At Jueyang King's Estate, by Water Moon Lake, the Jueyang King hosted a banquet for Heaven's Chosen of the Hundred Races. Summoned to attend, Gu Xin arrived, the sword intent around him startling all who saw it.
After paying his respects, Gu Xin took his seat. By chance, his gaze swept across the opposite side, and his expression paused.
Their gazes met, equally calm. A moment later, Gu Xin withdrew his eyes and walked back to his seat.
This young man in plain robes was a true master.
As Gu Xin took his seat, Ning Chen also withdrew his gaze from the former. Smiling, he picked up his wine cup and took a light sip.
It seemed this Contest of Blades of the Hundred Races would not be peaceful.
From the seat of honor, the Jueyang King looked at his only son at the end of the seating and smiled. "Gu Xin, why do you not offer a toast to the friends of the various races?"
"Yes."
Gu Xin rose, then lifted his wine cup and toasted the Heaven's Chosen of the various races present.
Among the seats, one young foreign-race expert after another rose and returned the gesture courteously.
The wine was drained and the cups lowered. Gu Xin looked toward Ao Lie not far from the seats and said, "Young Lord of the Peng Clan, how about a spar?"
"Hm?"
At those words, everyone present looked surprised. Their gazes shifted toward the Jueyang King at the seat of honor. Could this have been at the Jueyang King's instruction?
Seeing everyone looking his way, the Jueyang King's expression darkened. Looking at his only son at the end of the seats, he rebuked him lightly, "Gu Xin, do not be rude. How can you fight at a banquet and spoil