Chapter 70 : Taking the Stage

Chapter 70: Taking the Stage

Year 387 of the Great Yu Calendar, September 12.

The high-hanging sun cast its radiance through thin clouds.

The entire Qin Residence seemed to glow with layers of golden light—glazed golden tiles layered like mountain ridges, and gilded pillars carved with dragons, all reflecting brilliantly.

Within the residence, pavilions, towers, corridors, bridges, and waterside halls were all adorned with red silk lanterns. Bright red longevity characters were affixed to the jade walls of the main hall.

The entire Qin Residence was filled with festivity.

A red carpet stretched from the main gate all the way to the shores of Mingxin Lake.

Maidservants and attendants moved about like flowing streams, carrying fruits, delicacies, wine, and pastries.

Mingxin Lake was not large, its waters clear and gently flowing, shaped like the yin-yang of sun and moon, divided by a wide, arc-shaped path covered in red carpet.

Guests had already gathered, with male and female guests seated separately on either side, divided by yin and yang.

Some spoke loudly, some sipped quietly, some whispered in hushed tones.

Laughter, the crisp clinking of cups, mingled with the fragrance of cosmetics, food, and wine.

“I didn’t expect even the Sword Saint of Cangshan to attend—Old Master Qin truly has great face!”

“Indeed! This Sword Saint guards the Great Azure Mountain—even His Majesty has commended him!”

“Don’t you know? The Sword Saint has already become a Profound Realm Grandmaster. Later, even His Majesty may issue a decree of congratulations.”

“Could it be that aura from a few days ago?”

“Exactly. It’s said he broke through at the Mingyu Martial Hall and became a Grandmaster.”

Amid the discussions, countless gazes turned toward the high platform at the eastern center of the lake.

Old Master Qin, though aged, was full of vigor, chatting and laughing with the Sword Saint of Cangshan beside him.

That was the main seat—the centerpiece of today’s banquet—yet now he sat side by side with the Sword Saint.

Below them sat the elders of the Zhou and Jiang families, along with the Commander of the Demon Suppression Division and several martial hall masters, all raising their cups with smiles.

“It’s about time—let’s begin.”

Seeing that the guests were all present, Old Master Qin spoke softly.

At a birthday banquet, it was naturally the younger generation who offered congratulations—according to status and rank, they would take turns stepping onto the stage, either presenting gifts or performing, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

A servant pouring wine stepped onto the central platform and announced loudly:

“Please welcome Miss Li of the Li Family, Li Yunqing, to the stage to offer birthday congratulations.”

The moment these words were spoken, the entire Mingxin Lake fell into silence.

An instant later, discussions erupted.

“What’s going on? Weren’t the Jiang and Zhou families always first in previous years?”

“Why is it the Li Family this time?”

“The Li Family is just a small family—how could they be first?”

“Is there some mistake?”

Everyone looked on in confusion.

The order of taking the stage represented status.

In Qingzhou City, aside from the Qin Family itself, the Jiang and Zhou families were naturally the most prestigious.

Being first was both a symbol of status and the best opportunity to shine.

Whispers rose one after another.

Only those who knew the inside story remained silent, their eyes fixed ahead with anticipation.

In a courtyard across Mingxin Lake, Li Yunqing blinked, then suddenly understood.

This was likely giving face to the Sword Saint.

Her act of healing him—given his status, he would not openly mention it.

But that did not stop the elders from inquiring with Hall Master Liu.

Clearly, they had learned the truth, which was why she was arranged to go first.

“So they all know about me treating the Sword Saint.”

She did not dwell on it—first place was something she could bear.

Holding her zither, she rose and walked out of the courtyard.

Her expression remained as gentle and calm as ever, her steps unhurried as she approached Mingxin Lake.

The moment she appeared before the crowd, the previously lively lake fell silent.

Almost instantly, all eyes were drawn to her.

The atmosphere became so still that even a pin drop could be heard.

Only after she stepped onto the red-carpeted platform did the crowd come back to their senses.

“So she’s Miss Li? How can she be this beautiful?”

“The number one beauty of Qingzhou—truly well-deserved!”

“If she had become famous earlier, the so-called twin beauties of Qingzhou would have to step aside!”

Whispers spread.

Countless gazes fixed upon her, many unable to look away.

Her hair was gathered behind her head like drifting clouds, naturally falling down her back and swaying with the wind.

A white jade hairpin adorned with carvings rested at her bun, with tassels of golden bells and eastern pearls that swayed and chimed with every step.

Her smooth jade-like forehead was half-covered by loose strands of hair, while wisps at her temples danced along her cheeks like playful spirits, accentuating her delicate beauty.

“So beautiful… a beauty with an ethereal aura!”

Among the female guests, many murmured unconsciously, their eyes filled with admiration and self-consciousness.

Though she wore no extravagant jewels—only a simple cloud-like hairstyle, a jade hairpin, and a few pearl tassels—

She outshone all their ornate adornments.

Her exquisite face, even without makeup, could intoxicate the entire gathering.

On the other side, the male guests remained silent, their breathing softening as all attention lingered on her.

A moon-white embroidered chest wrap paired with a light golden gradient long skirt, cinched at the waist with a pale green sash.

In that instant, her full chest, rounded hips, and slender waist formed perfect curves before everyone’s eyes.

Alluring, enchanting, delicate—impossible to look away from.

Most captivating was the light golden gauze outer garment with wide sleeves, softly covering her shoulders and arms.

Though not revealing, under the sunlight, her jade-like skin faintly appeared through the fabric.

It gave a sense of concealment and allure—refusing yet inviting.

“Gulp…”

Many swallowed unconsciously, their throats moving as their fingers tightened around their cups, producing faint creaking sounds.

“The ancestor said—as long as I win her heart, he’ll shamelessly help propose marriage and annul her engagement with the Jiang Family!”

Qin Yu muttered, his eyes fixed.

If he could marry such a woman, it would not only benefit the Qin Family—it would fulfill his deepest desire.

No—most of the men here could not resist such a woman.

“So beautiful… I must complete the ancestor’s instructions. I must have her!”

Among the crowd, Zhou Ke clenched his cup, his fingers turning pale, his eyes blazing.

Such a woman—especially with that ethereal temperament—

Made one want to drag her into the mortal world, tear apart her clothes, and—

“Marry her. I must marry her as soon as possible!”

“I’ll discuss it with Father and Grandfather—this marriage must happen soon!”

Jiang Yu held his cup, his gaze unwavering, filled with the urge to marry immediately.

Especially when he felt the heated gazes around him.

He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and hide her away from others.

In contrast, among the crowd, Lu Xingzhou remained calm and silent, his eyes resting on Li Yunqing—pure, gentle, without impurity.

“Gentle, tranquil, ethereal… yet with such an alluring figure.”

“Why had we never heard of such a beauty in the Li Family before?”

“Why?”

Many male guests showed regret and unwillingness.

If she had not already been engaged to the Jiang Family, they would have lined up daily to propose marriage.

“Next time, I can’t let Xiaolan dress me up like this…”

Feeling the heated gazes, Li Yunqing remained composed, though her thoughts stirred.

This outfit was neither revealing nor flamboyant—indeed, it was quite elegant.

But it accentuated her figure too much.

She could even feel the tightness around her chest, waist, and hips.

With such a figure, this attire carried a hint of enchanting allure.

If she had known earlier that her treatment of the Sword Saint would become known, she would have dressed more casually—even at the cost of etiquette.

No one would have dared criticize her or target the Li Family.

Holding her zither, she stepped to the center of the platform, slightly bowed, and spoke:

“Li Yunqing of the Li Family offers birthday congratulations to Old Master Qin.”