Loyal, Brave & True

Chapter 16

Soon, Chen arrived but alone and not with Wuxian or his sister. He took a place next to Huaisang and only a few moments later, did Yao stood almost at the centre of the room and called for their attention.

"Gentry friends" he started. "This Phoenix Mountain Crowd Hunt is unpredictably grand. Quantities of caught prey are the most in history. Especially, Jiang clan of Yunmeng caught the most preys among the clans" he then turned to face Cheng and bowed. "Congratulations, young master Jiang"

The said clan leader stood up. "Jiang clan of Yunmeng dare not claim al credits. I am willing to contribute all we caught to all gentry families to support gentry friends and thanks for the enthusiastic invitation of Jin clan" he said with a smile and gave a bow to the Jin clan leader.

Zhouan smiled, exchanging a look with Xichen before looking at Cheng. Smart save young master. Well done, she thought proudly and enjoyed seeing somehow happier the young cultivator who had been through so much.

Clan Leader Jin stood up and grabbed his cup with the alcohol. "Clan Leader Jiang is, indeed, a teenage hero and has your father's demeanour. Please have a drink"

The two of them emptied their cups and Cheng sat down, his smile long gone once he was reminded of his deceased father. Zhouan felt her heart ache, realising the big mistake the rich clan leader did but it was now too late.

Suddenly, Zixun stood up with a pot filled with alcohol and marched towards the two Lan tables. "Clan Leader Lan, Hanguang Jun. Let's toast to the two of you" he said, and the two siblings exchanged a look of uncertainty.

Yao, who had suspected what was going on, had walked towards him. "Zixun, Jewu Jun and Hanguang Jun, all come from cloud recess. 3000 disciplines are curved on the discipline stone. Instead of drinking liquor, you might as well-"

The rude teen interrupted him. "We Jin clan and Lan clan are close friends, that means you look down on me"

Zhouan glared at him, her eyes narrowing dangerously as her hand under the table curled into a fist. Judging by his smirk, he was aware of what he was asking and the hard position he put the two Lan siblings.

Xichen simply smiled softly from mannerism but she could feel, and she could see that this proportion was a bad one. Especially for Wangji who could not tolerate alcohol.

"What a frank and forthright air! It is what a gentry should be made of" a disciple commented.

Zixun smirked. "Clan Leader Lan, we are not strangers. Don't cope with me, with the method for strangers. One simple question, Drink or not?" he offered the small cup to him who looked at his brother uncertain.

Yao laughed awkwardly. "They have to manoeuvre the sword to come back. Drinking will affect that negatively"

"Drinking two cups of liquor doesn't hurt. Even if I drink 8 cups, I can still manoeuvre the sword and fly at the sky" he said and filled the cup before offering it to the now standing Xichen.

Xichen gave a small smile and eyed the cup. His and extended to take it when another one appeared, taking it instead. Everyone looked at the owner was none than Zhouan who was now standing.

"Young Master Jin, your offer is the kindest and your mindset the rightest" she started, pleasing him with her words which made his smirk grow. "Allow me to drink that for Xichen. As his almost wife, I believe I can contribute and keep this friendship between Lan and Jin strong. As was mentioned, the twin Jades do have to follow their disciplines but that is not on me yet. Unless, of course, you do not think I can take a cup of liquor"

Mutters started, some praising the young woman for being a loyal wife and assisting her husband in keeping the disciplines and others commented on whether Zixun truly believed she was not capable.