Martial Universe

Chapter 39 Banquet at Lian Residence

Three days later.

The Lian Family's estate was located on the eastern edge of Buyue City, alongside the Gongsun Family and the Du Family, forming a three-pronged power structure within the city.

These three major forces had deep roots within Buyue City, and each had a rather impressive background. Hence, even rising powers like the Bai Family, which was backed by the Yun Family of Yunshui's Five Families, couldn't shake this power structure in the slightest.

As one of the three major forces, the banquet held by the Lian Family was naturally not lacking.

At this moment, the Lian residence was brightly lit and decorated. Inside the spacious hall, people were coming and going. Apart from the members of the Lian Family, the majority were outsiders.

Yet, for some unknown reason, the usually arrogant Lian Family seemed a bit refined today. Even a dog from their household appeared modest and courteous, making many representatives from different forces feel somewhat pleasantly surprised.

"The Du Family has arrived!"

At a particular moment, a faint voice echoed from the main entrance of the hall. Immediately, the once bustling hall fell silent. Subsequently, numerous curious eyes quickly turned towards the front of the hall.

At the entrance, the crowd had naturally parted, forming a pathway. Following this, dozens of people slowly walked in. Although they looked ordinary, the aura emanating from them made it clear to the common folk that starting a casual conversation was out of the question.

"As expected, it's the Du Family! The one leading them must be the patriarch of the Du Family, Du Zhentian! I didn't expect the Du Family to give face to the Lian Family this time!"

"Heh! You don't understand. It's not about face! I heard that after obtaining a Eighth-grade Cultivation Method, the patriarch of the Lian Family advanced to a Seventh-grade Martial Artist. I'm afraid that apart from Du Zhentian, no one in the Du Family can match Lian Ji. If Du Zhentian didn't personally appear, and his family members were bullied by the Lian Family, wouldn't they be defenseless?"

"Tsk tsk, didn't they say the Gongsun Family members are also coming? The Gongsun Family has always had a good relationship with the Du Family. If these two families join forces, no matter what the Lian Family's plans are, it might be quite difficult..."

"If the Lian Family didn't prepare in advance, they probably wouldn't dare to invite members of these two families!"

Upon the appearance of the members of the Du Family, murmurs of discussion arose within the hall. After all, what these people were most concerned about was the power dynamics in Buyue City after today.

Du Zhentian seemed to pay no mind to these whispers, merely offering a faint smile as he stepped into the hall.

"Hehe, I didn't expect you to grace us with your presence today, Brother Zhentian. It is truly an honor! Regardless, I, Lian Ji, offer my thanks!" As Du Zhentian entered the hall, a group also made their entrance from the rear of the hall. The man leading them looked to be in his forties or fifties, resembling a learned scholar with his refined demeanor. However, those who knew him understood that this man's actions were always sinister and ruthless. The moniker 'b****y Lian Ji' was not without reason.

Upon seeing this man, a fleeting expression of disdain passed over Du Zhentian's face. After a moment, he slowly said, "Since you sent an invitation, if I didn't attend, outsiders might think I'm afraid of the Lian Family."

Lian Ji's expression remained unchanged, and he chuckled lightly, saying, "Brother Zhentian, that's quite an exaggeration. Who doesn't know that within Buyue City, the Du Family has always been the foremost of the three families...hehe..."

At Lian Ji's veiled mockery, a slight twitch appeared in the corner of Du Zhentian's eye, and he offered no pleasant look in return.

Seeing this, Lian Ji chuckled and said, "Today is the joyous occasion for my son, Lian Zhen. As a guest, Brother Zhentian, please feel at ease. I must attend to others, so I'll leave you to it."

With that, he gave a slight bow, followed by a slight chuckle, and moved to the side.

"Hmph!" Du Zhentian coldly snorted, but didn't say anything more. With a casual wave of his hand, the members of the Du Family quickly secured a designated spot at the upper section of the hall.

This spot was reserved by the Lian Family, and ordinary guests wouldn't dare occupy it.

"Patriarch, what exactly does the Lian Family intend to do?" The third elder, Du Zhenfeng, settled into his seat, a flicker of intrigue passing through his eyes.

"The Gongsun Family is also here. Regardless of their intentions, they have to get past our two families first... I refuse to believe that a single Lian Ji has the strength to overpower both our families." Casting a casual glance at Lian Ji, who wasn't far away, Du Zhentian remarked calmly.

"I hope so..." Hearing this, Du Zhenfeng also gave a faint smile. He then slowly closed his eyes, seemingly indifferent to everything around him.

"No matter what happens later, stay by my side." Sitting at the end of the table, Du Fei tapped the tabletop and then softly spoke to Little Ai, who was standing beside him.

"Young master, do you think something will happen today?" Little Ai briefly scanned the surroundings and then whispered back.

"With the Lian Family creating such a spectacle, I refuse to believe it's all for a Lian Zhen... he is merely a Ninth-grade Martial Artist. Every family has a few, so what's there to brag about?" With a hint of disdain, Du Fei remarked.

"The Gongsun Family has arrived!"

Just as Little Ai was about to reply, there was a sudden shout from the entrance of the hall. This time, dozens of people streamed in as the crowd made way for them. With a smile on his face, Lian Ji quickly greeted them. However, compared to his earlier meeting with the Du Family, the interactions seemed slightly colder.

"That man is the patriarch of the Gongsun Family, Gongsun Ze!" Du Fei said casually, pointing at the leader of the group.

It was said that Gongsun Ze was around the same age as Du Zhentian, but perhaps due to the ancient methods he cultivated, he only appeared to be around forty-five. Following closely behind him was none other than Gongsun Hong.

As Gongsun Ze and Lian Ji exchanged words, Gongsun Hong scanned the room. Moments later, her gaze landed on Du Fei, and her eyes lit up as she promptly made her way over.

At that moment, Gongsun Hong was wearing a striking red miniskirt. Her dazzling white legs swiftly moved across the hall, causing many men to gulp in admiration.

"I've sent people to invite you several times these past days, and you've always been unavailable. You seem even more aloof than your Eldest Cousin!" Upon reaching Du Fei, Gongsun Hong took a seat without waiting for an invitation. She then shot Du Fei a playful glare and teased.

Glancing back at Little Ai, who had lowered her head, Du Fei responded with a light smile, "I apologize, Miss Gongsun. I've been busy with my cultivation these days. Even Little Ai couldn't locate me... If I've offended you in any way, I hope you can forgive me."

"Busy with cultivation, huh! No wonder you've advanced so quickly..." Gongsun Hong twirled a strand of her earphone cord around her finger, seemingly unfazed. She then looked around cautiously and whispered, "However... no matter how fast you advance, Lian Zhen has now become a Ninth-grade Martial Artist. I've received news that Lian Zhen might be looking for trouble with you today. You should be very careful!"

Hearing this, Du Fei nodded slightly and thanked her with a smile.

Gongsun Hong didn't seem to care much about Du Fei's reaction. After a brief chat, she squeezed her way over to where Du Han was seated.

Du Fei was well aware that Gongsun Hong had a good relationship with Du Han. Of course, he didn't think much of it. However, after Gongsun Hong left, the corners of his mouth slowly curled into a cold smirk.

If Lian Zhen didn't seek trouble with him, then it would be fine. But if he dared to provoke him, Du Fei was ready to turn the Lian Family's celebration into a mourning banquet!

As the members of the Gongsun Family took their seats, most of the guests for the banquet had already arrived. Lian Ji signaled to the members of the Lian Family, and then, with a smile, he walked to the head of the hall and took the main seat.

Inside the hall, the Lian Family took the prime position, with the Du Family and Gongsun Family seated on either side. The smaller factions were scattered around, and almost all the prominent figures of Buyue City were present.

From the head of the table, Lian Ji stood up with a smile and, after giving a slight bow to the attendees, spoke, "Today, the Lian Family is hosting a grand banquet for two joyous occasions. First, my son, Lian Zhen, has successfully advanced to become a Ninth-grade Martial Artist. I'm sure everyone here knows how rare it is for someone to achieve this before the age of twenty... Haha, even Du Han of the Du Family seemed to have done no better back in the day... Haha, don't you all think that such good news deserves citywide celebration?"

Upon hearing this, the entire room was taken aback!

Although what Lian Ji said was the truth, saying it aloud was tantamount to slapping the Du Family in the face publicly.

The members of the Du Family visibly twitched, their faces turning several shades darker. Was the Lian Family trying to start a feud?

However, after his statement, Lian Ji made no further moves. Following his signal, the Lian Family's servants quickly served dishes and drinks. As for Lian Zhen, he made a brief appearance as a gesture of goodwill to those present.

Such a typical gesture made Du Fei's eyes twitch slightly. Given the characters of Lian Ji and Lian Zhen, such behavior was highly unusual. What exactly was the Lian Family plotting?

Although many held this question in their minds, no one voiced it out loud. Under Lian Ji's toast, drinks quickly circulated three times around, and the atmosphere in the hall gradually became lively.

However, this warm ambience didn't last long. As Lian Zhen stood up again, everyone in the hall set down their wine glasses, their gazes slowly settling on Lian Ji.

Seemingly aware that he had become the focal point for many, Lian Ji just gave a light smile, nonchalantly discarding his wine glass. He declared loudly, "Today's banquet celebrates two joyous occasions. I presume everyone is aware of the first... The second... is the matrimonial alliance between the Lian Family and the Du Family."

"Bang_"

Upon hearing this, the wine glass in Du Zhentian's hand instantly shattered into dust. Most of the members of the Du Family wore baffled expressions. As for the other banquet attendees, their expressions turned somewhat peculiar.

Du Fei slowly placed his wine glass down and lifted his gaze towards where Lian Zhen was standing. Their eyes met, and Lian Zhen merely showed a sneer of disdain...