Liu Bai smiled faintly and returned the salute with cupped hands.
"Greetings, Princess Xue Ke. May Your Highness have a joyous birthday."
Xue Ke's smile brightened even further.
"You're much better-looking than I imagined."
Her words were so blunt that Xue Qinghe could not help shaking his head with a laugh.
"Ke'er, mind your manners."
Xue Ke stuck out her tongue but did not argue.
As the three exchanged pleasantries, suddenly—
The entire banquet hall seemed as though an invisible hand had pressed a mute button.
Every conversation stopped abruptly.
Liu Bai's heart stirred, and he looked up.
The main doors of the banquet hall slowly opened.
A middle-aged man in the everyday robes of an emperor strode in, composed and naturally imposing.
Behind him followed two familiar figures.
One was refined and gentle, smiling warmly.
The other was broad-boned, with eyes like an eagle's.
Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo.
Xue Ye.
"His Majesty has arrived—"
As the eunuch's announcement rang out, everyone in the hall bowed in salute.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Xue Qinghe and Xue Ke bowed as well.
"Father Emperor."
Liu Bai alone merely nodded slightly to show his respect.
Quite a few people noticed this.
Many nobles felt their hearts skip a beat.
That behavior... was somewhat disrespectful.
Yet Xue Ye swept his gaze over the hall before it quickly settled on Liu Bai. He did not seem angered.
"This must be the number one genius of my Heaven Dou Empire, Student Liu Bai."
"Young and accomplished indeed. Truly a fine young man."
Liu Bai remained as composed as ever.
"Your Majesty flatters me. Liu Bai has merely been somewhat fortunate and does not deserve such fame."
Xue Ye smiled and nodded, evidently quite pleased.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi stepped forward.
"Young friend Liu Bai, this