I wore a fake smile as I nodded, listening to the old Minister Zueli ramble on about the affairs of the Raveling Silk Prefecture, a small little plot of land tens of thousands of miles away from here that meant little to me or this Sect.
Li Yichen stood beside me, her small smile and occasional nod displaying her feigned interest in the older mans words, though her pale blue eyes were desperately fluttering around as she searched for a way out.
Nodding to the man, I coughed gently as I said "Minister Zueli, while the cloth crisis in the Raveling Silk Prefecture does sound really intriguing, I must delay your account so that Yi'er and I may complete our rounds. So, if you'll excuse us..."
Grabbing Yi'ers arm, I guided her away with a bow before sighing, looking towards the next group.
The old Minister seemed sad that we had left, returning to his table alone and sipping from his tea, looking downcast.
Ignoring the man, I smiled amiably at Governor Han and his wife, the two Void Realm Cultivators smiling back at me as we approached.
Each group we interacted with put on airs of pleasantries, all while they stared directly at me, giving Yi'er a single word or glance before ignoring her entirely.
This was no different, the Governor of Jade Pond City bowing to me as he asked about the trade deal that I helped facilitate between him and the Sect Master of Frost Cavern Saber Pavilion, the two of us exchanging details on the deal itself and how it benefited the other.
Yet again, Yi'er feigned interest in the talk, all while Governor Han's wife stole glances at her, smirking as she compared herself to the middle daughter of the Li Family.
Whether or not Yi'er noticed, I don't know, but I did know that it was beginning to get on my nerves as we continued our rounds, the thought that someone was looking down on something that belonged to me irking me to no end.
However, up until now, the talks, or lack thereof between the guests and Li Yichen remained civil and respectable; they bowed and greeted her, but they didn't attempt to curry favor with her like they did me.
Of course, as I had feared, that beautiful tranquility was shattered as a haughty noblewoman tried to 'get into my good graces'.
In other words...
"Such a strong and influential woman like yourself needs to have multiple wives, Lady Gao Chen! How else could you guarantee yourself a strong heir?! Please, do consider my Families offer!"
Staring up at me was a girl the same age as Li Yichen, her upper Ascendant cultivation Realm belying her shaky foundation, likely the result of potent resources fed to her at a young age not being tempered by discipline.
As for her words, the noblewoman simply found nothing wrong with her statement, and a few others in the crowd secretly nodded their heads, agreeing with her.
The sentiment wasn't wrong, and it was something I had considered, but for the moment...
Smiling cooly down at her, I looked at her hand that clasped mine, keeping my voice steady as I said "Respectfully, Countess Long, I just got married naught but an hour ago. I've yet to even grow accustomed to married life, and you're suggesting I take in another wife?"
The red haired Countess just nodded, her sharp serpent eyes meeting mine as she added "This is the best time to do so; you would save on costs and effort. Besides, the sooner the better. Having multiple partners would allow you to sift through multiple children and select the one best suited to be groomed as your true heir!"
Li Yichen remained silent, her pale blue eyes frigid as she stared at the tall, slim Countess Long, who simply ignored the woman she was slighting.
Seeing that, Li Yichen instead turned towards me, and those hollow blue eyes sent a shiver up my spine.
Giving the Countess a warm smile, I gently shook my head as I said "Respectfully, Countess Long, I'll take my chances for the time being. Should I... wish to expand my family, I shall do so on my own time and with my own discretion. Do enjoy the festivities..."
Bowing to the Countess, I was about to leave when I froze, her words stopping me in place.
"I'd imagine you'll be back soon then, Lady Gao Chen. After all, we both know the probability of a phoenix being born from a frail dove."
Her words were laced with venom as she stared at Li Yichen, a thinly veiled sneer on her lips.
Li Yichen simply met the woman's stare, before she glanced at me, her pale blue eyes still just as cold and empty as before.
Turning back around, I was about to speak when a flat voice filled the venue, and everyone turned to stare at the speaker.
"You would be surprised what mysteries this world is capable of, Long Xiao. Sometimes, dragons beget dragons, and sometimes a simple salamander sprouts wings and becomes a dragon. Do remind me, what begot my older sister?"
Standing at the edge of the venue was a colder version of the Matriarch, her silvery blue eyes glacial as she stared at the Countess, who shivered under her stare.
Roughly the same height as Li Yichen, the young woman who just joined us was a lithe, sharp person, the expressionless face only adding to her incredible beauty.
Long black hair was pulled up into a tight bun, and her black robes hid her slim curves.
Hanging on her waist was a simple sword, while a sack was slung over her shoulders.
"L-Li Fen..."
Gasping, Countess Long staggered back a step before hastily bowing, her eyes filed with fear as she stared at the mysterious youngest daughter of the Li Family, Li Fen.
"Sister, sorry I'm late. I was caught up inside a Dharma Inheritance."
Turning away from Countess Long, Li Fen nodded to Yi'er, who nodded back, her pale blue eyes hesitant as she stared at her younger sister.
Striding forwards, Li Fen gently clasped Yi'ers shoulder before making her way over to the Matriarch, leaving Countess Long behind in shock.
Staring cooly at the serpent blooded woman, I moved over to Yi'er and pulled her away, trying my best to ignore her cold gaze as we moved.