The banquet venue was set in the Qin Palace. The grand and magnificent central palace was meticulously decorated, exuding an aura of solemnity and grandeur. The palace's vast space was sufficient to accommodate banquets for hundreds of people.
At this moment, powerhouses from various ancient sects began to arrive. Strangely, most of the arriving powerhouses wore smiles, and none displayed expressions of dissatisfaction or hostility. At most, some appeared expressionless, their emotions unreadable.
"Hahaha, Sect Master Liu, long time no see! I recall our last meeting was in the ancient era. It feels like just yesterday, time truly flies."
Some powerhouses started to mingle, conversing with each other, and the hall gradually became lively.
"Elder Wang, you have arrived as well. I haven't had the chance to thank you for your assistance last time. I'll personally visit your sect some day when I have the time."
"Alas, since slumbering from the ancient era until now, though tens of thousands of years have passed, for us, the ancient era was merely yesterday. Waking up to find the world transformed."
"If not for Lord Li's invitation to the various sects, perhaps you and I would not have had this opportunity to meet. We are simply too busy on normal days."
"What a great change! I remember in the ancient era, the capital of Da Qin was a frontier stronghold, defending against the demon race of Wan Shou Mountain. Who would have thought it is now the most prosperous place in all of Yan Zhou."
"These people of the current era truly know how to enjoy themselves. Ordinary individuals can experience the flight and speed of a King-level powerhouse, and even have mobile phones for long-distance communication. With no worries about food or clothing, this was unimaginable in the ancient era."
The hall buzzed with lively chatter, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity. However, upon closer observation, one could detect a glint of amusement and mockery in the eyes of those conversing.
Da Qin, Li Xiaotian. Hmph! Let's see how you deal with this!
"Envoy from the Desolate Hall has arrived!!!"
Just as everyone in the hall was engaged in pleasant conversation, a voice from outside the hall announced their arrival. Instantly, everyone in the hall fell silent, their gazes turning towards the group entering the hall.
Although the Desolate Hall had been making a spectacle of itself recently, and Huang Wuya's escape during the battle had turned the Desolate Hall into a laughingstock among the major powers, it was, after all, a Overlord-level sect. Its ancient prestige remained.
The hall was hushed. Everyone's attention was focused on the people from the Desolate Hall. It was no secret that the Desolate Hall was at odds with Da Qin. Li Xiaotian had invited various factions to the capital but had not invited the Desolate Hall. Yet, the Desolate Hall had come, clearly with ill intentions.
Gradually, murmurs of astonishment spread through the hall. Someone in the Desolate Hall had spotted a figure that left them deeply shocked.
"Is that Senior Huang Wudi?"
Someone boldly looked at an elder among the Desolate Hall group and inquired.
The elder was clad in purple robes, his hair entirely white, and his demeanor was stern. Despite his age, his eyes were exceptionally bright, radiating a vigorous vitality.
"Huang Wudi!"
Upon hearing the name, a wave of exclamations rippled through the hall. Everyone eagerly turned their attention to the elder in purple robes.
"Yes, it is I. Is there something you need?"
Huang Wudi slightly raised his head, glancing at the person who had recognized him, and responded in a calm tone.
"Senior! It truly is you! This junior is Liu Kang'er, the Sect Master of the Chaotic Blade Sect. When my Chaotic Blade Sect was besieged by demons and nearly wiped out, it was you who intervened and saved us!"
Liu Kang'er, filled with excitement, stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Huang Wudi, and then spoke.
"This junior pays his respects to Senior Wudi, and thanks you for saving my life back then!"
"Chaotic Blade Sect? I don't recall. If there's nothing else, you may withdraw!"
Huang Wudi spoke indifferently, his expression unperturbed.
"Yes, Senior!"
Liu Kang'er quickly replied. He did not feel any embarrassment due to Huang Wudi's reaction but maintained a respectful demeanor as he slowly retreated.
However, after Liu Kang'er stepped back, the rest of the people in the hall reacted. Their expressions filled with emotion as they addressed Huang Wudi one after another.
"Senior, this junior is the Sect Master of the Falling Mountain Sect, paying my respects to you. My sect will never forget your kindness back then!"
"Senior Wudi, to finally see you today! My entire clan has always remembered your act of kindness!"
"We pay our respects to Senior Wudi. Senior Wudi's reappearance is a fortune for the human race of Yan Zhou!"
In the hall, powerhouses spoke out, their faces sincere, their tones filled with reverence.
Witnessing the immense respect shown to Huang Wudi by everyone in the hall, the members of the Desolate Hall wore expressions of pride. Although their sect had suffered much humiliation recently, the Desolate Hall remained the Desolate Hall, an Overlord-level sect. A few blemishes could not possibly tarnish their image as a great sect!
The scene unfolding in the hall was quickly conveyed to Li Xiaotian. Upon hearing it, Li Xiaotian frowned deeply.
He had always disliked the Desolate Hall, primarily due to the terrible first impression they had given him. Liu Neng and Huang Wuya had repeatedly challenged his limits.
However, he knew that as an Overlord-level sect, the Desolate Hall would not be without its merits.
Searching his mind for information about Huang Wudi, even with his negative feelings towards the Desolate Hall, Li Xiaotian couldn't help but look upon this individual with newfound respect.
Huang Wudi, the elder brother of Huang Wuya, the current head of the Desolate Hall, was once hailed as one of the twin prodigies of the Desolate Hall alongside Huang Wuya.
However, Huang Wudi's influence far surpassed that of Huang Wuya. Throughout his life, he had eradicated evil, championed justice, and participated in nearly every battle against the demon race during his era.
Furthermore, Huang Wudi's combat records had astonished countless individuals. At the King level, he slew Emperor-level opponents. At the Emperor level, he defeated Overlord-level opponents. At the peak of the Emperor level, he had nearly killed a Heavenly-level demonic beast.
He was righteous, immensely powerful, and commanded great prestige among the human race at that time.
Huang Wudi at that time was destined for a bright future with limitless potential. Everyone believed he would become the next head of the Desolate Hall, wielding its ultimate authority.
But who would have expected that Huang Wuya would ultimately become the head of the Desolate Hall? At that time, the Desolate Hall publicly announced that Huang Wudi was in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Overlord realm. From then on, Huang Wudi disappeared.
"If you had become the head of the Desolate Hall back then, perhaps the Desolate Hall wouldn't be in such a sorry state now."
Li Xiaotian murmured, yet his heart harbored a sense of vigilance towards Huang Wudi. Regardless of the kind of person he was, he was still a member of the Desolate Hall, and Li Xiaotian himself was a thorn in their side!
With his personal appearance in the capital this time, it remained to be seen whether he harbored good or ill intentions!
At this moment, the hall had effectively become Huang Wudi's stage, with people from various factions stepping forward to greet him.
Huang Wudi maintained his placid expression, without a trace of emotion, and spoke unhurriedly.
"Everyone, please return to your seats. I have just emerged from seclusion and require some time to recover."
"If that is the case, then we shall take our leave. Should Senior require anything, please command us."
The representatives of various factions withdrew, returning to their respective positions. However, it was evident that their confidence had somewhat increased.
As time passed, more and more powerhouses arrived. At intervals, the appearance of someone who stunned everyone would occur, with many figures who had long since vanished from public view making their return.