Under the rising murmur of the hall, Fang Qinxian slowly lifted his hand.
The sound faded at once.
Wine cups paused midair. Conversations died mid-sentence.
Every gaze turned toward the stage.
Fang Qinxian stood tall, his white robe catching the morning light that filtered through the open pillars of the banquet hall. The faint smile on his face was calm, controlled—yet beneath it lay unmistakable authority.
He glanced once at Fang Lin standing below, then looked over the gathered guests.
"Today," Fang Qinxian began, his voice deep and steady, carrying effortlessly across the vast hall,
"the Fang family has invited everyone here not for excess, nor for empty celebration."
A brief pause.
"But to bear witness."
Soft ripples of curiosity spread among the guests.
"During the recent aptitude awakening," he continued,
"a rare talent has appeared within my Fang family—an A-grade aptitude, something not seen in many generations."
This time, the murmurs could not be fully restrained.
Eyes sharpened. Breaths quickened.
Fang Qinxian raised his wine cup slightly.
"This banquet is held for one reason only," he said clearly,
"to announce that from this day onward—Fang Lin is no longer an overlooked branch disciple, nor a name spoken lightly."
His gaze hardened, the smile fading.
"He is the pride of the Fang family."
The hall fell silent.
Fang Lin felt countless gazes crash onto him at once—surprise, disbelief, admiration, envy, and a few carefully hidden traces of hostility.
Fang Qinxian finished calmly,
"May all of you remember this name well."
He lifted his cup higher.
"To Fang Lin."
For a moment after Fang Qinxian's words, the banquet hall remained caught in a strange stillness—
as if everyone needed time to accept what they had just heard.
Then the reactions came.
Among the elders of the allied families, expressions shifted subtly.
Some narrowed their eyes, their fingers tapping slowly against their wine cups as calculations formed in their minds.
An A-grade aptitude… in the Fang family? That was no small matter.
A few elders forced polite smiles and nodded to one another, already thinking about future alliances, marriage ties, or favors that might now be worth far more than before.
Others remained silent, their gazes deep and unreadable—clearly displeased, yet too experienced to let it show openly.
On the other hand, the younger generation reacted far more openly.
Several youths stared straight at Fang Lin, disbelief written plainly on their faces.
"That's him?"
"He doesn't look that special…"
"An A-grade? Impossible…"
Whispers spread like ripples across water.
Some clenched their fists unconsciously, jealousy burning in their eyes. Others straightened their backs, suddenly alert—marking Fang Lin as a rival they could no longer ignore.
A few, however, looked at him with open admiration.
If even the Fang family head acknowledged him so publicly, then this was no exaggeration.
Fang Lin felt all of it.
The weight of attention pressed down on him from every direction, far heavier than he had expected.
Inside, he thought calmly,
Everyone is looking at me as if I've taken something from them…
So what am I supposed to do now?
He paused, then a different thought surfaced, far simpler and far more honest.
Ah—right. I'm at a banquet.
A faint, almost helpless smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
I might as well try the food of this world.
With that, he turned and walked toward the circular bench set near the stage. The long table before it was laden with delicacies—steaming dishes carved from spirit beasts, crystal plates of fragrant fruits, and polished wine jars that carried a rich, intoxicating aroma. Several chairs were arranged neatly around it.
The place was still empty.
Fang Lin glanced around briefly and thought,
This looks like it was prepared for special guests.
But since no one's here yet…
His stomach growled softly, as if urging him on.
I'll sit here then. I really am hungry.
Without further hesitation, Fang Lin took a seat by the table, the glow of spirit-lit dishes reflecting faintly in his eyes as the banquet—and his new life
The circular table was covered with jade plates and bronze trays, each holding dishes far more refined than Fang Lin had ever seen.
At the center rested a Whole Spirit Beast Roast, its golden-brown skin crackling faintly, carved with delicate patterns that trapped the aroma within. Wisps of warm steam rose from it, carrying a rich scent that made one's mouth water instantly.
Beside it were bowls of Dragon Vein Rice, each grain long and translucent, shimmering faintly with spiritual light. Even without tasting it, Fang Lin could tell the rice itself contained pure essence.
A deep porcelain dish held Fire Lotus–Stewed Crimson Carp, the fish bathed in a clear red broth. Thin lotus petals floated on the surface, releasing gentle heat that warmed the air around it.
Nearby, bamboo steamers were stacked neatly, revealing Cloud Meat Dumplings—snow-white on the outside, filled with tender spirit beast meat that leaked fragrant juices at the slightest touch.
There was also a plate of Jade Bamboo Shoots Stir-fried with Spirit Mushrooms, emerald-green and glistening, arranged with elegant precision.
At one corner sat a cold dish—Moon Dew Fruit Slices, pale blue and crystal-clear, resting in chilled nectar. Each slice reflected light like glass, promising sweetness and refreshment.
Several wine jars stood between the dishes. One bore the seal of Heavenly Grain Wine, its fragrance thick and mellow. Another contained Spirit Blossom Wine, faintly pink, with petals still floating inside.
So these are cultivation world foods…" Fang Lin muttered inwardly. They look almost majestic. But where should I start?
His gaze drifted instinctively toward the wine jars arranged neatly between the dishes.
There's even wine here…
He paused.
"In my real life, I never actually drank it. I'd only heard things—lungs, kidneys, all kinds of damage…"
A brief silence passed.
"What am I even thinking?
This isn't my real body, and this is a cultivation world. Things here don't follow the same rules anyway."
He shook his head lightly.
"Forget it. Food first. Wine can wait."
With that, Fang Lin extended his hand toward one of the jade plates. His fingers hovered briefly before stopping over the dish of spirit mushrooms—smooth, glossy caps faintly glowing with natural essence.
"Let's start with this," he said softly.
He picked up a piece and examined it for a moment, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
If this really is a cultivation world,
then even something as simple as food should show me the difference.
With that thought, Fang Lin finally brought the mushroom toward his mouth, ready to taste his first true meal in this unfamiliar yet dazzling world.
Just then, the faint sound of footsteps reached his ears from beside the table.
Fang Lin, without even looking up, murmured under his breath,
"Seriously… who is it now? No one was sitting here earlier. They really had to come right when I finally started eating."
When he raised his eyes, three figures were already standing beside the seat directly across from him.
At the center was a young girl, her presence calm yet refined. Beside her stood an elderly man, his posture straight despite his age, his gaze sharp and experienced. Slightly behind them was a female servant, both hands holding a tray carefully.
The tray was covered with a red cloth, neatly draped as if concealing something important.
The lively noise of the banquet seemed to soften around them, as though the space near Fang Lin had been subtly isolated.
Only then did Fang Lin straighten slightly, his casual expression fading into mild curiosity as his eyes lingered on three figures.
The moment Fang Lin noticed them, his hand froze midway to the dish.
His appetite vanished instantly.
His gaze moved first—almost unconsciously—toward the girl in the middle.
Without asking for permission, she calmly pulled out the chair and sat down across from him, her movements unhurried and natural, as if this seat had always belonged to her.
Fang Lin swallowed and murmured inwardly,
What kind of girl is this… She feels almost like Medusa—those red hair, that pale, fair skin…
Only difference is, instead of a red dress, she's wearing deep blue.
Her presence alone made the space feel colder, quieter.
The female servant, standing slightly behind, noticed Fang Lin's brief daze and thought to herself,
Our young miss is one of the Three Beauties of the Southern Wildlands.
How could a boy like him not be shocked? Especially when she came to meet him personally.
Meanwhile, the old elder beside the girl remained completely unchanged. His expression was calm, indifferent, as if Fang Lin's reaction meant nothing to him at all—like someone who already knew everything there was to know.
Fang Lin's thoughts began to drift—
Who are they? Why sit here? Is this seat really for—
Before he could finish the thought, a soft yet cold voice, carrying a natural authority, reached his ears.
"I apologize for interrupting your meal."
The girl's tone was calm, controlled, neither arrogant nor humble.
"My name is Tian Xueya."
The name echoed once inside Fang Lin's mind.
Tian… Xueya?
Why does that sound familiar…?
He stared at her for a second longer than necessary, the noisy banquet fading into the background as a faint sense of unease—and curiosity—slowly took hold.
Fang Lin suddenly froze.
A realization struck him.
He murmured—soft at first, then a little louder than he intended,
"Tian Xueya… Ah—right. I've heard this name before…"
His eyes sharpened as the memory surfaced.
Ling'er mentioned it before we came to the banquet…
He looked at her again, this time with clearer focus .
"You're from the Tian family, aren't you?" he said carefully.
"The daughter of the Tianjian Clan's Patriarch."
There was no hesitation in his voice when he continued, confusion mixed with caution,
"So… why are you here?"
His gaze flicked briefly to the seat she had taken, then to the untouched dishes.
This place…
Isn't this seat meant for special guests?
He frowned slightly, a quiet thought forming in his mind.
Could it be that I wasn't supposed to sit here at all?
Tian Xueya spoke in the same calm, unhurried tone, as if the surrounding banquet meant little to her.
"I am here because my father—the Patriarch of the Tianjian Clan—could not attend personally," she said. "So, he sent me in his place."
Her gaze met Fang Lin's directly, steady and clear.
"He also sent a gift," she continued softly, "for your future. He hopes your path ahead will be… bright."
With a slight motion of her fingers, she signaled to the servant behind her.
At once, the female servant stepped forward. Reaching Fang Lin's side, she knelt down respectfully, lowering her head before carefully lifting the plate with both hands and presenting it to him.
As the red cloth was gently pulled away, the item beneath was revealed.
A ring.
It was forged in shades of silver and deep blue, the colors blending together like moonlight reflected on still water. Strange runes were engraved along its surface—symbols written in an unfamiliar language, ancient and profound, carrying a faint, almost imperceptible pressure.
Fang Lin's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at it.
This… doesn't look like something ordinary, he thought.
Fang Lin stared at the ring for a few more breaths, his thoughts turning inward.
How can a ring increase my future potential? he wondered. In most novels I've read, rings are usually used to store items… so could this be—
He lifted his gaze to Tian Xueya and asked frankly,
"Is this… a storage ring?"
Xueya nodded lightly, her expression calm.
"You're correct. It is a storage ring," she said. "But it is not an ordinary one."
She paused for a moment, then continued, her voice steady and precise.
"The space inside this ring grows according to your cultivation rank. As you advance, the storage expands along with you. It was taken from our family's treasure vault—specially for you."
Her eyes met his again.
"I hope you will accept it."
Fang Lin carefully picked up the ring between his fingers, examining the smooth silver-blue surface and the strange runes carved into it. A faint chill passed through his fingertips, followed by a subtle warmth, as if the ring were quietly acknowledging him.
He smiled faintly.
"Of course," he said. "If the Patriarch prepared this especially for me, then I'd be disrespectful not to accept it."
He slipped the ring onto the middle finger of his right hand.
For an instant, the runes shimmered softly—so briefly that only Fang Lin noticed. The ring tightened ever so slightly, fitting his finger perfectly, as though it had always belonged there.
Feeling a strange connection form, Fang Lin raised his hand and looked at it again, curiosity rising in his eyes.
"So…" he asked, turning back to Xueya, "how do I use this?"
Xueya suddenly rose from her seat.
The movement was so smooth and decisive that Fang Lin didn't even have time to react. In the next moment, she was already standing beside him.
Before he could say anything, she reached out and gently took hold of his left hand.
Fang Lin stiffened for a split second.
Her fingers were cool, yet not unpleasant. There was no hesitation in her touch, no embarrassment either—
only calm confidence, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
"Relax," Xueya said softly, her tone steady. "I won't do anything unnecessary."
After that, she held Fang Lin's hand with both of her hands.
When Fang Lin looked toward Xueya, he could clearly see how close she was to him.
He thought,
"Is this real? I can't believe it… a girl has come this close to me, and that too such a beautiful one."
His face instantly turned red.
Xueya looked at his face without any change in expression.
Her eyes were completely calm, as if she was already prepared for this.
Taking one of his fingers, she brought it near her lips and said,
"To use this ring, you will have to activate it with your blood so that it can form a bond with you."
Then she said in a concerned tone,
"There will be a little pain, but only then will you be able to use it."
Worry appeared on Fang Lin's face.
"Pain? What are you do—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Xueya lightly bit his finger.
Blood started flowing out, and she immediately brought that blood to the finger where the ring was worn.
A drop of blood soaked into the ring.
Xueya returned to her seat calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened.
"The bond is complete," she said softly. "From now on, the ring belongs to you alone. To activate it fully, you must guide your primal essence into the ring. Once your energy flows smoothly, you will be able to use it whenever you wish."
Fang Lin lowered his gaze to the ring on his finger.
He tried to sense something—anything—but there was only silence.
"So it still hasn't awakened…" he thought.
"Looks like cultivation isn't just important anymore… it's necessary."
A faint determination appeared in his eyes.
"I need strength. And I need it fast."
Xueya took a slow sip of her wine before speaking again, her voice calm and assured.
"Yes, I already know," she said. "Right now, you cannot circulate primal essence. You are not awakened yet. That is why you will have to learn everything properly once you enter the sect."
Her gaze rested on him for a brief moment.
"When that day comes," she added, "this ring will truly show its value."
Not far from Fang Qinxian, several clan heads and elders sat together, their expressions carefully controlled.
Yet their eyes told a different story.
Whispers spread quietly among them—not loud enough to disturb the banquet, but sharp enough to carry unease.
"A storage ring from the Tianjian Clan's treasure vault…"
"And not an ordinary one."
"So the Tianjian Patriarch has already made his move."
Some elders narrowed their eyes, their gazes drifting toward Fang Lin with mixed emotions—envy, caution, and concealed greed.
Fang Qing froze the moment he saw Tian Xueya sitting beside Fang Lin.
The wine cup in his hand tightened.
His eyes lingered on her calm expression, the same distant elegance he had admired for years—yet today, that gaze was not meant for him.
When he noticed the ring now resting on Fang Lin's finger, his brows furrowed slightly.
He spoke in a low, controlled voice, almost to himself:
"So… even you chose him."
There was no anger on his face—only a quiet bitterness, carefully buried beneath noble composure.
Without another word, Fang Qing turned away from the banquet hall and stepped back, merging into the crowd, leaving behind a faint trace of disappointment that no one else noticed.
At the far corner of the banquet hall, where light failed to reach, a lone figure stood in silence.
She wore a jet-black robe that blended perfectly with the shadows, her presence so faint that not even the elders noticed her. A mask covered her face, revealing only a pair of sharp, cold eyes—eyes that observed everything.
Her gaze rested on Fang Lin.
She murmured softly, her voice barely louder than a breath.
"So… this is Fang Lin."
A brief pause followed.
"I didn't see him during the Awakening Ceremony. He arrived last… and I thought there wouldn't be anyone worth watching anymore. That's why I left early."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as memories replayed in her mind.
"Who would've thought everything would change like this?"
She fell silent for a moment, then continued, a hint of annoyance slipping into her tone.
"Grandfather told me to keep an eye on him. What a troublesome task… I hate things like this."
Then, as if remembering something important, the corner of her lips curved faintly beneath the mask.
"But this time… Grandfather said he'll give me a manual."
Her gaze sharpened, locking onto Fang Lin once more.
"Fine then."
The shadows around her stirred gently.
"I'll watch."