Chapter 14 : The Cangqiong Banquet
14: The Cangqiong Banquet
The celebration assembly was held on schedule at the Heavenly Pole Sect's Cangqiong Peak. On the day of the grand event, Mount Jinyun, usually quiet and serene, buzzed with noise and excitement.
Early in the morning, Lu Wencheng brought the four Peak Masters and their family members to wait at the open ground at the foot of the mountain, welcoming the continuous stream of sects arriving from all directions. Regardless of their strength or seniority, Lu Wencheng always wore a kindly smile that treated everyone equally.
Lu Wencheng had achieved success at a young age. At forty years of age, he had obtained the position of Heavenly Pole Sect Master as a disciple of a different surname. Initially, some people were unconvinced. After he succeeded to the position, facing doubts from various martial arts families, he widely distributed hero invitations and challenged everyone at Qingliao Peak. He defeated thirty two major martial arts sects and looked down on the heroes with an undefeated record. From then on, his strength was unanimously recognized both inside and outside the sect. Because he was humble, not arrogant or impatient, and generous and magnanimous, the martial world honored him as the "Scholar Knight."
"Master Kuchan, it has been a long time. The success in sweeping away the Falling Shadow Sect this time was largely due to the full assistance of Prajna Temple."
"Amitabha. This humble monk has only done what he should do."
Lu Wencheng laughed heartily. "Please come this way, Master. We have specially prepared vegetarian food for the monks of Prajna Temple today. Everyone, please eat to your heart's content."
"Then we thank Sect Master Lu for the trouble."
"You are too polite, too polite."
After welcoming Prajna Temple, carriages continued to roll in. Soon, another major sect arrived with a group of disciples.
The middle aged man at the forefront was tall and sturdy. He wore a straight collared robe of ink black, a dark patterned sash of the same color around his waist, and high boots. He had an extraordinary presence.
Beside him walked two younger men, similar in height, both dressed identically.
Lu Wencheng saw them from a distance and walked over quickly to greet them. "Brother He, Brother He! Since we last parted, I have missed you dearly."
The black robed man's stern face softened. His voice was resonant like a great bell. "Indeed, Brother Lu. If not for today's celebration of flattening the Demonic Sect, who knows when we two brothers would meet again."
After speaking, the man instructed the servant behind him. "Quickly, present the calling card."
The servant bowed forward and presented a calling card with both hands. On it were four large gilded characters: Red Feather Villa.
The black robed man was the current master of Red Feather Villa, He Yangyao. His Blazing Sun Sword dominated the martial world. He had sworn brotherhood with Lu Wencheng five years ago. The martial world honored him with the title "Martial Saint."
"Yi'er, Cong'er, why haven't you greeted Uncle Lu yet?" He Yangyao looked at his two sons beside him.
The two brothers immediately stepped forward, bowed, and cupped their fists. They spoke in unison. "Junior He Yi greets Sect Master Lu."
"Junior He Cong greets Sect Master Lu."
Lu Wencheng stroked his beard and looked at the two tall young men with great affection. He said with relief, "After many years apart, Yi'er and Cong'er have grown so much. The last time we met was four years ago, I believe. Back then, both young masters were fair and thin. Now your bodies are much sturdier, your appearances dignified, your bearing extraordinary. You truly take after your father. Here, there is no need for formality. Your father and I are sworn brothers of different surnames. Just call me Uncle Lu."
"Hello, Uncle Lu."
"Good, good. Come, Yanran, Qingwan. Come quickly to meet Uncle He, and your two cousins as well." Lu Wencheng waved to his two daughters a few steps away.
Lu Qingwan was somewhat reluctant. She had been woken up early in the morning and made to stand at the foot of the mountain, smiling at these unrelated people. Her feet were sore from standing. She inevitably felt some of a young girl's temper.
Lu Yanran patted the back of her hand reassuringly, then took the lead and walked over. She bowed and said softly, "Yanran greets Uncle He and my two cousins."
"Qingwan greets Uncle and my cousins."
After Lu Yanran finished her bow, she raised her eyes slightly and met He Cong's burning gaze, which looked at her without any restraint. She showed no expression and shifted her gaze away.
"Truly unexpected. In just a few short years, Brother He's sons and my daughters have grown so much. Standing together, they are a fine match of talent and beauty, truly pleasing to the eye. The last time we met was at Yanran's coming of age ceremony, wasn't it? Time really flies. The children have grown, and you and I have grown old, Brother He." Lu Wencheng sighed with emotion.
He Yangyao stroked his beard and laughed loudly. "Isn't that the truth? Gray hairs have already appeared at my temples. But you, you still look young."
The two exchanged pleasantries again and walked toward the stone steps as they spoke, their children following behind.
The stone steps could only accommodate two people side by side. Therefore, the two great men, He and Lu, walked in front. Lu Qingwan and Lu Yanran walked in the second row. He Yi and He Cong followed them. Below them were the servants.
He Cong raised his eyes to look at the graceful back of the white robed young woman before him and spoke. "Cousin Qingwan."
Lu Qingwan heard someone call her from behind. She stopped and turned her head. She was quite dissatisfied that the man had taken the liberty of addressing her so intimately without permission. She asked dully, "What?"
"May I switch places with you?"
Lu Qingwan's delicate brows furrowed. "Why?"
He Cong was speechless for a moment. Fortunately, He Yi saw through his younger brother's thoughts. With a smile on his lips, he helped out. "Miss Qingwan, I heard that you recently traveled to the Gu region in the southwest. I have always been curious about that place. I wonder if the young lady could tell me about the strange and interesting things you encountered along the way?"
When Lu Qingwan heard this, her desire to talk immediately surged. She took the initiative to speak to He Cong, "Then come up."
He Cong breathed a sigh of relief. He stepped down the stone steps. After Lu Qingwan came down, he circled around them and caught up with Lu Yanran, who had walked a few steps ahead. He stood beside her and walked up with her.
Lu Yanran didn't even turn her head from beginning to end. She wasn't curious about why the person beside her had changed.
He Cong smelled the faint, enchanting fragrance coming from beside him. He was deeply intoxicated. Seeing that the steps were about to end, he spoke urgently. "Miss Lu."
Lu Yanran turned her head slightly to look at him. "Does Young Master He have some business?"
Her indifferent tone did not dampen the man's enthusiasm. He continued, "We met at your coming of age banquet four years ago. Do you remember me?"
The young woman studied the man, seemingly trying to recall. He Cong hastily added, "My name is He Cong. We also met last month. During the entrance examination, in the first round. You came. Perhaps you didn't see me."
"Oh? Did Young Master He pass the examination?"
Lu Yanran's proactive question excited He Cong. He said with considerable pride, "Naturally. I was undefeated in every match."
Lu Yanran asked lightly again, "Then why is Young Master He here today with his father, and not within the Heavenly Pole Sect? Although the entrance examination is not my responsibility, I vaguely remember that those who pass must immediately enter the sect. Without a handwritten letter from the Sect Master, one may not leave the mountain without authorization."
He Cong was somewhat embarrassed. "Well... something happened at the villa at that time. My father urgently sent word summoning me back. I also spoke with Uncle Lu about it. He agreed before I came down the mountain."
A soft laugh of unclear meaning spilled from the woman's thin lips. She said nothing more and quickened her pace, leaving He Cong behind.
He Cong stood in place, unable to figure out the meaning of the woman's laugh, which seemed part ridicule, part mockery. He felt somewhat annoyed.
Seeing his appearance, He Yi patted his shoulder wordlessly to offer comfort.
......
At the back mountain of Cangqiong Peak, it was now a hive of activity. Servants of all ages, men and women, packed the already small back courtyard until it was impenetrable. Some were picking vegetables, some were chopping firewood, some were preparing wine vessels. Fu Peibai was crouched in a corner silently washing Chinese cabbages. Because of the large number of attendees this time, the servants of Cangqiong Peak alone couldn't manage, so servants from the back courtyards of the other five peaks had been borrowed to help.
Fu Peibai was scrubbing a cabbage when the auntie beside her suddenly smacked the back of her hand. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You kid, do you think the cabbage is a rag, or does it have some grudge against you? Just swish it through the water."
Fu Peibai said "Oh," and did as she was told. She swished the cabbage in the clear water, drained it, and placed it in a bamboo basket to the side. She had been working early and late for the past two days, and also had to get up in the middle of the night to practice martial arts. She was somewhat listless.
"Little Bai, Little Bai, stop working. Come here quickly!"
A voice called out from the crowd. Fu Peibai turned her head and saw Meng Yan bouncing among the people. She put down the cabbage and squeezed through the crowd.
When the two reached a slightly more open area, Meng Yan said, "Put down whatever you're doing. Come with me."
"What's going on?"
"The main hall is short on servants. Go and fill in."
Fu Peibai was somewhat puzzled. "Why me?"
Meng Yan pinched her face. "Because you're young and good looking, of course. You think they'd let me go? That would just embarrass our Heavenly Pole Sect. Stop dawdling. Quick, quick, quick. Go change your clothes." After saying this, Meng Yan pushed her toward a room.
When the door opened, she saw several rows of racks hung with clean servant uniforms. Several young men were currently putting on outer robes. They indeed looked delicate and proper.
Meng Yan rushed to the side of the rack, picked out a set of clothes that fit Fu Peibai's frame, and threw them over. "Just put on the outer robe. Don't bother changing what's underneath. There's no time. The banquet is about to start."
Fu Peibai obediently put on the outer robe and accepted it. Outside, the sharp urging voice of the main hall's steward was already ringing out. "Quickly, servants carry the wine, maids present the dishes. Head to Hengguang Hall. Watch your step. Make haste."
A moment later, Fu Peibai carried a pot of fine jade wine on a food tray, following behind a group of servants and maids toward the main hall of Cangqiong Peak.
Outside Hengguang Hall, two large drums had been set up. Two burly men held drumsticks, ready and waiting. With the steward's shout of "Let the banquet begin!", the large drums were struck, issuing a distant and heavy sound.
Fu Peibai's procession happened to pass between the two large drums. She felt her eardrums were about to be shattered. She quietly raised her eyes to glance at the magnificent palace before her. Jade towers and pillars, extremely luxurious.
The line of servants carrying wine and dishes quickly filed in. They arranged themselves in order beside each sect's dining table. After the maids placed the dishes, they withdrew neatly to present the next course. The servants, after pouring the wine, had to stand beside the tables, ready to serve at any time.
After entering the main hall, Fu Peibai consciously kept her head lowered. She walked to the dining table she was responsible for, bowed, and poured the wine. She did everything meticulously. Only when a faint, familiar fragrance reached the tip of her nose did she raise her eyes and meet Lu Yanran's gaze.
Her hand trembled beneath her. The wine in the pot nearly spilled. She quickly steadied her mind, then poured the wine in an orderly manner and silently retreated to stand to one side.
Two people sat at this dining table. One was Lu Yanran, and the other was precisely Lu Qingwan. The young girl, who would not be of age until this August, stared at the moonlight wine cup in front of Lu Yanran. Her round eyes spun, and she reached out to take it.
Lu Yanran's expression didn't change. She lightly blocked the hand. "No."
Lu Qingwan wrapped her arms around the other's and acted spoiled. "Sister... I just want a tiny sip."
Lu Yanran didn't speak. Perhaps to put an end to Lu Qingwan's thoughts, she picked up the wine cup and drank the clear wine in one gulp.
"I said no, so it's no."
Lu Qingwan pouted and could only withdraw her body and sit properly.
Although Fu Peibai's gaze was fixed on the large pillar opposite her, her peripheral vision was paying attention to the side. She caught a glimpse of Lu Yanran draining the cup of wine in one go without her expression changing, not even raising an eyebrow. It seemed she could hold her liquor well.
As dish after dish was presented, Lu Wencheng on the main seat coughed lightly twice. The hall fell quiet.
"Today, all the martial arts heroes and champions gathering at Cangqiong Peak is a fortune for my Heavenly Pole Sect and a fortune for me, Lu. The success in sweeping away the Falling Shadow and eradicating the Demonic Sect could not have happened without the full assistance of everyone present. Let us raise our cups and drink freely to celebrate this moment. Come!"
"Come! Let us celebrate together!" The hall filled with the sounds of clinking cups and toasting. Soon, Lu Wencheng spoke again. "Everyone, today we are gathered here for two reasons. First, to celebrate the elimination of the Demonic Sect. Second, there is a matter I need to discuss with you all."
"Sect Master Lu, please speak your mind. We will follow Sect Master Lu's lead."
Lu Wencheng put down his wine cup and became serious. "The chaos caused by the Demonic Sect in the martial world has been resolved. However, Shi Qinghan is still at large. We must guard against them rising from the ashes and making a comeback. Therefore, I have a proposal. Led by my Heavenly Pole Sect, we will establish Martial Supervision Halls in each of your sects. First, to prevent the remnants of the Demonic Sect from seeking revenge. Second, to oversee the hundred schools and prevent internal disorder. What do you all think of this?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions on the faces of the sect leaders of various sects stiffened. After all, inserting forces from other sects into their own territory was no small matter. Everyone looked at each other, and no one was the first to agree.
He Yangyao slapped his large hand on the dining table, stood up, and came to the center of the main hall. After sweeping his gaze around the crowd, he said in a loud voice, "My Red Feather Villa is willing to establish a Martial Supervision Hall! I know what everyone present is worried about. I, He, can guarantee here that Sect Master Lu's proposal is for the public good, for the stability of the martial world, and absolutely not for personal gain. If in the future the Heavenly Pole Sect violates justice and monopolizes power to bring chaos to the martial world, my Red Feather Villa will be the first to set things right!"
Now that the words had reached this point, the other sects couldn't refuse even if they didn't want to. They could only agree one after another.
"Hongxia Sect is willing to establish a Martial Supervision Hall!"
"Qianyan Sect is willing to establish a Martial Supervision Hall!"
"Yuanming Sect also agrees!"
"..."
Lu Wencheng raised his wine cup high. "I, Lu, swear on my own head that I will not let down the trust of everyone here. The Martial Supervision Hall will become a sharp weapon for overseeing the hundred schools of the martial world with absolute fairness!"
The hall again raised their cups in unison and shouted their approval.
Lu Wencheng drank a cup in one go. After sitting down, he called out, "Someone, summon the sword dance."
"Yes, Sect Master."