Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1559 - 961: Honored Guest Behind the Curtain (Part 2)

She could only feign ignorance of the truth, her voice quivering as she stated, "Ji Xinnian, quite a fitting name... good... very good... Hanwei indeed possesses a keen eye in selecting such an exceptional Disciple for my Taixuan."

Baili An sensed the murderous intent radiating from her eyes but had no idea how he had offended her. Just as he was about to speak,

a melodious female voice sounded from outside the inn, inquiry laced with politeness, "May I inquire if this establishment is where Ji Xinnian, Master Ji from Taixuan Sect, is currently residing?"

All eyes turned towards the entrance, where a lavish and dignified Golden Jade Carriage was parked. Flanking it stood two women clad in the distinct attire of Shifang City Sect disciples.

The woman who had spoken was one of them.

Li Bansheng's brow furrowed as she glanced at Baili An, asking, "What is the meaning of this?"

She pondered why disciples from Shifang City would be seeking out Baili An.

Baili An, equally perplexed, was about to respond when one of the disciples outside unfurled a scroll. She proceeded to meticulously compare the portraits within the album against the countenances of those present in the inn.

Her gaze eventually alighted upon Baili An, a faint smile gracing her lips as she did.

She then gracefully entered the inn, addressing Baili An with a courteous bow:

"Since Master Ji successfully navigated the City Lord's marriage trial a few days prior, he has been designated an esteemed guest of our Third Young Lady.

Today marks the occasion of the Third Young Lady's banquet for the nine masters.

The appointed time has already elapsed, and the other eight masters have convened. We were therefore dispatched with the specific purpose of escorting Master Ji to the festivities."

Baili An stood dumbfounded.

Jiushijiu had neglected to inform him the previous night that Fang Geyu was hosting a banquet today.

A marriage trial?

Li Bansheng's eyes widened in disbelief, her gaze fixed on Baili An. Her expression grew increasingly agitated and incensed.

"You actually submitted a marriage proposal to Shifang City?! And with the intention of wedding that Fang Family's Third Young Lady?!"

She silently thought that he would rather marry a wayward, spoiled girl than give her own devoted Jing even a sliver of a chance!

Baili An could not comprehend the source of Li Bansheng's extreme agitation.

Unfamiliar with the intricate regulations of the Taixuan Sect, he wondered if perhaps disciples of Taixuan Sect were forbidden from readily engaging in marriage alliances with individuals from outside the sect.

Confronted by the two Shifang City disciples, Baili An found himself unable to offer a denial. He simply offered a slight nod.

Su Jing's countenance progressively darkened, and she remained utterly silent.

Li Bansheng regarded her daughter, her features etched with a profound sense of pain and regret, acknowledging her role as the sect leader.

Unable to erupt in public indignation, she merely allowed her face to fall, remarking coldly, "Since this is a path you have willingly chosen, I can do no more than permit you to follow your own inclinations."

Baili An was unaware that Fang Geyu had arranged a banquet for that very day. He was acutely conscious, however, of his tardiness and dared not incur further delay.

Consequently, he entered the carriage alongside the two female escorts, commencing the journey toward Tiangge City.

Li Bansheng observed her daughter, Su Jing, her face pale, feeling a pang of frustration over her daughter's unfulfilled potential.

"As your mother, I was genuinely curious as to why you would grace me with your presence today, and in such an exceptionally good mood to personally welcome your mother.

All this talk, and your elevated spirits are undeniably linked to that individual! You are merely weaving your own trap! This is sheer entrapment!"

The onlookers were utterly bewildered by the sect master's wife's sudden outburst towards the Young Sect Master. She departed in a furious huff, seemingly having lost all semblance of reason, her steps unsteady and precarious.

Below her, the carriage glided along the thoroughfares of Shifang City. A gentle rain moistened the blossoms lining the road, a soft breeze rustled the branches, and dew kissed the verdant leaves.

The carriage traversed the Vermilion Bird Bridge, passing through a scene of vibrant prosperity. Beneath elegantly curved red walls and under meticulously tiled roofs, pale yellow wisteria cascaded in brilliant blooms. Spring breezes carried light willow catkins dancing along the riverbanks, while the air was thick with the sweet perfume of flowers, wafting in dense waves.

Renowned for its opulence, the very essence of Shifang City's protective enchantments was imbued with a refined, worldly elegance.

Guided by the two sect disciples, the magnificent and stately carriage finally drew to a halt before the residence of Fang Geyu, the third young lady of Shifang City.

As Baili An alighted from the carriage, his gaze was met by the imposing sight of heavily fortified iron sentries flanking the entrance to the residence. The sheer scale and grandeur were befitting of Fang Geyu's esteemed status.

Anchored by the main gate, the two mansion walls extended a formidable distance, appearing to stretch endlessly left and right as far as the eye could comprehend.

In contrast to typical residential enclosures, these structures more closely resembled the towering ramparts of a sprawling city.

Indeed, these colossal mansion walls seemed to pierce the very heavens, each individual brick possessing a textured sheen reminiscent of scales and feathers.

It was evident that these were not mere walls, but rather formidable barriers meticulously constructed from the Spirit Transformation of the scales of the divine beast Qilin and the feathers of the Qingluan.

Should any intruder dare to unlawfully scale these towering walls and breach the confines, they would undoubtedly face the onslaught of the Spirit Light Array inherent to their formidable structure.

Every brick and tile here was of immense value, laid out with meticulous care.

Guided by two female disciples from the sect, Baili An proceeded along the marble pathway within the courtyard. At its terminus, an exceptionally magnificent building stood tall.

Even under the bright midday sun, the outer walkway was illuminated by three thousand radiant lamps. However, these were no common lanterns.

Their lampshades, possessing a texture akin to silken clouds, were polished to an extreme thinness, vastly different from ordinary household paper lanterns.

These shades had the feel of precious jewels, yet no lamps burned within them.

Instead, large Luminous Pearls were housed inside, each radiating a profound, deep-blue luminescence reminiscent of the underwater world.

Baili An recalled witnessing the King of the Netherworld Palace, the Heavenly Saint Hall atop the main peak of the Tianxi Sword Sect, and the Empress Palace belonging to the Empress of the Central Netherworld Dynasty.

Yet, none of those places could compare, not even to one percent, of the opulent grandeur displayed by this mansion tower.

Shifang City undoubtedly merits its fame as the most renowned and affluent locale across the Six Realms.

The two sect women halted at the base of the tower, refraining from venturing any closer.

They merely informed Baili An that with the red fish Jade Pendant token in his possession, he would be able to pass through without hindrance.

Approaching the tower, Baili An observed eight individuals seated in various positions around the area.

And occupying the most prominent seat was the exquisite girl, none other than Fang Geyu, whom he had not encountered in three long years.