Chapter 207: Wang

As Qian Ye walked through the courtyard gate, he was greeted by a blaze of fiery gazes. The noble girls’ eyes were alight with an intense, unhidden mixture of shock and desire. If looks could burn, they would have already incinerated Qian Ye.

Needless to say, Qian Ye’s ancient vampire-like appearance was even more captivating than Song Zining’s. Qian Ye had been constantly fighting on the battlefield, where people were more in awe of his combat prowess and terrifying records, often overlooking his striking appearance. On a battlefield where life and death were decided in an instant, good looks were the least useful trait; enemies wouldn’t strike any lighter just because he was handsome—they would still cut him down without hesitation.

But these noble girls had never seen a battlefield. They had grown up in a life of luxury. They were mediocre at cultivation, and being able to reach the fifth or sixth level of origin power was already quite an achievement. Their cultivation was mostly for appearance and longevity. The higher their origin power, the better they looked and the longer they lived.

These girls didn’t have a clear idea of Qian Ye’s achievements, only knowing that he was very formidable, but unsure of how exactly. Qian Ye’s origin power level and military rank were top-tier among the empire’s young generation, but not quite at the pinnacle. After all, there was Zhao Jundu above him. So, all the accolades paled in comparison to Qian Ye’s vampire-like allure, which had a much greater impact on them.

The courtyard fell silent.

Then, Qian Ye felt a chill rise up his spine, like a sharp blade, threatening him directly and brutally, without pretense.

Ji Tianqing suddenly appeared beside him, standing quietly as if she had always been there. But almost no one in the courtyard, including Wei Po Tian, knew how she appeared.

Instantly, Ji Tianqing became the center of attention, especially for the noble girls, who couldn’t understand why this ordinary-looking major was here. If she were there to serve, why would she dare to stand next to Qian Ye? The empire had strict hierarchies, and each class had its own etiquette, which must not be transgressed.

“Allow me to introduce my adjutant, Major Ji, appointed directly by the military,” Qian Ye introduced succinctly.

Wei Po Tian, who had met Ji Tianqing before, promptly said, “Since you’re here, join us! There’s plenty of wine, and anyone who doesn’t pass out tonight isn’t allowed to leave this courtyard!”

With Wei Po Tian’s endorsement, no one dared to question Ji Tianqing’s presence.

By then, the calf had been roasted, and the chef began slicing it, arranging the dishes on the long table. Barrels of amber-colored, thick wine were opened, pouring into cups and placed on the table.

Soon, the banquet was ready, and everyone began to take their seats.

Wei Po Tian, with a look of grim determination, sat at the head of the table, his eyes filled with murderous intent, fixated on Qian Ye. He was his greatest and only adversary for the night.

Qian Ye looked at the cup in front of him, frowning. No matter how he looked at it, the cup seemed too large. In fact, it was rare to see anyone in the entire empire drinking such strong liquor from a beer mug.

Ji Tianqing, as usual, took the seat next to Qian Ye, beaming with pride, unbothered by the noble girls’ murderous glares. To her right was Song Zining, whose position as the seventh son meant no one would contest his spot. The only one who might have, Zhao Yuying, sat next to Wei Po Tian, the farthest from Ji Tianqing.

Though the noble girls desperately wanted to sit next to Qian Ye, they had to show some restraint in public. Little did they know that Ji Tianqing and Song Zining would so shamelessly take the best spots, leaving them aghast.

Once everything was in place, Wei Po Tian announced the start of the battle. His opening was exceptionally concise, just one word: “Drink!”

Wei Po Tian downed his drink with a flourish, and the others, naturally, followed suit. Zhao Yuying drank like water, finishing her cup in one tilt. Song Zining, while drinking elegantly, with a proper grip on the cup, drained his glass just as quickly.

Ji Tianqing didn’t rush to drink but instead glanced at Qian Ye. He was sipping gingerly, looking miserable, as if taking medicine. He was already flushed after half a cup, and it seemed he would be down after one full cup.

A smile played on Ji Tianqing’s lips. She raised her hand and drank it all in one go.

The noble girls also drank their cups dry. Drinking was a necessary skill, and they had been trained for it. They couldn’t fall behind now.

After the first round of drinks, the real battle was about to begin.

This wine was incredibly potent. After a large cup, Qian Ye began to sway. Those unfamiliar with him were secretly pleased, but those who knew him well, especially Wei Po Tian, were beginning to feel uneasy. Wei Po Tian’s eye twitched, recalling that night at the tavern. In that unforgettable night, Qian Ye started swaying and continued to do so until everyone else was down.

Wei Po Tian gritted his teeth, summoning the courage to charge alone in front of the three armies, and was about to raise his cup when a beautiful girl stood up, walking directly to Qian Ye, looking him in the eye, her face slightly blushing. “I am Yue Jinrong, granddaughter of Marquis Weishan. Allow me to propose a toast, and I will drink first as a sign of respect!”

Without waiting for Qian Ye’s response, she downed her cup, exuding a heroic aura amidst her beauty.

“Good!! I’ll match that!” Wei Po Tian shouted, also downing his cup.

While Wei Po Tian cheered, the noble girls silently cursed Yue Jinrong’s cunning. Clearly, Qian Ye couldn’t hold his liquor, and he might collapse after just one more cup. By morning, he would hardly remember who was who, likely only remembering Yue Jinrong, the first to toast him.

Qian Ye picked up his cup, knowing he had to drink. He forced himself to swallow, despite the dizziness, and slumped back into his seat.

Seeing that Qian Ye hadn’t collapsed, the girls’ eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity. They all got up, nearly colliding with each other. A few exchanged glances, and their eyes turned murderous.

Just as the standoff was intensifying, a sudden chill swept through the room, and Li Kuanglan’s cold voice echoed, “Such a lively event, why wasn’t I invited?”

He appeared out of nowhere, still in his blue robe, his face as cold as ice.

The girls’ eyes brightened again, and some even covered their mouths to suppress their gasps. Li Kuanglan’s enchantingly beautiful face, even more striking than Qian Ye’s, combined with his icy demeanor, was irresistibly attractive.

Wei Po Tian, seeing Li Kuanglan, scratched his head, saying, “If you wanted to come, how could I not invite you? But I never heard that you drink!”

Everyone in the aristocratic circle knew that Li Kuanglan was devoted to martial arts, indifferent to banquets. Inviting him might be an insult.

Li Kuanglan’s gaze swept over Qian Ye and Ji Tianqing, and he said coldly, “Since they can drink, what can I say? The dining table is also a battlefield, and wine can be a sword. Let’s fight it out!”

Ji Tianqing narrowed her eyes, looking at the ice-blue longsword on Li Kuanglan’s back, and smiled, “Finally, you’re using a good sword. You’re not as stupid as I thought.”

Noticing this, the girls realized Li Kuanglan was carrying a sword. They could tell it was extraordinary. This divine weapon made Li Kuanglan even more impressive.

Perceptive girls now noticed that Ji Tianqing was not as ordinary as she seemed, bold enough to speak to Li Kuanglan without fear.

Without further ado, Li Kuanglan waved for a barrel of wine, poured three large bowls, and handed one to Qian Ye and Ji Tianqing, saying, “Cups are too small. Drink from this. Cheers!”

Li Kuanglan didn’t wait for their agreement and drank his bowl.

Staring at the large bowl, Qian Ye couldn’t help but say, “You two are competing, don’t drag me into it!”

Li Kuanglan snorted, “You just irritate me!”

Ji Tianqing grinned, putting her arm around Qian Ye’s shoulder and leaning against him, saying, “He’s annoying you, get rid of him! It’s just a bowl of wine!”

What kind of “just a bowl of wine”?! Qian Ye inwardly cursed, but he couldn’t say it, as Li Kuanglan had already downed his. Dizzy, he didn’t notice that Ji Tianqing was almost leaning entirely on him.

Ji Tianqing’s smile froze, and she sprang away from Qian Ye. Where her hand had been, a flower of the other shore bloomed. Had she kept her hand there, the flower would have blossomed and withered on her hand.

A soft, yet coldly menacing voice echoed, “Keep your claws to yourself, don’t just put them anywhere!”

Ji Tianqing squinted, looking up to see Zhao Ruoxi floating in the air. Her pupils contracted, and she reined in her killing intent, smiling faintly, “Oh, Miss Ruoxi, why so hostile? It’s unbecoming, isn’t it?”

Zhao Ruoxi smiled sweetly, “I’m beautiful enough. I don’t need manners, especially with certain people. Manners can’t be eaten.”

Ji Tianqing was momentarily stunned, then retorted, “Beauty isn’t permanent. Maybe I’ll be more beautiful tomorrow, right?”

Zhao Ruoxi landed, her smile sinister, “Tomorrow is tomorrow, but tonight, you’re not as beautiful as me. That’s enough.”

Ji Tianqing’s face darkened, but before she could act, she felt a chill targeting the back of her head—clearly Li Kuanglan’s work, preventing her from changing her appearance.

Constrained by Li Kuanglan, Ji Tianqing knew she was helpless and reluctantly sat down, grinding her teeth, unable to smile anymore.

Meanwhile, Qian Ye’s drunkenness dissipated, and he stared in disbelief at the silver wolf Zhao Ruoxi was holding.

He looked closer, finally confirming it was indeed William, not some random wolf. Silver wolves were rare, and one with a golden neck ruff was unique.

“Th-This is…?” Qian Ye pointed at William, at a loss for words.

“I found this big dog outside. I thought he was cute, so I brought him back,” Zhao Ruoxi explained.

“Big dog?!” Qian Ye couldn’t believe his ears.

William: “…Woof.”

Qian Ye faceplanted onto the table.