When Xiao Yu arrived at the Alchemist Guild, a maid recognized him immediately. With such a large sixth-rank badge on display, it would have been hard not to.
The maid led him into the reception hall.
The hall was already filled with distinguished guests, bustling with lively conversation.
"Elder Zhou, you're finally here! Everyone has been waiting for you."
Fa Ma walked over with a cheerful smile to welcome Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu cupped his hands and smiled. "I'm late. I hope you'll all forgive me."
"You're too polite, Elder Zhou. You're the star of this banquet, so of course you should make your entrance last."
"Quite right, quite right."
"Come and sit, Elder Zhou. With us sitting and you standing there, we must look terribly ill-mannered."
Everyone hurriedly rose to return his greeting.
It was quite a lively gathering today. There were Jia Xingtian and the two princesses, Yao Ye and Yao Yue, from the Imperial Family; Yun Yun, Gu He, and Gu He's disciple Liu Ling from the Misty Cloud Sect; and the Alchemist Guild's president Fa Ma, vice president Chemir, and a host of alchemists.
There were also Mu Chen and Mu Zhan from the Mu Family, Nalan Su and Nalan Yanran from the Nalan Family, and the Mittel Family's elder, Mittel Tengshan.
Each of the three families had brought two or three younger members, clearly hoping to make their faces familiar to Xiao Yu.
After all, this was an excellent opportunity to broaden their connections. Xiao Yu even spotted Ya Fei among the Mittel Family's party.
The enthusiastic Fa Ma took Xiao Yu by the arm and led him to the seat of honor.
The leading figures sat around one table, while the younger guests took their seats elsewhere.
"Come, Elder Zhou, let me offer you