Celebration Banquet

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Over those three days, aside from consolidating the Void Star Beast Right Leg Bone he had just absorbed, Xiao Cheng familiarized himself with the use of Star Track: Absolute Domain.

The power of this domain-type soul skill far exceeded his expectations. Its only drawback was its immense consumption—at his current Soul Power, fully deploying the domain could last at most fifteen seconds. Once those fifteen seconds were up, his Soul Power would be completely drained. However, after absorbing this soul bone, Xiao Cheng's Soul Power had increased by more than two levels, bringing him directly to the peak of Level 27. Presumably, the other members of the Seven Luminaries Team would receive a major boost as well.

"So it's a big-move type of skill..." Xiao Cheng shook his head helplessly. "Looks like I need to raise my cultivation as soon as possible. Otherwise, I won't even be able to use all these good skills."

On the evening of the third day, the banquet hall at Spirit Pagoda headquarters was brilliantly lit.

This hall was usually used to receive important guests, but today, it had been decorated with exceptional grandeur. A massive Spirit Pagoda emblem hung in the center of the hall, its silvery-white tower gleaming beneath the lights. Dozens of round tables were arranged around the room, covered with spotless white tablecloths and laden with exquisite tableware and all manner of delicious dishes.

The guests arrived one after another.

Those in attendance included not only Spirit Pagoda officials of every rank, but also representatives from various forces in Heaven Dou City—War Gods from the War God Temple, envoys from the Federation Government, and even the leaders of several small and medium-sized sects on good terms with Spirit Pagoda.

Naturally, no one from Shrek Academy or the Tang Sect had come—which was only to be expected. After all, such a huge incident had happened just three days ago. It would have been stranger if they had shown up.

The seven members of the Seven Luminaries Team wore formal attire custom-made for them by Spirit Pagoda and stood to one side of the hall, welcoming the guests.

Leng Yaozhu wore a fiery red evening gown, its hem embroidered with golden phoenix patterns that perfectly complemented her flame-like red hair. She looked like a blazing fire, exceptionally eye-catching. Leng Yulai, meanwhile, wore a dark purple evening gown. Though she was still somewhat shy, her quiet and gentle temperament drew quite a few gazes as well.

Qiangu Dongfeng wore a golden formal suit, smiling as he chatted amiably with guests from all walks of life, displaying the bearing of a great family. Qiangu Qingfeng, on the other hand, still looked as though strangers should keep their distance. Dressed in a black formal suit, he stood in a corner, silently drinking fruit juice.

Zhang Geyang wore a dark blue suit, his hair slicked back to a shine. From time to time, he glanced toward Xia Zhengleng. Xia Zhengleng wore a light blue long dress and sat quietly nearby, holding a cup of tea as though the noise around her had nothing to do with her.

Xiao Cheng wore a green formal suit and stood beside Leng Yaozhu, exchanging pleasantries with the guests who came to offer their congratulations.

"Kid Xiao Cheng, congratulations, congratulations! You really stole the show in the battle at Heaven Dou City!" An elderly man with white hair and beard approached with a cheerful smile. He was none other than Yue Zhenshan, the Branch Pagoda Master of Heaven Dou City's Spirit Pagoda.

"You flatter me, Branch Pagoda Master Yue." Xiao Cheng hurriedly returned the greeting with cupped hands. "This junior merely did his duty."

"Haha, too modest, too modest." Yue Zhenshan patted him on the shoulder. "At your age, you've already comprehended Spear Intent and possess such combat strength. The younger generation truly inspires awe!"

The two exchanged a few more polite words before Yue Zhenshan finally turned and left.

Xiao Cheng had just breathed a sigh of relief when another guest came over—this time, a burly middle-aged man with a deep, imposing aura, dressed in fitted black combat attire.

"You're Xiao Cheng?" The middle-aged man looked him up and down, then nodded. "Not bad. You do have some presence. I am the Second War God of the War God Temple. I came this time to offer you congratulations on behalf of the War God Temple."

"The War God Temple?" Xiao Cheng was slightly taken aback. The War God Temple was one of the continent's foremost powers. Although it rarely involved itself in continental affairs, as a major force supported by the Federation, its strength was in no way inferior to Shrek Academy or Spirit Pagoda. Still, he was not particularly surprised that people from the War God Temple had come to this celebration banquet. Though the War God Temple was openly neutral, the Federation and Spirit Pagoda had always shared an unspoken understanding when it came to their stance toward Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect. Their relationship was thus fairly good.

"So it is Your Excellency the Heaven-Slaying Douluo. Your praise truly leaves this junior overwhelmed with honor." Xiao Cheng responded politely.

The current Second War God of the War God Temple—the Heaven-Slaying Douluo—possessed the Heaven-Slaying Divine Blade martial soul. A peak Level 98 Super Douluo, he belonged to the same generation as Qiangu Dieting and Bei Dexun and possessed immense strength.

"No need for such formality." The Heaven-Slaying Douluo waved a hand, then lowered his voice. "Still, I personally think highly of you. If you're interested, you can come visit the War God Temple sometime."

After saying that, he did not wait for Xiao Cheng's response and simply turned to leave.

Xiao Cheng froze for a moment. Was he... trying to poach him? But he quickly dismissed the thought. It was not that Xiao Cheng was unworthy of being recruited. Rather, geniuses like him, who could basically be considered Spirit Pagoda's own, were incredibly difficult to lure away. Spirit Pagoda was not foolish—how could it possibly let one of its own talents leave?

In Xiao Cheng's view, the War God Temple was probably more interested in his father, Xiao Ran—or rather, the spatial-attribute divine artifact Xiao Ran possessed. Divine artifacts were rare, but every major force had one or two hidden away as their ultimate reserves. A spatial-attribute divine artifact, however, was far too precious. As far as he knew, Xiao Ran's was the only one.

Leng Yaozhu leaned closer from the side and whispered, "Someone from the War God Temple came to poach you? Tsk, tsk, Xiao Cheng, you're becoming more and more sought-after."

"Don't talk nonsense." Xiao Cheng gave her a helpless look. "He was just being polite."

"Being polite? Doesn't look like it to me." Leng Yaozhu chuckled. "But don't worry, I won't tell my dad."

"...The way you said that makes it sound exactly like you're going to tell him."

Just as the two were joking around, a commotion arose at the entrance to the hall.

Leng Zhaoran and Xiao Ran entered side by side, both smiling broadly and clearly in good spirits. Several powerful figures with deep auras followed behind them, presumably other senior members of Spirit Pagoda.

"Pagoda Master Qiangu, Deputy Pagoda Master Leng, arriving!"

Following the master of ceremonies' loud announcement, Qiangu Dieting strode into the hall.

He wore a magnificent golden robe today, radiating the authority of one in a high position. Walking to the center of the hall, he swept his gaze over the guests and revealed a satisfied smile.

"Everyone, thank you for attending tonight's celebration banquet," Qiangu Dieting announced in a resonant voice that echoed throughout the hall. "Three days ago, Spirit Pagoda's Seven Luminaries Team held a public duel against Shrek Academy's first-year elites in Heaven Dou City and achieved victory with a flawless record! This is not merely the glory of Spirit Pagoda—it is the glory of all of us in Spirit Pagoda! I believe that in the future, Spirit Pagoda will surely surpass Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect, becoming the number one soul master holy land on the Douluo Continent!"

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

Qiangu Dieting raised a hand to quiet the room before continuing, "Here, I would like to give special commendation to the seven members of the Seven Luminaries Team—Qiangu Dongfeng, Qiangu Qingfeng, Xiao Cheng, Leng Yaozhu, Leng Yulai, Zhang Geyang, and Xia Zhengleng. Through their strength and hard work, they have brought honor to Spirit Pagoda! Spirit Pagoda will not forget their contributions!"

The Seven Luminaries Team's victory itself was not much of an event. If Long Yeyue had not later escalated the matter, there would have been no more than a small internal celebration. Yet because of Long Yeyue, Spirit Pagoda had gained a major advantage over Shrek Academy, which was why this banquet had been held. Celebrating the Seven Luminaries Team's victory was merely the excuse on the surface.

Applause rang out again, even more fervent than before.

The seven of them rose and bowed to the guests.

"Now, I announce—" Qiangu Dieting raised his wineglass. "A toast to the Seven Luminaries Team's victory!"

"Cheers!"

The guests raised their glasses and drained them in one gulp.

The banquet continued amid a lively atmosphere.

Amid the clinking of glasses, Xiao Cheng noticed Leng Zhaoran waving at him, signaling for him to come over.

Holding his wineglass, Xiao Cheng walked over to Leng Zhaoran. "Uncle Leng, were you looking for me?"

"Come, sit down and talk." Leng Zhaoran pulled him over to a relatively quiet table and poured him a cup of tea. "Someone from the War God Temple spoke with you just now?"

"Yes." Xiao Cheng nodded. "It was the Second War God, His Excellency the Heaven-Slaying Douluo. He offered me congratulations on behalf of the War God Temple, but the War God Temple is probably more interested in my father."

"Hmph, those people from the War God Temple really do have sharp noses." Leng Zhaoran snorted, though there was not much hostility in his tone. "They must have taken a liking to your and your father's potential and want to establish a good relationship with you in advance. But don't pay it too much mind. The War God Temple may be powerful, but it has always remained neutral and will not easily interfere in disputes between major forces. Their approach was most likely just a gesture of goodwill. They mean no harm."

Xiao Cheng nodded. "I understand, Uncle Leng."

"Oh, right. There's one more matter." Leng Zhaoran's expression became more serious. "How do you feel after absorbing that Void Star Beast Right Leg Bone?"

"Very good." Xiao Cheng answered honestly. "That soul bone granted me a domain-type soul skill. Although I can only maintain it for a short time with my current Soul Power, its power is extremely impressive."

"A domain-type soul skill?" A trace of surprise flashed through Leng Zhaoran's eyes. "Good kid, your luck is really excellent! A domain-type soul skill from a Void Star Beast is an extraordinarily rare thing. Develop it properly, and it will surely become one of your trump cards in the future."

"I will, Uncle Leng." Xiao Cheng nodded solemnly.

The two chatted for a while longer before Leng Zhaoran was called away by other guests.

Xiao Cheng was about to return to his seat when he saw Leng Yaozhu swaying over with a glass of fruit juice.

"Xiao Cheng, what were you talking about with my dad just now? You looked so serious." Leng Yaozhu asked curiously.

"Nothing much. He was just asking about my condition after absorbing the soul bone," Xiao Cheng said.

"Oh—" Leng Yaozhu drew out the word, then leaned closer with a mysterious expression. "Did you tell my dad that someone from the War God Temple wanted to poach you?"

"Of course not!" Xiao Cheng could not help laughing. "Senior Zhantian was just making a gesture. What are you thinking about all day?"

"You," Leng Yaozhu said matter-of-factly.

Xiao Cheng: "???"

Seeing his expression, Leng Yaozhu burst into laughter. "I'm just teasing you! Look how scared you got!"

Xiao Cheng shook his head helplessly and took a sip of tea to calm himself down, though the curve of his lips unconsciously lifted as well.

At that moment, Leng Yulai came over too, excitement written across her little face. "Sister, Xiao Cheng, you're here! I just saw so much delicious food over there. Let's go try some!"

"Okay, okay!" Leng Yaozhu immediately perked up and dragged her sister toward the buffet area. "Come on, come on! There's plenty of good food at tonight's banquet."

Xiao Cheng could not help smiling as he watched the sisters' cheerful retreating figures.

He raised his teacup and swept his gaze across the bustling hall.

Qiangu Dongfeng was chatting merrily with several guests. Qiangu Qingfeng still sat silently in a corner drinking fruit juice. Zhang Geyang was trying to strike up a conversation with Xia Zhengleng, but Xia Zhengleng did not seem particularly interested in responding to him...

Everything appeared wonderful.

But Xiao Cheng knew that this was only temporary peace.

Shrek Academy would absolutely not let the matter rest. Long Yeyue had suffered such a major loss, so she would certainly find a way to regain face. And the Seven Luminaries Team, as Spirit Pagoda's trump card, would inevitably become a primary target of Shrek Academy's attention.

"Soldiers will come, and generals will stop them. Water will come, and earth will dam it." Xiao Cheng murmured, draining the tea in his cup.

He set down the teacup, rose to his feet, and headed toward Leng Yaozhu and Leng Yulai.

Tonight, he would simply enjoy the joy of victory first.

Tomorrow's troubles could wait until tomorrow.