Even though Chu Tian was usually calm and composed, he was at a loss for words upon hearing that.
Ever since the second brother brought this Junior Sister Wen back, only a few days have passed, yet Chu Tian had already noticed... this Junior Sister Wen was peculiar.
She was silent and taciturn, but not because she was cold by nature.
In reality, she was lively and active, unable to stay idle even for a day, either strolling here or wandering over there.
Every time she returned, she always had something with her.
An old bowl of unknown origin, a tattered handkerchief, a blood-stained dagger...
Chu Tian thought, it wouldn't be surprising if one day this girl suddenly picked up a corpse and brought it back.
Although thinking this way about his brother's junior sister seemed a bit rude, that's just the impression she gave.
But at this moment, he was looking at the pole with some thought:
"Where did you find it?"
Junior Sister Wen answered all questions, albeit coldly, still pointed in a direction:
"In the fake mountain over there."
Chu Tian didn't ask what she was doing wandering around the fake mountain, just nodded:
"So they disguised themselves as a porter to get in."
"What happened?"
At this moment, Chu Fan quickly asked.
"A few scoundrels broke in and started fighting for some reason, one died, and another should still be inside the mansion.
"Let's go and report to father.
"I'm afraid there will be some unexpected guests at today's banquet."
"Unexpected guests? Who are they?"
Seeing Chu Tian heading towards the door, Chu Fan hurriedly asked.
Without turning his head, Chu Tian uttered three words:
"Mirror of Sin."
...
...
No outsiders knew of the chaos in the Chu Family's morning.
In the blink of an eye, the sun was high, and the Chu Family entrance gradually became crowded.
After all, it was a banquet hosted by Chu Yunfei, and everyone with a name around Celestial Dance City and some fame in the Martial World flocked over.
The chief steward Zhou Temple greeted the guests with a smile, taking invitations and gift lists, while servants loudly announced the gifts.
The guests cupped their fists, congratulating and stepping into the courtyard.
In just a moment, the entire courtyard was filled.
Those without enough status couldn't cross the threshold of the Chu Family, so they had to present their gifts and name cards and then sit outside, waiting to join the banquet.
Amidst the excitement, someone shouted loudly:
"Liu Shijie from Luoyu Hall is here!"
Before the echo faded, laughter rang out:
"A few days ago, I planned to visit the talented student from our Taiyi Sect, but I was worried about being abrupt. Today's banquet is a perfect chance to see the Qilin Child of the Chu Family.
"Where is my virtuous nephew, Chu Fan?"
As the voice rose, a middle-aged man entered the courtyard with a handsome young man.
His voice was bright, but his build wasn't robust; instead, he was rather thin and weak.
With a fair face and clean-shaven, wearing a square hat on his head and a wide-sleeved long robe, he looked like a middle-aged scholar, yet his grandeur wasn't something ordinary scholars could compare to.
Seeing him, the surrounding guests stood up and cupped their fists.
He responded to each one, smiling, not in haste.
At this time, Chu Tian's voice reached everyone's ears:
"So it's Young Hall Master Tang and Vice Hall Master Liu who have arrived. My apologies for not welcoming you from afar, I hope you both forgive us."
The crowd naturally parted, and Chu Tian, smiling, led Chu Fan forward, but that Junior Sister Wen wasn't seen.
The young man beside Liu Shijie offered a quiet laugh:
"Chu Bro, you speak too highly of us; we aren't meeting for the first time, no need for such courtesy.
"Truth be told, my father wanted to come in person, unfortunately, he's tied up with affairs in the hall, so he sent Uncle Liu and me to disturb you instead."
Chu Tian smiled:
"Young Hall Master's presence brings us great honor; how could it be a disturbance?"
Then he immediately introduced to Chu Fan beside him:
"These two are Young Hall Master Tang Xi and Vice Hall Master Liu Shijie from Luoyu Hall."
"Chu Fan greets you both."
Chu Fan cupped his fists towards them.
Liu Shijie looked at him, nodding repeatedly:
"Worthy indeed of being the Chu Family's Qilin Child, truly a remarkable young man!
"However, your elder brother is even more exceptional; the Hall Master once remarked that among the younger generation, Chu Tian stands unrivaled.
"I truly envy the Chu Patriarch; the two talents of the Chu Clan are well deserved."
Upon these words, everyone's expressions changed.
It felt a bit unkind... Today Chu Yunfei hosted the banquet to celebrate Chu Fan's return after mastering his skills.
Liu Shijie praising Chu Fan was expected, praising Chu Tian wasn't unexpected either.
But saying Chu Fan is remarkable, while Chu Tian stands unrivaled...
How should Chu Fan feel?
Exchanging glances, everyone had different thoughts.
In the corner, a young man dressed as a servant was busy serving tea and snacks to each table.
Upon hearing this, he turned his body slightly to take a glance at Liu Shijie with the corner of his eyes.
"Luoyu Hall's Liu Shijie... I've heard of this name before."
This young man was of course Chu Qing.
After killing the assassin, he had diverted everyone to the small courtyard with the noise of tiles, then used the chance to slip away.
He quickly found a set of servant's clothes to change into.
Before the banquet started, he had been meditating in the mansion.
He was too familiar with the place, knowing exactly where people were, where nobody was, where the secret paths were, or where treasures were hidden.
If he wanted to hide, even Chu Yunfei might not be able to find him.
When the banquet started, he secretly blended into the servants.
Who would notice an inconspicuous young servant amidst the bustle of the day?
Only upon hearing Liu Shijie's name, did he recall the previous incident with the Iron Horse Seven Bandits.
The leader and the third bandit once spoke about their next plan, mentioning going to seek refuge with Liu Shijie of Luoyu Hall.
Back then, Chu Qing hadn't thought much of it, but now it seemed, Luoyu Hall was no simple place.
The Iron Horse Seven Bandits caused chaos around the borders of Celestial Dance City, and even after multiple orders from Wu Ganqi for Celestial Dance Guard to exterminate them, they always managed to escape.
Such foresight and skill surely couldn't be unrelated to Vice Hall Master Liu.
Thinking this in his heart, he then heard Chu Fan coldly say:
"Senior Liu, please be cautious with your words. Our Chu Family has three brothers; where does your 'two talents of the Chu Clan' leave my third brother? I ask that you not mention it again, senior."
Chu Qing was dumbfounded upon hearing that.
This second brother... doesn't hold back when speaking, indeed.
As expected, Liu Shijie found himself speechless, looking towards Chu Tian, who kept his eyes lowered and didn't show any reaction to Chu Fan's words.
Feeling embarrassed, Tang Xi quickly interjected:
"Brother Chu Fan is indeed straightforward. I heard Brother Chu Fan comes from the Taiyi Sect and is a top disciple under Senior Cui Bunu of the Angerless Divine Fist.
"It happens that I have some martial arts queries and no one to ask. I wonder if Brother Chu Fan could offer some guidance?"
This was clearly an attempt to smooth things over.
But Chu Fan seemed not to understand his intention and merely raised his eyes:
"Oh? Does Young Hall Master Tang wish to spar with me? Perfect, I too want to experience the Divine Skill of Luoyu Hall!!"
So saying, he took a step forward.
With the movement of his inner breath, a majestic aura suddenly unfolded.
Tang Xi's face turned dark... This, this is quite rash! Just a slight disagreement, and he's ready to fight?
While wondering how to deal with it, a voice of a servant at the door loudly announced:
"The Eldest Miss of Celestial Dance City is arriving~~~~~"
"Huh?"
Chu Qing, who was ready to watch Chu Fan beat up Tang Xi, was stunned. Wasn't it agreed that she wouldn't come?
Why didn't she keep her word?