The attendees rose to their feet and offered congratulations upon seeing the man, daring not to show any disrespect.
The middle-aged man, with a detached expression, took his seat. His demeanor remained indifferent, and he paid no mind to the flattering remarks directed at him.
"Who is this fellow? He certainly carries himself with an air of importance!"
Yang Xian’er murmured, "He can even make everyone stand to greet him!"
"That is Shangguan Qingtian, the younger brother of the Divine Wind Pavilion Master, and also a Venerable!"
Lin Jianyi reminded her, "His personal attendance at this birthday celebration shows the respect Divine Wind Pavilion holds for Immortal Valley!"
"So that's how it is!"
Yang Xian’er nodded slightly. No wonder he commanded such presence. As a Venerable, and the brother of the Divine Wind Pavilion Master, either connection was enough to inspire fear.
Lu Fan, standing to the side, glanced at Shangguan Qingtian and frowned slightly. He hadn't expected to encounter someone from the Divine Wind Pavilion within Immortal Valley.
The last time he was in Tianxian City, Lu Fan had killed Shangguan Hai. The Divine Wind Pavilion likely knew of this. If Shangguan Qingtian were to discover that the killer of his nephew was standing right before him, Lu Fan wondered if he would lose his mind.
Just as Lu Fan was lost in thought, several figures appeared in the sky not far away, their arrival grander than before.
Upon seeing the newcomers, even Shangguan Qingtian hurriedly stood up, fearful of offending these distinguished figures.
A young man, escorted by several elders, strode into the sea of flowers, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an imperial presence.
"The Eldest Young Master of the Eight Prince's Mansion has personally arrived. Immortal Valley truly holds considerable prestige!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, some visibly moved. Beside Baihu stood Elder Tian and others, their radiating auras commanding attention.
"The Eight Prince's Mansion has come to offer birthday wishes. Where is the Valley Master of Immortal Valley?"
Baihu's voice resonated with a heroic tone.
"Immortal Valley has always remained unconnected with the court. How can Liu Qianjiao possibly bear the responsibility of the Eight Prince's Mansion's Eldest Young Master's presence!"
A resonant voice swept through the sea of flowers. In mid-air, a woman dressed in a red gown appeared on the high platform in an instant, her every movement imbued with allure.
"It's Auntie!"
Yang Xian’er exclaimed with delight, feeling a surge of emotion. After so many years apart, he recognized her immediately.
"I have long heard that the Valley Master of Immortal Valley possesses unparalleled beauty. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved!" Baihu laughed heartily. "My visit today has no other intention; I have specifically come to offer my birthday wishes to the Valley Master!"
With that, Baihu presented a treasure, his gaze carrying a hint of arrogance.
The Eight Prince's Mansion possessed countless treasures; any one of them he casually produced could shock the assembled crowd.
His reason for coming to Immortal Valley this time was to try and win them over. As the Eldest Young Master of the Prince's Mansion, he naturally paid close attention to these sect forces.
"Eldest Young Master Baihu's gift is too substantial. Immortal Valley fears it cannot accept it!" Liu Qianjiao stated directly. "Please return, Young Master. Do not cause others to misunderstand!"
"Valley Master of Immortal Valley, I have personally come to offer birthday wishes, yet you ask me to leave. Do you not give the Eight Prince's Mansion enough respect?" Baihu's expression turned cold.
"The Eight Prince's Mansion is part of the court, while Immortal Valley is merely a cultivation sect. The two have no connection!"
Liu Qianjiao chuckled lightly. "I still request that Young Master return!"
"How dare you!"
Baihu's expression grew frigid. "I am the Eldest Young Master of the Prince's Mansion, and you dare to be so disrespectful!"
"Young Master, you have come not just to offer gifts, but to try and win over Immortal Valley!"
Liu Qianjiao smiled faintly. "Unfortunately, Young Master is too young and does not understand many things!"
"Hmph, since you know my intentions, you should also understand the consequences if Immortal Valley refuses to submit to me!"
Baihu's expression was indifferent. If he could recruit Immortal Valley to his cause, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. How could he let such a good opportunity pass?
"Even the Eight Prince's Mansion would not dare speak to me in such a manner!"
Liu Qianjiao let out a cold laugh. "What, do you intend to flaunt your status as Eldest Young Master before me?"
"Liu Qianjiao, I know you are powerful, but you should be aware of the fate of those who oppose the royal family in the White Dragon Dynasty!"
Baihu said coldly. "I hope you will not do anything foolish!"
"Peony, escort the guest out!"
Liu Qianjiao commanded coldly. "Today is my birthday, and I do not wish to resort to violence!"
"Eldest Young Master Baihu, please return!"
Peony gestured, showing no trace of nervousness.
"Who do you think you are, daring to order me around in front of this Young Master!"
Baihu's aura surged, radiating hostility.
"Presumptuous! Is Immortal Valley a place where you can run rampant!"
Liu Qianjiao's anger ignited. Her formidable aura erupted, pressing down upon Baihu.
The crowd in the sea of flowers felt this surge of power, their hearts filled with trepidation. They had never imagined that the Valley Master of Immortal Valley possessed such a formidable aura, causing widespread unease.
Elder Tian and the others struggled to resist the pressure, their hearts filled with fear. They had come to Immortal Valley intending to subdue it, believing that with the name of the Eight Prince's Mansion, it would not be difficult.
However, they had never anticipated that the Valley Master of Immortal Valley would be so assertive, showing no regard for the Eight Prince's Mansion.
Boom...
With a deafening explosion, Baihu and the others were sent flying backward, while Elder Tian and his companions were forced to retreat, offering no resistance.
"You dare lay a hand on me!"
Baihu wiped away the blood, his gaze turning instantly cold.
"Why would I not dare?"
Liu Qianjiao sneered. "Even your father would not dare to be so presumptuous before me. This world is vast; do not think that because you are of royal blood, you can do as you please!"
"Young Master, Immortal Valley has many experts, and the Valley Master's strength is extraordinary. If we truly engage them in combat, we will likely suffer losses!" Elder Tian quickly advised.
The other members of the Eight Prince's Mansion nodded in agreement, their courage completely shattered. They knew very well that if they remained any longer, it would only lead to greater trouble.
"Hmph!"
Baihu snorted, then turned to leave, his dissatisfaction evident. As the Eldest Young Master of the Eight Prince's Mansion, he had been utterly humiliated today.
After Baihu and his entourage departed, the assembled guests slowly recovered. They knew that Immortal Valley was extraordinary, but they had never witnessed its true might.
"My apologies for the spectacle just now!"
Liu Qianjiao smiled faintly. "Today is my birthday, and I did not wish for violence, but some individuals clearly lack understanding of the rules!"
"Valley Master's might, we are all deeply impressed!"
The crowd rose to congratulate her, daring not to show any hint of disrespect.
Liu Qianjiao appeared pleased and took her seat on the main platform, raising her wine cup with a smile. "On this celebratory day, I thank you all for gracing us with your presence! Let us now drink this cup together!"
The assembled guests raised their wine cups and drank the wine within in a single gulp.
As the banquet commenced, numerous female disciples of Immortal Valley, holding a pill in their hands, approached the guests.
"Everyone, this is a specially prepared pill from Immortal Valley. It not only strengthens the body but also aids in cultivation!" Liu Qianjiao said with a smile. "I hope you will not find it too humble!"