After the ceremonial rites in the morning, the members of the sect left the Xuanwu Temple to prepare for the rest of the day.
The New Year celebrations of the Black Tortoise Sect largely referred to two main items – the celebratory banquet and the performances.
But in order to accommodate the sheer number of members within the sect, the celebratory banquet had to be split into sections, and would be simultaneously held in three different locations.
The upper echelons of the sect would attend the main banquet in the Core Grounds. This included the sect leader, elders, protectors, core disciples, and certain deacons.
The rest of the deacons would join the inner disciples in the Inner Grounds.
As for the outer disciples, they would have their own celebratory banquet in the Outer Grounds.
But no matter who they were, most of the disciples felt nothing but anticipation as they eagerly prepared for the start of the celebrations.
It was a rare opportunity to meet and interact with everyone else in the sect, so most disciples wanted to make sure they looked their very best.
As for the reason why, it varied from person to person.
Some treated this as a competition with their rivals, wanting to look better and more successful than the other.
Some treated this as a chance to show their capabilities to others, wanting to network and forge new ties within the sect.
There were even some who dressed up simply to appeal to those they fancied, seeing this as a golden opportunity to connect with a potential cultivation partner.
It was not uncommon whatsoever to see numerous people subtly bring along their treasures to the banquet, only to accidentally flash them at those around them.
Though at the same time that most disciples were busy trying to look their best, there was a particular group of disciples that was kept extremely busy for a completely different reason.
These were the disciples who were in charge of preparing for the three separate banquets.
Not only did they have to prepare the food, but they also had to make sure that nothing went wrong with the seating arrangements.
That was no easy feat considering the sheer number of diners that they had to satisfy today.
And apart from them, there was yet another group of disciples that did not have the luxury of time when it came to dressing themselves up – the disciples slated to perform.
Zhao Yunxiao and the rest of the Flying Shell Performance Group carefully made their way to the Core Grounds, obediently following the instructions of the deacon in charge who directed them to their assigned waiting room.
Unlike the celebratory banquets, the performances would only be held at a single location, and that was naturally the Core Grounds where the upper echelons of the sect would be seated.
This did not mean that the other two locations would have no performances to enjoy either.
In fact, those at the other two locations would be able to enjoy the exact same performances, just that it would be in the form of a special projection through the use of special arrays.
"It's so nerve wrecking!" Huang An remarked in her usual meek voice as they waited in their assigned room.
"Don't be nervous, just as we always do in practice and will be fine," Bo Fei's attempt at assuring her emerged in the form of mere broken sentences.
"Listen to yourself, Senior Martial Brother Bo. What are you even saying?" Zhao Yunxiao laughed.
"Shut up, I just tripped a little on my tongue, that's all!" Bo Fei answered in irritation.
"You better don't trip on your tongue later!" Zhao Yunxiao cautioned.
"Worry about yourself instead!" Bo Fei retorted.
"Here, take this," Gu Qiansi started handing out small leaves to everyone. "This is the leaf of a Softpetal plant. Chewing on it will help calm you down a little."
"Thank you, Senior Martial Sister Gu! I needed that!" Huang An immediately skipped over and grabbed a leaf.
"As reliable as always, Junior Martial Sister Gu. For this, I can reward you with a date anytime in the next three days," Bo Fei took one as well.
"How generous of you, but no thank you," Gu Qiansi rolled her eyes.
"Can't you make it taste better? It tastes too bitter," Zhao Yunxiao remarked while chewing on a leaf.
"Do you think this is meant for you to savour the taste?" Gu Qiansi clicked her tongue in irritation before turning to Lu Zhiying. "Are you not going to take one, Junior Martial Sister Lu?"
"Nope, I'm not feeling nervous at all. So, I don't think there's a need for it," Lu Zhiying shook her head nonchalantly.
"Is that so? All right then, just let me know if you want one later," Gu Qiansi was not too surprised at her response.
"You are amazing, Junior Martial Sister Lu!" Huang An was the one who widened her eyes at Lu Zhiying's response instead.
This might be the Flying Shell Performance Group's first time performing for the New Year celebrations, but it was not exactly their first performance in front of others. Even then, they were still feeling rather nervous.
In contrast, the first-timer Lu Zhiying was actually completely unfazed.
Huang An could not help but feel impressed.
"You are amazing indeed," Bo Fei nodded in agreement.
"What are you looking at, Senior Martial Brother Bo?" Gu Qiansi snapped. "Junior Martial Sister Huang is complimenting Junior Martial Sister Lu's guts, not her looks!"
"Why can't they both be amazing?" Bo Fei frowned. "Or are you jealous that I am not complimenting you instead? Don't worry, your body is amazing too."
"Wow, you really are hopeless," Gu Qiansi exclaimed in disbelief.
"On a more serious note, shall we practise one last time?" Huang An suggested. "I saw that our slot is rather early after all. There's not much time left to practice."
The order in which the performances were held was of great importance when planning any celebrations.
Usually, the more anticipated performances would be saved for last, so as to end the night on a high note.
As a casual performance group comprising mere outer disciples, the Flying Shell Performance Group was naturally not given as much emphasis from the organisers, at least in comparison to the more established groups.
Therefore, they had been arranged to be one of the first few groups to perform.
"No, practising too much right before the actual performance might have the opposite effect and make us feel more nervous. We are already good enough, so we just have to relax and do as we usually do," Zhao Yunxiao disagreed. "Instead of that, we should be taking this opportunity to go greet the seniors instead."
"Go greet the seniors?" Lu Zhiying tilted her head in confusion. "I thought they told us not to wander around the Core Grounds just now? Or is Senior Martial Brother Zhao thinking of sneaking out?"
"Of course not! It is absolutely forbidden for outer disciples to sneak around in the Core Grounds!" Zhao Yunxiao hurriedly shook his head. "But while we can't sneak out of here, there is no problem with visiting other performance groups' waiting rooms to send our greetings. This is a good opportunity to network as well."
"That's a great idea! Let's go visit the dancers!" Bo Fei immediately agreed.
"Won't they find us a bother?" Gu Qiansi had her reservations.
"We just have to not overstay our welcome," Zhao Yunxiao waved a finger at her. "Don't you think that this is a good chance for Junior Martial Sister Lu to familiarise herself with the other inner disciples too?"
"This..." Gu Qiansi glanced over at Lu Zhiying, who simply blinked blankly in response.
From her silence, it would appear that Lu Zhiying was indifferent to whatever choice they made.
However, Gu Qiansi knew that Zhao Yunxiao had a point.
It might not be much of a deal for the rest of them, but this was indeed a rare opportunity for Lu Zhiying to get to know other inner disciples. This was especially important since she was bound to enter the inner sect sooner or later.
Knowing more inner disciples would only make her life easier in the future.
"All right then," Gu Qiansi finally relented. "Let's do that."
"That's decided then!" Zhao Yunxiao smirked upon hearing her agreement. "Let's get going!"
With Zhao Yunxiao in the lead, the group carefully tidied up their clothes before heading out.
The performing groups had all been assigned waiting rooms surrounding a huge courtyard, neatly arranged in order of their performance timings.
This meant that the rooms directly beside theirs would be performing immediately before and after them.
Coincidentally or not, these groups were also formed from outer disciples, which made it much more comfortable for Zhao Yunxiao's group to make conversation.
They then slowly went down the line, going room by room and greeting each group without fail.
It was rather awkward for Gu Qiansi whose personality was more on the introverted side, but Zhao Yunxiao did all of the talking so she had nothing much to worry about in the end.
On top of that, the presence of Lu Zhiying – the new disciple who had managed to form a true spiritual meridian root – made for the perfect conversation starter.
As they went down the line, the performance groups started to comprise solely of inner disciples, but the reaction they received did not wane much.
In fact, it was rather obvious that everyone appreciated their arrival, which helped break down a little of the tension before performing.
It would appear that even inner disciples could not help but feel nervous when it came to performing in front of the entire sect.
"What is this abou- Junior Martial Sister Lu! You are here!"
In this particular room, they were greeted with excitement even before they could say anything.
This was the room occupied by the Frost Lotus Dance Troupe, and the person who opened the door was a familiar face to Zhao Yunxiao as well.
Su Ruining.
She was the same person who had answered the door when Zhao Yunxiao first brought Lu Zhiying to look for Leng Huiqi.
"Senior Martial Sister Su!" Lu Zhiying immediately stepped in front of Zhao Yunxiao.
"Quick, come on in!" Su Ruining held Lu Zhiying by the hand and led her into the room. "Why are you here?"
Left at the door, Zhao Yunxiao awkwardly exchanged glances with the rest before following them in.
This room was much bigger than the one they had been assigned to – something that they had noticed as they were visiting the different performing groups too.
The later they were slated to perform, the more luxurious the room would be.
It was not surprising either.
After all, the more established performers were all performing later. So, it only made sense for them to receive better treatment than some nameless group.
Zhao Yunxiao was not nearly naive enough to believe otherwise.
It might be a relatively new performing group as compared to many others in the sect, but the Frost Lotus Dance Troupe had quickly garnered fame since its establishment, and was now one of the most famous performing groups within the Black Tortoise Sect.
Just the fact that they were one of the last groups to perform tonight said a lot about their popularity.
Despite that, the moment Lu Zhiying entered the room, the other dancers immediately got up and crowded around her with fond smiles on their faces.
When Lu Zhiying was learning the art of dance from Leng Huiqi, the latter had directly involved the Frost Lotus Dance Troupe in the process as well.
After a week of interactions, it would appear that Lu Zhiying had managed to leave quite a great impression on the senior dancers.
"We are just going around to greet everyone. Is Senior Martial Sister Leng not here today?" Lu Zhiying looked around the room in confusion.
"No, Senior Martial Sister Leng will not be performing tonight. However, she did say that she will be watching closely, and that we have to make sure we don't slip up," Su Ruining let out a helpless sigh. "Oh right, that applies to you as well. We are all looking forward to your performance, so make sure you don't let us down!"
"I definitely won't! Just watch me kill it later!" Lu Zhiying patted her chest in assurance.
"I'm sure you won't," Su Ruining patted her head fondly. "Are these your group members?"
"It's more like I am their group member!" Lu Zhiying answered frankly. "They already had a fantastic performance prepared, and I am just tagging along for free."
"Is that so?" Su Ruining smiled.
"That's not it at all. We are all excited to have Junior Martial Sister Lu join our group and help elevate our performance," Zhao Yunxiao chimed in.
"It would be best if our two groups can collaborate for future performances too," Bo Fei added in the deepest voice he could muster, his eyes scanning across the many beautiful dancers in the room.
"Shut up!" Gu Qiansi quickly hushed him.
"We'll have to see what Senior Martial Sister Leng thinks about that," Su Ruining smiled politely.
Her words and demeanour were filled with courtesy, but hearing Leng Huiqi's name only caused Bo Fei to let out an awkward smile.
He might not know Leng Huiqi personally, but he had definitely heard a lot about her cold personality.
"All right then, we will have to get going now that we have said our greetings," Lu Zhiying said. "We still need to finish greeting the other performers."
"Oh? Who do you have left?" Su Ruining asked.
"Who do we have left?" Lu Zhiying directed the question to Zhao Yunxiao instead.
"There is only the final room left," Zhao Yunxiao said. "That should be the Shooting Suns?"
"You're right, they are the final performers tonight," Su Ruining said. "Have you met them before?"
"This is actually our first time performing for the New Year celebrations, so no, we never had the chance to greet them in the past," Zhao Yunxiao answered.
"I see. In that case, I will advise against going to talk to them. But if you really want to, try to rein in your temper a little when doing so, Junior Martial Sister Lu," Su Ruining replied. "They are not exactly the nicest people to talk to."
"Don't worry, I'm always very careful with my words! I'm sure it will be fine!" Lu Zhiying said.
"You don't seem to know yourself very well," Su Ruining laughed.
From the side, Zhao Yunxiao and Gu Qiansi could not help but nod in agreement.
With that, they left and headed for the final room.
Knock-! Knock-!
"Who is it?"
"We are members of the Flying Shell Performance Group and will be performing later as well," Zhao Yunxiao answered. "We have heard a lot about the Shooting Suns and are great fans of yours, so if it is not too much of a bother, we are hoping to take this opportunity to convey our greetings."
"Tsk. How irritating. Hold on, then."
Zhao Yunxiao: "..."
Su Ruining was not joking earlier.
Judging from their first few exchanges, the Shooting Suns truly did not sound like they are the nicest people to talk to!