The New Year brought great liveliness to the streets of Senluo City.
People came and went in endless streams. Carriages filled the roads. The cries of vendors, the laughter of children, and the crackling of firecrackers intertwined, filling every corner with festive joy.
Lin Fei followed Li Dong along the East–West Main Street, strolling while purchasing New Year goods. As they passed the flower market, Lin Fei spotted two familiar figures—Lu Zhenhuan and Lu Zhenyu.
The two brothers, dressed in white brocade robes, stood before a flower stall, seemingly accompanying a woman in selecting flowers. The woman appeared to be in her thirties, with a graceful and full figure, dressed in a crimson silk gown with her hair styled in a neat bun. Her gentle features bore some resemblance to the brothers.
"Lu Zhenhuan, Lu Zhenyu!" Lin Fei called out.
The brothers turned, slightly startled.
"Lin Fei. Are you out shopping alone?" Lu Zhenhuan asked calmly.
"No, my Dong-ge brought me," Lin Fei said, pointing to Li Dong behind him. Li Dong smiled and nodded.
"Your brother? I thought you were an orphan…" Lu Zhenyu asked curiously.
"He's not my real brother—he's an elder who has always taken care of me. We're neighbors."
The woman at the stall turned upon hearing their conversation.
"And these two are?" she asked gently.
"Mother, this is my classmate, Lin Fei," Lu Zhenhuan introduced. Then he gestured toward Li Dong. "And that is his… neighbor."
Lin Fei quickly cupped his fists in greeting."Greetings, Madam."
The woman smiled warmly and nodded, then gave a slight nod toward Li Dong. Suddenly, her gaze lingered on his face for a moment, her expression tightening slightly, as if she recognized him. Li Dong, however, simply smiled, showing no concern at being recognized.
Soon, she returned to her gentle smile.
"So you are Lin Fei," she said kindly. "I've heard from my sons that you are the fastest among this year's first-year students at Jumu Academy to reach the Qi Cultivation Realm?"
Lin Fei scratched his head awkwardly."Just by luck."
"No need to be modest," the woman said with a smile. She looked Lin Fei up and down, then glanced at Li Dong again. A trace of complexity flickered in her eyes, as if she had recognized something—or was confirming something. For a brief moment, the atmosphere became subtle.
"Mother," Lu Zhenhuan said.
The woman suddenly smiled brightly again.
"Since fate has brought you together, you should come visit our residence when you have time. Spend more time with Zhenhuan and Zhenyu."
Lin Fei was taken aback. The Lu brothers were also surprised, turning to look at their mother.
"You are classmates and all talented youths. It's good to grow closer," she said. "Zhenhuan and Zhenyu don't have many friends. It's rare they meet someone they get along with. As it happens, tomorrow is my father's birthday. The household has already prepared a feast—why not come join us? It will be more lively with more people."
Lin Fei hesitated and instinctively looked toward Li Dong.
Li Dong stood a few steps away, expression calm, revealing nothing. He neither nodded nor shook his head, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
Lin Fei felt uncertain. He had never visited the Marquis's residence, nor had he interacted privately with the Lu brothers. At the academy, they had always been distant—neither hostile nor friendly.
This sudden invitation felt abrupt.
Yet refusing directly would be impolite.
"Madam's kindness is greatly appreciated," Lin Fei said after some thought. "But I am just a junior. I'm afraid I might not understand the etiquette of such a banquet…"
"There's no need to worry about that," the woman said with a gentle yet firm tone. "Come tomorrow at noon. Just say you are their classmate—I will have someone receive you at the entrance."
She glanced at Li Dong again.
Lin Fei looked at him as well, but Li Dong remained silent, only smiling faintly.
Lin Fei clenched his teeth slightly and cupped his fists."Then I will trouble you, Madam."
The woman nodded with a smile and said a few quiet words to her sons.
Lu Zhenhuan cast Lin Fei a complicated look but said nothing. Lu Zhenyu remained silent, only nodding slightly.
The three then turned and left, quickly disappearing into the crowd.
Lin Fei turned to Li Dong.
"Dong-ge, why didn't you say anything just now?"
"The Lu brothers are your classmates. Since they invited you, it's naturally your decision," Li Dong replied.
Lin Fei nodded, then shook his head."I didn't really want to go. It's just that their mother was so warm—I couldn't refuse."
Li Dong chuckled."Strange. You're not usually this obedient with me or your uncle."
"That's different," Lin Fei argued. Then he thought for a moment and asked, "Does Madam Lu know you?"
"It wouldn't be strange if she did," Li Dong said lightly. "After all, your Dong-ge used to be the captain of the Qingluo Guard."
The Next Day
Lin Fei changed into a plain blue robe—newly bought the day before.
Standing by the window, he called out, "Dong-ge, I'm ready!"
From downstairs came Li Dong's voice."Come down."
The house Lin Fei lived in was a typical two-story building in Senluo City—gray bricks and tiles, close to the street, with no courtyard. The ground floor held the main hall and kitchen, while upstairs were two bedrooms—one for him, one for his uncle Wan Li. The house was small, but clean and filled with warmth.
When Lin Fei stepped out, Li Dong was already waiting in the small open space before the house. He had changed into a brown robe over his usual white fitted attire.
"Let's go."
They headed west along the main street.
The Marquis Jumu's residence lay in the western part of the city—a grand estate spanning a vast area, with red gates and towering walls, imposing in presence.
Today, it was richly decorated. Lanterns hung everywhere, and guests arrived in an endless stream. Red silk was tied to the stone lions at the entrance. Several servants stood at the gate, busy welcoming visitors.
As Lin Fei and Li Dong approached, a steward came forward.
"May I ask which guests you are?"
"I am a classmate of Lu Zhenhuan and Lu Zhenyu from Jumu Academy," Lin Fei replied.
"Are you Young Master Lin Fei?"
Lin Fei nodded.
"The Madam has instructed that you be brought in directly. Please follow me."
They passed through the front courtyard and several corridors, arriving at a spacious garden.
More than a dozen round tables were arranged, many already occupied. At the front stood a raised platform with the main seats, decorated with birthday couplets and bright red candles.
Behind it stood a grand hall, with large red lanterns hanging under the eaves. Guests moved in and out continuously.
As they passed the hall, Lin Fei saw an elderly man inside greeting guests.
He looked to be in his seventies, with short, upright white hair that made him appear especially spirited. He wore a red brocade robe, had a robust build, stood straight-backed, and his eyes shone with sharp authority. He was chatting and laughing with several guests.
Seeing Lin Fei staring, the steward said,"That is our Marquis."
Marquis Jumu—Lu Zun.
Lin Fei thought silently: So this is the Lu brothers' grandfather.
"Please take a seat here. The banquet will officially begin at noon," the steward said, arranging them at a corner table before hurrying away.
Lin Fei looked around. He didn't see the Lu brothers, but among the guests were cultivators in long robes and officials in court attire—people from all walks of life. It was clear that the Marquis held extraordinary status in Jumu Nation.
Before long, a commotion arose at the entrance.
"The Ninth Lin has arrived—!"
Lin Fei was startled and quickly turned to look.
An elderly man walked in slowly.
His hair was graying, and he wore a gray cloak over a white inner robe. Around his neck hung a Yin-Yang talisman necklace, engraved with the character "Lin." His face was thin, but his eyes remained sharp. One sleeve hung empty, swaying gently as he walked.
Beside him was a young man with thick brows and bright eyes—
Li Chen.
"It's Li Chen and his grandfather!" Lin Fei stood up and called out,"Li Chen!"
Li Chen saw him, his eyes lighting up as he waved—but he did not come over.
Because Marquis Lu Zun had already stepped out of the hall and walked toward the entrance.
"Li Shentong, after so many years, you still remember to come wish me a happy birthday," Lu Zun said with a hearty laugh.
The Ninth Lin returned a one-handed salute."How could I not come for your birthday, Marquis?"
After exchanging a few words, they walked together toward the main seats. Li Chen followed behind, his gaze repeatedly drifting toward Lin Fei.
Lin Fei watched the Ninth Lin's back.
This was his first time seeing Li Chen's grandfather—the leader of cultivators in Jumu Nation.
He remembered Li Chen once saying that his grandfather's missing arm was lost ten years ago in a battle against the Evil King. That battle had ended with his grandfather injured, while his father and the Tenth Lin had died. Even the sacred tree of Senluo City had withered into stone afterward.
At that moment, the steward called out more arrivals:
"Vice Minister Zhou from Lutan City—!""Official Wang from the Ministry of Rites—!"
Several court officials in formal attire entered, wearing black gauze hats and blue robes embroidered with cranes. They were respectfully led to the main table.
Lin Fei watched in amazement, thinking how influential the Marquis truly was.
Soon, the banquet began.
Exquisite dishes were brought out one after another—braised venison tendon with mountain chicken, soy-glazed beef, crystal pork, sweet-and-sour lotus root, braised prawns…
Steam rose, and rich aromas filled the air.
The entire courtyard buzzed with clinking cups and cheerful conversation, as guests drank and laughed freely.