Azure Cloud Sect's annual Autumn Spirit Banquet was an event where elites mingled, alliances were formed, and names were remembered—or forgotten.
For most, it was a chance to display prestige.
For Ye Feng, it was a stage.
A stage to slap… elegantly.
The grand banquet hall gleamed under hundreds of spirit lamps. Disciples in ornate robes filled the jade-paved floor, while elders and nobles watched from tiered platforms.
Ye Feng entered last.
Because legends arrive fashionably late.
His new Azure Inner Disciple robes shimmered with silver threading. His black hair was loosely tied back, revealing sharp, defiant eyes and a calm smirk.
[System Notification]→ Presence Value = 9.7/10→ Public Attention = 100%→ Passive Aura Triggered: "King Among Ants"
Everyone in a 50-meter radius feels either admiration, envy, or romantic curiosity.Side effect: Unreasonable hate from people named Liu or Lin.
Lin Ruyan, seated at the outer table with Liu Wushen, gripped her wine cup tightly. Her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Why is he the center of attention now?" she whispered.
Liu Wushen's face darkened, but before he could answer—
"Senior Brother Ye Feng!"
The soft voice drew all attention to a table near the front.
Xue Yuning stood up, a fine smile on her lips. She wore a pale blue dress that shimmered like frost in moonlight. Her beauty was cold… but tonight, her eyes held something softer.
"I saved this seat for you."
Ye Feng walked past dozens of shocked faces and sat beside her—without hesitation.
[System Update: Romantic Routes Diverging]→ Yuning's Affection +10 (She warmed her icy heart for you!)→ Lin Ruyan's Jealousy +25→ Trigger: [Ex's Internal Breakdown — Stage 1]
Halfway through the banquet, Elder Bai of the Pill Division raised his cup.
"Let us not forget that cultivation is only one path. Influence, diplomacy, and connections—these too, shape a sect."
Cheers erupted—until a loud scoff cut through the hall.
"Connections? What good are they to someone who can't fight?" A cocky, muscular Inner Disciple stood up. His name: Mo Tian, a known bootlicker of Liu Wushen and proud of it.
He pointed at Ye Feng.
"You've won a few fights with your flashy tricks. But do you dare show your skill before the elders?"
[System Triggered: "Uninvited Slap-Bait Encountered"]
Challenge Incoming: Banquet Sparring Duel (Public & Political!)Reward: Fame, Skill Unlock, Romantic Points, Public MoraleWarning: Mo Tian is 1 realm above your current cultivation.
Ye Feng stood up slowly.
He didn't look at Mo Tian.
He looked at the elders.
"If I defeat him, may I request one favor from the Sect?"
Elder Bai raised an eyebrow. "Depending on the favor, yes."
Ye Feng's voice was clear.
"Then I challenge Mo Tian. Here and now."
The crowd gasped. The floor cleared.
Lin Ruyan's nails dug into her palm. Xue Yuning only smiled.
Mo Tian laughed, drawing a massive iron halberd. "This will be over in seconds!"
Ye Feng cracked his neck.
[Skill Equipped: Slap Returner Lv. 2]→ Reflects verbal/physical attack with 2.5x force→ Bonus: Public setting = 30% stun chance [Skill Unlocked: Heaven's Palm (Uncommon)]→ Description: A martial slap infused with spiritual qi.→ Can bypass 1 minor realm of difference once per day.
Mo Tian charged. His halberd swept toward Ye Feng's head.
Ye Feng… raised his hand.
And slapped.
BOOM!
A thunderous sound rang out. Mo Tian flew back like a broken kite, crashing through a pillar.
Silence.
[Face-Slap Successful!]+120 EXP (High-Tier Opponent)+50 Reputation+Xue Yuning Affection +15+Lin Ruyan Jealousy +30+Skill Mastery Progress: Heaven's Palm (13%) [System: May I just say… that was ART.]
Ye Feng looked to the elders.
"My request is simple," he said calmly."Let those who mocked me—watch my rise without interference."
Elder Bai chuckled. "Granted."