The clamor of the crowd rolled toward the raised platform in wave after wave as everyone turned their eyes toward the three outstanding disciples in the hall, all talking at once.
"I say, among all the disciples in the Side Hall, Senior Sister Mingyue, Senior Brother Yan Yang, and Senior Brother Long Tianming are undoubtedly the leaders. Please, would the three of you go up and offer us some guidance?"
"Exactly! Your insights into the Dao are unfathomable. Let us broaden our horizons and learn something of its essence!"
At those words, an almost imperceptible curve instantly formed at the corner of Long Tianming's mouth. He positively basked in the praise. Feigning modesty, he stepped forward and declared, "Of the three of us, I consider my attainment in the Dao the weakest. Naturally, I should offer a brick first to draw forth your jade, then invite Senior Brother Yan Yang and Senior Sister Mingyue to instruct us, so that we may bear witness to the Great Dao together."
His words sounded courteous, but they concealed an exceedingly shrewd calculation. By volunteering to admit his inferiority, he placed himself in an unassailable position. Using that as his pretext, he instead set Yan Yang and Mingyue over the fire to roast, leaving himself free to watch the show and reap the rewards.
With Yan Yang's discerning eye, he saw straight through the fellow's little scheme. He gave a contemptuous snort, folded his arms, and watched coldly from the sidelines.
Only Mingyue Wushuang remained quiet throughout. Yet her clear eyes would occasionally drift past the crowd toward the figure pouring himself wine alone in the corner-Yun Tian.
Her looks left Yun Tian utterly baffled. He kept muttering to himself, *Am I wearing some bizarre outfit? Or have I got food on my face?