Chapter 6: A Slightly Abnormal Banquet
Night fell, and the Luo family mansion glowed brightly.
Guests streamed in, their chatter incessant, while servants at the entrance bustled without pause.
The banquet hall was meticulously arranged, with jade platters of delicacies and fragrant wine filling the air. Guests had already taken their seats.
Elder cultivators reminisced, young nobles whispered—some excited, some awed, most curious about the ‘star’ soon to appear.
“I heard the new Young Master the Luo family reclaimed has exceptional talent. Even the Patriarch personally dressed him in ceremonial robes.”
“The Star-Plucking Divine Body—a legendary physique. If true, the Luo family’s future is boundless.”
“No kidding, but what a pity for the former Young Master… what was his name? Luo Jiutian?”
“Him? Mediocre talent, no Luo bloodline. He’s probably been sidelined by now…”
The murmurs rose and fell, barely hushed despite lowered voices.
In a corner of the hall, a lone figure sat, expression blank, out of place.
Luo Jiutian’s fingers grazed the edge of his teacup, silent, showing no emotion.
No one approached him, no one offered a toast or greeting. He was an outsider to this banquet.
A few glances landed on him, but they passed quickly.
At this moment, no one wanted ties to a fallen former Young Master.
The revelry centered on the opposite side, growing louder the farther it was from him.
Luo Jiutian didn’t care.
It was all expected.
He lifted his teacup, taking a slow sip.
Outside, lanterns flickered; inside, the hall buzzed.
Then, clear footsteps echoed from outside, steady and unhurried, briefly silencing the hall’s clamor.
Luo family servants parted, clearing a path.
A graceful figure stepped in from the entrance.
She wore a pale yellow dress, its hem swaying lightly, sleeves embroidered with flowing clouds, a simple jade pendant at her waist, and a warm jade hairpin in her hair. Her understated elegance couldn’t hide her striking presence.
“It’s the Luo family’s eldest miss!” a guest whispered.
“Luo Yunlan? Truly remarkable,” another marveled. “That aura—you couldn’t learn it in a decade.”
“They say she’s already at Foundation Establishment Perfect Stage at such a young age. Untouchable.”
“Unmatched beauty, gentle and courteous. The Luo family’s fortune.”
Some watched discreetly, others whispered, all with admiration.
Luo Yunlan entered slowly, guests rising to greet her as she passed.
She nodded lightly, returning courtesies simply, saying little.
At the front left, Li Yunzheng, head of the Li family—one of the four great clans—stood with a warm smile: “Niece Yunlan, how have you been? Your presence truly elevates this banquet.”
Nearby, Xiao Qiankun, head of the Xiao family, rose too: “Niece Yunlan, I heard you’ve been in seclusion. Seeing you now, your grace surpasses before—a true asset to the Luo family.”
Their tone was warm, their intent clear: to curry favor for their own heirs.
Luo Yunlan’s expression remained steady, nodding with a smile: “Patriarch Li, Patriarch Xiao, you flatter me. Today is a family affair. Please forgive any oversights. I apologize in advance.”
Her response was perfect—gracious yet measured, leaving no room for further probing.
Li Yunzheng and Xiao Qiankun, seasoned as they were, understood, gave awkward smiles, and returned to their seats.
Luo Yunlan continued forward, gracefully handling courtesies while her gaze subtly scanned the room.
When she spotted a figure in the corner, her eyes flickered briefly.
Without hesitation, she walked toward him.
All eyes followed.
That overlooked corner suddenly became the focus of attention.
Someone blinked, whispering, “Isn’t that… Luo Jiutian’s seat?”
Another glanced over, hushed: “Looks like it. Is she really going there?”
“They’ve always been close, since childhood. Probably just keeping him company since he’s alone.”
“Sigh, who wouldn’t envy such a childhood friend?”
Luo Jiutian toyed with his teacup, his expression unchanged.
As that familiar presence neared, he ‘timely’ looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes: “Yunlan, why are you here?”
Luo Yunlan stopped beside him, her gaze lingering on his face before she answered softly: “Can’t I be here?”
Luo Jiutian’s smile faded, his voice low: “You shouldn’t sit here.”
The hall held its breath.
Right off the bat, Luo Jiutian rejected Luo Yunlan in front of everyone, sparing no face.
To everyone’s shock, Luo Yunlan ignored his refusal and sat beside him.
Luo Jiutian’s fingers paused, his face unchanged save for a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.
This woman…
He looked ahead: “There are many guests tonight. Sitting with me will stir talk.”
His tone held no blame, just a statement of fact.
Luo Yunlan gazed at his profile, her heart aching.
She couldn’t count how many times this had happened.
In front of others, he was always like this.
Always thinking of others, never fighting for himself, sensible to the point of heartbreak.
But this time, she wouldn’t let him bear it alone.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said earnestly. “I don’t care.”
Seeing her resolve, Luo Jiutian glanced at the guests pretending to be deaf but clearly eavesdropping, and sighed softly.
He could guess most of Luo Yunlan’s inner thoughts.
Oh well.
No point arguing—tea first.
He lifted his teacup, half-hiding his face.
After a sip, Luo Yunlan suddenly asked: “Do you think… this outfit looks good on me today?”
“Cough… cough cough…”
Tea caught in his throat, and Luo Jiutian coughed violently, nearly dropping his cup.
“Xiaotian!” Luo Yunlan leaned closer, gently patting his back, her touch soft but her tone urgent. “Are you okay? Was it too hot?”
Luo Jiutian waved his hand, signaling he’d survive.
After a while, he caught his breath, muttering, “Luo Yunlan, can you not ask questions like that out of nowhere?”
Her gaze flickered, testing: “So… do you think it’s fine, or not quite right?”
Luo Jiutian rubbed his temple, not looking up: “You look good in anything, alright?”
She murmured a soft “mm,” saying no more, straightening and smoothing her sleeves.
Soon, their table filled with delicate dishes, their aroma wafting.
Luo Yunlan picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, placing it carefully before him: “Remember this? I had the kitchen make it the old way, just for you.”
Luo Jiutian paused, his gaze lingering on the cake, unmoving.
After a brief silence, he took it slowly: “Thanks.”
He lowered his head, taking a small bite, chewing silently, his expression dimming slightly.
Luo Yunlan glanced at him: “What’s wrong? Doesn’t taste good?”
Luo Jiutian set down his chopsticks, his voice softer: “No, it’s just been so long. I miss the old days.”
Luo Yunlan nodded, setting down her empty plate and pouring him a cup of warm tea.
The scene was watched closely by the guests.
“Is this… right?”
“It’s fine, isn’t it?”
Murmurs rose quietly among the seats, quickly hushed.
Some noticed Luo Yunlan’s gaze on Luo Jiutian wasn’t just concern—it was… something more.
As speculation brewed, the hall’s atmosphere shifted.
All eyes turned to the entrance.
Two figures entered, one after the other.
First was Luo Changqing, in formal Patriarch robes, his aura restrained yet heavy.
Behind him, a young man in white, with clear features and a faint air of defiance despite his calm demeanor.
[Ding! Detected: Child of Destiny ‘Luo Chen’ has appeared!]
Most guests rose to bow, faces beaming with respect.
“Patriarch, you shine even brighter today!”
“Young Master Luo Chen is truly exceptional—a dragon among men!”
“With him, the Luo family’s place in Tianyuan City is unshakable.”
Flattery filled the air, the hall’s energy surging.
Li Yunzheng and Xiao Qiankun hurried forward.
Li Yunzheng said: “Old Luo, seeing your son today, I’m truly envious. If our Li family had such talent, we’d have fewer worries.”
Xiao Qiankun chimed in: “Exactly, Old Luo. With such a successor, the Luo family will reshape Tianyuan’s skies.”
Luo Changqing smiled faintly: “Nonsense, Old Li, Old Xiao. Your heirs are impressive too. Chen’s just returned and needs more tempering.”
“Come on, you’re too modest!” Xiao Qiankun shook his head. “In ten years, the Luo family will aim even higher.”
“Old Xiao, don’t set traps for me,” Luo Changqing waved off, his tone betraying no displeasure.
Their banter kept the mood light.
But in that moment, a shadow flickered in Li Yunzheng’s eyes, unnoticed.
Luo Chen mingled with the crowd, maintaining a polite smile, but his gaze drifted to the corner table.
Seeing Luo Jiutian and Luo Yunlan talking, ignoring him—the ‘star’—a spark of irritation flared within.
He held his composure, enduring the flattery, but finally couldn’t resist, turning toward the corner.
The guests noticed, their eyes following.
“What? Now the Young Master’s heading over?”
“Is he greeting Luo Jiutian?”
“Hiss… maybe he’s here to assert dominance?”
Most watched eagerly, anticipating the drama.
Luo Yunlan sensed Luo Chen’s intent, her eyes chilling as she moved to stand, but Luo Jiutian gently stopped her.
“It’s fine. I’ve got this,” he said softly.
He stood slowly, facing the approaching figure.
Luo Chen drew closer, his expression unreadable, his gaze fixed on Luo Jiutian.
Their eyes met, the air growing heavy.
As the crowd held its breath, a faint red glow flickered in Luo Jiutian’s eyes, intricate patterns flashing and vanishing.
Luo Chen’s face twitched, his gaze briefly unfocused.
Then, his lips trembled, and, as if compelled, he uttered a single word to Luo Jiutian:
“…Father.”