After calmly saying this to Lu Yuan, Zhao Qiancheng floated out like a breeze.
There were also a few other direct disciples of the Crane Sect.
In the blink of an eye, skirmishes erupted across the large banquet hall.
The attackers were all of considerable strength; virtually all were martial experts who had developed Vigor.
Each of their movements carried the mighty force to crack stones and split slabs, sending tables and chairs flying and leaving the floor and walls of the banquet hall cracked and tattered.
Many of the guests kept their distance and, after a moment of shock, found the whole scene intriguing and exciting.
They all began to take out their phones to capture the scene.
Lu Yuan glanced in Lu Jing’s direction and saw her friends also looking excited and pumped, practically itching to climb onto the tables for a better view.
His eyes swept over Sun Zhihua of the Moon Shadow Sect, and he felt reassured.
Several dozen seconds later, the battle in the banquet hall was in full swing.
In less than two minutes, it was all over.
This was mainly due to Zhao Qiancheng’s immense strength.
None of the party crashers could withstand three moves against him. Within a few exchanges, they were all beaten to a pulp and thrown out.
Zhao Qiancheng had honed his Vigor throughout his body. He was a top martial master, just a step away from achieving True Intention.
Lu Yuan had tried it out in the Consciousness Space.
Without using his Death Teller (Extraordinary) class skills, he could barely withstand a single full-force blow from Zhao Qiancheng.
All seven intruders were disposed of.
Zhao Qiancheng, Zhuang Xiujie, and the others took up positions amidst the wreckage, waiting quietly for a moment.
Once they were sure no one else was stepping forward, they slowly returned.
Then, Liu Si signaled the waitstaff to clear the area, tidy up, and re-serve the dishes, offering apologies and explanations to the guests with a beaming smile...
Everything returned to its original course and continued as usual.
This disruption seemed to be merely a minor episode for everyone in the Crane Sect.
No one seemed particularly bothered, and everyone remained calm.
Lu Yuan watched Zhao Qiancheng and the others return, contemplating whether he should step forward to thank them.
Suddenly, he heard Master Liudao Yuan’s voice speak softly from behind him.
"You are an inheritor; they are direct disciples.
As long as they haven’t all perished... you don’t need to act."
Lu Yuan paused, unsure of what to say.
"Holy cow, that was so exciting!
Who would have thought we’d get to watch a real-life fight just by having a meal! This is way more exciting than any show on TV..."
The mentorship banquet was a complete success, with all the guests greatly enjoying themselves.
Wu Xinlei and the others, who had tagged along to the banquet with Lu Jing, were still immersed in the thrill of what they had just witnessed. Even as they walked out of the Yuetianhai restaurant, they couldn’t contain their excitement.
"Zhihua, is this what your Ancient Martial Arts world is like? It’s so awesome and cool!"
Wu Xinlei, the bespectacled man, and even Lu Jing felt as if they had accidentally stumbled into a new world. The feeling of novelty was profound, and their excitement took a long time to calm.
Sun Zhihua nodded and replied, "Banquets and gate-crashing incidents are quite common in the Martial Arts Circle. Once you’ve seen more, you won’t find them strange."
"This year, when I go home with you for the New Year, can you show me more of this world?"
Wu Xinlei looked at Sun Zhihua pleadingly.
Sun Zhihua smiled, stroking her hair, and was about to speak when a figure approached. The smile on his face slowly faded.
Lu Yuan gave Sun Zhihua and the others a cursory glance, then his gaze settled on Lu Jing. "Come with me," he said. "I have something to tell you."
Lu Jing was caught off guard but obediently nodded. After saying a quick goodbye to Wu Xinlei and the others, she followed Lu Yuan in another direction.
Wu Xinlei watched Lu Jing and Lu Yuan depart.
She turned her head, intending to continue her conversation with Sun Zhihua about visiting his hometown for the New Year. However, she suddenly noticed him staring intently at the retreating figures of Lu Jing and Lu Yuan. His eyes flickered, and a strange, indescribable expression played on his face.
"Zhihua, what’s wrong?"
Unable to contain her curiosity, Wu Xinlei asked.
Sun Zhihua withdrew his gaze and said slowly, "Actually, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you all, but with Lu Jing present, I felt it was awkward to bring up..."
Hearing that it involved Lu Jing and had to be discussed behind her back, Wu Xinlei and the bespectacled man grew even more curious.
After a moment of silence, Sun Zhihua revealed, "The Sect that Lu Jing’s brother has joined... doesn’t have a good reputation in the Martial Arts Circle."
The Yuetianhai was located on the outskirts of Weishan City.
It was, in essence, a vast, open-style manor.
Lu Yuan and Lu Jing were slowly walking down the pedestrian path to the left of the restaurant.
Rows of globe-shaped lampposts lined the path, alongside dense and neatly manicured greenery.
The air was fresh, and the surroundings were tranquil and serene. There was hardly anyone around. Only the chirping of insects and birds, and the distant sound of an occasional car passing by, could be heard.
After a while, the brightly lit Yuetianhai was left behind them.
Only then did Lu Yuan speak to Lu Jing, "Sis, I’m planning on having you temporarily join the Crane Sect..."
Lu Jing had been anxiously wondering what her younger brother would say. When she suddenly heard his words, she was stunned.
Lu Yuan casually plucked a few leaves from a nearby plant. He held them in his hand, gently crushing them, and inhaled their distinct, grassy scent.
"Actually, it doesn’t really count as officially joining.
I’ll just help you find a position in a martial school under the Crane Sect’s banner.
It’s just to give you something to do every day. It’s better than staying cooped up in your room, lost in anxious thoughts.
Besides, staying at the martial school... is relatively safer...
Yes, the martial school is right near our house, very close."