Chapter 200: Cloud Empire (20)

The atmosphere of the hall changed almost imperceptibly when Tao reappeared at the center of the space, raising a simple goblet. The music was still playing softly, but little by little it was muffled by the attention that focused on him.

“I thank you all for your presence.” Tao said, his voice clear and firm, carrying well throughout the hall.

“I know that many of you came from far away because of the auction, and I am honored that you accepted spending this night here with me. I hope you enjoy it without reservations.”

There were no long speeches. Tao did not seem to like that. He merely inclined his head in general thanks.

Shortly afterward, servants began to circulate through the hall in perfect coordination. Tables were filled with varied dishes.

Roasted meats of spiritual beasts, vegetables prepared with rare herbs, fruits that exuded gentle Qi, as well as jars of aromatic wine and lighter drinks.

The music gained body. String and wind instruments blended into a lively but not invasive melody. The hall loosened.

The young people began to stand up.

At the Blood Court’s table, Bai Zhu was the first to leave. He could barely contain himself. As soon as he spotted Tao talking with other guests, he stood up with an open smile and went to him, lightly striking his own chest in greeting before beginning to speak animatedly.

Yan Ling stood up next, adjusting her posture. She walked to the table of the Deep Roots Sect. Lin Qiao received her with a faint smile, and the two began a calm conversation, exchanging comments about cultivation techniques and the capital’s natural resources.

Mei Li observed the hall for a moment before moving. Her gaze passed over the Southern Wind Dynasty and the Celestial River Alliance, but she ended up heading toward the Gray Blade Sect. Qin Luo stood up when she approached. Their conversation began formally but soon took on a more direct tone, speaking about combat styles and blade control.

Li Fen took a little longer. He remained standing, observing. Then, without announcing anything, he simply moved away from the table and went to where Luo Feng and his group were. There were no exaggerated greetings. Just a discreet nod. The conversation between them was low, almost inaudible, focused, and objective.

Only Kyrian and Kai remained seated at the table.

Kai crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, his gaze attentive to the movement around him. He clearly did not feel comfortable amid that excessive socialization.

Kyrian, on the other hand, was calm.

He picked up a carefully cut piece of meat, sensing the aroma before bringing it to his mouth. The flavor was deep and well-balanced, with a faint presence of spiritual energy. He ate slowly, unhurried, satisfied. For him, it was just a well-made meal.

His eyes roamed the hall from time to time, observing interactions, expressions, and small reactions. He saw Bai Zhu laughing loudly with Tao and some young people from the Southern Wind Dynasty.

He saw Yan Ling listening attentively while Lin Qiao explained something, using her hands in a restrained manner. He saw Mei Li maintaining an impeccable posture while Qin Luo spoke seriously.

Everything followed as expected.

Time passed without hurry.

Laughter spread. Small groups formed and dissolved. Some young people discreetly tested their energies, evaluating one another without words. Others simply drank and talked, enjoying the moment before what everyone knew was coming.

Kyrian finished his meal and took a sip of wine. He felt no need to move. That too was part of the observation.

Then, the music ceased.

Not abruptly, but gradually, until the last sound dissipated into the air. Conversations naturally diminished, as if everyone had been waiting for this from the beginning.

Tao walked back to the center of the hall.

The young people began to return to their tables. Bai Zhu returned animated, still smiling, sitting down with a satisfied sigh. Yan Ling and Mei Li returned shortly after. Li Fen was the last, resuming his place as if he had never left.

Silence settled over the place.

Tao climbed the steps of the arena with firm strides. The light stone surface reflected the lantern light, and the subtle runes began to glow faintly.

“Once again, I thank you all for your presence.” Tao said, looking around.

“I imagine that many here did not come only for the food or the music.”

Some smiles appeared. Others merely nodded.

“So let us get to what really matters. The moment to exchange ideas. And tips.” He continued.

Attention became absolute.

“The rules are simple.” Tao said, breaking into a smile.

“As the host, I will begin. Whoever enters the arena first will have the right to challenge someone outside. The challenged person may choose to accept or not. There is no punishment for refusing.”

Some were visibly relaxed upon hearing this.

“Whoever wins a round will have two options. They may challenge another person… or they may leave the arena and give space to another. No pressure. No obligation.” Tao went on.

He opened his arms slightly.

“Tonight is not about victory or defeat. It is about learning.”

Then, Tao took a deep breath and smiled more broadly.

“I will begin.”

He advanced to the center of the arena and slowly swept his gaze through the hall. His eyes passed over several tables, over attentive faces, over confident expressions.

For an instant, they rested on Bai Zhu.

Tao almost called his name. The thought passed quickly through his mind. But he averted his gaze.

He continued scanning the hall.

Then, his eyes stopped.

“Shi Kang.” Tao said aloud.

The leader from the Scarlet Rock Sect raised his gaze immediately. Beside him, one of the three disciples moved upon seeing Tao’s look.

“Not you. I challenge your fellow disciple. The one on the left.” Tao corrected, with a calm smile.

The Scarlet Rock disciple straightened his body. He had a hard expression, recent scars on his arms, and a heavy, unstable, but strong aura.

For a brief moment, he looked at Shi Kang. The leader nodded once.

The disciple stood up.

Without words, he walked toward the arena. Each step made his energy spread, rough and direct. He climbed the steps and stopped a few meters from Tao, assuming a firm stance.

Tao observed, satisfied.

“Do you accept?” He asked, more out of formality than necessity.

“I accept the challenge.” The disciple replied, his voice deep.

In the hall, the silence became absolute.

Kyrian slightly raised his gaze, his crimson eyes fixed on the arena.

The first exchange of ideas of the night was about to begin.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep