Chapter 2015 The Glorious Past (3)
The scent of sizzling meat and fragrant spices filled the air, dancing merrily around the crimson lanterns that hung outside the Blossoming Lotus Restaurant. Inside, Yun Lintian sat across from Nantian Yu in a spacious dining hall.
Between them, a steaming pot of Jade Pearl Rice and an array of delicacies fit for a king awaited their ravenous appetites. Yun Lintian carefully cut a piece of grilled meat into several pieces and fed them to Linlin and Qingqing.
Nantian Yu dug straight into a plate of glistening stir-fried Earth Dragon meat, the crunch a satisfying counterpoint to the savory sauce. With a mouthful of food, she looked at Yun Lintian and said, "You surely dote on them."
Yun Lintian smiled faintly and asked, "Did you come here alone?"
"Otherwise?" Nantian Yu responded casually. "It's impossible for them to let me come out freely. I had to sneak away."
Taking a sip of Jade Berry wine, she continued, "How long do you plan to stay here?"
"I haven't decided yet," Yun Lintian replied gently. "What about you?"
"I'll leave after the convention," Nantian Yu responded. "You should consider leaving too. It will be difficult to depart later."
"Why?" Yun Lintian inquired curiously.
Nantian Yu, seemingly accustomed to Yun Lintian's lack of knowledge, explained, "They'll hold a celebration for the Yellow Emperor next. Many more people will flock here then."
Surprise flickered in Yun Lintian's eyes. It seemed the Yellow Emperor was truly here.
"Your people should be coming as well," Nantian Yu suggested. "Perhaps you can stay here. After all, you don't need to avoid them like I do."
"Who is he?" Yun Lintian asked with a curious expression, "The Yellow Emperor?"
Nantian Yu cast Yun Lintian a doubtful look. "I'm starting to wonder now. How could your elders let you come out alone? You seem to be completely clueless."
She didn't mind and began to explain. "The Yellow Emperor is one of the twelve emperors under the God of Mortals. He's even considered the foremost among them. His standing is incredibly high among the True Gods. Even our elders must show him respect."
Yun Lintian was shocked inwardly. This was the first time he'd heard of such a thing. The Yellow Emperor, it turned out, was a True God under the God of Mortals, the very one who initiated the Primordial War.
A flurry of questions arose in Yun Lintian's mind. He felt as if he were taking a step closer to the truth.
"Surprised?" Nantian Yu chuckled, noticing Yun Lintian's contemplative expression. "Well, perhaps you could accompany your people to the banquet. The Yellow Emperor is known for his kindness. There might be an opportunity for you."
"I understand," Yun Lintian nodded politely. He certainly would like to meet the Yellow Emperor, but his situation wouldn't allow it. After all, he had no connection to the White Tiger God Clan here.
Just then, Nantian Yu furrowed her brow in annoyance, setting down her chopsticks with a sigh.
The source of the interruption was none other than Jin Yang, who swaggered over with his two guards in tow.
"Nantian Yu," Jin Yang declared, his voice booming like thunder. "What a delightful surprise to find you here!" However, his gaze flickered towards Nantian Yu's companion.
Yun Lintian briefly glanced at Jin Yang before continuing to feed Linlin and Qingqing. The two bodyguards flanking Jin Yang were both High Gods, while Jin Yang himself was on the middle level of the Lower God Realm. There was nothing for Yun Lintian to worry about.
The guests in the dining hall observed the scene, whispering amongst themselves. Most undoubtedly recognized Jin Yang's identity.
Nantian Yu crossed her arms defiantly and glared at Jin Yang. "You might as well pay for the meal. Your presence has completely ruined my appetite."
"No problem, just a few divine stones," Jin Yang chuckled.
His golden eyes flickered towards Yun Lintian, a thinly veiled challenge. "Perhaps we could share a table? There's much to be discussed between practitioners of such esteemed lineages."
Prior to arriving, Jin Yang had already investigated Yun Lintian's identity. With Linlin perched on his shoulder, Jin Yang presumed Yun Lintian to be her divine protector, obviously of lower status than himself.
"Please, Young Master Jin, don't hesitate to make yourself comfortable," Yun Lintian replied with a faint smile.
Jin Yang chuckled and took a seat. He glanced at Linlin and bowed with cupped fists. "Jin Yang greets Your Highness. It's a pleasure to share a table with such esteemed company."
Linlin simply gave him a curt glance and remained silent.
Undeterred, Jin Yang turned to Nantian Yu and inquired, "Did you come here for the celebration?"
"Get lost before I'm forced to teach you another lesson," Nantian Yu said coldly. Her eyes flickered with phoenix flames.
"That's part of what I find attractive," Jin Yang chuckled. "Well, I didn't come here to cause a scene. There will be another opportunity."
Surprisingly, he rose and prepared to leave. As he took a step forward, he paused abruptly and turned back to Nantian Yu. "Almost forgot to tell you. My father has already spoken with Uncle Nantian. Expect news soon."
He flashed a smile before leaving after finishing his sentence.
Nantian Yu's face darkened upon hearing this.
Yun Lintian watched her, noticing her hands clenched into trembling fists. It wasn't difficult to understand the situation. Jin Yang's father must have discussed a marriage with Nantian Yu's father.
Nantian Yu snatched the wine cup and downed it in one gulp to steady her nerves.
Yun Lintian remained silent, silently refilling her cup.
"You must be secretly gloating at me," Nantian Yu spoke, taking another swig of wine.
Yun Lintian shook his head. "Not gloating, but understanding. We can't control everything. There will always be situations beyond our power."
Nantian Yu sighed and gently touched the phoenix jade. "If only my mother were still here..."
"Let's drink," Yun Lintian offered, raising his cup.
Nantian Yu didn't respond but clinked her cup against his before draining it again.
The meal continued, but Nantian Yu barely touched the food. She focused solely on drinking, her face reddening progressively as her head drooped.
Yun Lintian watched her with concern. "You should stop drinking."
It was evident that Nantian Yu wasn't attempting to metabolize the alcohol.
"Leave me be," Nantian Yu mumbled, waving her hand dismissively before reaching for another drink.
Yun Lintian sighed and grasped her wrist, gently using his power to restrain her.
"We should head back," he said, guiding her out of the restaurant.
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