Chapter 328: Member Of A Prince-Rank Family
"Who is he?"
"I don’t recognize him. I’ve never seen him on Southmoon Island."
“Does anyone know who he is?” The hundreds of cultivators gathered at the open-air banquet hall on the water discussed in soft murmurs.
No one could identify Wu Yuan.
"Li Xia.” Zhuo Haiyue spoke quietly from the host seat. No one other than Wu Yuan could hear her voice. "Southmoon Island is teeming with Amethyst Cradle cultivators."
Wu Yuan acknowledged her words with a slight nod.
The opulence of the banquet hall was not lost on him, but the pressure exerted by the attendees did not cause his soul much discomfort. Though he was a first-stage Golden Core cultivator, his soul strength matched, if not surpassed, that of the average Amethyst Cradle cultivator.
The gazes of this crowd paled in comparison to Zhuo Haiyue’s. Whether in terms of status or combat strength, Zhuo Haiyue was certainly the most powerful individual at the gathering.
These Amethyst Cradle cultivators are certainly stronger than those of Fengchuan City who struggle to break through even after centuries, but they are far inferior to Zhuo Haiyue. Wu Yuan reflected.
The more he observed, the more he marveled at Zhuo Haiyue's power. She was a true peerless genius.
"Of course, each one of these cultivators hails from an influential background, whether it be a core disciple of a large sect, or direct descendent of a powerful lineage" Zhuo Haiyue explained, "Ordinary Void Refiner cultivators would hesitate to cause trouble for any one of them."
Wu Yuan understood now.
In summary, those who could gain entry to Southmoon Island either had significant backing or formidable personal strength.
“But being a friend of mine is the greatest background one can have. I am your backer," Zhuo Haiyue said with a slight smile, "You need not fear them."
Wu Yuan was rendered speechless by her words.
Friend? Background? Wu Yuan had to admit that Zhuo Haiyue talked big, but she had the strength to back it up.
"I have brought you here to acquaint you with this elite circle," Zhuo Haiyue continued, "Those gathered here come from various sects and factions. If you make a name for yourself here, word of your performance will swiftly reach the ears of the inspection halls of the large sects."
Wu Yuan gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
The large sects on the immortal continent were all mighty forces in their own right, each with their own systems and special intelligence personnel collecting all manner of intelligence from far and wide.
One earned their reputation through the recognition of others, not through self-proclamations.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Zhuo Haiyue's melodic but cold voice rang out clearly, echoing through the aquatic banquet hall. A hush fell over the hall as all eyes turned to her.
"The person next to me is called Li Xia," Zhuo Haiyue gestured toward Wu Yuan with a hint of indifference. "He is a friend that I, Zhuo Haiyue, acknowledge. I ask that you treat him kindly during his future visits to Southmoon Island."
The impact of her words was immediate, like a boulder throwing the surface of a tranquil pond in disarray. The hall erupted into whispers and gasps of surprise.
"A friend that Her Highness Haiyue personally acknowledges?"
"Heavens!"
Wu Yuan could sense the shift in attitude towards him. He instantly understood that being labeled 'Zhuo Haiyue's friend' carried no ordinary weight and significance.
Moreover, Wu Yuan understood that Zhuo Haiyue's words were a sincere vouch for him, and she was treating him as a true friend.
Zhuo Haiyue merely chuckled, offering no further commentary.
Just as the festivities were gaining momentum, a thunderous boom echoed through the sky, heralding the arrival of a golden chariot soaring overhead.
Pulled by four golden jiaolongs, the chariot exuded an undeniable aura of distinction. At one glance, it was evident that the newcomer held a special status.
"His Highness Sixing has arrived.”
"He’s also here?"
"He must be here for Her Highness Haiyue. His Highness seldom visits Southmoon Island on normal days." Excitement rippled through the banquet hall as whispers spread.
Several female cultivators couldn't help but show a hint of adoration.
His Highness? Wu Yuan felt he was beginning to grasp the extraordinary significance of such a title on the immortal continent.
Simultaneously, he noticed a change in Zhuo Haiyue's countenance, her once-pleasant expression morphing into one of cold detachment.
"The newcomer, known as Gu Sixing, is a member of the Gu Family, one of the four prince-rank families on the immortal continent. Among the younger generation of the Gu family, he ranks within the top three," Zhuo Haiyue's voice echoed in Wu Yuan's mind.
Wu Yuan was inwardly startled. Indeed, when one joined different circles, the type of people one met was also different. While spending the past few months exploring the Redmoon Immortal Realm, Wu Yuan had primarily interacted with Amethyst Cradle cultivators. Yet upon arriving at Southmoon Island, he found himself surrounded by elite disciples from large factions.
The chariot descended and disappeared from sight. Stepping out onto the air was a man clad in gleaming golden armor, his face chiseled like a work of art, and his eyes unwavering like that of a war deity. It was his boots, however, that drew the most attention.
Each stride he took in the air sent shivers through the hearts of the onlookers, as if he stepped on their very hearts.
Wu Yuan found himself secretly shaken by this display. After all, this was the Redmoon Immortal Realm!
Gu Sixing was undoubtedly a super powerhouse in reality.
Even if he were only at the Amethyst Cradle realm, Gu Sixing would be one of the top figures in that cultivation phase.
"Haha, Haiyue, what a pleasant surprise to see you here," Gu Sixing greeted with a smile. "Back then in the Silvermist Immortal Realm, I invited you to join me in the mundane world trial as my Mortal Daoist Companion. Alas, you declined, leaving me heartbroken for quite some time."
Silvermist Immortal Realm? Wu Yuan had never heard of it. But he was familiar with the term ‘Mortal Daoist Companion’. It was a trial that allowed one to temper their heart by temporarily blocking their memories and allowing one to experience different lives of mortals in the voidrealm, including growing up, marriage, having children, and aging.
It was likely that this Gu Sixing had a romantic interest in Zhuo Haiyue.
He dares to court Zhuo Haiyue? Wu Yuan inwardly shook his head, wholeheartedly admiring the man's guts.
"Gu Sixing, if your Dao Heart is fragile, go ahead and undergo more mundane world trials to strengthen it by yourself. Don’t involve me," Zhuo Haiyue stated coolly, her words creating a noticeable rift between them. She was obviously not interested in reciprocating his advances.
“Haha,” Gu Sixing appeared not to mind, shifting his attention to Wu Yuan.
"Haiyue, I have heard rumors about your new friend, Li Xia. But based on my information, it seems he is not affiliated with the Li Family of the Hunjiu Immortal Continent. You are still young, I hope you don’t get misled by others," Gu Sixing warned nonchalantly.
His words instantly sparked a commotion among the gathering. The hundreds of guests in the banquet hall looked at each other. They thought they had guessed Wu Yuan's identity, but now it seemed something was off.
Wu Yuan remained composed. It was clear that Gu Sixing harbored animosity towards him, a sentiment not lost on the observing crowd. Yet, none dared to intervene in the brewing conflict between the two nobles.
Zhuo Haiyue remained seated at the head of the banquet hall, speaking calmly, "Did I ever claim that Li Xia hailed from the Hunjiu Immortal Continent? He did not make such assertions either. He is simply my friend."
Gu Sixing's gaze bore into Wu Yuan, assessing him critically. "To earn your recognition, Haiyue, is no small feat," he remarked. "But I am curious about the abilities of this Daoist Li Xia. His background or lineage? It doesn’t appear remarkable. Strength? Judging by his soul, he is lacking compared to a typical Amethyst Cradle cultivator. Could he be your new toy?"
With a dismissive shake of his head, Gu Sixing continued, "Haiyue, to amuse yourself with a lowly plaything is one thing, but why subject yourself to embarrassment by parading him around?" for new novels