The Grand Banquet and Lingering Shadows

This westward campaign had seen Tianhe Gate achieve a resounding victory, conquering several cities in succession. Their vanguard now pointed directly at the Western Extremities.

With a bit more time to consolidate their gains and thoroughly eradicate the remaining Moluo cultists, this vast territory, stretching from Longyou to the Western Regions, would fall completely under their control.

Whether they chose to recuperate and develop the land, or to forge it into a fortress for a counter-offensive into the Western Regions, the decision would rest solely with Tianhe Gate.

The celebratory banquet that evening was, naturally, a grand affair.

Brilliant lanterns illuminated the night, resembling trees of fire and silver blossoms. A grand stage had been erected, where operatic melodies drifted, though often drowned out by the boisterous crowd.

Below, various acrobats performed dazzling feats, swallowing swords and breathing fire, adding to the extraordinary revelry.

Outside the manor, in the open square, ordinary disciples feasted on endless streams of wine and meat. They craned their ears, listening as the stewards of the Merits Hall called out names, inviting them to collect their well-deserved rewards.

These were hardened martial artists, men who had faced death on the battlefield. Most were unrefined, drinking deeply and eating heartily, all while laughing at the Moluo cultists’ pathetic resistance and boasting of their own valor in battle.

Meanwhile, those privileged to sit within the manor’s courtyard included the household’s various masters and their kin, along with the numerous hall masters, chief stewards, and the elite vanguard awaiting their deserved accolades.

This inner circle exercised a modicum of restraint, appearing somewhat more refined than those outside—though only ‘somewhat.’ At times, their gazes would drift towards the main seats, tinged with a subtle anticipation.

It was into this scene that Qin Wanzhao and Bai Yuan emerged from the inner chambers.

Holding hands, they walked slowly along the edge of the gathering, appearing like intimate sisters. Qin Wanzhao’s noble purple robes exuded grace, while Bai Yuan’s simple white attire conveyed a quiet elegance. They were like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each captivating in their own right, instantly drawing countless gazes from the crowd.

The once clamorous and noisy banquet hall grew significantly quieter in mere moments. Even the operatic singing from the stage, previously completely overshadowed by the din below, became clearly audible.

Hu Hai, as the Deputy Hall Master of the Imperial Guard Hall, naturally held a seat in the courtyard, and a rather prominent one at that. Thus, the moment the two women appeared, he immediately recognized the identity of the woman in white.

He froze, his mouth agape. Just as he was about to speak, he saw the white-clad woman’s gaze shift towards him, and she offered a gentle nod.

A chill immediately pierced Hu Hai’s heart. ‘Damn it, it really is… her!’ he thought.

‘It seems I was too eager this time, and I’ve really narrowed my path,’ he mused.

Under the bewildered stares of his colleagues, he smacked his head forcefully, closing his eyes in anguish. ‘Over these past few years, the Gate Master and the First Madam’s intentions have become truly impossible to guess.’

Those seated at the main table were likewise taken aback by the arrival of the two women.

Only Yang Xuan, idly toying with his wine cup, observed the pair of jade-like sisters, his gaze profound and inscrutable, offering no comment.

Leading Bai Yuan to their seats, Qin Wanzhao remained composed despite the array of peculiar stares. She smiled, introducing Bai Yuan to everyone.

“As you all know, this is my younger sister, Yuan’er.”

“Indeed, Yuan’er, you should actually recognize everyone present. This is…”

Yet, no introductions were truly needed.

Bai Yuan’s gaze swept across the seats, recognizing each person.

The highest-ranking individual was Hu Feng, a meritorious elder of Tianhe Gate and a respected senior to both Yang Xuan and Qin Wanzhao. She had once severely wounded him with just a few blows, though she knew the system was largely responsible for that outcome.

Beside Yang Xuan, held by a child’s nanny, was the child Yang Lingwu, Yang Xuan and Qin Wanzhao’s eldest son and the future heir of Tianhe Gate. He was destined to be gravely injured by her in the future, only to be rescued by Ling Yun.

There was Second Madam Qian Ying, whom she had just met this afternoon. Her temperament was fiery, and she harbored a fierce hatred for evil. Bai Yuan had once wounded and pursued her, only for Yang Xuan to save her.

Third Madam Liu Qingyue, known as the ‘Moon Swordswoman,’ was visibly pregnant, at least four or five months along. She had also been a target of Bai Yuan’s, forced to ally with Yang Xuan to resist her.

Fourth Madam Yin Shuang, a renowned alchemist from the Northwest, had once been confronted by Bai Yuan at her home. Ultimately, Yang Xuan had intervened to resolve the situation.

And there was no need to even mention the one seated at the very top.

…

In essence, the entire hall was filled with her enemies, and every single one of them was a result of her own actions.

Meeting under such circumstances, the emotions within were truly indescribable.

Fortunately, Bai Yuan possessed a thick skin. As long as she didn’t show embarrassment and maintained a humble demeanor, those on the moral high ground couldn’t easily turn hostile.

Thus, after exchanging greetings, most were quite courteous, if somewhat distant, despite their varied expressions. Only Hu Feng, leaning on his seniority, snorted at her and wore a cold face.

She paid it no mind, simply taking her seat at the very bottom of the table with proper decorum.

Once everyone was seated, a soft ‘clink’ sounded as a cup gently touched the tabletop, and the hall instantly fell silent.

Yang Xuan slowly raised his wine cup, his gaze sweeping across the entire gathering.

“Ten generations ago, when the Divine Land and the Western Regions converged, Moluo cultists crossed our borders. We, the people of the Divine Land, treated them with courtesy, allowing them to trade and reside among us, harming none.”

“Yet, these individuals harbored deceitful intentions, taking advantage of the turmoil in the Central Plains to stir up trouble and rebellion, encroaching upon our fertile lands and seizing control of the Western territories. This has persisted for a century.”

“Today, witnessing your expulsion of these vile wretches, the reclamation of our ancestral lands, and the restoration of our Central Plains’ might, is truly my great fortune.”

Yang Xuan raised his wine cup towards the tables where the vanguard, awaiting their rewards, sat.

“This cup, for your triumph!”

“To serve the Gate Master unto death!”

Everyone in the hall cheered in unison, then tilted their heads back, draining their cups in a single gulp.

Yang Xuan refilled his cup and looked at Hu Feng beside him.

“Ten years ago, my father-in-law was tragically harmed by villains. Fortunately, Uncle Hu stepped forward, pursuing them for a thousand li to avenge his death. Afterwards, he single-handedly propped up our gate, tirelessly maintaining its prestige and nurturing our growth to this very day.”

“Our gate’s current prosperity owes immeasurably to Uncle Hu’s efforts in preserving its existence and continuity. Now, he has achieved yet another extraordinary feat—”

“This cup, for Uncle Hu!”

“To Elder Hu!”

The crowd cheered once more.

Hu Feng, seated beside Yang Xuan, repeatedly demurred, yet his aged face was already flushed with an uncontrollable glow, his wrinkles spreading as he beamed like a blooming flower.

The clamor gradually subsided, and Yang Xuan raised his third cup of wine.

“Our Tianhe Gate, established by our founder in Wuzhou by the great river, has now spanned five generations. Protected by our founder’s blessings, heroic figures have emerged in every generation. It is through the courageous sacrifices of all of you present that we have finally achieved our current success today.”

“May our gate’s blessings be boundless and endure for generations to come!”

“May our gate’s blessings be boundless and endure for generations to come!”

The people in the hall once again raised their cups and drank heartily. At that very moment, firecrackers exploded outside, and countless fireworks soared into the sky, bringing the atmosphere to its absolute peak.

Yang Xuan certainly had a knack for winning people’s hearts.

Amidst the jubilation, Bai Yuan also drank the wine in her cup with the others. She then sat down, eyes lowered and silent, her heart filled with emotion.

The formidable Tianhe elite force, destined to become the most renowned under heaven, had likely begun to take shape through such repeated encouragement and inspiration, before being ultimately tempered and refined through the crucible of war.