Eternal Saber

Chapter 419 - 25: Is There Something Wrong with the Wine?

As everyone looked on in anticipation, Lin Mubai gently removed the clay seal, and instantly a rich fragrance spread, the aroma of the wine filled the entire courtyard as if it had become intoxicated.

Even those who knew nothing of the art of wine could tell that the wine in the jar was indeed an incredibly rare and fine brew.

Chen Tang’s expression showed a hint of surprise.

He had tasted good wine before, like the Monkey Wine from the Three Thousand Snow Ridges or the wine from Lady Yun at the Shadow Tower, all worthy of being called exquisite nectars.

The jar of wine Lin Mubai brought out, just from its spreading fragrance, suggested that its taste might not be inferior to the Monkey Wine.

No wonder only the Sect Leaders of the major martial arts clans had the opportunity to taste it.

Ah Li smelled the wine but wrinkled her nose, reached out her finger, and gently poked Chen Tang in the lower back.

Chen Tang turned his head and saw something strange in Ah Li’s eyes.

The two of them had been together on the ship for half a year, understanding each other well.

Chen Tang’s mind stirred, and he asked, "Is there something wrong with the wine?"

He merely mouthed the words without making a sound, and just by lip-reading, Ah Li could understand him.

Ah Li first nodded then shook her head.

"What does this mean?"

Chen Tang was puzzled.

Looking at Ah Li’s expression, it seemed she wasn’t sure either.

Perhaps she was just relying on instinct, feeling there was something amiss with the wine.

Lin Mubai had traveled a long distance to bring this fine wine; it didn’t make sense to tamper with it.

Moreover, they were at the Langya Pavilion.

Would he not fear being unable to leave if something happened?

Could it have been tampered with along the way?

"Excellent wine!"

The crowd couldn’t help but give a commendation.

Lin Mubai replied, "It’s just a pity that there are no fine wine cups to pair with it, as these coarse bowls and cups do it some disservice."

Su Muzhe nodded slightly and said, "As the poem goes, ’Pour amber light into a jade bowl’, if there were jade bowls and cups, it would enhance the fragrance and color, bringing the taste of the ’Drunken Eight Immortals’ to its peak."

Shen Zhiyuan said somewhat helplessly, "I have no jade bowls or cups here."

Liu Yingxiu’s gaze shifted, landing on another woman, and she smiled, "The Linglong Blade Academy deals with jade every day. Their disciples are not only skilled in swordsmanship but also adept at the art of jade carving."

"Why not let Sister Lin carve a few jade artifacts for drinking on the spot so we can also open our eyes and see Sister Lin’s ’Exquisite Translucent Saber’ in action."

Mei Zhenyu had talked with Chen Tang; Jiaozhou was rich in jade, and the Linglong Blade Academy was located there, running a business in jade artifacts.

Like these top forces in Jianghu, most sects with disciples reaching into the thousands engage in business; otherwise, it would be impossible to support so many people just through the fees collected from accepting disciples.

The decline of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect in recent years was also due to having little business to engage in.

"Very well."

’Yu Linglong’ Lin Yu nodded.

Shen Zhiyuan instructed the servants to fetch more jade stones from the Langya Pavilion.

Lin Mubai smiled and said, "After the ’Drunken Eight Immortals’ is opened, it needs to sit for a while to allow the aroma and taste to reach their peak. When Miss Lin finishes carving the jade artifacts, it will be the best time to drink."

"Brother Shen, dear friends, I will not disturb you further."

Mei Zhenyu clasped his hands slightly and prepared to leave.

Not only Chen Tang, but even he could sense it.

They belonged to different circles altogether.

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhiyuan remembered Chen Tang and the three others beside him.

He silently felt a bit ashamed.

After all, as the host, he shouldn’t neglect the guests present.

"Brother Mei, Brother Chen, and the two young ladies, please don’t hold it against me; it was my oversight."

Shen Zhiyuan came over, apologizing, "Brother Mei, why don’t you rest here for a while, have a drink later before leaving? This wine is a fine brew that Brother Lin brought from afar, truly rare in the world."

Xiao Wuhen commented mockingly, "Brother Shen, you should curb your hospitable nature, not everyone deserves a taste of the ’Drunken Eight Immortals’."

Mei Zhenyu blushed.

Liu Yingxiu laughed, "Indeed, after all, the ’Drunken Eight Immortals’ was brought by Brother Lin; you should seek his opinion."

Lin Mubai pondered for a moment, chuckled, and said, "’Drunken Eight Immortals’ from the Drunken Immortal Tower befriends heroes all over the world, anyone who loves wine is welcome. When you come to the Drunken Immortal Tower, you’re a friend."

"Since we are fated to meet here, let us share this moment together, friends."

Shen Zhiyuan exhaled softly, made an inviting gesture, and smiled, "Brother Mei, Brother Chen, and the young ladies, please."

Seeing Shen Zhiyuan’s sincerity, Mei Zhenyu found it hard to refuse.

Among the ten prodigies on the Wind and Cloud Ranking, only two or three mocked them, but the others were decent, not hostile.

As the host, Shen Zhiyuan was especially friendly, constantly trying to mediate disputes.

Mei Zhenyu looked at Chen Tang, who remained nonchalantly indifferent.

Under normal circumstances, Chen Tang’s temperament would have led him to leave already.

He couldn’t care less about any so-called prodigies or the ’Drunken Eight Immortals’.

However, among the ten, Shen Zhiyuan and Su Muzhe were both going to represent the Langya Pavilion in the upcoming match.

If there truly was an issue with the wine, and it caused the two to encounter problems leading to the Langya Pavilion’s defeat, affecting Zhiwei, he couldn’t just sit by idly.

Could the Prime Minister’s Mansion have issued such a challenge to the Langya Pavilion, dismissing the Wind and Cloud Ranking, as part of this scheme?

Chen Tang followed Mei Zhenyu towards the pavilion, ready to act according to the situation.

"Brother Mei, there are quite a few people today; if there are areas I overlook, please bear with me."

Shen Zhiyuan said softly.

Mei Zhenyu quickly replied, "You’re too kind, Brother Shen."

"By the way, Brother Shen."

Lin Mubai stopped Shen Zhiyuan and asked, "I heard that this time, not only is a young disciple from the Sword Pavilion representing Langya Pavilion, but even Marshal Xuan is personally here."

"Indeed."

Shen Zhiyuan nodded with a smile, "Marshal Xuan is Zhiwei’s uncle, after all. He’s here to visit his niece."

"Marshal Xuan is here!"

"I wonder if there will be a chance to meet him."

At the mention of ’Marshal Xuan’, everyone’s spirits lifted, and their eyes were full of admiration.

Ye Xuan, the nephew of the Old Pavilion Master of the Sword Sect, many years ago, took the Sword Pavilion Order and entered Jianghu, temporarily forming a Northern Expeditionary Army, becoming the key force in the Battle of Xiajiang!

In the court, Ye Xuan was a renowned commander, invincible in battle, leading armies.

In Jianghu, Ye Xuan was also a Grandmaster power, renowned in his territory!

Though hailing from the Sword Pavilion, and not listed in the Grandmaster Ranking, everyone knew Ye Xuan’s strength could definitely place him in the Grandmaster Ranking!

Han Yue asked, "By the way, Brother Shen, I heard you have an old friendship with Staff Officer Song from the Northern Expedition Army?"

"Old Song, yes."

Shen Zhiyuan nodded with a smile, "I just so happened to have invited him today."

"Really?"

"Staff Officer Song is quite the celebrity in the Northern Expedition Army now, serving under General Liu Daojian. At just over twenty, he’s in such a position with limitless prospects."

"Staff Officer Song also holds quite a reputation in Jianghu, being ranked seventh on the Wind and Cloud Ranking two years ago."

From its inception, the Northern Expedition Army was assembled by individuals from Jianghu, and played a crucial role in the Battle of Xiajiang.

Even after Marshal Xuan ceded command and retired to East Mountain, the Northern Expedition Army still holds significant standing in Jianghu, earning respect from numerous Jianghu figures.

Rumor even has it that the Northern Expedition Army is the Great Xia’s most powerful fighting force, even surpassing the Imperial Palace Guard.