Chapter 48: The Midnight Banquet

Qian Ye stood with his head slightly bowed, his back taut and straight, as if the world around him did not exist.

When he and Song Zining had last parted, Qian Ye was still in his formative years. Now, his height and build were different, and though there might be a trace of his old appearance, the change in his identity and the fundamental transformations brought about by his vampiric nature made it unlikely that Song Zining would recognize him at first glance.

Qi Qi’s smile stiffened, and her expression immediately turned cold.

The seventh young master of the Song family had a notorious reputation for womanizing, often leaving a trail of hearts broken in his wake. To gawk so openly at her female companion was already rude, but Qi Qi, having been cousins with Song Zining for over two decades, found it hard to believe that this pretentious scoundrel could genuinely lose composure over a woman. This was clearly a deliberate attempt to embarrass her.

At that moment, a light laugh echoed from the side. Ye Mulan walked up to Song Zining’s side, tugging gently at his sleeve, and said in a cheerful tone, “She is indeed lovely, no wonder my Zi Ning forgot his manners.” Though she was praising Qian Ye, her eyes remained fixed on Qi Qi, “A beauty so radiant, one would think you would be more protective, Qi Qi. How could you bring her out to endure the roughness of the world?”

Qi Qi’s face darkened. The words behind Ye Muyan’s praise were laced with vicious undertones, almost directly accusing Qi Qi of bringing her lover into the public eye. The tension in the air began to draw curious onlookers, ready to witness a good show.

Though the Yin and Song families were connected by marriage, and Qi Qi’s mother came from the Song family, it was no secret that Qi Qi and Song Zining did not get along. Whenever they were together, Qi Qi’s disdain for Song Zining was always evident, yet the Seventh Young Master of the Song family never faltered in his politeness and warmth, even in the face of her constant ridicule.

Stung by Ye Muyan’s barbs, Qi Qi, who was not one to suffer insults, glared coldly at Ye Muyan and said, “When did a mere clanswoman like you think she could speak out of turn? Wasn’t your family supposed to teach you proper manners, you wild girl!”

Ye Muyan’s grip on Song Zining’s sleeve tightened, and her delicate, beautiful face flushed with anger. It seemed Qi Qi was not inferior in the art of verbal sparring. Moreover, being from a clan was a sore point for Ye Muyan, and Qi Qi was the kind of person who poured salt into the deepest wounds, always trampling on her most significant grievances.

Song Zining finally came to his senses, lifting a hand to stop Ye Muyan from speaking further.

Ye Muyan looked wronged, her usual cold and proud demeanor melting away as she gazed at Song Zining, her voice soft and plaintive, “Zi Ning, she… she humiliated me…”

Song Zining gave her a gentle, smiling look with his eyes like spring water, and Ye Muyan instantly fell silent. One could indulge in petulance, but too much would be overstepping, and she knew better than to make such a mistake.

Song Zining then turned to Qi Qi, nodding and saying, “Qi Qi, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Qi Qi’s flirtatious phoenix eyes narrowed, and she spoke with a half-smile, “I hear that Cousin Seven has more responsibilities these days, surely not as dull as my life in the rural parts of the Evernight Continent. At least I had Xiao Ye to keep me company.” She turned slightly, reaching out to lift a strand of Qian Ye’s hair that had fallen onto his shoulder, twirling it between her fingers.

“Xiao Ye?” Song Zining’s eyes showed a flicker of confusion.

But Qi Qi’s gaze was on Ye Muyan beside him. Though Ye Muyan tried to maintain a neutral expression, the burning rage in her eyes was hard to suppress.

Qi Qi raised an eyebrow in feigned confusion, then suddenly burst into laughter, “No, no, not that. My Xiao Ye, the dawn’s ‘dawn’ and the night’s ‘night’.” She then observed Ye Muyan’s anger intensify, obviously believing that Qi Qi’s consort’s name, which sounded like “Ye,” was meant to shame her.

Qi Qi blinked, then added, “Cousin Seven, if you truly like Xiao Ye, I can give her to you! I haven’t used her yet!”

As soon as these words left her mouth, Qian Ye felt the heat of countless gazes fall upon him, their intensity multiplied. He could no longer control himself, his killing intent surging.

Song Zining, involuntarily, cast his gaze upon Qian Ye once more, his expression becoming somewhat distant. Qian Ye stood like a pillar, unmoving, his eyes never meeting Song Zining’s. His heart, however, was boiling with frustration, wishing to kick Song Zining in the stomach. Though he knew it was misplaced anger, all this was indeed because of Song Zining.

Ye Muyan, unable to bear it any longer, said coldly, “Miss Qi Qi, at least show some respect for Zi Ning. Wouldn’t you disappoint Tian Xing?”

Qi Qi glanced at her and replied, “I’m just discussing family matters with Cousin Seven. What business is it of yours? And you keep mentioning Tian Xing, do you think Cousin Seven is vying for the position of Head and needs Tian Xing to speak for him?”

These words sent chills down Ye Muyan’s spine. The onlookers, who had been enjoying the spectacle, now shifted uncomfortably, some even moving away. The struggle for the position of Head was not something to be heard or meddled with.

Ye Muyan’s face paled, and she seethed inwardly. She hadn’t expected Yin Qi Qi to twist the conversation in such a perilous direction.

The Song family, though seemingly mild, was no less ruthless in its internal struggles. The cruelty and harshness of the power succession matched that of any court intrigue.

Song Zining’s place in the line of succession was already surprising, and neither he nor his branch had shown any ambition for the top position. If Ye Muyan’s words dragged him into the whirlpool, it could lead to a broken engagement, which would be a disaster for her.

Clutching her fists, nails digging into her palms, Ye Muyan said through gritted teeth, “Zi Ning never had such thoughts. It seems you, Qi Qi, are determined to win the inheritance test. This spring hunt is crucial, so you must perform well.”

Qi Qi shot her a withering glance and smiled, “What’s so difficult about a mere inheritance test? A little effort will ensure victory. No need to take it so seriously.” The situation in the Yin family was different; Qi Qi was already among the final four, and pretending nonchalance now served no purpose.

Ye Muyan clenched her teeth, her eyes flashing, “I heard someone made a blunder during the test, causing heavy losses to the expeditionary force. It’s been quite a commotion, and many people know about it.”

Qi Qi remained unfazed, “Yes, the bloodsuckers have been idle, even the descendants of princes are wandering around the desolate parts of the Lower Realms. In one ambush, we encountered thirteen clans of the Moro elite guards. It was indeed a big deal, but not big enough. Whoever sold the information to the vampires, I will investigate thoroughly. Even if it’s the wife of a powerful lord, she won’t escape the pursuit of the Yin family. Don’t you agree, Miss Ye?”

Ye Muyan’s face turned cold, “What do you mean by that? Be clear!”

Qi Qi looked at her indifferently, “You don’t deserve a clearer explanation!” Her words, devoid of any kindness, slapped Ye Muyan across the face.

Qian Ye, who had been standing like a pillar, sensed a slight quickening of Ye Muyan’s heartbeat and blood flow. The machinations behind the battle at the earth castle were more complex than he had imagined, and Ji Yuanjia had not told him everything.

A faint sense of danger crept into Qian Ye’s heart. As he felt Song Zining’s gaze turn towards him again, he nearly cursed, forcing himself to keep his eyes downcast.

“Qi Qi, your behavior and words are so domineering. If you lead the Yin family, who would dare to oppose you?” Ye Muyan ground out.

Qi Qi retorted coldly, “The Yin family, whether domineering or not, will not let a minor clan like the Ye family step on us!”

In that corner of the Martial Safety Hall, a hush fell over the crowd. Those who didn’t dare to meddle in the internal affairs of the great families had already left, while those who stayed to watch were too afraid to comment. No one expected the confrontation between the two women to escalate so quickly, tearing away the last vestiges of propriety.

The haze in Song Zining’s eyes dissipated, revealing a sharp gleam. Just as he was about to speak, a herald’s voice rang out, “The second young master of the Zhao family, Zhao Junhong, has arrived!”

Song Zining’s stern demeanor vanished, and he resumed his gentle, smiling expression, “It’s rare for Junhong to come. Third cousin, we should go to welcome him.”

Qi Qi nodded, walking alongside Song Zining towards the entrance. Ye Muyan, now calm, stepped back and followed, but her occasional glances at Qi Qi were filled with resentment and disdain.

A group of noble youths ascended the steps, surrounding a striking figure. This man, about twenty-four or five, was exceptionally handsome, surpassing even Song Zining. He had short, light-colored hair, and his deep, dark pupils carried a hint of purple.

His presence immediately sparked a flurry of whispers.

“Is it really the second young master of the Zhao family! He is indeed as breathtakingly handsome as rumored.”

“Everyone knows that the legitimate children of the Zhao family are either stunningly handsome or beautiful. The younger generation has four outstanding young masters, and Zhao Junhong is one of them!”

Someone asked eagerly, “Has this young master Junhong married?”

A nearby onlooker mocked, “Do you really think you can marry into the Zhao family? Don’t dream!”

The man blushed, indignantly, “Why not? High-ranking families often intermarry with lesser clans. My daughter is growing up, smart and unparalleled in beauty. Who says the Second Young Master wouldn’t be interested?”

Another person patted his shoulder sympathetically, “Among the four great families, only the Zhao family never marries outside. The Zhao family is proud and powerful, with capable individuals in every generation. For a thousand years, their glory has never dimmed, so they have the right to be selective.”

The man’s enthusiasm waned, and he fell silent.

Zhao Junhong paused at the threshold, taking in the scene before him. His attendants kept the crowd at bay, and he strode directly to Song Zining and Qi Qi, embracing the former with a warm smile, “Zi Ning, it’s been a long time since our last hunting trip. Your strength has grown.”

Song Zining smiled, “Still not as good as you, Junhong.”

Zhao Junhong shook his head, self-deprecating, “Only because I’ve used more medicine. Nothing to be proud of. Not like you, who has built your strength without external aids.”

Song Zining sighed, “Junhong, you’re too humble. Everyone knows the four young masters of the Zhao family are destined to be great warriors. Medicines or no medicines, it makes no difference.”

“Just a playful title, I’m the least talented among them.”

Song Zining countered, “Not at all, Junhong. If you’re the least talented, there are few who can claim to be talented.”

Their exchange continued without end.

Qi Qi rolled her eyes, “Enough, you two! Keep this up, and the sun will rise!”

Zhao Junhong and Song Zining, undaunted, exchanged a knowing smile and stopped their self-effacing compliments.

Zhao Junhong greeted Qi Qi warmly, “Long time no see, Qi Qi. You’ve become even more beautiful. Heard you had some trouble in the Lower Realms? Anything I can help with?”

Qi Qi, visibly frustrated, shook her head, “No need! I can handle it myself!”

The trio then discussed their families, friends, past social events, and future plans. Zhao Junhong’s inherent arrogance gradually surfaced, barely glancing at anyone except Song Zining and Qi Qi.

Suddenly, drumming and music filled the air, and a middle-aged man, exuding authority, emerged from behind a screen, dressed in a uniform reminiscent of the imperial army. On his middle and index fingers, he wore large emerald rings, engraved with the character “Wei.”

This was the Duke of Wei, the organizer of the spring hunt.

As his gaze swept the room, Qian Ye felt a jolt, as if struck by lightning! He immediately knew that the Duke of Wei was a formidable warrior.

Qian Ye swiftly calmed his mind, stabilizing his blood and energy, hiding the blood essence and runes deeper within his heart, fearing that the Duke of Wei might see through him. Thankfully, the Duke’s gaze passed over Qian Ye as if he were any other, not lingering, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

A servant brought wine, and the Duke of Wei, raising his cup, proclaimed, “All of you are the pillars of the Empire. We are growing old, but the endless starry road and the vast world will belong to you. But the dark-blooded tribes remain strong, and you must strive. One day, we will eradicate the dark races from this world! Long live the Empire!”

Everyone raised their cups, echoing, “Long live the Empire!”

The banquet ended, and Qian Ye followed Qi Qi back to their courtyard. He hesitated at the bedroom door, but Qi Qi pulled him in, closing the door behind them.

“I’m going to bathe. You should too, and get some rest.”

Qi Qi pointed to a door on the right, then went to bathe herself, seemingly preoccupied and in no mood to tease Qian Ye.

Qian Ye also felt relieved, noting that the main bedroom had separate bathrooms and changing areas.

The banquet had been exhausting, and after bathing and dressing, Qian Ye fell into a deep sleep. Before drifting off, he felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of unease, as if something bad was about to happen.

East of the Yin family’s courtyard, separated by a cobblestone path and rows of sparse trees, was a larger courtyard, the residence of the Song family.

In the study, the lights burned brightly. Song Zining was drawing, and a portrait of a lady had already taken shape on the paper. His strokes were steady, yet the brushwork was remarkably fluid, with varying thickness, intensity, and color, creating a vivid and lifelike image. The woman in the painting bore a striking resemblance to Qian Ye in his current disguise.

Song Zining stood with his brush, his lips forming a sharp line, his usually gentle demeanor replaced by a dangerous aura, as if he were an ancient, bloodthirsty weapon.

He suddenly shook his head, tossing the unfinished painting aside and starting a new one. The pose and attire were the same, but the facial expression and features were slightly different, still resembling Qian Ye in disguise.

On the desk, several discarded sketches lay, each with a different face, all bearing a slight resemblance to Qian Ye, with variations in the eyes, cheeks, and lips. If Qian Ye saw them, he would be startled, as these were the exact areas he had altered to soften his features.

A cold gleam flashed in Song Zining’s eyes, and the fierce aura around him dissipated.

A soft knock sounded on the study door. Song Zining, engrossed in his work, did not acknowledge it.

The door creaked open, and Ye Muyan entered, carrying a tray with a teapot, cups, and a steaming pot. She placed the items on the far corner of the desk, then quietly stood behind Song Zining, watching him paint.

Song Zining’s brushstroke suddenly became heavy, leaving a thick line. He sighed, tossing another failed sketch aside.

Ye Muyan’s soft, melancholic voice floated, “Zi Ning, do you really like this Xiao Ye?”