Jun Ziya's powerful presence and elegant bearing drew the eyes of every guest the moment she appeared.
It was not until she slowly approached Yu Ruyan and signaled for Flame Sparrow, who had accompanied her, to bring out the congratulatory gift that many people snapped back to their senses.
They could not help but wonder what rare gift someone like Jun Ziya would present.
After recovering from his daze, Qin Tianliang was filled with delight. He had never expected Jun Ziya, who had ignored his repeated invitations in previous years, to attend of her own accord this year.
Could it be because of my outstanding performance lately? Have I caught her eye?
Qin Tianliang thought smugly.
If he could win Jun Ziya's favor, then Ji Lanxin and Gongsun Ranran could both step aside.
As his thoughts ran wild, he suddenly saw Flame Sparrow hand over a Brocade Box, then steadily open it and place it upon the long table.
"This was specially prepared by my Young Miss—a piece of pure refined iron from West Sheep Mountain."
There was a trace of pride and amusement in Flame Sparrow's voice.
"Besides congratulating Second Madam Qin on her birthday, we also hope it can help improve the quality of the Qin King Saber, lest it be stolen or imitated again."
Yu Ruyan and Qin Tianliang's faces instantly froze.
Qin Tianliang in particular wore an extraordinarily complicated expression, like someone who had just tasted sweetness only to have his tongue pricked by a needle.
Looking at the head-sized chunk of refined iron before him—pure and clean, without the slightest impurity, brimming with spiritual essence—how could he fail to understand that he had fallen into Jun Ziya's trap once more over the West Sheep Mountain mineral vein?
Not long ago, he had been proudly pleased