This was the second time Qianye directly faced a warrior of battle general rank. William radiated only ominous forebodings without leaving any clear traces, while Yuan Zeyu could discern everything through a glance alone, as if piercing right into Qianye’s heart and soul, rendering his internal organs completely exposed under his penetrating scrutiny.
Qianye slightly bowed as courtesy before maintaining a posture of reverence, his expression veiled.
Upon first stepping down from the vehicle under countless watching eyes, Qianye took prudence to heart by instinctively awakeni9ng the hidden ability within his ancient bloodline. As if recognizing an invisible threat, different-colored bloody auras surged toward his core as even ability runes returned to hide inside his heart. Currently, the Vigil dawn-energy throughout his body was thick and rich while faint golden luminescence encircled the spot above his beating heart, resembling at first glance the fifth ignited power nexus.
Nodding appreciatively Yuan Zeyu spoke with rare admiration in his tone: “An impressive young one with very solid fundamentals. Who might he be?”
A gentle smile blooming on her lips Qiqi linked an arm with Qianye. Tilting her upper-body slightly against him she revealed: “This is Qianye. My newly hired assistant and adjutant.”
Yuan Zeyu briefly displayed curiosity at her gesture, though quickly hiding it with laughter: “Then come forth! Now that you have arrived let the feast commence. Inside many waited eagerly, traveling across great distances just to witness the beauty and charm of Miss Qi!”
Gracefully Qiqi loosened her hold with a knowingly mysterious smile before joining Yuan Zeyu in moving ahead toward the banquet hall. Tonight the host was Yuan Zeyu while the guest of honor was Miss Qi herself.
Remaining behind among the entourage trailing Yuan at outdoor, Qianye followed inward pondering the significance hidden within that final look. Then he noticed it—a sudden surge of hostility now coming from countless watching eyes surrounding him
So it would seem that was Qiqi’s meaning… Before Qianye could grasp her technique he had to admit this night’s mission phase was a success — drawing hatred to himself. Little did he know, within noble society his association and introduction by Miss Qi under Lady Yin’s presence had effectively signaled an intimate position—an acknowledged paramour. Therefore instantly turning him into the target upon every eligible young noble present.
The grand banquet hall of the Lord’s mansion matched the prestige expected—with ornate stone and carved wood decorations cloaking a framework of pure metal. Its two-decade height reached while spanning an immense five-thousand square meters of space now glowing resplendently. A dozen musical bands stood upon elevated walkways within the side galleries performing spirited melodies while adjacent long tables overflowed with delicacies beyond enumeration. Around these spread a team of fifty well-dressed servers, dishing out exquisite meals while continuously offering wine.
Originating from Dark World bloodlines this unique dining style especially favored among Vampire nobles broke free traditional formal gatherings. Later, adopted willingly by aristocrats within the Empire this open and relaxed approach flourished into a trend becoming especially favored within high-spirited non-formal yet grand events of nobility.
With Qiqi present the feast formally began; while Yuan ascended with her towards second floors above the hall where a small pavilion was specially reserved. Separated by carved stone balustrade here guests looked down from lofty heights across every possible angle, for this privilege was granted but for true elites among the social pantheon.
As assistant-adjutant Qianye was uneligible hence forbidden from such prestige staying at the floor below; soon enough people began approaching to converse and naturally gathering in surrounding circles around the guest who drew intrigue.
Once Qiqi confirmed the simple objective tonight merely being to show one’s presence before an elegant audience Qianye naturally displayed a morning’s training into refined manners. Maintaining that perfect blend between cold politeness yet distant composure in every conversation he engaged within polite discourse while never offering substantial words nor depth of familiarity.
Gradually it dawned upon the gathered elite; every single exchange bore zero substance revealing absolutely nothing about Qianye’s background. Neither did any word clarify whether he hailed from noble origins or how his acquaintance began with their honored lady-in-attendance Qiqi thereby further mystifying those curious and hostile both.
Such mastery where every word says nothing remains among aristocrat’s essential survival skills.
Speculative murmurs arose—”Might this fortunate boy indeed possess hidden noble lineage? Otherwise why exhibit such flawless skill? Soon conversations turned further inquisitive: Did this affair mark an approaching breakup over previous marital engagements or simply adding yet another flame into the flame that already lit across the city?”
The subject of whispered affairs inevitably became the talk of feasts among noblemen. Of course, those personally connected with Qiqi did not necessarily appreciate becoming gossip. Tension rose subtly within murmuring attendees while few expressions turned sour.
On the二楼Qiqi waved off servants before resuming leisurely casual discussion with Lord Yuan.
Finishing light topics on House Yin internal happenings Yuan shifted cautiously: “Security here isn’t as serene as appearances show. Seemingly they’ve made their arrival too—”
Unwavering focus on far away Qianye below, Qiqi lazily replied with disinterest: “…Those three pathetic specimens? As if they’re worthy considerations.”
Frowning over carelessness Yuan continued: “…You should still stay alert. Many covet this particular opportunity at this feast. If even the slight complication arise from those involved with you or something alters with examination result, it won’t be amusing.”
Seeming undeturbed Qiqi maintained lightly, saying: “You worry for naught Yuan uncle. Whatever is needed—in soldiers armaments victories, isn’t it something merely requiring proper pricing?”
This had become something akin toward ideology regarding this reckless young beauty. Yet a war-general such as Yuan certainly didn’t fancy such simplistic philosophy, retorting sharply: “True talent isn’t so easily exchanged for coin.”
Qiqi’s smile however remained unrelenting as reply: “Merely insufficient pricing then.”
Knowing this girl’s habits Yuan gave up continuing further; his eyes drifted down to find Qianye’s lone form mingling below once again prompting question: “Now who exactly is the young one?”
Dazzling yet nonchalant Qiqi purred:”…Lover.”
Yuan Zeyu was stunned for a second before inquiring cautiously once more: “Is this truly merely lover talk or…?”
Qiqi gave back an expression half- amused, all indifferent. “Does it matter? Does that differ?”
Sighing again Lord Yuan asked further: “Yet how do you present this relationship to your clan with already formalized betrothed contract in effect? Carried out in such a way that threatens both顾Family reputation and yours.”
Qiqi smirked coldly replying sharply back, saying: “Why must small noble clan maintain such pretensions? If they feel insulted—let him cry foul. Let that fool do as they wish. I wait!”
With brows drawn tighter and face stern Yuan spoke solemnly next concern:”Yet such action shall damage your prestige, young miss…”
Puffing slightly while eyes rolling Qinq Qi interrupted disdainfully:”Prestige? What’s that worth without power and currency to accompany?!”
From a corridor’s entrance suddenly entered yet another sharp female tone interjected sharply: “Certainly not everything is yours for purchase.”
Turning smoothly toward the source Qiqi’s eyes finally spotted there a tall girl framed at the side hall’s archway, exuding icy poise that elevated her beyond countless court beauties surrounding them.
Indeed to common aristocrats this newcomer and Miss Qiqi balanced neck neck in physical beauty and presence, for she possessed elegance enough to shine beside her rival. Only QiQi out-matched her subtly across several factors—however, many preferred to favor newcomer due to Qiqi overbearing aura along with wildness exuding constantly from her unpredictable habits.
A faint smirk danced at Qiqi’s lips, amused. “Now Leaf Mourningblues…such remark sounds unusually impertinent from your lips.”
Visually striking herself in elegant attire; she had chosen classical styles but within traditional common-noble colorings—a fitted jacket upon a lower-length layered skirts adorned with light-colored swirling patterns. Yet these fabrics reflected a subtlety that suggested extreme luxuriousness since these weaves shimmered gently through soft blue undertone only as she shifted slightly indicating materials reserved for wealthy aristocrats far beyond common nobles standing.
That she dared approached Lord Lord Yuan and addressed Qi publicly showed unflinching confidence alongside hidden background connections suggesting an unusually important origin.
“I would be foolish,” the elegant lady answered calmly, “to presume all should fawn blindly upon your commands merely because your backing comes from the Yins.”
Qiqi shrugged amused before retorting coolly:“Certainly unnecessary! Especially if we talk of prodigious young girls with arranged marriages set from houses like yourselves. House Leaves…”
Angry color flushed Leaf’s face: “What has my noblehouse background to do with this insult?! “
Qiqi replied mock-lightheartedly: “Originally very little… However certain young girls still obsessed with holding those arranged unions too tightly now… it becomes everything.”
Her accent had particularly stressed prodigious girl, almost mockingly.
That insult was too much. Her delicate countenance turned reddened although certainly not one of shame but outrage barely restrained within voice as young girl snapped: “The betrothal between myself and Zi-Ning was fixed long ago, it wasn’t mine choice!”
“Since your heart clearly denies this,” the other teased, her eyes gleaming wickedly “just abandon it already! What holds you now, I wonder?”
Unable to contain herself Mourning Leaf cried, “Yin Qiqi! Yo—!”
Qiqi cut sharply interrupting her with dangerous glare: “You speak my name thus? Who granted leave for your intrusion upon this space? Remember Leaf Mourning—until united in matrimonial bonds you remain merely nobleborn! Defiance shown toward one of high standing might incur harsh disciplinary attention! Perhaps few enlightening nights spent within constitutional incarceration?”
Speech lost to fury and injustice Leaf could only splutter silently, rage trembling across form while stealing a glance to Yuan Zeyu whose genial expression still held a hinting warmth suggesting nothing more than two cousins exchanging bantering barbs within earshot.
Finally she spat out furiously: “The Yins cannot rule sky nor earth forever—the illusion of untouchable majesty won’t protect her always.”
“You may express that opinion fully and freely,” QiQi said smugly “—only after officially entering the Song home. Until then… don’t make assumptions you can’t afford!”
The beautiful image who moments ago resembled ice incarnated now shifted into an embodiment closer to volcano; stomped with anger she swept out dramatically without another word.
Yuan sighed shaking his aging head at childish antics observed.
QiQi’s chuckles remained unbothered while offering casually: “She assumes my capability relies solely upon family connections? Fortunately for our tempers this girl exercised sense before further escalation…”
A stunned Yuan mouth opened then closed again in speechless resignation.
The Murmuring noble Leaf and顾 families indeed traced lineage common roots within Yuelu, but this was specifically the case with both Leaf Mourningblue and House顧’s young heir Gu Liyu’s blood. As paternal first cousins the depth of their connection remained close; for years families intertwined, their relationships deeply entrenched making mutual support instinctive. Therefore Qiqi choosing precisely such public displays involving intimate companions naturally attracted confrontation and disapproving resentment particularly from Lady Leaf whom long viewed their scandalized association with scorn.
Yuan had held serious concern about their verbal jousting—he recognized barely controlled fury within Qiqi’s manner and predicted with accuracy her readiness snapping instantly should Leaf extend further comments regarding relationships of lovers. This could’ve erupted into full disgrace or violence from a slap. The complications and reverberations from that act could’ve spread endlessly.
Although Leaf hailed from modest origins herself recent ties bound her future into noble Song house—a prestigious union with their Seven Lord’s son. With Song Zi Ning reportedly already enamored with his intended wife, there came growing informal power with participation within certain private circles previously off-limits while the Song heir displayed tolerance to her presence.
Even with Qiqi’s maternal lineage stemming originally from Songs themselves; despite her mother’s prestigious Song heritage Zi Ning stood firm position atop heir-ship ranking list being especially loved favorite toward Song patriarch himself. The young Song heir’s current rank among successors was already significant enough regardless his present rank not being supreme, still his influence within powerful families overshadowed even an unconfirmed heir like Qiqi without family seat established. Plus Yuan heard tales even upon Evernight Continental about longstanding feud between them—Qiqi and Zi Ning.
Dealing with matters among youths always entangled the older warrior in confusion—accustomed charging forward leading legions single-handily on bloodied battlefields this complex network of court politics made no logical sense; best staying completely uninvolved.
Once again Qiqi trained her gaze downward to her loyal companion below and mused idly beside him,
“Uncle Yuan, The boy’s otherwise fine, yet his nature lacks edge… becoming more like me would do him well…”
Her sentence unfinished below suddenly erupted—an aristocrat youth crumbled midair flung by thunderous uppercut sending his flying body across several meters before impact onto distant hall pillar sliding motionlessly thereafter too dazed to rise ever.
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