Moon Soul Convergence · Imperial Capital Star Banquet

Inside the elegant seating area on the second floor of Xingyan Tianju, Qin Yu and Chi Ning were still gazing out the window at the Star Banquet Heavenly Abode. They saw red banners fluttering and the city bathed in radiant light below. A golden dragon chariot slowly moved through the air, with dozens of banner bearers and musicians circling in front of it. Auspicious light surrounded the procession, and melodious Daoist music filled the air. The wedding procession was being carried into the capital with a sacrificial ceremony, a grand event unseen in the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital for nearly a century.

Just as everyone was immersed in this magnificent scene, a piercing shout suddenly broke the joyful atmosphere of the restaurant from the lobby on the first floor.

"Waiter! Arrange a fine private room for me!"

The voice was extremely arrogant, seemingly carrying a deliberate air of arrogance and swagger. Immediately following was the waiter's slightly embarrassed yet respectful voice. "Sir, I'm sorry, the second-floor private rooms are all full. Would you mind...?"

"Nonsense!" the man interrupted loudly, "If the first floor is fine, why would I be asking you about the second floor? Are you blind?"

The shout not only silenced the entire lobby, but also made many diners upstairs turn to look down.

Qin Yu frowned slightly and turned his head to look down. He saw a person wearing a golden robe and with a Soul Jade of Annihilation at his waist standing arrogantly in the center of the restaurant, with raised eyebrows and a contemptuous tone—it was none other than Chen Po, an inner disciple.

He carried a jug of strong liquor of unknown origin, accompanied by several familiar inner sect followers, displaying an unbridled attitude.

Inside the Star Banquet Heavenly Abode, an invisible awkwardness and oppression seemed to slowly rise in the air...

Chen Po's gaze suddenly swept over the private room on the second floor, then he paused abruptly, a mocking sneer curling at the corner of his mouth. He had already spotted the familiar figures at that table— Qin Yu, along with Chi Ning, Shen Yuzhi, Luo Huan, Mu Xun, Du Linglin, and Mo Zhiyan, who were sitting around it, chatting and laughing.

"I want that one."

Chen Po raised his finger high, pointing unabashedly to the elegant seating area on the second floor facing the starlight.

The waiter was immediately taken aback, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He forced a smile and said, "Sir, the seats upstairs are already taken. I'm really... really sorry..."

Are you deaf?

"Smack!"

Before he could finish speaking, a muffled thud suddenly rang out. Chen Po slapped the waiter across the face, the force of which sent the thin man sprawling to the ground. A red, swollen handprint appeared on his face, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

The entire first-floor lobby Time Silence.

The air seemed to freeze.

The innkeeper, standing behind the stairs, hurriedly stepped forward, his expression flustered and his forehead covered in cold sweat, bowing and forcing a smile, "Oh dear... Young Master Chen, Young Master Chen, I'm so sorry, the waiter didn't know the proper etiquette, please be magnanimous... I'll get you a replacement right away--"

"I already said I want the one upstairs." Chen Po interrupted coldly, his voice chilling and carrying an unyielding command, "You... can't understand human language?"

At this moment, everyone in the private room on the second floor had clearly heard the commotion below.

Chi Ning's face instantly turned cold. Her beautiful eyes lowered slightly, filled with disgust and disdain. "This guy... he's still the same."

Shen Yuzhi snorted coldly, "Does she really think she can act arrogantly in the capital just because she's related to an inner sect elder?"

Luo Huan's expression was solemn, and he gently stroked the soul chain at his waist. If Qin Yu hadn't remained silent, he probably would have already reprimanded him.

Mo Zhiyan's smile faded slightly, and she sighed, "I haven't even eaten a few bites of food, and now this spoils the mood."

Mu Xun said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Qin, you're really lucky. You've only just arrived in the capital and you've already run into this mad dog."

Qin Yu, however, merely smiled slightly, remaining expressionless. His gaze was calm and unreadable.

The atmosphere suddenly became oppressive.

This dinner was destined to be anything but peaceful.

At this moment, Chen Po seemed completely reckless, his expression arrogant and his tone extremely impatient. "I have plenty of Starlight Crystal. As long as you vacate that spot for me, I'll give you—double the price!"

Before he finished speaking, he waved his hand, and a golden Annihilation Starlight Crystal was slammed onto the counter, producing a crisp echo, like a meteor striking jade. The light flashed and disappeared in an instant, drawing the attention of many diners around.

The shopkeeper was sweating profusely, his smile frozen stiff. He could only manage a forced smile as he said, "Young Master Chen... it's not about the price, it's just that—they arrived before you."

"I don't care about you!" Chen Po raised an eyebrow, his tone growing increasingly cold. He stomped his foot, causing the floor to tremble slightly, his voice cracking like a whip, "Anyway, I—want that position!"

Boom--!

Arrogant and rude, with an overbearing and domineering attitude.

At that very moment, on the second floor, Chi Ning slowly rose, her skirts fluttering slightly, like the moon reflected in a spiritual spring, coldly looking down below.

"Snort."

A soft hum, like ice cracking in the sky.

Chi Ning parted her lips slightly, but her voice seemed to contain a thousand years of frost, her tone full of sarcasm. "What a bullying dog, barking and howling like that."

She slightly raised her slender finger, pointing to Chen Po downstairs, "If you didn't have a face, I would have thought you were some neglected animal barking in here."

Upon hearing this, the entire restaurant fell into a deathly silence; even the sound of breathing paused for a moment.

The diners, the shopkeeper, and the waiters below were all stunned, their faces filled with horror.

Chen Po's expression changed instantly, first with shock, then with blazing anger. His eyes flashed with a chilling glint as he pointed upstairs and roared, "Chi Ning, you... you dare to insult me?!"

"Do you think you're worthy of my insults?" Chi Ning raised an eyebrow, her beautiful eyes filled with disdain.

"You really think you can run rampant in the capital just because you're an inner sect elder?" Shen Yuzhi broke her silence, her tone as cold as ice. "If you don't know what's good for you today, don't blame us for kicking you out of Star Banquet Heavenly Abode."

Mu Xun and Luo Huan also slowly rose, took a step forward, and released their auras simultaneously.

Mo Zhiyan's smile remained unchanged, but his tone was cold. "I remember this restaurant doesn't allow trouble. If you insist on causing trouble, Young Master Chen, I'm afraid even your uncle can't protect you."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

A highly charged conflict is already on the verge of erupting.

At this moment, Qin Yu remained seated calmly, merely lifting his teacup slightly. Amidst the rising steam, his gaze drifted downstairs, his eyes seemingly swirling with deep, unsettling currents. Though he remained silent, he appeared to have the entire situation under control.

Chen Po was furious, his face flushed red as iron, and he swore incessantly. "Don't think I won't do anything to you just because we're in this restaurant— Chi Ning, you just wait! As soon as we leave this place, I'll strip you naked and make you suffer public humiliation—"

"Smack!"

Before he could finish speaking, a loud slap landed on his left cheek, followed by two more crisp, startling slaps on his right cheek and chin!

"Smack! Smack--!"

The entire restaurant was breathtaking.

Before anyone could even see who had made the move, Chen Po staggered back three steps, his face instantly covered in hideous bloodstains and swelling, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with horror and rage!

"You dare hit me!?" he roared, pointing at Chi Ning, his eyes bloodshot. "You get her! Today we must take her—"

"Boom--!"

A powerful voice boomed from above the restaurant, like thunder shaking the heavens!

As the air surged and exploded, the entire Star Banquet Heavenly Abode seemed to tremble. A detached yet authoritative voice slowly descended from the void, causing everyone present to tremble in their hearts.

"Young Master Chen, please give me some face."

"Please—do not engage in any unnecessary fighting within my Star Banquet Heavenly Abode."

His words were calm, yet they were like a decree from the Heavenly Emperor, plunging the entire space into silence.

Chen Po was suddenly jolted, his murderous aura instantly cooled, and cold sweat slid down his forehead.

He recognized the voice all too well; it belonged to one of the true leaders of the Star Banquet Heavenly Abode— "Banquet Master Feng Chaoyin"!

One of the six hidden powers in the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital Source of Epochless · Middle Layer, and a direct descendant of the [Feng Clan Night Banquet Pavilion], his cultivation level is not known to the world, but it is rumored that he has already stepped into the Silent Mystery Realm Supreme beyond, and has mastered part of the "Authority of Logical Suppression and Covenant".

"Damn it..." Chen Po gritted his teeth, his eyes sweeping over Chi Ning and his group with a sinister look.

He knew that if he made any rash moves today, he would not only be expelled on the spot by Feng Chaoyin, but the news might even reach his uncle Chen Yan's ears, bringing him blame.

He raised his hand menacingly, signaling the men behind him to stop, and glared venomously at Chi Ning: "Very well... Chi Ning, if you've got the guts, then never leave this restaurant."

"If I catch you—you'll regret living in this Source of Epochless."

Having said that, he angrily turned and left, fleeing with a few followers.

The first floor gradually returned to quiet, but the sword intent in the air had not dissipated and remained as cold as ice.

On the second floor, Chi Ning remained expressionless, coldly watching his departing figure. Her phoenix eyes held no fear, but rather seemed to be looking at a dying man.

Luo Huan said in a low voice, "This mad dog needs to be dealt with sooner or later."

Shen Yuzhi said coldly, "If we weren't in the city, I would have crippled him long ago."

Mu Xun held his wine glass and smiled calmly, "If he really dares to make a move outside, I'd like to try out the feeling of 'Glazed Heart Frost-Splitting Blade' not being drawn for so long."

Mo Zhiyan smiled slightly, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and looked at Qin Yu: "What do you think, Junior Brother Qin?"

As everyone's gaze fell upon him, Qin Yu simply put down his teacup and calmly uttered a sentence:

"If he dares to bark again, I'll make sure he never existed in this world."

OK--

Chi Ning's gaze remained fixed on the empty street corner below. She gritted her teeth, finally stomping her foot in anger and growling in a low, menacing voice:

"What bad luck! My good mood was ruined by that bastard!"

The smile between her brows had long since faded, replaced by a deep sense of disgust, and her fingertips trembled slightly involuntarily.

At that moment, Qin Yu picked up the jade porcelain wine cup on the table, calmly drank it all in one gulp, and spoke in a calm yet unquestionable tone:

"Senior sister, this kind of person doesn't deserve to affect your mood."

A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but his voice remained gentle yet firm:

"He's just a mad dog on the street; after a few leaps, he'll end up back in the garbage dump. Let's keep shopping and not let this kind of person ruin our lives."

Chi Ning was taken aback. Looking into Qin Yu's calm and unwavering eyes, as deep as Star Abyss, a warmth spread through her heart. She suddenly smiled softly and said:

"Yes, Junior Brother Qin is right. We've only just arrived in Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital; how can we allow such a clown to spoil our trip?"

Luo Huan slammed his wine glass on the table and laughed heartily, "Let's go, let's go! We've had our drinks, the dog's gone, now the real show begins!"

Shen Yuzhi regained her usual composure and nodded calmly. "We haven't been to the Soul Seal Market, the Life Chain Corridor, or the Technique Tower in Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital yet."

Mu Xun stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes gleaming. "If we don't get drunk today, how will we get drunk tomorrow?"

Du Linglin rubbed the soul crystal pouch at his waist and snorted softly, "If I run into Chen Po again next time, I'll give him a taste of the 'Annihilation-Turning Sword Ring'."

Mo Zhiyan strolled leisurely to the window, gazing at the scene of countless starlight rays scattering across the streets of the capital, and smiled:

"Gentlemen, since you don't want your hearts to be disturbed by dogs, why not—change your mood, take a walk in the streets, sweep away the starlight, and see the true bustling and magnificent scene of this Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital."

The seven people exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere returned to a relaxed state.

Immediately afterwards, the group slowly walked down the stairs toward the door.

And this day is the grandest day in the capital—the [Moon Soul Convergence Festival]

As night slowly descended, the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital seemed to be draped in a shimmering, starlit robe. Bathed in the glow of the Limitless Evolving True Flow, the entire capital appeared like a dream atop the myriad realms of the void. Just then, at the entrance of the Star Banquet Heavenly Abode, Chi Ning, dressed in a light blue gauze dress, turned to look at Qin Yu with a beaming smile. Her eyes seemed to hold the shimmering light of stars, and her tone was full of excitement and anticipation.

"Junior Brother Qin, you must fully appreciate this Moon Soul Convergence Festival, which only happens once every ten million years! I guarantee—you'll be so satisfied you won't even want to blink."

Qin Yu stood before the gate, his gaze fixed on the three moons slowly rising above the Radiant Heavenly Emperor City. A smile slowly spread across his face. "Hmm, I've heard of the grandeur of this festival before, when I was on the outskirts. Legend has it that the three moon souls converge at the Imperial Radiance Void Abyss, causing the soul radiance of all realms to resonate, forming the most magnificent visual and spiritual tide... Today, I must witness this magnificent scene with my own eyes."

Luo Huan waved his sleeve and laughed, "You won't regret it when you see it. It's said that the meeting point tonight is closer to the main city than in previous years, and even the priests of the capital have come out of seclusion to prepare the rituals."

"Let's go! We'll look around as we go." Shen Yuzhi stepped out the door like a shadow, her plain clothes making her appear even more cold and beautiful. The moonlight shone on her hair, like icy snowflakes falling.

"This is what the capital city's night should be like," Du Linglin, a glint of light appearing in her eyes.

The group stepped out onto the main street's spirit bridge, formed from countless rays of starlight. Below the bridge lay the Void Abyss Sea, while above, dragon-shaped star lanterns, Soul Seal projections, and a shimmering crystal screen swirled. Brilliant soul crystal artifacts rose along both sides of the street, and countless mystical patterned lanterns floated in the air, swirling with myriad dreamlike colors. Furthermore, streams of smoke-like soul lanterns in the form of countless spirit beasts glided slowly through the air, as if enacting an epic tale of souls from across the starry heavens.

But what is most striking are the three crescent moons in the sky above—

One round of moonlight is as white as if it had been washed clean; another is as blue and purple as if it were a dream; and yet another seems half-real and half-illusory, deep and boundless.

They slowly approached, rotated, and overlapped, forming a soul wheel vortex above the capital city that resembled the core of a starry sky, stirring up waves of logical soul light that spread like ripples to every corner of the main city.

"It really is..." Qin Yu murmured to himself. At that moment, he actually felt the Azure Ring in his sea of consciousness resonate slightly, as if it was also attracted by the Three Moon Soul Wheel, causing ripples to spread.

Chi Ning smiled gently, her eyes shifting slightly. "This is the main city's soul festival, or you could say, a grand celebration of will in the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer."

They walked further and further away, their figures bathed in that world where starlight and moonlight intertwined.

But this night had not yet truly begun.