The Great Beast Forest is thousands of kilometres wide.

This large expanse of land is filled with thousands of demonic beasts that can easily tear anyone below the Qi Absorption Stage to shreds.

The demonic beasts were categorised into nine grades, with grade one beasts falling in the cultivation range of the First and Second Qi Absorption Stage.

Prompted by these facts, Zhou Mei had earlier inquired about the Demonic Beast Subjugation with concern apparent on her face.

"What?! The demonic beasts are getting stronger?" She exclaimed when she heard Hui Min's detailed explanation.

Flick!

Hui Min's finger struck Zhou Mei's large forehead the very next moment, making her whine in pain.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Zhou Mei exclaimed with an aggrieved expression.

"You'd better work on your listening skills more, otherwise you'll become a laughing stock in the sect," Hui Min snorted and continued.

"I never mentioned the demonic beasts getting stronger. It's their numbers which have increased.

Earlier, most of the demonic beasts in the first fifty kilometres range of the forest were between Grade One and Grade Three, with occasional Grade Four sightings during the beast tides.

However, recently our scouts have noticed a larger number of Grade Four beasts within this region, and hence certain changes have been made in the coming Demonic Beast Subjugation.

To make the best use of the limited number of higher-level cultivators within the sect, from now on, the Grade One demonic beasts are to be handled by a team of seven people.

It includes 1 Second Level Qi Absorption Stage Expert, 2 First Level Qi Absorption Stage Experts and 4 Ninth Level Meridian Refinement Stage cultivators.

Previously, 3 Second Level Qi Absorption Stage Cultivators were used to take on a single Grade One demonic beast. Now, the Second Level cultivator could be utilised in fighting a higher-grade demonic beast.

This means-"

Hui Min was about to continue when a hand touched her shoulder from behind.

"Hui Min, I think you should stop. Look, Zhou Mei's mind seems to be on the verge of shutting down," Huang Bo said while pointing towards Zhou Mei.

Seeing the deep creases on Zhou Mei's face as she struggled to keep up with the information, Hui Min sighed and just said, "In short, what I mean to say is that we'll be safe."

"Ah! So that's how it is! Senior Sister should have just said that from the start. Hahaha," Zhou Mei chuckled while scratching the sides of her cheeks in embarrassment.

Hearing this, Hui Min glared at her furiously and was about to give Zhou Mei an earful when, suddenly, the atmosphere in the Banquet Hall changed.

Yi Chen, who was currently assimilating this new influx of information, also noticed this change and turned around.

The very next moment, his eyes fell on two familiar figures.

Zhou Tian and Zhou Fei, Zhou Mei's parents, were making their way towards a raised platform in the centre of the hall.

Between the two of them was a woman who was the same age as Yi Chen.

Her hair was tied in a bun on top of her head, and she was walking alongside her parents with steady steps.

The eyes of the crowd couldn't help but converge on her otherworldly image.

Her facial features were sharp, and she exuded a very strong personality, which would generally make men hesitate to approach her.

However, the beauty that her face carried was enough to make men turn a blind eye to their hesitation and pursue her with an expectant heart.

Wearing an elegant black coloured Hanfu with golden embroidery, everyone's focus was naturally attracted towards her smooth, milk-like face, making several men hold their breath.

As for Yi Chen, being a man, a trace of admiration was apparent in his eyes as well.

However, that didn't stay there for long as his interest was piqued by her status panel.

===================

Name: Zhou Lan

Age: 18 years old

Strength: 120

Cultivation: Ninth Level of [Meridian Refinement Stage]

Qi Nature: Water

Extra: Has a unique taste

===================

'A unique taste? Is she a foodie?' Yi Chen frowned as his eyes fell on Zhou Lan's slim figure.

There was no trace of a foodie in that perfectly slender body of hers.

"Ah!" Zhou Mei exclaimed the next moment and said, "I needed to accompany them on the stage. Brother Chen, Senior Sisters and Brother, I'll be back in a while!"

With those words, Zhou Mei rushed through the gaps within the crowd and finally reached her mother.

"Where have you been?" Zhou Fei asked with a frown.

"I was with Brother Chen since he doesn't know anyone here," Zhou Mei answered.

"I see," Zhou Fei nodded in understanding and continued walking towards the stage.

Soon, the family of four were standing on the stage side by side.

Taking a step ahead, Zhou Tian raised his voice and said the next moment.

"Today marks the coming of age of my precious daughter, Zhou Lan, and from this day forth, she is officially recognised as an adult of the Zhou Clan.

As the host of today's banquet, I thank you all for being part of this memorable event.

May this banquet play the role of uniting two families and creating harmony in the White Jade Kingdom."

When Zhou Tian finished his speech, a resounding clap echoed in the entire hall.

The elderly had an expression of anticipation on their faces, while the young adults, who were largely male, were filled with excitement.

The reason was obvious. They were all looking forward to impressing Zhou Lan and winning her heart.

Apart from celebration, another reason this banquet was set up was to give an added advantage to all the young males of the other noble and major clans.

Since Zhou Lan's Groom Selection Ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow, this banquet was the best platform for these men to impress Zhou Lan and win her heart.

Therefore, when Zhou Tian ended his speech and was descending down the platform, they were all about to make their way towards Zhou Lan to introduce themselves.

However, before that could happen, they saw Zhou Lan's figure being pulled by a little hand in a particular direction.

"Sister Lan here! That's where Brother Chen, whom I talked about earlier, is," Zhou Mei exclaimed cheerfully while pulling her elder sister in Yi Chen's direction.

"???"

Seeing the whole hall's attention being directed towards him, Yi Chen couldn't help but frown.

'Why does this girl always try to make things difficult for me…'

Yi Chen thought in frustration as the two of them soon arrived in front of him.

"Brother Chen, she's my elder sister, Zhou Lan. I talked to you about her earlier, right?" Zhou Mei asked excitedly.

She had been singing praises of Yi Chen to Zhou Lan since the time she had returned from the sect.

As a result, Zhou Lan's curiosity was stoked, and she had requested Zhou Mei to introduce him to her at today's banquet. However, she didn't think that Zhou Mei would do so in such an excited fashion.

"Ah, Greetings, Miss Lan. Congratulations on your coming of age," Yi Chen said while bowing respectfully towards her.

Zhou Lan, who had been observing Yi Chen with curious eyes, finally smiled at his response and exchanged a similar bow.

"Thank you for your wishes, Brother Chen. I'm also truly grateful for what you've done for my family."

Knowing that many ears were listening to their exchange, she kept her words cryptic and didn't specify.

"I was only doing what I felt was the most appropriate thing to do," Yi Chen answered with an understanding smile.

Zhou Lan responded with a nod, and it was at that moment that her eyes fell on the three people who were standing behind Yi Chen.

Seeing that she already had her focus, Hui Min whined while approaching Zhou Lan.

"You already look beautiful enough in regular robes, so why are you wearing something so elegant today? Look, all the surrounding men have their eyes focused only on you and not me."

"Sister Min, you shouldn't be saying such words now that you're finally together with Brother Bo," Zhou Lan teased.

"Well…you're right," a blush formed on Hui Min's face the very next moment. However, she soon shook her head to reorient herself.

"That's not of importance right now."

Hui Min stated while raising her voice and continued, "What's important is the fact that Sister Lan has finally turned eighteen and will be choosing her groom tomorrow. How exciting!"

"Yes, that's right." Huang Bo added from the side, "It's a pity that we were only able to take one day's leave from the sect and won't be able to witness it."

"That's true," Hui Min sighed the next moment and spoke while shoving her face towards Zhou Lan.

"You'd better not pick just anyone. If you end up picking a man who doesn't meet your calibre, then I'll be the first one to rage, you understand?"

"Y-yes…" Zhou Lan stated while pushing Hui Min's head away.

It was only then that her eyes fell on Xie Rou, who was standing behind Hui Min and had a bright smile on her face.

"Congratulations on your birthday, Sister Lan. From how things are, we won't be able to attend your ceremony tomorrow, so I wish you a great fortune in finding a desirable partner in tomorrow's event."

Xie Rou said while lifting her clenched fist to cheer Zhou Lan up.

"Y-Yes, Sister Rou…I will," A complicated expression formed on Zhou Lan's face the moment she heard her words, "Actually, I'm-"

She wanted to say something, but before she could, an impediment came from the side.

"I congratulate Miss Lan for finally becoming an adult. May I have the fortune of exchanging a drink with you?" A man with a charismatic face and prideful eyes said as he offered a glass of wine towards Zhou Lan.

His name was Huo Li, and he was the youngest son of the Huo Clan's Patriarch. A noble clan ranked third in the kingdom.

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