Dou City, the City Lord's Manor.
Inside the vast City Lord's Manor, the place was packed with people. On the wide square, various factions had already taken their seats.
Li Xuan, accompanied by Qing Ruo Yi and Qing Tie Jun, walked in slowly. Seeing the decorations all around, it seemed rather festive. However, Li Xuan knew in his heart that once the main event began, this place would likely cease to be pleasant.
The Dou Banquet was arguably the only time one could engage in combat without being in a fighting arena.
"That person, Duan Mu Qi, is the head of the Duan Mu family. The man behind him is the next heir to the Duan Mu family, named Duan Mu Xiu," Qing Ruo Yi whispered to Li Xuan after they were seated, introducing them.
Li Xuan nodded slightly upon hearing this and withdrew his gaze after glancing at Duan Mu Qi and Duan Mu Xiu.
At this moment, only one area on the vast square remained unoccupied. Li Xuan looked around and it was clear that this area was reserved for the Mu family.
"The Mu family has arrived!"
Just then, a loud announcement echoed. Upon hearing this, everyone immediately fell silent and turned their gazes towards the entrance.
Soon, Mu Ru Xue entered with Mu Qing Feng and a group of eight others. The leaders of the various factions rose to greet them, their faces showing an enthusiasm clearly more intense than when Qing Tie Jun had entered earlier.
Li Xuan glanced back at Qing Tie Jun and, seeing him with his eyes closed, completely unfazed, he silently nodded to himself. If Qing Tie Jun cared about such things, he would likely not get far in the future.
"Distinguished guests, it is once again the annual Dou Banquet. Let us dispense with pleasantries and begin," Mu Ru Xue said with a smile, cupping his hands.
The leaders of the various factions nodded in agreement and then returned to their seats.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes.
However, no one's attention was on the food and drink. Everyone's gaze, consciously or unconsciously, was fixed on Mu Ru Xue and Qing Tie Jun. No one present was a fool; the stirrings of the Mu and Qing families had not gone unnoticed.
"Patriarch Qing, I mentioned previously that my son admires your daughter. At the time, you did not provide a direct answer. Taking advantage of today's grand feast, what are your thoughts on this matter, Patriarch Qing?" Mu Ru Xue asked Qing Tie Jun with a smile, placing down his wine cup.
Upon hearing this, everyone put down their wine cups. The main topic had finally arrived.
Li Xuan also looked towards Qing Tie Jun, curious about how he would respond. After all, with such matters of romance brought to the table, Qing Tie Jun would have to give a reply. Although Li Xuan already knew Qing Tie Jun's intentions, how he would elevate the prestige of the Qing family was now in Qing Tie Jun's hands.
"Patriarch Mu is too kind. However, my daughter's heart already belongs to another. As a father, I cannot bear to see my daughter grieve. Furthermore, during this period, I have been very satisfied with this young man. Even if Patriarch Mu had not brought this up, I would have extended an invitation to everyone here."
Qing Tie Jun paused, then his gaze fell upon Li Xuan. "Ruo Yi's heart belongs to this young man. Many of you may not be too familiar with him. Allow me to introduce him. His name is Li Xuan, and he came to our Central Region from the Outer Region with his cultivation at the advanced Reincarnation Realm."
As Qing Tie Jun finished speaking, Li Xuan was taken aback. This was not part of the plan. Li Xuan then looked at Qing Ruo Yi, but Qing Ruo Yi had already lowered her head, her face flushed.
Li Xuan was speechless. What was all this about?
Meanwhile, the leaders of the various factions turned their attention to Li Xuan. Except for those factions close to the Mu family who knew Li Xuan's background, everyone else looked at Li Xuan with surprise.
It was known that only those who had reached the Sovereign Realm could pass through the Heavenly Chasm to enter the Central Region from the Outer Region. By stating this, Qing Tie Jun was undoubtedly telling them of Li Xuan's formidable strength. After all, in all these years, no one had ever managed to reach the Central Region from the Outer Region with their cultivation at the advanced Reincarnation Realm.
"I didn't expect young Ruo Yi to have already found her match so quickly. This matter was indeed my oversight," Mu Ru Xue said with a slight smile. He then turned his gaze to Li Xuan and said, "To be able to arrive in the Central Region at the advanced Reincarnation Realm, you are truly a formidable young man."
"Patriarch Mu flatters me," Li Xuan replied with a gentle smile.
"As it is the Dou Banquet today, and Patriarch Qing has found an excellent son-in-law, why not have him, this Li Xuan, showcase his abilities? That way, we can all witness his strength. What do you all think?" Mu Ru Xue asked with a smile, speaking loudly.
"This..." Qing Tie Jun feigned hesitation, glanced at everyone, and then looked at Li Xuan, saying, "This matter, it would be best for him to decide himself."
Li Xuan cursed the old fox under his breath, but his expression remained unchanged. He turned to Mu Ru Xue and said, "Since Patriarch Qing has proposed it, I naturally must give face. However, as for the challenger, how about your esteemed son?"
A trace of gloom flashed in Mu Ru Xue's eyes. However, he still nodded with a smile. "Agreed."