Could it be that you are dissatisfied with Gu?

A lavish spread of food was served, featuring rare delicacies from both land and sea, along with exquisite nectar and jade liquid.

In the hall, a graceful dancer performed, her enchanting movements and sweet voice creating a serene atmosphere that enveloped everyone.

As the crowd lavished praise on Gu Xuan, he exchanged playful glances with the little maid beside him, making small gestures that caused Zhao Chan's cheeks to redden even more. The flush extended to her neck, making her look extraordinarily beautiful.

This display made Zhang Fan, who was watching from the side, feel even more uncomfortable. The jealousy in his heart intensified, almost bubbling over into anger.

At the same time, his disdain for Gu Xuan grew rapidly, but he dared not show it. Instead, he drowned his frustration in glass after glass of wine, feeling increasingly out of sync with the lively atmosphere around him.

Just then, a dancer took the stage to perform a sword dance, prompting the warriors in attendance to discuss kendo.

"You all may not know, but Gu Zhenzhuan is highly skilled in swordsmanship. During the outer door competition, a brilliant sword qi shot into the sky, catching the attention of many elders and even the supreme headmaster," Elder Cangming said with a smile.

"Is that so?" The crowd gasped in surprise.

The headmaster of the Holy Land was a formidable figure in the Holy Master realm, standing at the pinnacle of the Dongwang Dao domain. If even he was impressed, it suggested that Gu Xuan's kendo skills were exceptional.

The guests praised him enthusiastically.

"Oh, come now. It's not just my personal strength that led to such swordsmanship; it was a matter of luck," Gu Xuan replied modestly.

He then shared the story of how he accidentally discovered the true meaning of kendo in the Holy Land of Absolute Beginning. His tale elicited a chorus of exclamations from the crowd, many of whom secretly envied his good fortune. However, they masked their feelings with compliments, claiming it was divine providence that bestowed such sword intent upon him.

For a time, the guests and host reveled in the festivities, and the atmosphere in the hall reached a peak of enjoyment.

Suddenly, a loud clap echoed through the room.

Everyone turned to see a young warrior, seated beside the third prince, standing up with a flushed face.

The sight made everyone, including Elder Cangming, frown.

"Brother Zhang, what are you doing?!" the third prince hissed, urging him to sit down.

But Zhang Fan didn't seem to hear. The true meaning of swordsmanship... Was it really obtained by Gu Xuan?!

He stared at Gu Xuan in disbelief, struggling to accept what he had just heard.

"What's the matter?" Gu Xuan asked, taking a sip of his tea, his voice low and calm.

"Gu Zhenzhuan, please forgive my brother Zhang. He's had a bit too much to drink," the third prince quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over. "I'll have him taken out to sober up."

He waved his hand, signaling for Zhang Fan to be escorted away.

"Did I ask you to speak?" Gu Xuan shot back, his gaze fixed on Zhang Fan.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. Everyone felt the tension rise as they sensed Gu Xuan was about to become angry.

"Gu Zhenzhuan, wait... There must be some misunderstanding. This is Zhang Fan, and he's also from the Holy Land of Absolute Beginning..." the third prince stammered, trying to explain.

But Gu Xuan ignored him, his attention solely on Zhang Fan.

Zhang Fan was furious. He wanted to confront Gu Xuan, demanding to know why he had taken the opportunity that rightfully belonged to him. But as he faced Gu Xuan's calm demeanor—one that concealed an oppressive intensity, like a sword poised for battle—he found himself unable to voice his questions.

What could he say? Should he directly claim that the true meaning of kendo in the cave was meant for him?

If he did, everyone would likely think he was mad, deliberately seeking to provoke Gu Xuan. Not only would he ruin his relationship with Gu Xuan, but he would also implicate his friend, the third prince.

In that moment, despite his simmering anger, jealousy, and frustration erupting like a volcano, he found himself clenching his fists, struggling to contain his emotions.

Zhang Fan lowered his head, his voice trembling. "I... I'm just drunk. I didn't mean to offend you, Gu Zhenzhuan!"

As the words left his lips, he felt a strange release of tension, as if his anger had dissipated, leaving him in a muddled state.

"Since you're drunk, you should leave and sober up, so you don't embarrass yourself in front of everyone," Gu Zhenzhuan replied indifferently, taking a sip of his tea.

"Yes," Zhang Fan mumbled, leaving the hall in a daze.

Once he was gone, an elderly man could no longer hold back his frustration. "Your Highness, it's not that I wish to be arrogant, but I must speak my mind. Tonight's banquet is for distinguished guests like Gu Zhenzhuan. How could you bring in a young man with so little decorum?!"

The old man was a long-standing official in the court, holding the title of Loyal and Brave Count. His prestige had endured through two dynasties, and the third prince dared not dismiss his words.

"Indeed, I heard that this person is a recent acquaintance of the Third Highness, and his background is unclear!" another elder chimed in.

"Thank goodness he didn't clash with Gu Zhenzhuan; otherwise, it could have been disastrous!" a third added.

"Third Highness, please be more cautious in the future!" several other older figures in the hall echoed, their tones filled with rebuke.

"I understand, and I will take your words to heart," the third prince replied sincerely, feeling the weight of their collective scrutiny.

"Let it be. The Third Highness didn't mean any harm. Everyone, let's not allow a small incident to ruin the evening's enjoyment," Gu Zhenzhuan interjected, offering a reprieve for the third prince.

The third prince looked at Gu Zhenzhuan with gratitude. Had it not been for his words, this incident would surely reach his father's ears, leading to severe consequences for him.

While he would still face some reprimand, at least Gu Zhenzhuan's intervention showed that he bore no ill will. It was a stroke of luck amid misfortune.

Still, the third prince couldn't shake his irritation at Zhang Fan. He had thought the young man's behavior and conversation were quite commendable, and he had hoped to introduce him to the world of nobility. Who could have anticipated such a disaster would unfold the moment he entered?

Fortunately, Gu Zhenzhuan seemed unfazed. Otherwise, the fallout would have affected him as well. The thought of it only added to the third prince's frustration.