Chapter 393 The Engagement Ceremony Arrives
"To be frank, Ancestor, my master and several senior brothers and sisters have also come to attend this engagement banquet," Shi Xuan said respectfully. The atmosphere was solemn and expectant.
A look of surprise flashed across the Shi family Ancestor’s face as he asked, "Are you speaking of that invincible Great Sage Qiankun from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute? Was it not rumored that within the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, you…" His voice trembled with disbelief.
Shi Xuan’s lips curved slightly. "Even Ancestor has believed those rumors. Naturally, the world would also believe them."
"Since your master has come, then I shall first pay him a visit." Although the Shi family Ancestor was older than Chu Feng and had attained the Great Sage earlier, he did not dare put on airs before Chu Feng.
Shi Xuan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Ancestor, if we involve master in our conflict with the northern abyss, would that not be inappropriate?" His concern was plain.
The Shi family Ancestor laughed. "We will be open and honest. If he does not wish to act, then you will simply follow him to Wendao Academy and cultivate diligently. Leave the Shi family’s matters aside."
"But…" Shi Xuan had not expected the Ancestor to make such a decision; his heart was inevitably moved by the Ancestor’s resolve.
"Enough, let us not speak of this further. Let us first go pay respects to that Great Sage Qiankun." The Shi family Ancestor immediately walked toward the direction of the voices, and though Shi Xuan felt conflicted, he followed.
Before long, the two arrived at the royal residence’s garden. The moonlight fell softly over the hedges and marble paths.
Shi Xuan was the first to bow. "Disciple greets master, master’s wife, and all senior brothers and sisters." His tone was formal and measured.
All eyes fell on Shi Xuan, except for Chu Feng and Shi Bingyan, whose gazes remained fixed on the Shi family Ancestor. The tension between lineages was obvious.
"Rise," Chu Feng said, then turned toward the Shi family Ancestor with a smile. "Daoist friend coming personally at this late hour—this suggests Shi Xuan’s trip to the imperial palace has not gone smoothly."
The Shi family Ancestor cupped his hands. "Daoist friend’s insight is as sharp as a torch. This old man is in admiration." The others instantly recognized from the term "Daoist friend" that this guest was the Shi family Ancestor.
Great Sage Jinchi waved his hand, erecting a subtle barrier and quietly observing the old man before them. Atmosphere tightened as the powerful figures regarded one another.
Shi Xuan personally fetched a chair for his family Ancestor and placed it in the first seat at Chu Feng’s left hand. The gesture was respectful and precise.
The Shi family Ancestor felt no impropriety and asked with puzzlement, "It is said that Great Sage Qiankun is unmatched beneath the Saint Realm. To witness your style today makes this trip worthwhile, yet I did not expect you would bring four Great Sages with you. Could it be that Daoist friend truly intends to go to war with the Great Abyss Sacred Dynasty?"
The Shi family had only three Great Sages in total; if Great Sage Qiankun acted against them, the entire Great Wilderness Imperial Dynasty might be reduced to ashes.
Chu Feng smiled. "Daoist friend misunderstands. The two Daoist friends, Yishan and Jiaoyang, are not my subordinates. They merely guard my two disciples."
"So that is how it is." The Shi family Ancestor breathed a sigh and spoke with feeling. "Though my Shi family appears formidable, one misstep could mean utter ruin. That is why this old man acts with such caution."
Chu Feng asked with interest, "So it seems that at Shi Xuan’s engagement banquet, a fine show is about to unfold?" His tone carried faint amusement.
"Indeed. From what I know, it is not only the Great Abyss Sacred Dynasty that has its eyes on Shi Xuan. Even some Holy Lands cast their shadows here." The Shi family Ancestor’s expression grew grave as he continued.
"It seems Shi Xuan’s destiny as a great villain draws the covetous eyes of many. All these Holy Lands wish to seize a share. This banquet becomes more interesting by the moment. I wonder what kind of prodigies they will send forth, and what surprises they may bring us?" Chu Feng’s gaze swept over the gathered disciples as he spoke.
The Shi family Ancestor fell into brief silence. He had already laid matters bare, yet the man before him still insisted on wading into these troubled waters. The implications were larger than a single family feud.
Having lived two lifetimes, Chu Feng could clearly see what the Shi family Ancestor was thinking. Taking a sip of wine, he said, "Rest assured, Daoist friend. Since Shi Xuan has entered my tutelage, I will not let him come to harm. Whoever sets their sights on my disciple, I will ensure they pay dearly."
At these words, the Shi family Ancestor understood fully: this matter was no longer a conflict between the Shi family and the Great Abyss, but a struggle among all the Holy Lands.
He slowly rose and cupped his hands toward Chu Feng. "Since Daoist friend has decided, then the Shi family is willing to entrust its fate into your hands."
Chu Feng replied calmly, "You overthink, Daoist friend. The Shi family need not stake its entire foundation on one gamble. However, after this matter, it is highly likely that Shi Xuan will have to cultivate within Wendao Academy for centuries."
The Shi family Ancestor heard this and bowed respectfully toward Chu Feng. "Many thanks, Great Sage Qiankun. As long as Shi Xuan still lives, then our Shi family still has hope."
"Daoist friend is too courteous," Chu Feng replied calmly.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the banquet continued until late into the night before it finally ended.
The next day, rumors spread rapidly throughout the Great Wilderness Imperial City.
At the palace banquet, several of Shi Xuan’s fiancées had supposedly flirted with unfamiliar men.
Human nature delights in gossip. Once such explosive news circulated, every street and alley buzzed with discussion, and the stories grew increasingly exaggerated.
For a time, within the Northern Wilderness Imperial City, the eyes of every faction turned toward the Changsun residence.
Yet, to everyone’s surprise, Shi Xuan made no response at all, remaining secluded within his own manor as usual.
The group from Miaomiao Mountain also stayed in Shi Xuan’s manor, exchanging cultivation insights each day.
Chu Feng, meanwhile, took out a Dao jade and carefully carved upon it.
The Shi family of the Northern Wilderness pressed on with the preparations for the engagement ceremony.
They made no reply whatsoever to the rumors, as if declaring to the world that once the engagement concluded, all slander would collapse on its own.
This method of handling matters left the Northern Abyss royal clan, who had spread the news, somewhat surprised.
Within the posthouse of the Northern Wilderness—
Xu Chengjie and the others sat together around a tea table, sipping tea.
Xu Wanshun murmured, "I never expected that after Shi Xuan went to Wendao Academy, he would become like a turtle, completely losing the sharp brilliance he once had."
Even Xu Wanling, who usually opposed her, muttered, "It is not only Shi Xuan. Even the Shi family’s calmness seems abnormal. The one steering the Shi family has always liked to dominate by force, yet now he acts completely detached, as though nothing concerns him."
Hearing the two women, Xu Chengjie narrowed his eyes and muttered to himself, "What exactly is the Shi family planning this time?"
Xu Wanshun smiled. "Cousin, no need to think so much. Whatever the Shi family intends, Shi Xuan cannot escape this calamity. That hidden dragon of the Shi family is destined never to soar into the heavens."
"Indeed."
When Xu Chengjie thought of the group that would face Shi Xuan this time, his mood improved. "This time it will not be only Shi Xuan. Even the entire Shi family will suffer disgrace, and they may even be dealt a heavy blow!"
"Let us continue drinking tea, waiting for this fine play to begin."
Time passed quickly, and the day of Shi Xuan’s engagement arrived as scheduled.
That day, the entire Northern Wilderness Imperial City was ablaze with lanterns and decorations, filled with excitement. Every street and alley radiated a festive atmosphere.
Within the Changsun residence—
For once, Chu Feng did not sleep in late. He rose early, deliberately changed into a celebratory immortal robe, and after Bingyan had tidied him, the two of them walked out together.
As soon as they stepped outside, Shi Xuan and the other disciples were already waiting.
"We greet master and master’s wife."
"Rise."
After speaking, Chu Feng turned his gaze toward Shi Xuan, then drew from his storage ring a jade pendant carved with his own likeness and handed it over.
"Shi Xuan, today is your engagement banquet. This is my gift to you. Within it are ten strands of my sword qi, each carrying the might of one of my sword strikes."
Upon seeing the sword jade, Shi Xuan immediately received it with both hands and said respectfully, "Disciple thanks master for bestowing this treasure."
Chu Feng nodded slightly. "Let us depart. Today, as the main figure, it is time for the world to witness your brilliance."
"Yes."
Shi Xuan answered and strode out of the courtyard first. Chu Feng and the others followed close behind, and before long they all boarded the carriages bound for the venue of the engagement banquet—Moonwatch Palace.
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