The crowd turned their gazes as a strikingly handsome man, exuding an air of peerless elegance, led dozens toward the Feng family’s banquet grounds. At the forefront was none other than Ye Fenghua, a towering figure in the spirit controller world—the Lanlan Empire’s top spirit controller.
Ye Fenghua moved with grace, his stunning features paired with an intangible aura of authority, captivating countless young women’s hearts.
Behind him were others of notable standing: fourth-grade intermediate spirit controllers Le Zheng Hongmao and Situ Guang, two fourth-grade elementary spirit controllers, and seven or eight third-grade advanced ones.
Among the younger generation’s elite were Ye Yu, Wu Sha, Wu Gong, and others.
“Welcome to the Feng family, Spirit Controller Alliance. I’m deeply honored!” Feng Youyu’s gaze tightened as the group approached. She scanned the crowd, frowning slightly when she didn’t spot the figure she sought, then asked, “May I ask which one is the recently famed genius spirit controller, Heimu?”
“Uh…” Ye Fenghua’s face flashed with awkwardness at her question. “Heimu isn’t here. He might be in seclusion. Please don’t take offense, Family Head Feng!”
Heimu had been present yesterday, but this morning, Ye Fenghua discovered he’d vanished from the alliance.
Heimu was a pride of the alliance, a name that brought prestige wherever he went, but Ye Fenghua had no idea where he was now and could only offer an excuse.
Failing to attend after such a grand invitation was indeed a slight to the Feng family’s face.
Not just Feng Youyu, but Feng Lanyue beside her also frowned. To her, Heimu’s absence likely stemmed from their past conflict, suggesting he wanted no ties with the Fengs.
If so, losing a talent like Heimu would be a significant blow to the family.
“A genius like Heimu could break through at any moment—seclusion takes priority. It’s no trouble!” Feng Youyu waved it off lightly.
With a faint smile, Ye Fenghua’s eyes lingered on Feng Youyu with a hint of admiration, saying warmly, “Family Head Feng, how did your month-long seclusion go?”
“Thank you for your concern, Master Ye. Everything went well!” Feng Youyu nodded faintly, though she felt a subtle unease under his gaze.
“The Tianxuan Sect arrives!” the announcer’s voice rang out again. A new group approached slowly, led by a grizzled, white-haired elder in brown robes—Yan Yitian, the Tianxuan Sect’s Grand Elder.
“Greetings, Master!”
“Greetings, Elder Yan!”
Chen Yan and Feng Lanyue spoke in unison, cupping their hands toward Yan Yitian.
“Welcome, Elder Yan!” Feng Youyu added.
“Hahaha, seeing you two wed brings joy to your old master. We’re family—no need for such formality!” Yan Yitian beamed, his face radiant with pride as he laughed heartily.
With a faint nod, Feng Youyu surveyed the gathered guests and said, “Since everyone’s here, please take your seats.”
The crowd dispersed, guided by attendants to their assigned places. Only the leaders and key youths of major factions could sit at the same table as the Feng and Chen family heads.
Once all were seated, Feng Youyu remained standing, addressing the assembly, “Thank you all for honoring us by attending Lanyue’s wedding. I must clarify: Lanyue isn’t marrying out—Chen Yan, my wise nephew, is joining the Feng family.”
“What!” The crowd gasped. Typically, the bride joined the groom’s family. A groom entering the bride’s family was seen as a mark of inferiority, suggesting the groom’s side lacked wealth or power, bowing to the bride’s family. For a major faction, this was a significant hit to reputation.
For a top-tier family like the Chens to let their genius young master become an in-law son-in-law was unthinkable.
Emperor Meng, Zhou Moyi, and others were stunned, but glancing at Chen Wendao’s face—showing no obvious displeasure—they realized this had been agreed upon.
“Something’s off. Did the Fengs offer the Chens some massive benefit, or strike a deal? Otherwise, Chen Wendao wouldn’t agree!” Meng Xi’s brows furrowed, sensing an unsettling undercurrent.
“What are these guys up to?” Zhou Moyi’s frown deepened as he racked his brain. This shouldn’t be happening.
“Unbelievable—Chen Yan’s joining the Feng family!”
“He’s the Chens’ future head, a prodigy. This is a huge loss for them—shocking! What did the Fengs promise, or is there a plot?”
“The Chens are bowing to the Fengs!”
Whispers rippled through the crowd. They’d assumed Chen Yan was here to fetch Feng Lanyue, not to join her family—a jarring twist.
Hearing the speculation and pointed remarks, Chen Wendao’s face grew awkward. He coughed twice, stood, and addressed the crowd, “Everyone, my niece Lanyue, at sixteen, is already a Heavenly Martial expert with boundless potential. It’s my son Yan’er’s fortune to join the Feng family.”
“Yan’er bears a Mysterious-tier elementary dantian anomaly. At just over twenty, he’s Heavenly Martial Fifth Layer—a talent rare among the youth, worthy of Lanyue.”
The crowd murmured skeptically. The reasoning felt forced, but with Chen Wendao speaking, no one dared press further.
Their talents were indeed unmatched among the younger generation. Chen Yan, with his Mysterious-tier elementary anomaly, had a cultivation speed and strength far beyond ordinary, with potential to reach Martial Venerable—a dragon among men. Even among the older generation, anomaly-bearers were scarce.
His gifts were beyond doubt.
Feng Lanyue, meanwhile, had reached Heavenly Martial at a tender age—a rarity in the empire. Her rapid rise within a year added a mysterious allure.
Some even speculated her talent outshone Chen Yan’s.
Regardless, they topped the empire’s four young masters and four beauties—an undisputed pair of leading geniuses.
“Oh, is that so? If that’s the case, dare you both face me in combat before everyone here?” Just then, an untimely voice cut through the crowd from outside.
