Beware Of Chicken v7c47: Small Talk

The performance proved both captivating and fun. Honestly, I figured I'd get bored with all the fancy rituals, but it ended up being a blast. We witnessed poetry recitals, artifact showcases, calligraphy exhibits… tons of refined activities, mixed with sporadic martial displays, such as the Grand Ravine Sect's cultivators swinging through the sky like Spider-Man using rope darts, which was badass. The crowd unwound completely, including Meimei, as the spectacle eased her tension. She relished the hockey show every bit as much as I did.

All the while, we savored a delicious banquet, which got explained after the initial three acts. It recreated a historic feast, pieced together from a menu discovered in a library under the mountain from a long-ago event here.

Much resembled the dishes from the Framed Sun Sect, yet unique regional twists appeared. Grand Ravine specialties shone through: lamb-filled dumplings, berry yogurt, and squeaky cheese curds far superior to those at home. They sparked thoughts of poutine right away.

Besides these flavorful regional additions, dishes clearly intended for Spirit Beasts stood out, unnoticed by the announcer. Humans probably weren't meant for much raw steak tartare or bone marrow; the huge salad soaked in assorted underground roots tasted odd to human tongues. Not unpleasant, just unusual.

Washy appeared blissful, sampling every novel dish. One packed with fish and lake reeds particularly delighted him.

Tianlan said.

I chuckled at the vivid picture in my mind.

At last, the shows wrapped up. The meal vanished.

“Tonight’s program now draws to a close. The Earthly Arena transforms to foster better mingling spaces.”

Sect Masters avoided outright gawking, yet their attention locked on us as lights brightened.

The platform shook, our main viewing area lowering until level with the ground. Benches and chairs popped up like sprouting fungi, while fountains emerged to disrupt views between groups and offer some audio privacy for intimate chats. Our tables vanished, opening the area for approaches.

Mingling time arrived. Folks started maneuvering for spots… or the lower-status ones did.

“Grand Ravine Sect claims first respects, as custom allows,” Xiulan murmured.

It fit perfectly. The elder at their table's head, whom all respected deeply, stood.

He seemed in his sixties, like Gramps, with a muscular build intact. He resembled a wrestler slimmed for a lighter division. His tanned, rugged skin showed life's wear, a deliberate style in the Spiritual Realm beyond sun's harm. A patterned bandana bound his head, echoed on his companions. His right arm stayed bare, revealing a tattoo from neck to hand. Full-bearded, he evoked veteran biker leaders who'd survived it all.

None dressed in standard Imperial fashion. Their attire leaned more Mongolian.

“Ulagan Baatar and Grand Ravine Sect offer respects to Master Rou and Lady Hong,” the elder declared, his group bowing alongside. I spotted Guo Daxian and his father—another biker type. A fresh face, the lovely Sarnai, Xiulan's assistant whom she'd indicated before. Actually, I knew most Sect Masters present. Xiulan had schooled me back home on sects and leaders. “May our province's humble talents have pleased you.”

“Splendid entertainment. The hockey match thrilled me—great to see it here,” I responded.

“Wise for the young to blend training and play. A smart Master turns essentials into enjoyment,” Baatar noted… and he meant it. Hockey aimed for fun, not grind. “Young Mistress Tigu shared with us. Perfect for summer or winter,” he said, nodding to Tigu who beamed back.

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“Tigu and Yin spoke of rivalries with Tarkhan and your Grand Ravine; they call it worthy opposition.” The Young Master swelled with pride, Baatar grinning fondly.

“Rare to spar outsiders, a boon with your daughter,” Baatar said. “And you, My Lady?”

“Delightful night. I share my husband's view,” Meimei replied with a gentle smile.

Baatar acknowledged it. “We're satisfied; just expressing thanks. We'll step back tonight unless summoned—no need to monopolize the Great Expert's time after his kindness in visiting the Grand Ravine.”

I arched a brow at his quick exit but nodded. Expected time-hogging, yet it stayed short, deferring to later. Courteous, direct, minimal flattery.

“If Ravine food matches tonight's, I'm eager for the journey,” I commented. His eyes lit up briefly.

The elder grinned. “I assure it, Lord Rou. My daughter and granddaughter will host your family.”

Xiulan’s assistant waved shyly at 'granddaughter,' then flushed, frozen despite urge to flee.

Been there. I offered a comforting smile; she reddened more.

Thus, Grand Ravine Sect departed. “Young Mistress Tigu, your event setup shone. Might I greet your fellow disciples now?”

Tigu, Washy, and Babe seemed startled… as did Bane of the Black Lances when Baatar addressed her directly as disciple. Both anticipated oversight. Baatar showed no pause with Spirit Beasts. Actor? Or sincere? I bet the latter. He exuded genuineness, aligning with Xiulan's intel. Grand Ravine viewed us favorably.

Here's hoping all exchanges stayed this smooth.

Hermetic Iron Sect followed. Delun had planned secrecy for the betrothal, dodging spotlight.

Tigu, spotting a hug and jest about engagement, announced it boldly.

News flew fast. By noon, everyone knew.

We chatted lightly after—Delun’s grandparents improved via Meimei’s aid, glad tidings. Delun and wife bowed, next group advanced.

“Lady Meiling, finally meeting you,” Cai Xi Kong said warmly.

“Likewise, Master Xi Kong. Long wished to meet my Sister’s father,” Meiling answered.

Xi Kong and Meiling conversed briefly before later promises. Xianghua and Gou Ren “formally” greeted, mostly joking. Xianghua unleashed an overly ornate salute, poetic flair sparkling mischievously.

“Thus, may a thousand blessings grace you and yours,” she wrapped her lengthy oration, irking the queue behind.

Hilarious watching her stall others as I nodded sagely or rubbed my chin.

“Grateful, Liu Xianghua. Your eloquence impresses,” I said dryly.

Xianghua, hips akimbo, nodded smugly.

Then familiar faces arrived.

…First one unfolded predictably.

“Azure Horizon Sect trails only Grand Ravine, and reclaiming ancestor arts? We surge ahead. We'd love hosting Master Rou—our seaside manor tops the hills, endless blue vistas,” Azure Horizon's Sect Master Tian Shen bragged. Proud fellow; I humored him until his surprise. “You grasp sword profundities, Master Rou—your daughter and this Spirit Beast wield deep Sword Intent. I'd exchange insights with him,” Babe's ears twitched at that.

Babe said softly, audible to Tian Shen. Eyes widened.

“Eloquent!” the cultivator exclaimed, recovering. “Impressively skilled, yet novice?”

‘,’ Babe stated plainly.

He hesitated. “Naturally. Mere well frog am I. Master Rou’s Disciple beheld ancestor-level sights. Destiny unites our paths!”

…Seaside stop suited journey's end; Babe intrigued.

“Sea-bound we are, paths may align,” I hedged vaguely. Satisfied him. He departed smirking triumphantly, others envious.

Neutral-faced, I watched next: Jade Dew Sect, Azure Hills' top alchemists.

He approached with daughter, blatantly parading her.

She seemed uneasy, overwhelmed, smile strained, eyes wary.

Meiling, nose twitching at pill scents, showed mercy.

“What pills do you craft?” she queried the woman—who outaged her.

Startled, she listed them… Meiling probed production details; passion ignited.

Chat ended; she smiled relaxed, both content departing.

I eyed the jostling line.

…Long night ahead. Show buoyed my spirits; so far, tolerable. Mostly chit-chat.

Wondered their perspective on this scene.