"Que Sect's Saintess is hosting a banquet..."
Chen Qing murmured under his breath and closed the invitation.
This matter was far from as simple as it appeared.
Thoughts raced through his mind.
If I don't go, it will only make me look guilty and invite suspicion.
But if I go, I must be exceedingly careful. I cannot reveal the slightest flaw. Especially the Jade Pendant in my robes—I need to use the Myriad Phenomena Diagram of the Heavenly Cycle to completely seal it off, without letting even a trace of aura leak out.
He put away the invitation, turned, and returned to the Quiet Room to continue meditating and regulating his breathing.
The following evening, Star-Picking Pavilion at the summit of Welcome Guest Peak blazed with lights, like a pearl suspended above the sea of clouds.
The pavilion had three levels, with upturned eaves, bracketed arches, carved beams, and painted rafters. Tonight, it was the site of the Que Sect Saintess's private banquet, and it had long since been arranged in full.
White jade formed the steps, gauze curtains hung in soft drapes, and bronze incense burners at the four corners burned Star-Sinking Incense, a specialty of Yun Kingdom. Pale purple smoke curled upward, merging with the drifting clouds beyond the windows in a dreamlike haze.
Chen Qing changed into a dark green robe. By the time he stepped into Star-Embracing Pavilion, quite a few people had already arrived.
The first-floor hall was remarkably spacious. A pool of living water lay at its center, where koi drifted leisurely about.
The seats were arranged in a ring rather than assigned by rank, allowing everyone to sit and converse freely. The atmosphere appeared relaxed and casual.
With a sweep of his gaze, Chen Qing saw that there were already more than twenty