When Tianyi arrived, his presence immediately drew the attention of everyone present. So great was the attention that many people forgot to pay attention to the woman beside him. Xia Yushan felt his heart skip a beat when he saw Daoyi, the years having allowed her budding beauty to bloom.
Tianyi had the appearance of a young man just shy of adulthood. His height was not too tall nor short. Despite this, when one looked at him, they felt as if they were craning their neck and looking at a mountain peak. And whenever they looked into his eyes, they felt as if they were transported into a vast cosmos and they were inconsequential figures.
Earlier, when they heard Wei Daiying mention him, at most, they thought him of a lucky fellow due to his birth. After all, even if reaching the Nascent Soul Realm at age twenty was monstrous, it did not matter if Tianyi did not have the willpower to tread his immortal path. At worst, he would be a fallen genius, unable to advance once he reached a certain point. So what if he was an immortal empress's son?
But now, they felt their previous thoughts to be laughable. Just one glance let them know that the nascent soul grandmaster wasn't simple at all. The presence they felt from Tianyi was like a giant mountain weighing down on even if he wasn't doing anything. It was as if they were facing an earth immortal elder from their sect.
As Tianyi walked over, there was an awkward silence as none of the people moved upon seeing him. The contrast with the perceived person against the real person was just that great. Many of them even gave a meaningful look at Wei Daiying.
They didn't say anything because it was not their place to interfere with another sect's matters, especially the Buzhou Immortal Sect. Plus, conflicts between sect members were common as clouds. Their sects weren't any different, but they made a mental note not to interact with Wei Daiying in the future. Just a single look between Wei Daiying and Tianyi allowed them to know which person they couldn't afford to offend.
Wei Daiying's face twitched for a single moment when he saw these looks. He gave an imperceptible glance at Xia Yushan and saw no reaction and sighed. Whatever, as a Buzhou Immortal Sect disciple, he didn't need to curry favor with anyone else. He just had to make sure his cultivation continually advanced.
"So it's Vast Heaven Young Master, I have long heard of your great name!" Daoist Moneybag said as he strode forward to break the awkward atmosphere.
Hearing this, Tianyi felt the slight smile on his face stiffen. Why did it feel like he was being called a child? "Vast Heaven Young Master isn't even my daoist title. How about you call me Brother Xi?"
Daoist Moneybag felt his eyes widen in surprise before narrowing them in appreciation. Out of all the people of the current generation that he met, Tianyi no doubt had the highest status, but Daoist Moneybag was most surprised at Tianyi's attitude.
It had to be known that he met several scions of elders who were inferior to him in status, yet they still had their nose pointed at the skies, arrogant to the extreme. Compared to them, Tianyi like the humblest man in the world. Naturally, Daoist Moneybag could still see a trace of arrogance in Tianyi's eyes, but that came from his confidence in his strength.
"Then I will offend you and call you Brother Xi. I will thicken my face and ask you to call me Brother Moneybag." Daoist Moneybag laughed as he introduced himself.
Tianyi's face stiffened when he heard Daoist Moneybag introduce himself, and his face even began to twitch before it immediately settled down. He then gestured toward Daoyi beside him and introduced her.
"So it's Sister Jiang. You don't mind me calling you that, do you? You can call me Brother Moneybag too, haha." Daoist Moneybag jovially laughed as he introduced himself to Daoyi.
Tianyi originally wanted to invite Xi Ri as well, but Xi Ri was clear that he would not fit into the group. In terms of talent, he was top-tier, but not the peak, and he had switched cultivation methods midway, so he had to catch up on that as well. In addition, he had to take care of the ever-growing business. So for a banquet like this, he had no interest or time for.
Today, Daoyi wore a blue dress woven from silk, and her sleeve appeared as if it was woven from peacock feathers with a mixture of blue and green colors. Coupled with the peacock hairpin among others and light makeup, Daoyi appeared expressively vibrant today.
In fact, it was too vibrant to the point that it was almost out of place compared to the other female cultivators.
"Haha, Sister Jiang is quite beautiful today." Daoist Moneybag said after he seated Tianyi and Daoyi to Xia Yushan's left.
Daoyi gave a slightly embarrassed smile and said. "Don't make fun of me. I'm afraid that you all will laugh at me. Originally I was from a cultivation country, so when banquets occurred, it was imperative for one to dress up. It did not occur to me that this banquet would be so different from the ones in my home country."
"Junior Sister Jiang, you don't need to downplay yourself. If you want to dress up, it is your choice. I think you're very beautiful today." Xia Yushan said as his eyes flashed an amiable smile at Daoyi.
"Junior Sister is indeed very beautiful today. Later, I will have to ask you for tips." Ji Shuye added from the side, deeply imprinting Daoyi's style into her mind.
"Of course, if Senior Sister Ji has the time, I will visit you, or you can visit me at Jade Peak at your leisure," Daoyi replied back with a smile.
"I didn't think Senior Brother Xia would also be here. Are you also attending the Demon Slaying Expedition?" Tianyi asked while Daoyi and Ji Shuye struck up a conversation.
"As the eldest senior brother, I naturally have a spot. It's no secret. After all, the name list for the participants is open to the public. If you want, you could find about which other disciple is attending to." Xia Yushan replied to Tianyi with a shallow smile.
Tianyi waved his hand flippantly. "I don't have such a great curiosity to purposely seek out the information."
"Then how about some introductions then? After all, everyone present is a participant of the Demon Slaying Expedition." Daoist Moneybags said as he began to introduce the people one by one. Naturally, he didn't introduce every single one, just the ones with enough status to be at the central group with him.
"And this..." Daoist Moneybag said as he introduced Yi Dongli.
Tianyi looked over and smiled. "Long time no see. I believe the last time we saw each other was at the Pan Kingdom. I had thought you were only from a little family that controlled the Yi Auction House; turns out you're a disciple of the Jade Cauldron Sect."
He hadn't noticed Yi Dongli's presence at the banquet. Among all the people present, especially around Daoist Moneybag, Yi Dongli was just average. As for Jiang Chunye, Tianyi discovered that her presence was really low, like Yi Dongli's shadow, not eyecatching at all unless one paid special attention. He wouldn't have noticed had it not been for Daoist Moneybag pointing toward Yi Dongli.
Yi Dongli gave a gentlemanly smile in return. "When I first saw Daoist Xi, I immediately realized that you weren't simple at all, and it turns out I was right. For us to meet back then is fate."
"I don't usually remember inconsequential people, but I remember the events of that day very clearly. Do you?" Tianyi gave him a smile full of meaning.
Yi Dongli's felt as if a fire started to burn inside at Tianyi's words. Inconsequential people, was Tianyi talking about him? But he didn't let his internal thoughts show on his face. "Naturally, I remember the events of that day."
"Of course, of course. How could you forget that the woman behind you almost killed her sister in a simple duel, my junior sister?" Tianyi's words were like a bucket of ice water pouring over Yi Dongli.
Yi Dongli felt worried. What if Tianyi pursued the matter? With Tianyi's status, even if it was bullying, he could still cause great problems for Jiang Chunye and maybe even kick her out if he was willing to pay the price. For Jiang Chunye's martial cultivation, she had to participate in the Demon Slaying Expedition. There was even a worse scenario where Tianyi directly acted and killed Jiang Chunye. Although killing a disciple of another sect, especially one invited to the Demon Slaying Expedition, was a grave crime, with Tianyi's status, his punishment wouldn't be heavy at all.
"Daoist Xi, are you sure you aren't mistaken? How could Chun'er do such a thing against her sister?" At this moment, another male voice spoke up.
Yi Dongli looked over and felt as if the fire inside of him been doused with oil. The speaker was clad in azure green robes and had leisurely waved a fan in front of his handsome face. He was Tong Lizi, a peak nascent soul grandmaster and most talented disciple in alchemy. His influence was not one wit inferior to Jade Cauldron Sect's eldest senior brother. Course Daoist Moneybag surpassed the eldest senior brother in every way, so it wasn't as illustrious as it sounded.
At the same time, he was another man interested in Jiang Chunye. Fortunately for Yi Dongli, Jiang Chunye was someone who valued relationships and wasn't seduced by Tong Lizi. But this only made Tong Lizi even more interested in Jiang Chunye.
"Mistaken?" Tianyi showed a ridiculing smile. "I don't remember unrelated things, but I clearly remember that Miss Jiang's concealed weapon would have punctured a hole in my junior sister's forehead had she not been quick enough to dodge. If you don't believe me, how about I show you my memory?"
Usually, showing memories involved invasive methods. For Tianyi to go to such length showed his intent on pursuing the manner.
"This..." Tong Lizi showed a hesitant expression. In his eyes, all the people Jiang Chunye killed or wanted to kill deserved it, but he couldn't say such words to the victim's senior brother.
"Hmpf, what a vicious woman to even want to harm her own sister. Really don't know how low Jade Cauldron Sect's standards have fallen." After hearing of Daoyi's near-death experience due to the Jade Cauldron Sect's disciple and his own displeasure at Jade Cauldron Sect's recent actions, Xia Yushan wasn't polite at all with his words.
"Tianyi, Senior Brother Xia, don't mention it anymore. After that day, I no longer consider that person sister. Don't ruin this good day just because of an unrelated person." Daoyi, who was attracted by the growing commotion, said, not even giving Jiang Chunye a glance.
Tianyi snorted, while Xia Yushan felt his brows furrow at Daoyi directly addressing Tianyi's name.
"My apologies, I let my emotion get the better of me," Tianyi said to Daoist Moneybag.
"It's fine, it's fine. Who here doesn't have some conflict with each other?" Daoist Moneybag said as he glanced at Tianyi then Daoyi. Going by the way she addressed Tianyi, their relationship shouldn't be so simple. He took another look at Daoyi's beauty, he could understand why Tianyi was angry for Daoyi's sake.
Although Daoist Moneybag directed the conversation away from the matter between Daoyi and Chunye, the people present knew of his standpoint. In the future, when Jiang Chunye tried to form connections, they would have to consider whether it was worth it to cut off their future connection with Tianyi or even offend him.
Jiang Chunye felt her eyes darken. As someone who experienced the darkness of society, she knew how essential connections were. Strength was important, but how many people could use the strength of one to beat a hundred? This act of Tianyi was like severing over half Jiang Chunye's plans.
"Hmpf, what a petty man, really shaming his status as an immortal empress's son." Jiang Chunye muttered to herself. Although she said this, she knew that she could only say such words in the shadows. If she really made a big deal out of it, the one with the losses would definitely be her. Yi Dongli might even be dragged down because of it.
On the surface, Jade Cauldron Sect was still under the Buzhou Immortal Sect. For a Jade Cauldron Sect disciple to harm a Buzhou Immortal Sect disciple was a grave crime, even if she wasn't a Jade Cauldron Disciple at the time. Furthermore, there were still many hardliner elders that leaned towards the Buzhou Immortal Sect within the Jade Cauldron Sect. Although they wouldn't lower their status to deal with Jiang Chunye, just them not favoring Jiang Chunye was enough to hinder many of her opportunities.
Tianyi smiled and greeted some acquaintances he had met before, such as Monolith Sword Sect's He Luoli and Nihility Sect's Hun Jusang, but he didn't see Leakless Sect's San Jiuling or Bright Ascension Sect's Ji Muyang.
When Daoist Moneybag reached Bing Huoyuan, Bing Huoyuan cupped his hand and smiled. "Long time no see, Vast Heaven Young Master."
Tianyi laughed, and his eyes drifted toward Bai Ningwei. Upon seeing this, Bing Huoyuan imperceptibly shifted his body in front of her.
"You and I both know that title is more of a nickname among people in the Heavenly Connection Gathering. You can call me Brother Xi just like Brother Moneybag." Tianyi said, pretending not to have seen Bing Huoyuan's little actions.
"Then I'll thicken my skin and call you Brother XI." Bing Huoyuan said.
"Right, we haven't seen each other in a few years. Have you helped Miss Bai meet her long-lost sister?" Tianyi asked.
Bing Huoyuan felt his heart skip a beat upon hearing Tianyi mention the matter. He wasn't sure Bai Ningwei would follow him or Tianyi if Tianyi decided to help her. In his years of knowing Bai Ningwei, although she didn't say anything, every action made by her expressed her desire to reunite with her sister.
A bitter taste entered his mouth before he clenched his fist and harden his eyes. Today, he was going to help Bai Ningwei meet Bai Weiwei. There was no need for Tianyi to interfere, nor would Bing Huoyuan allow a third party to interfere, whether it be Xi Tianyi or that Ji Wutong!
Bing Huoyuan was overthinking things. If Tianyi knew Bing Huoyuan's thoughts, he would directly roll his eyes. If he weren't waiting for a good show, he would distance himself as far as possible from a troublesome person like Bai Ningwei. Who knows if she would somehow ask him for help despite him only meeting her once and pushing her onto Bing Huoyuan.
Maybe Bai Ningwei would think that since Tianyi helped her once, he should continue to help her regardless of their shallow relationship. Tianyi had experienced this type of person before on Earth.
Tianyi had seen a pitiful girl and decided to help her. Just this one-time aid made her cling to him like a parasite. He tried to gently tell her not to ask him for aid anymore since he was an unrelated person in the end. Who knew the end result would be rumors of him being a heartless person?
That's why Tianyi learned his lesson and decided to distance himself from helping troublesome people like Bai Ningwei. Even if he were going to help, he would do it anonymously so that they wouldn't cling to him.
"The purpose of this meeting is to let them meet. During the Demon Slaying Expedition, they can develop their feelings." Bing Huoyuan said, giving off an aura of "I got this covered, don't worry."
Upon hearing this, Tianyi couldn't help but click his tongue. Bing Huoyuan really was willing. He could discern that Bai Ningwei's cultivation foundation was shaky, so she couldn't have been chosen for her abilities. Bing Huoyuan must have used his connections, something that Tianyi wasn't willing to do for Su Bojing.
Tianyi might have asked his mother to help Xi Ri, but since Xi Ri was capable, he didn't have to worry.
"I hope Miss Bai reunited with her long-lost sister. You are a good person, Brother Bing." Tianyi said, glee in his eyes.
Bing Huoyuan felt that Tianyi's elation was a bit strange, but he smiled and accepted it. His smile grew wider when Tianyi directed his attention away as Daoist Moneybag introduced him to the rest of the guests.
Just as Bing Huoyuan allowed his heart to settle down, a considerable commotion erupted at the banquet. Turning towards the entrance of the garden, Bing Huoyuan felt his brows furrow as he saw the man, Ji Wutong. It was as if all eyes were drawn to him. The commotion Tianyi made earlier was like a sideshow in comparison.