Chapter 124: The Grand Wedding of the Dragon Family

“However, I still have some matters to attend to today. How about I come to the Xuanyang Hall to find you once I’m done?” Qin Feng spoke with a tone of negotiation. After all, having lost the bet, he was bound by the agreement to serve as Lin Xiaobao’s medicinal apprentice for three years, which meant he should stay by Lin Xiaobao’s side throughout that period.

“Don’t tell me you’re planning to run away?” Lin Xiaobao teased.

“Nonsense!” Though Qin Feng was a man of integrity, that didn’t mean he wasn’t secretly harboring resentment toward Lin Xiaobao for winning.

“Are you planning to attend the Long family wedding?” Cheng Yi smiled at Qin Feng. “Coincidentally, I’m going too. Why don’t we travel together? Young Master Lin has agreed to visit Xuanyang Hall for a while. After the wedding concludes, Brother Qin and I can head to Xuanyang Hall for a short stay. How does that sound?”

One was a highly respected alchemist of the Blood Victory Empire, the other possibly Elder Chen’s brother. Cheng Yi didn’t mind doing a favor for the two here. Moreover, bringing Qin Feng to Xuanyang Hall was beneficial; if he could help refine some pills for Xuanyang Hall, he himself would gain some advantage.

“The Long family wedding?” Lin Xiaobao’s curiosity was piqued. “In that case, let’s go together to prevent anyone from using this as an excuse to escape!”

“I’m not that kind of person!” Qin Feng had intended to ask Lin Xiaobao how he had healed Yun Yuefei’s injuries on the way here, but now, provoked by Lin Xiaobao, he had almost forgotten.

As the three stepped out, Yun Zhongtian inquired briefly, and upon learning their destination, he opened his mouth but swallowed his words.

“Isn’t the Yun family attending the Long family wedding?” Lin Xiaobao asked Yun Zhongtian with interest.

“If we must, you go ahead first. I’ll follow soon after.” Yun Zhongtian was well aware of Lin Xiaobao’s implication, but he was cautious. He certainly would not dare to propose traveling with Cheng Yi and Qin Feng at this moment.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s all go together; it’s better to have company on the road.” Lin Xiaobao, seemingly unaware of the underlying tension, turned to Cheng Yi. “You have no objections, right? As for my medicinal apprentice, no need to ask.”

“You…” Qin Feng was so exasperated he wished he could slap Lin Xiaobao away.

“Mr. Yun, if you have no pressing matters, shall we travel together?” Cheng Yi naturally understood Lin Xiaobao’s meaning. Since Lin Xiaobao’s identity had yet to be verified, doing him a favor now was no harm. After all, if Lin Xiaobao was proven unrelated to Chen Zhong, the Yun family would stand no real chance of leveraging Xuanyang Hall’s influence.

“That’s excellent, truly excellent!” Yun Zhongtian was surprised by Cheng Yi’s complete turnaround in attitude toward Lin Xiaobao, further confirming Lin’s extraordinary status.

After a brief apology and departure, Yun Zhongtian returned with Yun Keke, holding a gift box. Normally, Yun Keke wouldn’t attend such occasions, but considering Lin Xiaobao’s connection, Yun Zhongtian insisted she accompany him. After all, everything Lin Xiaobao did for the Yun family was thanks to her.

The five soon arrived at the grand Long Mansion. The estate was festively decorated, guests filled the halls, and musicians played lively tunes, filling the air with joyous celebration.

It seemed servants had already spread word, as Long Zhen Tian, the Long family patriarch, and Long Yin Feng were stationed at the entrance. Upon seeing the group, they immediately stepped forward to greet them. However, Long Yin Feng’s expression darkened noticeably when he saw Lin Xiaobao, and just as he was about to react, Long Zhen Tian restrained him.

Long Zhen Tian was aware of the matter concerning Lin Xiaobao but now had to consider how Yun Zhongtian had come to be here with Cheng Yi and Qin Feng. Had they met along the way? That seemed unlikely. Could it be that the Yun family had already formed ties with Xuanyang Hall and Qin Feng?

“Steward Cheng, Master Qin, I am honored by your presence at my son’s wedding. The Long family is greatly gratified.” Long Zhen Tian greeted warmly as servants promptly accepted their gifts. After some polite exchanges, he turned to Yun Zhongtian. “Brother Yun, you’re here as well. Please, come inside.”

Indeed, upon entering, many guests at the Long Mansion started whispering among themselves.

“Is the Yun family making a show of force against the Long family?”

“Unexpectedly, with Long Yin Feng bringing Xuanyang Hall’s support, the Yun family has now aligned with Xuanyang Hall as well.”

“What’s so surprising? I heard Long Xiuping’s bride is a disciple from a little-known sect of a minor nation. That’s the real mystery! Given the Long family’s status, how could they allow such a woman to marry in?”

“You mean the Liuyun Sect from Zongtai Kingdom, right? If not for this wedding, I wouldn’t even know such a sect existed. Their sect leader is only at the ninth stage of the Spirit Dao. Could the Long family be aiming to annex this sect?”…

Of course, these murmurs were kept low, not reaching the ears of others. Though the great four families might seem insignificant before the might of Xuanyang Hall, within the Blood Victory Empire, they were still top-tier powers.

Entering the Long family main hall, already filled with distinguished guests, Lin Xiaobao’s gaze swept around and unexpectedly found familiar faces. His heart tightened; these fellows had truly tracked him down here?

To Lin Xiaobao’s surprise, at the central round table sat the second and third elders of the Wind and Snow Pavilion. Between them was a young man. Though Lin Xiaobao did not know him personally, the golden snowflake emblem on his chest gave away his identity.

This must be Ao Wuchen, the newly appointed pavilion master of the Wind and Snow Pavilion.

Seeing the three, Lin Xiaobao’s lips curled into a faint smile, a fierce killing intent gleaming in his eyes. Perhaps sensing this, the second and third elders simultaneously turned their gaze toward him. Seeing Lin Xiaobao enter accompanied by the Long family head, their eyes flickered with subtle shock.

“Lin Xiaobao! I never expected to see you here!” Suddenly, someone at a nearby table called out excitedly.

Following the voice, it was none other than Xu Youyi and Le Hongcai, who had accompanied Si Mengling on Jiuping Mountain.

“I have two friends over there. I’ll go see them. Call me when you leave,” Lin Xiaobao said as he headed toward their table. Both were here; he wondered if Si Mengling would come as well.

Cheng Yi was slightly taken aback but didn’t interfere. He believed that with his watchful eye, it wouldn’t be easy for Lin Xiaobao to make a run for it.

Long Zhen Tian led the way, unaware of Cheng Yi’s changing expression, mistakenly thinking Lin Xiaobao’s earlier remark was meant for Yun Zhongtian. He then guided the group toward the main table.

At such a wedding banquet, seating arrangements were crucial; the closer to the front, the more prestigious the guests.

At the main table sat two men already. As they approached, Long Yin Feng began introductions. One was his master, Liu Yangqiu, the Grand Elder of the Wuxiang Hall; the other was Liu Yingyi, the sect leader of Liuyun Sect.

After introducing the guests, everyone took their seats. As more attendees arrived, the ten large tables in the front row gradually filled.