First Immortal of the Sword

Chapter 1621 – The Center of Attention

The atmosphere was stifled and tense.

The crowd’s gazes shifted inscrutably.

The eldest son, Xue Wenjue, said with displeasure, “Fourth Brother, this is Father’s birthday banquet. Whether your present is precious or not, so long as you put your heart into it, I’m sure Father will appreciate it. Come on and show us!”

Many others nodded along.

The second son, Xue Wenpu, smiled too, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Fourth Brother, don’t keep us waiting. It won’t matter if you waste a bit of our time, but it’d be disrespectful to delay Father’s banquet!”

Xue Hongfeng’s expression shifted erratically, but in the end, he sighed to himself and slipped the gift he’d prepared from his sleeves.

It was a Saint-level immortal medicine. Although it was precious, it was far from comparable to his siblings’ gifts.

A burst of laughter followed.

“As expected. I shouldn’t have hoped for anything more.” The grand elder shook his head.

The third son, Xue Wenshan, sighed. “This… is the gift you were so secretive about? Fourth Brother, you’ve really disappointed me.”

Xue Wenjue and Xue Wenpu couldn’t help but reveal cold grins. He really is a good-for-nothing!

The crowd’s mocking gazes and laughter were like knives in Xue Hongfeng’s heart. He suddenly raised his head and looked at his father. “Father, I still have a…”

But before he could finish, Xue Changtian waved for silence and said flatly, “Sit down. I’ve already gotten a sense of your sincerity.”

Xue Hongfeng’s mind went blank. Uncontrollable bitterness and despondency welled within his heart. His father had always favored his older brothers. Xue Hongfeng had always been the only one overlooked and disregarded.

Why? Because I’m illegitimate? Because my mother is a low-status concubine?

Aren’t I an immortal too?

Even if I’m not as good as my brothers, or even my little sister, don’t I deserve at least the bare minimum level of respect?

Xue Hongfeng silently returned to his seat. Everything seemed bleak.

He’d thought he was accustomed to such treatment, yet now that it was happening again, he still struggled to quell his anger!

But no one was paying attention to him. They naturally knew nothing of this illegitimate son’s bitterness and frustration.

Xue Changtian asked, “And what about that girl Wenning?”

The crowd couldn’t help but be stunned. Xue Wenning was Family Head Xue Changtian’s youngest child and only daughter. She was the one he doted on the most.

However, she was nowhere to be found.

But it was then that a joyful voice rang out. “Forgive me, Father! I was out inviting my master to the banquet!”

Two people walked into the room. One was a beautiful, dignified young woman with a slim, graceful figure. This was none other than Xue Changtian’s only daughter, Xue Wenning.

The other was an old man in blue robes and a jade crown. He had a mellow, elegant bearing.

When Xue Changtian saw the old man in blue, he instantly shot to his feet. Surprise and delight were written all over his face. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Daoist Brother Xie! Forgive me for not going out to welcome you.”

All of a sudden, none of the prominent attendees could remain seated. All of them shot to their feet and looked at the old man in blue in astonishment and awe.

Xie Yun!

He was an elder of White Arc Sword Court, one of the White Reed Province’s Immortal King level factions, and a highly prominent authority figure!

None of the other guests could compare to him!

And this was Xue Wenning’s master!

“Brother Xue, this is your birthday feast. As Wenning’s master, how could I not come to celebrate with you?” Xie Yun said with a laugh.

As he spoke, he slipped a jade box from his sleeves and passed it to Xue Wenning. “This is the gift I prepared for your father. Hurry up and present it to him.”

Xue Wenning smiled sweetly and hurriedly did as she was told.

“Haha, what need is there for presents? I’m immensely honored that you came in person, Daoist Brother!” Xue Changtian smiled and welcomed Xie Yun into a seat.

Even Xue Wenning received special treatment; she was now seated directly beside her father!

Xue Wenning had outshone all her brothers. She was now the center of attention.

But Xue Wenjue and the others didn’t object. Even if their birthday gifts were far more precious, none could compare to Xue Wenning inviting her master here!

After all, the Xue Family was just an Immortal Lord faction, while Xie Yun was an elder in an Immortal King faction. Going by rank, their father was a notch inferior!

Xue Wenning and Xie Yun’s arrival only made Xue Hongfeng seem all the more pathetic; he’d practically been forgotten altogether.

I had no idea Father could smile like that… Xue Hongfeng noticed that after his little sister and her master arrived, his father was grinning so broadly that he couldn’t even close his mouth.

Xue Hongfeng found the sight extraordinarily grating.

But just as the banquet was about to end, a commotion resounded from outside the hall.

“Family Head, an elder of the Tang Family and Family Head Tang’s daughter have come to celebrate your birthday! They’re waiting outside.”

An elderly servant raced in like the wind, excitement all over his face.

The hall was instantly in uproar.

The ancient Tang Family was famous throughout the Immortal Realm! By comparison, an Immortal Lord clan like the Xue Family wasn’t even worth mentioning!

Who could have imagined that the Tang Family would send someone here to celebrate Xue Changtian’s birthday?

Even Elder Xie Yun of White Arc Sword Court could no longer remain seated. He exclaimed, “Brother Xue, I didn’t realize you had such influence! You actually managed to invite an elder of the Tang Family to your birthday feast!”

This compliment left Xue Changtian feeling light and airy.

But inwardly, he was baffled, and he found this difficult to believe. He looked at the grand elder. “Did we send the Tang Family an invitation?”

Before the grand elder could respond, Xue Wenjue got up and said excitedly, “Father, not long ago, I crossed paths with the pearl of the Tang Family, Miss Tang Bao’er. She said she and her great uncle, Tang Lingqi, were on their way to the Luo River Forbidden Zone. I even gave them directions!”

He seemed extremely excited. Delight was written all over his face. Everyone could read between the lines. He was saying that these influential figures had come on his account! All of a sudden, the way the crowd looked at Xue Wenjue shifted.

Even Xue Wenning couldn’t help but explain, “Big Brother, that’s amazing! You actually established a connection with the Tang Family’s chosen daughter of heaven!”

Xue Wenjue felt light and airy and thoroughly pleased with himself.

Family Head Xue Changtian couldn’t wait any longer. “Wenjue, hurry! Come with me to welcome our distinguished guests!”

“Yes, Father!” Xue Wenjue was champing at the bit too.

Meanwhile, a warm, mellow voice emanated from outside the hall. “This old man came uninvited. I humbly request your forgiveness.”

Tang Lingqi and Tang Bao’er entered the hall accompanying this voice.

The clamor of voices instantly died down. Both the Xue Family higher-ups and the distinguished guests looked awed. None dared speak.

Xue Changtian smiled modestly and bowed with the utmost respect. “Senior, the Xue Family is immensely honored that you’d visit us in person!”

Here, Xie Yun exclaimed in delight, “Daoist Brother Tang, it’s you!”

Tang Lingqi was stunned. “You are…?”

Xie Yun smiled. “Not long ago, you extended an invitation to the Immortal Lords of the White Reed Province for your expedition to the Luo River Forbidden Zone. This humble one was at that banquet.”

The crowd was stunned as they realized Xie Yun recognized this Tang Family expert.

Inwardly, Xue Hongfeng sneered. This is an elder of White Arc Sword Court? He’s speaking so humbly. He obviously hopes to ingratiate himself with the Tang Family!

“Ah, so it’s you,” said Tang Lingqi, looking enlightened.

But then, Xue Wenjue couldn’t take it anymore. He faced Tang Lingqi and Tang Bao’er and bowed. “Greetings, Senior. Greetings, Miss Tang. We only met briefly. I would never have guessed that you’d remember me and come to my father’s birthday banquet in person!”

He was obviously beside himself with excitement!

Tang Lingqi was stunned. Tang Bao’er furrowed her brow in confusion. “Hey, I think you have the wrong idea. We’re not here for you.”

Deathly silence followed this statement. Everyone was flabbergasted. They’re not here because of Xue Wenjue?

Xue Wenjue felt as if he’d been struck by lightning, and his heart thudded in his chest. He forced a smile and said, “But surely you’re at least here to congratulate Father on his birthday?”

Tang Bao’er shook her head once more. “We’re just here because someone asked us to deliver a birthday gift to Xue Hongfeng.”

“Xue Hongfeng?” exclaimed Xue Wenjue. “How could it be him?”

The others’ eyes widened, and their jaws hung slack. What’s going on?

Xue Hongfeng had been seated silently in an overlooked corner all this time, but when he heard that, his entire body stiffened.

They’re delivering a birthday gift to me on someone else’s behalf?

I get it! It’s from Brother Su!

Xue Hongfeng’s spirits soared, and all of his despondency disappeared without a trace. Excitement and joy coursed through him like an avalanche or tidal wave.

Inwardly, he was shouting. Brother Su… didn’t forget about me after all!

When he thought back to the mockery and disregard he’d just endured, the rims of his eyes reddened.

He rose to his feet, walked over, and clasped his fist. “This humble one is Xue Hongfeng. If I’m not mistaken, you’re here on account of Fellow Daoist Su. Is that right?”

Tang Bao’er looked him up and down, then smiled. “That’s right!”

Xue Hongfeng felt a massive weight lift from his shoulders, and he clasped his fist in gratitude. “Many thanks!”

Tang Lingqi smiled benevolently. “What are you thanking us for? We’re fortunate to have had this opportunity to assist Fellow Daoist Su.”

After seeing this, who could have failed to realize that these two distinguished members of the ancient Tang Family really were here for Xue Hongfeng?

Xue Changtian, Grand Elder Xue Changkun, and the other Xue clansmen looked flabbergasted and completely flustered.

Xue Wenjue’s face was flushed red; he almost wanted to die of shame, and he longed for nothing more than a hole to hide himself in.

His earlier confidence that they were here for him made him seem like nothing more than a bungling clown!

Xue Wenpu and Xue Wenshan exchanged glances. Both of them struggled to accept this.

Xue Wenning gnashed her teeth. And here she’d thought that, with her master backing her up, she’d be able to outshine her older brothers at their father’s birthday banquet.

Who’d have thought she and her master would be reduced to mere supporting characters?

Or that the fourth brother she’d always looked down on would become the center of attention?

That son of a concubine no one had ever attached any importance to!