Chapter 54 - Chapter 53

The various families of Glory City have been paying attention to every move in the City Lord's Mansion. When they received an invitation to join the dinner for welcoming Ye Han, they sent people over.

"Have you heard? Young Master of the City Lord's Mansion is back. The City Lord is going to host a dinner to welcome his return."

"I heard that his cultivation has already reached 3-star Gold rank in just two years of time!"

"3-star Gold rank? That's really extraordinary! With such cultivating speed, he's already the number one genius within the Glory City, right?"

"Number one genius? That might not be the case. Recently, a new genuis from Winged Dragon Family has emerged. She is only 14 and already a silver rank demon spiritualist, even Ye Han was only at bronze rank at her age. Not to mention she went to Heavenly Sacred Border and returned back, everyone who ever returned from there are extraordinary character."

"Woah! I heard this year few other exceptional talent has also emerged from smaller aristocratic families."

"Yeah, even a commoner named Du Ze. He is already a 5-star bronze rank demon spiritualist."

"A new age is coming. I heard the student who become library clerk last year is also quite talented."

"I wouldn't say that, he's just a fake talent. He gained favor from lot of seniors and probably using lots of elixir and resources to catch up to other real genuises."

"Even still, nobody gave him anything for free. He earn those though his own talent in research. Why don't you translate a few forgotten texts, I am sure those seniors would favour you as well."

"...."

___

The City Lord's Mansion stood resplendent beneath the glow of the twin moons, its grand halls illuminated by hanging lanterns that shimmered like suspended stars. The air was rich with the scent of exotic dishes and aged spirit wine, mingling with the murmurs of nobles and powerful figures gathered to celebrate Ye Han's return.

For the City Lord's invitation, various families have sent their representatives over. As for the Sacred Family, the Patriarch didn't attended personally because of the recent tragedy of losing both sons,but he sent a representative. As for Alchemist Association, Yang Xin has been sent as a representative. Huyan family head, Huyan Xiong right hand man of City Lord also personally attended to celebrate Ye Han return.

Ye Han is smart and handsome looking young man walked. He's wearing a white robe, his body looked like a jade tree. His facial features were almost as though they had been sculptured, he had a sharp and clear cut handsome face. He has a tall pointed nose, medium thick lips, black hair and clear eyes.

Ye Han is the adopted son of Ye Zong, the next possible successor of the City Lord. He has always been the attention of Glory City. When he reached thirteen years old, various families sent people over to request marriage, but were all rejected by Ye Han with an excuse of cultivating..

Ye Han also did not let down everyone's expectations of him. He reached 1-star Gold rank Demon Spiritualist at eighteen years old, becoming the genius that has the most potential after Ye Mo. Thereafter, he followed an elder of the Snow Wind family to train outside for 2 years. He has already reached 3-star Gold rank at the age of twenty.

City Lord's Mansion, Reception Hall, Banquet.

Ye Zong and the higher ups of various major and noble families were in the upper hall talking in low voices. The youngsters were in the middle of the hall chit chatting. Young masters and young ladies from various families arrived, amounting to a total of fifty to sixty people.

Among the youngsters, Ye Han was undoubtedly the one with the most attention focused on, being surrounded by a crowd.

Chen Linjian had both of his arms on his chest, looking at Ye Han, he said, "Ye Han, long time no see!"

Although he's a little younger than Ye Han, he's the only one here whose manner wasn't any weaker than Ye Han's.

"Indeed, it has been two years!" Ye Han politely smiled back.

"In these two years, you have raised from 1-star gold rank to 3-star Gold rank. It's really extraordinary!" Hong Wei flattered by the side.

"Young Master Hong is very flattering."

Although he's surrounded by a crowd of people, Ye Han still kept his calm and indifferent appearance. His gaze swept around the crowd, seeming to be searching for something. The calm and cool him caught the attention of the surrounding ladies' eyes.

It's indeed true that Ye Han is the ideal companion to the hearts of these young ladies. Due to the fact that Ye Han has yet to marry, some of the ladies have refused to be married to the point that they are getting a little old.

The banquet hall was lively with low tone music and chatter, a few noble heirs gathered around a lavishly decorated table, their conversation shifting toward the most talked-about figure in Glory City—Xiao Ning'er.

Hong Wei, Young master of Hong family said, "I must say, Xiao Ning'er has truly bloomed. With Shen Fei dead, she's free of that miserable engagement. Now, every young master in Glory City wants her attention. I wouldn't mind pursuing her myself."

Huyan Ming, nephew of Huyan Xiong snorted, "You? With what backing? The Huyan Family might not be as strong as the Snow Wind or Sacred Family once was, but at least we know how to court a lady with status. Besides, Xiao Ning'er isn't just any noble girl—she's the strongest genius of our generation. If you think she'll be impressed by empty words and wine, you're sorely mistaken."

Chen Linjian, heir to the Divine Family swirled his wine cup, he smirked leaning back in his chair, "She's impressive, no doubt. Not just her cultivation, but her decisiveness. Even before Shen Fei death, she adamantly worked to break free from her family's control, rejecting those who underestimated her—she's not someone who will settle for just any noble heir."

Ye Han listened patiently, not offering anything to this conversation. Although Xiao Ning'er is impressive but the key to his success stays with Ye Ziyun.

"Speaking of emerging talents, that boy Nie Li is quite good too. I heard he would be attending today. Lord Ye Xiu is very enthusiastic about him. What do you think about him brother Ye?"

"Nie Li?" Ye Han was slightly puzzled. It's the first time that he has heard of this name. Ever since his return, he has only met with Ye Zong and didn't hear Ye Zong mentioning Nie Li.

A youngster gently whispered against Ye Han's ears, "Big brother Ye Han, Nie Li is the recently emerged talent of Glory City. Despite his young age he has extraordinary scholary talent, and also quite talented alchemist. Although he's a bit eccentric and antisocial, a lot of teachers and seniors favor him."

Ye Han roughly understood what kind of person this Nie Li is.

"Oh?" Ye Han said, lightly smiling. In his mind, Nie Li was a small character with little cultivation talent. Ye Han stopped caring about him but Xiao Ninger surprises him, even his own sister is only a 4-star bronze rank demon spiritualist right now despite the top resources and best guidance from accomplished experts.

The celebration continues and after a while, Nie Li walked through the entrance, his midnight-blue robe adorned with silver celestial embroidery, exuding an air of effortless refinement. His ocean-blue eyes flickered with intelligence as he surveyed the crowd.

Despite his young age, his reputation as a scholar and alchemist had secured him a place among Glory City's influential figures.

Even those who dismissed his cultivation talent could not deny his growing authority.

The hall was filled with the city's elite—clan leaders, high-ranking nobles, and respected scholars. At the centre of this all was City Lord's son Ye Han—the supposed star of the evening.

His presence was meant to solidify his standing, but the weight of recent events hung heavy.

Shen Fei and Shen Yue were dead, their once-arrogant lineage now silenced. Their demise had sent shockwaves through the noble circles, shifting the balance of power and also the fear of the unknown.

"Nie Li, you finally arrived," a familiar voice called. Fuan Bei, dressed in a simple yet elegant robe, raised his cup in greeting. Fuan was a close attendant of Yang Xin, he has met Nie Li a few times.

Recently Director Yang Xin, thanks to the sale of spirit tea has gained lot of attention and power in Alchemy Association. She is also the one of the few with good relations with Nie Li, the emerging Alchemy talent.

Nie Li nodded, offering a small smile as he took his seat. Conversations buzzed around him, many nobles tried to befriend him.

On the surface, despite being only a Bronze Rank Spiritualist, he possess great knowledge in runes, artifacts, and history that had earned him the respect from elders and peers alike.

*....Ahem!*

Ye Zong stood, and the room fell silent. His deep voice resonated through the hall.

"Tonight, we celebrate the return of my son, Ye Han. He has grown stronger, more experienced, and will continue to support Glory City in the trials to come."

The guests clapped, but the applause lacked the enthusiasm Ye Zong had likely hoped for. The recent power shifts, coupled with rumors surrounding Ye Han's ambitions, made many hesitant to show unwavering support.

Nie Li watched Ye Han's expression carefully. He had expected this banquet to be more than just a simple celebration—it was a political move. But did Ye Han truly return to serve Glory City, or did he have other intentions?

As the celebration continued, soon Xiao Ning'er also arrived with a few girls. She was dressed in a flowing golden dress embroidered with phoenix patterns, stood among the younger generation, her presence radiant.

As a newly advanced Silver Rank Demon Spiritualist, she was now considered the most talented youth of her time and also centre of attention.