The City of Blades' grand hall gleamed under hundreds of hanging lanterns, their light reflecting off polished wooden floors and ornate banners of noble families. The air was thick with anticipation, a mix of curiosity, ambition, and thinly veiled apprehension. Every table, every corner, seemed to whisper rumors of the young man who had stirred the continent's shadows—the Nightlord, Ye Tian.
From the far end of the hall, the city lord, Ling Jiashan, rose to address the gathered nobles and guests. His voice carried easily, resonating with practiced authority. "Tonight, we honor a guest whose deeds have reached even our city. A warrior of the Ye Clan… and the leader of Nightshade Hall. Young though he may be, his influence is undeniable."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. "A prodigy from the Ye Clan… finally, a great warrior after generations." "But with Nightshade Hall under him… will he use this strength to support his clan, or his own ambitions?"
At the far entrance, Ye Tian stepped in, flanked by his two wives, Lan Yuhua and Mu Qingyao, and his first disciple. He moved with calm precision, the system overlay quietly highlighting key figures in the hall. [System Scan Activated] Awareness, loyalty, suspicion, potential influence—everything tracked, cataloged, and calculated.
Whispers surged. "The Nightlord… so young… yet he commands such respect without even speaking." "Those envoys of his own family… every noble is bowing. Remarkable." Some tried to approach, eager to curry favor or align their families with his rising star, but Ye Tian's presence alone discouraged overzealous steps.
He allowed himself a faint smile, his mind already aware of the banquet's true purpose: a ploy to draw out ambitions, connections, and intentions. They wish to measure me, observe me… let them try.
Guests approached under the guise of courtesy, offering gifts, invitations, or veiled flattery. Ye Tian received each with polite words, measured gestures, and a calm, almost lazy smile. Conversations that hinted at hidden motives were subtly redirected; arrogant or overconfident nobles were reminded of their place without a word, just the pressure of his presence and qi.
Lan Yuhua walked slightly behind him, observing carefully. "They all fawn over you, dear," she murmured.
He did not glance at her. "They have no choice. Appearances are everything, yet influence lies in currents beneath."
Mu Qingyao's hand brushed lightly against his arm. "And those who test you…?"
"They learn their place," he said softly, eyes flicking across a group of nobles whose subtle gestures and gazes had betrayed arrogance. A faint ripple of qi, imperceptible to most, made them shift uncomfortably. A lesson delivered without a sound.
Guests whispered among themselves, speculation intertwining with awe. "He does not speak much… yet everything obeys him. Envoys, nobles, even these merchants…" "The Ye Clan has truly produced a prodigy, but can he balance this power with the clan's interests?"
By mid-evening, the city lord raised his goblet. "Let all witnesses note—the young Nightlord before you commands respect and influence across the continent. A warrior, a tactician, and a leader whose reputation precedes him."
Applause and murmurs filled the hall. Some bowed deeply, others lingered to study him, curious or calculating. Ye Tian allowed a measured smile, aware of the careful networks of information and influence already weaving around him.
Meanwhile, subtle gossip circulated among the crowd. "Even some major associations… the ones we know, they work for him too." "The Ye Clan has produced a great warrior… but is he going to support the clan with this organization, or just his own ambitions?"
It was then that subtle chaos began. Two young nobles from powerful families, Lin Hao and Duan Qiming, approached Mu Qingyao, their hands daringly brushing hers, smiles sharp with intent. At the same time, an older man, a prominent figure of a minor noble house, leaned toward Lan Yuhua, asking her under the guise of politeness to consider becoming his concubine.
Ye Tian's eyes flicked to them from across the hall, noting every movement, every intention. His system pinged softly in his mind: awareness levels high, loyalty negligible, potential threat imminent.
Let them test me, he thought, a faint smile curving his lips.