With Yun Tian taking his seat, the banquet that had drawn the attention of every faction in Glory City finally began.
Ye Han and Nie Li were just about to approach Ye Ziyun and strike up a conversation, but the girl's skirts fluttered as she walked straight past them. Like a little bird returning to its nest, she threw herself toward Yun Tian, her clear voice brimming with delight. "Brother Yun Tian, you're finally here!"
Yun Tian raised a hand and affectionately ruffled her hair, a smile playing on his lips. "What, you've missed me this much after just a few days?"
"Yes! I've been thinking about you every day!" Ye Ziyun tipped up her little face, her eyes shining as though they held starlight.
Elsewhere, Shen Fei straightened his robes and was just about to approach Xiao Ning'er, only for her to walk straight toward Yun Tian without so much as a sideways glance. Shen Fei's expression instantly darkened, anger surging through him. But when he realized the man was Yun Tian, it was as though a bucket of cold water had doused his fury, forcing him to swallow it back down.
He gritted his teeth and looked around, his gaze finally settling on Nie Li-yes, this was all Nie Li's fault! Clenching his fists, Shen Fei stalked toward Nie Li with a grim expression, determined to thoroughly humiliate him.
Xiao Ning'er came up beside Yun Tian and called softly, "Brother Yun Tian."
"Ning'er," Yun Tian said gently, turning toward her, "how has your cultivation been progressing lately?" As he spoke, he raised a hand and ruffled her hair. Xiao Ning'er lowered her head slightly, her normally cool features softening into docility, like a kitten having its fur stroked.
"I've already broken through to Black Gold Rank."
"Good. You're