Birthday Banquet and Hidden Dangers, First Display of Strength

The Qin family's gates were vermilion.

So vermilion, it looked like blood had been painted on layer by layer. In the twilight glow, they exuded a heavy, suffocating majesty.

Two rows of black-armored guards stood before the gates, each eight feet tall, long sabers at their waists, their gazes like eagles scanning every approaching carriage. Their breaths were long and synchronized, their footsteps striking the ground as if rooted. These were no ordinary household guards; they were hardened soldiers from the frontier, men who had seen battle and bled.

The Qin family had built its prestige on martial prowess, and even their gatekeepers were battle-hardened veterans.

Carriages and horses flowed like a dragon, stretching from the end of the long street all the way to the mansion gates.

"Hedong Cui Clan, presenting a pair of East Sea pearls and a pair of jade discs, wishing Old Madam a long life as vast as the East Sea—!"

"Jiangnan Canal Gang, presenting a hundred-year-old Zitan wood Guanyin statue and a Golden Silk Nanmu longevity screen, wishing Old Madam a lifespan as enduring as the Southern Mountains—!"

The announcer's voice was loud and drawn-out, each word striking the bluestone slabs and echoing amidst the clamor of voices. Priceless congratulatory gifts were carried through the mansion gates, drawing gasps of admiration from the onlookers.

Power, wealth, connections.

All were on full display at the outset of this birthday banquet.

From deep within the Qin mansion, the faint sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard. But compared to the grim vigilance at the gates, they seemed exceptionally ethereal.

A plain black carriage, bearing no insignia but crafted from exceptionally fine materials, slowly moved to the very front of the line.

The carriage curtain was lifted.

First to descend were a pair of feet clad in thin, black, quick-laced boots, followed by a slender figure wrapped in a simple green robe. A long, strip-like object was bound to his back with rough cloth, making him look as humble as a mere attendant.

But as he raised his head and his gaze calmly swept over the two rows of black-armored guards, the two guards closest to him instinctively tightened their grip on their sabers.

It was the primal reaction of a beast encountering its own kind.

Then, a delicate hand adorned with a red jade bracelet emerged, gently resting on the arm of the green-robed youth.

Xiao Hongxiu emerged from the carriage, bending slightly.

She wore a magnificent red palace gown, her hair piled high in a cloud, her golden hairpins glinting coldly in the setting sun. Her beauty was intensely striking, like an ornate, unsheathed dagger—beautiful, and deadly.

"The Grand Princess has arrived—!"

The announcer's voice suddenly pitched higher, filled with an almost fawning excitement.

The entire scene fell silent for a moment.

All eyes, whether from within carriages or those disembarking, snapped towards them.

There was reverence, curiosity, calculation, and deep apprehension.

Xiao Hongxiu seemed unfazed by the gazes. She tilted her chin slightly, her eyes sweeping over the grand "Qin Mansion" plaque. A faint smile played on her lips as she took Ji Ye's arm and walked forward with regal grace.

"Your humble servant Ji Ye, in attendance."

Ji Ye's voice was low, just loud enough for the steward at the gate to hear.

The steward, a capable middle-aged man, paused his gaze on Ji Ye, particularly noticing the humble cloth-wrapped object. A flicker of imperceptible surprise crossed his eyes, but it quickly turned into deeper respect as he bowed deeply, "Your Highness, please. Sword Attendant Ji, please."

No congratulatory gifts were announced.

But everyone knew that the Grand Princess's personal attendance was the most significant gift of all.

And the green-robed man named "Ji Ye," whom the Grand Princess held by the arm, was instantly etched into the minds of all the discerning individuals present.

The Grand Princess's newly appointed Sword Attendant, Ji Ye.

Passing through three ceremonial gates, the scene before them opened up.

A hundred tables were laid out, with clinking glasses and lively chatter. A giant character for "Longevity" was pasted on the main hall. Seated below was an old woman, dressed in brocade robes embroidered with auspicious patterns, her white hair like silver. She was the birthday star, the Qin family's Old Madam, her smile benevolent. Yet, the occasional glint in her half-closed eyes prevented anyone from truly seeing her as a mere old woman.

Xiao Hongxiu's appearance was like a drop of water falling into boiling oil.

"Hongxiu is here! Quick, come sit by Grandmother," the Old Madam called out with a smile, her tone as affectionate as if speaking to her own granddaughter.

The Qin family patriarch, a middle-aged man with a refined face and a profound aura—Qin Muzhi—also rose to greet them, cupping his hands and smiling, "Your Highness's presence graces our humble abode. Please, take the honored seat."

Greetings were exchanged, courtesies observed; the entire process was flawlessly executed.

All eyes, intentionally or unintentionally, flickered towards the silent green-robed youth beside Xiao Hongxiu.

Ji Ye stood there, at the center of the attention of the most powerful figures in the capital, under countless probing gazes, both overt and covert.

He stood tall, like a spear planted in the ground, quiet yet impossible to ignore. The simple cloth-wrapped bundle on his back was a stark, almost absurd contrast amidst the bejeweled splendor and opulent attire of the banquet.

"And this gentleman is...?" Qin Muzhi's gaze finally settled on Ji Ye, with perfectly measured curiosity.

"My newly hired Tutor, a Sword Attendant, Ji Ye," Xiao Hongxiu introduced calmly, her tone casual, yet emphasizing the words "Sword Attendant."

"Oh?" Qin Muzhi feigned realization, his smile gentle. "So it is Mr. Ji. I've heard your swordsmanship is divine, that even the honored Liu Bai admits inferiority. Truly, a hero among youths. It is a pleasure to meet you today."

As he spoke, his aura was naturally integrated, revealing no sharpness. Yet, Ji Ye's [Martial Dao Heavenly Eye] could sense that this man's aura was as deep as an abyss. He was at least at the Great Accomplishment stage of Organ Tempering, with an incredibly solid foundation, certainly not built up through elixirs.

"Patriarch Qin exaggerates," Ji Ye cupped his fists, his tone flat and unruffled. "A mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

His response was devoid of any pretense, neither falsely humble nor ostentatiously boastful. It was like striking cotton with a fist.

A hint of an unusual expression flashed in the depths of Qin Muzhi's eyes, but his smile remained unchanged. "Mr. Ji is too modest. Someone, prepare a seat for Mr. Ji."

A seat was arranged near Xiao Hongxiu's lower position. While not the most central, it was enough to signify the status of a "Tutor."

Ji Ye sat down calmly, removed the "Bushou" sword from its cloth wrapping on his back, and casually laid it across his lap.

The action drew slight murmurs from nearby tables. At such events, weapons were usually entrusted to attendants or worn at the waist as a matter of etiquette. Casually placing something that resembled scrap metal on one's knee was indeed rude and peculiar.

"Is that the new Sword Attendant the Grand Princess recruited? He looks... rather ordinary."

"More than ordinary, he's practically pathetic. Look what he brought – a fire poker?"

"Hush! For the Grand Princess to value him so highly, he can't be ordinary. Not everyone can withstand Liu Bai's sword."

"I think he's just putting on a show..."

Whispers, like gnats, drifted amidst the music.

Ji Ye seemed not to hear, his gaze calmly sweeping across the hall. He was observing people, assessing the situation. Who was purely there to celebrate the birthday, who were Qin family retainers, who were spies from other factions, and who had robust Blood Essence, indicating they were experts... These distinctions gradually became clear in his eyes.

Then, his gaze settled on the entrance to the corridor to the side of the main hall.

Someone had appeared there, though when was unclear.

Clad in white, unstained by dust. His face was exquisitely handsome, almost perfect, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he raised his cup from afar, saluting Xiao Hongxiu.

Qin Wuji.

His appearance was sudden, yet felt utterly natural, as if he had always been there.

His gaze briefly met Xiao Hongxiu's, then, as if by instinct, shifted to Ji Ye.

In that instant, the "Bushou" sword on Ji Ye's knee let out an almost imperceptible hum. Beneath the wrapping cloth, the grayish-blue blade seemed to flash with a cold, fleeting light.

The smile on Qin Wuji's face deepened slightly. He strode forward, calmly parting the crowd. As he passed, guests nodded respectfully, clearing a path. He arrived at the main table, first offering birthday wishes to the Old Madam and his father, his demeanor impeccable.

Then, he turned, facing Xiao Hongxiu, and cupped his hands in greeting, "Nephew Wuji greets Grand Princess Your Highness. Grandmother is most delighted by Your Highness's presence today."

"Wuji has grown even more composed," Xiao Hongxiu said with a smile, her gaze lingering on him. "I hear your martial arts have improved again; that is truly commendable."

"Your Highness is too kind; it is merely diligent practice," Qin Wuji replied humbly, then shifted the topic. His gaze finally landed on Ji Ye, his smile gentle, yet his eyes sharp and clear, like two ice picks.

"This must be the Ji Attendant who has recently made a name for himself in Tiandu?"

Ji Ye raised his eyes, meeting his gaze.

Their eyes met.

No sparks flew, no killing intent was present.

Yet, the entire boisterous birthday banquet seemed to fall silent at that moment. Countless eyes focused on them, breath held.

"I dare not accept the title," Ji Ye said, his voice still placid. "Ji Ye."

"Brother Ji," Qin Wuji readily changed his address, making it sound more intimate, yet laced with hidden barbs. "Since parting ways at Zuisheng Tower that night, I was deeply impressed by Brother Ji's swordsmanship. Fast, accurate, ruthless, especially that move of using the opponent's force against them – it was divine."

Zuisheng Tower!

The name, spoken in such a calm tone, struck like thunder.

The nearby tables fell silent instantly. While not everyone might have known the specific details, news of the "Zuisheng Tower fire" and "Barbarian spies killed" had already circulated in secret. Now, with Qin Wuji linking it to this "Ji Attendant," the implications were chilling.

Xiao Hongxiu's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, then smoothed out. She simply picked up her teacup, gently blowing at the foam.

Ji Ye looked at Qin Wuji and suddenly smiled.

His smile was faint, but like the first crack of ice in the depths of winter, it carried a bone-chilling coldness.

"Young Master Qin is too generous," he said slowly, his fingers lightly brushing the rough cloth on his knee. "That night the fire was fierce, the wind strong, and Young Master Qin's wine was too potent. In my haste, I only managed to take away one head that needed taking. My methods were crude; I apologize for the amusement, Young Master Qin."

He admitted it!

And he admitted it so casually, even turning the tables by pointing out Qin Wuji's "potent wine."

A sharp glint flashed in Qin Wuji's eyes, but his smile grew even warmer and brighter. "Brother Ji is joking. One Barbarian's head for half of Zuisheng Tower – that's a trade the Qin family can afford. However..."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, yet it was just loud enough for those with keen ears nearby to hear.

"Brother Ji left in a hurry that night and couldn't fully enjoy himself. Today is my grandmother's birthday, and after the banquet, there will be a 'Sword Appreciation' gathering with some friends from the martial world. I wonder if Brother Ji would be willing to bring this divine sword..."

His gaze fell upon the cloth wrapping Ji Ye's knee, his tone carrying a perfectly measured hint of inquiry and anticipation.

"...and join us?"

The trap was sprung.

The Sword Appreciation Tournament was finally brought out into the open.

In front of all the guests, in front of the Grand Princess, in front of the Qin family's Old Madam.

To accept was to step into the game.

To refuse was to show cowardice, to admit that this "sword" of his was dull and unworthy of being the Grand Princess's "Attendant."

All eyes turned to Ji Ye once more.

Ji Ye's fingers stopped stroking the cloth.

He raised his head, his gaze passing over Qin Wuji, seemingly glancing at the kindly smiling Old Madam in the main hall, or perhaps just looking into the void.

Then, he returned his gaze, settling on Qin Wuji's face like a deep, ancient well, devoid of ripples or warmth.

As if he were looking not at a rival, but at a game of chess whose outcome was already decided.

He nodded, a very slight inclination of his head.

"Agreed."

Just one word.

Clear and calm.

Not like cold iron striking the ground, but like a player placing the first move to conclude a game.

It granted permission for a life-or-death match to begin.

Qin Wuji smiled and raised his wine cup, "Then, after the banquet, I shall await Brother Ji's divine sword display."

"I wouldn't dare," Ji Ye also raised the wine cup before him, which had been refilled at some unknown time, and gave a slight nod. "I certainly won't disappoint Young Master Qin."

The two wine cups clinked lightly in mid-air.

The wine rippled, reflecting the hall's lamplight, and also the hidden glint in the eyes of the two men.

The birthday banquet continued, and the music started again.

But everyone knew the taste of this banquet had changed.

The real banquet would be after this one.

On the sword.