Chapter 1011 - 553: Such a Scene Should Not Exist in the Mortal World (Part 2)
Chapter 1011 - 553: Such a Scene Should Not Exist in the Mortal World (Part 2)
As a mortal, the Old Grand Dowager was the last to awaken from the illusion. Once her eyes regained clarity, she embraced Huangfuming excitedly and said, "Good grandson, you must have spent quite some effort? This flower is truly beautiful."
Among those present were many of great power. Upon hearing the name of the Extreme Joy Flower, they recalled its details from memory, and couldn’t help but roll their eyes, thinking, "Of course it takes effort. Not only is killing required, but absorbing the life force of a thousand mortals is an exceedingly cumbersome task. Your grandson uses the Sin Flower as a celebration gift and doesn’t fear the Blood Slaughter aura clashing with the elderly birthday star." However, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
This sight originally does not exist in the Mortal World; if one wishes to see it, they must pay the price with life. Yet, although the Extreme Joy Flower is a sinful flower that cultivators avoid, it may not pose any threat to the peculiar Mirror Sea King Mansion. So, why bother to reveal this?
Huangfuming’s gesture perfectly set the stage for the following songs and dances. At this moment, dish after dish of mountain delicacies was brought out. Guests sat down and began to indulge in the bustling opulent extravagance brought by wealth and power. The mansion’s exquisite feast was naturally extraordinary, featuring delicacies like cubilose, shark fin, bear’s paw, ginseng, abalone, which were commonplace to those of wealth, enjoyed regularly. To preserve their master’s face, Mirror Sea King’s Mansion’s chefs spared no effort, with many dishes presenting ingredients and seasonings as expensive as death—items like white truffles, yellow lip glue, sturgeon roe, saffron, mostly unheard of to most cultivators, who seldom relish in culinary desires. Someone like Ning Xiaoxian is indeed a rare anomaly.
On the stage ahead, a famous performer invited by the Prince’s Mansion was acting. To amuse the Old Grand Dowager, Huang Fusong Yun had traveled over six Great States to invite the currently popular Zhao’s Troupe. At this point, after rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes, it was time for toasting.
Being in this mortal world, social engagements are unavoidable. Luckily, with cultivation, the drinks here fail to intoxicate cultivators. Ning Xiaoxian knew that whether it was Ningyuan Hall or Hidden Stream, to open doors for business, they must establish connections worldwide. Hence, for this birthday banquet, whenever a potential partner toasted, she would cover her mouth with her sleeve and drain her cup in one go.
After an elder from an Immortal Sect left, Miluo approached, accompanied by Jin Manyi. Cultivators aren’t as particular as mortals, so an unmarried woman following her fiancé to toast is not unusual. Jin Manyi’s face showed no expression, only a faintly detectable aversion in her eyes.
"Tch, what does it have to do with her?" Ning Xiaoxian smiled at the two, downing her drink first as a gesture of respect.
"After the birthday, where will you head?" Surprisingly, Jin Manyi spoke first, glancing twice at her head and then said, "Miss Ning, today’s makeup is truly simple." Ning Xiaoxian’s thick black hair was adorned with just a tortoise shell hairpin and a few hair ornaments, looking indeed less dazzling compared to her usual bejeweled and sparkling appearance.
"Having ventured out once, I heard that the glory of the world lies in the Central Province. I wish to visit the Central Capital." Ning Xiaoxian changed the subject, "I wonder when I can attend your wedding banquet?"
Jin Manyi’s expression instantly stiffened, while Miluo kindly replied on her behalf, "About half a year from now." His voice remained clear and gentle, seemingly unaware of anything.
"Congratulations. I’ll be sure to prepare a grand gift then." Then that damned fox won’t bother her anymore.
Ning Xiaoxian had long sensed something amiss between Jin Manyi and him, speculating that with Miluo’s cunning, how could he be oblivious? However, it was the couple’s personal matter, and she wasn’t magnanimous. So, after slightly pricking Jin Manyi, she intended to stop, as she’d always gained the upper hand in their clashes.
"The gift from Hidden Stream today is quite to the master’s liking. On that day, the gift you accompany will surely be extraordinary." Miluo said casually, slightly narrowing his eyes. Earlier, Ning Xiaoxian’s gaze directed at him actually contained a hint... of sympathy? He, a Great Demon, Lord of Fengtian Prefecture, what could evoke such a look from her?
She was about to speak when her sleeve was tugged. Looking down, she saw Huangfuming had squeezed over.
"Sister, I’ve finally found the gift I want to give you after days of searching!" He declared proudly, acting as if no one else was around.
Ning Xiaoxian was taken aback, blinking: "What gift?"
"That night, didn’t you say, for me to call you sister, I must give you a gift?" Seeing her finally comprehend, even though she had forgotten, he felt a bit displeased knowing she had casually mentioned it, "Only after two days did I find this—" A small brocade box lay in his palm.
This kid actually remembered her casual comments from that time. She intended to decline, but understanding Huangfuming’s temperament, she had to thank him and accept it. Just as she was about to tuck it into her sleeve, Huangfuming eagerly asked, "Aren’t you going to open it and have a look?" His clear, attractive eyes brimmed with self-satisfaction and mischievousness.
It’s fortunate his eyes are so expressive, as she realized this kid had hidden intentions. Miluo also lazily said, "Sure, let us have a look too." If someone else spoke in this tone, it would be downright rogueish. Yet his voice carried a captivating softness that was inexplicably pleasant.
This was a mature man’s vocal tone. Huangfuming glared at him without a trace, then turned to urge, "I’ll allow you to see it now, open it quickly."
Where did this peculiar atmosphere come from? Ning Xiaoxian shrugged, reached out to open the brocade box, and couldn’t help but raise her brows at the gift inside.
Beside her, Jin Manyi’s face suddenly changed. Miluo, however, praised, "A fine item; its value alone is at least sixteen, seventeen thousand Spirit Stones!" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)
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