Chapter 308: Congratulations, a lavish banquet! (1)

Zhugeqing exclaimed, "This incense is extremely expensive; a single stick is worth a fortune. In such a spacious hall, at least a dozen sticks must have been lit—it's terrifying, money spent like flowing water......"

The crowd followed the scent and saw that in every corner of the hall stood a human‑sized bronze cauldron, inside which a few sticks of golden incense were inserted, filling the entire banquet hall with a strange fragrance.

Against the backdrop of the fragrance, a luxurious, classical aura swept over them, making the whole banquet hall resemble an imperial palace.

Compared to this splendor, the exterior of the Jinghuawudaochang looks shabby by comparison.

"A few of you, follow me; your seats are up front."

The woman bowed slightly and continued leading the way.

Lu Jing followed behind, striding across the red carpet.

Dong—

As Lu Jing just stepped onto the red carpet, a deep, resonant bell toll suddenly rang out, echoing throughout the hall.

Immediately, uplifting music rose from all sides; each step Lu Jing took was accompanied by the bell, perfectly matching his pace.

At that moment, the seats on both sides of the red carpet were basically full.

The entire hall fell silent; everyone's eyes were fixed on Lu Jing in his splendid robe, unblinking.

As Lu Jing entered, some even rose to their feet, applauding fervently, their eyes blazing with enthusiasm.

Dong—

The bell kept tolling, stirring the heart and spirit, making one feel as if their body vibrated with each chime.

Dong dong dong—

The bell chimed one after another, its pitch rising higher and higher.

Behind Lu Jing, NieZhenghao and his companions had already taken their seats, while Lu Jing was still being gently guided by the woman.

With the bell's sound……

Lu Jing stepped onto the endless red‑gold‑trimmed carpet, climbing the grand, exaggerated staircase step by step with calm composure.

Ahead lay a massive ceremonial platform, standing nearly two stories higher than the ordinary seats.

Upon the platform stood four chairs carved from precious wood.

Three of them were occupied, leaving one empty.

That was Lu Jing's destination for this trip.

Lu Jing's steps faltered slightly, for one of the three was an old man with completely white hair and beard, sparking his interest.

The old man wore a simple blue‑cloth long robe, but beneath it one could see a body as sturdy as an iron tower.

Moreover, his countenance was kind, his skin as delicate as a child's, exuding a remarkable charm that belied his age.

This person must be the Sword Martial God, I suppose……

Lu Jing thought to himself.

Yet he sensed no vigorous Blood Qi within the old man's body—like an underground river, calm on the surface but with turbulent currents underneath.

Out of courtesy, Lu Jing did not spread his spiritual sense; he withdrew his gaze and continued upward.

As Lu Jing passed the sides of the staircase, the etiquette maidens standing in pairs on either side bowed to him.

"Champion!"

Hearing this, Lu Jing lightly nodded in return, feeling somewhat surprised.

He knew clearly that this grandeur was not prepared for him, but for that martial‑god powerhouse; he was merely basking in the other's reflected glory.

Lu Jing ascended the platform step by step, glanced at the three seated ahead, then gave a slight fist salute and, following the etiquette maidens' guidance, sat in the empty wooden chair.

As soon as he sat down, he felt the wooden chair was not cold; instead it transmitted a warm current to his body—it was made of premium wood, and indeed possessed this function!

His gaze drifted downward……

Lu Jing saw rows of figures below, among them several acquaintances.

He was representing the Shogunate Martial University at the Martial Way Assembly, so at this banquet NieZhenghao and Zhugeqing and their companions were also arranged to sit near the front.

Upon seeing Lu Jing's gaze, Zhugeqing became excited, his face flushing red and his lips trembling slightly.

Some of the other people around also looked at Lu Jing with eager and admiring eyes.

Among them were also some faculty and students from other martial universities, including Murong Feng and his companions from Lanshan Martial University; however, their expressions were complex, filled more with awe and worry.

From today onward, the Shogunate Martial University boasts a Martial Way Assembly Champion who won by absolute domination, having slain a half‑step Martial Lord—enough for them to brag about for ten years.

It can be said that Lu Jing is the most special and youngest Champion in the history of the Martial Way Assembly.

His fame will surely spread far and wide, shaking the eight directions!

Not long after, the banquet officially began.

The banquet's behind‑the‑scenes boss, namely the old man standing beside Lu Jing, walked to the front of the platform and began speaking with a voice like a great bell.

Next came the Vice President of the National Martial Association, Wu Xinghuo, and the Sword Martial God, Ren Jianfeng, to give their remarks.

This also served as a roundabout self‑introduction for everyone present.

When these few stepped forward to speak, the crowd below fell utterly silent, not a soul daring to make a sound.

These are all big shots they dare not offend; normally they wouldn't even get a chance to glance at them.

The whole process lasted a long time, nearly twenty minutes or more.

The speakers said most often were congratulations to Lu Jing for securing the Champion title and praise for the strength of Huaguo's younger generation—Huaguo's future is bright, may the heavens bless them, and so on……

Finally, they even gave Lu Jing a chance to speak; after he casually uttered a couple of sentences, a remark from the banquet's boss made him feel what true grandeur is.

"Congratulations! Lu Jing has won the Champion!"

All that was heard was his loud shout.

Instantly, many people rose from their seats and left.

Before Lu Jing could even react to what was happening……

"The Cheng family, representing the Cheng Chamber of Commerce, congratulates Champion Lu Jing, Martial Way Long Rainbow, presenting eighty‑eight pieces of top‑grade Dan Medicine, sixty‑six pieces of high‑grade Dan Medicine, and three sets of top‑grade protective soft armor!"

Immediately afterwards, many wealthy, powerful aristocratic families and martial hall representatives stepped forward, offering Lu Jing congratulatory gifts.

For a moment, watching these big shots from all walks of life obediently bow before him, even Lu Jing felt his heart stir.

"Lu Jing, classmate, just accept these gifts," Sword Martial God turned his head and smiled: "They all know you're a potential stock, so they'll naturally try to befriend and flatter you. Just take them, because when you accept the gifts, you give them face."

"Hmm, I understand, senior."

Lu Jing understood, looked up at Sword Martial God, and seeing the other keep smiling with his eyes fixed on him, felt a sudden chill.

He wondered if the old man had some strange fetish, because from the moment he stepped onto the ceremony platform until now, more than half the time the gaze was on him, making his skin crawl.

"Li Family, representing Li's Dan Medicine Company, congratulates Champion Lu on his flourishing martial fortune, presenting 100 premium Dan Medicine, one Black Gold Card from the Dan Medicine Company, and one copy of the Entry Sword Technique!"

"Congrats done!"

Soon, the congratulatory party gradually withdrew, and a gift list was respectfully handed to Lu Jing by the etiquette lady.