wouldn’t come.

Now it seemed he’d come prepared!

Zhou Liang adjusted his meticulously prepared attire.

His black hair tied with a white silk ribbon, draped in snowy silk.

Around his waist, a long white silk sash with tassels, hanging a piece of mutton-fat white jade, over which he wore a soft smoke gauze robe.

This entire outfit cost two hundred spirit stones.

Zhou Liang gently flicked his folding fan.

His confidence and assurance returned!

He had prepared for this banquet for a long time.

Yu Ke returned the smile and nodded:

“Then I’ll leave it to Brother Zhou to introduce them.”

Zhou Liang snapped back to himself and began:

“This is Brother Feng Yuan, from the Feng family of Great Zhou—you’ve probably heard of him.”

He paused, then continued:

“Brother Feng’s cultivation base is unfathomable—he has reached the peak of the Second Ladder, all his acupoints fully opened, just one step away from breaking through to the Divine Heaven Point, the Third Ladder of Foundation Establishment.”

Yu Ke followed Zhou Liang’s gesture and looked over.

Feng Yuan sat among the guests, broad and muscular, his body thick with sinew, bushy eyebrows, sharp eyes radiating an aura not to be underestimated.

Yu Ke was no stranger to Feng Yuan’s name—he was indeed one of the most accomplished among Great Zhou’s aristocratic disciples.

Feng Yuan, at the peak of the Second Ladder, had already forged the two divine traits: [Golden Muscle, Jade Veins] and [Copper Skin, Iron Bones].

Feng Yuan, noticing Yu Ke’s gaze, merely gave a cold nod, seemingly uninterested in this new junior.

Zhou Liang continued:

“This is Sister Yue, Yue Qiulan—also at the peak of the Second Ladder.”

Yue Qiulan sat on the other side, her figure full-figured, her face delicate and alluring, a small mole on her nose adding to her charm.

She noticed Yu Ke’s gaze and smiled warmly, greeting him with evident kindness.

Besides Zhou Liang, Feng Yuan, and Yue Qiulan, there was one more person at the table.

A female cultivator in green robes.

She sat quietly, constantly twisting the hem of her sleeves, looking nervous.

She appeared young, her features dignified with a touch of baby fat, faint black freckles on her cheeks, tightly hidden by her hair.

Seeing this, Zhou Liang introduced her to Yu Ke:

“This is Sister Zhang, Zhang Ziling.”

“She joined the Shenxiao Sect only two years ago, yet her cultivation has already reached the peak of the Second Ladder.”

“Her talent is exceptional—several Inner Sect Elders have expressed interest in taking her as a disciple.”

Before Zhou Liang finished speaking, Zhang Ziling hurriedly stood up, interrupting anxiously.

Her face flushed red as she hurriedly explained:

“Brother Zhou, it’s not certain—it’s not confirmed.”

Zhang Ziling then turned to Yu Ke and bowed:

“Zhang Ziling, greetings, Brother Yu.”

Yu Ke did not act haughty; he returned the bow and said gently:

“Sister Zhang, you’re too kind—you’re so young and already at this level, your future is boundless.”

Hearing Yu Ke’s response, Zhang Ziling’s nervousness eased, and a smile appeared on her face.

“Brother Yu is too humble.”

With Zhou Liang’s introductions, Yu Ke gained a preliminary understanding of everyone present.

He noticed that Zhou Liang, Feng Yuan, Yue Qiulan, and Zhang Ziling were all at the peak of the Second Ladder.

And he himself was likely also assumed by Zhou Liang to be at the peak of the Second Ladder.

This gathering isn’t about looks?

It’s about cultivation base!

Yu Ke felt puzzled—wasn’t it supposed to be five minus one?

But even with Zhang Ziling, there were only four people.

Still, he didn’t dwell on it.

After all, he was just here for the meal.

He glanced at the seating arrangement, intending to sit beside Zhou Liang, but Zhou Liang quickly pulled him aside to sit next to Zhang Ziling, saying:

"Younger brother, this seat is reserved for Sister—sit here."

“Sister?”

Yu Ke’s heart stirred—he guessed the “sister” Zhou Liang meant was the immortal maiden he’d dreamed of.

Still, he didn’t dwell on it and sat naturally beside Zhang Ziling.

As Yu Ke sat down.

Zhang Ziling immediately shifted to make room, sitting up straighter.

Yu Ke politely said:

“Thank you, Sister Zhang!”

Zhang Ziling’s cheeks flushed slightly.

The table held not only various spirit fruits but also delicate pastries.

The food emitted an enticing aroma, making one’s mouth water.

The four of them hadn’t touched a thing.

Yu Ke had no such restraint.

Zhou Liang conversed with Feng Yuan and Yue Qiulan, their topics mostly on the progress of Outer Sect disciples and Foundation Establishment methods.

Occasionally, Zhang Ziling softly chimed in.

Only!

Yu Ke remained silent, indulging in the food as if no one else existed.

Zhou Liang kept glancing at the empty seat, his face filled with anticipation—he was waiting for his dream maiden.

Feng Yuan and Yue Qiulan also wore strange expressions, tinged with tension, their eyes frequently flicking toward the entrance.

Perhaps it was because Yu Ke ate so deliciously, devouring everything like a whirlwind, completely lost in his own world.

Sitting beside him, the green-robed Zhang Ziling watched Yu Ke feast voraciously.

Her lips parted slightly.

She was also a bit hungry, rubbing her stomach—but the other seniors hadn’t touched the food.

This young woman from a small town in Great Zhou, cautious by nature, sat quietly, afraid her actions might be improper.

Zhou Liang watched Yu Ke wolf down his food, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Brother Yu, could you at least maintain some decorum? Your eating manners are far too uncouth.

Yue Qiulan’s lips curled in a smile.

Feng Yuan’s gaze grew colder, his indifference even greater.

Now!

Brother Yu led the way, and everyone made Zhang Ziling go hungry.

She asked in a quiet voice:

“Brother Yu, is it delicious?”

Yu Ke smiled, watching her stiff demeanor.

Zhang Ziling, meeting Yu Ke’s gaze, lowered her head awkwardly.

She did not hear Brother Yu’s reply.

She silently regretted it.

Zhang Ziling, Zhang Ziling, you shouldn’t have been so reckless.

The banquet reached its climax, lanterns dimmed, cups clinked in exchange.

Friends bonded, leaving behind warm, animated silhouettes.

During the feast, Zhou Liang and the other two were distracted, chatting half-heartedly, as if awaiting someone’s arrival.

Yu Ke gently pushed a plate of pastries toward Zhang Ziling.

“Try it and you’ll know.”

Zhang Ziling slowly lifted her head.

Tomorrow is Monday.

Dear lords, please follow along—Monday brings a recommendation push.

Many of you are saving this novel; please come read tomorrow, my fathers.

Lords, just take a look—your humble servant thanks you!!



(End of Chapter)