Chapter Thirty-Three: Before the Jade Bowl Banquet, Beneath the Bright Moon

People came and went, as they always did. When Wu Yue entered, Wang De was loudly scolding the attendant named Liuzi, facing the entrance. The moment Wang De saw Wu Yue, he nearly leapt up, shoved Liuzi aside, and dragged Wu Yue straight into the backyard.

Wu Yue teased, "Brother Wang, have you been practicing some Daoist art? That was quite fast."

Wang De’s expression changed. In a hurried, low voice, he said, "Brother Wu, have you lost your mind? The whole city is out searching for you! I heard your name’s even on the Phantom List—everyone on that list is hunted and condemned."

Wu Yue simply spread his hands and smiled, "But on my way here, not a soul tried to hunt or kill me." Seeing Wang De’s shifting expression, Wu Yue offered an explanation with a cheerful grin.

"Really? But that was a princess," Wang De said, half-believing, half-doubting.

"Indeed," Wu Yue replied softly. He suddenly recalled what Zhou Qilin had said: there were many princesses, and the death of one or two was of little consequence—such are the great clans, with people to spare. The thought brought memories of the past, casting a shadow over his heart.

"As long as you’re alright, that’s all that matters. Come, let’s have a few drinks." Wang De was always direct; he didn’t press further.

"Then I’ll impose on you, Brother Wang," Wu Yue replied, truly grateful.

"Don’t say that. You’re a man of stature, and if you think highly of me, it’s my good fortune," Wang De laughed heartily.

"Then I’ll shamelessly stay for a few more days—probably until after the Jade Bowl Banquet," Wu Yue said.

Wang De feigned annoyance, "Now you’re just showing me up! People like you, who can attend the Jade Bowl Banquet, staying at my humble inn—if anything, it’s me who should be grateful."

"Well, since you put it that way, I feel less guilty about freeloading!"

This native of Luoyang possessed all the warmth of his cityfolk, yet none of their mercantile cunning. Though an ordinary man, his words brimmed with frankness. And Wu Yue was no ordinary guest—a cultivator, a grand adept of the Soul-Forging stage—yet here he was, speaking as equals with a common man, naturally and unreservedly.

The two exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter.

It was a chance meeting, yet they felt like old friends at first sight. Though their stations in life were worlds apart, they conversed freely—surely, this was fate.

Three days later.

Wang De escorted Wu Yue to the door, laughing boisterously as was his habit. "I wish you fame across the land, brother. When the time comes, we’ll drink together again."

Wu Yue glanced at this innkeeper who was nothing like a typical businessman and replied, "Certainly. Brother Wang, just wait for my triumphant return. But you should try to rein in your temper—your wife and Huzai haven’t dared speak to you these days."

Wang De said loudly, "What do women and children know? Still, it’s strange—I’ve felt a fire in my chest these past days."

Wu Yue did not press further; after all, it was a family matter. They took their leave. Wu Yue walked toward the palace; Wang De lingered at the door for a while before returning inside, muttering to himself, "It’s always a pleasure talking with Brother Wu."

Wu Yue was late. Yes, he was late. Not intentionally so—three days later was a vague notion. Was it morning, noon, or night? Wu Yue thought, since the Jade Bowl Banquet was in the evening, he should arrive at dusk; that should not be too late.

But he was, nonetheless. Still, the eunuch who had waited at the palace gate said nothing, simply led Wu Yue to one of the banquet’s observatories. Yet the place was so vast, Wu Yue was unsure if it was indeed an observatory. The Jade Bowl Banquet had another name—the Moon Banquet. Tonight, the moon was at its best. Though it was only dusk, the moon’s outline was clear: a full moon.

Wu Yue’s late arrival did not stand out. Although the imperial delegation was already seated save for him, many others were still arriving. This was no ordinary Jade Bowl Banquet—it had drawn attention from far and wide. Countless people and factions had come from distant regions, making everything feel somewhat hurried.

Wu Yue found a seat near the back. Around him sat a few people he’d met in the palace before, along with several men and women—clearly members of the royal family and nobility. As Wu Yue arrived, they gave him a nod and a slight smile in greeting. Before them was a table, and in front of that, a moving belt laden with food for anyone to take—remarkably convenient. Wu Yue found this way of dining oddly familiar.

Over an hour passed.

Night fell. The Jade Bowl Banquet was ablaze with light, and the full moon hung above like a jade bowl.

Suddenly, a great beam of light spread from the banquet’s center in all directions—much like a live broadcast. Though the threshold for this Jade Bowl Banquet was lowered, many cultivators were still unable to attend. Thus, this broadcast-like method was adopted, sharing the event far and wide. Most ordinary people didn’t know the reason, but they knew this was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Every broadcast site was packed to the brim.

"The Li family has some nerve, using the Grand Star-Shifting Formation like this?"

"Nerve? They’ve got nerve, alright. Forty-nine spots in the Garden of Longevity, and after cozying up with the Five Surnames and Three Gates, they’ve claimed twenty-nine. The remaining twenty are up for grabs."

"Heh, old goat, if you’re unhappy about it, go talk to the Li family yourself."

"I can't be bothered. They're the gatekeepers of the Garden of Longevity, after all."

The two voices were loud; though not near Wu Yue, he heard every word. The royals seated nearby also heard, but all maintained a practiced indifference. Indeed, royal demeanor: perhaps not the most powerful, but always inscrutable.

Now, the observatory—no, its true name was the Jade Stele Terrace. At its center, a figure stood.

"I am Chen Yankun. I will preside over this year’s Jade Bowl Banquet. I welcome all fellow Daoists who have traveled far to Luoyang."

"All these years, and that old boy’s got quite the presence," a voice commented.

"He dares call himself ‘old man’ in front of me?" another replied.

Their voices still rang out, and Wu Yue understood why the royal family kept silent.

"This year’s Jade Bowl Banquet, I hope each of you finds what you seek. From among the outstanding, twenty will be chosen to enter the Garden of Longevity—regardless of family, status, or background! All citizens of Qin may participate! Fairness will be ensured by the First Emperor and other ancestors!"

"Let it be fair!" a deep, powerful male voice echoed. Wu Yue guessed this was the First Emperor himself. Even the two previously chattering men fell silent.

Moonlight poured down, its azure glow enveloping the myriad assembled.

Wu Yue felt as if a cicada was singing in his heart. He was a young man, but had never truly been young.

"By day, sing and drink freely; in youth, it is good to return home." Wu Yue thought suddenly of this verse, and murmured it to himself.