Hundred Flower Banquet (Part 1)

As night fell, Luo Feng and Morosa arrived at the Dream Flower Pavilion.

"It seems we are the first to arrive," Luo Feng said leisurely as he sat down, with Morosa seated to the side. Around them, there were numerous flower-shaped buildings, and many attendants were waiting outside each one.

The green-clad attendant smiled and said, "Honored Lord, the other guests will be here soon."

"Haha... I'm the first to arrive again, aren't I?" A booming laugh echoed as a figure as tall as a mountain flew into the area, leaving the attendant who was supposed to greet him far behind.

"Oh?" The towering figure looked at Luo Feng in surprise. "Someone got here even earlier than me?"

Luo Feng observed the towering figure as the green-clad attendant introduced him, "Honored Lord, this is Lord Shang Tianyan, the master of Tianyan Sect and one of the top weapon forgers in Huyang City."

"Ha! And who might this be?" Shang Tianyan walked over with a warm smile.

"Luo He," Luo Feng replied as he stood up.

"Luo He, you must have recently arrived in Huyang City," Shang Tianyan said with a smile. "If you don't mind, how about we sit together?"

"Please," Luo Feng agreed.

Luo Feng, who had come to the Origin Continent to see more of the world, enjoyed making friends. He glanced at Morosa, who obediently moved to a far corner, knowing that as a Void True God, he shouldn't sit too close to two Eternal True Gods.

"I, Shang Tianyan, enjoy making friends in Huyang City. I always make it a point to connect with new Eternal True Gods," Shang Tianyan said as he sat down beside Luo Feng.

"I have indeed just arrived in Huyang City and know only a few people," Luo Feng replied.

"Well, today you've gained me as a friend," Shang Tianyan laughed. "If you ever encounter any problems in Huyang City, feel free to seek me out. I'm well-connected, especially in forging, and I've made connections with various forces."

Luo Feng nodded, "To be recognized as one of the top weapon forgers in Huyang City, Shang Tianyan's skills are truly impressive."

He had trained in the "Chaos Power Diagram," a body-strengthening technique, and knew that forging weapons was even more difficult than refining the body, which could heal itself if damaged.

Even so, Luo Feng had spent considerable effort mastering the first layer of the "Chaos Power Diagram" called "Laying the Foundation," which made him appreciate these true forging masters even more.

"We all have our specialties," Shang Tianyan said modestly.

As they talked, a winged man flew in, exuding a sense of melancholy. Without interacting with anyone, he entered one of the buildings, sat down, and drank alone.

"That Eternal True God is called Sang Shuiyun," Shang Tianyan explained. "Every time the Dream Flower Pavilion Master hosts a Hundred Flower Banquet, Sang Shuiyun and I are the Eternal True Gods who always attend. We are rivals in love!"

"Rivals in love?" Luo Feng was surprised.

Shang Tianyan sighed and shook his head, "Unfortunately, while I am interested, the Pavilion Master is not."

Luo Feng found it amusing that both Eternal True Gods were pursuing the Dream Flower Pavilion Master.

"You'll understand her charm once you meet her," Shang Tianyan said, suddenly noticing another arriving Eternal True God. This one had a body formed from mist, making it difficult to discern his features, except for a single eye calmly observing the surroundings.

"And who is this?" Luo Feng asked.

"That's Baiwu Jun from the Six Lords Alliance," Shang Tianyan said quietly.

Luo Feng looked puzzled.

"The Six Lords Alliance is a hidden force in Huyang City. It is said that the six Eternal True Gods often train and spar together, eventually forming the Six Lords Alliance. They are one of the nineteen dark forces in Huyang City," Shang Tianyan explained.

"Nineteen dark forces?" Luo Feng nodded.

"Haven't you bought any detailed information about Huyang City?" Shang Tianyan asked.

"No," Luo Feng shook his head.

Buying it would be too dull.

A journey of cultivation should have some surprises!

"Huyang City's official forces include the City Lord's Mansion, the Huyang Guard, and the ten major armies, all of which are primarily controlled by the five great families," Shang Tianyan explained simply. "These five families have extraordinary backgrounds, and some are even royal."

Luo Feng nodded, understanding this well.

The Yu Nation had five God Kings, and over the long years, their family members had grown numerous. Naturally, they would be assigned to various high-ranking positions in the different Chaos Provinces.

"The official forces are controlled by the five great families, who have strong power and terrifying backgrounds."

"But in this world, strength ultimately speaks louder than background! No matter how strong the background, it can't match actual power. That's why some Eternal True Gods have formed their own factions, naturally influencing the entire Huyang City."

"The nineteen dark forces have also infiltrated Huyang City, and its residents have to pay them rent," Shang Tianyan said.

"In addition, there are many weaker families, most of whom engage in business—some in alchemy, some in forging, and others in establishing sects. People like us, the idle Eternal True Gods, have much less influence," Shang Tianyan said with a laugh. "We don't have any desire to control the whole of Huyang City."

Luo Feng nodded.

From what he understood, in a large city, apart from official forces and dark forces, the idle Eternal True Gods and ordinary families' Eternal True Gods made up the majority.

"Some major forces from the Origin Continent also have branches in Huyang City. The branches may seem ordinary, but they can call in terrifying powerhouses at any time," Shang Tianyan said, shaking his head. "The waters here are too deep. Get involved, and you could lose your life at any moment."

Luo Feng found his new friend Shang Tianyan to be very interesting.

"And which faction do you belong to, Luo He?" Shang Tianyan asked.

"None," Luo Feng replied. "I came to Huyang City with only one servant."

Shang Tianyan laughed, "You're new to Huyang City, so you're likely to be used by some forces. I'll give you some information, but you need to be cautious." As he spoke, he sent a stream of light toward Luo Feng.

Luo Feng glanced at the detailed information—it was worth at least ten universe sands.

"Thank you," Luo Feng said.

"No problem." Shang Tianyan suddenly looked outside, "Quite a few Eternal True Gods have come this time. Even two from the Five Great Families?"

Luo Feng looked over.

Two figures clad in purple-gold flew in. Both had three eyes and tails covered in sharp purple-gold scales. They scanned the area, made no attempt to interact with any other Eternal True Gods, and flew directly to a specific spot.

"Two Eternal True Gods from the Qu Meng Clan, one of the Five Great Families?" Shang Tianyan was surprised. "It's rare for royals to come to the Dream Flower Pavilion."

Luo Feng had already learned from the detailed information that two of the Five Great Families were royal, and the Qu Meng Clan was the family of the Yu Nation's God King, Qu Meng God King.

With a God King guarding them, countless descendants, and abundant resources, the Qu Meng Clan naturally produced many elites.

"Even Eternal True Gods from the Five Great Families? That's rare indeed!"

"The Dream Flower Pavilion Master truly has incredible charm."

The other arriving Eternal True Gods were also chatting, unable to resist noticing the two Eternal True Gods from the Qu Meng Clan. After all, the Qu Meng Clan had a God King behind them! Who wouldn't envy that?

As the music began, the Eternal True Gods in attendance quieted down and looked toward the figure emerging from the void.

"The Dream Flower Pavilion Master?" Luo Feng gazed at her from a distance.

The Pavilion Master's divine body seemed to embody the law of allure, naturally drawing the attention of every Eternal True God present. Luo Feng even saw the image of his wife, Xu Xin, in her.

"What an incredible divine body—each Eternal True God sees in her what they desire most?" Luo Feng was amazed, even though Shang Tianyan had informed him beforehand.

"Tonight, fifteen Eternal True Gods have come to attend the Hundred Flowers Banquet. This is an honor for me as well," the Pavilion Master's voice echoed throughout the area and within the hearts of every Eternal True God present. "I have recently composed a new piece and would like you all to evaluate it."

Among those present were the two Eternal True Gods from the Qu Meng Clan, five from the nineteen dark forces, and eight other Eternal True Gods, including Luo Feng and Shang Tianyan. In total, fifteen Eternal True Gods attended the Hundred Flowers Banquet.

As the music played, snowflakes began to fall in the dark night, and the world in their vision started to change.

"What a powerful musical illusion," Luo Feng could feel the strength of the Pavilion Master's illusion. Even the one he was most impressed with, Alroya, was far inferior to her.

But such an illusion had little effect on Luo Feng, whose willpower was at the peak of chaos.

"Her musical illusion is significantly stronger. If I don't use the 'Seven Emotions Heart Refining Technique,' this music won't affect me. But if I do use it... I might not be able to handle it," Luo Feng was a bit concerned.

Listening to Alroya and other musicians' music with the "Seven Emotions Heart Refining Technique" had already stirred his emotions, bringing him to tears.

If he used the same technique under the Pavilion Master's musical illusion, he would undoubtedly immerse himself more deeply, possibly even losing control.

"Morosa, protect me," Luo Feng telepathically instructed.

"Hmm?" Morosa, who had been eating and drinking in the corner, looked up and quickly responded, "Don't worry, Master, I'll protect you with all my heart."

The Pavilion Master's musical illusion enveloped only the fifteen Eternal True Gods present. The servants and attendants were not worthy of such personal attention.

With his mind made up, Luo Feng began to use the "Seven Emotions Heart Refining Technique." As the secret technique took effect, the power of the music he was hearing surged exponentially, causing Luo Feng to instantly immerse himself entirely in the world of his heart.

…

The two Eternal True Gods from the Qu Meng Clan listened to the music.

"Not bad, but far from the performances in the royal capital."

"It's worth listening to, but it doesn't affect the heart like the family's 'Hundred Tribulations Song.'" They sipped their drinks and chatted, clearly unaffected by the music.

Most of the other Eternal True Gods were enjoying it.

The two Eternal True Gods who were infatuated with the Pavilion Master, Shang Tianyan and Sang Shuiyun, were completely absorbed, their faces showing tears of joy or sorrow.

Luo Feng, who had initially been sitting cross-legged and listening, lost control at this moment. His invisible aura spread out, silently shattering the table before him. The shock startled Morosa in the corner, and the green-clad attendant was also alarmed, "Lord Luo He!"

Fortunately, the building was protected by an array, so it remained intact.

"Who is this unfamiliar Eternal True God? Losing control at a Hundred Flowers Banquet?" The other Eternal True Gods were surprised.

Even Shang Tianyan, who had been deeply immersed in the music, opened his eyes to look at Luo Feng. Although he had been moved to tears, he still had a clear awareness of the outside world and certainly did not lose control.

"Has my friend Luo He become so deeply immersed?" Shang Tianyan could hardly believe it.