The four of them stared wide-eyed, completely dumbfounded!
In the entire world, there are very few who dare to address the patriarch of the Literary Clan by his full name!
Their dean is one of them!
At this moment, all they want to say is, "Awesome!"
The four men's gazes towards Xie Feng subtly shifted from politeness to shock, awe, and admiration!
Dao Fire gazes were fixed on Xie Feng; if looks had temperature, they would have burned their own dean alive...
"There's a banquet I'd like to take you to," Shui Yunjun said bluntly. "Would you like to attend?"
Xie Feng asked, "What kind of banquet?"
Shui Yunjun said, " Yan Wuming, one of the two great patriarchs of the Literary Clan, rebuilt an ancient pavilion in North Sheng City and invited many famous people to visit it. This person holds a very high position in the clan, and he invited me, so I gave him face!"
She brought Xie Feng along hoping to broaden his network and introduce him to more prominent figures in the area; her intentions were truly commendable.
Xie Feng was thinking about the recent affairs of the academy. With Lü Yan and Changying helping to manage it, he only needed to raise money. Perhaps he could take advantage of the banquet to pay more attention to a few wealthy people who might invest in his academy.
He agreed.
North Sheng City.
Yan Wuming's pavilion stands on the riverbank, nestled against the mountain and beside the water, possessing both the mighty rushing current and the vast expanse of the sky.
At noon that day, the magnificent pavilion was bustling with activity, a scene of great prosperity. Countless people surged forward, and Yan Wuming, dressed in fine clothes and sporting a magnificent beard, waited for his guests on the second floor.
He warmly greeted everyone, and during the breaks, he thought to himself that he had rebuilt this ancient pavilion for two reasons: first, to preserve history, and second, to give his son-in-law a chance to showcase his talents.
He had already instructed his son-in-law to secretly prepare an article, intending to present it at the banquet and astound everyone. This time, he had invited mostly literary figures, and even a literary Saint Grade!
If the son-in-law could win the favor of this Literary Sage named Yan Ru, and ideally be accepted as his disciple, it would bring glory to the family.
As time passed, guests arrived one after another. Shui Yunjun also brought Xie Feng to the banquet. After presenting their gifts on the first floor, servants led them to the second floor.
"Chieftain!"
The appearance of Shui Yunjun instantly silenced the previously noisy second floor, and countless people stood up to pay their respects!
This is the Literary Clan, and the vast majority of the guests are also Literary Clan!
Yan Wuming hurriedly went to greet him, bowing slightly and saying respectfully with a smile, "Oh my, Clan Chief, you have actually graced this humble abode with your presence! It truly honors us!"
Shui Yunjun smiled and said, "I will naturally reward Lord Yan for his favor."
Yan Wuming grinned from ear to ear, "Your presence is a great honor for me, and it adds immeasurable glory to this place! Come, please take a seat!"
As he spoke, he personally led the way, his face beaming. He glanced at Xie Feng behind Shui Yunjun, assuming he was just a guard, and didn't pay him any mind. He only greeted his Lineage with great enthusiasm.
Shui Yunjun didn't move. She raised her eyes and smiled, "Lord Yan, let me introduce you. This is Xie Feng, the Dean of the Pill Maple Academy!"
Yan Wuming was visibly taken aback.
He thought this person was unimportant, but unexpectedly, the clan chief specially introduced him! Clearly, this person must be of extraordinary status!
Xie Feng...
The name felt familiar to him.
"Oh! I remember now! This is Xie Feng, the recently popular number one on the Heavenly Ranking! Hahaha, I'm so sorry, I was blind and neglected you just now!"
Yan Wuming suddenly realized that although he didn't know the relationship between Xie Feng and Shui Yunjun, there weren't many people who could be personally introduced by him! So he still had to give him face.
Xie Feng nodded. "Mm!"
Yan Wuming blinked, suddenly at a loss for words!
He thought Xie Feng would say a few polite words, flattering him, but Xie Feng just grunted in response, which was tantamount to acknowledging this slight...
Yan Wuming, who was used to dealing with those cunning old foxes in officialdom, was completely at a loss in front of such a refined and unconventional person.
He could only manage an awkward laugh.
The appearance of Shui Yunjun caused a sensation, and when Yan Wuming mentioned Xie Feng's name, it caused a second sensation!
This name has recently become world-famous. Even woodcutters living deep in the mountains and forests, even if they don't know the Dust Clan, Flame Island, or the other two clans, know that this name is number one on the Heavenly Ranking!
At the time, the Heavenly Ranking did not reveal the appearance of those listed. Most people's impressions of Xie Feng were based on guesses from his back and hearsay. Until today, they saw him with their own eyes!
"So he was Xie Feng!"
"I must say, he's really good-looking, quite dashing!"
"Wasn't he on good terms with Ge Kuangwo? When did he become so close to our clan leader?"
"Although he is an unparalleled genius, he is completely unknown. How could he possess such extraordinary abilities to stand beside the clan leader?!"
"Do you think it might be him? Cough cough, you know what I mean!"
"Bah! What nonsense! The clan leader holds a high position and wields great power; her vision is far-reaching, and ordinary people cannot even catch her eye! Think about our clan leader back then—who was behind her? It was Marquis of Mo Yang! Who could compare to Marquis of Mo Yang?!"
"Hiss, that's right! It seems this Xie Feng is somewhat unusual!..."
The guests began to whisper among themselves.
Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue; wherever there is intrigue, there is gossip.
Xie Feng couldn't be bothered with these people; they weren't on the same level, and there was no need to take it seriously.
At the same time.
A man sat somewhere, his gaze piercing through the layers of people and landing on Xie Feng. Instantly, he was so startled that his buttocks trembled twice.
What bad luck!
I've run into this jinx again!
Xiao Tianzi sighed softly, his face darkening.
What does it mean to meet your nemesis on a narrow road?
What does it mean when the more you try to escape, the less you can escape?
"Looks like this guy wasn't lying to me. He really does have connections with the clan leader. For the clan leader to make a special introduction to him, so he won't be neglected by Yan Wuming, this treatment is extraordinary!"
Xiao Tianzi muttered something, then raised his eyelids and met Xie Feng's gaze.
Xie Feng saw him and smiled slightly.
Xiao Tianzi quickly lowered his head and drank his tea to cover his unease. For some reason, he felt uneasy, sensing that Xie Feng's smile was malicious! He was definitely plotting something to trick someone again!
After a flurry of activity, everyone took their seats. There were over a hundred people of distinguished status on the second floor, including prominent figures such as Shui Yunjun, Xie Feng, Xiao Tianzi, Academician Meng, Yan Ru, and General Wang!
As the banquet began, a group of dancers and musicians entered, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. The dancers then began to dance gracefully. Soon after, tea, wine, snacks, and delicacies from land and sea were served in succession.
At this point, the crowd began to move around.
A banquet is essentially a social gathering, and often a very common and important one. Many friendships, alliances, collaborations, and business transactions are established at banquets.
In the noisy environment, Xie Feng was like a breath of fresh air. He didn't speak or socialize; he simply poured himself tea and drank it, finding contentment in his solitude.