The days passed swiftly after Li Tian's reunion with Liu Mei. Life in the Li estate had settled into a familiar rhythm—cultivation, interactions with his family, and the occasional adventure in the city. Yet beneath the surface of this calm routine, Li Tian sensed an impending shift, as if the very winds of fate were turning once again in his direction.
He'd been growing stronger with each passing day, mastering new techniques and refining his skills with the help of the system. Yet, despite this growth, the system had been oddly quiet. No new tasks had come, and while it allowed him to focus on his relationships, particularly with Xu Fang and Li Xue, the silence of the system left a lingering feeling of suspense.
One evening, after an intense cultivation session, Li Tian found himself in the courtyard, sitting beneath a large, ancient tree. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the surroundings in hues of orange and pink, creating a serene atmosphere. His thoughts drifted to the future—of the power he sought, the women by his side, and the challenges that awaited him.
As he pondered, a servant approached swiftly, bowing low before him. "Master Tian, a letter has arrived for you," the servant said, holding out an envelope sealed with a crest.
Li Tian took the letter, noting the ornate seal, unfamiliar but undoubtedly from an influential family. He ripped it open, and as his eyes scanned the words, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"To Li Tian,
You have been cordially invited to the grand banquet hosted by the esteemed Bai family in two days' time. Your presence is requested as a rising figure in the cultivation world. The banquet will be attended by other notable individuals, and we trust you will not decline this opportunity."
"Signed, Bai Sheng, Head of the Bai Family."
The Bai family was well-known in the region for their wealth and influence, but also for their ruthless tactics. Li Tian had heard whispers of their ambitions, how they sought to dominate the political and martial landscapes, aligning themselves with powerful families. This invitation was not merely a social courtesy—it was a calculated move.
"They want to gauge me," Li Tian mused aloud, folding the letter. "Either that, or they're planning something."
He stood up and turned to head inside, knowing the Bai family didn't extend invitations lightly. There would be hidden agendas at play during this banquet. But instead of dread, he felt excitement surge through his veins. It had been a while since he faced a true challenge.
Just as he entered the estate, Xu Fang appeared in the hallway, her delicate features soft in the dim light. She approached him with graceful steps, her eyes drawn to the letter in his hand.
"An invitation?" she asked, her tone curious but with a hint of concern.
Li Tian nodded, handing her the letter to read. Xu Fang's expression shifted as her eyes moved across the parchment.
"The Bai family… they're not to be underestimated," she said quietly, her brow furrowing. "Why would they invite you?"
Li Tian chuckled, pulling her closer by the waist. "It's obvious, isn't it? I've made waves since the tournament. They want to see what I'm capable of, maybe even test me."
Xu Fang rested her hands on his chest, looking up at him. "You should be cautious, Tian. The Bai family is dangerous. They're known for their schemes."
Li Tian's smirk widened as he leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. "Dangerous for some, perhaps. But I don't plan on playing by their rules. I'll go to the banquet, but I'll be the one setting the pace."
Xu Fang's concern didn't fully leave her, but she smiled softly, resting her head against his chest. "Just… be careful. I don't like the idea of them targeting you."
Li Tian wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together. "I know. But trust me, Xu Fang, nothing they do will catch me off guard."
For a moment, they stood in the quiet hallway, just holding each other. There was comfort in their closeness, a bond that had deepened over time. Despite her jealousy over his other relationships, Xu Fang had become someone he cared about deeply. And she knew it, even if she sometimes doubted how he could manage his feelings between multiple women.
Eventually, Xu Fang looked up, her soft voice breaking the silence. "Just promise me you'll come back to me. No matter what happens."
Li Tian chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss her again, this time more deeply, the kiss lingering as if to seal the promise. "You're the one I come back to, Xu Fang. Always."
Her face flushed at his words, but the concern in her eyes softened as she pressed closer to him. Li Tian felt the tension in her body melt away as she surrendered to his touch. The evening air grew warmer, and the world around them faded into insignificance as they shared an intimate moment, letting their worries slip away.
The next day, preparations for the banquet began in earnest. Li Tian wasn't the type to obsess over appearances, but the significance of the event warranted some attention. He selected a formal robe adorned with subtle but elegant patterns, something that would reflect his status without being overly flamboyant.
As he prepared, his thoughts wandered to the upcoming banquet. The Bai family was known for their cunning, and Li Tian had no doubt they would use the event to test him. But what interested him most wasn't the politics—it was the potential opportunities that would arise from mingling with the region's elite cultivators.
Later in the afternoon, as Li Tian wandered through the gardens of the estate, enjoying a brief moment of peace, Li Xue approached him. Her long, flowing robes rustled softly as she walked, her expression bright but with an underlying curiosity.
"Brother, I heard you're going to a banquet hosted by the Bai family," she said, a slight frown crossing her delicate features.
Li Tian nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "I am. It'll be a good chance to see what they're planning."
Li Xue looked at him with a mixture of admiration and concern. "You're so confident, brother. But I can't help but worry. The Bai family… they don't invite people without ulterior motives."
He reached out and ruffled her hair playfully, earning a mock glare from her. "Don't worry so much, Xue. I've got this under control. Besides, it's not like they can surprise me."
Li Xue sighed but smiled, her trust in him evident. "Alright, just promise me you won't do anything too reckless."
Li Tian grinned, pulling her into a brief hug. "Reckless? Me? Never."
As the evening of the banquet approached, the air around the Li estate seemed charged with anticipation. Li Tian could feel that this event would mark a turning point, not just for him, but for his family. The Bai family had their plans, but so did he.
He would go, but not as a mere guest. He would attend as someone who would shape his own destiny, even if that meant crossing paths with the most dangerous families in the cultivation world.
The system had remained quiet, but Li Tian knew it was only a matter of time before the next task appeared. And when it did, he would be ready.