The probing incident at the Prince's Mansion did not affect Qin Mo's mood. Three days later, the Imperial Banquet at Heaven Dou Palace arrived as scheduled.
The banquet was grand in scale. Prominent nobles and high-ranking ministers of the Heaven Dou Empire, along with representatives from the major Soul Master Academies, had all been invited. Cups clinked amid fragrant gowns and powdered hair, while songs and dances created a scene of prosperity and peace. Yet anyone perceptive could sense the complicated gazes and hidden thoughts swirling beneath that splendid surface. Many eyes, intentionally or otherwise, were focused on a young man appearing at such an occasion for the first time—the dean of Myriad Manifestations Academy, Qin Mo.
Qin Mo still wore a simple dark robe, making him especially conspicuous among the richly dressed nobles. Calm and composed, he took his seat under an attendant's guidance. His position was surprisingly far forward, second only to several princes and dukes, demonstrating Xue Ye's regard for him. Ning Fengzhi had also attended the banquet with Bone Douluo Gu Rong. Seated not far away, he offered Qin Mo a gentle look and a slight nod.
As Qin Mo's attendants—and guards—Bing'er and Yan'er stood quietly behind him. Both women possessed peerless beauty and distinctive temperaments, one ice and one fire, drawing countless looks. Yet sensing the faint but powerful auras emanating from them—Soul Ancestor level, with exceptionally high-quality martial souls—no one dared approach them for conversation.
Once the banquet began, Xue Ye sat high at the head of the hall and gave a brief address, nothing more than the usual platitudes about the Empire's prosperity and the flourishing Spirit Master World. Then the music began, dancers took the stage, and the atmosphere gradually grew livelier.
Before long, however, the conversation inevitably turned to the upcoming