Chapter 767: Birthday Banquet 12

Although Wang Li was surprised by the birthday gift, the current situation was still advantageous for East Shu.

Only East Shu had avoided any mishaps. Since Beili and Xi Yan had thoroughly offended Nanyuan, Nanyuan’s business would surely fall to East Shu.

Seeing many merchants leave, Wang Li refused to be left behind. ’Whoever sticks with the old Prince to the end will be the final winner.’ He headed toward the inn where the old Prince was staying.

Watching everyone leave, Li Mu stood frozen in place, his face etched with worry. He glanced back toward the bustling Immortal Sea Building.

’I could just puke,’ he thought.

He had spent so much money for nothing. If he couldn’t secure the deal with Nanyuan, his career would be over.

Inside the Immortal Sea Building, dozens of tables were arranged from top to bottom, and every seat was taken.

Elder Chen sat at the head of the hall, gazing at the scene. He hadn’t been able to calm his excitement for a long time.

He hadn’t felt this way in ten years.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to my birthday banquet today," Dean Chen said, standing up, his voice tinged with excitement. "Please, eat and drink your fill. I ask for your forgiveness if our hospitality is lacking in any way."

"You’re too kind, Elder Chen! This is the finest banquet spread I’ve ever seen."

"Haha, it doesn’t just look exquisite, the aroma is making my mouth water!"

"The dishes at the Immortal Sea Building are truly one of a kind."

"Hahaha, Chen Lai, let’s begin! This spread is too tempting."

"If we don’t start the feast, the glutton in me is going to leap right out of my mouth!"

"Hahahahahaha..."

The crowd roared with laughter, and the atmosphere was extraordinarily lively.

Seeing this, Elder Chen stroked his beard and laughed as well. "Let the feast begin!"

"Let the feast begin!"

With a loud cry, the banquet began.

Eight people were seated at Elder Chen’s table.

To Elder Chen’s left was Xiliu Yuan, the Crown Prince of Xi Yan. To his right sat Ye Qianning, with Sang Zhi beside her. Next to Sang Zhi was Xiang Minghou, followed by Qian Fanji, Zhan Chi, and Gu Shuo.

Zhan Chi was seated directly across from Sang Zhi, his brow tightly furrowed. He was deeply displeased, having watched helplessly as Sang Zhi snatched the seat.

The moment Sang Zhi preemptively sat down next to Ye Qianning, a powerful aura instantly emanated from Xiang Minghou as he secretly vied with Sang Zhi.

Sang Zhi, however, was unfazed. When facing Ye Qianning, his usually aloof and cold face held a gentle smile. With his slender fingers, he picked up his chopsticks, selected a piece of meat, and placed it in her bowl.

The aura around Xiang Minghou intensified, growing chillingly cold.

Anyone without Inner Strength would have been crushed by such a presence, unable to even rise, their head spinning.

Ye Qianning glanced around the table and noticed a subtle flow of Inner Strength coming from Qian Fanji, Zhan Chi, and Gu Shuo. It seemed their target was also Sang Zhi.

She turned to look at Sang Zhi. His handsome face was the picture of calm, completely unaffected by the waves of Inner Strength.

When he saw her looking, the corners of his eyes crinkled. A smile played on his sensual lips as he said in a magnetic, charming voice, "Eat your meat."

Ye Qianning was speechless.

She sighed inwardly and shook her head slightly. As she did, she inadvertently caught someone’s gaze. She paused for a moment as her eyes met his.

It was Xiliu Yuan, the Crown Prince of Xi Yan. His looks were no less handsome than Sang Zhi’s, but where Sang Zhi had a dangerous, wicked air about him, Xiliu Yuan appeared serene. Yet, he exuded a chill that inspired awe and fear.

Xiliu Yuan met her gaze and gave a slight nod, a silent greeting.

Ye Qianning returned the gesture with a small smile and a slight nod before looking away. ’He seems to have changed a lot,’ she thought, ’but his proud temperament hasn’t changed much at all.’

Sang Zhi’s red eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint hidden within them.

Ye Qianning felt the atmosphere beside her suddenly shift. She turned and shot him a warning glare.