Chapter 4652 — There Must Be More to It
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
The might and terror of the spirit beast clan were beyond question, yet they had never left the bounds of South Island—and so human cultivators could rest easy.
But now, should the spirit beast clan prepare to emerge into the world, it would surely bring a colossal variable to the five Cloud-Tier Islands.
Even if they did not provoke war, the latent threat their presence brought wherever they went would be enough to alter the greater balance. The five great Heaven-Tier islands, quiet for so many years, would inevitably see the winds and clouds rise again—perhaps another age of top-tier chaos!
"I thank all you honored guests for coming from far and wide to grace this occasion. Today is my daughter's coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen, and a rare day of celebration for West Island as well. On behalf of all the sisters of West Island, I thank you all." The moment Ning Shanghe spoke, everyone's eyes finally left Qinglong, and the banquet at last returned to its normal rhythm.
"For the joy of my daughter's birthday, let us all raise our cups and drain them dry. Tonight, no one goes home!" Ning Shanghe said with a smile, lifting her cup.
"Drain the cup, and tonight no one goes home!" the crowd echoed in high spirits, and the somewhat stifled atmosphere was instantly swept away. All raised their cups high and drank them dry.
Ning Shanghe was a woman, but the women of West Island were never to be measured by ordinary standards—and she least of all, as its Island Lord. Serene, she was noble and aloof; warm, she was open and generous. On an occasion like this her every gesture was grand and commanding. Dignitary of an island though she was, she came down in person to propose toasts, making the rounds of every guests' section from first to last, and each time draining her cup with hearty good cheer. The hall erupted in thunderous applause without end—truly, a heroine who yielded nothing to any man!
Since Ning Shanghe came to toast, Ning Xuefei naturally had to follow, and on such an occasion she showed no small measure of her mother's bearing, drinking cleanly and briskly—so much so that even Wei Zhao looked on in some surprise. Surely this girl hadn't been trained for it since childhood?
Wherever Ning Shanghe and Ning Xuefei went, they were of course the one and only focus of the hall. And this time, after reaching the North Island guests' section, they unexpectedly paused deliberately before Wei Zhao. Though they were toasting all the guests from North Island, any discerning eye could see there was plainly a deeper meaning in it.
Feeling the strange looks of the crowd, Wei Zhao smiled wryly to himself. First Qinglong, now Ning Shanghe—twice made the center of attention. Had he been given a protagonist's halo today, that all the great figures must come pay him a visit?
Taking advantage of the toast, Ning Xuefei winked at Wei Zhao, as though trying to convey something. But Wei Zhao was utterly at a loss. Though he and Ning Xuefei were close, they were not yet so in tune that a single glance could tell him her thoughts—what did it mean?
The toasting done, by custom Ning Shanghe should have moved at once to the next guests' section, yet this time she lingered unexpectedly a moment longer, surveying Wei Zhao with a meaningful look, and smiled: "So you are Wei Zhao. Feifei has mentioned you to me many times. I am grateful for the care you have shown her."
"The Island Lord is too kind. Feifei and I are good friends; we help each other, so there is no question of who looks after whom. Feifei has helped me a great deal as well." Wei Zhao was somewhat surprised, but kept a composed, faint smile on his face. (To be continued.) xh118R1052