Chapter 657 - 265: Moon Embracing

"Junior Sister Ruan!"

Qu River nodded, then clasped his hands in a salute to Huo Qiushui. "Senior Sister Huo, it’s been a long time. You’re as radiant as ever."

Huo Qiushui gave a slight nod, her gaze passing over Qu River to land on Chen Qing. "This must be Junior Brother Chen, then? Young, indeed." Her tone was neither warm nor cold.

Among the Ten Great True Disciples, Chen Qing was undoubtedly a junior, both in terms of strength and seniority.

"Senior Sister Huo."

Chen Qing returned the salute with clasped hands.

Among the Four Veins, Jiuxiao was the most powerful, followed by Xuan Yang. Jade Celestial and True Martial were comparatively weaker, but anyone who could rank among the True Disciples was a prodigy of shocking talent. No one dared to underestimate them.

Just then, the sound of steady footsteps came from outside the door.

Three men dressed in the attire of Mystic Sun Lineage Core Disciples slowly walked in.

The leader appeared to be in his forties. He had an ordinary face, yet he carried a scholarly air, and was dressed in a simple, cyan-colored long robe. One might almost mistake him for a teacher.

To his left was Luo Chengxuan, a gentle smile on his face.

The man on his right stood tall and straight, his gaze sharp. A fierce aura radiated from him with every glance.

The leader’s gaze swept across the room before he offered Huo Qiushui a warm smile and a salute. "Junior Sister Huo, you’re early."

Huo Qiushui stood and returned the salute, smiling. "Brother Ji."

She began to exchange pleasantries with the leader, her attitude gentle and her tone quite warm—a world of difference from the lukewarm manner she had shown Chen Qing and Qu River.

Qu River sent a mental message: "That’s Ji Yunliang, the True Inheritor Second. You’ve met Luo Chengxuan. The one beside him is Zhang Baicheng. He’s a genius of the Spear Path. He cultivated the Mystic Sun Lineage’s Great Sun Heaven-Burning Spear to the Extreme Realm several years ago. Not only that, but he has also cultivated other Unparalleled Spear Skills. His strength is quite remarkable."

"Among the current True Disciples, he’s the oldest. He has to step down in five years."

Chen Qing nodded slightly, glancing at Ji Yunliang. ’I’ve heard of him before,’ he thought. ’A peerless genius, but unfortunately, he’s always been overshadowed by the number one, Nan Zhuoran.’

’And I’ve heard of that Zhang Baicheng, too. Luo Zhixian mentioned that he once sought to learn the spear from him but was rejected. To even seek him out proves he must be a genius of the Spear Path. It’s just that Luo Zhixian’s standards are too high.’

Seeing that Huo Qiushui and Ji Yunliang had finished their pleasantries, Qu River led Chen Qing forward to greet them.

"Brother Ji, Junior Brother Luo, Junior Brother Zhang," Qu River said with a smile and a salute.

Ji Yunliang looked at Qu River and returned the salute, his expression serene. He then turned his gaze to Chen Qing and gave a slight nod, which served as a greeting.

Meanwhile, Zhang Baicheng, who was standing to the side, glanced at Chen Qing with a faint smile. "Junior Brother Chen, I hear your True Martial Demon-Vibrating Spear has reached the Realm of Perfection. Since we both follow the Spear Path, we should spar sometime."

Chen Qing met Zhang Baicheng’s gaze, his expression calm. "Brother Zhang, your Great Sun Heaven-Burning Spear is renowned throughout the Sect. If I have the chance to seek your guidance, I would be more than grateful."

Upon hearing this, a sharp light flashed in Zhang Baicheng’s eyes, and he laughed heartily. "Good! Then it’s settled. We’ll find a time after the banquet!"

After the greetings, they all took their seats in the Moon Embracing Pavilion.

The light gauze curtains fluttered gently in the night breeze, carrying the uniquely crisp air of the mountains.

Before long, there was another stir at the door. Accompanied by a few respectful greetings, the people from the Nine Heavens Lineage had arrived.

Everyone in the pavilion, including Ji Yunliang, Huo Qiushui, and Qu River, rose to their feet.

Chen Qing also stood up with Qu River, his gaze fixed on the entrance.

The first to enter was Nan Zhuoran.

He was still in his simple attire, his steps steady. An invisible aura instantly enveloped the entire Moon Embracing Pavilion.

A faint smile was on his face as his calm gaze swept over everyone present.

Behind him, to the left, was the handsome and effeminate Yanchi, his seductive peach-blossom eyes smiling with a natural charm. To the right was the composed Zhong Yu.

"Brother Nan." Ji Yunliang was the first to salute, a smile on his face.

"First Senior Brother." Huo Qiushui also gave a slight nod.

Qu River also clasped his fist in respect. "Brother Nan."

Nan Zhuoran smiled and responded to each of them in turn. "Junior Brother Ji, Junior Sister Huo, Junior Brother Qu, and all other junior brothers and sisters, there’s no need for such formalities. Please, be seated."

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it reached everyone’s ears clearly.

Everyone returned to their seats.

Qu River took this opportunity to send another mental message to Chen Qing, briefly confirming the identities of Nan Zhuoran and Yanchi.

’The Nine Heavens Lineage truly is powerful,’ Chen Qing sighed inwardly. ’Even though I successfully challenged and defeated Lu Chenming, taking his True Inheritance seat, the three before me still hold the first, third, and fourth seats. Their strength is undoubtedly the greatest among the Four Veins.’

’This just goes to show their profound foundation. I imagine the Nine Heavens Lineage must also have the highest number of masters overall.’

At this moment, Nan Zhuoran sat down in the host’s seat and gestured with his hands, indicating for everyone to relax.

His gaze then passed over several people and landed on Chen Qing, who was seated slightly behind Qu River. His smile remained unchanged. "You must be Chen Qing."

Instantly, the gazes of the others in the pavilion, whether intentionally or not, converged on him.

This new True Disciple had, after all, obtained his True Inheritance seat by defeating Lu Chenming of the Nine Heavens Lineage.

Chen Qing stood and clasped his fist again. "Chen Qing pays his respects to Brother Nan."

Nan Zhuoran sized him up for a moment, then waved his hand with a smile. "No need to be so polite. Sit."

Zhong Yu clapped his hands lightly, and several serving maids entered in single file, carrying Jade Plates. Their steps were light and soundless.

Soon, several dishes and a pot of fine wine were arranged on the Jade Table before each person.