Chapter 5182: Greetings
Chapter 5182: Greetings
Seeing this, the others promptly raised their cups in return, toasting, “We honor Hell’s Lord, celebrating his glorious ascension.”
After witnessing him tilt his head back and down the wine in one gulp, they too drained their cups.
Celestial attendants flitted among the guests, serving course after course of exquisitely prepared dishes onto the long tables before them. As they listened to the conversation between Hell’s Lord and the Phoenix Empress seated at the head of the table, sipping their wine, the initially stiff atmosphere gradually loosened.
“Gentlemen, there’s no need for such formality. Today, here, you are free to eat, drink, and converse without restraint.”
Feng Jiu spoke, clapping her hands. Immediately, celestial maidens glided in on clouds, spinning to land in the open space ahead and begin a dance. A wave of clear, joyful music filled the air. At that moment, the guests exchanged glances, raised their cups, and began chatting with those beside them.
Up front, the Great Emperor Xiao Tian chatted casually with Xuanyuan Mo Ze and Feng Jiu. Seizing an opportunity, he smiled and said, “Emperor Yan, Phoenix Empress, I’ve brought a young one with me this time. He is the young master of my Xiao family. I haven’t yet had the chance to introduce him to you both.”
He glanced behind him and called out, “Junyan, come forward and pay your respects to Emperor Yan and the Phoenix Empress.”
Xiao Junyan, addressed by his own Old Predecessor, had been conversing with Yun Qi. Hearing his Old Predecessor call him, he immediately stood up, stepped forward to his Old Predecessor’s side, and bowed respectfully to the two seated at the main position.
“Xiao Junyan pays his respects to Hell’s Lord and Phoenix Empress.”
Feng Jiu recognized Xiao Junyan. Years ago, her young Yue’er had mistakenly ended up on the Xiao family’s Immortal Island, where she had met him. According to Yue’er, Xiao Junyan had been very considerate toward her.
With that, Feng Jiu smiled and said, “Lift your head so I may see you.”
Hearing this, the Great Emperor Xiao Tian’s eyes lit up. Seeing his young relative still standing there dazed, he hurriedly called out, “Junyan, what are you standing there for?”
Xiao Junyan paused before finally raising his head.
Feng Jiu studied the young man before her. He appeared to be eighteen or nineteen, with striking features, though he gave off an icy demeanor. Had her daughter not mentioned his care and kindness toward her, Feng Jiu would have found it hard to imagine such a youth radiating coldness could be someone who doted on children.
Xuanyuan Mo Ze had also heard Feng Jiu mention Yue’er’s escapade years ago, and thus knew she’d spoken of Xiao Junyan’s care for her. Now, when Feng Jiu asked him to look up, he understood—she simply wanted to see what kind of man this person her daughter called Brother Junyan truly was.
His own child was exceptional, but observing this young man, his bearing was also quite extraordinary.
“The Xiao family’s young master is truly remarkable,” Feng Jiu praised with a smile, asking a few more questions which Xiao Junyan answered one by one.
Seeing this, the Great Emperor Xiao Tian laughed so hard his eyes disappeared.
Beside him, the Azure Emperor shot a glance at Xiao Junyan, then at the Great Emperor Xiao Tian whose teeth were the only visible part of his grinning face. He lowered his eyes and picked up his wine cup to drink.
Not far away, the middle-aged emperor watched this scene with quiet concern. Seeing Feng Jiu motion for Xiao Junyan to return to his seat, he immediately smiled and said, “Hell’s Lord and Phoenix Empress, this Old Mei has also brought two juniors to pay their respects to you both.”
Saying this, he hastily motioned for the two juniors behind him to step forward.
Seeing this, the two juniors approached somewhat nervously and respectfully bowed to the two figures seated at the head of the table.
“Mei Zhubao.”
“Mei Zhuxin.”
“We pay our respects to Hell’s Lord and Phoenix Empress.”