Chapter 451

Chapter 451: Of course, this person was…

The grand courtyard of the Xu Mansion.

All the important people from the Xu and Qin families had gathered here. Most were close relatives by blood, or capable members of the family’s lesser branches who held some power in the Imperial Court.

Among them were Yi and Shan.

Yi and Shan left for their respective sects to practice cultivation when they were children.

Young Master Yi possessed an extraordinary talent for talisman arts. At the tender age of four, he was personally selected by the Grand Elder of Tianzhuan Sect and taken as a private disciple.

Tianzhuan Sect is a Jade Pudding Level sect with quite the reputation in the cultivation world.

Considering how vast this world is, cultivators at the Jade Pudding Realm are exceedingly rare. The strongest members of most sects only reach the Nascent Soul Stage.

Yi has never descended from the mountain since then, but he was praised by the Grand Elder as a once-in-five-hundred-years genius of Tianzhuan Sect.

Second Young Master Shan possesses a Pure Yang Constitution. He was personally taken as a disciple by the Sect Leader of Yan Yang Sect, practicing the Flame Sun Heart Technique. He too is a rare prodigy, and the Sect Leader even betrothed his only daughter to Shan.

When they returned, the Xu Mansion went all out to welcome them.

Especially their mothers, Qian Lady and Lin Lady.

Before their sons returned, they felt powerless, inferior to others.

After Xu Ming and Xu Pengda became hopes for the family, they lowered their heads even further.

But now, with their accomplished sons back—true immortals, highly regarded by their sects—they walked with their heads held high, almost floating on air.

Today was a grand banquet at the Xu Mansion (the ancestral worship ritual followed a schedule: first, the family would dine together, then on the next day at noon, guests would be welcomed, and after that, the ancestral worship would take place). Both Yi and Shan sat at the main table.

Others seated at the main table included the Old Patriarch of the Xu Family, the male elders of the Xu and Qin families, Phoenix, and Xu Pengda.

“Is Qingwan unable to return?”

Phoenix asked Qin Qingwan’s mother.

Lady Qin shook her head: “No, I haven’t seen Qingwan for a long time either. Occasionally, I receive letters from her. This time, she said there was an important matter in her sect, so she couldn’t return.”

As she spoke, Lady Qin smiled: “It doesn’t matter; Qingwan is already among the immortals. I understand. And this time, I will finally get to meet Ming. Otherwise, Ming might think I’m deliberately avoiding him.”

Ever since Qin Qingwan entered Heavenly Profound Gate, Lady Qin often traveled between the capital city and her maternal home.

Each time Lady Qin visited her maternal home, she managed to avoid Xu Ming’s return accurately.

And every time Lady Qin came back, Xu Ming had already left. This made Lady Qin feel somewhat helpless.

She actually wanted to see Xu Ming very much.

“I’ve been cultivating on the mountain. I’ve heard of Sister Qin’s fame for a long time. It’s indeed regrettable that I didn’t get to meet her this time,” Yi politely said to Lady Qin.

“Every disciple in our Yan Yang Sect admires Sister Qin, who ranks on the Red Beauty List,” Shan also chuckled.

“Ho ho ho,” Qian Lady laughed, “Shan, you should say some good words to Uncle Qin and Aunt Qin. You and Qingwan are both celestial beings, perhaps you two could form a matrimonial bond.”

Yi gave a faint smile but remained silent.

His silence implied he did indeed have feelings for Qin Qingwan.

Beside him, Lin Lady felt displeased inside but still wore a smiling face: “Qingwan is truly beautiful. She was already a beauty as a child. Moreover, Shan and Qingwan share the same birthday, just different months. That’s fate!” Shan smiled: “Mother, don’t say such things recklessly. It’s merely coincidence. But I have admired Sister Qin for a long time. I told the disciples in my sect that Sister Qin lives opposite me, and they didn’t believe me.”

“Ho ho ho, you two are indeed at the age to talk about marriage.” The old lady laughed, “However, you must prioritize cultivation. The future of the Xu Family depends on you two.”

“The Old Patriarch speaks the truth,” Yi and Shan responded simultaneously.

However, upon hearing “prioritize cultivation,” their breathing quickened slightly.

Of course, they prioritized cultivation.

Qin Qingwan wasn’t just stunningly beautiful; she was also a naturally holy body. If they could cultivate together, their own abilities would soar to new heights! This is why many considered Qin Qingwan more alluring than the other top ten beauties on the Red Beauty List.

“Speaking of which, Old Patriarch, are we still waiting for someone?” Yi asked the old lady.

There were twenty tables set up in the courtyard, filled with relatives, and all dishes were served. However, no one dared to pick up their chopsticks.

Since no one else moved, it was because the Old Patriarch had to make the first move.

But the Old Patriarch kept waiting, seemingly expecting someone.

What made it stranger was that the Old Patriarch had given up the main seat.

Who could possibly command such respect from the Old Patriarch? Could it be the Emperor of Wu? “Don’t rush, don’t rush,” the Old Patriarch smiled, “Someone has already been sent to call him. He’ll be here soon.”

“It’s fine; that person must be busy with affairs,” Lin Lady smiled, thinking that person must surely be the Emperor. After all, the Xu and Qin families produced so many talents, and their relationship with the royal family was deep. A visit from His Majesty would be normal.

Qian Lady’s eyes flickered: “Old Patriarch, this granddaughter heard that you wouldn’t preside over today’s ceremony. I’m rather dull-witted, but I believe the ceremony should be presided over by the Old Patriarch.”

The old lady smiled: “No, no, I’m old, with not many years left. It’s time to pass the responsibility of hosting the ceremony to the younger generation.”

Upon hearing these words from the old lady, Xu Shan and Xu Yi straightened their backs.

In the entire Xu Family, they believed they were the most promising young ones.

If it were Xu Pengda, well, he isn’t a cultivator, and his official rank isn’t high—he merely passed the imperial examination with a top-three ranking.

As for another Xu Ming,

That Xu Ming is indeed rumored to be powerful.

But so what? Xu Ming lacks the backing of a major sect.

Even though he climbed to second place on the Azurecloud List, they weren’t convinced.

They had been training non-stop, never descending from the mountain.

Who knows who would win if compared with Xu Ming?

“Old Patriarch, who do you have in mind to host this ceremony?” Lin Lady asked nervously.

Whoever hosts this ceremony will undoubtedly become the next patriarch of the Xu family.

“This person naturally is…”

Just as the old lady was about to announce the name, a man dressed in a flying fish costume entered the courtyard, heading directly toward the main table.