The four friends quietly observed the banquet, taking in the grandeur of the hall and the presence of so many influential figures. Their attention shifted when Shuo Tian spoke briefly to his father, Minister Shou Hai.
With a nod, Shuo Tian moved toward the main gate, accompanied by the other commanders and several powerful guests. The display of authority and respect piqued the curiosity of the four friends, and they followed discreetly, guided by a guard assigned to assist them if needed.
At the gate, three figures immediately drew everyone's attention. The man in the middle appeared around sixty-five to seventy—tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating a natural, commanding presence. To his right was an extremely old man, likely over ninety, slightly bent but with sharp, alert eyes. To the left stood another aged figure, around eighty, imposing and steady despite his years. Behind them moved twenty to twenty-five elite guards in perfect formation, their strength and discipline obvious to all.
The powerful cultivators at the gate, including Shou Hai, Shuo Tian, and the other commanders, bowed and greeted the three men with deep respect. Their voices were calm yet formal, offering congratulations and courteous words. The four friends watched quietly, trying to understand the significance of each gesture and the hierarchy displayed before them.
The guard who accompanied them leaned in slightly and whispered, "The man in the middle is King Xuan Wei, ruler of the kingdom under the Tian Dou Empire. The old man to his right is his uncle, Xuan Lin, nearly ninety-five, a Soul Saint of extraordinary experience. The man on the left is Second Minister Su He of the Su Family, around eighty, also a master of great renown. Both the King and his uncle are Soul Saints, while the second minister is among the most powerful Soul Emperors in the kingdom. Observe carefully—these men are the pillars of power here."
The four friends nodded thoughtfully.
The banquet continued around them, but their attention remained sharp. Shuo Tian and Liang Mei approached, moving deliberately through the remaining guests. Their presence was intentional, ensuring that the four friends would be noticed by other influential cultivators and noble families. A few guests approached briefly, exchanging polite greetings with Shuo Tian and Liang Mei, and in turn, acknowledging the four friends. The subtle attention was enough for the group to be recognized as rising figures, capable of handling significant missions in the future. The four friends understood the move and silently thanked the couple for orchestrating it.
As the evening proceeded, the hall gradually emptied. By the time most guests had departed, only a small group remained: Shuo Tian and Liang Mei at the forefront, Shuo Tian's father Minister Shou Hai, the young girl Shuo Linger, and the four friends.
Shuo Tian stepped forward. "Father, Linger, I want you to meet my young friends."
Shou Hai gave a small nod. "So these are the youths Tian has spoken of. It is good to meet you."
The four friends bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, senior, and young miss," Wang Yan said.
Shuo Linger's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her gaze sharp and keen as she studied the youths. A playful smile tugged at her lips. "Hmph… I wonder what's so special about you all that Father personally introduces you to Grandfather," she said, leaning forward slightly, teasing yet genuinely interested.
Liang Mei shook her head slightly, her tone firm and strict. "Linger, mind your manners," she said.
Shuo Linger's eyes flickered briefly, and she lowered her gaze slightly, a faint pout on her lips.
Even as brief, polite conversation passed between them, Shuo Linger's curiosity never waned. Every glance, every word from the four friends seemed to spark questions in her mind—she truly wanted to know what made these youths noteworthy enough to earn the personal attention of her father and grandfather.
After a few minutes, the introductions ended. The four friends bowed once more and quietly left the hall, leaving Shuo Tian, Liang Mei, Shuo Hai, and Shuo Linger behind, her bright eyes still lingering thoughtfully on them.
.....
Nearly fifteen days passed since the banquet. During this time, the Iron Guards—Wang Yan, Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, and Chen Yu—kept themselves busy with training and their missions.
The aftermath of the banquet brought unexpected benefits. Several noble families, noticing the attention Shuo Tian and Liang Mei had given them, entrusted the Iron Guards with missions. These assignments were more challenging than usual, requiring careful strategy and skill, but they also offered better rewards.
Though the four friends were busier than ever, they handled each mission efficiently, steadily building a reputation within the city. The Iron Guards' work had begun to attract notice, but not enough to stir envy or conflict—they were still small enough to operate quietly while gaining valuable experience.
.....
One afternoon, Liu Ming and Chen Yu were finishing up a mission to deliver goods for an auction in the city. The items had already been successfully delivered, and now the two were waiting for their meeting with the auction house manager to receive their payment for the task.
After waiting briefly, Liu Ming and Chen Yu were called in and went inside the auction house to receive their payment for the delivery. The corridors were busy but orderly, the sounds of business echoing faintly around them.
As Liu Ming and Chen Yu waited inside the auction house, a sudden movement from a side corridor caught their eyes. A young girl appeared, her posture tense, steps quick but careful, as if trying to avoid being noticed. Her eyes darted around nervously until they landed on Liu Ming and Chen Yu. Relief flashed across her face—it was Shuo Linger.
She hurried toward them. "Quick… help me hide!" she whispered urgently. "We have to get out of here before anyone sees me!"
Chen Yu stepped forward, startled. "Hide? What's going on?"
Shuo Linger glanced around, lowering her voice even further. "There are some noble boys following me. Ever since the banquet, they've been trying to get my attention. I can't let them catch me here!"
Liu Ming's eyes narrowed, understanding immediately the seriousness of her words.
Shuo Linger continued, her tone urgent. "Please… can you help me reach my home safely?"
Chen Yu glanced toward the payment desk, then back at Liu Ming. "We've just finished the delivery. I should go collect the payment," he said. "You handle getting her to the mansion. I'll meet you later."
Liu Ming nodded firmly. "Alright. Let's move quickly," he said, guiding Shuo Linger toward a quieter section of the auction house, away from the main corridors where visitors passed by.
End of Chapter.