Free Web NovelChapter 546: Chapter 332: Looking Like a Grown-Up?
Zhao Feixiong could certainly tell that Zou Feng was clearly displeased by his suggestion.
And that he hadn’t taken his Face Reading Skill seriously at all.
But since he really didn’t want Jiang Wanzhao to make another failed investment, he stared at Zou Feng’s departing back and called out, "Good advice is often hard to hear, Junior Brother Zou! You must take it seriously!"
With that said, he had his attendants carry the numerous betrothal gifts and proceeded toward the main hall of Rakshasa Palace.
But before he could even get close, two Core Disciples from the Dao Foundation Realm stepped forward and blocked his path.
Zhao Feixiong frowned. "What is the meaning of this?"
The disciple blocking him stated expressionlessly, "Senior Sister Jiang has given an order. For today’s birthday banquet, anyone may enter to offer their congratulations. The only exceptions are dogs and Zhao Feixiong, who are not permitted inside!"
He didn’t lower his voice, so nearly everyone present heard him.
Of course, those who understood the situation knew that Jiang Wanzhao wouldn’t target Zhao Feixiong so pointedly.
This rule about "dogs and Zhao Feixiong not allowed" was likely made up on the spot after she learned the man had come bearing betrothal gifts.
Seeing this, Zou Feng naturally understood. ’Even Jiang Wanzhao thinks this Zhao Feixiong character is completely ridiculous.’
’Showing up with betrothal gifts to propose at someone’s five-hundredth birthday banquet... what the hell?’
And so, he dismissed Zhao Feixiong’s outrageous suggestion from a moment ago to the very back of his mind.
Zhao Feixiong, still blocked, was stunned for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Senior Sister Jiang is just playing a joke on me! You guys actually took her seriously? Now, step aside!"
As he spoke, he tried to step forward again.
The two disciples blocking his path were alarmed. They quickly stood shoulder-to-shoulder, forming a human wall to continue blocking Zhao Feixiong.
"Brother Zhao, please don’t make things difficult for us..."
Zhao Feixiong’s expression turned cold. "I’ll say this one last time. Move!"
Although they were also in the Dao Foundation Realm, how could two Core Disciples dare to challenge someone with a Celestial Tier Dao Foundation? At his threat, they nearly backed down on the spot.
Fortunately, just as the atmosphere grew tense, Jiang Wanzhao’s voice drifted out from the main hall.
"Zhao Feixiong, are you certain you want to cause a scene today?"
Her tone was level, but anyone could tell it was the calm before the storm.
Zhao Feixiong shook his head and let out a long sigh. He then turned to the attendants carrying the gifts. "Take them back to the ship..."
Once the betrothal gifts were all carried back to Zhao Feixiong’s Flying Celestial Ship, the two disciples who had been blocking him immediately stepped aside and made an enthusiastic "please enter" gesture.
Zhao Feixiong shrugged and was finally able to enter the main hall of Rakshasa Palace.
And so, the small incident fizzled out.
Afterward, guests continued to arrive one after another.
It was worth noting that although Zou Feng had arrived early, he still hadn’t entered the main hall.
He wasn’t deliberately dawdling; his status simply wasn’t high enough.
After all, no matter how much potential he had, he was currently still only in the Spiritual Energy Realm.
Therefore, the senior brothers and sisters of the Dao Foundation Realm had to enter first, and only then would it be the turn of the Spiritual Energy Realm disciples.
However, once all the Dao Foundation Realm disciples in attendance had entered, everyone’s gaze fell on Zou Feng in unison.
Now, his status was clear. At the very least, everyone present tacitly acknowledged him as the number one guest below the Dao Foundation Realm.
Seeing this, Zou Feng didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately strode forward.
Before entering the main hall, it was customary to present one’s gift to the steward off to the side, who was responsible for recording them.
"Zou Feng of Qingxi Mountain presents... longevity noodles... a bundle of longevity noodles!" The steward stammered for a moment as he announced the gift.
The reason for his hesitation was that after checking repeatedly, he confirmed that Zou Feng’s gift was truly nothing more than a bundle of the most ordinary longevity noodles.
’The prodigy that Jiang Zhenchuan invested so heavily in is only giving *this* for her birthday!?’
This was especially shocking since the Dao Foundation Realm disciples who had offered their congratulations earlier had all presented exceptionally rare Heavenly and Earthly Treasures or exquisitely crafted, unique Spiritual Artifacts.
"A bundle of longevity noodles" sounded utterly jarring by comparison.
In the main hall, Jiang Wanzhao, who was seated at the head, felt her expression stiffen.
In truth, she hadn’t expected Zou Feng to present any particularly valuable gift.
But the problem was that in such a public setting, giving only a bundle of longevity noodles would cause her to lose some face.
Later, when the Celestial Dao Cauldron bestowed its "Fortuitous Blessings" in celebration, even if Jiang Wanzhao wanted to grant Zou Feng a larger share, she would face scrutiny...
"May Senior Sister Jiang live a long and boundless life, and may your path of the Dao be smooth..." Upon entering the main hall, Zou Feng naturally went through the formality of offering auspicious wishes.
He presented the longevity noodles as he spoke.
Jiang Wanzhao nodded, forcing herself to save face for him. "These noodles conceal a profound mystery. A very thoughtful gift!"
The moment she said this, the crowd had a collective moment of understanding.
’That makes sense,’ they thought. ’How could the great prodigy who defeated the Reincarnated Sword Emperor possibly give a gift of ordinary longevity noodles?’
But this forced attempt at saving face could only fool the Spiritual Energy Realm disciples in the audience.
Those in the Dao Foundation Realm were not so easily deceived...
Especially not Zhao Feixiong, who had no concept of tactfully letting things slide.
"What profound mystery? I don’t see anything."
"They just look like ordinary longevity noodles to me..."
He didn’t blurt this out to target Zou Feng specifically; it was simply in his nature to be tactless and speak his mind regardless of the occasion.
Jiang Wanzhao whipped her head around and shot Zhao Feixiong a vicious glare.
The glare made Zhao Feixiong jump. He quickly coughed. "Oh, oh! My mistake, I misjudged. These noodles do indeed conceal a profound mystery!"
Inside the hall, quite a few people were now struggling to suppress their laughter.
’I wish I could just slap him right out of the hall,’ Jiang Wanzhao thought, seething.
Just as the atmosphere reached peak awkwardness, Zou Feng announced in a clear voice, "Senior Sister Jiang, please wait a moment. This gift is only half-finished!"
"Half-finished?" Jiang Wanzhao’s expression turned to one of curiosity, and she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
’As long as there really is a hidden mystery!’
