Chapter 271: The Sword Sect Specially Congratulates the Saint Heir!

The Sword Sect Specially Congratulates the Saint Heir!

In the blink of an eye, the day had arrived for the Gu Family to host its banquet.

Due to the multitude of powers that had come, even many Loose Cultivators were drawn by the reputation, hoping to catch a glimpse of the unparalleled demeanor of the Northern Domain’s number one genius. As a result, there wasn’t enough room to accommodate everyone in the Inner Court.

Eventually, after consulting with the Elders, the decision was made to simply set up the banquet between the Inner Court and the path leading to the Back Mountain.

It turned out to be spacious enough to arrange seating for thousands of people.

At the entrance of the Gu Family Mansion, individuals from various powers left their congratulatory gifts, signed their names, and were then invited into the mansion, led by the Steward to the banquet site.

Elder Gu Liang was busily spinning in circles, listening to the reports from the Deacons, and couldn’t help but rub his temples: “If we’re short on tables, go and chop some wood to make some makeshift ones for now.”

“If we can’t supply enough Spiritual Wine, go and buy some from the city. If that’s still insufficient, arrange for someone to purchase more from the nearest city.”

“I really didn’t expect this many people to come.”

“Some powers here aren’t even from the Northern Domain…”

After issuing these instructions, Elder Gu Liang couldn’t help but look up and sigh.

The Young Master was indeed enjoying a grand display of prestige this time, and by extension, the Gu Family basked in the reflected glory.

Originally, it was assumed that only the many powers from the Northern Domain would be enough, and the presence of a few more Loose Cultivators wouldn’t matter.

But now, even powers from the other three territories had sent representatives to present their gifts and attend the banquet.

The reason, of course, was very simple: Young Master Gu had been accepted into the Central State Sword Sect as a Saint Heir, and this was their only opportunity to have any contact with the Saint Heir of Central State!

They couldn’t reach the Saint Heir of Central State, but the Gu Family was accessible.

Especially since Young Master Gu had been appointed as a Saint Heir before even heading to Central State, his future achievements were bound to be extraordinary!

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Establishing good relations with him could do no harm!

As noon drew near, everything was finally almost in order.

However, outside the Gu Family Mansion, there was still a relentless stream of late-coming Cultivators arriving with their gifts.

In response, Family Head Gu Zhan, with a sweeping gesture, announced that the family was out of space.

For those who continued to arrive, some tables were set up in front of the mansion to entertain the tardy Cultivators, ensuring that their efforts to attend were not wasted.

“Where is Changge?”

As the Family Head, Gu Zhan was also incredibly busy, but when he saw Gu Kuang, the Young Master’s own grandfather, surrounded by many powers’ representatives offering him drinks, he couldn’t resist approaching and asking.

The banquet was about to start, and the protagonist of the event was yet to make an appearance.

“He’s probably still asleep.”

“No matter, my grandson isn’t unreliable. When the time comes, he will show up.” Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Gu Kuang casually glanced around and replied offhandedly.

The place set up for the banquet wasn’t too far from the Young Master Palace.

In order to prevent anyone from disturbing the Young Master, the Gu Family even purposely left a few Deacons to guard the area a kilometer outside the palace.

Despite the separation of the crowd, curious onlookers couldn’t be kept from gazing toward the palace.

“That’s the grand palace where Young Master Gu typically resides… it’s truly imposing.”

“It seems to be the most luxurious building in the entire Gu Family, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed, if my Li Family could produce a genius of such extraordinary talent like Young Master Gu, we too would cherish and treat him like a family treasure!”

“Yes, alas, we’re not so fortunate!”

The discussion continued unabated outside the hall, with voices abuzz.

But inside the palace, thanks to the Isolation Array, Gu Changge was sleeping quite soundly.

“Husband, it’s about time, isn’t it?” Liu Qingqing nudged the person beside her, sounding somewhat resigned.

“Oh… Seems like it’s time to make an appearance.”

Gu Changge rubbed his eyes and slowly, somewhat reluctantly, got up.

Seeing the magnificent clothing that the Gu Family had sent over the day before, Liu Qingqing was about to assist her husband in getting dressed.

“This is a bit too flashy,” said Gu Changge, shaking his head, not used to such extravagance.

He normally wore simple, plain black robes, but today’s outfit, with its embroidered dragons and phoenixes, was resplendently gold…

“If Husband dislikes it, then don’t wear it.”

Liu Qingqing smiled gently, for in her eyes, no matter what her husband wore, he was peerless and unmatched by anyone in the world.

Why fuss over clothes?

She promptly refolded the outfit sent over the previous day and put it back, assisting her husband into his usual black robe.

Even the ostentatious Feather Crown went unworn; as usual, her husband merely bound his hair with a black cloth band.

Liu Qingqing couldn’t help but gaze at her husband, lost in thought.

The plain attire seemed perfect on her husband, appearing stunning no matter how she looked at him.

“What is it?”

Gu Changge, feeling her stare, touched his own face and looked at himself in the mirror, wondering if something was amiss.

“Nothing, I just thought Husband looked handsome, so I couldn’t help but take an extra glance or two,” said Liu Qingqing without hesitation.

“I knew it!” Gu Changge was startled at her words, only to then gaze deeply at his wife.

Liu Qingqing asked curiously, “Knew what?”

“Husband is simply longing for my body…” Gu Changge declared earnestly, with a frown.

“…”

“That said, there’s really no problem with that.”

Liu Qingqing’s expression froze, but then she glanced upward, recalling her first meeting with her husband.

Indeed, she had found him attractive, and although he couldn’t cultivate, good looks were enough.

“Ts-ts…”

Gu Changge didn’t expect his wife to actually admit it.

Suddenly, Liu Qingqing stepped closer, frowning at his mouth.

“What else have you noticed?” Gu Changge asked with a laugh, seeing her expression.

But she merely stood on tiptoe and, like a dragonfly skimming the water, pressed a kiss to his lips before pulling away.

“I’ve discovered Husband’s mouth is nice to kiss.”

After saying that, Liu Qingqing turned and began tidying the bed, her movements somewhat frantic, clearly embarrassed.

But this had left Gu Changge stupefied for a moment.

Had he been teased by his wife in reverse?

Nice!

It was only because time was approaching, otherwise he would have properly punished her to show her just how formidable he was!

Seeing her obviously guilty expression, Gu Changge decided to step out of the room first.

Inside the hall, Wang Yue and Yuan Youbai were seated at a table, clearly waiting for him.

“Had thought Lord Jun was too busy being affectionate with sister and had no plans to attend the banquet,”

Wang Yue said, leaning on the table with her chin propped on her hands, smiling through squinted eyes.

“Youbai is hungry!”

“Lord Jun, can you set up a separate table for Youbai later? Youbai can eat quite a bit!”

Yuan Youbai’s eyes sparkled—she had never attended a Human Clan banquet before.

“Don’t worry, you’ll definitely be full…”

Gu Changge rubbed her head with a resigned smile.

Before long, Liu Qingqing had also tidied up the bed and walked out of the room.

“Let’s go check out how the banquet preparations are coming along.”

Saying this, he had already started walking outside.

Liu Qingqing’s light footsteps hastened to catch up by his side, her arm linking naturally with his–a display of claiming her rights.

Normally, she didn’t vie for attention, but when it came to her husband, she had to fight for her place; otherwise, how could she let Wang Yue take the lead, staying away from her husband every day?

Seeing this, Wang Yue simply covered her mouth and giggled without any concern.

Gripping Yuan Youbai’s hand, she followed on the other side of Lord Jun.

After all, Liu Qingqing had married Lord Jun a step ahead of her, which Wang Yue understood well, thus she felt nothing was inappropriate.

As soon as the group had stepped out of the Young Master Palace,

They were immediately noticed by the several stewards waiting outside.

Two of them approached first, bowing with a salutation: “Young Master, Young Lady.”

“You’ve finally come out, the Family Head has been anxiously waiting…”

Gu Changge could only respond with an apologetic smile and follow the steward toward the banquet venue.

Before he even arrived, many people wanted to approach and familiarize themselves with him,

But they were all stopped by the Gu Family’s steward.

The venue was divided into terraced sections, with each power having its own lineage, the highest status being situated closest to the Young Master Palace.

Those seated on top each had a separate desk, a modest table placed before each participant.

Heavenly Cold Sect, Northern Domain Royal Family, and naturally the Gu Family were seated in this highest tier.

Those below them also had individual tables, but these were noticeably simpler, not because the Gu Family couldn’t prepare the same, but to emphasize status and prevent dissatisfaction.

Even further below were smaller families, minor powers, or Loose Cultivators who had come together.

In this tier, there were no individual tables but rather large round tables since there were too many people; preparing a separate table for each would overwhelm the Gu Family’s steward.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Gu Changge, arm-in-arm with his wife, walked up to the highest level, causing all Gu Family members to rise from their seats.

Even the Elders and the Family Head, Gu Zhan, involuntarily stood up as he arrived.

People from other powers had also stood up at his appearance, some even deliberately clearing about half a meter of space to avoid having their view blocked and to see the Young Master Gu.

“Sorry… overslept.”

Gu Changge first bowed to the crowd and then specifically to the approaching grand uncle, the Family Head.

“No worries, it’s fine as long as you’re here.”

Gu Zhan waved his hand off; it wasn’t a big deal, he was just really worried that this lad might be in seclusion, causing him to miss the three-day banquet.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s start the feast.”

Gu Zhan gestured for the stewards already prepared by the Gu Family to serve Spirit Fruit, various Demon Beast meats, and of course, Spiritual Wine couldn’t be missed.

Yet, the guests did not even start to eat, still focusing their attention on Gu Changge, seemingly waiting for him to speak.

“This…”

“Your Young Master is not good with words. I won’t say much, thank you all for coming.”

“To express my gratitude, a toast to all!”

Seeing no way out, Gu Changge reluctantly took the Spiritual Wine from the steward’s hand, signaled to everyone, and then downed it in one gulp.

With his current Sixth Grade Refining Void Realm mid-stage status, drinking Spiritual Wine didn’t make him drunk and wobbly as before; now, unless he deliberately didn’t suppress the effect of the alcohol, only then could he feel slightly tipsy.

Seeing Young Master Gu toast, everyone present hurriedly lifted their bowls and finished their drink in one gulp.

They would have enough to brag about for a while!

The Loose Cultivators felt this trip was extremely worthwhile!

Young Master Gu was now the Saint of the Sword Sect.

Being toasted by him, they could boast about it for a lifetime!

Even though it wasn’t a personal toast…it was enough!

With his opening, the atmosphere immediately livened, with continuous praises and compliments.

Gu Zhan further let Gu Changge sit in the clearly designated main seat.

Despite feeling uncomfortable and wanting to sit beside his grandfather, Gu Zhan would not agree to it.

Eventually, he had no choice but to reluctantly take his seat, with Liu Qingqing, and the other two also having their spots arranged by his side.

“Young Master Gu indeed looks distinguished, not only in strength and talent but in looks too, I feel somewhat ashamed of myself!”

“Isn’t that so? Just within this year, Young Master Gu has taken three Daoist Couples… oh no, should be four!”

“This man’s romantic life is unstoppable, truly envy-inducing.”

“I’ve been adrift half my life, yet haven’t even found a suitable Daoist Couple, alas…”

“Young Master Gu’s four Daoist partners are each more extraordinary than the last!”

“The Heavenly Cold Sect Saintess, the Little Princess of the Northern Domain Royal Family, the never-before-seen Dragon Clan in the Northern Domain, and even the legitimate daughter of the Dongfang Family from Central State, any one of them is an existence that others can only look up to!”

“Now, they all have been made Daoist partners by Young Master Gu of the Gu Family, how envious…”

The discussions, apart from involving Young Master Gu, naturally couldn’t leave out his four Daoist partners.

“But those previous rumors were too fake, how could it have been spread that Young Master Gu has no cultivation talent?”

“At only twenty, he has already reached the Sixth Grade Refining Void Realm, such talent is hardly found in the history of the Northern Domain, right?”

“Rumors do harm people. Why can’t people be more sincere and spread more truthful news, such as that Young Master Gu is the reincarnation of an immortal?”

“Clearly that seems very real…one can’t help but believe it!”

“Who’s to say otherwise!”

Hearing the discussions below, Gu Changge almost couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Indeed, when one’s own power was strong enough, there would be people voluntarily clear one’s name.

The real facts became rumors, and the true rumors were instead accepted by everyone.

Where was the sense in that?

“Elder Xue, Elder Jian Chen…”

Gu Changge wasn’t idle either, continuously raising his cup in gesture.

The ones he looked towards also greeted him with smiling faces, sharing a drink with him.

Before long, under the influence of the Spiritual Wine, many cultivators began to warm up.

Gu Changge also directed his gaze towards the people from the Northern Domain Royal Family.

Several princes of the Royal Family, none of them low in realm.

And a young man of extraordinary bearing, seemingly feeling his gaze, turned his head slightly to nod and smile at him.

“Is this the Crown Prince of the Northern Domain Royal Family?”

Gu Changge casually asked, and Wang Yue by his side slightly nodded.

“Young Master Gu, I’ve long admired your great name; seeing you today truly confirms your exceptional nature.”

“Little sister really is fortunate.”

Before he could take the initiative to toast, Crown Prince Wang Xing had already come forward with a cup of wine.

“Crown Prince is also of extraordinary bearing; there’s been much to attend to today, and I fear I haven’t been able to take good care of you.”

Gu Changge replied very courteously.

After the two drank, Crown Prince Wang Xing smiled lightly at his little sister and then returned to his seat.

This made Gu Changge somewhat puzzled.

By rights, the current Gu Family was the biggest obstacle for the Royal Family, yet this Crown Prince seemed to bear no hostility and even looked quite reassured when viewing him.

Strange…very strange, but he didn’t care about these things.

Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, a voice came from outside the Gu Family Mansion.

“Central State Sword Sect, special congratulations for the saint son, presenting five bottles of Heavenly Rank Elixir, ten thousand top-grade Spirit Stones, and various Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures!”

The arrival was clearly a Sage Realm Great Power.

Hearing the voice, many cultivators from the various powers present couldn’t help but look up in astonishment.

Such a Great Power was basically unseen in the Northern Domain on ordinary days!

In the Northern Domain, the strongest one could often see were only at the Eight-grade Heavenly Gate Realm.

Once reaching the Ninth Grade, they were extremely rare, either reclusive or having gone to Central State, or stationed in Duanbei City.

But now, even a Sage Realm Great Power from Central State had come to congratulate Young Master Gu!

On hearing the voice, Gu Changge also stood up immediately to meet him.

Elder Jian Chen of the Sword Sect, along with Old Blind Man, a Tributor of the Sword Sect, quickly followed.

Seeing the newcomer, Elder Jian Chen brightened up.

“Sword Sect Elder Zhao Hai, I’ve met the Changge Saint!”

Before waiting for him to speak, he quickly lowered his posture, bowed respectfully with clasped hands.

Although this saint son hadn’t yet gone to Central State, no one questioned his future achievements; at the very least, he would be like the current First Peak saint son, or even higher!

To forge a relationship with him in advance was something everyone desired.

This time, the Sword Sect sending people to make a show for the saint son’s celebration, many elders had scrambled for the opportunity.

And the reason he stood out was because he had previously handled the Tributor affairs for the Gu Family’s Ninth Grade, making him the only one besides Jian Chen and Old Blind Man who had contact with the Gu Family!

That was why he had gotten this chance!

In the eyes of those from the Northern Domain, for the Sword Sect Elder to personally visit to congratulate the Gu Family was an enormous honor.

But for these Sword Sect elders, forming a connection with Gu Changge, a saint son of limitless talent, was their greatest opportunity!

“I have seen Senior Zhao, please, Senior Zhao.”

Gu Changge was also very low-key, giving a bow with clasped hands to this Sage Realm Elder, on a level with an ancestor from his sect, and stepped aside to let him in.

Sage Zhao slightly turned sideways, not daring to directly receive the saint son’s courtesy.

As for the congratulatory gifts, they were handed over to a Deacon at the gate of the Gu Family Mansion, even included a highly valuable Space Ring.

However, Sage Zhao somehow felt that the Deacon receiving the gifts was a bit odd, as he kept trying on the Space Ring on his hand in front of him…

Was he harboring some crooked thoughts?

If there was a chance later, he might mention it to the saint son, so the saint son’s celebration gifts wouldn’t be embezzled without his awareness.

“Daoist Fellow is really lucky…”

“Speaking of which, this trip also relates to Daoist Fellow.”

“I remember, Daoist Fellow previously had a yellow second-grade Tributor Waist Card.”

“After the Sect deliberated, considering that Tributor Xue has made great contributions to the Sword Sect, they specially upgraded Daoist Fellow’s card to a black fourth-grade authority Waist Card.”

“Once Daoist Fellow returns to the Sect, they will prepare everything needed for your breakthrough to the Sage Realm, including the necessary elixirs.”

Sage Zhao gave Elder Jian Chen a slight nod in greeting. The Sword Sect’s Holy Land had many Elders, among whom most were merely acquaintances and not very familiar.

On the contrary, when he looked at Old Blind Man, Sage Zhao cheerfully clasped his hands and said,

“Many thanks, Elder…”

Old Blind Man looked at the black Waist Card handed to him and also glanced at the Young Master.

All of this was possible only because of the Young Master!

“Hehe, once Daoist Fellow breaks through to the Sage Realm, you will be able to join the ranks of the Elders directly, there’s no need for courtesy.”

“We should visit each other more often in the future; after all, we are among the first batch who followed the Saint Heir.”

Sage Zhao said this with a warm smile.

“Yes.”

“It should be so.”

Sage Jian Chen, who had been silent up until this point, couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

Old Blind Man responded with a smile and a cupped hands gesture: “Naturally, this is natural.”

Although he indeed had been an early follower of the Young Master, compared to other people from the Sword Sect, these two Elders could indeed be considered the first batch to follow the Young Master.

Their implications were clear in their conversation: they wanted to serve the Young Master.

Old Blind Man saw no reason to refuse, and Gu Changge didn’t care about such things, nor did he want to bother himself with these troublesome relationships.

If possible, it would be excellent if Senior Xue could help him manage the relationships.

“Truly worthy of being Young Master Gu…”

“Even the Sage Realm Great Powers of the Sword Sect must offer respectful greetings to him.”

“It seems that in the future, only the Gu Family will dominate the Northern Domain.”

“I wonder if the Gu Family is still accepting guests…”

Watching Young Master Gu converse easily with the Great Powers from the Central State, the many Loose Cultivators present were full of admiration.

When the Sage Realm Elder took his seat at the first level of the feast, a Gu Family’s Deacon hurriedly arranged a seat next to Sage Jian Chen.

Such a power, placed in any force within the Northern Domain, should be seated in the place of honor.

But in the Gu Family—it was not acceptable.

With the Young Master present, no one else could take the seat of honor.

It wasn’t only the Gu Family members who thought this; even if the Gu Family offered the seat of honor to him, Sage Zhao would probably bristle immediately—such an offer would be pushing him toward a dire path…

“It is truly a long journey, and this occasion is rare.”

“I am a bit late, and for this, I apologize to the Saint.”

Under the awe-struck gaze of the audience, some powers in the Northern Domain conceived the plan to offer him a toast and forge some connections.

Even Sect Master Wan Shan Taoist of the Heavenly Cold Sect was no exception, having prepared a jar of wine, considering whether he could use this opportunity to befriend the Sage Great Power from Central State.

But Sage Zhao, who had yet to sit down, took up the Spiritual Wine from the table and went straight to Young Master Gu.

He downed three jars of wine one after another.

“Senior, you are too polite—please have a seat.”

Gu Changge also accompanied him with a drink and smiled, gesturing for him to sit.

This caused all the Cultivators from the Northern Domain present to inwardly click their tongues in admiration.

The gap between people was just too vast.

The Holy Land Elder from Central State, a terrifying Ninth Grade above Great Power, whom they wanted to befriend but didn’t dare to approach rashly…

Faced with Young Master Gu, being late warranted self-punishment.

Some forces originally thought that even if one joined Central State’s Saint Child, it might not make much difference.

But now, as reality was before them, they realized how terrifying the status of the Saint Heir of the Sword Sect was.

Even those in the Sage Realm wanted to court favor with him!

Even… there was a hint of sycophancy!

“It seems that in the future, the Northern Domain will have to bear the name of Gu.”

Many forces in the Northern Domain had already foreseen the future of the Northern Domain.

“Enviable indeed…” Crown Prince Wang Xing’s gaze flickered. He had only obtained the status of a Direct Disciple of the Immortal Ascension Sect by relying on his father, but then he looked at his sister’s husband—who was more dazzling?

He even felt that if his brother-in-law merely spoke the word, securing a status as a Direct Disciple of the Sword Sect for him would be no problem at all…

This influence was far greater than his father’s.

Fortunately, he had no thoughts of opposing him. If his father continued to be deluded, his ending might not be pleasant.

Just as everyone was seated again, and Sect Master Wan Shan Taoist of the Heavenly Cold Sect was about to get up to toast and network with the two Central State Sword Sect Great Powers…

Another voice rang out from outside the Gu Family Mansion: “Central State’s Wan Hua Valley has come to present gifts to Little Friend Gu, two bottles of Heavenly Rank Elixir, three-thousand Top-grade Spirit Stones, and a number of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures!”

“Another Holy Land from Central State!?”

Everyone was stunned and somewhat numb to hear this; Young Master Gu’s influence was too considerable…

It was barely acceptable for the Sword Sect to send congratulations, as he had already been designated as the Sword Sect’s Saint.

But… why were other Holy Lands also coming to offer their congratulations?