Chapter 24 - Trouble at the Azure Sky Banquet
Wang Li stood outside the grand banquet hall, his hands clenched into fists. Of all the duties he could've been assigned, why did it have to be this?
"Stop scowling," Mu Qingling's teasing voice came from behind him. "It's just a formal banquet. What's the worst that could happen?"
"You clearly don't know my luck," Wang Li muttered. "I'm a magnet for disaster."
"I thought you were a magnet for ex-girlfriends," Mu Qingling quipped with a grin.
Before Wang Li could respond, Lin Ruoyan appeared at his other side. "Focus," she said coolly. "The Azure Sky Sect is powerful, and they wouldn't have requested you without a reason."
Wang Li exhaled, pushing aside his unease. He followed Lin Ruoyan through the towering doors into the hall. The air buzzed with spiritual energy, and the scent of rare delicacies filled the room.
The Azure Sky delegation sat on raised platforms opposite the Jade Spirit Sect's elite. At the center of their group was a young man clad in sky-blue robes embroidered with silver clouds. His posture screamed arrogance.
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"Who's that?" Wang Li asked under his breath.
Lin Ruoyan's expression tightened. "Luo Feng—the Azure Sky Sect's rising star. Peak Core Formation Realm. Dangerous."
Wang Li's stomach knotted. "Of course, he's handsome too. Just my luck."
Mu Qingling chuckled softly. "Jealous?"
"Worried," Wang Li corrected. "Guys like him always have a chip on their shoulder."
As if sensing their gaze, Luo Feng turned toward them, his lips curling into a faint smile. "So, you're the infamous Wang Li," he drawled, his voice smooth but edged with mockery. "I expected someone... taller."
Mu Qingling snorted while Lin Ruoyan merely arched a brow.
Wang Li gave his best polite smile. "I didn't realize my height was a matter of such concern."
Luo Feng's eyes glinted. "I hear you've caused quite a stir here. Fighting talented disciples, surviving impossible odds." He leaned forward. "Tell me, how does it feel to be a toad among swans?"
The insult hung in the air. Wang Li felt his temper rise, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Better to be a toad who jumps high than a swan who never leaves the pond."
Luo Feng's smile thinned.
"Enough," an icy voice cut in.
Everyone turned to the speaker—a woman in shimmering azure robes with long black hair cascading like silk. Her beauty was otherworldly, but her expression was unreadable.
"That's Luo Qingyan," Lin Ruoyan whispered. "The Azure Sky Sect's Frost Lotus. She's their strongest genius."
Luo Feng's arrogance faded instantly as he bowed slightly. "Apologies, Sister Qingyan. I was merely greeting our hosts."
Luo Qingyan didn't spare him a glance. Her piercing gaze settled on Wang Li. "You. You're the one who survived the Bloodshade Trial?"
Wang Li felt every eye in the room focus on him. He nodded cautiously. "I am."
For a heartbeat, silence reigned.
Then, to everyone's shock, a smile curved her lips. "Interesting."
Before Wang Li could process her reaction, the Sect Master's voice rang out.
"Let the banquet begin."
Servants moved gracefully, pouring celestial wine and serving spirit beast delicacies. Wang Li tried to enjoy the feast, but tension lingered in the air.
Mu Qingling elbowed him lightly. "Relax, Wang Li. If anyone attacks, I'll protect you."
"Comforting," he said dryly.
His reprieve was short-lived. Halfway through the banquet, Luo Feng stood, lifting his cup. "In honor of our hosts, I propose a friendly exchange—our talents against yours. Surely the Jade Spirit Sect's famed disciples wouldn't shy away from a little competition?"
A ripple of excitement spread through the hall.
Wang Li groaned inwardly. Of course, this was coming.
Lin Ruoyan's eyes narrowed. "He's baiting us."
"And it's working," Wang Li muttered.
Mu Qingling stretched her arms, clearly ready for a fight. "Why not? I could use a warm-up."
The Sect Master inclined his head. "Very well. Who will accept the first challenge?"
Luo Feng's smile sharpened. "I challenge Wang Li."
Silence. Then whispers exploded across the room.
"Me?" Wang Li pointed to himself, incredulous. "Why me?"
Luo Feng's eyes gleamed. "I'm curious. I want to see if the rumors about you are true—or exaggerated."
Wang Li sighed. Of course, it had to be him.
He rose slowly, stepping onto the central platform. "Alright," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's get this over with."
Luo Feng smiled like a predator who had found prey. "You'll regret agreeing."
As the crowd leaned forward, the battle began.