Chapter 67: A Great Figure |
A hand extended from behind the curtain, fingers slender, joints distinct.
A wide sleeve, white as moonlight, brushed past the carriage shaft.
At that moment, everything around seemed to fall silent.
The man wore a luxurious long robe of cloud-patterned brocade, the fabric like moonlight condensed into mist. Flowing cloud motifs woven with golden thread adorned the cuffs and hem, exquisite yet elegant.
At his waist was tied a white jade-silk belt, from which hung a deep green emblem. On the emblem, an “Lingyun ” character was engraved in ancient seal script, complementing the cloud-patterned attire he wore.
His jet-black hair was tied high, crowned with a jade headpiece. His temples were neatly trimmed, further highlighting his handsome and noble features. He was like a bright moon above the clouds, as if an exiled immortal had descended into the mortal world.
The Bai master of ceremonies stared at that figure, at a loss for words.
Who was this person?
Such bearing, such attire, such demeanor…
The moon-white figure stepped forward, leisurely walking toward the gates of the Bai Residence.
The members of the Xiao family silently followed behind him—Father Xiao, Mother Xiao, Grandfather Xiao, and Xiao Jin—not a single one walking even half a step ahead of him.
The Bai master of ceremonies finally came back to his senses, the fake smile on his face nearly disappearing.
“Th-this is truly…”
Father Xiao glanced at him and said in a calm tone:
“The first disciple of the Lingyun Sect Master, Young Master Lu Fengmian. He has accompanied my Xiao family to attend the banquet.”
Father Xiao’s expression was extremely composed, as if he were merely mentioning it casually: “Young Master Lu happened to return after accompanying my son in cultivation. Upon hearing of your family’s joyous occasion, he came to take a look.”
The Bai steward’s expression stiffened, and he barely managed to force out a sentence: “I see, I see… such an honored guest, please forgive us for failing to give a proper welcome…”
Although he spoke polite words, he had already taken a step back, turned, and hurried toward the estate, his pace so fast it was almost a run.
Inside the Bai Residence, the inner courtyard was bustling.
Guests gathered in small groups, exchanging greetings and chatting about the gossip of various families.
As soon as the Xiao family entered, the previously lively hall suddenly fell silent.
“The Xiao family? They actually dared to come?”
“Isn’t that Xiao Jin? The one whose engagement was broken?”
“Who is the person beside him? Why is he seated in the place of honor?”
Whispers rose one after another—some curious, some watching for amusement, others gloating.
But soon, the tone of these discussions began to change.
All eyes unconsciously fell upon the person surrounded by the Xiao family.
That person was too young.
He was so young that he did not look like a great figure.
The man sat upright in the seat of honor, his expression indifferent, as if the hall full of guests was not even worth a second glance.
“Who is that? Does the Xiao family have someone like this?”
“I don’t recognize him, but the patterns on his clothes look like the style of the Lingyun Sect?”
“Lingyun Sect? That’s no ordinary sect.”
Whispers continued, but no one dared step forward to ask.
On the surface, the Xiao family appeared calm. Father Xiao held a teacup, sipping slowly; Mother Xiao smiled gently, nodding to those around her; Grandfather Xiao leaned on his cane, resting with his eyes closed.
But only they themselves knew—their hearts were racing with excitement.
The first disciple of the Lingyun Sect Master had personally come to sit here, solely to support the Xiao family.
They had never imagined they would receive such an honor.
Meanwhile, the Bai steward hurried through the corridors and went straight to the main hall.
Inside the main hall, the head of the Bai family, Bai Chongshan, was accompanying a young man in conversation.
This young man was about twenty years old, dressed in fine clothing, with handsome features—but his expression clearly showed a lack of interest.
He leaned back in his chair, idly playing with a jade pendant in his hand, completely indifferent to Bai Chongshan’s words.
He was none other than Lin Yanzhou, the third young master of the Lin family.
Bai Chongshan said with a beaming smile, “Young Master Lin’s presence truly brings glory to our household. During the banquet, if you have any needs, please do not hesitate to instruct us…”
Lin Yanzhou gave a vague “Mm,” without even opening his eyes.
From the very beginning, he had little interest in this marriage.
As a son born of a concubine in the Lin family, he was called the third young master, but he knew very clearly how insignificant his position in the family truly was.
The direct-line eldest daughter of the Lin family—his cousin—was exceptionally capable and controlled most of the family’s power. Within the Lin family, he was at most a decorative figure.
It was only because the Bai family had sent a large number of valuable gifts, and Miss Bai was indeed quite beautiful.
He thought about it—he was bored anyway and had nothing to lose, so he agreed.
He treated it as a way to change his environment, to avoid seeing that madwoman at home.
Seeing his indifferent attitude, Bai Chongshan was not angered and continued to maintain his smile.
At that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open.
The Bai steward stumbled in, his face full of panic.
Bai Chongshan’s expression darkened.
“You fool! Can’t you see I’m speaking with Young Master Lin? Where are your manners?!”
The Bai steward trembled all over, hurriedly bowing in apology.
Lin Yanzhou waved his hand. “It’s fine. Speak freely.”
The Bai steward glanced at the family head and hesitated.
Bai Chongshan frowned, about to tell him to speak outside, but Lin Yanzhou suddenly grew interested.
He adjusted his posture, propping his chin with one hand, watching the Bai steward with a faint smile.
“Say it here. I want to know what could make the Bai master of ceremonies so anxious.”
The Bai steward’s expression changed several times. Finally, under Bai Chongshan’s sharp gaze, he knelt heavily on the ground.
“Master, the Xiao family… the Xiao family has come.”
Bai Chongshan’s brows furrowed even deeper. “They came—so what?”
The Bai steward swallowed with difficulty, his voice tense. “They… they brought someone with them.”
“Who did they bring?”
“The first disciple of the Lingyun Sect Master—Lu Fengmian.”
Father Bai frowned deeply.
He knew that the Xiao family’s boy had entered the Lingyun Sect.
But what could a mere waste still in the Qi Refining stage accomplish?
Would he really invite a disciple of a venerable figure like Lingxuan?
Bai Chongshan’s thoughts raced, his expression flickering.
A light chuckle suddenly sounded.
At some point, Lin Yanzhou had already sat upright, a playful smile curling at the corner of his lips.
“The first disciple of Venerable Lingxuan?” he repeated slowly. “Has Steward Bai seen this person before?”
The Bai steward shook his head. “N-no… I haven’t.”
Lin Yanzhou had once heard his own steward mention the Lingyun Sect’s senior brother—forming a Golden Core within three years, and even forming a contract with an ancient dormant dragon—such rumors were practically miracles.
But he had never seen him.
And he did not believe them.
Would the first disciple of a sect master lower himself to attend a “small gathering” for a fallen and useless junior brother?
Who exactly were they trying to fool?
“The Xiao family really has thick skin. They probably just found someone at random to put on an act,” Lin Yanzhou raised his brows, his tone full of mockery. “Such tricks can only deceive those who have never seen the world.”
Bai Chongshan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly enlightened.
Right—how had he not thought of that?
What kind of place was the Lingyun Sect? The number one sect in the world. And what kind of figure was that senior brother? The first disciple. Venerable Lingxuan had lived for over a hundred years.
Would such a person come to a declining family like the Xiao family? Would he attend the Bai family’s wedding banquet?
Impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
He slapped his thigh hard and glared viciously at the Bai steward.
“You idiot! Panicking over such a trivial matter—you useless thing!”
The Bai steward lowered his head under the scolding, swallowing the words that had almost escaped his mouth.
He had wanted to say that the man’s aura truly was extraordinary, not fake in the slightest…
But after glancing at the family head’s face, he ultimately did not dare speak.
“Enough, it’s time,” Father Bai straightened his robe. “Let’s go to the front hall. Now is the perfect moment to meet this ‘first disciple of a venerable.’”
He smiled apologetically at Lin Yanzhou. “Nephew, shall we go together? Let those people see what kind of individuals our Bai family is connected with.”