Netherworld Retrograde
Chapter 292 - 136 Banquet_2

Chapter 292: Chapter 136 Banquet_2

The soft lighting around the sofa encompassed the girl’s gentle gaze and the young man’s silent contemplation, inadvertently creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

She savored the bitterness of her coffee, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

She would soon be leaving the Giant City, with no idea when they would next share coffee again.

It was as if Cheese had thought of something, and she softly asked, "We’re invited to a dinner at the Jing Family tomorrow. What are you planning to wear over there?"

"Wear what?" Li Yelai was somewhat puzzled, "Isn’t it just a simple meal together?"

Cheese laughed, "Although the Jing Family’s purpose is unclear, they are currently our official partners. Besides, they have come in the name of the Yaoqing Giant City, which carries a bit of a diplomatic nature. Therefore, tomorrow’s gathering will actually include many high-level figures from the Giant City and local wealthy businessmen."

"That serious?" Li Yelai was astounded. He really didn’t know what would be suitable to wear. It probably wouldn’t be easy to find something good in the current state of the Giant City.

"You can tell you haven’t prepared," Cheese stood up, padding back to the bedroom in her slippers with a pitter-patter.

Quickly, she returned with a carry bag and handed it to Li Yelai.

"A gift for you."

Li Yelai opened the carry bag and discovered a dark-colored suit inside. Made of superior fabric, its texture was exquisite with a natural shine; it was evidently high quality. The stitching was masterful; every detail finely finished, presenting an unparalleled level of craftsmanship.

"It must be expensive?" Li Yelai was somewhat surprised.

"You gave me a Magic Potion already... no need to mention whether it’s expensive or not," Cheese responded, "It should fit you; I had it tailored based on the suit measurements from when you draped me in your suit."

She was referring to the suit Li Yelai had put on her at Wangde Manor, to cover her body.

"Thank you, you’ve been a huge help," Li Yelai expressed his gratitude, "Then I’ll head back first now."

"Don’t forget, as a Processor, even if attending a dinner, you still need to bring your weapon," Cheese reminded him.

"Okay, see you tomorrow," Li Yelai nodded, indeed so. Although it would be quite odd, he still needed to bring the Big Black Umbrella with him tomorrow.

"Mhm, see you tomorrow," Cheese revealed a trace of a smile in her eyes.

...

The next day, Jing Family’s Mansion.

Although at one point swallowed by the Disaster Fog, the area was sparsely populated and an efficient evacuation had taken place, so the buildings were actually well-preserved.

After a week of renovations, the Jing Family’s Mansion had been completely rejuvenated.

The mansion’s architectural style was elegant and solemn, with white exterior walls reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was lively and cheerful, with guests dressed in a variety of formal wear, engaged in pleasant conversation. Several servers were busy welcoming guests, offering them champagne and delicate appetizers.

As the hosts of the mansion, Jing Lin and Jing Nuo, were at the entrance greeting arriving guests, including official Processors they’d fought alongside, local businessmen they’d had some interactions with, and officials from the Giant City’s City Lord Mansion.

Jing Nuo’s abilities were well utilized here, and she quickly became familiar with everyone, conversing merrily.

Then, Jing Lin and Jing Nuo noticed an off-road vehicle driving into the mansion, and a young man and woman stepped out from the back seat.

It was indeed Li Yelai and Cheese, the two individuals they had their attention on.

Cheese was dressed in an elegant deep blue gown that perfectly accentuated her exquisite figure. The body-hugging dress wrapped snugly around her curves, from the V-neck design at her collarbone down to the slit in the skirt, all exuding alluring charm.

Her short hair was loosely tied back, with a few strands naturally falling down, adding an effortless elegance to her beauty. She was so beautiful it was difficult to look away.

By her side, Li Yelai wore a dark suit that fit him well, showing off his robust figure. The color of his tie complemented Cheese’s gown, adding a touch of tacit coordination to their overall look.

Indeed, a handsome man and a beautiful woman.

Hmm... it would have been even better if one could ignore the Big Black Umbrella in his hand...

Just by looking at Li Yelai’s handsome appearance now, it seemed difficult to associate him with a fierce warrior who had once ventured alone into an Insect Swarm.

"Big bro, I feel like I’m up to snuff again!" Jing Nuo looked at Li Yelai with a smile and whispered to Jing Lin.

"But come off it, haven’t you seen Cheese right next to him?" Jing Lin retorted and stepped forward to greet them.

He thought to himself that it would have been quite a spectacle if it weren’t for the Doll’s curse preventing him from leaving the house. What a pity!

...

Meanwhile, on the high platform of the main hall, an old man was also observing everything from a distance.

After his gaze lingered on Li Yelai’s face for a long time, he said in a deep voice, "See? He... is also of my Jing Family’s bloodline; without our inheritance, he has already become a formidable Third Awakening Spiritual Ability User."

A hoarse voice suddenly spoke up: "Only a Third Awakening. If he had received the inheritance, he would be even more powerful, but now it’s all too late. He missed everything, just a mongrel with empty bloodline."

The old man smiled but said nothing about the Night General’s Face ability.

A woman in a black long dress silently appeared beside him.

The girl’s expression was indifferent, her face bore some resemblance to Jing Nuo, but her skin was pale and devoid of much vitality.

The old man continued, "So many years have passed in the blink of an eye... She fled to No.3 Border City and gave birth to twins. Yet, she was abandoned by her husband, and even when sick to death, she never sought my help. She truly hated me..."

The woman in black uttered in a hoarse, low voice, "Jing Lian... I remember now, your third daughter. The most likely to enter the Immortal Palace and receive its favor, yet she ran away halfway... And in the end, she bore two mongrels and still died here. How foolish..."

"Jing Nuo might not be a perfect match by blood, but perhaps he could withstand the descent of the Divine Son. Is he ready?"

Her gaze drifted to Li Yelai, who was walking away in the distance: "Or do you plan to choose someone else? Jing Lian’s daughter might be a better match. Though a mongrel, she does have some bloodline."

The old man fell silent for a moment: "She has not received the Jing Family inheritance, and she has already become a Spiritual Ability User. The chances of success are slim."

"Playing the doting grandfather now is rather too late," the woman in black scoffed. "Don’t forget, it’s the existence that allowed the Jing Family to thrive to this day."

...

Elsewhere, Li Yelai and Jing Lin entered a secluded room.

"The gathering is in a few days, and since we didn’t attend the last one, they probably already know I’m in No.3 Border City, too. There’s no hiding it, so I plan to trade some Insect Race materials in the ark for some Extraordinary Materials," Jing Lin said. "What about you? What do you need?"

"For trading items, we also have Insect Race materials, and I have some Extraordinary Material as well," Li Yelai responded. "But I need the Fourth Awakening recipe from the Wanxiang Path or a Dragon Clan Heart."

"You’re going for the Fourth Awakening?" Jing Lin raised an eyebrow. "I’m not sure about the Magic Potion Recipe from the Wanxiang Path, but you might be able to trade with Chu He for the Dragon Clan Heart. I’ve traded with him privately before; his strength is formidable, roughly at the Seventh Awakening level, and the power backing him is unknown, but it’s certain he’s human. He often sells Extraordinary Creatures’ materials, even more lavishly than Forbidden Zone Creatures."

Chu He? He seemed to be one of the ark electors at the Third Ring, unknown where he hailed from.

Li Yelai made a note of this Chu He and continued, "There’s also the matter of information about Chaos."

The authorities once detected the corrupting power of Chaos amid the Disaster Fog.

But it was fleeting, so they hoped to find some answers within the ark.

"I don’t know about that, no one sells information from the Ember Church outright; you’ll have to see if the Book Holder makes an appearance," Jing Lin shook his head. "I don’t know more than you; I’m also a new elector."

Li Yelai nodded, exchanged a few more words with Jing Lin, and then left the room.

But after walking for a bit, he saw a woman in a black dress watching him coldly.

(Sorry, I wasn’t feeling well, hence my late arrival)