The banquet hall of the Tang Estate was a masterpiece of refined opulence. Warm glow-stones embedded in the ceiling cast a soft, amber light over a long table carved from ancient spirit-oak. The air was a heavy, intoxicating blend of aged wine and the steam of spiritual delicacies, designed not just for taste, but to fortify the meridians of high-level cultivators.
As they took their seats, the hierarchy was clear to the public eye, yet skewed to the initiated. Mei Yilan sat at the head, with Meng Yan in the seat of honor to her right. Shen Yu sat opposite Meng Yan, and Lixue sat beside him, her presence poised and watchful.
"I took the liberty of requesting dishes that balance the 'Yin' and 'Yang' energies," Yilan said with a graceful smile, gesturing to the spread. "After the stress of managing the city's trade, one must nourish the spirit."
