Chapter 494 - 493: An Esteemed Guest Arrives, An Awkward Situation

Just like on the Blue Star.

Artefact Refiners, Alchemists, and Talisman Masters are considered particularly special beings, especially those who are masters or even grandmasters.

Gauging from Li Jing’s level.

He is certainly not a grandmaster refiner.

A fully-qualified grandmaster refiner from the Immortal Realm would have been immersed in the path of artifact refinement for hundreds or even thousands of years.

In terms of refinement techniques, Li Jing might not necessarily be inferior to them.

After all, he has extraordinary abilities.

But as for the experience in artifact refinement, he was far from comparable to a grandmaster.

At his level, he could barely be considered a master.

However, as Li Lingyin introduced him as a grandmaster to everyone, Feng Xie and the guests from Phoenix Sun City and its surroundings naturally believed him to be a grandmaster.

Upon entering the City Lord’s Mansion, they arrived at the place where Feng Xie was hosting his guests.

As the host, Feng Xie had gone outside to welcome the guests who were arriving. He directly invited Li Jing and Li Lingyin to sit in the place of honor, ordered his servants to serve them fine wine and delectable dishes, and sat down with them.

This somehow made Li Jing feel a little uncomfortable.

The banquet was held by the Phoenix Sun City Lord for a certain distinguished guest.

Li Lingyin was also invited, clearly not only for Feng Xie’s sake, but also to honor the distinguished guest who was to arrive.

The distinguished guest has not yet arrived, and it was not yet time to start the feast, but Feng Xie was already sitting down and starting to eat, drink, and chat with the two of them. Wasn’t this stealing the show?

Feng Xie’s enthusiasm was not without reason.

A person like a grandmaster refiner, regardless of where they are, is a rare breed.

Take the Cangming Realm, for instance.

Although this place is among the seventy-two realms in the Eastern Immortal Domain, and is home to many powerful figures, one could still count the number of qualified grandmaster refiners on one hand. It would cost an exorbitant amount to invite them, let alone requiring certain face recognition.

Despite Lord Feng’s ability to wield great power in Phoenix Sun County, he might not necessarily have such prestige in other places.

Li Lingyin, on the other hand, might.

Giving up the opportunity to connect with a grandmaster refiner was unthinkable for Feng Xie.

This caused quite a discomfort among the visiting guests.

The critical issue was that Feng Xie was monopolizing the situation.

Besides Li Jing and Li Lingyin, no one else was invited to join the table or introduced.

As a result, they could only sit far away and watch from afar.

They couldn’t even get close, let alone strike up a conversation.

If they went over and just stood there watching while others were eating, drinking, and chatting, wouldn’t that seem weird?

Those present were all people of distinction who couldn’t afford to lose face...

But, actually.

Faced with Feng Xie, no one dared to show any sign of discontent.

As mentioned before.

All people who could become city lords in the Immortal Realm were powerful individuals who rose to power through their own strength, and their cultivation levels might not necessarily be inferior to the Domain Lords.

Moreover, in reality.

Most of the guests in attendance were invited to add some grandeur to the occasion, rather than because Feng Xie deemed it necessary to invite them.

This, is the confidence of a city lord.

Li Jing sat at his seat, receiving Feng Xie’s enthusiastic manner while observing his surroundings.

It was clear that everyone present wanted to chat and get to know him, but due to Feng Xie’s presence, they had to hold back, making him experience a lot.

However, Li Jing was quite pleased with the quiet.

There were many guests present, and if he had to mingle with each one, he would probably be exhausted.

In a strict sense.

His objective for this trip had already been achieved, and there was no need to complicate matters.

...

Before they knew it, half an hour had passed.

Gradually, many guests arrived.

They were ushered in by the servants of the City Lord’s Mansion.

Upon seeing Li Jing, Li Lingyin, and Feng Xie sitting together, each visitor would scrutinize a certain individual and then inquire about his identity from those in the know.

Upon learning the background of Li Jing, each of the guests who arrived was somewhat envious.

But no one dared to come over and interrupt the three of them.

Li Jing had been engaged in polite conversation with Feng Xie for half an hour, which was honestly quite unbearable.

Feng Xie didn’t hold him and ask him this and that.

But every other sentence was a flattery, either praising his refinement skills or his achievements in artifact refinement.

A city lord like him had turned into a prototypical sycophant.

Really...

You can’t converse normally with this sort of person.

What troubled Li Jing even more was that.

Once Li Lingyin sat at the table, she was entirely engrossed in eating and drinking, behaving as if she hadn’t eaten for years.

She didn’t seem to be assisting him in diverting the conversation or changing the topic...

Just as Li Jing was feeling increasingly uncomfortable.

Feng Xie, who was currently engrossed in chatting with him, seemed to have received a message from someone. His eyes brightened, he stood up and bowed to Li Jing with his hands clenched.

"Master Li, the main guest of this banquet is about to arrive. I will take my leave for now to welcome her. When she arrives, I’ll introduce you to her."

"The distinguished guest is important. Lord Feng, you should attend to your affairs and don’t mind me."

Li Jing smiled.

Although he was outwardly calm, he breathed a sigh of relief internally.

This sycophant has finally left!

Truth be told, it would have been all right if he did continue to flatter.

The key point was that his status was not ordinary and his strength was extraordinary, he had to deal with it.

Over here.

Feng Xie received a response from Li Jing, nodded, then glanced at Li Lingyin, who was hugging a pot of wine and laughing foolishly as if she had gotten drunk, intending to say hello to her. However, he hesitated, feeling it was not appropriate to disturb her, so he chose to leave.

With Feng Xie’s departure.

The other guests immediately realized that the "main character" of the banquet was about to arrive, and promptly stood up to follow him out.

Being invited to add grandeur to the occasion, there was no need to specifically follow him out.

However, the person about to arrive was no ordinary character.

Even if they had the opportunity to chat with Li Jing, it was less worthwhile than getting familiar with that person.

Seeing all the guests choosing to follow Feng Xie out to "welcome the guest", without anyone staying behind to seize the opportunity to build a rapport with him, Li Jing was somewhat puzzled.

The main character of today’s banquet was far from ordinary, which he was aware of.

However, the current situation was admittedly a bit exaggerated.

He glanced at Li Lingyin, who was still hugging the wine jar, silly and in no hurry to move, looking as if she was tipsy. Hesitant, he decided to speak.

"Lingyin, shall we go out and take a look together?"

Of course, Li Lingyin couldn’t get drunk so easily.

With fine wine and good food to enjoy, she was indeed happy.

But the silly laughter was feigned.

Li Lingyin didn’t like to engage in social banter, and she disliked being fawned upon even more.

She saw the discomfort Li Jing was experiencing from Feng Xie’s fawning and decided to play the fool to avoid Feng Xie diverting his attention to her.

Fawning over people is something that requires tact.

The first thing necessary is a suitable topic that can create an opportunity to fawn.

Forcing the issue definitely won’t work.

Feng Xie had been fawning over Li Jing for quite a while now, an undeniable testament to his "deep skills". But in truth, he was almost out of things to say and was resorting to fawning in desperation.

If it weren’t for Li Lingyin "being immersed in her own world", he would have found an opportunity to chat with her earlier, making it more natural for him to interact with Li Jing.

However.

Hearing Li Jing’s voice, Li Lingyin, who was in a daze just a moment ago, regained clarity, turning her gaze over.

"There’s no need for us to go out and partake in the revelry. The incoming visitor is indeed special, but essentially, he’s just one of the Immortal Lords within our Cangming Realm. As the Domain Lord, dining at the same table with him is already giving enough face. It would seem rather demeaning for me, as the Domain Lord, to actually go out and greet him."

Li Jing had noticed quite early on that Li Lingyin was predominantly playing dumb.

Even though she was somewhat peculiar, she hadn’t gone to that extent.

She mainly had a strong alcohol addiction, needing a gulp every now and then, or else she would feel uncomfortable.

At this point, responding to her remarks, Li Jing frowned slightly, then his expression gradually turned peculiar.

An Immortal Lord?

Before the establishment of Chen Tang City.

There were a total of Seventy-Two caves, Thirty-Six Taoist schools, and Nine Great Immortal Palaces that were recognized by Donghua Immortal Palace in the Cangming Realm. The leaders of these factions were referred to as Immortal Lords.

So, the one coming was from one of these?

Given how seriously the Phoenix Sun City Lord was looking upon this matter, as Li Lingyin even had to show up to give some face.

The visitor was likely not from the Seventy-Two Caves nor from the Thirty-Six Taoist schools...

The Seventy-Two Caves mainly comprised of fourth or fifth-tier powers.

And the Thirty-Six Taoist schools were of second or third-tier.

Leaving the Phoenix Sun City Lord aside.

Just considering Li Lingyin’s side.

Probably only the first-tier forces from the Nine Great Immortal Palaces could merit her respect.

Furthermore, considering that the half-step Taoist instrument custom-tailored by the Phoenix Sun City Lord for himself was a Guzheng, it was hard for Li Jing not to think about the Immortal Music Palace, which he had recently heard about from Tong Xiaoxiao.

That’s right.

It was the Sect which had bought his seven Immortal-grade Guzhengs in a hefty deal...

This...

Could it be such a coincidence?

With an intent to confirm, Li Jing asked,

"So, the Immortal Lord expected to arrive, it’s not by any chance the Palace Lord of the Immortal Music Palace, is it?"

Upon hearing this, Li Lingyin blinked and nodded.

"That’s correct."

"..."

Li Jing.

Seeing that he remained silent and looked amused, Li Lingyin frowned.

"What’s with that look on your face? Does it mean you have a past with the Palace Lord of the Immortal Music Palace?"

"How is that possible?"

Li Jing chuckled bitterly as he replied,

"It’s just that this is a bit of a coincidence."

Saying that, he recounted the fact that his other seven Guzhengs stored at Ta Xue Trading Company were bought away by someone from the Immortal Music Palace.

Upon hearing the details, Li Lingyin smiled and said,

"This can’t really be considered a coincidence."

After saying that, her expression became strange.

"Tell me, you can’t be unaware that the owner of the Ta Xue Trading Company has another identity. She is the half-sister of the Palace Lord of the Immortal Music Palace, Tong Rou. The two share the same father but different mothers. To some extent, it is because of her that Phoenix Sun County has established some sort of connection with the Immortal Music Palace that’s millions of miles away."

"..."

Li Jing.

Previously, when he found out that Tong Xiaoxiao had connections with the Immortal Music Palace, he had some speculations about their relationship.

But how could he have imagined

that Tong Xiaoxiao was actually the sister of the Palace Lord of Immortal Music Palace!?

This is just...

Placing his hand on his forehead, Li Jing said with an odd expression,

"I’ve told you before that I’ve been doing business with the owner of Ta Xue Trading Company. Why didn’t you mention this to me at that time?"

"You’re handling Feng Xie through Tong Xiaoxiao. I thought you knew."

Li Lingyin tilted her head.

Li Jing was left speechless.

In fact, this was a valid reason.

The main point was that Tong Xiaoxiao had kept something from him.

Rubbing his forehead, Li Jing asked curiously.

"So, is the owner of Ta Xue Commercial Bank actualy an apprentice of the Immortal Music Palace?"

"She was originally, but now she isn’t."

Li Lingyin responded, saying,

"I heard that the Immortal Music Palace underwent some changes a few hundred years ago, and Tong Xiaoxiao chose to leave due to circumstances. I don’t know exactly what happened. All I know is that although she still keeps in touch with the Immortal Music Palace, her relationship with her sister isn’t very harmonious."

Saying this, she smirked.

"Of course, this is all just on the surface."

Hearing this, Li Jing raised his eyebrows, showing an ’I understand’ expression.

If Tong Xiaoxiao really had a falling out with Tong Rou...

The Immortal Music Palace wouldn’t establish contact with Phoenix Sun County, which is so far away, and even make the Palace Lord of the Immortal Music Palace visit Phoenix Sun County today.

Tong Xiaoxiao wouldn’t accept the order related to Tong Rou for a mere business transaction.

There’s definitely a story behind all this.

Just as he was curious and was about to ask for gossip, Feng Xie’s hearty laugh resounded from outside the door.

Upon hearing the laughter, Li Jing and Li Lingyin both turned their heads.

Then.

The two of them saw Feng Xie walking in with a satisfied smile on his face, followed by an extremely beautiful woman in a snowy dress.

Following them were eight beautful women dressed in the same style.

And then, a large crowd of guests who had gone out to greet them.

It was clear from first glance who the Palace Lord of the Immortal Music Palace, Tong Rou, was.

To tell the truth, Li Jing was quite amazed when he first saw her.

Although Li Lingyin by his side was not inferior to the Palace Lord in terms of appearance and figure, she couldn’t beat the latter’s commanding presence!

Just her aura of walking there felt tantamount to the intimidating feeling of standing at great heights.

A real superior flower that makes people unable to resist wanting to conquer.

This was exactly it.

Tong Rou was very eye-catching.

Li Jing was equally noticeable.

Besides him hiding his facial features and aura, he and Li Lingyin were sitting alone at the banquet, it was impossible not to be noticed by Tong Rou.

Seeing Li Jing from afar, Tong Rou watched attentively.

Clearly.

Feng Xie must have told her all about him during their friendly conversation. This included, but was not limited to, the information that he was the Domain Lord of Chen Tang City and an Artefact Refiner. Even the fact that he had contact with Tong Xiaoxiao must have been told.

Having had initial contact with Feng Xie, Li Jing had decided that this city lord was an experienced sycophant.

Even he was flattered for half an hour, let alone Tong Rou, who he admired?

Seeing Tong Rou gracefully walking towards him with Feng Xie, Li Jing stood up subconsciously with the intent of being courteous.

Li Lingyin also did not intend to remain seated, and rose to welcome them.

However, before they could speak, Tong Rou laughed lightly and greeted them verbally even before they could close the distance.

"Tong Rou of the Immortal Music Palace pays her respects to Domain Lord Li."

Then, she paused and looked at Li Jing.

"This must be the famous Immortal Lord Li of Chen Tang City. I have already heard of your esteemed name through Lord Feng. I’m Tong Rou and it’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

Her voice was pleasant to the ears.

Probably due to her training in vocal music, her voice was alluring.

Her speech alone was enchanting to listen to.

When faced with such courteous words, Li Lingyin nodded in recognition.

Li Jing immediately returned the respect, cupping his hands in front of his chest in the universal gesture of courtesy.

"You are too kind, Master Tong. I’m merely a nameless individual who has just ascended. You, on the other hand, are far more illustrious in comparison."

"It’s just some fame, nothing worth mentioning."

Tong Rou gave a beautiful smile and said,

"Just after your ascension, you were able to establish Chen Tang City, even gaining the approval of the Donghua Immortal Palace. That must require exceptional talents. If you wouldn’t mind, we could have more interactions between Chen Tang City and our Immortal Music Palace in the future. "

Li Jing was a bit startled by her words.

Although it was just a polite remark, she was giving him considerable face.

Before all these people, she was expressing her hope for more interactions between Chen Tang City and the Immortal Music Palace.

That was giving him ample respect.

As it stands,

Chen Tang City was only a low-rank level five force.

Whereas the Immortal Music Palace was a first-rate power that had stood for countless years. The two weren’t on the same level.

Truth be told,

Chen Tang City didn’t even qualify to associate with the Immortal Music Palace, let alone interact with them.

To say that all of this was due to his status as an ’Artifact Refiner Master’, it wouldn’t justify her amicable attitude.

Could it be...?

Because of Tong Xiaoxiao?

As he pondered, Li Jing replied,

"If Master Tong wishes so, I certainly won’t mind."

Just as he was about to say something more, Feng Xie, who had been waiting for an opportunity to speak, laughed and interrupted.

"Immortal Lord Li, we are all in the same circle, there’s no need for such formalities. Given the long journey that Master Tong has endured, we should take our seats and slowly discuss matters."

Facing Feng Xie’s words, Li Jing naturally had to go along with them,

As Feng Xie was the host here after all,

"Lord Feng is right, we should take our seats."

Then, he deferred the conversation to Feng Xie.

However, before Feng Xie could offer her a seat, Tong Rou sat down gracefully next to a certain person.

Li Jing was startled,

This lady...

Why did she choose to sit next to him?

Shouldn’t she be sitting with Feng Xie?

Not only Li Jing, Feng Xie himself was also visibly taken aback.

In the Lord’s banquet, the seat arrangement wasn’t strictly based on the eight immortal table model; individual cases were used.

Usually, two people occupied each case.

Three people sharing a case would make it congested.

The reason there were three slots at the case where Li Jing and Li Lingyin sat was because Feng Xie moved over to make it convenient to chat with them. However, he did not expect Tong Rou to sit there.

Then...?

Wasn’t this making things awkward for him?

The essential question was, where should he sit?

He certainly couldn’t drag over another chair and squeeze in with them, could he?

He thought about asking Tong Rou to change seats, but...

Feng Xie certainly wanted to.

The problem was, she had already settled in and he wasn’t sure if she would be considerate.

On the other hand, if he just left...

He would become a laughing stock among the crowd...

Bear in mind,

There were quite a few prominent figures from Phoenix Sun County and its neighboring areas present.

A woman can fall in love with the indifferent man,

That wasn’t much of an issue,

If Tong Rou had feelings for him, why would he go to such lengths to make a show?

The main issue was, Tong Rou’s actions were somewhat disrespectful to him...

Feng Xie was utterly embarrassed.

Had it been anyone else, he would have definitely snapped.

At the very least,

Being the prestigious Phoenix Sun City Lord, his dignity was at stake.

In the face of Tong Rou, he disregarded the possibility of offending her in an attempt to win her over, after all, what would he, as the City Lord of Phoenix Sun City, amount to?

Li Jing, being insightful as he was, instantly recognized Feng Xie’s predicament.

Yet, he felt somewhat awkward at the moment.

While Tong Rou wasn’t using Li Jing as a shield, it was clear that she was taking advantage of the situation, hoping Feng Xie would get the hint and back off.

If he helped Feng Xie, he would offend Tong Rou,

But if he didn’t...

Feng Xie might hold a grudge against him...

Given his status as an ’Artifact Refiner Master’, Feng Xie wouldn’t dare confront him publicly. But among the three, he was undoubtedly the easiest to "bully".

With no other choice, Li Jing turned to Li Lingyin for assistance.

Li Lingyin wasn’t clueless,

Seeing someone seeking her help, she raised her eyebrows slightly,

Her expression seemed to say,

You can’t handle even this small matter?

However, she spoke clearly, with a calm voice,

"Lord Feng, your banquet seats are a bit small. With Master Tong wanting to get close to our Li Jing and sit here, it’s a bit crowded for three people. How about you have someone bring over another table and we add it to ours?"

Li Lingyin’s solution was simplistic and straightforward.

Normal people wouldn’t handle it this way.

The reason for the design of a two person case was to serve a purpose.

Joining cases would lose the intended effect, wouldn’t it?

However, in face of her words, Feng Xie unexpectedly showed a glimmer of joy before quickly resuming his usual demeanor, responding hastily,

"Master Li is absolutely right, I’ll have a brand new table brought over right away."

As he spoke, he signaled a servant.

The servant nodded, understanding his orders, and left to fulfill his command.

Tong Rou, who was seated next to Li Jing, looked somewhat displeased. She eyed Li Lingyin with an air of perplexity.

Not just her,

Many of the guests present turned their attention towards Li Lingyin.

What had Li Lingyin just said?

Her Li Jing?

What the heck!

Could the previous speculation of everyone be true?

This Master Li...

Had he won the heart of Domain Lord Li who was only admired from afar?!

Being watched by so many eyes, Li Lingyin naturally felt it.

Initially, she was somewhat confused, but soon she got it.

Essentially, she had just mentioned it casually.

She was naturally indifferent and didn’t care about these tiny details, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t understand.

Having figured it out, Li Lingyin blinked her beautiful eyes, twisted her slender waist, leaned against Li Jing and took his arm.

???

Li Jing turned his head full of question marks.

Being referred to as ’Li Lingyin’s’, he didn’t think much.

Although their interaction was brief, he understood Li Lingyin’s character perfectly.

He was grateful to her for speaking up and helping him to avoid an awkward situation.

Who would have thought she would suddenly latch on him like that?

Seeing Li Lingyin playfully winking and making faces at him, Li Jing silently turned back and adjusted his posture.

He didn’t care if he was misunderstood.

Among those present, the only one he cared about was Li Lingyin.

If she was happy, then that was all that matters...

At this moment, including Tong Rou and Feng Xie, the faces of others exhibit various wonderful colors.

All signs indicated that the beautiful Master Li has indeed been claimed.

Li Jing was that heroic man!

Otherwise...

Why didn’t he explain anything and just let her be?

Faced with this situation, Tong Rou slightly stood up and moved her body outwards a bit.

She had no intention of leaving.

However, it was not appropriate for her to stay too close to Li Jing, especially when the other person was the renowned Domain Lord Li Lingyin of Cangming Realm.

...

Li Lingyin didn’t cling to Li Jing for long.

On one hand, she was not the type of girl who enjoys hugging for no reason, although she didn’t mind being close to Li Jing, hugging someone else’s arm was not comfortable.

On the other hand, she was just being playful.

Now that she achieved the desired effect, it was time to let go.

Seeing that Li Jing didn’t react much and just indulged her, she found it rather boring, right?

Moreover, clinging on to Li Jing, prevented her from eating and drinking freely.

Undoubtedly, this was crucial.

Soon after.

The servants of the mansion brought another table and joined it with theirs.

Out of politeness, Tong Rou moved to this table.

Feng Xie embarrassingly sat down beside her and then, as the host, announced the beginning of the banquet.

What comes next.

Let it be.

All the guests settled down, eating and chatting idly.

Feng Xie, who had been turned down once, took every opportunity to show concern for Tong Rou.

Tong Rou remained calm.

Given that Li Jing has claimed his "belle," she did not attempt to make conversation recklessly.

She had already taken advantage of him to a certain extent before, so it was not appropriate for her to use him to ward off Feng Xie again, otherwise it would only bring about Li Jing’s disgust.

A Master Alchemist, Tong Rou was not too concerned about.

But that does not mean she wanted to offend such a person.

Not to mention this Alchemist also maintains ties with her younger sister.

After three rounds of wine, Feng Xie, seeing that Tong Rou remained still, finally couldn’t help but bring out the polished guzheng made by Li Jing.

"Master Tong, this half-step Taoist guzheng is handcrafted by Master Li himself, it’s a customized gift for you."

When Feng Xie went to meet Tong Rou before, he indeed explained everything.

But he didn’t mention that he had customized a half-step Taoist guzheng for her.

The goal was to surprise Tong Rou.

Seeing the guzheng now, Tong Rou’ eyes did indeed light up.

The Immortal Music Palace, where everyone practiced the path of vocal music.

They could tell the quality of an instrument at a glance.

Just by looking at this guzheng, Tong Rou could see that it was of superior quality.

After she received the guzheng and took a look, sensing the restrained spiritual rhythm and breath inside, Tong Rou’s expression slightly changed.

It was a rule of sound.

And another rule that had been touched to some extent already.

This half-step Taoist artifact was just one step away from becoming a Taoist artifact with control over two rules!

Barely crafted and it’s already at this level...

Tong Rou looked at Li Jing, whose face was hidden under the smoke eye, turned back to Feng Xie, and smiled faintly.

"Lord Feng, this gift is indeed very precious."

Seeing that Tong Rou didn’t refuse and clearly intended to accept the guzheng, Feng Xie smiled.

"Just a small token of my appreciation, it is not worth mentioning. On the other hand, Master Tong, why don’t you play a piece and let all the guests here experience the music of Immortal Music Palace."

Tong Rou nodded at his words, adjusted the guzheng, gently plucked the strings with her fingers, and the guzheng made a crisp sound.

Hearing such a crisp sound, she couldn’t help but smile.

Just like Li Lingyin’s love for wine.

The people of Immortal Music Palace could not resist high-quality instruments and music scores.

That was the basis of their cultivation.

With her eyes slightly closed, Tong Rou started playing.

The melodious music echoed through the banquet, enchanting everyone.

While she was playing with her eyes closed.

The guzheng spirit weapon, taking the form of a elegant lady, quietly appeared behind Tong Rou and gently leaned on her.

In that moment.

The music played by Tong Rou became more pleasing to the ears.

The rule of sound came into play.

Including Feng Xie, all the guests present shuddered when they saw the spirit of the weapon appear.

This...

It recognized the master!

What a worthy master of the Immortal Music Palace!

Just after playing once with that half-step Taoist artifact, she was accepted as the master by the spirit of the weapon...

Among the people present, only Li Lingyin noticed that before acknowledging Tong Rou as the master, the guzheng spirit weapon looked over here somewhat sadly.

Of course, Li Jing also noticed it.

However, he chose to ignore it...