Being watched by gazes of surprise and curiosity, Huang Taiji’s feet paused for a moment, then returned to normal. His posture straightened subtly, and his face became more serious. Like a celebrity on the red carpet, he suddenly carried the burden of an idol.

“I’ve told you many times, don’t call me godfather,” Huang Tai frowned, speaking in a serious tone.

“It just slipped out, slipped out,” Zhang Yuanqing said, “God… Brother Huang, you must help with tonight’s banquet. The annual interest rate offered by the boss is 2.9%, so not many people are willing to lend money.”

Huang Taiji said in a deep voice, “2.9 is indeed a bit low. Bank certificates of deposit earn more than that.”

“That’s why I’m asking for your help. Everyone knows that those who sell land and houses are the big players.”

Huang Taiji wore an official expression. “The group’s money is not my money. A low-yield investment will damage my reputation and credibility…”

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly shouted, “Godfather!”

Huang Taiji’s lips twitched slightly. “I’ll consider it.”

“Boss, esteemed guests, my godfather has arrived!”

“Thank you, Godfather.” Zhang Yuanqing led Dong Taiji into the banquet hall, announcing loudly.

The handsome men and beautiful women in suits and dresses in the hall looked over in surprise.

Familiar faces and ambiguous gazes focused on Huang Taiji.

Huang Taiji didn't have Insight skill, but he easily understood the astonishment, surprise, and a hint of admiration from these second, third, and fourth generation officials.

This surprise and admiration were different from the status of an official fourth-generation son. Yuanshi Tianzun was no longer what he used to be. After the Five Elements Rebellion instance, he had completely entered the ranks of the strongest under the Sovereigns. In terms of strength, he could already be on par with the official fourth-generation sons.

Regardless of good or bad reputation, he had surpassed the silent Huang, the impulsive Fire, the lazy and romantic Flower, and the virtuous Qian. This “Godfather” was everyone’s surprise and astonishment that Huang Taiji had actually subdued Yuanshi Tianzun.

Huang Taiji straightened his back silently and walked into the banquet hall like a celebrity walking the red carpet. Prominent guests gathered around to greet him, their attitudes warm and respectful.

Zhang Yuanqing left the restaurant, crossed the courtyard, and continued to welcome guests at the entrance of the villa.

Soon, he welcomed two more acquaintances, who were also the protagonists of tonight’s banquet, Miao Teng’er and Ling Jun.

Miao Teng’er’s attire tonight was very eye-catching. She wore a soft, shiny white silk shirt and a light blue pleated skirt, refreshing like a bouquet of orchids.

This perfectly matched her temperament and appearance, making her refined and otherworldly, yet possessing the charming coquettishness of a mature woman.

“Sister Teng’er, a day apart feels like three autumns,” Zhang Yuanqing laughed loudly, opening his arms to welcome her, as if to embrace Miao Teng’er affectionately.

Miao Teng’er’s face bloomed with a bright smile, and she generously gave him a quick hug, humming, “I’m older than you, call me sister.”

“That won’t do. Ling Jun is my beloved friend and brother, and you’re his sister, so you’re my sister. Tsk tsk, is Sister Teng’er planning to outshine everyone tonight?” Zhang Yuanqing praised sincerely and passionately. Miao Teng’er scoffed, “So glib.”

“Just being modest, too modest!” Zhang Yuanqing grabbed Miao Teng’er’s small hand, patted the back of her hand, and said sincerely, “In my eyes, Sister Teng’er is the number one beauty in the organization, even three points more beautiful than Yin Ji.”

His expression and tone were serious, as if he was about to swear to the heavens.

This sentence clearly struck a chord in Miao Teng’er’s heart, and her refined and beautiful face instantly filled with a bright smile. She suddenly sighed, “I’m sorry about the trial.”

She was referring to the fact that Elder Miao didn’t help Yuanshi Tianzun during the trial.

“Ah, Elder Miao is shrewd and calculating. He knows that Ling Jun, you, and I have deep friendships, so even if he doesn’t help me, I can’t hold a grudge,” Zhang Yuanqing shrugged.

Miao Teng’er looked at him a few times and smiled again.

“Teng’er, go in first. I need to talk to Yuanshi,” Ling Jun coughed and urged his cousin to go in quickly. He couldn’t let her linger with Yuanshi Tianzun. Miao Teng’er nodded slightly and walked gracefully across the courtyard towards the villa.

“Five seconds!” Ling Jun said faintly.

“What five seconds?” Zhang Yuanqing gave him a puzzled look.

“You held Teng’er’s hand for more than five seconds. Teng’er hates physical contact with the opposite sex, including handshakes.”

“Not only did she let your lecherous hands hold hers, but she even let you hug her…”

“It was just a quick hug. My chest hasn’t even touched your sister’s…”

“Hey, if you keep making lewd comments about my sister, I’m going to get angry,” Ling Jun sighed.

“But Teng’er just likes your type: talented, unconventional, high EQ, and knows how to please people. It’s a pity that you’re already with Guan Ya, otherwise I’d be very happy to introduce Teng’er to you.”

“Let’s not. Fu Qingyang would give each of us a strike close to the Dao.”

“You’re worried that Fu Qingyang will give us each a sword, instead of Guan Ya being sad? You care a lot about Fu Qingyang’s feelings, don’t you?”

“No, we should go inside,” Zhang Yuanqing suddenly realized and pushed him into the courtyard.

At eight o’clock in the evening, the invited guests gradually arrived at the location of the Fu family’s villa banquet. The banquet was held in the attached building on the left, which had a hall specifically for banquets. It was over five hundred square meters, covered with thick carpets, and the ceiling was hung with layers of crystal lamps like nine-tiered lotuses. Long tables covered with white tablecloths were arranged in an orderly manner, and the tables were filled with top-grade ingredients.

Bunny girls led female servers through the crowd, bringing more delicacies, wine, and fruit. In the center of the banquet, there was a shiny lacquered piano. Miao Teng’er, as clear and beautiful as an orchid, lowered her head and played, her fair and beautiful fingers moving nimbly on the black and white keys.

As the host, Fu Qingyang was dressed in a snow-white suit, with a short ponytail, his sculpted handsome face still aloof.

He led his trusted subordinate, Yuanshi Tianzun, and chatted and toasted with the organization’s elites, truly being the two most dazzling figures at the banquet.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more and more lively. Huang Taiji also took Yuanshi Tianzun around for a round and didn’t resist him calling him godfather at all.

Zhang Yuanqing knew that the task the boss had given him was complete. Huang would lend money.

In fact, the main contributor to this banquet was Huang Taiji, the CEO of a government construction group. Coincidentally, the real estate industry was sluggish this year, and the group had reduced its investment in the real estate industry, so it had a lot of cash on hand. Getting Huang Taiji on board was equivalent to securing 80% of the funding gap. But Fu Qingyang said that Huang Taiji was rigid and serious, and that Qian’s face wasn’t very useful in front of Huang. Yuanshi Tianzun, as the adopted son, had to step in.

Zhang Yuanqing stopped drinking after toasting for two rounds. He couldn’t drink, and even the most expensive wine was a waste in his mouth. He preferred iced cola, but Fu Qingyang said that formal occasions required formal behavior, and there was no place for cola at the banquet.

Now he was sitting near the balcony, enjoying the cool night breeze, calmly observing the smiling gentlemen and ladies, waiting for an opportunity.

Ling Jun’s “old illness relapsed” and he started flirting with girls again, laughing loudly in the crowd of women, flirting with one on the left and another on the right, without bothering with his cousin.

Most people’s focus was on Fu Qingyang, Huang Taiji, and other celebrity figures. Not many people paid attention to Miao Teng’er.

Logically speaking, with Miao Teng’er’s appearance, figure, and family background, she was also a celebrity, but like Yin Ji, she hadn’t forgotten her former lover, so she maintained a clean image in social situations and didn’t give any high-quality men any opportunities.

Over time, people stopped approaching her. After all, everyone was a respectable figure. Three-legged toads were hard to find, but women with two legs were everywhere. There was no need to make a fool of oneself with her.

At this moment, Fu Qingyang accidentally spilled a few drops of red wine on his chest and excused himself to change clothes.

As soon as Fu Qingyang left, a bunny girl walked towards Miao Teng’er and said in a low voice, “Miss Miao Teng’er, the young master has important matters to discuss with you. Please come with me.”

“Fu Qingyang has something to discuss with me?” Miao Teng’er glanced at the banquet hall and, indeed, didn’t see Fu Qingyang present. She nodded and stood up, smiling, “Okay!”

She followed the bunny girl out of the banquet hall, down the stairs, and into a guest room on the first floor.

The bunny girl bowed and said, “Please wait a moment. The young master will be here shortly.” After speaking, she closed the door and left.

…

Beijing.

The delegation composed of the Heavens Punishment and the Thousand Crane Group arrived at the Maple Forest Late hotel.

Outside the hotel, a smartly dressed, refined, and approachable middle-aged man had been waiting for a long time.

“Hello, Demon Hunter Executive. I am Elder Miao’s secretary, Yang Rong.” The middle-aged man’s smile was polite, and his handshake was impeccable.

This was the first time the Demon Hunter had visited the Five Elements Alliance on behalf of Heavens Punishment. He was, of course, also a diplomat, but he mainly handled matters in Europe. This time, because the diplomat in charge of Asia happened to be in the Spirit Realm, Heavens Punishment had given him the task. The Demon Hunter scrutinized the other party’s appearance and quickly found relevant information in his mind. Yang Rong, the secretary of the Great Elder of the Hundred Flowers Association and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Elder Miao of the Hundred Flowers Association was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, specializing in receiving international organizations and being the face and image of the Five Elements Alliance to the outside world.

The Demon Hunter had always felt that the Five Elements Alliance’s choice of Elder Miao as the Minister of Foreign Affairs was a clever and calculating move, yet shrewd and cunning. The powerful Wood Demon was gentle and lacked edges, which was very suitable for lulling enemies in diplomatic occasions and creating a gentle and harmless image of the Five Elements Alliance internationally.

While the Demon Hunter was scrutinizing Secretary Yang, Secretary Yang was also observing him and the three young people from Heavens Punishment. Among the three, the Siren Osmon was an old face. He had visited China twice before, once during the extraordinary stage. At that time, he was like the current Yuanshi Tianzun, a star figure of Heavens Punishment.

As a Siren, he didn’t join the Sea God Church. During the extraordinary stage, he hunted down several evil professionals of the same level single-handedly, possessing a wealth of experience and achievements, which made the Sea God Church sigh.

Just like how the Taiyi Sect sighed that Elder Sun was muddle-headed. He visited China with Heavens Punishment’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs many years ago and defeated six extraordinary members of the Five Elements Alliance at the exchange meeting, gaining endless fame. He came again last year and was already a level six Saint, but that time he met the mindless Jiang Ju and was almost killed by Jiang Ju. This was his third visit to China.

Among the other two, the one with the same casual temperament as Ling Jun was the Wind Mage Hoover York, but unlike Ling Jun, this guy looked casual on the outside but was actually a killer. His teacher was First-level Golden Executive Dahl Jerome, a peak Sovereign.

Hoover York’s talent and strength were not inferior to Osmon, similar to Huang Taiji and Jiang Ju.

As for the serious and silent young man who looked meticulous like an ascetic monk, he had never seen him before and couldn’t even recall his relevant information.

There were only two possibilities: one, this guy was Heavens Punishment’s secret weapon and was exceptionally low-key, so the Five Elements Alliance hadn’t investigated him; two, this guy was a genuine small fry brought along to make up the numbers.

Small fries, of course, weren’t qualified to be paid attention to by Secretary Yang. After all, Heavens Punishment had countless elites, and it was impossible to investigate each one in detail.

Every time Heavens Punishment visited China, it would bring a batch of talented elites. On the one hand, it was to show foreign organizations its foundation and talent. On the other hand, it was because communication was indispensable in diplomatic processes, and bringing useless people would only be embarrassing.

Those who could represent an organization abroad were the most elite, and this was the same for any organization.

“Elder Miao has been waiting for a long time. Please come inside.” Secretary Yang led the Thousand Crane Group and the members of Heavens Punishment into the hotel, took the elevator to the floor, and entered a Chinese-style elegant private room. An old man with the appearance of Elder Miao sat at the round table, smiling at the arriving envoys.

He had a warm and peaceful face, like an ancient wise prophet, but his hair was made of black snakes as thick as fingers, hissing and flicking their tongues. His feet were wriggling roots, firmly rooted in the ground. Originally, with the Demon Hunter’s status, he wasn’t qualified to be received by Elder Miao in person, but he was representing Heavens Punishment, so out of courtesy, Elder Miao couldn’t be absent.

The Demon Hunter strode forward and shook hands with Elder Miao in a neither humble nor arrogant manner. The cadres of the Thousand Crane Group couldn’t wait to slam their heads on the ground and bowed, “Greetings, Elder Miao.” The three young Saints each managed their expressions and bowed in greeting.

The Demon Hunter Executive could be neither humble nor arrogant, but they couldn’t. This was both respect for those in high positions and the natural psychological suppression stemming from the other party’s equivalent status.

“Please sit. The banquet has already been prepared.” Elder Miao smiled slightly, signaling everyone to take their seats. After everyone was seated, they enjoyed a few minutes of national cuisine.

Elder Miao then said, “We have read the Thousand Crane Group’s application. What is the identity of the wanted criminal that Heavens Punishment wants to arrest? The Thousand Crane Group’s application file states that the Thousand Crane Group is extraditing and arresting the wanted criminal, and it has nothing to do with Heavens Punishment. This is because of procedural norms, but everyone knows what’s going on.”

It was just arresting a wanted criminal. The Five Elements Alliance was happy to give Heavens Punishment face. The relationship between Heavens Punishment and the Five Elements Alliance had been quite good in the past year or two.

“An A-level wanted criminal. The organization he belonged to has been wiped out, but this person controls a list of people who are secretly colluding with people inside the organization,” the Demon Hunter Elder briefly introduced the Underworld God’s level, profession, and organizational background.

After listening, Elder Miao nodded slightly. “As long as Heavens Punishment abides by the rules during the arrest process, doesn’t harm civilians, doesn’t make a big scene, and doesn’t refuse the supervision and assistance of the Five Elements Alliance, we are willing to provide convenience.”

The Demon Hunter smiled. “You are a benevolent elder.” Both parties raised their glasses and drank together.

After chatting for a while, the Demon Hunter spoke about the second important matter. “It’s been almost a year since the Demon Monarch fell. I don’t know if the Five Elements Alliance has found the Demon Monarch’s heir?”

“No!” Elder Miao shook his head. “The Five Elements Alliance doesn’t care who the Demon Monarch’s heir is. That’s something for the Taiyi Sect to consider. But if we discover the Demon Monarch’s heir’s whereabouts, the Five Elements Alliance won’t ignore it either.”

The Demon Hunter said in a deep voice, “We have received a report and have initially identified the Demon Monarch’s heir’s identity.”

Elder Miao narrowed his eyes and stared at the Demon Hunter for a few seconds, then said in a deep voice, "Who is it?"