Shui Yunruo had been sitting quietly all along, just as she had from the very beginning.
She sat very properly, her face showing no extra expression, appearing quite aloof. Compared to the matters being discussed by Jingtao, Bai Yunfei, and Mu Xiaoyou, she seemed more interested in Gu Qingfeng, who was sitting nearby, drinking by himself. She stole glances at him from time to time, then furrowed her brows as if puzzled by something.
When Jingtao's voice reached her, she shook her head slightly and refused outright.
She naturally knew that Bai Yunfei always liked to join in the excitement. Under ordinary circumstances, it wouldn't be a big deal to join some fun outside, and she wouldn't interfere. However, she also knew that some excitement could be joined, while some could not, lest one invite trouble upon oneself—especially regarding this matter of the Bingxuan Sect.
Before coming, she had heard some things about the Bingxuan Sect from her master and had some understanding of the Bingxuan Heart of the Bingxuan Sect and the Flaming Sun Heart of the Yunxia Sect. She clearly knew that the matter of Leng Yanqiu's dual-cultivation partner was not so simple.
Jingtao Gongzi's identity, background, and even strength were undoubtedly formidable.
But the existence of the Nine-Hua Alliance was not to be trifled with either; it was a place where dragons and tigers lay hidden.
Moreover, there was also that Young Lord Chiyan, whose identity, background, and strength were all extremely mysterious and bizarre.
The silence of the Nine-Hua Alliance.
Old Sen's kneeling.
Plus, the fact that the Bingxuan Ancestor, knowing full well that the Flaming Sun Heart was with the Nine-Hua Alliance, still insisted on having Leng Yanqiu dual cultivate with Young Lord Chiyan.
All these things indicated that the existence of that Young Lord Chiyan was extraordinary.
Rumors said that when that person acted, his methods were thunderous, killing with a flick of his fingers, showing no mercy, as if slaughtering pigs and dogs.
Such a person, without knowing his identity and background, was best not provoked.
Another thing that made Shui Yunruo uneasy was that many mysterious people had come for the Bingxuan Sect's celebration this time, and quite a few at that. At least seven or eight people were unfathomable to her. Not to mention others, just this Young Master Gu sitting nearby, drinking by himself, was someone she couldn't see through.
Hearing that her intercession on Bai Yunfei's behalf was also rejected, Jingtao Gongzi was displeased inwardly, but he didn't show it. After all, Shui Yunruo was the woman he admired. Just as he was about to speak again, a group of twenty to thirty people walked over.
Among them were over a dozen elders and over twenty young people.
The over a dozen elders were Elders of the Bingxuan Sect. The leader was an old woman with graying hair, leaning on a dragon-headed cane—the Great Elder of the Bingxuan Sect, True Being Yuhua.
The over twenty young people, each imposing and dignified, were also the Bingxuan Sect's famous nine direct disciples and eighteen chief disciples. The two leaders were Yu Dingxing, the head of the Nine Sons, and Xu Xingchen, the head of the eighteen.
True Being Yuhua quickly walked over, an apologetic smile on her aged face, and said, "This old one has been busy outside and did not know Young Lord Jingtao had graced us with your presence. I hope Young Lord Jingtao will be magnanimous!"
Jingtao Gongzi stood up and smiled humbly, saying, "Today is the Bingxuan Sect's celebration, and you, venerable elder, are the Great Elder of the Bingxuan Sect, naturally busy. So when I came, I did not wish to disturb."
"Young Lord Jingtao is too courteous."
True Being Yuhua fawned and flattered, and Jingtao Gongzi's status was worthy of such flattery from her.
"This must be Miss Shui Yunruo of Taixing Cave."
"Greetings, Senior Yuhua."
Shui Yunruo stood up and bowed, then introduced Bai Yunfei and Mu Xiaoyou one by one.
The existence of Taixing Cave was also not something ordinary sects could compare to, so True Being Yuhua naturally dared not slight them. This made the inexperienced Bai Yunfei feel very honored, especially since, with so many people present, True Being Yuhua had come to their table first to pay respects. It filled Bai Yunfei's heart with an indescribable sense of pride. Particularly when she saw the envious looks from everyone in the hall, Bai Yunfei was so excited she almost wanted to tell everyone her name.
"And this young master is..." True Being Yuhua looked curiously at Gu Qingfeng sitting opposite.
Shui Yunruo knew that Gu Qingfeng's attitude earlier had displeased Jingtao Gongzi. Worried that trouble might arise, she introduced first, "He is a friend of mine."
True Being Yuhua just said "Oh" and paid no further attention. In her eyes, a Young Lord like Jingtao Gongzi from the Fire Cloud Branch of the Red Gang was worthy of her flattery. The special existence of Taixing Cave was also worthy of a greeting. As for others, she wouldn't give them a second thought.
After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, True Being Yuhua left.
"Brother Jingtao."
After True Being Yuhua left with the other Elders, Yu Dingxing stayed behind. Since Jingtao Gongzi was invited by him, their relationship was naturally not ordinary, so there was no need for formalities.
"Dingxing, rest assured. I said I would help you, and today, no matter who competes with you for Leng Yanqiu, I will lend you a hand. Whether it's Young Lord Wenyan, Young Lord Tianxiang, or even Young Lord Luowen, not to mention Young Lord Longfei, I don't take any of them seriously."
Seeing Yu Dingxing's worried expression, Jingtao Gongzi comforted him, "Later, when I meet the Bingxuan Ancestor and Leng Yanqiu, I will speak to them myself. I imagine they wouldn't dare refuse me, Jingtao, this face."
"Brother Jingtao, with your words, I have confidence!"
Yu Dingxing seemed to remember something and asked, "As for that Young Lord Chiyan of the Yunxia Sect, Gu Qingfeng..."
"I don't even take the Nine-Hua Alliance seriously, let alone a mere Yunxia Sect. He just has some personal connection with Old Sen; he's not one of our Crimson-Letter Sect people. If he doesn't come today, that's fine. If he dares to come, even if I give him three times the courage, he wouldn't dare compete with you for Leng Yanqiu."
Jingtao patted Yu Dingxing's shoulder and said, "Just set your heart at ease. Since I, Jingtao, have come today, I will do my utmost to help you."
"Good!"
Yu Dingxing exclaimed loudly, then personally poured a cup of wine for Jingtao Gongzi, presenting it with both hands, saying, "I leave everything to Big Brother Jingtao!"
Jingtao raised his cup and drank it all in one go, smiling faintly, "Go attend to your matters."
After Yu Dingxing left, Bai Yunfei looked at Jingtao with extreme admiration, barely containing her excitement, and said excitedly, "Big Brother Jingtao, I really admire you so much! Your face is really too big, truly enviable!"
"Ha!"
Jingtao shook his head with a smile, just glancing at Shui Yunruo from the corner of his eye. Seeing that Shui Yunruo still wore that aloof expression, he felt rather disappointed.
"Hmph! You surnamed Gu, do you see now how big my Big Brother Jingtao's face is?"
Bai Yunfei looked at Gu Qingfeng opposite and said proudly, "With so many people in the hall, True Being Yuhua personally brought all the Bingxuan Sect Elders to greet my Big Brother Jingtao first. The Bingxuan Sect's Nine Sons and Eighteen Chiefs have pinned all their hopes on my Big Brother Jingtao. Hmph! Well? Are you scared stiff?"
Gu Qingfeng sat in his chair, leaning to one side, legs crossed, holding his Taixu Cup. He lazily narrowed his eyes, looking at Bai Yunfei, and nodded very seriously, sighing, "Young Lord Jingtao's face is indeed very big, and it has truly broadened my horizons."