Royal City, Si Family Residence.
As the daughter of a martial arts Family in the Royal City, Si Miaoyin's coming-of-age ceremony was naturally very grand.
The entire Si Residence was decorated with lanterns and streamers, with countless maids, old women, servants, and attendants busy inside the mansion.
Invitations had long been sent out, and countless Family forces friendly with the Si Family arrived early at the Si Family Mansion to show their support.
They presented gifts, offered congratulations, and took their seats.
As the head of the Family, Si Bingwen was chatting happily with the leaders of various forces.
Lady Si also had her own circle of sisters; they were all very happy to have a rare reason to gather together.
"I didn't expect that the little girl who used to babble and follow behind you has now reached adulthood and become a young woman!"
"Miaoyin is really good-looking, even more beautiful than you were back then~"
"I wonder how many talented young men will be so enchanted by Miaoyin this time that they'll lose their appetite!"
Listening to her sisters' conversation, Lady Si had a smile on her face, but she sighed inwardly.
Her daughter's heart had likely long been given away, but the object of her affection didn't seem very interested in her.
If it were anyone else, she would feel dismissive, but if it were Li Xuanxiao...
The youngest Origin Realm Martial Artist in Dayu!
A legendary figure who swayed the war between two nations!
The officially appointed Martial God of Dayu!
Whether in talent or appearance, he was a dragon and phoenix among men!
To be paired with her daughter, that really was...
Lady Si originally wanted to say "more than enough," but she changed her mind after thinking about it.
A match made in heaven!
She only feared they were fated to meet but not to be together, which would break her daughter's heart.
...
As time passed, almost all the forces that received invitations arrived one after another.
Just as Si Bingwen was about to proceed to the next step, a servant at the door shouted loudly,
"Grey-Clothed Group, Lord Ash Ink has come to present a gift!"
Everyone present was startled. As an organization responsible only to the royal Family, the Grey-Clothed Group was considered a mysterious and noble existence in the eyes of most.
And Ash Ink, as a newly promoted Origin Realm Martial Artist in the Grey-Clothed Group, had made a deep impression on many Martial Artists with his performance over the Royal City.
Whether it was stepping in to save his colleagues or his later impassioned speech, as Martial Artists spread the word, Ash Ink's image became towering.
In the eyes of many, Ash Ink was the quintessential representative of the Grey-Clothed Group and one of the Peak Martial Artists of Dayu's combat power!
Such a figure actually came to support the Si Family?
No matter how strong the Si Family was, the level they could reach was only at the Mystic Realm.
If the protagonist this time were Si Bingwen, it would be somewhat understandable.
But the protagonist this time was just the coming-of-age ceremony for Si Bingwen's daughter, which was very intriguing.
It was like a daughter celebrating her eighteenth birthday, and big shots from other departments of the company personally came to congratulate her.
But before Si Bingwen and the many guests could figure it out.
The servant's shout came again: "Royal Court Martial Academy, Lord Ming Yanxia has come to present a gift!"
A stir went through the crowd!
The entire venue was in an uproar!
If Ash Ink was considered half a royal member, then Ming Yanxia was even more of a heavyweight!
He was already completely a member of the royal Family!
As a teacher to countless royal descendants, Ming Yanxia's status was higher than that of ordinary princes and nobles!
Furthermore, Ming Yanxia's Realm was even stronger than that of the previous Ash Ink!
He was a big shot at the true ceiling level of Dayu!
He was someone even the King of Da Yu dared not treat lightly!
Many present didn't even have the qualification to meet such a big shot, yet they never expected to see him at the coming-of-age ceremony of the Si Family's daughter.
"I heard this Sword Master Ming is a big figure at the third layer of the Origin Realm, the true number one person in Dayu!"
"I didn't expect such a person would come to congratulate the Si Family's daughter on her adulthood..."
"When did the Si Family have such great influence?"
"Family Head Si is truly hiding his light under a bushel..."
The hearts of many force leaders who came to congratulate were in turmoil.
Beside Si Bingwen, several force leaders who were familiar with him were equally shocked, and they couldn't help but look at him.
"Family Head Si, you've hidden it so well..."
"Brother Bingwen, our two families are old friends, right? We should interact more in the future!"
"Brother Bingwen, I was too presumptuous in our previous business dealings. When we sit down later, I'll punish myself with three cups first to express my apologies!"
"Family Head Si..."
Si Bingwen was very dazed; he was understanding the development of events less and less.
His daughter's coming-of-age ceremony, and the company president personally comes to congratulate her?
What the hell is going on?
Why are all these big-shot figures coming to my house?
While he was wondering, the servant welcomed another special guest.
"Amitabha. This Old Monk is Fan Lu, the humble Abbot of Fanyin Temple. I happened to be passing by and wanted to come in to share in the joy. I wonder if it is convenient for Family Head Si?"
Everyone was dazed. Why was even a monk joining the fun?
However...
Fanyin Temple?
Holy crap, that's the largest temple in Dayu!
Most of the monks inside are accomplished High Monks, let alone the Abbot?
A group of people looked shocked; this monk was undoubtedly another Origin Realm expert!
After these waves of shocks, Si Bingwen's brain was fried.
At this moment, he just wanted to find a place with no one around and shout out that one word:
"Huh?"
Unfortunately, he couldn't; after all, he was the host and had to keep up appearances.
"I have long heard of Abbot Fan Lu's great name. It is a great honor for this Si to have the Great Master visit my Si Residence! Please!"
Ash Ink, Ming Yanxia, and Fan Lu were personally welcomed into the Si Residence by Si Bingwen.
As Origin Realm Martial Artist, the three of them naturally formed a circle.
Seeing Ming Yanxia, Ash Ink couldn't help but ask, "Wait, what is a guy like you doing at the Si Residence?"
Ming Yanxia glanced at him: "None of your business."
The two had been friends for many years, so they didn't stand on ceremony and spoke freely.
Having been rebuffed by Ming Yanxia, Ash Ink turned his attention to Fan Lu.
"This bal— *cough, cough*... Great Master, why have you come to the Si Residence?"
Fan Lu had a smile like a spring breeze: "This Old Monk was just passing by and felt a connection with the Si Residence, so I came in to share in the joy."
Ash Ink raised an eyebrow: "Now, now! Monks don't tell lies! Breaking the precepts will lead to being forsaken by the Buddha!"
Abbot Fan Lu smiled but said nothing, offering no response.
Ash Ink couldn't hold it in: "Do you also know that Li Xuanxiao is staying at the Si Residence?"
Ming Yanxia feigned shock: "Ah!? Such a thing exists?"
Fan Lu said "Amitabha! It seems This Old Monk doesn't have a connection with the Si Residence, but with Benefactor Li."
Ash Ink was speechless; those two old guys were pretending to be as pure as snow, while only he was honest and open.
Li Xuanxiao finally flew back to the Royal City. He glanced at the Si Family Mansion, and it was indeed set up for a grand banquet.
I hope I'm not late...
Quickly landing in front of the Si Family Mansion, Li Xuanxiao didn't think much and stepped directly inside.
The servant was very conflicted. Lord Li had been living in the Si Residence, and now he was returning from business.
Should he be treated as a guest or as one of their own?
If treated as a guest, how should he be addressed?
After thinking about it, the servant felt that the proper respect should still be given.
Lord Li's reputation was so resounding that calling it out would also bring honor to his master.
So he shouted loudly once more: "The Martial God of Dayu, Lord Li Xuanxiao has come to present a gift—"