Chapter 103: Hezhou Turmoil · The Grand Fish Banquet's First Prize

Chapter 103: Hezhou Turmoil · The Grand Fish Banquet's First Prize

After extracting information from Su Wanning, Xiao Chen waited for the banquet to begin while attentively eavesdropping on nearby Foundation Building cultivators’ discussions.

Matters capturing the attention of cultivators at this stage were naturally significant. The rumor of the Divine Flame Cult’s invasion of Hezhou had dominated conversations for nearly half an hour and showed no signs of ending.

Elder Cheng even leaned over to ask Xiao Chen, “Cultivator Xiao, if the Divine Flame Cult truly invades Hezhou, would the Lihuo Sect consider sending forces to Hezhou to jointly resist the Demonic Dao?”

“You’re asking me?” Xiao Chen shook his head. “Decisions like that are made by experts, not me.”

Another Foundation Building cultivator curiously pressed, “Since you oversee the Chu Mo Dian, Cultivator Xiao, what’s your stance toward other evil cultivators besides demonic ones?”

“I’ve heard rumors that traces of toxic, blood, and corpse cultivation sects have already been discovered in Hezhou.”

“I’ve heard rumors that traces of toxic, blood, and corpse cultivation sects have already been discovered in Hezhou.”

“They’re seizing the chaos in Hezhou to commit crimes and profit from the turmoil.”

Has Hezhou already descended into such chaos? Xiao Chen wondered. The proliferation of evil cultivators likely meant local sects were losing control of their territories.

As it happened, Xiao Chen did have insight on this matter. Mei Yong had left a draft outlining the Chu Mo Dian’s authority when he’d tried persuading Xiao Chen to intervene.

"Fellow cultivators need not worry", Xiao Chen replied. "While I can’t guarantee other regions, no evil sect cultivators will be tolerated within Lihuo Sect territory."

The Five Great Families had already expressed support for this policy, so Xiao Chen could confidently confirm it.

The others exchanged thoughtful glances. This was one purpose of the Grand Fish Banquet—individual pieces of information might seem trivial, but when pieced together, they could become invaluable.

At that moment, a crisp jingle of bells announced the arrival of a procession of maidens ascending the lakeside pavilion.

Dressed only in halter tops patterned with leaping carp among lotuses, their wrists and ankles adorned with silver bells, they moved in perfect synchrony to the melody of hidden musicians below. Barefoot on the carpet, they began a mesmerizing dance.

Their coordinated movements brought pairs of koi to life, leaping across the pavilion in a dazzling interplay of crimson, emerald, and snow-white silks.

Xiao Chen watched, entranced. “So this is Su Clan’s flair for entertainment—impressive indeed.”

Meanwhile, exquisite dishes arrived in succession, arranged from east to west across the table. Each showcased a different part of a fish, from head to tail:

Chili-marinated fish head, fish paste steamed egg custard, fish fillet porridge, garlic-steamed fish fillet, sweet-and-sour fish fillet, peppered salt-baked fish bones, braised fish chunks, fish skin jelly, and fish tail tofu soup.

Additional courses included steamed sea bass, Nanhu vinegar fish, fish-flavored shredded pork (made from actual fish meat), steamed hilsa, honey-braised pan-fried fish, stuffed rice fish, and lotus pod fish parcels.

Notably, each guest received individual servings. Eyeing the steamed sea bass before him, Xiao Chen recalled the dish from Shi Valley’s Changlai Courtyard. This time, enjoying it so close to home, he took a bite immediately.

Previously, the dish had emphasized a silky texture, showcasing the chef’s skill. Now, the freshness of the freshly caught fish shone through, the flavor vibrant and alive. As he swallowed a bite of Spirit Fish, he distinctly felt threads of mana unfurling in his stomach.

“Oh, here’s a copper coin!” Elder Cheng suddenly plucked a coin from his dish, laughing heartily. “Seems I’ll be taking home a Spirit Fish today after all!”

Xiao Chen turned to Su Wanning. “What’s with the coin? What does it mean?”

Su Wanning swallowed a mouthful of lotus pod. “Senior Apprentice, I can’t help but feel you only remember me when you want something.”

“Nonsense! Here, have my lotus pod fish parcel too.”

Delighted at receiving her favorite dish, Su Wanning explained, “The coins are a tradition set by Grandmaster Su. During the Grand Fish Banquet, nine copper coins and one gold coin are hidden in the dishes.”

“If you find a copper coin, you may select a second-tier Spirit Fish from the pond as a gift. But if you find the gold coin…” She grinned, “You win the grand prize—a mysterious gift prepared by Grandmaster himself. It’s usually quite valuable.”

Valuable, Xiao Chen mused. Instantly, he swept his dishes with spiritual sense—but found no coins at all.

“Ew, what’s this?” Su Wanning suddenly spat out a gold coin.

“I won!” She beamed, holding it aloft. “Senior Apprentice, look—I hit the jackpot!”

The surrounding cultivators offered congratulations, while Su Huaitao approached, his expression odd. He’d specifically placed the gold coin in Xiao Chen’s dish—how had it ended up in Su Wanning’s mouth?

Su Wanning, however, quickly caught on. “Senior Apprentice, this must’ve been in the lotus parcel you gave me earlier. You should’ve won the prize, not me.”

Xiao Chen waved a hand. “No, if you found it, it’s rightfully yours.”

Su Huaitao interjected, “In that case, the prize belongs to Cultivator Xiao. Grandmaster has prepared a gift in his study—please follow me.”

Xiao Chen blinked, realization dawning. So this was why Su Wanning had mentioned her grandfather’s invitation.

Yet he couldn’t help but wonder—why such underhanded manipulation? Why not simply invite him directly after the banquet? Why the charade?

Worse, Grandmaster Su’s study lay five li from the lakeside pavilion. His meal would surely grow cold before he returned.

As they wound through the estate’s corridors, Xiao Chen arrived at a study where 188-year-old Su Ruihe stood waiting at the door.

Bowing respectfully, Xiao Chen greeted, “Junior Xiao Chen pays respects to Senior Su.”

Su Ruihe nodded approvingly. “A fine, dignified presence—truly a dragon among men.”

Su Huaitao stepped aside. “Cultivator Xiao, please enter.” He remained outside.

Now thoroughly intrigued, Xiao Chen followed Su Ruihe into the study. At his host’s invitation, they sat opposite each other before a low table.

Su Ruihe then retrieved a gift list from the bookshelf, a contract from the left drawer, and a marriage certificate from the right. Slowly, he pushed all three toward Xiao Chen.

“Manager Xiao,” the old man rasped, “let’s strike a deal.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end