Chapter 076
Chapter 76: Disciple Specially Prepared a Congratulatory Gift for Master
Everyone stared at Shi Zi Chu, their minds overwhelmed with shock and countless unanswered questions.
Facing astonished, admiring, and probing gazes, Shi Zi Chu leisurely stepped forward and gracefully raised her hands in salute, calmly saying, “Disciple Shi Zi Chu greets Master.”
“Come,” Xing Lan’s cold, deep voice rang out, noticeably less distant and indifferent than usual.
Shi Zi Chu softly responded, then walked forward to stand behind Xing Lan.
Everyone in the hall watched Shi Zi Chu closely as she stood behind Xing Lan, their thoughts swirling with intrigue and curiosity.
Shi Zi Chu raised her eyes as well.
All the major powers had arrived—three sects, five schools, seven clans—no, now five families, since the Nan Rong and Chu Clans hadn’t received invitations and thus could not enter.
Aside from those two excluded clans, all other top-tier forces were present, alongside several reputable wandering cultivators.
Among the many venerables seated here, only Xing Lan was at the Tribulation Crossing stage, clearly showing his extraordinary status!
Xing Lan glanced around, and seeing most guests had arrived, he turned slightly toward Shi Zi Chu behind him, saying, “Jiu Jiu, come and greet these venerables.”
As soon as his words fell, the mighty cultivators seated were inwardly astonished.
This was the first time Xing Lan had ever introduced his disciple like this!
They had thought Shi Zi Chu, his personal disciple, held little importance to him. Clearly, they had underestimated her!
Shi Zi Chu gently inclined her head, and as Xing Lan introduced each venerable, she greeted them one by one with refined elegance.
Standing behind his father, Pei Qing You watched Shi Zi Chu gracefully conversing with the venerables. His gaze involuntarily fixed on her.
She simply stood there, responding with warmth and dignity, yet she shone brilliantly.
However, it wasn’t just Pei Qing You who found himself captivated.
Yao Ruo Ruo’s eyes sparkled brightly as she admired Shi Zi Chu, thoroughly charmed.
Yan Zhou Bai’s gaze also drifted toward her from time to time, though Meng Xi Yu remained more restrained.
From the moment Shi Zi Chu entered, Jiang Wan Sheng, standing behind his own father, had stared at her without blinking, his eyes lingering obsessively.
It was no exaggeration—his gaze seemed practically glued to Shi Zi Chu’s figure.
While speaking with the venerables, Shi Zi Chu glanced briefly at Jiang Wan Sheng, silently reminding him to restrain himself a little.
Suddenly noticing her look, Jiang Wan Sheng’s smile only widened. His joy overflowed from his heart, clearly visible in his eyes.
At this moment, Jiang Wan Sheng’s good mood was impossible to miss.
Seeing that her silent warning had no effect, Shi Zi Chu decided simply to ignore him.
After Xing Lan finished the introductions, he raised his hand toward Shi Zi Chu and announced, “Everyone, this is my personal disciple Shi Zi Chu. If she happens to act improperly in the future, I ask all of you to please be forgiving.”
His words subtly conveyed a clear message to these venerables: Shi Zi Chu was Xing Lan’s treasured disciple. If anyone showed her respect while traveling outside, Xing Lan would remember their favor and return the kindness someday.
With the recent example of the Chu Clan’s downfall fresh in their minds, the venerables readily voiced their agreement.
Seated calmly in his chair, Ye He Qi maintained a gentle, elegant smile without intervening or standing out unnecessarily.
With the formalities over, Xing Lan fell quiet once more.
As the atmosphere in the hall gradually turned cold again, Sect Master Meng stepped forward.
“Since Xing Lan has introduced his beloved disciple, allow me to present my son as well,” Sect Master Meng’s authoritative yet gentle voice echoed clearly.
Hearing his name, Meng Xi Yu raised his hands and saluted everyone politely.
“My son recently emerged from closed-door cultivation, so you may find him unfamiliar,” Sect Master Meng smiled warmly and added, “Xi Yu may be young, but his skills are commendable. He and Zi Chu jointly arranged today’s banquet. If any shortcomings are noticed, please point them out, allowing them to learn and improve.”
Shi Zi Chu blinked in mild surprise upon suddenly hearing herself credited. She lifted her gaze toward Meng Xi Yu.
Meng Xi Yu was already looking back at her; noticing her sparkling eyes, he smiled gently, eyes curving slightly.
“Sect Master Meng’s words have sparked my curiosity,” Sect Master Yao said cheerfully. “I look forward to seeing what the banquet offers later.”
Afterward, she proudly introduced Yao Ruo Ruo and Yan Zhou Bai to the gathered venerables.
Sect Master Pei watched the two proud sect masters and couldn’t help but glare fiercely at his own troublesome child.
Even Shi Zi Chu, notorious as she was, presented herself impressively today: composed, eloquent, refined, and dignified.
But what about his own son? His head was filled only with thoughts of Chu Zhi Rou, endlessly repeating “Rou Rou!” Sect Master Pei felt as though he might twist his son’s head right off.
……
With Sect Master Meng’s encouragement, the hall’s previously chilly atmosphere gradually warmed up. The venerables attending with their younger generations also began introducing them enthusiastically.
Any venerable here was an influential figure in their own right.
Letting their juniors get acquainted and make themselves known could hardly be a bad thing.
Seeing Xing Lan’s reluctance to speak further, Shi Zi Chu occasionally interjected with graceful comments, neither overshadowing Xing Lan nor appearing overly shy.
Xing Lan’s silence implicitly approved of Shi Zi Chu speaking on his behalf.
Within an hour, Shi Zi Chu had entirely reversed the negative impression left behind by the female villain system.
In the banquet hall.
Shi Zi Chu followed respectfully behind Xing Lan.
Just as she was about to find her seat, Xing Lan’s cool voice suddenly sounded: “Jiu Jiu, come here.”
Confused, Shi Zi Chu stepped forward, then noticed another seat arranged next to the primary seat.
?
Wait!
Was that her seat?
Seeing the seat next to the main position, those preparing to sit down weren’t merely surprised; their hearts surged wildly, faces openly stunned.
Normally, Shi Zi Chu’s seat was where Venerable Xing Lan’s Dao companion should sit!
Even for a beloved disciple, this went beyond propriety.
Watching the pair walk toward the seats, several overly imaginative venerables began sensing something unusual between the two.
The smile instantly vanished from Jiang Wan Sheng’s eyes.
Xing Lan, that old man! His desire to declare ownership was simply obvious!
Ignoring the curious eyes directed her way, Shi Zi Chu calmly took her seat, gracefully arranging her skirt.
Observing the peerless beauty seated serenely, everyone felt as though a cat’s claws scratched at their hearts, dying from curiosity.
What exactly was the relationship between Venerable Xing Lan and Shi Zi Chu?
Just as Xu Zhou Ye and others entered, servants arrived with dishes, flowing smoothly into the hall.
Elder Zheng Lian approached Xing Lan respectfully, saluting, “Peak Master.”
Xing Lan waved lightly, “Be seated.”
After offering his thanks, Elder Zheng Lian moved toward his seat.
Xu Zhou Ye and the others stood awkwardly, momentarily unsure of where they should sit, confused by the seating arrangement.
“What are you standing around for?” Xing Lan’s authoritative, indifferent voice broke their hesitation.
Chu Zhi Rou raised a sweet, obedient smile, stepping forward delicately. She lifted her eyes slightly toward Xing Lan, who sat at the main seat, but the next second, her sweet smile froze abruptly.
Shi Zi Chu?!
Seeing Shi Zi Chu seated elegantly beside Master, Chu Zhi Rou’s eyes widened, confusion and disbelief filling her expression.
Why was Shi Zi Chu at the banquet?!
When had she come in?
And how could she possibly sit in that seat?!
These questions swarmed Chu Zhi Rou’s mind in chaos.
Quickly regaining composure, Chu Zhi Rou raised her hands gracefully in greeting, saying, “Disciple greets Master and congratulates Master for advancing to the Tribulation Crossing stage. Disciple has specially prepared a congratulatory gift for Master.”
Her sweet, charming voice held admiration and respect.
Faced with Chu Zhi Rou’s flawless courtesy, several venerables who had already heard of her good reputation revealed looks of appreciation.
Pei Qing You’s eyes immediately latched onto Chu Zhi Rou, filled with longing and concern.
Xu Zhou Ye and the others quickly stepped forward to pay their respects as well.