Chapter 1 The Ordinary

In other circumstances, this extremely ordinary attire would never have earned a second glance from the high-quality women and men present.

But as the pair entered, the guests in the hall, after a casual glance, found themselves unable to look away, their eyes glued to them, following their every move.

It was as if they were superstar singers about to take the stage.

"Yuanshi Tianzun?" Miao Teng'er's face couldn't hide her surprise. She never expected her cousin to actually invite Yuanshi Tianzun.

It shouldn't be this way. Her cousin, a lecherous man known for his romantic exploits, craved the spotlight in such settings. Why would he bring someone who threatened his position and stole his thunder?

Although Young Master Hua was known for his charm, elegance, and generosity towards women, Yuanshi Tianzun, as the most dazzling star of the year, had accomplished remarkable feats. After clearing the slaughter dungeon, his reputation had reached its peak. As a Lingjing Xingzhe with half a year of experience, his fame and reputation even faintly overshadowed the official old guard, the F4.

Miao Teng'er looked around and saw that the sisters beside her were all staring intently, their expressions excited and thrilled, their slender necks craned as they gazed at the two young men approaching.

Yan'er, dressed in flamboyant attire, had a fire in her eyes that was almost tangible. She even straightened up, as if ready to greet Yuanshi Tianzun.

As the host of the banquet, Miao Teng'er quickly rose to welcome the two.

"Welcome!" Miao Teng'er smiled lightly, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Yuanshi Tianzun, teasing, "The atmosphere immediately heated up when you walked in."

Zhang Yuanqing sized up Miao Teng'er, whom he had met once before. She had beautiful auburn hair, bright, watery eyes like a forest deer, and a delicate oval face, combining the purity of a maiden with the allure of a mature woman.

Their first meeting had not been this warm. She had been aloof and distant, maintaining a strong sense of detachment even towards him.

Today, perhaps due to her role as the host, she was displaying the expected enthusiasm.

It was evident that women from aristocratic families, regardless of their true personalities, were always poised and generous on formal occasions, a fundamental difference from those from humble backgrounds who struggled to control their emotions.

Zhang Yuanqing smiled and said, "Upon seeing Miss Teng'er, even my cold heart has warmed up."

Miao Teng'er was taken aback.

Ling Jun abruptly turned his head, piercing Zhang Yuanqing with a sharp glare, as if saying: You want to chase after my sister too?

Zhang Yuanqing returned the glare: You said I could pick any woman at the banquet.

Miao Teng'er's gaze flitted between their faces, and she forced a smile: "Please, come inside…"

Zhang Yuanqing casually took a glass of champagne from a waiter and followed Ling Jun and Miao Teng'er into the dining hall. The latter first led him to a corner sofa, where a group of women of various appearances were gathered.

There were blossoming young maidens, charming young women, and voluptuous, alluring mature women.

Ling Jun whispered, "Remember what I taught you. Hunting for romance is different from socializing. The principle of socializing is to make everyone feel valued and well-treated, which is precisely the greatest taboo when hunting for romance.

"The purpose of hunting for romance is to choose your desired target and then make her feel that she has received special attention and preferential treatment, making her feel that she outshines the rest.

"Understood, Mentor. Can I hunt your sister?" Zhang Yuanqing said.

"I think you're looking for death," Ling Jun gritted his teeth.

Zhang Yuanqing thought for a moment and realized that although he possessed many magical artifacts, he probably still couldn't beat the Level 6 Young Master Hua.

"Sisters, let me introduce you to the most outstanding young man in our official circles, Yuanshi Tianzun!" Miao Teng'er said with a brilliant smile, her words and actions befitting the grace and elegance of a host.

Then, she introduced each of the socialites on the sofa to Zhang Yuanqing one by one.

So, I'm actually this popular? Zhang Yuanqing smiled and clinked glasses with the sisters. Even if he wasn't a scout, he could see the fiery gazes of the women's hunt.

In the four months since becoming a Lingjing Xingzhe, he had never attended a similar social gathering and didn't have a clear understanding of his own popularity.

Hehe, when Guan Ya comes back, I'll brag to her about this. Even though I'm surrounded by beauties, I remain unmoved… No, that's not right. I can't brag about my romantic luck in front of my girlfriend. I have to remember the mentor's teachings… Zhang Yuanqing glanced at Ling Jun beside him.

This guy rattled off the names of the women on the sofa as if they were treasures, praising their beauty without repeating himself, making the girls giggle. But their laughter was restrained, and they would occasionally glance at Yuanshi Tianzun, seemingly deliberately showing restraint in front of him.

Zhang Yuanqing didn't act too lively, maintaining a steady and gentle persona.

After everyone got acquainted, Miao Teng'er led him and Ling Jun away to greet other guests.

The socialites watched them leave, chatting with smiles, "Yuanshi Tianzun is so young. He seems to have endless energy, and he's very composed. Some people on the forum said he was a rogue Tianzun, but it seems rumors can't be trusted." "Standing next to Young Master Hua, he's not inferior at all. Tsk, the temperament of a Xingguan is really good." "Young Master Hua is suitable for romance, while Yuanshi Tianzun is suitable as a boyfriend."

Under Miao Teng'er's guidance, Zhang Yuanqing drank and exchanged pleasantries with the guests in the hall one by one. Everyone was polite to him, their faces full of smiles.

"This is 'Broken Bridge Remnant Snow' from the Hangzhou branch of Jiangnan Province. He became a Lingjing Xingzhe half a year ago and is already at the peak of Level 3," Miao Teng'er introduced.

Broken Bridge Remnant Snow was about twenty-five or six years old, young and handsome, with a natural air of arrogance between his brows, but his words and actions were humble.

He nodded slightly towards Yuanshi Tianzun, "I've heard a lot about you!"

Reaching the peak of Extraordinary in half a year, he was undoubtedly a genius, an elite among elites. His self-esteem and pride wouldn't allow him to be too enthusiastic or flattering in front of Yuanshi Tianzun.

If the Hangzhou branch hadn't forbidden him from participating in the mid-year slaughter dungeon, he would already be a Saint now, a Saint for half a year.

At that time, he would be on equal footing with Yuanshi Tianzun. In Broken Bridge Remnant Snow's mind, he wasn't much different from Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Hangzhou branch, who's your superior?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.

"Summer Tree's Love!" A hint of passion flashed in Broken Bridge Remnant Snow's eyes.

"Oh, Xia Shu." Zhang Yuanqing smiled, the heroic figure of the cold and beautiful female instructor appearing in his mind.

Miao Teng'er interjected at the right time, "Yuanshi, are you very familiar with Summer Tree's Love?" "I worked with her on the Mist Incident in Jinhui City. She was also in the Yashan Sea dungeon. We have a good relationship," Zhang Yuanqing explained simply.

Broken Bridge Remnant Snow felt inexplicably discouraged. That superior was someone he could only dream of, but Yuanshi Tianzun spoke of her in a calm tone. ("A good relationship"? How good? He thought silently.)

Next, Miao Teng'er introduced him to Gaoshan Liushui, the executive of the Puning District of Songhai; Liu Zhiyi, a Ling San Dai (third generation) from the Hangzhou branch; Huayangzi, who had an excellent relationship with Young Master Huo; and the handsome painter Danqing Shengshou.

Among them, Gaoshan Liushui was the most enthusiastic and humble towards him, making the surrounding guests realize that Yuanshi Tianzun's status in the Songhai branch was probably only below that of the elders.

Huayangzi's attitude was the coldest because Young Master Huo and Young Master Qian had once been bitter rivals. Now, Young Master Qian was already a Ruler, while Young Master Huo had failed to advance and temporarily lagged behind Fu Qingyang.

But with Young Master Huo's talent, it was only a matter of time before he advanced to Ruler. When that happened, the competitive relationship between the two would definitely reignite.

The Ling San Dai Liu Zhiyi didn't care at all. These Ling San Dai from prominent families had been showered with attention since childhood. They were only used to others flattering them and couldn't bring themselves to flatter others.

Even flattery was too much effort. His grandfather would give him whatever he wanted. And what his grandfather couldn't give him, Yuanshi Tianzun naturally couldn't give him either. No matter how famous Yuanshi Tianzun was, what did it have to do with him? It didn't affect his life.

Danqing Shengshou, like the other guests, was enthusiastic but also subtly flattering and restrained. Getting to know Yuanshi Tianzun was like having an extra connection and relationship, which was extremely important for Lingjing Xingzhe without a background.

After a round of introductions, Miao Teng'er led her cousin and Yuanshi Tianzun back to the corner sofa, skipping over the three members of the Taiyi Sect on the other side.

It wasn't that she was petty, but Yin Ji was too antisocial. There was no need to embarrass her cousin and Yuanshi Tianzun in public. In that case, she, the host, would be the most embarrassed.

She doesn't seem to be interested in trading with me right now… Zhang Yuanqing glanced at Yin Ji, who was sitting by the window enjoying the night view, and wisely didn't disturb her. He followed Miao Teng'er back to the sofa and sat down. As soon as he sat down, he saw the exquisitely dressed girl with heavy makeup and delicate features stand up and say, "Yuanshi Tianzun, can I sit next to you?"

Her eyes were burning with an aggressive desire.

Before Yuanshi Tianzun could respond, she took the initiative to approach and sit next to him.

Zhang Yuanqing knew her name was Yan'er. Her father was an elder from the Xie City branch. Of course, Ling Jun had quietly told him that this girl was born out of wedlock and wasn't the original wife's child.

So, her status wasn't as high as the legitimate children.

As a gentleman, Zhang Yuanqing naturally wouldn't refuse, so as not to embarrass the girl. He smiled and said, "I like enthusiastic girls."

At this time, a beautiful sister teased, "Is my family's sister as enthusiastic as she is?" Seeing the sisters all look over, Xie Lingyun smiled and explained, "The only daughter of our family head, my cousin, works under Yuanshi Tianzun."

Everyone suddenly understood.

The only daughter of the Xie family head was working under Yuanshi Tianzun. Had the Xie family invested in him in advance?

They became even more attentive to Yuanshi Tianzun.

Xie Lingyun continued, "The family head made a brilliant move. The rule-type item that Yuanshi Tianzun brought back from the Yashan Sea was the Xie family's lost item, which the family head bought back."

She didn't continue, but she believed everyone understood.

"Just a deal, just a deal," Zhang Yuanqing said with a smile.

At this time, Yan'er, who was sitting close to him, said sweetly, "I heard my father say that you've collected a lot of lost items, about a dozen?"

This news made the socialites on both sides of the sofa's eyes light up.

"They've all been given to my employees," Zhang Yuanqing said involuntarily, immediately seeing the envious gazes of the women.

Driven by alcohol and the atmosphere, and under the curious questioning of the women, Zhang Yuanqing began to recount his experiences in collecting items, followed by his experiences in clearing the S-level dungeon and the black market cleanup operation.

He spoke eloquently, becoming the brightest star at the banquet.

After a few bottles of wine, Zhang Yuanqing unconsciously had an arm around each of two women, enjoying himself immensely.

On his left was the beautiful young Yan'er, and on his right was Xie Lingxi's cousin, Xie Lingyun.

The tenderness of the young girl's body and the grace of the mature woman's body occasionally caressed him, arousing his desires.

It's getting a bit much. I should participate in these banquets less in the future, or I might lose control one day. He thought silently, at the same time realizing that Yan'er and Xie Lingyun were both intentionally seducing him, more proactive than the other women.

At this time, he saw the Ling San Dai from the Hangzhou branch, fueled by alcohol and egged on by his companions, walk towards Yin Ji, who was sitting alone by the window.

He leaned down and said something, but Yin Ji shook her head slightly.

Liu Zhiyi seemed a little displeased and rudely pulled out the high-backed chair and sat down next to Yin Ji.

As soon as he sat down, a gust of cold wind blew, lifting him and the chair into the air and sending them flying into the distance.

Liu Zhiyi fell with a thud, the scarlet liquid in his glass spilling all over his chest.

His companions in the distance burst into laughter.

Two Night Watchers from the Taiyi Sect snickered.

Liu Zhiyi felt he had lost face and was filled with anger, but he didn't dare to lash out and walked away cursing.

This scene was observed by the guests. The women couldn't help but laugh, while most of the men wore sneers and mocking expressions. He had only humiliated himself.

There were quite a few male guests in attendance who were secretly paying attention to Yin Ji. At the beginning of the banquet, they had all tried to offer a toast, but they had all been coldly rejected.

"That's just how she is. She likes to drink alone," Ling Jun said with a smile.

Miao Teng'er encouraged, "Why don't you go try?"

Ling Jun shook his head repeatedly, "Yin Ji and I are from the same sect, and we only have the friendship of fellow disciples. Teng'er, don't go matchmaking. Besides, I don't want to make a fool of myself."

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Zhang Yuanqing heard this and thought it was brilliant.

These words both cleared up any relationship between him and Yin Ji and expressed his lack of desire for Yin Ji, deeply reflecting the poet's, no, the mentor's, profound level of flirting.

Sure enough, after Young Master Hua said this, the women around him all smiled.

Zhang Yuanqing silently stood up and said, "I'll go sit over there."

The people around him were stunned, staring in astonishment at the Yuanshi Tianzun who had stood up.

Ling Jun's face changed, and he kept winking at him, thinking, Don't do it! If you go over there, not only will you lose face, but you'll also displease the girls. They'll think, I don't want a man that Yin Ji doesn't want. Then you'll be done for if you want to pick up girls later.

But Zhang Yuanqing was completely unaware and walked across the dining hall towards Yin Ji by the window.

In the dining hall, the guests who had been chatting and laughing stopped talking when they noticed Yuanshi Tianzun's actions, watching him with a mixture of surprise, anticipation, and schadenfreude.

One was a delicate flower from the Taiyi Sect, and the other was a rising star from the Five Elements Alliance. Who knew what interesting sparks would fly when the two collided.

Even the people who most wanted to curry favor with Yuanshi Tianzun couldn't help but look forward to him being humiliated and laughing at him.

Liu Zhiyi sneered and muttered softly, "What are you pretending for? You'll be embarrassed later."

Broken Bridge Remnant Snow raised the corner of his mouth, secretly anticipating it.

Zhang Yuanqing walked through the dining hall, past the two Night Watchers' hostile gazes, pulled out a chair, sat down next to Yin Ji, and raised his glass to her.

Yin Ji glanced at him, picked up the glass in front of her, and lightly touched his.

"Clink!" The sound of the glass cups colliding was very soft, but it became the only sound in the dining hall.

The entire dining hall was strangely silent.

Whether male or female guests, their faces were filled with surprise and astonishment as they watched this scene.

Liu Zhiyi's expression suddenly turned gloomy, his eyes filled with jealousy and disgust.

Broken Bridge Remnant Snow looked away, his face disappointed.

Ling Jun's expression was stiff as he stared blankly at Yuanshi Tianzun sitting next to Yin Ji.

Who was the teacher and who was the student?

The women on the sofa all pouted. Xie Lingyun muttered, "I thought she was so pure and innocent. It turns out she just didn't think the person offering the toast was worthy enough."

But Miao Teng'er smiled.

"I've prepared three items. You can choose one," Yin Ji took a sip of red wine, and as she put down the glass, she said in a low voice, "One is a star chart that can improve your deduction ability. When you reach Level 5, you can use it. The price is that you'll develop the habit of telling fortunes. Another is a bracelet for the Beast King profession. It can improve your balance, agility, strength, and stamina. Every day, you can transform into one kind of animal. The price is that you'll become more and more fond of nature. If you have a garden at home, it can alleviate the cost.

"The last one is a Fire Demon profession's knife, with armor-piercing and burning effects. Three strikes can break through the defensive equipment of an ordinary Saint-quality earth monster."

The star chart isn't very useful. I already have the Grand Luo Star Disk. The Fire Demon Knife is the same. But the item that greatly enhances melee ability and allows me to shapeshift is good, and the cost isn't severe… Zhang Yuanqing didn't think too much and said, "I want the bracelet."

Yin Ji nodded slightly, "I'll give it to you after the banquet. I want to drink alone for a while. Also, your condition isn't quite right. Remember to control your emotions."

Is she reminding me not to lose control after drinking? She's so gentle… Zhang Yuanqing smiled and said, "Okay!" He drained the wine in his glass and said, "I'm going to the restroom. Let's talk again after the banquet."

With that, he left the dining hall under the watchful eyes of the crowd and headed towards the restroom.

In the restroom, Zhang Yuanqing emptied the pressure in his bladder, stood in front of the sink, leaned over, scooped up a handful of water, and splashed it on his face.

At this moment, the restroom door opened, and Yan'er, dressed in a gorgeous gauze dress and wearing expensive jewelry, looking like a princess, entered with a smile on her lips.

"Yan'er, this is the men's restroom."

Zhang Yuanqing almost wanted to rush out and check the sign to see if he had gone to the wrong place.

"I know," Yan'er lifted her long skirt and walked to the sink. She wasn't very old, but her smile was charming, "There's a rule in our circle: if you take a fancy to someone at a banquet, you follow him when he goes to the restroom. When others see this, they'll give up and look for another target."

She had drunk a lot of wine, her cheeks were slightly red, her eyes were misty and shining, with a hint of drunkenness and charm.

Your circle is really… Zhang Yuanqing shook his head and declined, "I don't like this."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Yan'er walk closer with a smile, her petite body touching him, her voice sweet and captivating: "You can do anything to me, here or in the lounge. If you're satisfied with me afterward, we can maintain a relationship. If you're not satisfied, I won't bother you."

A girl of considerable status and clear beauty was saying such explicit and seductive words to him. It would be difficult for a man with normal desires to refuse.

The illegitimate daughter of the Xie City branch elder, with low status, dressed very luxuriously. They say you show off what you lack… She's treating me as prey, that's for sure. Hooking up with Yuanshi Tianzun is like soaring to the sky in one step. Even that elder father of hers will look at her differently…

Alas, indeed, adults are all about interests. I thought she was my little fan girl. Well, being a fan girl isn't wrong…

As Zhang Yuanqing's thoughts raced, he saw the beautiful girl gently raise her slender hand, lingering on his lower abdomen and lower Dantian, teasing his sensitive areas.

The delicate fragrance emanating from her body was like a top-grade aphrodisiac.

Her hands seemed to possess a strange magic, causing Zhang Yuanqing's lower abdomen to rise sharply, producing a heat flow, as hard as iron.

He unconsciously flashed many erotic images in his mind: a girl sitting on the sink with her legs spread apart; a girl lying on the toilet with her butt sticking up; a girl supporting herself on the sink with her legs together; a girl pinned against the wall biting her lip, afraid to scream loudly…

+Zhang Yuanqing's mouth was dry, and he subconsciously followed the images in his mind, lifting Yan'er onto the sink, tearing at her gauze dress with hurried breaths.

Yan'er's face, covered in red, was charming and moving, with a slight upturn of her lips, and her slender jade legs hooked around Yuanshi Tianzun's waist.

Just as she slightly raised her hips, hinting to the hot-eyed man to take off her lace panties.

Suddenly, a cold, hard object pressed against her lower abdomen from under her skirt.

She looked at Yuanshi Tianzun in astonishment. The man, who had been consumed by lust and lost his senses just a moment ago, now had clear eyes and a cold smile on his lips.

"A Phantom Master's means of communicating desire. You've been guiding me since I started drinking, haven't you? Where did you learn these evil tricks?" Zhang Yuanqing sneered.

The hard object under the skirt was the Ghost Mirror.

"You're so smart," Yan'er said with a slight lift of her lips, "Yuanshi Tianzun, you're my prey. You can't escape."

In the light, her expression was eerie and strange, as if she had become a different person.

That look, Zhang Yuanqing seemed to recognize it.

Before Zhang Yuanqing could react, she suddenly tore her neckline, broke her necklace, and ripped her skirt.

Then, she let out a heart-rending scream: "Help!"

After shouting, her body swayed and slumped limply on the sink, losing her heartbeat and breathing, losing all signs of life. Was she dead?

Zhang Yuanqing looked bewildered, completely unaware of what had happened.

At this moment, hurried footsteps came from outside the restroom.

Someone had been attracted by the sharp cry for help.