Eternal Saber

Chapter 420 - 26: Punitive Drink

Some people in the Jianghu, wanting to step into the imperial court, find the easiest way is to join the Northern Expedition Army.

But even the prodigies on the Wind and Cloud Ranking don’t receive any special treatment when entering the Northern Expedition Army; they have to climb step by step, advancing based on military merits.

This Song staff officer, though just a few years older than the others present, already holds an important position within the Northern Expedition Army, clearly demonstrating his capability.

If one could use this opportunity to acquaint oneself with this Song staff officer, it would provide an additional path for future entry into the Northern Expedition Army.

As the crowd chatted leisurely, servants began bringing in pieces of jade one after another.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Lin Yu accepted a piece of jade and took out a finger-length short knife from her waist. The blade flashed with a cold light, dancing between her fair, jade-like fingers, and jade flakes flew about.

Soon, a jade cup took shape.

Chen Tang saw clearly that although this ’Yu Linglong’ Lin Yu was carving jade, her sword skill during the carving process was extremely delicate. It seemed gentle but concealed lethal moves, revealing true skill in the subtlety!

The crowd once again praised her generously.

Mei Zhenyu also followed with a few compliments, but no one paid much attention to him.

On the contrary, Shen Zhiyuan and the ’Sword Immortal’ Su Muzhe occasionally glanced over and nodded slightly.

There was also ’Feiyanzi’ Yan Shu from the Huanhua Sword Sect, who brought over some fruits and snacks for Zhu Lingxue and Ah Li to taste during this time.

Zhu Lingxue, feeling a bit flattered, clumsily took a few pieces.

These were all celebrated prodigies in Jianghu, stars among men, and without this twist of fate, she wouldn’t have had the chance to meet them.

Ah Li showed no expression and didn’t eat a bite.

Except for what Chen Tang offered her, she wasn’t used to eating others’ food.

Yan Shu wasn’t annoyed and just smiled before leaving.

After observing it all, among the ten people, they had distinctly different and unique personalities.

Except for two or three individuals, the rest showed no hostility towards Chen Tang and his four companions.

Most people simply ignored their presence.

Chen Tang enjoyed this ease and freedom.

However, Mei Zhenyu felt a bit on edge, just wishing to drink a glass of wine and then excuse himself to leave.

"I heard Jade Flute Fairy has already stepped into the Meridian Passage Realm."

"Ah? Doesn’t that mean the top position on the Human Ranking is up for grabs?"

The Human Ranking is different from the Wind and Cloud Ranking.

For the Wind and Cloud Ranking, when one reaches the age of twenty, they automatically fall off the list.

As for the Human Ranking, aside from an age limit of thirty, there are also realm restrictions.

Upon stepping into the Third Grade Meridian Passage Realm, one automatically falls off the list.

For the Earth and Celestial Rankings, there’s only a restriction on cultivation, with no age limit.

Xiao Wuhen asked, "Brother Shen, where did you hear this news? Do you know Jade Flute Fairy?"

Shen Zhiyuan smiled and said, "I’m not so lucky as to know Jade Flute Fairy. I heard it from Old Song, who knows her and once went to Beiqian with her."

Liu Yingxiu’s eyes turned, and she said, "I also heard that Song staff officer and Jade Flute Fairy are old friends with a deep relationship, and they once caused quite a stir together in Qian Country."

Lin Mubai frowned but then returned to his usual expression, saying, "It’s not been rumored in Jianghu that Jade Flute Fairy has a deep relationship with any man. Miss Liu, don’t spread such things."

"Indeed."

Xiao Wuhen nodded and said, "They probably just know each other and aren’t really close friends."

Liu Yingxiu snorted softly and said, "We’ll know once Song staff officer arrives and we ask him."

Soon, Lin Yu crafted twelve jade cups and jugs, each with a different style, all very beautiful.

Counting Chen Tang’s four companions, there were fourteen people present.

Twelve jade cups and jugs were obviously not enough.

Xiao Wuhen laughed strangely, deliberately raising his voice, "Miss Lin, it seems we’re two jade cups short."

"There’s not enough jade."

Lin Yu said flatly.

Shen Zhiyuan said, "No problem, I can get some more."

Lin Yu shook her head and said, "No, my hand is a bit sore, I need to take a rest."

Su Muzhe smiled slightly and said, "It’s fine, I’m about to spar with someone from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, so I shouldn’t drink. Let’s have it another time after the sparring."

"Makes sense, seems I should hold off as well."

Shen Zhiyuan chimed in, looking regretful.

This way, the two did not drink, thus freeing up two wine cups.

Lin Mubai’s eyes flickered, and the hand pouring wine paused slightly.

"I nearly forgot; we should wait for Song staff officer."

Lin Mubai said.

"Don’t worry about him."

Shen Zhiyuan waved his hand and said, "Let’s just drink. He has a lot of military affairs to attend to, and he might not come anytime soon."

"That’s fine."

Lin Mubai said, "There should be some wine left. We’ll seal it up, and when Brother Shen and Brother Su achieve a great victory, we can drink it together."

"Brother Mei, Brother Chen, and the two ladies, come and have a taste."

Shen Zhiyuan called out to Chen Tang and the others.

Xiao Wuhen said, "Come and try it. If it weren’t for Brother Shen, you wouldn’t get to taste this Drunken Eight Immortals in eight lifetimes!"

Mei Zhenyu initially wanted to step forward and taste this legendary Drunken Eight Immortals.

But Xiao Wuhen’s words were too harsh. No matter how good-tempered he was, he couldn’t take it, and his face turned a little dark as he stopped in his tracks.

Chen Tang was initially worried that Shen Zhiyuan and Su Muzhe drinking might lead to trouble, but seeing they didn’t plan to drink it, he felt there was no point in staying.

As for the Drunken Eight Immortals, he hadn’t planned on drinking it anyway.

Knowing there was a problem, even with Entering the Divine State as a trump card, there was no need to risk it.

"I won’t drink the wine, but thank you for the kind offer."

Chen Tang said calmly, preparing to take his leave.

Mei Zhenyu also planned to leave, not wanting to endure this nonsense.

"Who told you you could leave!"

Xiao Wuhen’s face darkened as he moved sideways to block Chen Tang and the others. His gaze was icy as he said, "Brother Lin personally filled your glasses. Do you think you can just refuse to drink?"

"Yeah, you’re really killing the mood. Don’t you have any sense of propriety?"

Liu Yingxiu complained.

Chen Tang couldn’t help but laugh.

"What are you laughing at!"

Liu Yingxiu saw a hint of mockery in Chen Tang’s smile and couldn’t help but get angry.

Chen Tang looked around and said, "If I remember correctly, Brother Su and Brother Shen just said they wouldn’t drink the wine either. You didn’t say they were killing the mood, so why am I ruining yours?"

How dare he talk back?

Liu Yingxiu was furious and said, "Who are you to compare yourself to Brother Shen and Brother Su!"

Xiao Wuhen said slowly, "Now, it’s Brother Lin on top of the Wind and Cloud Ranking offering you a drink. Consider the consequences. Don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

Some of the others remained expressionless, as it didn’t concern them.

Some smiled, enjoying the spectacle.

Su Muzhe and Yan Shu frowned slightly, seemingly displeased by Xiao Wuhen’s aggressiveness.

But they were among the top ten on the Wind and Cloud Ranking and didn’t need to offend Xiao Wuhen and the others over someone like Chen Tang, whom they barely knew.

"Forget it."

Shen Zhiyuan saw the confrontation about to escalate and quickly intervened, smoothing things over and saying, "This is all trivial. Let’s not argue about it."

Lin Mubai shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "Brother Shen, stay out of this."

"This guy doesn’t understand the ways of the Jianghu. We need to teach him a lesson today. With his attitude, who would bother with him when he meets ruthless monsters in the Jianghu?"

"By now, he’d be dead countless times over. We’re doing this for his good, to help him learn from experience."

After a pause, Lin Mubai said, "Besides, the Drunken Eight Immortals is the finest exquisite wine in the world. Getting to taste a cup is a blessing for him."

"But..."

Shen Zhiyuan tried to mediate further but was interrupted by Lin Mubai.

"Don’t worry, Brother Shen. I won’t make it difficult for him."

Lin Mubai pushed a cup of wine on the table towards Chen Tang and said, "You first ruined Brother Shen’s calligraphy and now show no understanding of Jianghu etiquette. Punish yourself with this cup, and I’ll let you go."

"Otherwise, you won’t leave this courtyard."

Lin Mubai’s words were casual, but given his status and reputation, they carried undeniable weight!

Xiao Wuhen let out a light snort, "Just punishing himself with a cup is too easy for him!"

Shen Zhiyuan sighed softly.

If it were just self-punishing with a cup, it wouldn’t be such a big deal.

Take a step back, swallow a breath, and it’s over.

Chen Tang approached the table expressionlessly and picked up the cup.

"It would’ve been better if you had done this earlier."

Xiao Wuhen sneered at the sight.

Chen Tang looked straight into Lin Mubai’s eyes. Facing the top-ranked figure on the Wind and Cloud Ranking, he showed no hesitation, and said flatly, "I don’t know the Jianghu rules you speak of, but my rule is..."

"If I don’t want to drink the wine, even if the King of Heaven himself offers it, it’s no use."

After speaking, under everyone’s watchful eyes, Chen Tang flipped his hand and slowly poured the cup filled with the exquisite Drunken Eight Immortals onto the ground!