The Legend of Futian - Chapter 113

Chapter 113: The Dinner

Bai Qiu was already a musical sorcerer in the Dharma Plane and Ye Futian was only in the Seven-Starred Glory Plane. It would be difficult enough to just catch up to Bai Qiu’s current level in the span of one or two years. Musical sorcerers should indeed enter the Qin clan for cultivation.

Ye Futian looked at Bai Qiu with a peculiar expression. This was his second offer to Ye Futian. The first was to offer him a position as his musical attendant. This second time, even though he now had a better impression of Ye Futian, one could still hear from his tone of voice that Bai Qiu still felt superior to Ye Futian. ‘With your current attainments, you might be equal to me after one or two years in the Qin Clan’? Did Ye Futian need one or two years? And must he enter the Qin Clan in order to do so?

Just as he was about to reject the offer, a rough, irritated voice said, “Will you shut up?”

Everyone turned their eyes over to the origin of the voice and saw Yu Sheng standing atop the Black Wind Eagle in the skies. He looked at Bai Qiu with an icy expression. Last time when Bai Qiu had asked Ye Futian to be his musical attendant, Yu Sheng was already pissed. Now, that Bai Qiu was showing his superiority over Ye Futian once again, Yu Sheng could not hold back anymore.

To others, Bai Qiu’s offer might have been a sign of his approval towards Ye Futian. The basis of that assumption was that even they thought Bai Qiu was better than Ye Futian. However, Yu Sheng had the exact opposite opinion. To Yu Sheng, Bai Qiu’s offer was a blatant insult to Ye Futian, and the reason why he was so irritated.

Many people gave Yu Sheng strange looks. On the other hand, members of the Qin Clan did not have a good expression on their faces. Bai Qiu was a representative of the younger generation members of the Qin Clan. Outside of the clan, Bai Qiu was a representative of the clan’s reputation. In their eyes, Bai Qiu admired Ye Futian’s abilities and thus invited him to join the Qin Clan, but was berated by Yu Sheng.

“Even though your talents are impressive and is incredibly strong, to speak like that is still a little out of line.” Bai Qiu did not say anything in reply to Yu Sheng’s outburst. It was another member of the Qin Clan who spoke.

“Scram!” Yu Sheng said nothing else. He did not want to waste his breath.

“You…” The young clan member glared at Yu Sheng. How could he be so rude?

“The things he says are just as crazy as the way he fights.” Everyone looked at Yu Sheng. He was talking to members of the Qin Clan and particularly, at the clan’s Dharma Plane prodigy, Bai Qiu. He really did not show them any respect.

Bai Qiu did a once over of Yu Sheng and smiled. Then, he turned to say to Ye Futian, “I extended an offer to you out of the kindness of my heart. If you were not interested then so be it. However, we are at the Fenghua Banquet, in the presence of the emperor. Your friend is truly lacking proper etiquette.”

Ye Futian’s pupils contracted slightly. Bai Qiu was insinuating that Yu Sheng had no respect for the emperor.

Lifting his head to look at Bai Qiu, Ye Futian smiled and said, “Will you shut up?” The same question Yu Sheng asked.

Yu Sheng was only enraged because it regarded Ye Futian. Even if he was in the wrong, Ye Futian would not take any other side in front of outsiders. Besides, Ye Futian also did not like Bai Qiu much.

In the huge venue, many people watched Ye Futian. These people were really interesting.

Bai Qiu and the members of the Qin Clan were rendered speechless by Ye Futian utterance. Although Bai Qiu still had a smile on his face, everyone could tell that it was an awkward smile.

“I’ll see you on the Fenghua Platform,” said Bai Qiu coldly. He said nothing more after that.

Ye Futian did not care. A gust of wind brushed over Ye Futian and Hua Jieyu. The two of them were lifted into the air and onto the back of the Black Wind Eagle. Ye Futian glared quickly at Yu Sheng. Does this guy know how to keep a low profile?

Yu Sheng gave him a carefree smile. It was a good-natured smile, unlike his ferocious self a while ago.

The battles continued and participants joined nonstop. There were indeed many prodigies in the crowd. After the Seven-Starred Glory Plane cultivators were done, it was time for the higher-level cultivators. Eight-Starred Glory Plane, Nine-Starred Glory Plane, the battles were getting more and more intense. More and more extremely talented people emerged. Disregarding natural gifts and talents, if one was in a higher plane, it would be easier to get noticed by the emperor.

Ye Futian and the rest stayed on the Black Wind Eagle’s back as they continued to observe the battles. Inwardly they thought, The Fenghua Banquet is indeed a gathering of talents in the Cangye Kingdom. Some participants were indeed very outstanding.

Ye Futian took notice of an Eight-Starred Glory Plane participant. It was a girl, beautiful and pure. She was not lacking in comparison to Cangye Kingdom’s number one beauty, Lin Yueyao. The reason why she stood out to Ye Futian was her occupation class. She was a conjurer but also an inscriber. During the battle, she was able to simultaneously display her talents in both classes through drawing.

Her name was Hua Zhixin. As soon as she appeared on the battle platform, she was the center of attention. Spectators began to discuss about. It seemed that she was pretty well-known. Of course, the Cangye Kingdom’s number beauty, Lin Yueyao, received more attention when she appeared because she was more attractive.

Besides these two participants, there were others in the Glory Plane who stood out from the rest but none that attracted as much attention as the two beauties.

After everyone in the Glory Plane was finished, it was already almost dusk. Next, it was time for the Dharma Plane cultivators. There was nowhere as many Dharma Plane participants as there was in the Glory Plane. There were only a couple hundred people, and most of them were first level Dharma Plane cultivators.

The battle between Dharma Plane cultivators was far more ferocious than that of the Glory Plane cultivators. When all participants began to release their realization of Dharma, everything became a blur for the audience. Especially because it was a chaotic battle between so many people. It was a truly thrilling scene. Every individual battle was enough to get people’s hearts racing.

Ye Futian paid close attention to the Dharma Plane battles. He also took notice of Bai Qiu’s battle.

Bai Qiu was arrogant and rightfully so, because he did possess the gifts and talents. During the battle, he stayed to one side and played a piece. No one was able to even get close to him and this was what made him stand out amongst everyone else.

Besides Bai Qiu, several of the Dharma Plane students from Cangye College were also very powerful. There was also a young man, who people called Young Lord. His sword skills were eye-opening. Ye Futian had his name memorized: Ye Wuchen. They shared a surname.

Finally, after all battles had ceased, only a little over 200 of the initial 10,000 plus participants had passed. They were allowed to continue competing in this year’s Fenghua Banquet.

The night had fallen and the skies were now pitch black but outside the imperial palace, the lights illuminated the Fenghua Platform.

The emperor stood from his throne and everyone followed suit immediately. A figure walked out from beside the emperor and said with a smile, “His Majesty has set up a feast in the imperial palace. All participants who have passed today may follow His Majesty into the palace.”

Everyone nodded lightly. It was a banquet after all, there must be a feast. Besides during the battles, those of true talent were able to share a meal with the emperor. It would be a formal and official meeting with the emperor. That was why, they must filter out only the best of the best in this first round and why there were only 200 some people left from over 10,000 participants.

Ye Futian and his friends traveled to the back of the crowd and arrived in front of Hua Fengliu and the rest. He said, “Master, we’re going to head into the imperial palace. Once the dinner is over, we’ll head back to the inn.”

“Go,” smiled Hua Fengliu. There was no need to worry. The emperor of the Cangye Kingdom seemed to be an open-minded person. His reason for holding the Fenghua Banquet was to search for talented cultivators. Naturally, there was no need for Hua Fengliu to worry about anything happening to the trio in the palace.

Ye Futian turned back and the three youngsters walked towards the imperial palace. The emperor left first in his carriage. The participants had others to lead the way.

Passing the Fenghua Platform was the Fenghua Gate. After that, was a straight road to the imperial palace. The palace architecture had its own unique style. The large group was led into the royal garden. The environment was extremely beautiful, extravagant but not lacking elegance.

The emperor and empress were already waiting in the garden. Everyone approached to bow and make their greetings.

“No need to be too formal, just treat this as a regular family dinner. Sit as you please,” smiled the emperor. Then, he took his own seat with the empress. Only then did everyone take a seat. Everyone had their own small table. Ye Futian, Hua Jieyu, and Yu Sheng all sat at their own tables.

“Today was the beginning of the Fenghua Banquet. Everyone present now is the pride of the younger generation in the Cangye Kingdom. You guys are the future of our country. The empress and I toast to you all.” The emperor lifted his wine glass and everyone followed right after.

“When the Fenghua Banquet comes to an end, I know that not everyone will be pleased with the results. However, to have reached this point, you already proved your talent. Even if you are unable to advance after tomorrow, please do not be discouraged,” said the emperor. Everyone seated below was of the younger generation and not suited to have conversation with the emperor, so they just sat and listened.

The emperor continued with a smile, “I know that you guys won’t be able to let loose with me here. I will let these youngsters stay to socialize with you guys and I’ll take my leave now. No one is allowed to leave too early today or else it will hurt my pride.” After he finished, the emperor left with a smile, the empress following alongside him. However, the two princes and the two princesses stayed behind.

The people present today could very well become important people in the Cangye Kingdom. It would not hurt for the princes and princesses to become acquainted with them early on. This was another purpose of tonight’s feast.

“Alright, now that Father has left, you guys can let loose,” laughed a prince. Everyone laughed as well, and there was a change in the atmosphere. The princes and princesses were of a similar age as everyone seated at the dinner. There was no need to be overly formal amongst a group of all youths. After all, they were all cultivators with outstanding gifts and talents, so compared to ordinary people, they were not as awestruck by royalty.

“This is my first time to see Goddess Lin Yueyao at such close proximity. You are indeed a beauty previously only seen in paintings,” the prince complimented Lin Yueyao.

“She is indeed the number one beauty of Cangye Kingdom. It’s not just rumors,” said a person in the crowd.

“It’s simply a title others have given me as a joke. Your Highness had over praised me,” Lin Yueyao replied with a hint of a smile.

“In a moment like this, how can we not have some music?” asked a gentle voice. It was one of the princesses. She looked towards Bai Qiu and Ye Futian. Both musical sorcerers were extremely handsome, gentlemanly, and talented.

“The music of the Qin Clan is not suited for this atmosphere. I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you, Princess,” smiled Bai Qiu. “However, during today’s Fenghua Banquet, Ye Futian played and Hua Jieyu danced. They complemented each other so well, truly a match made in heaven. Why don’t you guys take this chance to impress everyone with your performance?”

Everyone at the venue smiled at Ye Futian and Hua Jieyu. Earlier today, the trio really did steal the show with their abilities. Furthermore, Ye Futian and Hua Jieyu were obviously a couple. Their collaborative performance during the Fenghua Banquet was just too pleasing!

Chapter 114: Dancer

Bai Qiu smiled while looking in Ye Futian’s direction but it faded quickly. Ye Futian, Hua Jieyu, and Yu Sheng were enjoying the food and hadn’t even glanced at him.

“The emperor’s banquet is so nice with great food and wine. Fox, eat your fill,” Ye Futian said to Hua Jieyu with a smile.

“Okay.” Hua Jieyu smiled back while Yu Sheng stared at them in annoyance.

Bai Qiu’s smile froze on his face. Was he ignored just like this?

Princess Ye Lingxi was around the same age as Ye Futian. She gazed at Ye Futian’s handsome side profile, her lips seeming to curl into a smile. This guy is too bad, she thought. She obviously knew that Bai Qiu was trying to make things difficult for Ye Futian but what was more embarrassing than being ignored? It was even worse for someone of Bai Qiu’s status.

Everyone else looked over. Some were looking for the drama; others thought that Bai Qiu was looking for trouble for himself. After all, they had already had conflicts at today’s Fenghua Banquet. If he targeted Ye Futian now, the youth obviously would not treat him with respect. However, Ye Futian’s response was a bit special. Or rather, he didn’t respond at all.

Of course, some others thought that Ye Futian was too conceited. After all, Bai Qiu was at the Dharma Plane and was the representative of the Qin Clan. He had been taunted by Yu Sheng and Ye Futian for his invitation earlier. Now, he spoke but was ignored. Furthermore, it was the princess who spoke first.

“If someone asks a question, you should reply no matter what your answer is,” a voice said. The speaker was one of the Cangye College students.

There were many talented students of Cangye College; eight were present at the banquet. Cen Xia, whom Ye Futian knew, was here too but she wasn’t the one who spoke. Instead, it was the even more talented Yu Jiang. He was one of those who didn’t like Ye Futian. After all, Bai Qiu was someone at his level.

Ye Futian put down his wine and looked around. His gaze landed in the direction of the Cangye College. He had met Yu Jiang at the college. The day of the pretest, Cen Xia had pointed out Yu Jiang and Bai Qiu, saying that they were popular contenders of the Fenghua Banquet.

Ye Futian looked directly at Yu Jiang. He watched as the other lifted his glass and sipped it without breaking the eye contact. In Yu Jiang’s eyes, Ye Futian’s group was talented but they were too arrogant.

“Are we close?” Ye Futian’s smile was more like a smirk.

“Of course not and I don’t wish to be either.” Yu Jiang set down his wine. “But since the princess invited you, shouldn’t you respond?”

“It’s alright. It was just the spur of the moment,” Ye Lingxi said, seeing that the mood was off. Her beautiful smile was like a spring breeze that blew away a bit of the awkwardness.

“Princess, your tolerance is impressive but some people think too highly of themselves,” Yu Jiang continued. “This is the banquet held by the emperor but some come with veiled faces. This is too self-conceited. Even Lin Yueyao, the top beauty of Cangye, is not like this.” He was obviously targeting Hua Jieyu.

“My father said earlier that this is just like a family banquet. There is no need to feel restricted and there is no need to push others,” Prince Ye Danchen said, seeing that Yu Jiang still wouldn’t let the matter go.

They were all proud people and rivals at the Fenghua Banquet. It was natural that there would be some conflicts. This further tested their reactions and processing abilities.

Seeing that both a princess and prince had spoken, Ye Futian couldn’t be too disrespectful. He smiled at Princess Ye Lingxi and said, “Indeed, I know a court dance and I am willing to play it for you.”

With that, Ye Futian walked out alone. He came to the peach trees behind the banquet and sat down with crossed legs. As for Bai Qiu’s suggestion of having Hua Jieyu dance and what Yu Jiang said about the veil, he ignored both of them. He respected the princess but not those two.

His Guqin Spirit appeared. A graceful melody traveled into everyone’s ears, pulling everyone into the artistic conception of the song. The Melody of the White Feathers Garment was a superb court dance song and suited the current atmosphere. As the music played, the mood became more natural. Drinking under the festive atmosphere, many people were involuntarily influenced.

“This piece makes me feel that all the court dance songs from the past were nothing,” Ye Danchen praised. “However, it feels like something is missing.”

“This is a dance song. It is naturally missing a beauty,” Bai Qiu said with a smile as he glanced at Hua Jieyu again. “But the beauty refuses to entertain us.”

Yu Sheng stood up, his expression extremely cold. Bai Qiu was stirring trouble.

The music was affected as well, growing cooler. Seeing this situation, Princess Ye Lingxi smiled and said, “If there are no complaints, I can embarrass myself a little.”

Shock flashed past everyone’s eyes at these words. Would the princess dance personally?

“Princess, no,” Yu Jiang said. How could a princess dance for Ye Futian?

“I was just joking. The princess mustn’t take it seriously,” Bai Qiu said.

“I am suddenly in the mood to do so. The music is so beautiful that someone must dance for it. Why can’t I?” As Ye Lingxi spoke, she walked up to Ye Futian. Her long dress fluttered as she danced.

“Beautiful,” Ye Danchen praised while everyone was still shocked.

Everyone’s gazes were attracted by the dancing Princess Ye Lingxi and the music performer Ye Futian. Under the moonlight, peach blossoms covered the ground around them like a painting.

“If news of today’s banquet spreads, it will become a beautiful legend,” someone said. Many nodded in agreement. Before, they’d thought that the princess would be lowering herself by dancing. Now, they realized that it was a type of grace and this performance was indeed beautiful.

“Miss Zhixin, would you be able to add some color to this scene?” Ye Danchen asked Hua Zhixin.

Hua Zhixin smiled and walked to the peach trees. Using her hand as a brush, she gathered the Spiritual Qi into various spiritual birds. Cuckoos, cranes, and phoenixes flew in the air. They circled Ye Futian and Ye Lingxi, instantly making one feel that they were looking at a painting of fairies. This should not exist in the human world.

“So beautiful.” Lin Yueyao could not help but praise this either. Ye Futian was extremely handsome and seemed to glow while playing the guqin. With the princess dancing for him and Zhixin’s painting, the sight was mesmerizing.

At this moment, Bai Qiu and Yu Jiang looked uncomfortable. They didn’t like Ye Futian so they had him perform. They didn’t expect for this to become something beautiful. Bai Qiu especially was thinking that if he were the one playing right now, it would be a gorgeous sight.

When the song ended, everyone was still intoxicated by the melody. Ye Futian’s Guqin Spirit disappeared. Ye Lingxi looked at him, her eyes sparkling. “The music was stunning.”

“Princess, your dancing was beautiful as well,” Ye Futian said with a smile.

“I must have you teach me this song in the future,” Ye Lingxi replied and then walked into the crowd. Hua Zhixin nodded lightly at Ye Futian.

Ye Futian smiled in reply and returned to his spot. He gazed at the crowd and saw Bai Qiu and Yu Jiang staring at him coldly. His lips curled into a smirk. He had performed well at the Fenghua Banquet and both Yu Sheng and Hua Jieyu were outstanding. But Bai Qiu and Yu Jiang still wanted to trouble him. They probably thought that the trio was in a lower plane and still looked down on them. Hopefully, this sense of superiority would survive until after the Fenghua Banquet.

“Your Highness,” Ye Futian called. Everyone looked over at him and he smiled. “There are seniors at home waiting for us to return. I have played a piece so now I must excuse myself.”

“Alright.” Ye Danchen smiled and nodded rather than stopping him. If Ye Futian stayed, there might be more conflicts. It would be better if he left.

“See you tomorrow,” Ye Lingxi added.

Ye Futian nodded subtly and said, “See you at the Fenghua Platform.” No one knew if he said this to the princess or someone else.

After that, the three rose and left. Someone helped them out of the palace. Under the moonlight, the three climbed onto the Black Wind Eagle to return.

“Was it nice to have the princess dance for you?” Hua Jieyu smiled at Ye Futian.

“When we get back, I’ll play a piece and you dance for me. It’ll be prettier,” Ye Futian said, laughing.

“Sure.” Hua Jieyu smiled but Ye Futian got a bad feeling from her smile.

…

The next morning, countless people gathered around the Fenghua Platform. Yesterday, the Fenghua Banquet had started. Thousands upon thousands of strong talents came from all over the Cangye Kingdom. Now, only 200-some were left but they made the spectators much more excited.

When Ye Futian’s group arrived, many people were already there—the Qin Clan, the Cangye College students, the Demon Clan, and various forces and nobles were all present.

As if sensing something, Ye Futian glanced over and saw Bai Qiu smiling at him. He knew what the smile meant.

Ye Futian looked away, ignoring Bai Qiu. The three continued forward, approaching the Fenghua Platform to prepare for the battles.

Carriages came from the direction of the palace. The emperor and empress came with the princes and princesses. They all sat in their seats. Ye Danchen and Ye Lingxi were there too, naturally. Ye Lingxi scanned the crowd and smiled at Ye Futian when she saw him.

Ye Futian returned the smile and glanced at Hua Jieyu nervously. “I’m being polite…”

What happened after they returned to the inn last night was unforgettable.

“I don’t mind,” Hua Jieyu said with a smile.

“Yes, I know,” Ye Futian answered. Seeing Hua Jieyu’s gentle smile, he almost believed her.

At this time, many people rose to bow to the emperor but he waved his hand. “No need for the customs. Please continue.”

The elder from the Cangye College walked onto the Fenghua Platform. He put the remaining bookmarks into a line. Next, a minority of these names would shine on the Fenghua Platform and be known throughout the kingdom.