276. Banquet Starts

“I hope you keep your word,” Qian Renjue said without dwelling on it, as they approached the manor ahead.

He walked with Ling Yuan toward the gate.

“I will. Rongrong doesn't lie to Brother Holy Son,” Ning Rongrong softly promised.

Qian Renjue’s cultivation level was impressive, and Ning Rongrong didn’t want to fall too far behind—otherwise, some other woman might steal him away!

Upon seeing Qian Renjue's figure, Salas immediately bowed respectfully, saying, “Your Highness, everything has been arranged.”

Qian Renjue’s smile faded, and he nodded slightly.

“Mm, well done. Lead the way.”

“Your Highness, this way, please.” Salas bowed lower, his tone even carrying a hint of flattery.

Ning Rongrong, observing Qian Renjue’s serious expression, squinted her eyes as she recalled her father Ning Fengzhi’s advice.

She leaned toward Qian Renjue’s ear and whispered, “Brother Holy Son, that’s enough. Put Rongrong down now, or people will see.”

“Hm?” Qian Renjue paused, then realized what she meant.

“Alright, but watch where you're going and don’t run into anything.”

“Mm-hmm, Rongrong understands,” Ning Rongrong nodded quickly.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, she ran off in a different direction, turning back to wave at Qian Renjue.

“See you later, Brother Holy Son! Ah—oof!”

“…”

Qian Renjue, seeing Ning Rongrong bounce back after colliding into something, was at a loss for words. How had she suddenly become so clumsy?

“Your Highness, shall we go over?” Ling Yuan’s face mirrored his confusion, trying to suppress laughter.

Qian Renjue shook his head.

“No need, let's proceed. This is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she’ll be fine.”

“Understood,” Ling Yuan nodded and followed closely behind.

However, Qian Renjue suddenly turned back to glance at a dark figure in the distance. For a moment, he felt a lingering fear.

Was it just his imagination?

Or was it because of Ning Rongrong’s fall?

——

“Ah!”

Liu Erlong was inspecting the area when she felt something crash into her from behind. She let out a muffled grunt, and her face instantly darkened with anger.

Turning around, her expression softened when she saw the little girl who had collided with her and fallen to the ground. Startled, she crouched down.

“Little girl, are you alright?”

Ning Rongrong shook her head to clear the dizziness and looked around. What had she just crashed into? It was so soft and bouncy…

“I’m fine, no worries,” she murmured.

“Good. Now, get up. The ground is cold,” Liu Erlong said gently, helping Ning Rongrong to her feet and dusting off her clothes.

“Thank you, big sister! I can do it myself,” Ning Rongrong quickly stepped back, patting the dust off her own pants.

“Alright. Do you need me to help you find your parents?” Liu Erlong asked, concerned.

“No need, Rongrong knows the way. Goodbye, big sister!” Ning Rongrong shook her head, waved goodbye, and dashed toward the guest hall.

Liu Erlong stood still, feeling something stirring within her as she glanced toward the opposite corridor. But there was no one there.

She resumed her search, walking towards the more crowded areas.

——

Inside the guest hall, the tables were fewer and more spaced out than those outside. In the center, a red-carpeted space was occupied by dancers, some with cat ears and tails, others with fox or dog ears, moving with graceful allure.

At every table, a maid with animal ears stood by, ready to serve. These maids were part of Ning Fengzhi’s collection from an auction.

Qian Renjue’s arrival drew all eyes away from the performance, even Salas was standing respectfully behind him. No one dared to ignore his presence.

At Ning Fengzhi’s signal, the music and dance paused as everyone’s gaze fell upon Qian Renjue. In a quiet corner, Ye Qinshui sat composedly.

Though the Ye family didn’t have a Titled Douluo, their Nine Heart Begonia was highly regarded, so her presence wasn’t surprising.

After all, who wouldn’t need a support-type Soul Master to save their life at some point?

Ye Qinshui’s eyes were also drawn to Qian Renjue, a flash of amazement crossing her face as understanding dawned.

“No wonder… no wonder Lingling smiles so often now,” she murmured with satisfaction. Her son-in-law was even more handsome than she had imagined, and the word "dashing" barely sufficed.

Ye Qinshui had no doubt that if the married women present were ten years younger, they would all be vying for a chance to be with him. Even now, some of them were eyeing him with barely concealed desire.

Golden hair, white robe.

Qian Renjue walked confidently and calmly, with Salas guiding him to the seat that was originally his.

“Everyone, this is the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, Qian Renjue,” Ning Fengzhi introduced him with a smile.

Those with sharp minds had already guessed his identity, including a familiar face who immediately stood up and greeted him.

“Dugu Xin of the Dugu family, greetings to His Highness, the Holy Son.”

Others quickly followed suit, rising to pay their respects. Even Ye Qinshui was no exception.

“Ye Qinshui of the Nine Heart Begonia family, greets His Highness, the Holy Son.”

“…”

Upon hearing a female voice, Qian Renjue visibly paused, a flicker of awkwardness flashing across his face. He glanced in the direction of the voice, feeling slightly uneasy.

Would his future mother-in-law hold a grudge?

Though Ye Qinshui felt awkward too, she didn’t dwell on it. She found Qian Renjue quite likable.

“Moon Pavilion’s Tang Yuehua, greets His Highness, the Holy Son,” came another elegant, gentle voice, drawing Qian Renjue’s attention.

The woman wore a silver palace gown and appeared to be in her twenties, but her eyes held the wisdom of someone far older. Her demeanor radiated the elegance of nobility, surpassing any typical young woman.

Her noble grace rivaled that of Bibi Dong and her daughter, though without their intimidating aura.

Tang Yuehua’s poise made her fit seamlessly into this hall, despite lacking any Soul Power. In many ways, she was far superior to some of the other guests.

Tang Yuehua met Qian Renjue’s gaze with a polite, refined smile, and he took note of her presence quietly.

Just as he was about to speak, Ning Rongrong suddenly rushed into the hall.

Seeing everyone bowing to Qian Renjue, she stopped and sweetly declared, “Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, greets His Highness, the Holy Son.”

“…”

Qian Renjue’s mouth twitched slightly, while Ling Yuan, standing behind him, bit her lip to stifle laughter. Xue Qinghe, however, openly smiled.

“Hehe,” Ning Rongrong giggled, her eyes shining with admiration. Her Brother Holy Son was amazing—so many people had to bow to him!

“There’s no need for such formalities, everyone. I am merely a guest,” Qian Renjue said, his voice calm yet somehow filling the entire hall.

Several guests exchanged glances, noting the powerful spiritual energy that accompanied his words.

“Rongrong, come here,” Ning Fengzhi called to her, before turning to the crowd.

“Everyone, continue with the music and the dance!”