Yougu Seat, Yiting Star.
Inside the Main Hall, fine wine and jade liquor reflected the starlight, while exquisite delicacies and spirit fruits gave off an enticing glow.
Yet after such a great battle, the banquet that should have brimmed with the lively cheer of raised cups and shared celebration was exceptionally cold and quiet.
Xiang Hao, Instant Prison, Lu Tie, Yun Shang, and nine other Titled Generals all looked at one another before turning toward the seat of honor—toward the young man with the black-and-white [Thread of Destiny] wrapped around his wrist, holding a wine cup with vacant eyes.
Just now, Li Qingshan had been about to say, "Let us raise a cup," but had suddenly frozen where he stood.
Even stranger was—
"Look, is he... smiling?"
Instant Prison spoke uncertainly, suspicion in his eyes.
The surrounding crowd immediately followed his gaze and stared at the young man's lips, at the corners of his mouth that were slowly lifting...
"Everyone, forgive my discourtesy!"
Li Qingshan seemed to snap awake. A smile spread across his face as he raised his wine cup.
"Qingshan, I'll drink first as a mark of respect!"
With that, he drained the cup in one gulp. The Titled Generals present came back to their senses one after another and raised their cups in response.
After setting down his cup, Xiang Hao recalled Li Qingshan's account of the previous battle. His eyes immediately spun as he asked impatiently,
"Qingshan, were you just looking at the Demon Sealing Record? When Netherworld fell, [Flesh] was enraged, and now Wusheng has fallen right before [Fate Weaver]..."
As his words fell, the surroundings unconsciously quieted. The brows of the Titled Generals gradually furrowed.
But Xiang Hao grew more excited the more he spoke, paying no heed to the increasingly grave atmosphere.
"The