The night was deep, the breeze gentle, and all was still.
The banquet at Heaven-Supporting Palace gradually drew to a close. Most of the guests took their leave still savoring the evening, which had laid bare the helplessness of geniuses, the abandon of youth, and their unyielding struggles.
Perhaps many years later, once this generation had matured and achieved something, the young lords and holy maidens who attended this banquet would still look back on it all.
Overall, the banquet had been a success. The atmosphere had been lively and harmonious, with no uncontrollable mishaps, allowing Xiao Ying and the Sky-Supporting Tribe to weather this challenge smoothly. Everyone was happy.
As the host, Xiao Ying stayed until the very end and saw every honored guest off with solemn courtesy. He had also become acquainted with quite a few young lords and heirs of various factions, or at least made his face familiar to them.
Walking slowly through the silent night, Xiao Ying kept turning the banquet over in his mind, considering the brilliance each young lord and holy maiden had displayed.
As far as looks went, they were all extraordinarily handsome or beautiful. Whether voluptuous or slender, each had their own allure. There was little else to say.
With Xiao Ying's experience, temperament, and standing, he no longer paid much attention to outward appearances. By comparison, bearing and inner substance mattered more and drew more of his attention.
What Xiao Ying was weighing, however, were the temperaments and talents of those young lords and holy maidens, along with the networks of connections behind the factions they represented.
Take Zangtian Ji, for instance. As the foremost of the Four Young Lords of Heavenfall Sea, he was renowned for his vast learning and seemingly boundless knowledge. His handsome, scholarly appearance also gave