Loben sighed.
"Ordinary people have limits. Even masters in various fields are still mortal. Even a small, insignificant bullet can easily take their lives."
He spoke with a deep, melancholy gaze.
"But those who study mystical arts are different. If one's mastery of the mystical is deep enough, what are bullets? Even being bombarded by artillery shells won't harm them in the slightest, and they can even live for hundreds of years."
"Mr. Loben, is it really that amazing?"
Gilan's eyes flashed, revealing a look of surprise and interest.
"Of course." Loben nodded, then added mysteriously, "Because within our circle, there are quite a few people who possess mysterious powers."
"Can I also access this power?"
Gilan cooperated fully and asked expectantly.
Viscount Loben smiled but didn't reply immediately, leaving everyone in suspense.
Just then.
Suddenly, a melodious violin accompaniment filled the hall. As the music began, the guests exchanged glances, smiled, and walked to the center in unison, forming groups of men and women to dance.
Gilan turned her head and saw the manager operating a phonograph. The vinyl record was spinning, and the trumpet-shaped brass pipes were playing the recorded music.
"This..." he said in surprise.
"Don't be nervous, this is a traditional part of the dinner party in our circle."
Loben explained dismissively.
"Music and dance are wonderful, Mr. Staven, the Propaganda Department, is just too rigid. Without art, wouldn't humanity lose its inherent joy?"
"Don't worry, the Purification Department and the Balance Department won't come knocking on our door to cause trouble over something so trivial."
The viscount chuckled, feeling utterly confident.
"The ' Art Decree ' is just like the ' Prohibition,' targeting only the general public. Have you ever seen a nobleman or politician arrested for drinking?"
"That's true." Gilan's tense expression relaxed.
Viscount Loben discreetly observed the blond youth's expression and couldn't help but think to himself, "He really is a kid from a remote town."
He has talent and ability, but lacks experience.
But that's good, it makes it easier to control.
"Why don't you dance a little to relax?"
The viscount pointed towards the dance floor and then gestured to the side with his eyes.
Gilan looked over and saw several female guests staring intently at him, seemingly with anticipation.
"Those ladies are probably getting impatient."
Viscount Loben chuckled, turned to leave, and added:
"As for the topic we just discussed, we can continue it during our meal."
"Okay," Gilan readily agreed.
As Loben walked away, he was still pondering his next move when another person appeared in front of him.
Looking up, I saw one of the women who had been in the side hall earlier.
She had short, golden hair that reached her ears, with curled ends, and wore a red, low-cut evening gown. Her full breasts seemed about to burst out of the thin dress, and the smooth silk fabric reflected a gleaming sheen.
"Mr. Gilan, would you mind dancing with me?"
The woman parted her red lips slightly and smiled.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Hishali," Gilan said. "I can't dance."
"It's okay, I'll teach you."
The woman grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor.
"Jump with me a few times, and you'll naturally get the hang of it."
As she spoke, she placed Gilan's hand on her waist, her actions suggestive.
Gilan, smelling the strong perfume emanating from the other woman, simply grabbed her other hand and began to dance in a very professional manner.
Taking the opportunity, he asked:
"Ms. Hishali, are you all quite knowledgeable about the occult?"
"Of course." The woman smiled, pulling Gilan along as they danced to the rhythm, their chests swaying. "Have you heard of creation myths?"
" Hour-God, the Noon Dawn, the creation myth of God Omer?"
Gilan asked a question she already knew the answer to.
The woman chuckled, but said:
"No. In fact, there are four creator gods, whom people in ancient times called ' Year-God '. Year-God are the primordial gods who govern all things... Among them, the first Year-God, ' Scar Father,' even possesses the power to ignite the world and destroy it once again."
"The true mystery originates from them."
Hishali leaned closer, her red lips almost touching Gilan's cheek, and whispered:
"Our circle is bigger than you think; several powerful families in the capital are involved... You know what? Actually, coming to the dinner tonight was an extremely wise choice, because Loben Robben saved your life."
"Hmm?" Gilan raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
"You want to know?"
Ms. Hishali suddenly revealed a seductive look, squinting her eyes as she said:
"Don't go back tonight after the banquet. I'll let you know later."
"Ms. Hishali?" Gilan feigned interest, his gaze brazenly moving from her beautiful face to her chest, then wandering around.
The woman did not resist his "ardent" gaze; on the contrary, she accepted it readily.
She chuckled softly, leaned closer, almost pressing her chest against Gilan's, and even her breathing became heavier.
Her breath was sweet and fragrant, her voice slightly hoarse as she spoke:
"Sir, I also want to have a duel with you, to personally experience the power of a young master... Hmm, I also want you to break my bones with your cane, or with another cane, leave me with an indelible scar."
Upon hearing this, Gilan was taken aback.
At this moment, he even began to doubt whether he had come to the wrong place... This did not seem like a banquet of the " Heavenly Bane Cult," but rather a gathering of the " Dawn Golden Bough."
Although Gilan had no interest in the lady's invitation, he still said with a smile:
"Ms. Hishali Li is so kind, how could I refuse... Rest assured, I will definitely make you satisfied."
He sneered inwardly.
'Smashing your head with a cane should satisfy you!'
No sooner had he finished speaking than he felt the woman's hand on his shoulder tighten.
Seemingly in a state of excitement, he instinctively gripped it tightly.
"I really hope the dinner ends soon, Mr. Gilan..."
Ms. Hishali licked her lips and said.
She suppressed her inner desire, a hint of madness flashing in her eyes, but she quickly calmed it down.
Before long, a dance song finished playing.
The guests all stopped what they were doing.
The banquet then officially began.
Ms. Hishali calmed her rapid breathing, gave Gilan a flirtatious look, and then took his hand, leading him to the side.
Seven or eight male waiters carried a huge dining table to the center of the hall, followed closely by female waiters who arranged the high-backed chairs neatly.
However, the dining table was only covered with a white tablecloth, and there were no dishes or tableware on it, which looked rather strange.
Once everything was ready, Loben Robben, surrounded by guests, walked to the dining table and snapped his fingers.
Snap!
The middle-aged manager pushed in a food cart filled with bottles of aged " Hela Red Wine". He opened the bottles himself and poured a glass of wine for everyone present.
"This is a day to celebrate, as we are welcoming a new member, a young master of exceptional talent and ability, Mr. Gilan Iros."
Viscount Loben raised a glass of wine in a gesture of respect.
All the guests raised their glasses, Gilan was no exception.
He pretended not to know, maintaining an expectant expression.
After everyone took a sip of red wine, the atmosphere quieted down a bit, but then Loben turned his head and said meaningfully to Gilan:
"Let's continue our previous topic, Mr. Gilan... If you wish to access true mystery and possess superhuman strength and lifespan, then lie down on this table in our presence."
Having said that, he suddenly pulled the white tablecloth.
Wow!
As the tablecloth was lifted, a circular array was revealed, almost entirely covered with Ancient Shiru and strange symbols.
It was a circle divided by three irregular curves.
It symbolizes the first Year-God, " Scar Father ".
Swish!
Suddenly, everyone present turned to stare at Gilan.
Those gazes were incredibly eager, even fanatical, filled with anticipation.