Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1567 - 964: Three Men, One Show

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Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Fang Geyu carelessly shattered precious gifts, including those from Mu Yunye, in front of assembled guests. Despite the wastefulness, Mu Yunye remained unfazed. Rong Li lightly mocked the situation, prompting Fang Geyu to reveal that someone had privately offered her vastly more valuable gifts, making the current offerings seem insignificant. Situ Ye took offense, questioning her merchant-like behavior and the sincerity of the large private gifts, which Fang Geyu agreed was suspicious.

"What? Nothing more to say?"

Fang Geyu pulled back her glance and looked at the female steward standing beside her.

"I inadvertently spilled some wine on my attire earlier. I shall retire to my chambers to change.

May I entrust these honorable guests to Steward Qin’s diligent hosting?"

Departing the banquet midway was undeniably a breach of etiquette.

However, Qin Lou was well aware of Fang Geyu’s temperament.

Should she refuse her request now, it was feared Fang Geyu might commit an even more discourteous act.

With no alternative, she reluctantly responded, "The Third Miss may require some time to change her attire; the evening banquet cannot proceed without her presence for its duration."

Fang Geyu silently observed her, offering no comment.

Qin Lou paused momentarily before hesitantly divulging in a low tone, "Tonight, the City Lord shall emerge from seclusion once more to preside over the evening banquet."

Fang Geyu gave a faint smirk. "Steward Qin truly embodies the trust and closeness Father places in you.

As his daughter, I do not comprehend his every word and action as well as Steward Qin does."

Qin Lou’s expression stiffened slightly, but before she could utter a word, Fang Geyu had already unsheathed her sword and departed.

Rong Lijun, who had appeared injured and fallen near Baili An’s table, now seemed entirely at ease, rising gracefully while fanning himself.

The captivating Immortal Lord mused, "Ah, this banquet has been ongoing for quite some time. Remaining indoors is truly stifling.

Now that the host has departed, why doesn’t Miss Qin arrange for some lovely maids to escort us on a tour and allow us to properly admire the gardens of the Third Miss’s estate?"

Rong Lijun’s suggestion was unnecessary, as Qin Lou already harbored such intentions.

These distinguished young talents from the Immortal World were all individuals of immense pride.

Now that they had gathered for marriage proposals, Qin Lou had never anticipated they would engage in covert competition amongst themselves.

Yet, she had underestimated Rong Lijun’s capacity for causing trouble.

Within mere words, he had ignited conflicts so intractable that swords were drawn at the banquet.

Now, by having these noble disciples disperse and explore the scenery individually, it might serve to defuse some of the escalating tensions.

"I feel an immediate connection with you, Mr. Ji, as if our meeting was predestined. Might I invite Mr. Ji to explore the gardens together?

I possess considerable knowledge regarding flora and fauna, and I believe we could find much to appreciate in the rare and exotic plants within this garden. It promises to be quite an engaging experience."

Initially, Situ Ye harbored a distinct dislike for Rong Lijun. Although the charming Immortal Lord of the Asheng Sect did not rank among the top nine in terms of martial prowess or cultivation, nor did his lineage command significant respect.

Among these nine individuals, Mu Yunye was the only one who presented a persistent source of vexation.

However, today, Rong Lijun did not appear as timid or fearful as the rumors suggested; his conduct was both unpredictable and peculiar.

Furthermore, Rong Lijun’s physical appearance was undeniably striking.

From the outset, he bore the resemblance of those fair-skinned, attractive young men often favored by noble immortals and ladies.

He had made inquiries in Shifang City; it was confirmed that the Third Miss of the Fang family in Xianling City had indeed kept a male companion.

However, a subsequent incident occurred, leading to the companion being discarded once her interest waned, never to return to Shifang City.

Considering Rong Lijun’s frequent presence in places associated with romance, he possessed a remarkable aptitude for dealing with women, skillfully employing unconventional methods to win their affections.

If he were to dedicate his full effort, it was entirely conceivable that Fang Geyu might develop a particular fondness for this type of individual.

Moreover, given his ostentatious display earlier, Situ Ye initially presumed he was deliberately attempting to capture the Third Miss Fang’s attention.

This led him to adopt a defensive posture.

But now, with the Third Miss Fang having retired to change, Rong Lijun’s captivating gestures were clearly not directed towards her.

Could it be that his interest was now directed towards that mortal commoner?!

It is important to note that prior to the arrival of this individual named Ji Xinnian.

Rong Lijun maintained a notably reserved and quiet demeanor, showing no inclination to seek the spotlight.

How then did this individual begin acting like a peacock displaying its plumage, putting on such a theatrical performance after his appearance?

Might Rong Lijun’s notorious reputation for promiscuity merely be a facade concealing his genuine inclinations and preferences?

With this line of reasoning, irrespective of whether one considered Rong Lijun or Ji Xinnian.

Situ Ye suddenly found both of them surprisingly appealing.

If Ji Xinnian were to genuinely capture his attention and form a union with him.

Then, the number of rivals among these nine would effectively be reduced by two, undoubtedly saving considerable effort.

Reflecting on this, Situ Ye profoundly regretted his earlier actions.

Had it not been for his successive pronouncements of disdain and contempt towards that human cultivator, would such a vehement response have been provoked?

Despite the usual respectful demeanor and apparent obedience shown by Yu Zhongxian, Tang Feng, and Shi Haotian towards him, everyone reveals their selfish nature when significant benefits are at stake. Facing the crucial marriage selection in Shifang City, securing Fang Geyu would undoubtedly be akin to obtaining an endless treasure hoard. More significantly, such a union would align one's destiny with the prestigious Zhonghua Immortal Mansion on Kunlun Mountain, signaling a future of boundless prosperity on the path of immortality. Situ Ye was convinced that every individual present today harbored their own ambitious schemes. Conversely, if Ji Xinnian and Rong Lijun were to be successfully matched, would this not transform potential adversaries into allies, thereby securing substantial backing? Baili An icily detached Rong Lijun's hand from his shoulder, stating with indifference, "I am merely a mortal, incapable of appreciating such refined artistic pursuits; I beg your forgiveness for not joining you." Yin Baishuang emerged, her smile a veiled weapon, and declared, "This is the time of year when frost decimates all vegetation. Appreciating flowers might prove rather solitary. I observed on my journey here that in the front courtyard, the snowscape and the resilient plum blossoms are in perfect bloom..." "Even if a thousand flowers and grasses were to burst forth in vibrant life, appreciating them in solitude is indeed a lonely affair.