Chapter 452 (2)

Some of the carvings contained a flowing essence that made Lu Qing nod silently in appreciation.

It was evident that the people of Cold Water Palace were highly skilled in the art of sculpture. These masterpieces showcased profound artistic achievement, crafted by a true master.

“Is the High Sovereign interested in the art of carving?”

A cool voice interrupted his thoughts as the Palace Mistress of Cold Water Palace emerged from the rear of the hall.

Lu Qing turned, and his eyes brightened slightly.

The Palace Mistress had changed into a light green gown, complementing her cold and refined demeanor with an added touch of charm. Even her aura had stabilized, likely due to some spiritual medicine she had taken. The faint trace of vulnerability from her injuries made her appear even more endearing.

Lu Qing merely admired her briefly before withdrawing his gaze, remarking, “These carvings have an air of profundity about them. They must have been crafted by a true master of the arts—remarkable work.”

The Palace Mistress observed his clear and steady eyes, realizing that her careful attire had failed to stir even the slightest ripple in his composure.

She was not surprised.

A cultivator like Lu Qing, whose cultivation had reached an unfathomable realm, would have an unshakable Dao heart. Such a person would never falter for mere physical beauty.

She smiled warmly and said, “To receive such praise from the High Sovereign would certainly gladden Elder Shi’s heart.”

“Elder Shi must be the master who crafted these works—truly extraordinary,” Lu Qing replied sincerely. He had great respect for those with genuine skill.

“I will relay your words to Elder Shi in their entirety. Unfortunately, Elder Shi has recently entered a life-or-death seclusion and cannot personally hear your compliments,” she explained.

“Big Sister, you’re so pretty!”

At that moment, Xiao Yan’s voice broke in.

The Palace Mistress paused, lowering her head to see the little girl gazing up at her with sparkling eyes.

She smiled and replied, “Little one, you’re very pretty too.”

“Big Sister, my name is Xiao Yan. What’s your name?” Xiao Yan asked.

Knowing that Xiao Yan was Lu Qing’s younger sister, the Palace Mistress responded with respect and gentleness. “My surname is Han, and my name is Lingshuang. You can call me Big Sister Lingshuang.”

“Big Sister Lingshuang!” the little girl called out happily.

Lu Qing observed the pair’s cheerful conversation, with Xiao Yan quickly addressing her as “Big Sister” and felt no need to interrupt. He could sense that Xiao Yan’s innate Ice Muscle and Jade Bone constitution made her feel an innate affinity for the Palace Mistress.

After chatting for a while, a maid entered the hall.

“Palace Mistress, the banquet is ready.”

“High Sovereign, Xiao Yan, please follow me.”

Lu Qing and Xiao Yan followed Han Lingshuang to a side hall, where a massive jade table laden with exquisite dishes awaited them.

The array of delicacies was dazzling, numbering at least a hundred.

“High Sovereign, Xiao Yan, please,” Han Lingshuang invited graciously.

Lu Qing did not refuse and took his seat with Xiao Yan at the table.

“High Sovereign, our palace’s resources are limited. We could only prepare these dishes in haste. Please forgive us if they do not meet your expectations,” Han Lingshuang said apologetically.

“Palace Mistress, you’re too modest. This feast is overly generous for just the two of us,” Lu Qing replied.

“Yes, Big Sister Lingshuang. We can’t possibly finish all of this,” Xiao Yan added, staring in amazement at the sumptuous spread.

Suddenly, a small head emerged from Lu Qing’s chest, its gaze fixed intently on one of the dishes.

“This is…” Han Lingshuang was taken aback.

“Please don’t be alarmed, Palace Mistress. This is our companion, Xiao Li,” Lu Qing explained.

Seeing what Xiao Li was eyeing, Lu Qing immediately understood why it had awoken. He gently took Xiao Li from his chest and placed it on his shoulder.

“Companion…”

Han Lingshuang’s heart stirred at his choice of words. Addressing it as a companion rather than a spirit pet underscored Xiao Li’s extraordinary status in Lu Qing’s eyes.

More importantly, she sensed a terrifying aura emanating faintly from Xiao Li. It was clear that this black beast was an exceptionally powerful spirit beast.

“Someone, prepare a place for the High Sovereign’s companion,” Han Lingshuang instructed her maids.

“Make it two,” Lu Qing interjected, reluctantly pulling another creature from Xiao Yan’s hood.

Since smelling the banquet’s aroma, this creature had been poking its head out continuously. If a place were only prepared for Xiao Li and not for it, it would likely sulk for days.

Another powerful spirit beast!

Han Lingshuang’s heart trembled as she laid eyes on the Five-Colored Winged Serpent. The majestic serpent exuded an overwhelming sense of danger, making it clear that it was another formidable creature.

What astonished her even more was that she had not sensed the presence of either spirit beast earlier, as if they had been completely concealed.

Lu Qing’s mysterious nature grew even more daunting in her mind. A man capable of slaying a Golden Core cultivator and toppling Xuankong Mountain alone was indeed an enigma. Even his spirit beasts were exceptionally powerful.

She quickly instructed her maids to prepare two spots for them.

The maids deftly set up the spots, tailoring them to Xiao Li and the serpent’s needs.

Once the arrangements were complete, the Five-Colored Winged Serpent eagerly climbed into its place, enlarging itself slightly to reach the table comfortably.

Xiao Li, however, refused to sit in its designated spot. Instead, it tugged on Lu Qing’s hair and gazed longingly at the dish it had eyed earlier.

Han Lingshuang noticed and gave a subtle signal to her maids. They promptly brought the dish to Lu Qing.

Xiao Li wasted no time, hopping onto the table and leisurely savoring the food.

“My apologies, Palace Mistress. Xiao Li has always been mischievous,” Lu Qing said, offering a wry smile.

“Please don’t worry. It’s our honor that Xiao Li enjoys our palace’s dishes,” Han Lingshuang replied with a smile.

“What dish is this, Palace Mistress?” Lu Qing inquired.

“This is Snow Dragon Fish. It’s a specialty of our Northern State, living in the icy depths of cold waters. It’s quite rare and especially delicious when sliced thinly and served raw,” she explained.

No wonder Xiao Li was so fixated on it. The Snow Dragon Fish was indeed extraordinary.

With Xiao Li content, Lu Qing began enjoying the feast himself. Xiao Li, after finishing its dish, lost interest in the rest and returned to Lu Qing’s chest to sleep.

The Five-Colored Winged Serpent, however, showed no such restraint. With no aversion to cold or raw foods, it ate heartily, even prompting Han Lingshuang to assign a maid to serve it.

The banquet concluded in high spirits, leaving both host and guest deeply satisfied.