The atmosphere at the table was somewhat tense.
In fact, it wasn’t just at the table; the gazes of the disciples around had gathered towards this side.
The instigator of the situation was completely unaware and asked Tian Fangfang, “Why did you all arrive so early?” Then, noticing Meng Ying standing by, she seemed quite surprised, “Senior Sister Meng is here too.”
It wasn’t that Zanxing was being nosy; Meng Ying never participated in these matchmaking events. Moreover, since Yue Qin watched Meng Ying closely, afraid that Meng Ying might be deceived by the sweet-talking youths from the sect, Meng Ying always kept a distance from such occasions. It was rare to see her here today.
Meng Ying’s eyes also showed confusion as she said, “It was Master who asked me to come.”
So it was Yue Qin who had sent her, which was indeed strange.
Zanxing’s gaze then fell on Gu Baiying. Before she could ask, Gu Baiying glanced at her and coldly said, “What are you staring at?”
Zanxing swallowed her words, realizing that Gu Baiying was in a bad mood today. Well, this senior uncle’s moods were unpredictable; who knew what sudden whim made him want to attend such an event?
Just then, a familiar voice came, “Everyone.”
Looking up, she saw it was Ziluo, who was accompanied by a girl in a pink dress. The girl was wearing a pink silk gauze dress that looked simple at first glance but was embroidered with starfruit-colored butterfly patterns at the hem, adding a touch of beauty. Perhaps to guard against the evening wind, she had draped a delicate cloud silk cloak over her dress. As she walked over, her smile was like a blooming flower, full of innocence.
In the Taiyan Sect, there was certainly no shortage of beautiful women. However, it was probably because the disciples within the sect preferred muted colors. Although they were pleasing to the eye, they weren’t stunning. Women like Meng Ying, who was an exceptionally beautiful woman, had been taught by Senior Aunt Yue Qin to be pure and indifferent, always dressed in white.
Seeing the delicately dressed, rosy young girl, everyone couldn’t help but glance at her more than once.
Ziluo brought the girl to stand before everyone and said with a smile, “This is Miss Pu Tao from the Xiang Ling Sect. My senior uncles asked me to bring her to join you. You’ve already met during the trials in the Li’er Country, so there’s no need for further introductions, right?”
No one spoke up, so Tian Fangfang tried to smooth things over with a smile, “Of course, we’re all old acquaintances.”
It was known that when they were chased by the Jinhua Tiger into the Secret Realm of Paintings, it was a few people from the Xiang Ling Sect who relayed the message to the Taiyan Sect. Moreover, with the demons currently harboring ill intentions toward the cultivators of all sects, it was important to maintain outward relations despite any past grievances. Any conflicts could be dealt with later.
Pu Tao wasn’t shy. She glanced around the table and directly sat down next to Gu Baiying.
So, next to Gu Baiying was Pu Tao, on the other side was Zanxing, with Zanxing next to Mu Cengxiao, and Mu Cengxiao’s other side was Liu Yunxin.
The whispers around grew louder.
Tian Fangfang: “……”
He pondered for a moment and looked at Mu Cengxiao, “Junior Brother Mu, how about we switch places?”
“Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on?” Men Dong interrupted, watching him warily, “Do you want to sit next to Yang Zanxing? Do you like Yang Zanxing, or do you prefer Miss Liu?”
Both Mu Cengxiao and Gu Baiying turned their attention to Tian Fangfang.
Under the two sharp gazes, Tian Fangfang said, “….. Forget I said anything.”
And so, the seating arrangement was settled.
However, this arrangement was quite delicate, not only stirring discussions among the sect’s disciples but also drawing the attention and anticipation of Xuan Lingzi and others who were watching from a distance.
“Why did you have Ziluo bring Pu Tao over?” Xuan Lingzi asked Zhao Mayi. “With this arrangement, won’t Zanxing feel awkward?”
Next to Zanxing, one side was Mu Cengxiao and the other was Gu Baiying. Both had their future partners by their side, leaving Zanxing alone and looking rather pitiable.
“I don’t think your disciple feels awkward at all,” Zhao Mayi said leisurely. “Among everyone at this table, except for Men Dong, she seems the most composed.”
“That’s all an act,” Xuan Lingzi said with concern. “Our Zanxing is usually a quiet and patient person. Look at how she’s been infatuated with Cengxiao, yet she’s never made things difficult for Miss Liu and even takes good care of her. Now, with this seating arrangement, isn’t it like stabbing a knife into her heart?”
“Who’s being stabbed is still uncertain,” Zhao Mayi huffed.
Yue Qin spoke coldly, “Xuan Lingzi, stop changing the subject. You were saying there’s something unclear between Meng Ying and Mu Cengxiao? Look clearly, Meng Ying has nothing to do with your romantic entanglements. From now on, mind your disciples’ words in your palace. If I hear any more nonsense, don’t blame me for not considering our sect relationship.”
Her words were very stern, and Xuan Lingzi dared not respond, only mumbling a reply. Yue Qin sighed in relief, knowing how anxious she had been when Meng Ying walked over just now.
Romance was a stumbling block on the path of cultivation, and as a proud disciple, she couldn’t let her be blinded by a man’s sweet words!
Especially since this man also had an ambiguous little childhood friend.
Fortunately, Meng Ying didn’t disappoint her expectations; otherwise, just figuring out how to talk to Meng Ying about it could have kept her up for nights.
As dusk approached, the disciples on the Duoluo Platform had had enough of the excitement and no longer focused on Zanxing and the others. They returned to their tables to drink and eat. Since the disciples were familiar with each other, some were catching up, others were gambling with wine, and the atmosphere was lively. Amid the bustling activity, one table, however, remained eerily quiet and dark. The people at the table sat like puppets, with bowls and chopsticks untouched, and no one made a move.
Zanxing: “……”
She truly didn’t understand what was happening: why was the atmosphere so tense? Gu Baiying remained sullen and silent, and no one dared to provoke him. Meng Ying was always quiet, which was normal, but even Liu Yunxin and Mu Cengxiao were not speaking, making the situation even more puzzling. With them not speaking, even the usually talkative Tian Fangfang kept quiet, while Men Dong sat upright, his gaze thoughtfully scanning everyone.
Zanxing endured in silence, but she couldn’t take it anymore and was about to break the stifling silence when Ziluo spoke up.
The gentle and amiable senior sister smiled and clapped her hands, saying, “Since you all seem a bit tired from recent diligent cultivation and are lacking in spirit, why not play a game?”
Thank heavens, someone finally spoke. Zanxing looked at her gratefully, “What game?”
Ziluo smiled slightly, spread her hands, and a silver spoon appeared in her palm. The spoon, about the size of a hand, gleamed brightly. She placed the spoon on the table, saying, “This is it.”
“A spoon?”
“I will spin this spoon, and when it stops, the person it points to will have to answer a question from me.”