The entire hall of the hotel had been transformed into a ballroom. Most of the upper echelons of East Sea City's society had gathered here, dancing to the music, engaging in conversation, and expanding their social networks. Upon seeing Shen Xuanran and Jiang Ce, they couldn't help but stop and stare.
"Isn't that Mr. Shen's daughter, Shen Xuanran?"
"Who's that man by her side? Is he Miss Shen's boyfriend?"
"To be favored by Miss Shen, he must be from an ultra-wealthy family, right?"
Shen Xuanran paid no attention to these whispers and led Jiang Ce straight to the center of the dance floor. Jiang Ce, on the other hand, continued to observe his surroundings. He keenly noticed that many people, even among the Wine Attendants, were not what they seemed. They weren't guests but were constantly watching their surroundings, presumably to prevent any unforeseen incidents and ensure the ball went off without a hitch.
From them, Jiang Ce sensed a powerful aura.
These individuals are likely the so-called Cultivator Warriors.
Martial Artists were a group not understood by ordinary people; they were powerful, with extraordinary abilities. This group was divided into Postnatal, Innate, Grandmaster, and Mysterious Yellow levels based on strength. Each Martial Artist was exceptionally talented, exceedingly rare, and of immense value.
Even though Jiang Ce felt their abilities were far inferior to his own, the fact that so many Martial Artists were gathered at a single ball showed Mr. Shen's considerable influence, befitting the Underground Emperor of East Sea City.
Jiang Ce murmured to himself, "Judging by the aura they emit, these people must be Postnatal Martial Artists. But what level is my own strength at?"
The Xuanyuan Ninefold Jue I practice is different from the training of ordinary Martial Artists, so I can't properly assess my own strength yet. I've only cultivated to the first layer but already feel stronger than these Postnatal Martial Artists. This millennium-old Xuanyuan Ninefold Jue is surely not inferior to the cultivation methods of ordinary Martial Artists.
"What are you spacing out for? Do you expect me to ask you?"
Shen Xuanran's words pulled Jiang Ce back to reality. She was looking at him with a smile, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"Wh-what?"
Shen Xuanran pursed her lips. "A gentleman doesn't always make a lady take the lead."
Belatedly realizing his oversight, Jiang Ce smiled awkwardly, bowed slightly, and extended his hand. "Miss Shen, would you do me the honor of this dance?"
Shen Xuanran's right hand rested lightly on his, exuding the grace of a true princess.
"Of course, I'd love to!"
The two began to dance. Jiang Ce was somewhat unfamiliar with dancing; all he knew was some of the etiquette he had learned as a child. Years without practice made him seem incredibly clumsy. In contrast, Shen Xuanran seemed like a natural, twirling gracefully and showcasing her skill. With her subtle guidance, Jiang Ce quickly found the rhythm.
Gradually, they became the center of attention. Next to Shen Xuanran's beautiful dancing, all the other women faded into the background, becoming mere foils.
As the final spotlight flickered, the dance came to an end.
The applause was thunderous!
Swept up in the rhythm, Jiang Ce was so lost in the moment that the applause had been ringing for more than ten seconds before he realized he was still holding Shen Xuanran's waist. He quickly let go.
He chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm not much of a dancer."
No sooner had he spoken than another round of applause erupted. This time, however, there was only one person clapping.
A man descended the stairs. He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, tall and well-built, exuding an air of power and a faint, intimidating aura.
This man was none other than the Underground Emperor of East Sea City, Shen Fuli!
"Daughter, your dancing is getting better and better. It's like art performed on the edge of a blade," Shen Fuli praised sincerely, clapping with a smile as he approached.
"Not really, I've gotten a bit rusty after so many years," Shen Xuanran replied with a slight smile. "By the way, Father, let me introduce you. This is Jiang Ce..."
Shen Fuli turned his head, but when he saw Jiang Ce's face, his expression immediately darkened. Jiang Ce was about to greet him when he heard Shen Fuli's cold voice.
"Didn't I tell you not to associate with such unworthy individuals? Any young man from the wealthy families of East Sea City would be better than him."
"Father, you misunderstand. Jiang Ce is a new friend I made. He's amazing, and he cured my..."
Shen Fuli raised a hand, cutting her off. "I, Shen Fuli, conquered this vast territory. My daughter is a tigress, as she should be. How can she associate with some nobody?"
Shen Xuanran, not expecting this reaction, grew anxious. "Father, please listen to me."
"Enough," Shen Fuli said, turning to Jiang Ce. "I don't care what you're scheming, but let me tell you, my daughter is out of your league. Get out before I lose my temper."
The other guests smirked. They had seen Shen Xuanran and Jiang Ce arrive together and thought he was the future son-in-law of the Shen family, but it turned out he was just a nobody. Many of Shen Xuanran's pursuers were present, and seeing Jiang Ce put in his place, they naturally gloated.
Jiang Ce furrowed his brows. He had never imagined Shen Fuli would have such an attitude.
A nobody? Just because I'm not from a prestigious family in East Sea City? Just because I'm poor? To think this Underground Emperor is nothing more than a snob who judges people by their wealth.
Jiang Ce sneered, "It's not as if I was begging to come here. I see no reason to stay."
This remark astonished everyone. Was there really someone in East Sea City who dared to speak to Mr. Shen like that? Even Shen Xuanran turned pale and quickly said, "Father, Jiang Ce didn't mean it that way! It was I who invited him to be my dance partner..."
Unexpectedly, upon hearing Jiang Ce's words, Shen Fuli laughed instead of growing angry. "Oh, you've got quite a temper, kid. Do you not know who I am?"
"I know."
"And knowing that, you still dare to speak to me this way?"
Jiang Ce replied indifferently, "Why shouldn't I? You're just a man with two eyes and one mouth, aren't you?"
"Hahaha!" Shen Fuli roared with laughter. "Good! The arrogance of youth! Young people should have some pride. Indeed. Though I've never seen you in the circles of the wealthy, you've got a style I like. Come upstairs for a drink, kid!"
How is this possible?
Everyone was stunned. To speak so brazenly to Mr. Shen and not be sunk in the river, but to instead be favored and invited for a drink... What kind of incredible luck did this guy have? Everyone was green with envy. By catching Mr. Shen's eye, this young man had truly leaped over the dragon gate.
However, Jiang Ce calmly shook his head. "No, thank you. I may not have much money, but I'm not in the habit of drinking with a dying man. I consider it taboo."
His words sent a shockwave through the entire room. Many people began shaking their heads in pity.
Such arrogance. He caught Mr. Shen's fancy by sheer luck and should have seized the opportunity. Instead, he spouts such outrageous defiance. The first time was bold, but the second is just foolish! To be so disrespectful... he's simply courting death!
Even Shen Xuanran was dumbfounded, never expecting Jiang Ce to say such a thing.
Shen Fuli's expression gradually darkened, and he shook his head in disappointment. "Young man, don't you think you're being a bit too disrespectful?
"Initially, I thought you were just young and impetuous, like I was in my youth. But it turns out, you're just a cocky fool.
"Don't you know that by offending me, Shen Fuli, there are a thousand ways to die waiting for you in East Sea City?"
Jiang Ce paid the threat no mind. "You'd be better off using that energy to worry about yourself."
He sneered coldly. "Every night when you fall asleep, you're woken by heart palpitations and headaches, aren't you? Every cough brings up blood, and the smell of cooking oil makes you gag.
"Toxins have seeped into your brain, and sickness has lodged in your heart. You already have one foot in the grave. If you're not a dying man, then who is?"