Chapter 366 - 174: Reunion (Part 2)
This declaration earned him the silent approval of many Elders on the sidelines.
Gracious in victory and undiscouraged in defeat—that was the proper bearing for an elite from a major sect.
Chen Qing also clasped his hands in salute. "Your swordsmanship is exquisite, Senior Brother. It was a true eye-opener for me. I await your challenge any time."
Their exchange helped to diffuse the somewhat awkward atmosphere in the arena.
But everyone knew that after today, the name Chen Qing would spread like wildfire throughout the Haisa Sect and even all of Lin’an Prefecture. He would become a figure that every master of the younger generation would have to take very seriously.
The crowd gradually dispersed, still reeling from the events at the Martial Arts Arena. Elder Wu Hui personally went forward to help Chen Lin up before taking him away to treat his injuries.
Qiao Hongyun shot a look at Shen Xiuyong, who was visibly trying to suppress a laugh, and snorted in annoyance.
"What are you looking at?" Shen Xiuyong teased. "It’s getting late. As an Elder of the Haisa Sect, surely you’ve prepared some fine food and wine? You can’t just let my martial nephew go hungry, can you?"
Qiao Hongyun glared at him. "Don’t worry, you’ll get your share! Follow me!"
With that, he turned and gave a few instructions to a nearby disciple, specifically naming a few people. "Have Mao Cheng, Shao Wenxuan, and Mo Xia come and join us."
The banquet was held in a waterside pavilion. Outside the window, dusk was settling in, and the sea of clouds was tinged with the sunset’s glow, creating a magnificent view.
Soon, a stream of delicacies was served. The most eye-catching dish was a large platter of roasted Exotic Beast venison, its rich aroma filling the air as the fat sizzled.
The meat itself was an alluring shade of pink with a clearly defined grain. It exuded a rich, complex aroma—a blend of exotic spices and the meat’s own mellow fragrance that was enough to make one’s mouth water.
"Junior Brother Chen, try this specialty of our Lin’an Prefecture—the Yunling Spotted Deer."
As the only female disciple present, Mo Xia took the initiative to introduce the dish. "These deer are now specially bred by our Sect. While they don’t have as much Spiritual Qi as truly wild ones, the meat is exquisitely tender and succulent. It has a unique flavor and is considered a rare delicacy in the outside world."
After thanking her, Chen Qing used his silver chopsticks to pick up a slice and place it in his mouth.
The moment the venison entered his mouth, he found it was so tender it practically melted. The rich juices, combined with the savory flavor and faint sweet aftertaste of a special sauce, instantly captivated his palate.
It was a complex flavor, a supreme delicacy the likes of which he had never tasted before.
"How is it?" Mao Cheng asked with a smile, clearly confident in his sect’s specialty.
After savoring the taste, Chen Qing praised it wholeheartedly. "The flavor lingers, and the aftertaste is incredible. It’s truly the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten. It really lives up to its reputation."
He wasn’t just being polite; the venison was unbelievably delicious.
Seeing how much he enjoyed it, Mo Xia gave a radiant smile. "If you like it, Junior Brother Chen, I can have one slaughtered and prepared for you later. It’s no trouble to pack a few dozen pounds for you to take home and enjoy."
Chen Qing was genuinely tempted by the offer. Such a delicacy was hard to refuse. He clasped his hands and said, "In that case, I must thank you for your generous gift, Senior Sister Mo."
As the banquet continued, the atmosphere grew more lively.
Qiao Hongyun and Shen Xiuyong continued to trade barbs and bicker endlessly. Their arguments ranged from their travels together in their youth to who had caused a bigger commotion when breaking through to the Astral Force Realm. This drew waves of laughter from the others, but it also made the depth of their friendship clear.
Mao Cheng, Shao Wenxuan, and Mo Xia were all very friendly and courteous toward Chen Qing, their words filled with admiration and a clear desire to build a friendship.
As top elites of the Haisa Sect, they had a certain poise, and their respect for the strength Chen Qing had demonstrated was completely genuine.
During their conversation, Chen Qing learned that Zheng Talisman, the number one candidate for the Haisa Sect’s next Sect Leader, had left on his travels several months ago. He was seeking an opportunity to break through to the Astral Force Realm and was not currently at the sect.
Chen Qing also raised his cup. "This visit was rather rushed, so we didn’t get to spend as much time as I’d have liked. Next time you Senior Brothers and Senior Sister are free to visit Yunlin Prefecture, you must let me know. Allow me to return the hospitality."
Everyone laughed and readily agreed, and a good time was had by all.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Qiao Hongyun personally led Shen Xiuyong and Chen Qing to a quiet guest courtyard that had been prepared for them.
Watching the two men walk off with their arms slung over each other’s shoulders, talking about getting some sobering tea to continue catching up, Mo Xia couldn’t help but mutter to herself, ’Those two Elders. One minute they’re at each other’s throats like fighting cocks, and the next they’re thick as thieves. It’s so strange.’
Chen Qing simply smiled when he heard her. ’That’s just how good friends are,’ he thought. ’It’s hard for an outsider to understand.’
Seeing Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun depart, Chen Qing remembered something. He turned to Mo Xia, who had not yet left, and asked, "Senior Sister Mo, could you tell me where your sect’s Steward, Li Yuan, lives? I would like to pay him a visit."
"Li Yuan?"
Mo Xia seemed a little surprised. "You mean Steward Li from Mountain Pavilion?"
"That’s the one," Chen Qing nodded.
Mo Xia asked curiously, "Why are you looking for him, Junior Brother Chen?"
’What could Chen Qing possibly want with a Steward of the Haisa Sect?’
"It’s nothing important."
Chen Qing’s tone was calm. "It’s just a personal matter. We’re old acquaintances, and since I’m passing through, I feel I should pay him a visit."
Seeing that he was reluctant to say more, Mo Xia smiled and didn’t press him. "I see," she said cheerfully. "The Stewards’ courtyards are all in the southern district. I remember Steward Li’s is... hmm, just follow this path until you see a grove of green bamboo, then it’s the third house on the left. I can take you."
"Thank you for the trouble, Senior Sister."
Mo Xia led Chen Qing a short distance, pointed out the exact location, and then tactfully took her leave.
Chen Qing followed her directions and quickly found the small courtyard she had described.
The courtyard gate was ajar, and lamplight spilled out from within.
He stood before the gate and knocked softly on the wooden door.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.
Soon, the sound of light footsteps came from within the courtyard. With a CREAK, the door opened a crack. A servant girl peeked out, looking at Chen Qing with curiosity. "May I ask who you are looking for?"