Immortal Sword Master

Chapter 371: Chapter 367: Lan Nongyu’s Enthusiasm

”I can’t believe even she’s here.”

”Since she’s here, she must be the one hosting this tea party, right?”

”Lan Nongyu. She’s ranked among the top ten of Liang Province’s younger generation and is one of its three greatest beauties. With her reputation, of course no one would dare challenge her for the role of host.”

Upon hearing the voice, many of the young people’s faces lit up with excitement. They rushed inside, seemingly unable to wait to see the person who had spoken.

Gu Feng’s face also showed a hint of excitement. He paid no mind to Lü Qinghe’s reaction and went straight inside.

”Hmph. I know he’s always liked Lan Nongyu, but Junior Sister Qinghe is right here. What’s the meaning of this?”

A female disciple from the Nine Profound Sect, indignant on Lü Qinghe’s behalf, spoke up for her.

”It’s alright. Let’s go in too.”

Lü Qinghe forced a smile and walked inside.

The hall was spacious and decorated in a quaint, classical style. Folding screens, carvings, porcelain, and fresh flowers—the various arrangements made the place feel elegant and poetic.

Anyone who entered couldn’t help but fall silent.

At this moment, everyone’s gaze was fixed on a single figure, unable to look away.

She was a woman of about twenty, with a slender, graceful figure and exquisitely beautiful features. With every glance from her lovely eyes, her gaze flowed in a way that could make any man fall for her, hopelessly captivated.

The surrounding windows were open, and a gentle breeze carried a natural, musk-and-orchid-like fragrance from her body, a scent more intoxicating than that of the flowers in the hall.

Lan Nongyu.

Seeing this woman, a complex expression filled Lü Qinghe’s eyes. As a woman herself, she had to admit that she held no advantage over Lan Nongyu.

In terms of beauty, while she was the top beauty of the Nine Profound Sect, Lan Nongyu was widely acknowledged as one of the three greatest beauties of Liang Province, adored by countless men.

In terms of strength, Lan Nongyu was a heaven-blessed prodigy. With her God-Seizing Realm Cultivation, she could fight on par with cultivators of the Immortal Realm. She was one of the top ten of Liang Province’s younger generation.

In terms of background, Lan Nongyu was from the Upper Grade Sect, the Mountain and Sea Sect.

The previous suppression of the Nine Profound Sect by the Mountain and Sea Sect was actually caused by a Nine Profound Sect disciple who had disrespected Lan Nongyu, making some frivolous remarks that brought disaster upon them.

More importantly, Gu Feng, the man she had feelings for, was secretly in love with Lan Nongyu.

It was because of Lan Nongyu that Gu Feng’s attitude toward her had always been lukewarm, maintaining a delicate distance.

Ning Jiang’s gaze swept dispassionately over Lan Nongyu. ’She is indeed a rare beauty; no wonder everyone is reacting this way,’ he thought. But in his eyes, beauty was fleeting, like a passing cloud. All fair faces were but skeletons beneath.

”Huh? Lan Nongyu is coming over.”

Suddenly, Lü Qinghe and the others were startled to see Lan Nongyu walking in their direction.

’Is she coming to make trouble for us?’ Lü Qinghe and the others grew uneasy.

’Could she be coming for me? Has she finally sensed my feelings for her?’ Gu Feng’s face lit up with excitement.

But both of them had guessed wrong.

Lan Nongyu didn’t even glance at them, instead walking straight up to Ning Jiang.

Then, under the dumbfounded gazes of everyone present, Lan Nongyu gave a graceful curtsy to Ning Jiang. Her voice was as gentle as flowing water. ”Nongyu pays her respects, Young Master. May I be so bold as to ask your name?”

”Jiang Ning.”

Ning Jiang answered, calm and composed.

”Young Master Jiang Ning. Nongyu will remember,” Lan Nongyu said with a nod. She lifted her gaze and began to observe him.

White hair and a handsome face—that was her first impression of Ning Jiang.

If it were only that, he would be merely ordinary. But the more closely Lan Nongyu observed him, the more alarmed she became.

Ning Jiang’s eyes were calm and indifferent, like the eternal azure sky, lofty and supreme. In his eyes, all things were no more than ants.

’My beauty, which I’m so proud of, must look like nothing but dried bones under a gaze like that.’

In that instant, she knew her Vice Sect Leader hadn’t exaggerated about the young man before her. On the contrary, this man was even more terrifying than her Vice Sect Leader’s description!

”Did your Vice Sect Leader ask you to invite me?” Ning Jiang asked casually.

By now, no one could hear their conversation, for Lan Nongyu had used the Power of Divine Sense to envelop them, forming a barrier that blocked all sound.

”It was the Vice Sect Leader’s wish,” Lan Nongyu replied. ”He hopes to reconcile with you, Young Master Jiang, and asks that you not hold what happened against the Mountain and Sea Sect.”

Just yesterday, their Vice Sect Leader had returned, wounded. The news he brought back shocked the upper echelons of the Mountain and Sea Sect, including their Earth Martial Realm expert.

A Sword Cultivator with Sword Intent, capable of defeating an Immortal Realm expert in a single strike... Such a person couldn’t possibly be some unknown figure in Liang Province. There was only one explanation: he was an outsider!

And out in the wider world, who could cultivate a prodigy like Ning Jiang? Could he be from a Super Sect?

In any case, this incident led the Mountain and Sea Sect to a single decision: they must not, under any circumstances, make an enemy of Ning Jiang. It would not be a wise move.

Thus, the Mountain and Sea Sect’s true purpose for hosting this tea party was singular: to extend an olive branch to Ning Jiang.

”Enough. It was a small matter. I’m not that petty.”

Ning Jiang waved his hand dismissively. He held no deep-seated grudge against the Mountain and Sea Sect. Since they were being so sensible, he had no reason to remain hostile.

”You are magnanimous, Young Master Jiang.” Lan Nongyu smiled faintly. ”The tea party is about to begin. Won’t you join me at the head seat, Young Master Jiang?”

”No, that would be too conspicuous,” Ning Jiang replied coolly.

”Very well. If you have any requests, Young Master Jiang, please don’t hesitate to ask Nongyu.” Lan Nongyu knew how to act appropriately, prioritizing Ning Jiang’s wishes above all.

Meanwhile, the surrounding gazes—filled with confusion, jealousy, or coldness—all fell upon Ning Jiang.

What in the world had they just talked about? Why did they have to shield the conversation with Divine Sense?

’Damn it, what is his relationship with Nongyu?’

Flames of jealousy burned in Gu Feng’s eyes. He only had a mild fondness for Lü Qinghe, but his feelings for Lan Nongyu were a true obsession.

Lan Nongyu was first-class in Liang Province in terms of both strength and beauty. The benefits of being with her would be immense.

Yet, Lan Nongyu had just completely ignored him while acting so friendly toward Ning Jiang. How could he not be furious?

”Everyone, please take your seats,” Lan Nongyu announced. ”Servants, bring the tea.”

After everyone had settled into their seats, Lan Nongyu clapped her hands. At once, rows of beautiful Maids emerged.

The Maids carried trays and began to pour tea for the guests.

The tea was a jade-like, amber liquid. Its fragrance was crisp and cool, giving one the feeling of being in a plum blossom grove before the cup even touched their lips.

Ning Jiang took a small sip. He felt it instantly refresh his soul. His pores seemed to open as if he were reclining on a cloud, watching the world’s vicissitudes unfold like a game of chess, on the verge of immediate ascension to immortality.

This was Liang Province’s famous Drunken Cloud Cold Plum.

After three rounds of tea, once everyone had had their fill, Lan Nongyu stood up.

All eyes turned to her. The main event of the tea party was finally about to begin!