novelraw Chapter 353: The Banquet
Chapter 353: The Banquet
"I cannot achieve that either."
Upon hearing this, Mo Yuan shook his head, his expression serious. "Since Daxia began keeping records, among all known Mist incidents, a Calamity-level Mist Creature has never appeared. It seems to be... an insurmountable boundary."
Receiving this definitive answer, Su Zhan felt somewhat disappointed, but he also knew it was the truth.
He looked at Mo Yuan, his gaze sincere, and said solemnly, "Thank you, City Lord. Regardless, I will remember your kindness to me in my heart."
He had always been clear about gratitude and grievances, repaying both in kind. The shelter, resources, cultivation place Mo Yuan provided him, along with the current guidance and connections, were all profound kindness.
This debt of gratitude, he noted it down, and would surely repay it in the future.
Seeing his solemn expression, Mo Yuan accepted his thanks frankly and waved his hand, saying, "Go on, prepare well."
Su Zhan nodded, turned, and left.
...
Night fell.The City Lord's Residence in the central area of Black City was ablaze with lights.
The usually solemn and dignified mansion was exceptionally different tonight.
On the square in front of the mansion, luxury cars stopped one after another.
Those alighting from the cars were none other than the leaders of Black City's major forces, famous powerhouses, and important figures from various quarters.
Everyone was dressed in their finest attire, wearing smiles either genuine or feigned, and under the guidance of attendants, they stepped into the banquet hall.
Inside the banquet hall, luxury was taken to the extreme.
The dome soared tens of meters high, hung with enormous crystal chandeliers.
A crimson carpet was laid in the center of the hall, with long banquet tables arranged on both sides, displaying an array of rare delicacies and fine cuisine.
Attendants in uniform carried crystal trays laden with fine wines, weaving through the guests.
A band played elegant music, adding a touch of sophistication to the grand feast.
"The Dragon Rise Society President, Long Shouzhuo, arrives!"
"The Ghost Fiend Sect Leader, Li Baichuan, arrives!"
"The Giant Sun Gang Leader, Hong Zhen, arrives!"
The master of ceremonies loudly announced the arrival of each important guest.
Long Shouzhuo was beaming with delight, extremely looking forward to tonight's banquet.
While Li Baichuan and Hong Zhen wore complex expressions on their faces.
When Mo Yuan entered the banquet hall with Su Zhan, the entire hall instantly fell silent.
Mo Yuan wore a deep cyan robe with gold-trimmed edges, his demeanor dignified and graceful.
Beside him, Su Zhan was dressed in a formal black suit, accentuating his tall and straight figure to perfection.
After meticulous grooming, he appeared exceptionally handsome and imposing, a stark contrast to his usual image of slaughtering all comers on the arena.
"Is this Chen Qing?"
"Indeed a man of striking appearance, no wonder the City Lord holds him in such high regard."
"I heard he's already at the peak of Special-risk, and it's only been two and a half years..."
The guests whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with astonishment.
At the very front of the banquet hall was a relatively separate area.
The atmosphere here was completely different from the hustle and bustle outside.
Seven figures stood, each with a distinct appearance.
But without exception, terrifying auras as deep as the abyss and vast as the sea emanated from their bodies.
They were the true foundation of Black City, the seven Ocean Realm and Calamity-level powerhouses under City Lord Mo Yuan, also the highest-ranking guest advisors.
Mo Yuan personally led Su Zhan towards this area.
The several powerhouses who had been conversing in low voices immediately stopped talking, all eyes focusing on Su Zhan.
Those gazes held a scrutiny based on equal footing of strength and status, though this equality carried an extra measure of courtesy due to Mo Yuan's presence and the potential Su Zhan himself displayed.
"Chen Qing, come, let me introduce you to several of the pillars supporting our Black City."
Mo Yuan wore a slight smile, his tone calm, yet carrying an undeniable weight.
He first walked towards an elderly man in a black robe.
"This is Mountain King, Situ Hong."
Su Zhan immediately stepped forward, slightly bowed, and extended his right hand, his posture neither subservient nor arrogant. "This junior is Chen Qing. I have long admired Senior Situ's great reputation. It is a profound honor to meet you today."
A faint smile appeared on Situ Hong's face. He lightly shook Su Zhan's hand and released it. "Young Brother Chen is too polite. The City Lord often mentions your heaven-defying talent. Seeing you today, indeed the reputation is well-deserved. In the future, Black City will need young talents like you to shoulder more responsibilities."
His words were mild, yet showed ample respect.
Mo Yuan then guided him towards a woman in an ice-blue gown. "This is Ice Phoenix, Shangguan Xue."
"Senior Shangguan."
Su Zhan similarly performed a respectful bow and handshake.
A piercing chill came from her fingertips.
But she restrained it extremely well, not causing him any discomfort.
Shangguan Xue gave a slight nod. "Very good. To reach such a realm at your age is exceedingly rare throughout the ages. I hope you guard against arrogance and impatience, and ascend to the pinnacle soon."
Next was a figure shrouded in bloody killing intent.
Blood Butcher, Li Zhan.
A monk holding prayer beads, with a compassionate expression on his face.
Bitter Zen Master, Xuan Bei.
A voluptuous, boldly dressed, enchanting beauty whose flowing glances could captivate souls.
Phantom Shadow, Liu Yiyi.
A taciturn man in black with an extremely low presence.
Dark Blade, Anonymous.
And finally, a burly man with a physique like an iron tower, exuding a wild aura.
Earthshaker King, Lei Gang.
Su Zhan bowed and shook hands with these seven powerhouses of vastly different styles one by one.
Exchanging pleasantries like 'long admired', 'honored to meet you', 'senior flatters me', 'this junior will surely strive hard', and such formalities.
Throughout the process, the atmosphere seemed harmonious and congenial.
These major figures who could make Black City tremble with a mere stomp of their feet on ordinary days all showed sufficient courtesy to Su Zhan at this moment.
Whether out of regard for Mo Yuan's face, or genuinely valuing Su Zhan's astonishing potential as an investment in the future.
Su Zhan understood perfectly well that this courtesy was based on the value he demonstrated and Mo Yuan's strong support.
The gift of connections Mo Yuan gave him, he had preliminarily accepted.
These names and faces, and tonight's brief meetings.
Perhaps on some future day, would become important assistance or protective talismans for him.
Mo Yuan said gently to Su Zhan, "Under the City Lord's Residence, there are still some powerhouses carrying out important missions outside and cannot return. If fate allows in the future, you will naturally meet."
Su Zhan nodded in understanding. "The City Lord's Residence has numerous affairs. This junior understands."
The lights in the banquet hall brightened slightly, and the music changed, heralding the start of the formal segment.
Mo Yuan walked slowly towards the specially erected speaking platform at the front of the banquet hall.
He needed no amplification equipment, yet his voice clearly spread throughout the entire hall.
Naturally attracting everyone's gaze.
"Everyone."
Mo Yuan wore a smile, his eyes sweeping across the hall. "Today's banquet is held mainly for two joyous occasions. First, to celebrate our Black City gaining another top-tier talented individual. Chen Qing, today, has officially stepped into the peak of Special-risk!"
As his words fell, a wave of enthusiastic applause immediately erupted in the hall.
A twenty-four-year-old peak Special-risk!
Mo Yuan raised his hand to gently quiet the scene. Once it had settled somewhat, he continued, "This second matter is to take this opportunity to gather together with old friends and new friends, to share camaraderie, and also to hope for a more prosperous and thriving future for our Black City! Without further ado, everyone, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
The banquet formally entered the free mingling segment.
The atmosphere instantly became even more lively.