"I hereby declare the Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering officially open!"
Lu Ding slowly rose to his feet, a perfectly measured smile on his face. His voice rang out like a bell, cutting through the surrounding clamor and carrying clearly across the entire banquet.
Holding a white jade wine cup, he raised it in another sweeping toast to everyone around him. His gaze passed over every Heavenly Prodigy present, combining a host's warmth with a superior's authority, displaying all the bearing of a gracious host.
"The fine dishes are ready, and the wine has been poured. Please enjoy yourselves, Heavenly Prodigies. Eat and drink to your hearts' content!
"If our hospitality falls short in any way, I hope you will forgive us!"
With that, he tipped his head back and drained his cup. His Adam's apple bobbed as the wine went down, his movements bold and carefree.
Then he slowly returned to the seat of honor, picked up his silver chopsticks, and took a slice of Spirit Rhinoceros Fish from the dish before him, signaling that everyone should make themselves at home.
The Heavenly Prodigies present responded enthusiastically, calling out in unison:
"Good!"
Their voices were deafening, brimming with youthful vigor.
They raised their cups toward Lu Ding in return, then drained their wine as well. As it slid down their throats, its rich fragrance spread across their tongues, whetting everyone's appetite.
Immediately afterward, they dropped their reserve, picked up their bowls and chopsticks, and began enjoying the sumptuous dishes on the tables.
Fresh vegetables watered with spirit spring water were crisp and refreshing, holding faint traces of spiritual energy; deep-sea spirit fish was tender enough to melt in the mouth; exotic beast legs had been stewed until succulent and flavorful, rich without being greasy.
There was also a thick soup