Li Cangyun hastily responded, his voice filled with respect.

Standing to the side, watching her father, who was typically so imperious, now acting so reverent, Li Yitong couldn't help but smile to herself.

"Grandmaster Chen!" At that moment, Liu Daoyi also rushed over to show his respect.

"Alright, you two may carry on," Chen Zheng said. "Yi Tong and I will go inside first." With that, he led Li Yitong straight into the mansion.

"When does the banquet start?" Chen Zheng asked as they walked.

"Nine o'clock in the evening, at the Shuiyue Manor," Li Yitong replied.

In the Magic Capital, there were numerous martial arts families, but the Li and Liu Families were still the strongest. Of course, even the other martial arts families were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

"Are you sure no preparations are needed?" Chen Zheng asked, puzzled.

Li Yitong shook her head gently and smiled. "This is just a gathering for the martial arts world. It doesn't require the tedious formalities of a business banquet."

Chen Zheng nodded with a smile and said no more.

The two of them sat in the hall, sipping tea and chatting leisurely, like old friends who had known each other for many years. Before long, the figures of Li Cangyun and Liu Daoyi appeared. Time slipped by amidst their conversation and laughter. After dinner, night fell as silently as a black velvet curtain.

Chen Zheng and his cousin, Li Yitong, left the mansion. Her other cousin, Li Chen, was driving. In the back seat, Chen Zheng and Li Yitong sat together as they headed toward Shuiyue Manor.

When they arrived, the manor's parking lot was already filled with a variety of luxury vehicles, resembling a starry night sky. Inside, the manor was buzzing with a lively crowd, like a vibrant symphony. The architectural style of Shuiyue Manor was antique and elegant, lacking the cold sharpness of modern design. It resembled a timeless ink wash painting passed down through generations.

In the main hall, three young men sat around a large, square "Eight Immortals" table, their genial conversation and laughter making them the center of attention. People crowded around Ye Cangtian like pilgrims at a holy temple; every group of guests entering the manor made a beeline for him.

Praises gushed forth like a waterfall.

"Grandmaster Ye, to break through to the Grandmaster level at such a young age is an achievement few can hope to match," a young man from the Magic Capital said with deep admiration.

Ye Cangtian was tall and well-built, with short hair that fluttered in the breeze. His eyes shone like stars—a likely testament to his dedication to martial arts. He showed no reaction to the praise.

Another young man sitting beside him picked up the thread. "Indeed. No one in the younger generation can rival Grandmaster Ye. His presence is like a towering mountain, leaving the rest of us from Foshan to do nothing but gaze up in admiration."

"Brother Lin, you took the words right out of my mouth," another young man declared, straightening up with a glass of wine in his hand. "Gentlemen, allow me to propose a toast. Let us all raise our glasses to Grandmaster Ye!"

"To Grandmaster Ye!" all the young people shouted in unison, draining their glasses.

Only after everyone had finished drinking did Ye Cangtian slowly extend a hand to pick up his own glass. "Everyone, thank you for your presence tonight!"

His words drifted over the crowd like a gentle spring breeze, making everyone present feel respected and valued.

As Chen Zheng and his two companions entered the manor, they were instantly drawn to the bustling scene in the hall. Li Chen acted as an enthusiastic guide.

"The one in the center is Ye Cangtian. To his left is Lin Xiaolong, a powerful practitioner of Hung Ga Kung Fu. To his right is Zhao Qin of the Cai Li Fo Fist, another formidable figure. Both of them are from Foshan, and their families hold significant influence in the martial arts world."

As they drew closer, Lin Xiaolong's gaze fell upon them. He scanned the trio, but his eyes ultimately settled on Li Yitong.

He turned to Ye Cangtian. "Grandmaster Ye, the person you've been waiting for has arrived."

This declaration captured everyone's attention, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.

Ye Cangtian looked toward Li Yitong, and a joy like the first ray of dawn lit up his eyes. He promptly stood up. The onlookers stared at him in surprise before becoming contemplative. Ye Cangtian was the youngest Grandmaster-level powerhouse among all the martial arts families. When they had approached him earlier, he hadn't shown the slightest flicker of emotion, let alone stood up for them.

"Grandmaster Ye!" Li Yitong and Li Chen greeted him with a respectful bow.

Ye Cangtian's smile was as warm as the spring sun. He waved his hand gently and said, "Yi Tong, there's no need for such formalities." His voice was deep and gentle, yet a sharp glint flashed through his eyes, as if it could pierce through anything.

At this moment, Lin Xiaolong's gaze settled on Chen Zheng, a cold smirk playing on his lips. "Who are you? Why do you not bow when you meet a Grandmaster?"

Chen Zheng's expression was calm and profound. He gave Lin Xiaolong a faint glance and replied slowly, "Why should I?"

Lin Xiaolong's expression turned chilly. "Why?" he sneered. "Hmph. Is this how your elders taught you to behave in the presence of a Grandmaster? Such a lack of courtesy."

Chen Zheng's eyes hardened slightly. Just as he was about to speak, Li Chen hurriedly interjected. "Ah, this is all a misunderstanding! His name is Chen Zheng. He's a successor of Bajiquan! Brother Lin, Bajiquan practitioners rarely interact with the outside world, so he might not be familiar with all the formalities!" This was the cover story they had agreed upon earlier. Unless absolutely necessary, it was best not to reveal Chen Zheng's Grandmaster status to avoid needless trouble.

Upon hearing the word "Bajiquan," Lin Xiaolong's eyes flickered like distant stars. "Bajiquan?" he murmured, as if savoring the word.

The surrounding crowd began to whisper among themselves. "So, a successor of Bajiquan. I've only ever heard the name, never seen one in person. I wonder if Bajiquan is truly as unrivaled as the rumors claim?"

"It can't be. The legends probably exaggerate its power!"

Ye Cangtian's voice flowed like a clear stream. "Brother Lin, I have never been interested in tedious formalities. As the saying goes, all who come are guests. Even if his actions were impolite, he is still a guest of mine." His gaze swept through the air and landed on Chen Zheng. "Chen Zheng, I welcome you."

Chen Zheng merely gave a slight nod.

Ye Cangtian smiled gently and continued, "Everyone, today's banquet is meant for us to share a joyous occasion together. Please, take your seats."

"Thank you, Grandmaster Ye!" the crowd responded in unison, then dispersed to find their own seats.

"Yi Tong, come over here," Ye Cangtian beckoned to their group, his voice full of warmth and friendliness. "You all, please sit as well."

Chen Zheng and the others didn't stand on ceremony and promptly sat down.

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