C206 The Banquet(3)

Chu Yi was facing a situation he had never encountered before.

Lee Zi, too, was a first-timer, but Chu Yi had the advantage of being able to act the part.

"Let's head inside..."

With a gentle glance at Lee Zi, they walked shoulder to shoulder into the grand hall.

The time was 6:33 p.m., leaving 27 minutes before the banquet was set to begin.

Most of the guests had already arrived, mingling in the hall, exchanging greetings with acquaintances, and taking the opportunity to make new connections.

Chu Yi's entrance went unnoticed.

The banquet was the largest of the year in Redmarsh, boasting an attendance of over a thousand people!

It seemed only this banquet hall could hold such a vast crowd.

As the banquet drew near, the hall was bustling with arrivals and departures.

At such a busy time, the arrival of any one individual typically didn't draw much attention.

But when the crowd realized it was Chu Yi entering, the room was abuzz with excitement.

Indeed, his arrival caused quite the stir in the banquet hall!

Everyone was aware that the banquet was really a celebration of these exceptional young talents.

Why hadn't such an event been held in previous years?

The answer was straightforward: in the past, the candidates who reached the national examination level were mostly from civilian backgrounds.

The offspring of noble families seldom participated in these examinations or attended the academies.

They trained within their family circles, benefiting from the support and tailored cultivation methods provided by their lineage. Consequently, most noble scions would return to their families after completing high school.

Thus, the national examination was predominantly attended by civilians.

That was the first reason.

However, the second reason, which was the most significant, made the first seem inconsequential.

The true reason this examination was different lay in its implications for the redistribution of power and many other significant matters.

The government had even released a trove of resources and treasures for this occasion, highlighting the critical importance of this national examination and the ensuing national conflict.

Everyone understood this, and they were clear on one thing: the real honorees of the evening were these extraordinary young prodigies.

This was an established fact, beyond any doubt or debate.

Chu Yi and his fellow prodigies, on the cusp of the martial examination, have become the beacon of hope for the entire city of Redmarsh. They bear the aspirations of both the common folk and the city's elite.

Chu Yi's emergence as one of the geniuses awarded a spot in the national war has caused quite a stir. He clinched first place in the third phase of the exams, earning the title of top scholar in Redmarsh's martial examination. In previous years, the top scholar might have been met with skepticism and envy, but no one dares question Chu Yi's merit.

His battles have been witnessed by many, leaving no doubt about his formidable abilities. While other gifted individuals still lead among the youth, Chu Yi has surged ahead, establishing himself as a true powerhouse, not just in his age group but across the entire Terran Federation.

Chu Yi's prowess is evident to all, commanding respect not for future potential but for his current standing.

Amidst the throng of admirers and the pressing crowd of Redmarsh's influential figures, Chu Yi could feel overwhelmed. However, the timely arrival of Chu Tianfeng brought some relief.

As the patriarch of the esteemed Chu family, Chu Tianfeng's personal clout in Redmarsh may not rank at the top, yet his status is undeniably prestigious. The Chu family, a leading household in Redmarsh, boasts considerable influence despite its size.

But what truly sets Chu Tianfeng apart is his strength as the War God—a title that represents the pinnacle of power within the Terran Federation, a level many aspire to but few achieve.

Should Chu Tianfeng choose to enter the political arena, his status as the War God would catapult him to the uppermost tiers of government leadership. The significance of the War God's role is beyond the common person's imagination.

The mere presence of Chu Tianfeng was enough to cause many to respectfully step aside.

Some individuals, confident in their social standing, hastily made their exit under Chu Tianfeng's icy gaze. It was clear to them that the War God of the Chu family wanted no disturbances for Chu Yi.

"How are you holding up? Not quite comfortable with all the attention?" Chu Yi faced his grandfather and, seeing no reason to conceal his feelings, nodded in agreement. "Yes, being encircled by crowds, showered with endless flattery—it might sound appealing, but it doesn't feel good at all..."

Chu Tianfeng nodded, pleased. Such discomfort was a good sign; those who crave fame and fortune would revel in this atmosphere, but clearly, Chu Yi was different.

"Follow me. There are a few individuals here you should meet..." With that, Chu Tianfeng led Chu Yi deeper into the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was expansive, the centerpiece of the building, which also housed numerous private rooms. In the grandest of these rooms, a gathering of dignitaries rose to their feet at the sight of Chu Yi and Chu Tianfeng.

"Chu Yi has arrived at last."

"The hope of Redmarsh City, in the flesh at last..."

"The young man certainly looks the part."

These were people of considerable prestige, far surpassing those outside. If the others were 'nobility' to the common eye, these were the true 'aristocracy.'

Chu Yi offered a bashful smile, a stark contrast to the decisive force he'd shown during the third stage of the assessment.

"Come, let me introduce you," Chu Tianfeng beckoned. "This is the Minister of the Resource Department in Redmarsh City. You can call him Uncle Liu."

At this, Minister Liu's previously jovial face darkened. "Old Chu, do you think that now you're a War God, the Earth is too small for you?"

Chu Tianfeng simply shrugged. "Whether it can contain me, I'm not sure, but I do know you're no longer a match for me..."

Minister Liu's expression tightened, conceding the point silently; he was indeed no longer in Chu Tianfeng's league.

"Hello, Grandpa Liu..." Chu Yi and Lee Zi greeted him with respectful bows.

It was evident from their exchange that Minister Liu and Chu Tianfeng shared a close bond, or else such banter would be out of place.

With Chu Yi's keen perception, he certainly wouldn't naively shout "Uncle Liu."

Doing so would inadvertently diminish his grandfather's standing.

"Look, just look!"

"We're all part of the Chu family. Why is there such a huge gap between us?"

Minister Liu turned to Chu Yi and remarked, "Ah, not bad at all. You truly are a man of talent!"

"Oh wait, I should say you're the complete package—talented and good-looking!"

At that, Chu Yi couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

The cultural differences between the two worlds were notable. In his original world, being described as both talented and beautiful was typically reserved for women.

Yet, in this world, such distinctions didn't apply.

Still...

The looks of most martial artists...

Well, they didn't quite live up to that ideal...

Aware that the compliment was genuine, Chu Yi had no reason to take offense. "Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa Liu."

Chu Tianfeng and Minister Liu shared a hearty laugh before Chu Tianfeng began introducing Chu Yi to the next person.

For anyone else, being in this place with the opportunity to meet so many of Redmarsh's elite would be overwhelmingly exciting.

Even those indifferent to power couldn't help but appreciate the chance to rub shoulders with such influential figures.

Chu Yi, however, remained utterly unfazed.