The banquet hall's crystal chandeliers refracted gilded light. No sooner had Nie Li's gaze settled on Ye Xiu than he noticed the old man beside him, whose aura was deep and steady. There was no need to guess-this had to be Ye Shuo, ranked fourth in the Wind Snow Family. Rumor had it that this formidable elder commanded a mysterious, powerful force. He usually hoarded his words like gold and rarely appeared in public, yet here he was at tonight's banquet.
"Nie Li, come exchange a few moves with Elder Ye Shuo." Ye Xiu's voice carried an elder's warmth as he beckoned Nie Li forward.
Nie Li answered and approached. He had barely taken a few steps when Ye Shuo's quiet question sounded behind him. His gaze rested on Ye Ziyun, who stood beside Yun Tian, clutching his arm tightly with flushed cheeks. There was a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Is that the senior Zi Yun has been pining for?"
Ye Xiu stroked his beard and nodded leisurely. "Indeed. You and I have both heard something of his strength. Besides, Zi Yun truly likes him."
The banquet hall bustled with activity. Nie Li moved among the guests like a host, laughing and chatting with members of the Huyan Family one moment and exchanging a few words with the Winged Dragon Family's younger members the next, every gesture composed and confident. Elsewhere, Yun Tian leisurely sipped clear tea, opening his mouth whenever Ling'er offered him a peeled spirit fruit. Ye Ziyun, Yu Yan, and the others gathered to tease and play with one another, their silver-bell laughter ringing without end.
Only the Divine Family in the corner wore grim expressions, their eyes full of vigilance. Shen Hong watched Nie Li's busy figure until he approached Lu Piao, then abruptly