Daoist Competition-Chapter 1014 - 247: Banquet Beneath the Moon, Hidden Blades in the Shadows

A month passed swiftly, and it was already the fifteenth of the month.

On the Huan River Water Continent, countless lights floated up, dazzling like stars, glowing like a furnace, resembling vibrant fireworks, surrounding the eighteen islands. The clear water mirrored the Radiant Light, as if a silver river were pouring down, surging into the river, endlessly washing the pebbles on the banks, producing a rushing wave sound.

On the main island stood a magnificent palace with jade railings and pearl balustrades. Under the flying eaves hung a thousand red lanterns, and in front of the hall, a pond several acres wide was carved out. Countless colorful candles lined both sides, their flames flickering like tiny beans, with a ghostly glow.

In the water, koi held Bright Pearls in their mouths, rising to the lake’s surface. Though night had fallen, the entire water continent was illuminated as if it were daylight. From thousands of miles away, one could see this place blazing with bright light, soaring into the sky, endlessly flashing.

The grand hall, located on a high hill, overlooked the water continent. The river surface was exceptionally wide, providing an unobstructed view. Whenever guests arrived, those in the hall would know in advance.

The Huan River night banquet, though ostensibly to host the three elders and their disciples from the Pingdu Sect who had traveled from afar, was actually for martial displays. Thus, not only were the Top Ten Disciples of the Mingcang Sect invited, but many low-level disciples also rode the transmission magic tools to come and observe. However, their low status prevented them from entering the hall, forcing them to watch from afar.

Originally, this cold moon and icy river were peaceful and silent, but the presence of these thousand disciples made it lively and vibrant.

By the initial hour of Xu, guests started arriving one after another, mostly riding clouds and mist, although they were mostly disciples from independent sects and other branches.

Since Huo Xuan became the Ten Disciples Chief, he had sent many disciples to guard these sects. However, many direct lineage followers continued their cultivation within the Mingcang Sect, and they were also invited to this banquet.

These people were not significant enough for Huo Xuan to greet personally. Normally, his disciples should have been dispatched to welcome them, but as a member of the Chen family by marriage, he had not trained a single apprentice himself. Thus, it was the Chen family disciples who went to receive guests.

Though his expression remained unchanged, inwardly, Huo Xuan increasingly resented his position.

Suddenly, a figure flew above the great hall, circled around, bypassed the greeters at the entrance, and entered the hall, where the smoke dispersed, revealing a dirty, unkempt Daoist.

Though the Daoist’s features were rather delicate upon closer inspection, his beard was scraggly and his lips greasy. He glanced sleepily at the guests, wiped his face, and shouted to Huo Xuan in a loud voice, "Brother Huo, I heard you’re hosting a banquet. I, Zhou Yong, have come uninvited today, just to have a bowl of your wine. Will you allow it?"

Huo Xuan smiled and said, "Junior Zhou, you’re a rare guest. Normally, I couldn’t even get you to come when invited, so I’m delighted you’re here. Please, have a seat."

Zhou Yong laughed heartily, saluted, chose an inconspicuous corner to sit amid the whispers of the crowd, grabbed a wine jug, took several big swigs, and began eating heartily on his own.

Mrs. Chen frowned, her eyes showing aversion. She moved closer to Huo Xuan and said, "Husband, I never invited this person."

Huo Xuan sighed, "Since he’s here, he’s our guest. Besides, he’s your fifteenth sister’s husband; we should show some respect."

Mrs. Chen seemed unimpressed and glanced disdainfully at Zhou Yong, huffing, "The Chen family’s reputation is nearly ruined by him."

Huo Xuan’s gaze remained calm, offering no response.

A moment later, he sensed something and looked up, seeing from afar a graceful figure stepping on drifting clouds. He paused momentarily as a voice announced from outside, "Island Master Han of Jingdan Island has arrived."

After Han Suyi descended, she flicked her water sleeves, gently dispersing the misty clouds around her. She gracefully entered the hall, curtsied to Huo Xuan and his wife, then slightly raised her head, catching Huo Xuan’s gaze. In that instant, there was a subtle awkwardness, though Mrs. Chen did not notice.

Han Suyi lowered her head, spoke little, and elegantly took her seat. Seeing her cold demeanor and her place among the Top Ten Disciples, no one dared to approach her recklessly.

Suddenly, the sharp whistle of something cutting through the air was heard as a clear Sword Qi surged into the hall. By the time everyone reacted, a young, handsome green-robed Daoist had already taken his place. His expression was stern, exuding an aura of sharpness like an unsheathed sword, cold and intimidating, making people instinctively keep their distance. Without speaking, he cupped his hand towards Huo Xuan in greeting.