Suddenly, the entire grand hall fell silent, with everyone staring intently at Liu Yanzhong, who was being dangled in mid-air by Zhou Hong.
Liu Yanzhong's neck was gripped by Zhou Hong, and his legs flailed desperately, as if trying to break free but finding no way.
Zhou Hong's display had indeed surprised everyone. Normally, a difference of one realm meant a vast disparity in strength. Without using a more powerful magic artifact, it was nearly impossible for someone of a lower realm to defeat one of a higher realm. Yet, Xiao Cui, without any magic artifact and with just one hand, had instantly defeated Liu Yanzhong, who was a level higher.
Zhou Hong scanned the assembled crowd, his gaze warning everyone. At the same time, the grip on Liu Yanzhong's neck tightened, his strength continuously increasing. Liu Yanzhong, in his hands, struggled like a snake on the verge of being crushed.
"Everyone, if anyone dares to disrespect me again, this scoundrel will be your fate," Zhou Hong declared, before violently slamming Liu Yanzhong to the ground.
With a thud, as if tossing a small frog, Liu Yanzhong was sent reeling, his head spinning, nearly to the point of his soul departing his body.
Indeed, Zhou Hong's threat made some people in the hall dare not laugh anymore. However, not everyone was cowed by Zhou Hong. Those stronger than Liu Yanzhong, the more talented individuals, though not directly threatened by Zhou Hong, had to admit that this Xiao Cui indeed possessed the qualifications to attend today's banquet.
This disturbance disrupted any inclination to mock Xiao Cui.
At this moment, Lian Qingyi, standing not far from the hall, couldn't help but re-evaluate Zhou Hong.
She hadn't known Xiao Cui's age before. Today, seeing Zhou Hong appear here, she realized her talent had ranked within the top thirty. Coupled with the fact that Xiao Cui had, with just one hand, instantly defeated a stronger opponent who was a level above her, it filled Lian Qingyi with disbelief and a hint of respect.
Zhou Hong let out a slight snort and returned to his seat in the corner of the hall. Now, finally, no one was ridiculing him as they had before.
The people in the hall gathered in small groups, speaking in hushed tones. Upon listening closely, their conversations all revolved around Zhou Hong.
"I didn't expect this little girl to be quite strong."
"Yeah, this Xiao Cui, without using any magic artifacts, relying only on her hands, instantly defeated someone a level above her. I'll be damned, it truly stunned me."
"No wonder that scoundrel Hei Xiaolu is involved with her. Turns out this maid's talent is even stronger than hers."
"Liu Yanzhong was also truly unlucky. He thought Xiao Cui was no match for him, being a sixth-rank Demon Person. But unexpectedly, he became the example to warn others."
"Everyone, to be honest, I suddenly have a very good impression of this Xiao Cui. What do you think, if I pursue her? Can I win her over?" Just then, Zhou Hong suddenly heard a male voice. Zhou Hong couldn't help but frown. Someone actually liked him? And wanted to "win him over"?
Zhou Hong really wanted to stand up, pull out his... and ask that man if he still wanted to now, and suggest they find a place, with him in front and Zhou Hong behind.
But of course, it was just a thought. Although Zhou Hong felt utterly disgusted, he had to live as Xiao Cui for now.
What Zhou Hong didn't know was that at the back of the hall, the City Lord was observing everything happening in the hall through the void. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Heh heh, this maidservant Xiao Cui from Black Orchid Manor, her talent is quite strong," the City Lord said with a chuckle.
Behind the City Lord, a middle-aged man said, "Your subordinate also did not expect that a mere maidservant would possess such strong talent."
"It's just a shame, she's slightly lacking in appearance, otherwise, I would be interested in playing around," the City Lord said, looking at Zhou Hong in the void's projection.
"City Lord, should we bring her to your room tonight?"
"Forget it, I don't feel like it for now. We can talk about it if there's an opportunity later. Let's go out, don't keep them waiting. These cultivation geniuses are the future big figures of Wumeng City, so we must entertain them with great care."
"Alright."
After the thirty young prodigies in the hall waited for a few more minutes, the City Lord finally arrived.
"The City Lord is here."
With a loud announcement, everyone saw the City Lord slowly emerge from a side door at the front of the hall.
"Greetings, City Lord." Everyone immediately bowed.
"Hahaha, all you cultivation geniuses, there's no need to be so formal. Treat this as your own home," the City Lord said with a smile, waving his hand to signal them to relax.
"All you geniuses, please be seated."
The assembled guests took their seats in the hall. Zhou Hong, keeping a low profile, sat in the farthest corner. At this moment, Zhou Hong was somewhat nervous. He didn't know that the City Lord had already seen him backstage and hadn't realized Zhou Hong was a male disguised as a female. Thus, Zhou Hong was very worried about being recognized by the City Lord.
Fortunately, after the City Lord emerged, he merely glanced at him and didn't pay much attention. Zhou Hong couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"All you geniuses, I've invited you to my manor today mainly to have a meal. After the meal, if you have any questions regarding cultivation, you can ask me in person. This official will spare no effort in answering. You are all the future of my Wumeng City."
"Thank you, City Lord."
"Then let's eat and drink first. We'll discuss cultivation matters after we've had our fill."
With that said, dozens of maids entered from the main gate, carrying various dishes, placing seven or eight small plates in front of each person's table.
"All you geniuses, I toast you. Let's raise our glasses together."
"Wishing the City Lord prosperity as boundless as the East Sea and continuous advancement."
The geniuses raised their wine glasses, offering congratulations to the City Lord. Zhou Hong also held up his wine glass, reluctantly moving his lips. He himself didn't hear what he said.
"You are all welcome, bottoms up." The City Lord drank his wine in one gulp.
Everyone else followed suit, drinking their wine.
"Everyone, please be seated and eat to your heart's content. Don't hold back."
Zhou Hong no longer held back, as it might attract attention. He picked up the knife on the table and began eating the meat on his plate. He didn't know what kind of meat it was, but it was exceptionally chewy.
Soon, the banquet concluded.
"All you geniuses, next is the question and answer session. Anyone with questions can ask me. After that, I will arrange for you to soak in the Demon Spring," the City Lord said, looking at the crowd.
Upon hearing the mention of the Demon Spring, the geniuses in the hall became excited. The Demon Spring was a special type of spring water unique to the City Lord that could increase cultivation. Soaking in it would undoubtedly boost one's cultivation and comprehension. For some who were on the verge of a breakthrough, it could even help them advance further.
Zhou Hong didn't know what the Demon Spring was and could only go with the flow, doing as everyone else did.
However, judging by the City Lord's words, it sounded somewhat like a hot spring, and even if it wasn't, the format was likely similar. Wouldn't that mean... undressing?