Chapter 178: Rebellion? (Chasing the Ranking, Please Vote!)

"Niece Ning'er has truly blossomed into such a fine young lady. I wonder what her current cultivation level is?" Nie Hai asked. He had previously heard the news about Xiao Ning'er giving Shen Fei a beating, which was why he inquired.

The heads of the various families were all present nearby. While they were exchanging pleasantries with Nie En and the others, they were all listening intently to the conversation between Nie Hai and Xiao Yunfeng.

"My daughter has just reached the peak of Gold Two-Star. She will likely advance to Gold Three-Star soon," Xiao Yunfeng replied with a warm, indulgent smile, casting a fond glance at Xiao Ning'er.

Upon hearing Xiao Yunfeng's words, the numerous family heads were inwardly shocked. Although rumors had reached them before, hearing it confirmed so directly was still startling. To cultivate to the level of Gold Three-Star at such a young age meant she was undoubtedly among the top three geniuses of the younger generation!

Nie Hai raised an eyebrow. This Xiao Ning'er certainly had potential. She would make a fine wife for Nie Li. If the City Lord's daughter was out of reach, then marrying Xiao Ning'er wouldn't be bad at all. Moreover, Xiao Ning'er was fair-featured and lovely in appearance, completely beyond reproach in looks.

Nie Hai was already calculating how to find a wife for Nie Li. He laughed heartily and said, "That rascal Nie Li is always getting into trouble. Since Niece Ning'er is his friend, you must look after him more often when you have the chance. You're always welcome to visit our Tian Hen Family!"

Of course, Nie Hai didn't want to speak too definitively, as Nie Li's own feelings were not yet settled.

"Thank you, Uncle. I will definitely visit," Xiao Ning'er replied softly. She had not failed to catch the subtle meaning in Nie Hai's words, and a faint blush warmed her cheeks.

Xiao Yunfeng, Nie Hai, and the various family heads began chatting about all manner of topics. Although the Tian Hen Family was technically only a noble household, no one dared treat them as merely such.

At the head of the hall.

"Nie Li, boy, how about you host this banquet?" Ye Shuo looked at Nie Li with a slight smile. Nie Li's prestige among the various family heads had reached a peak following the recent beast tide. Now, with the families reassessing him, they had formed a new evaluation of his status.

Nie Li glanced at Ye Shuo. The latter likely had some motive behind this, but he nodded. "I suppose it's fine for me to host."

Ye Shuo smiled faintly. Facing such a grand gathering, with all the families' top experts present—nearly five to six thousand people—and Nie Li showed not a hint of stage fright. But then again, it was impossible to measure this boy by ordinary standards.

The hall buzzed with voices, experts from all families greeting each other and conversing freely. The scene was truly magnificent.

However, neither Nie Li, Ye Shuo, nor Ye Zong showed any intention of starting the banquet yet. They waited patiently for the various family heads to finish their greetings.

After all, their goal here was to stall for time, waiting for Ye Zong's movements on the other side. The longer they delayed, the better.

Ye Zong's operation had been set in motion long ago. Half an hour before the banquet began, he had departed with the Wind Snow Family's experts. The moment the Sacred Family entered the City Lord's Mansion, they had likely already sprung into action. The only thing unknown was how the situation was unfolding.

At the Sacred Family's designated seating area, apart from their own members drinking silently and appearing somewhat isolated amidst the lively hall, no one paid them much mind.

The Sacred Family was being suppressed by the Wind Snow Family, and all the other family heads were still observing. Who dared to approach and speak with Shen Hong? To initiate conversation with him would imply taking sides against the Wind Snow Family. Furthermore, given the Sacred Family's usual arrogance, the fact that the other families hadn't kicked them while they were down was already generous enough. Why would anyone court trouble now?

However, one person was completely unconcerned—Huyan Xiong of the Huyan Family.

"Brother Shen, it's been a while since we shared a drink. Take this opportunity, since Big Brother Ye Zong is hosting. Come, let's have a cup!" Huyan Xiong approached with a bowl of wine, laughing heartily.

"You're too kind, Brother Huyan," Shen Hong replied with a forced smile, tilting his head back to drain the bowl in one go.

"Brother Shen has a fine tolerance! How about another bowl? Come, come, let's fill Brother Shen's cup!" Huyan Xiong laughed boisterously.

The Wind Snow Family was suppressing the Sacred Family, and all the other family heads were eager to avoid association, fearing the Wind Snow Family might misunderstand their intentions. Only Huyan Xiong could afford to be completely indifferent. Everyone knew the Huyan Family was the Wind Snow Family's right hand, absolutely loyal to them. The Wind Snow Family would never suspect any collusion between the Huyans and the Sacred Family.

Dealing with Huyan Xiong's toasts amidst the noisy surroundings inexplicably irritated Shen Hong. He suddenly felt something was off about this banquet, but he couldn't pinpoint what.

Another huge question lingered in Shen Hong's mind: Was Ye Zong truly dead or not? If Ye Zong was dead, this banquet would likely be used to appoint a new City Lord, and the Wind Snow Family probably wouldn't find a suitable candidate so quickly. If Ye Zong wasn't dead, then this banquet might very well be a setup to deal with the Sacred Family.

All the Sacred Family's experts were here. If the Wind Snow Family truly intended to act against them, Ye Zong would definitely appear! The fact that Ye Zong hadn't shown up likely meant what Ye Han said was true—he had succumbed to the Dragon Tongue Grass poison.

But why did Huyan Xiong's face show no trace of sorrow? Logically, news of Ye Zong's death should have reached Huyan Xiong!