Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Feng Jiao Xue rested at the side along with Mo Tianze. Liang Feng had long been pulled by the imperial officials and nobles amongst the crowd. She can get a glimpse of him every once in a while.

She is actually impressed. Worthy of a noble prince, Liang Feng have perfectly crafted a ’genuine’ smile that reached his eyes, his laughters light and his gaze focused pulling you in with his charm and warm persona. Yet, able to maintain that distinguished aura that commands admiration and respect.

As Feng Jiao Xue observed the various guest, discreetly listening to passing conversations between people. Taking notes to remember possible valuable... ’information’ for future use. Her gaze seemingly idle, but in reality, her mind was keenly attuned to the passing conversations around her. She discreetly took note of snippets of discussions, cataloging whispers of future alliances, old grievances, and concealed ambitions. In the world she lived in, knowledge was more valuable than gold, more lethal than a blade in the dark.

Glancing to the front, Feng Jiao Xue pretended not to see her grandfather drinking shots offered one after another while ’humbly’ accepting their praises despite his proud gait.

A sigh almost escaped her lips but a familiar voice interrupted her musings.

"Mhmn~" While Feng Jiao Xue silently watched the on goings of the celebratory banquette Mo Tianze enjoyed the sweets with an expression of pure bliss, "Sister, here. Ah~" Mo Tianze offered and Feng Jiao Xue silently opened her mouth as he picked up a spoonful of parfait, offering it to her with bright eyes.

His enthusiasm was infectious, and without hesitation, Feng Jiao Xue silently accepted the treat, letting the delicate sweetness explode on her tongue.

She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the contrast of velvety cream and rich fruit feeling the sweetness explode in her tongue at the parfait that Mo Tianze fed her.

"Sister, it’s so good right?" Mo Tianze exclaimed while others looked at his excitement in distain.

"I can’t believe the clan allowed a filthy demi-beast in their prestigious halls"

"I know right, so crass."

"That disgusting thing shouldn’t be allowed to walk amongst us as if its one of us"

"Shh! Can’t you see who he belongs to? That’s currently the patriarch’s favorite grandchild" Another tried to shush them and usher them away.

"Disgusting?" Feng Jiao Xue frowned her hand twitching to her to her sleeves, feeling the familiar chill of her needles.

"You know, you can’t poison everyone that says anything bad about him right?’ Huang Jin De’s voice sounded in her head making her pause.

"Your projecting" He analysises. "But Mo Tianze don’t need you to fight his every battle. You want to give him the protection your previous selves where never given but your going to the extreme. You will stunt his character this way." Huang Jin De evaluated for her.

She exhaled slowly, letting the chill of her needles fade.

He was right.

It was hard to swallow, but she knew the truth of his words. If she cut down everyone who looked at Mo Tianze the wrong way, she would not be giving him protection, only a gilded cage.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a small tug at her sleeve.

"Sister"

Feng Jiao Xue glaned at Mo Tianze who was tugging at her sleeves lightly to get her attention. "Try their vanilla cakes. It’s not too sweet and it was enchanted to melt in your mouth!"

He grinned like a kid tasting candy for the first... time.

Feng Jiao Xue’s heart ached at the sudden redminder.

"If you like it, I’ll remember to buy you more next time" She patted his head pausing as her hand landed on the two puffs of fur on top of his head.

It was like touching cotton and silk at the same time, she couldn’t help resting and playing with his hair for a brief moment, caresing h is puffy fox ears, idly stroking the delicate fur. Mo Tianze’s breath hitched, a faint pink dusting his cheeks as he instinctively leaned into her touch, his tail swaying slightly in contentment.

Whoooo~ A horn blew at the door way gathering everyone’s attention. All idle chatter ceased. The hall quieted as attention turned toward the entrance.

Imperial guards marched and formed a protective formation at the path, followed by ten eunuch’s before golden robes came into view shimmered like liquid gold, , embroidered with red flying dragons, with each sway of the coth, creating an illusion that they are flying.

The emperor walked with poise and gait that with no flaws. Every stride filled with confidence yet no arrogance. As if he owns the place without the egoisistic narcissism that would normally be found in such strides just acceptance and reverence.

He was not like the emperor Feng Jiao Xue met at the imperial grounds but... a ruler worthy of respect and reverence.

Everyone slowly bowed in repect.

"Eternal glory to His Majesty! May the heavens bless his reign and the empire flourish under his rule!"

Everyone greeted, t he voices of nobles and officials rang out in harmony and Feng Jiao Xue followed along with Mo Tianze who mimicked her posture.

"Rise." The emperor’s voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority. "This day is not about us but to congratulate my old friend." The emperor raised his hand for everyone to rise again.

At that, the eunuchs all took in crates upon crates of precious paintings, antiques and jewelries.

"Is that Isolde Mirrien’s peice, the haunted heavens! Goodness, it is rumored that looking at her painting alone can feel like your soul is being sucked into the painting"

"That’s a jade vase from the Yu’Jin era!"

"Who cares about those. That! That’s a mid seventh grade fire Qi beast core!"

Murmurs of envy and awe filled the air as the emperor’s lavish gifts were displayed.

"Ahahaha, this subject humbly accepts his majesty’s blessings" Feng Zhenhai bowed respectfully to the emperor.

"Rise old friend." The emperor’s lips curved into a rare, knowing smile. His gaze momentarily flickering to Feng Jiao Xue, doubt in his heart telling him that somehow, she has got something to do with it. Seeing his son nearby, a thought passed through his head before sighing. ’Let the little ones deal with their affairs themselves’ he waved the thought of connecting their families together through marriage.

"It’s good to see that you have yet to kick the bucket before us" The emperor smiled familiarly with Feng Zhenhai. Back in their youth, they used to be rivals and friends before they became sworn brothers in battle at their primes.

"This old bones still has plenty of fights left to win, your majesty" Feng Zhenhai grinned as they walked to a more private area to chat while the Banquet continued.

As the emperor and Feng Zhenhai departed to a more private area, the banquet continued in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the grand hall. Servants moved swiftly, refilling wine cups and replacing empty plates with fresh delicacies. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, fragrant teas, and sweet confections.

Amidst the liveliness, a young servant dressed in the muted gray robes of a lower attendant carefully navigated the crowd, carrying a tray of wine. His movements were precise, almost rehearsed, as if every step was calculated. He approached a shadowed corner where another figure stood, half-shrouded by the tall ornamental screens that lined the hall.

The second figure was clad in a finer robe, though its colors were subdued, a sign of a high ranking servant or an official of lesser status. His presence went unnoticed by the revelers, and his face remained turned slightly away, just enough to keep his expression unreadable. When the young servant reached him, he subtly tilted his head, signaling for the boy to speak.

"It has been prepared," the young servant whispered, his voice steady despite the tension in his posture. "Just as you instructed. The poison dissolves instantly, leaving no trace in the scent or taste."

The older figure gave a slow nod, his gaze flickering briefly toward the head table where the honored guests sat. His lips curled into a near-imperceptible smirk. "Good. Ensure it is served at the right moment. We cannot afford a mistake."

The servant hesitated, glancing toward the golden-clad figures at the front of the hall. "The target... Are you certain?"

A soft chuckle escaped the man’s lips. "Do not let sentiment cloud your duty. If we succeed, the tides of power will shift. Do your part."

The servant clenched his jaw but bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord."

As he straightened, he adjusted his grip on the tray and stepped away, his expression schooled into neutrality. The warmth and grandeur of the banquet hall pressed in around him, yet the weight of his task made the air feel suffocating.

Across the hall, Feng Jiao Xue sipped her tea, her sharp eyes sweeping over the gathering. She had an unsettling feeling, like a storm brewing beneath the surface.