050 Offering a Gift

In the spacious living room, banquet tables were already set, laden with gourmet pastries, fine delicacies, vintage wines, and seasonal fruits. Several beautiful handmaidens stood by, ready to pour tea and wine for the guests.

Lian Yunbi led Zhang He inside, immediately drawing the gaze of everyone in the hall. Those who had been curious about whom she was waiting for were filled with astonishment the moment they saw Zhang He.

"Who is that? To think he could make the eldest daughter of the Lian family welcome him at the door in person!"

"You don't know? That's Zhang He, the first-place finisher of this year's Martial Child Assessment! The idol of all commoner martial children!"

"The one who secured a Cold Gate seat and became a third-rank noble? I heard he was expelled from the Martial Child Academy earlier; I never expected him to be such a dark horse in the assessment."

"A mere Cold Gate seat, nothing more than a third-rank noble at best. Compared to the great clans and wealthy families, what's so impressive about that?" Some looked at Zhang He with disdain, though most who spoke this way were merely masking their envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Near the head table, Zhao Feng and his companions also noticed the commotion. Beside him, a young man in white saw Zhang He enter and walk so closely with Lian Yunbi, and his eyes instantly erupted with fury.

"What is the meaning of this? That wretch, how is he walking so closely with the Lian family's eldest daughter?" His intense reaction drew the attention of those nearby, who turned to look at Zhao Feng's group with strange expressions.

"Cousin, stay calm. This Zhang He is nothing but a toad lusting after swan meat." Seeing his cousin's reaction, Zhao Feng was startled and quickly rose to soothe him. He whispered, "Everyone here is a person of status. We only need to make Zhang He make a fool of himself in front of everyone and reveal his boorish nature; that will ruin his reputation and settle our score from Luowang Prefecture."

Zhao Feng smiled with a sinister glint in his eyes.

The young man in white's eyes lit up. He nodded and said viciously, "Exactly! To ruin his reputation without drawing blood is even more satisfying than defeating him! I have an idea. When it comes time to present gifts, your Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown will surely outshine all others. It will create a stark contrast with that Zhang He, and the difference in standing will be clear at a glance. If Lian Yunbi has even a shred of discernment, she will make the wise choice!"

"Look over there," Zhao Feng suddenly whispered, a playful look in his eyes. "Wen Liang over there seems very dissatisfied with Zhang He as well. I know why—back when we first entered the Martial Child Academy, there were rumors that Wen Liang also fancied Lian Yunbi. But later, he left the academy to focus on his cultivation... Now that he's back and sees Zhang He so close to her, he surely dislikes him. Moreover, he is arrogant and proud; to have been surpassed by Zhang He in this assessment, he must be filled with resentment."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The young man in white nodded. "I've heard of this Wen Liang. He is already an outer disciple of the True Martial Academy and is rumored to be on the verge of becoming an inner disciple. His future is bright. When the banquet begins, I can take the opportunity to befriend him and join forces to suppress Zhang He. I'm sure he would be more than happy to oblige."

Within the crowd, a few other pairs of eyes were paying special attention to Zhang He.

"Father, Little Sister is walking quite closely with that Zhang He." At the head table, a tall, heroic-looking young man watched as Lian Yunbi pulled Zhang He inside, a strange expression on his face.

Beside him, Lian Father remained calm. "He once acted to relieve Yun Tao of the heat poison invading his body; it is only natural for Yunbi to hold him in high regard. Do not speak nonsense."

Despite his words, his brows furrowed slightly. His daughter did seem a bit too close to Zhang He. He was not a man who craved vanity, but Zhang He's status truly did not befit his daughter.

Lian Yunbi brought Zhang He to his assigned seat, which was positioned quite far forward. In the surrounding area, Zhang He recognized several classmates from the Martial Child Academy.

"Zhang He, what have you been busy with these days?"

"Zhang He, let's get together when you have time. My treat for drinks."

A group of classmates who had never been close to Zhang He in the past were now acting exceptionally warm. Among them, two women looked at him with a hint of fervor in their eyes.

Zhang He smiled and responded to them one by one. Though he chatted and laughed with the two women, he maintained a polite distance.

Suddenly, Zhang He caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd waving at him—Wang Pengyu! His seat was opposite Zhang He's, and since most people were already seated, he didn't get up to come over, merely offering a greeting.

Zhang He waved back with a smile, surprised that Lian Yunbi had invited Wang Pengyu to her birthday celebration.

Outside, a servant in grey robes ran in quickly and whispered something into Lian Father's ear. Lian Father's expression shifted violently, appearing pleasantly surprised. He immediately hurried toward the exit.

"What's going on? Patriarch Lian is going out to welcome someone in person. Could some big shot have arrived?"

The crowd's attention was instantly drawn to this scene.

A moment later, Lian Father led in a middle-aged man with a hooked nose and sallow skin. Pinned to his chest was a badge—the mark of a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist from the Pharmacist Association.

"It's Pharmacist Lin! A Bronze-Rank Pharmacist from the Pharmacist Association! I recognize him!"

"Hiss, a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist! Truly a guest of honor! There are only a handful of them in the entire Western Chu Kingdom. For a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist to come here in person, could it be for Lian Yunbi's birthday?"

"If that's the case, Lian Yunbi's influence is truly immense. A Bronze-Rank Pharmacist! Their status is so exalted that even nobles dare not offend them."

The hall erupted into a buzz of discussion as the crowd caught sight of the figure.

"To think it's a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist..." Sitting behind his table, Zhang He watched Pharmacist Lin enter, his expression shifting slightly. He knew that becoming a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist was quite difficult, but he hadn't expected their status to be held in such high regard by everyone.

Zhang He smiled faintly and touched his own chest. Inside, he also carried a Bronze-Rank Pharmacist badge. However, he found the thing gaudy and eye-catching when worn, so he usually kept it tucked away.

"Haha, my deepest apologies, I'm a step late. How is it? I haven't missed the banquet, have I?" Pharmacist Lin laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping quickly over the crowd before landing on the graceful figure of Lian Yunbi at the head table.

A strange, burning glint flashed in his eyes.

"Your presence is our greatest honor," Lian Father said excitedly. "The banquet has yet to begin; Pharmacist Lin must have a few extra cups later."

"Very well. As a pharmacist, one usually avoids alcohol to keep the mind clear and the senses sharp. But today is Yunbi's eighteenth birthday, so I shall have a few cups regardless," Pharmacist Lin laughed.

The casual tone carried a distinct air of arrogance. Zhang He heard it and rolled his eyes, yet many of those around them wore expressions of envy, as if honored by Pharmacist Lin's favor.

"Greetings, Pharmacist Lin." At Zhao Feng's table, the young man in white suddenly rose to his full height and bowed respectfully to the pharmacist.

Pharmacist Lin glanced over and smiled slightly. "So it is Li Yang. It has been a long time; has your cultivation broken through yet?"

"Thanks to your help, Pharmacist Lin, I have now broken through to the True Martial Realm," Li Yang said respectfully. "My father has always wanted to thank you but never had the chance to pay his respects. I wonder when you might deign to grace our home with your presence for a cup of wine?"

"Heh, I've been quite busy lately. We shall discuss it once I am finished with my affairs," Pharmacist Lin said indifferently.

Li Yang looked overjoyed. Just as he was about to continue, Pharmacist Lin waved his hand and laughed, "I am not the protagonist today—Yunbi is. If we keep talking, we shall be stealing her thunder. Any business can wait until the banquet concludes."

"Li Yang? Could he be from the Li family of Luowang Prefecture? That's a noble family!"

"Li Yang is Zhao Feng's cousin; he must have come here along with Zhao Feng."

"Pharmacist Lin is truly formidable. Even the Li Family treats him with such respect and courtesy. He is truly worthy of being a Bronze-Rank pharmacist!"

Zhang He heard the low murmurs drifting from the crowd.

"Yunbi, I have brought you a special gift this time. I believe you will certainly like it when the time comes."

Pharmacist Lin looked at Lian Yunbi, smiled kindly, and let his gaze linger for a moment on her chest.

Lian Yunbi suppressed the displeasure in her heart and smiled at Pharmacist Lin. "You have gone to such trouble. Your presence alone is already a great honor for Yunbi."

"I could skip anyone else's birthday banquet, but yours is one I cannot miss." Pharmacist Lin laughed heartily. "Very well, I shall not steal the spotlight. The banquet should be starting now, shouldn't it? Once it concludes, we shall have a proper chat about life."

Lian Yunbi's expression shifted slightly. Beside her, the tall young man—Lian Yunbi's eldest brother—suddenly looked rather grim, yet he remained silent.

"Pharmacist Lin, please take the seat of honor." Lian Father invited Pharmacist Lin to sit at the head table.

"No, no, I shall sit below." Pharmacist Lin declined Lian Father's warm invitation. He did not sit at the head table, but instead took a seat nearby. Those sitting beside Pharmacist Lin were overcome with excitement, thrilled to be in such close proximity to a Bronze-Rank pharmacist.

Lian Father tapped his wine glass, stood up holding it, and scanned the crowd. "Today is my daughter's eighteenth coming-of-age ceremony. That you have all spared no effort to grace my humble home and witness this moment is my honor, and my daughter's honor as well."

Lian Father spoke eloquently. When he reached the more emotional parts of his speech, Lian Yunbi, standing nearby, paused, her eyes beginning to redden.

"Yunbi, today is your coming-of-age ceremony, which means that from this moment on, you are an adult. Your father is happy for you. This was left behind by your grandmother, and she instructed me to give it to you on this day."

Lian Father produced a box. Upon opening it, a jade bracelet was revealed, its color so verdant it seemed to drip with green; one look was enough to know it was of immense value.

"Thank you, Father." Lian Yunbi nodded, her voice choked with emotion.

Since Lian Father had personally presented his gift, the others who intended to offer theirs had to hurry, as the banquet was about to begin.

Below, several young men who harbored admiration for Lian Yunbi exchanged glances and set down their wine glasses. A refined young man in fine robes was the first to step forward.

"Miss Lian, I wish for you to become even more beautiful." The gift he presented was a sizable snow ginseng; consuming it would be highly beneficial for nourishing one's vitality and blood.

"Thank you." Lian Yunbi received the gift with both hands and offered a slight smile to the giver.

Those behind him followed suit, one after another presenting their gifts. Some offered calligraphy and paintings, some offered weapons, and others offered jade. Generally, these were items that Lian Yunbi could put to use.

"It is about time. It is my turn." Seeing that the others had already paved the way, Zhao Feng rose to his full height, cradling a box, and arrived before Lian Yunbi.

"Yunbi, I wish you a happy birthday. This is a gift I sought out for you. You will surely look beautiful wearing it, and I hope you like it." Zhao Feng smiled slightly and opened the box.

"The Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown! Am I seeing this correctly? The signature treasure of Fengxiang Jewelry! He actually brought it as a birthday gift!"

"That Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown is worth nearly a thousand gold pieces. Zhao Feng is truly generous!"

"The gifts from those before him, when added together, probably don't even equal the value of this one piece!"

"This Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown truly shows Zhao Feng's sincerity."

The people below could not help but exclaim in wonder when they saw Zhao Feng reveal the Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown. As for the women present, they gazed at the crown with expressions of envy. If only that Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown were a gift for them!

On the side, Pharmacist Lin's eyes flashed with disdain. It was merely a vulgar trinket; no matter how much they praised it, it was just jewelry. Although precious, would the Lian Family ever be short of money?

"Thank you." Lian Yunbi was also startled to see the Heavenly Fragrance Phoenix Crown. "However, this gift is too precious. I cannot accept it. Please take it back; I appreciate the sentiment."

Lian Yunbi declined tactfully.