“Jia Shao, is it? In future, when you walk the streets, you had better watch your words and actions, or you will not even know how you died!”
Ling Xiao gave a cold laugh, turned once more, and prepared to leave.
Jia Shao, hauled from the water, was furious beyond measure.
This youth before him seemed even younger than himself, yet dared to lecture him in such a way.
From childhood to now, even his father had never beaten him like this. How dare this person strike him?
He could not swallow this insult.
“I will kill you!”
Jia Shao’s rage had clouded his mind. He cared for nothing else and leapt in fury to slay Ling Xiao on the spot.
“I spared your dog’s life because I disliked soiling my hands. Do you truly think I dare not kill you?”
Ling Xiao was growing irritated by the entanglement.
Under normal circumstances, he would have struck to kill long ago.
But today, with the Emperor and others in the pavilion above, he could not give anyone pretext to trouble him.
Yet if the other persisted in provocation, he would not mind sending him on his way.
A chilling sword intent surged forth. Ling Xiao genuinely harboured killing intent.
“Hold, both of you. This is a place of tranquillity. It is best not to act rashly.”
A voice rang out, dissolving the tension in an instant.
Ling Xiao withdrew his sword intent and glanced coolly at the speaker.
“So it is Young Master Feng Ming Wushan of the Divine Phoenix Auction House,” Ling Xiao said with a faint smile.
“It is rare that Brother Ling still remembers this humble one.” Feng Ming Wushan smiled in return, then turned to Jia Shao. “Young Master Jia, give me some face today and let the matter rest. After all, it does no good to the Righteous Alliance either.”
“Hmph. If not for you, I would kill him today.”
Jia Shao snorted coldly, leapt onto the pavilion.
Feng Ming Wushan turned back to Ling Xiao. “Brother Ling, please join the banquet. Naturally, Vice Dean Qing Yan may attend as well.”
“Very well. Vice Dean, let us go.”
Ling Xiao was not unreasonable. He did not wish to tear face with the Emperor, but today he would certainly bring Vice Dean Feng Qing Yan as protection. Otherwise, in this Hongmen Banquet, there would be no good outcome.
“Good!”
Feng Qing Yan nodded and followed Feng Ming Wushan’s guidance with Ling Xiao up to the pavilion.
The pavilion was spacious, furnished with tables and chairs carved from white jade, clean and elegant, noble and luxurious.
The patterns carved upon them were the work of master folk artisans.
White jade was an extremely precious gem among commoners, yet here entire blocks were carved into tables and chairs, placed casually.
This, perhaps, was the privilege of martial artists, the privilege of nobility.
In the centre of the pavilion, a woman played the pipa, performing a moving string melody. Beside her, sensually dressed, beautiful women danced in accompaniment.
Clearly, these women had been carefully selected. Not only were their heights identical, but their appearances were all of the finest quality.
They played and danced with great dedication. Every frown and smile seemed to hook the soul.
This was no illusion of Ling Xiao’s. It was real.
These women hoped to catch the eye of those present. Anyone qualified to enter Lingyue Villa was either rich or noble.
The arrival of Ling Xiao and Feng Qing Yan disturbed few.
Many young talents sat in the pavilion, yet they seemed to disdain Ling Xiao, their eyes fixed on the dancing beauties.
Only the Emperor gave Ling Xiao a slight smile in greeting.
Ling Xiao paid no mind to their contempt.
Status was not pretended. It was earned through strength.
Even if these people looked down on him, if their strength was inferior, outside, others would respect him, Ling Xiao, more.
There were over twenty young talents present. Ling Xiao recognised few, but some were familiar.
Feng Ming Wushan was one.
The Jia Shao with whom he had just clashed was another.
Then there was Yan Peng of the Great Peng clan, who had once crossed him at the Divine Phoenix Auction House.
Also the siblings Feng Ming Yu and Feng Ming Bo, whose cultivation he had once crippled, later restored.
Feng Yanran was present too, perhaps the only acquaintance here on truly good terms with him.
These people were either noble descendants or young masters of great sects. Each held exalted status.
By comparison, Ling Xiao appeared quite shabby.
Yet in strength, Ling Xiao believed none present could match him.
In the entire imperial city now, aside from the ten Phoenix Sons and a few geniuses, he truly thought no one surpassed him.
This did not seem like a Hongmen Banquet. Otherwise, apart from the Emperor, none here were his match. What meaning would it hold?
Having surveyed those present, Ling Xiao prepared to find a seat, only to discover no empty places in the pavilion.
The Jia Shao from earlier occupied three seats alone, reclining sideways and mocking Ling Xiao with his gaze.
The others now looked at Ling Xiao too, most with cold smiles, as if seeing him embarrassed was a great delight.
“Ling Xiao, Uncle Qing Yan, sit here with me!”
Just as Ling Xiao considered turning and leaving, Feng Yanran stood and smiled.
At this, a dark shadow crossed Jia Shao’s brow. He seemed angry again.
“You two should sit here. Yanran is a countess and a lady. It is improper for you to sit with her.”
Jia Shao spoke.
He appeared to suppress his anger. After all, before the Emperor, he dared not act wildly.
Yet Ling Xiao seemed not to hear him. He walked straight to Feng Yanran with Feng Qing Yan and sat down.
Bastard!
To disgrace me before so many!
Jia Shao’s fury blazed. Killing intent surged towards Ling Xiao once more. To dare this before the Emperor showed how habitually overbearing he was.
All present were shocked.
This Young Master Jia had a foul temper. No one here wished to offend him. For Ling Xiao to ignore him so, his courage was truly great.
As the streets and alleys said, this Ling Xiao was indeed an arrogant and fearless fellow.
“Jia Yun, whatever the matter, discuss it later. Today is a banquet hosted by His Majesty the Emperor. Do not be rude.”
At that moment, Feng Ming Wushan’s voice sounded again. Though light, it was highly effective.
It seemed this Young Master Jia Yun truly feared Feng Ming Wushan somewhat. Otherwise, with his nature, he would not obey so.
Jia Yun glared hatefully at Ling Xiao, but finally refrained.
“Long live Your Majesty!”
After sitting, Ling Xiao cupped his hands towards the Emperor.
He had noticed upon entry that this Emperor was even more majestic than imagined. No wonder he had seized the position in past competitions.
