Dance Of The Dragons
Chapter 366 : A Banquet At Wushan Temple

Chapter 366: Chapter 366 : A Banquet At Wushan Temple

Wushan Temple Sect stood tall among the ten great sects that dominate the cultivation world. This esteemed institution sat atop Mount Wu, a majestic peak shrouded in clouds and mist, where the air was always fresh and the water was always pure.

Admission to the sect was a coveted privilege, granted only to those who possessed exceptional talent and potential. Even then, an admission was not guaranteed. Very few sects opened their arms to prospective disciples from unknown backgrounds.

Wushan Temple Sect required a personal recommendation from its existing members before even considering an applicant. This stringent process ensured that only the most deserving and dedicated individuals were admitted into its sacred temple.

Once accepted, initiates embarked on a transformative journey. They were required to leave behind their families and worldly attachments, embracing a life of discipline and devotion. Within the sect’s walls, they lived and trained alongside their fellow disciples, forming bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcended blood and circumstance.

Tonight, a vibrant tapestry of light illuminated the Wushan Temple Sect. Hundreds of lanterns, each radiating a warm glow, adorned the mountaintop sanctuary, transforming it into a luminous spectacle. This outpouring of light celebrated a momentous occasion -- the eighteenth birthday of Bai Ling, the only daughter of Sect Leader Bai Siyang.

A festive atmosphere permeated the air as the front courtyard of Wushan Temple underwent a remarkable transformation. Gone was the serene tranquility of the usual space; in its place, a vigorous banquet venue pulsed with life.

The centerpiece of the festivity was a raised platform constructed in the center of the courtyard. This stage served as the canvas for an array of talented entertainers, who had journeyed from nearby towns to add their voices and instruments to the joyous occasion.

Around the stage, ten long dining tables were strategically arranged, radiating outwards like the spokes of a wheel. These tables, draped in bright red and yellow silk cloths, were intended for the esteemed guests, representatives from all the great sects who had come to honor Bai Ling and her family.

Behind the long tables, smaller circular dining tables were scattered like fallen stars, offering a warm and welcoming space for Wushan Temple Sect’s disciples and honorable guests from the surrounding towns and villages.

At the ten long dining tables, a distinct solemnity prevailed. Here, amidst the representatives of various sects, formality held sway. Conversations were measured, laughter subdued, and every gesture carried a weight of respect and protocol.

In stark contrast, the smaller circular tables buzzed with a vibrant energy. A symphony of joyous laughter and lively chatter filled the air, punctuated by the delicate clinking of glasses as guests raised their cups in toast. The melodic strains of music from the stage drifted through the courtyard, further enhancing the festive mood.

As platters of exquisite delicacies began their journey from Wushan Temple Sect’s renowned kitchen, a wave of excited chatter swept through the assembled guests.

The culinary spread was a testament to the unparalleled skills of the temple’s chefs. Each dish was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with fresh ingredients and presented with artistry. From savory braised pork and steamed fish to delicate stir-fried vegetables and colorful dumplings, the variety and quality of the food were truly awe-inspiring.

The aroma that wafted from each dish was a symphony in itself. Each tendril of fragrance, laden with the essence of spices, herbs, and expertly cooked ingredients, danced enticingly through the air, teasing the senses and igniting a torrent of anticipation within the guests before they even picked up their chopsticks to dig in.

Wushan Temple Sect truly outdid itself on this momentous occasion. The staff, dedicated to ensuring a flawless celebration, moved with practiced ease, ensuring that every cup was kept brimming with fragrant wine and every plate remained generously laden with delectable treats.

Seated in the middle of the long table dedicated to the esteemed, high-ranked members of the Wushan Temple Sect, Bai Ling looked exceedingly lovely in her dress. Delicate golden threads, woven into captivating floral patterns, danced across the rich fabric, mimicking the beauty of a blossoming orchard bathed in golden sunlight.

One by one, the distinguished representatives of various sects approached the long table, each bearing gifts for the young lady of honor. As they laid their offerings before Bai Ling, their faces lit up with smiles of admiration and respect.

"A most beautiful blossom graces Wushan Temple Sect today," one representative declared, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Your daughter, Sect Leader Bai, is a radiant jewel, and I wish her a life filled with happiness and success."

Another stepped forward, offering a delicately carved jade pendant. "May this token," he spoke, "serve as a reminder of the auspicious occasion and the bright future that lies ahead for Miss Bai Ling."

Other representatives voiced similar words of praise and echoed well wishes for the young lady’s future.

The last one to present his gift to Bai Ling was none other than Qiao Wei, who represented the entire Wushan Temple Sect to congratulate the daughter of the sect leader on her most auspicious birthday.

He had with him an artistic masterpiece that was sprawled across the velvety pillow on a tray.

Chains of gleaming metal intertwined with emerald gemstones of various sizes, reflecting the lantern light in a mesmerizing dance. A murmur of excitement erupted at the smaller tables behind the long tables.

"A gift from the entire sect, you say?" one voice whispered. "But I heard whispers that Qiao Wei-shixiong himself funded it from his own coffers!"

"Indeed, I heard the same!" another chimed in. "And those emeralds? Carved from the largest gemstone discovered in the past century!"

A sigh filled the room. "Miss Bai Ling is the luckiest woman alive," someone declared.

"Not every woman is fit to stand by the Venerable Sword Saint of Wushan’s side," another agreed. "They are like a pair of mandarin ducks -- truly a match made in heaven!"

As Qiao Wei knelt before her, offering the exquisite gift, Bai Ling’s eyes shimmered with love and adoration. A radiant smile bloomed on her face, like the first blossom of spring.

"Little Ling, happy birthday," Qiao Wei said sincerely. "May your life be filled with endless joy and laughter. May every step you take carry all the blessings from heaven."

Bai Ling took the necklace from Qiao Wei and beamed at him.

"Wei Wei, thank you," she said shyly.

Next to her, grinning from ear to ear, Bai Siyang could not help but tease his disciple.

"Qiao Wei, ah, a real man must take responsibility for his woman’s happiness. Is that all you have to say to Little Ling?"

With a gentle smile, Qiao Wei placed the empty pillow in the hands of a nearby attendant. His gaze then met Bai Ling’s, and he extended a steady hand towards her. Her heart beat a frantic rhythm against her ribs as she placed her trembling

"Little Ling," he began, his voice soft yet firm, "our bond stretches back to the days of our swaddling clothes. We have grown together, sharing laughter and tears, joys and sorrows, like siblings bound by an unseen thread.

But with time, our affection has blossomed into something more profound, and more beautiful than any childhood friendship could ever be.

You have woven yourself into the very fabric of my heart. Today, I am here to ask you, will you grant me the honor of becoming my wife?"

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Author’s note :

Mini theater!

Author : Eeep (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠) my baby Jianyu is getting married soon! Weee~

Fengxi : Seriously? SERIOUSLY, AUTHOR??? (⁠ノ⁠ಠ⁠益⁠ಠ⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻

Author : Hey, it’s not my fault you had to stab Little Xie in the neck when you met him again.

Fengxi : I acted according to the Chapter YOU wrote!

Author : Oh. Right. Well. Um, I hope the readers are less judgmental (⁠・⁠_⁠・⁠;⁠)