Food Fairy Lord

Chapter 790 The Illusionary Feast (Part 5)
Looking from top to bottom, the boy is the first name to change, but further down, the names of those who changed their names become numerous and varied.

Many people's eyes were immediately drawn to the boy on the east side, but they quickly looked away.

In reality, the young man doesn't have many achievements worth discussing, especially this year. People are gradually coming to believe that he is indeed good, but rational judgment does not equal inner conviction, especially since many people are actually frowning at this ranking.

Some people predicted it would be third in the previous national newspaper, but now it's only ranked seventh, which shows that there is still a subtle gap between it and the top-tier ones.

Many others, however, do not believe that Mei Jianxi, Chen Quan, and especially Yan Feiqing should be ranked below them. As for the name Shang Yunning, it is debatable whether it should be ranked below her, but to be on the safe side, it should be ranked after Shang Yunning, as the eleventh.

Since arriving in the capital, Shang Yun Ning's record in over a dozen sword-fighting matches is clear, with wins and losses readily apparent. While Pei Ye's defeat of the Fourth Prince with a single sword strike is no exaggeration, a single victory or defeat does not represent consistent strength. Until he truly reveals his real power, he should not be bet on Shang Yun Ning.

Now the boy sat cross-legged without saying a word or showing any expression, and people shifted their gaze away from him.

Eleventh, [Bai Yi] Shang Yun Ning, Tian Shan;
The twelfth person is Liang Yanni, the "Young Swordsman," and Yun Lang.
Thirteenth, [Sword Demon] Yang Zhenbing, White Deer Palace;

Fourteenth, [King Kong] Zhao Jiajia, Yun Lang;
The fifteenth, [Tiger and Leopard Avoid Horse] Tang Fubing, Taihang;
Sixteenth, [Seventeen Peak Leader] Ji Zhuowu, Kongtong;
Seventeenth, [Shuangcheng] Ji Jiuying, Tianshan;
Eighteen, Chen Tuo (Yellow River Purple Shadow), Xiao Majian;
Nineteenth, [The Vanishing Serpent] Chu Shuiting, from Shu Mountain;
Twenty people, including [Real Person] Yu Qing and Yun Lang.

Thanks to the recent sword trials, Yang Zhenbing jumped six places, rising from nineteenth to thirteenth, Chu Shuiting entered the top twenty, while Xu Wensang of Kunlun fell out. Most of the people in the group are now present.

However, the changes become much more dramatic once you move out of the top 20.

[Sleeping Dragon] Qin Shang has not shown his face for half a year, and has fallen from twenty-second place to thirty-fourth.

In his original spot was a name that caused a stir.

People turned their gazes toward the figure in gray-blue armor sitting upright with a sword across his face to the west. [Lu Banmian] Gao Ge, a legendary swordsman who has risen to fame in the north in recent years, jumped from outside the top 100 to the 22nd place.

More importantly, everyone knows that he is all alone. Since entering the capital last month, he has never concealed his ambition to advance. Now, sitting here, although he is looking down and touching his sword without saying a word, everyone can guess his purpose.

And aren't the others here the same?

While those on the Crane List had already secured their positions, a true disciple like Zhu Gaoyang had long served under this Prince Jinyang. Of the Xuanmen masters present, how many were there truly seeking a way out for their sects?
Even among the top twenty on the list, there are quite a few who wish to stay in the capital. So, who wouldn't have some ulterior motives for attending the banquet at the Eastern Palace in the north today?

The young crown prince, the newly appointed Eastern Palace official, now finds the martial arts world and the imperial court growing ever closer. Perhaps a single word from the emperor is worth three years of effort in the martial arts world.

The Tang Emperor had long since retreated to the inner palace, and now that figure sat silently with his chin resting on his hand in the main seat. Who wouldn't want to be near the imperial carriage and catch a whiff of its fragrance? There was no more anticipated opportunity in the world.

Moreover, this crown prince is clearly not a seasoned martial artist; though skilled in politics, he must be enamored with martial arts. The Eastern Palace is vast; how can it be without trusted followers and confidants?
Among the disciples are many talented and outstanding individuals, whose minds have been active these past two days. Therefore, for the many people present today, the swordplay competition just now was merely the opening act; the main event is now underway. Whether they are confident in their martial arts skills, or indulging in romantic pursuits or playful games, they all need to use this opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before the imperial carriage.

Cui Zhaoye stood before the gauze curtain, looked up for a long time, then turned around, clasped his hands, and said, "It is rare for the heroes of Shenjing to gather here today. They are all so well-organized. With the test book here, why don't we hold a small Yulin test, a sword and chess competition? Wouldn't that be delightful?"

Zhu Gaoyang asked curiously, "What kind of small feather scale test?"

"According to the rules of Feather Scale, those who are ranked last must first compete against those who are not on the list, and then choose someone to challenge. I think we can still follow this rule now."

"There are many outstanding talents here, and most of the people in the top ranks of the Hefei are also present. Let's select ten heroes and then have the first twenty people draw their swords. In this way, everyone can take the stage to show their skills and also watch the swordsmen in the top ranks of the Hefei make their moves. It's a win-win situation."

Cui Zhaoye laughed. Regardless of what others were thinking, she must have had a great time today.

"As for the method, it will follow the rules of the Feather Scale Arena. The lower-ranking player can challenge the higher-ranking player, and the winner will stay in the arena." Cui Zhaoye cupped his hands to the north. "Your Highness has also provided a prize: a precious sword, a fine horse, swordsmanship... treasures to be given to heroes. We are just waiting for ten heroes to appear."

After a brief silence, someone smiled slightly, stood up gracefully, and was a handsome man in his early twenties. He held his sword with gentle elegance, bowed to the surroundings, and then bowed deeply to the north: "In that case, Shao Xiuyuan of Xiaoqing Lake will first make a raft for everyone."

Xiaoqing Lake is one of the twelve lower sword sects, and the name of its true disciple, Shao Xiuyuan, is listed on the gauze curtain, ranking 313th. Although he humbly calls himself a raft, there are actually not many people on the field who can fight him.

But the next moment, someone else stood up.

Clad in green robes and wielding a green sword, with a face as sturdy as a pine tree, he said in a calm voice, "Lu Zhiju of Qingcheng seeks instruction from Fellow Daoist Shao."

Cui Zhaoye tilted her head: "We haven't filled all ten seats yet, shouldn't Lu Zhenchuan reserve one first?"

Lu Zhiju drew his sword and came down: "No need. Since Brother Shao has invited me, I cannot let him be left out."

Most of those who were initially eager to try suddenly became quite settled.

The confrontational atmosphere was immediately apparent. Lu Zhiju was not incapable of standing second, but how could he make a striking entrance?

People might notice the second person to stand up, but now everyone will definitely be looking at him.

Lu Zhiju's latest ranking is 343, but those familiar with the affairs of the Southwest Sword Sect know that he has not shown his face for three years. Since winning 220 in the last Feather Scale Trial, his ranking has been declining for the past three years.

This is fundamentally different from Shao Xiuyuan, who was ranked 313th after his performance at the recent sword tournament.

Shao Xiuyuan pursed his lips slightly, but his demeanor remained elegant. He extended his hand slightly and said, "...Senior Brother Lu is also half of my senior uncle, so please give me your guidance."

In fact, Lu Zhiju could hardly be considered "half a senior" in terms of age or seniority, but this sentence naturally had its meaning. Lu Zhiju chuckled and swooped down from the table, moving as swiftly as a startled swan.

Liang Xiaoyu's third disciple, the head of the Qingcheng Sect, possessed unparalleled mastery of the Qingcheng swordsmanship. When he swept across the table, he almost brought with him a majestic mountain aura.

He aimed his sword straight at Shao Xiuyuan's chest, but Shao Xiuyuan drew his sword to block. With a quick parry and a flick, he used the famous "Lotus Cup Holding Dew" sword technique from Xiaoqing Lake, which deflected Lu Zhiju's sword downwards.

But the next moment, Lu Zhiju raised his forearm, and an unexpected silver light emerged from it, heading straight for Shao Xiuyuan's throat from below.

It was indeed the scene of the white ape offering fruit.

This sword move seemed ordinary, but in the hands of an extraordinary person, it could be a decisive move. In fact, many people were already astonished by this sword move. The fact that this sword move was used at this moment showed that Lu Zhiju's understanding of the Qingcheng Sword and the Xiaoqing Lake Sword far exceeded the imagination of the viewers.

But Shao Xiuyuan didn't have time to react.

Even though the White Ape Offering Fruit is an extremely fast and cunning sword technique, even though it was launched at an abrupt moment, even though this sword seems to have already touched the throat.

He took a step back, the bright sword blade leaping across his chest, and an even brighter, more dazzling sword light emerged.

A silver rainbow, like a waterfall, was slashed out, engulfing Shao Xiuyuan's attacking sword.

It is the famous guardian sword of Xiaoqing Lake, "Half Moon Over the Calm Lake".

The two swords clashed, their silver arcs undulating like waves, just as the moon's reflection in water was disturbed. In the blink of an eye, Lu Zhiju hastily retreated, while Shao Xiuyuan had already floated to the side.

The sword was positioned at the back of his neck.

Shao Xiuyuan sheathed his sword, smiled, took two steps back, and bowed, saying, "Master Lu, you flatter me."

No one expected Shao Xiuyuan to use such a sword strike. He had never used this sword strike before. This sword strike was both beautiful and wonderful. No young disciple of Xiaoqing Lake in the past ten years had mastered it.

Its brilliance lies in the swordsman's versatility; the sword is like the moon reflected in water, visible yet untouchable. Without solid contact, the enemy cannot anticipate your current state or the direction of your next move.

It was a brilliant move to turn defense into offense and danger into safety. This sword strike actually represents his profound mastery of the Qinghu Sword. If he had used it earlier, his ranking on the Duck Ranking today would definitely not be outside the top two hundred.

But Shao Xiuyuan only smiled gently, seemingly not going all out, and took two steps back to stand on the sidelines.

The room fell silent for a moment, then everyone applauded the two brilliant sword strikes.

The previous swordplay between the Glazed Sword Master and the Snow Box Sword Master was indeed mesmerizing, but it was impossible to see how the Glazed Sword Master won. The subsequent swordplay was also incomprehensible, with only a few people watching with great interest.

At this moment, it was this unexpected yet, upon reflection, perfectly logical, brilliant sword strike that earned applause from the vast majority of people.

"The Qingcheng sword is elegant and treacherous, yet it encountered such a 'unperturbed' sword strike, responding to all changes with unchanging tactics, thus giving them an opening," Pei Ye said. "However, Miss Ming, Qingcheng also possesses a powerful sword technique; why doesn't it use it?"

"Songhai?"

"Ah."

"What do you think?"

Pei Ye thought for a moment: "He hasn't made a move in three years, so he wants to make it seem effortless and defeat him with two ordinary sword moves."

Ming Qitian nodded and said calmly, "That's right. So the outcome of swordplay is often influenced by people's hearts. People who can use their swords with a pure and calm mind are rare in the world."

The atmosphere on the field gradually heated up. It was clear that in the first round, Lu Zhiju had become a stepping stone for Shao Xiuyuan of Xiaoqing Lake. His swordsmanship was exquisite, his insight was keen, and he was able to advance and retreat with great skill. Xiaoqing Lake was not a big year to begin with, but now he was a sight to behold.

Lu Zhiju did not participate either, and Cui Zhaoye still placed him in second place.

Then, disciples from prestigious families and heroes from all over the world made their appearances, each displaying their unique abilities.

People don't bring out their best items during the Tianshan Sword Banquet, but they're absolutely generous with theirs now. Cui Zhaoye calls it the "Small Feather Scale Trial," but its intensity is no less than the real Feather Scale Trial.

The sudden emergence of formidable opponents was alarming, and many people only then realized that so many people had been hiding their strength at the recent sword tournament.

After about an hour, all ten spots were filled, and then challenges continued to be added, gradually making the competition more and more intense, and the characters appearing became increasingly rare.

A variety of refreshing sword skills and talents, along with outstanding individuals, are engaged in fierce competition within the Illusionary Tower.

Four or five people challenged Shao Xiuyuan, but they were all defeated by this gentle and handsome true disciple within ten moves. The more people watched, the more astonished they became, and he gradually showed the potential to be among the top 100.

The other outstanding individual was as expected.

[Lu Banmian] Gao Ge wears half an iron mask. His reputation has long been legendary in the martial arts world, but that was all in the bloody martial arts world in the north. Today can be considered the first time he has really made a move in the capital.

Anyone who fought him could not last more than three moves.

He stood silently at the sidelines, looking up at the north.

There's also Shi Zhenxuan, the young master of Hebei Daojian Manor who showed his talent earlier this year, and Ding Dao, the true disciple of the Taihang lineage master... The ranking on the Fu Ranking can hardly represent the potential of these people.

The figure to the north has not uttered a word, but everyone knows she is watching. When each person draws their sword, only half of their sword is facing their opponent, and the other half is facing that gaze.

Cui Zhaoye asked, "Are there any others who think the ten people on the field aren't 'heroes' enough and want to come up and try their luck?"

Those at the table only smiled and remained silent.

Cui Zhaoye said, "Since no one has any further objections, then we can now challenge the top twenty geniuses."

Cui Zhaoye turned around and looked at him, then smiled and said, "Shao Zhenchuan, you were the first to step forward and the last to stand up. How about you be the first to choose now?"

Shao Xiuyuan had a very high nose and a pair of eyes as calm as a lake. His swordsmanship was as tranquil as Xiaoqing Lake, and he himself was just like Xiaoqing Lake.

Cui Zhaoye was prepared to hear him say things like, "Miss Cui, Xiuyuan is a junior," but to her surprise, Shao Xiuyuan smiled slightly and did not refuse, but he did not choose either.

He composed himself, stepped forward, and bowed to the East Palace to the north: "Today, we are all here to demonstrate our swordsmanship for Your Highness. I have no desire to fight, only for Your Highness to observe the swordplay. Among the heroes before Crane and Duck, I, Xiu Yuan, am confident that I can defeat none of them, but whatever Your Highness decrees, I will do my utmost to achieve."

There was silence.

Li Xizhou tilted his head slightly in the distance, seemingly reacting for the first time in over an hour, and looked at him for a while.

In those few breaths, no one on the field spoke, but Shao Xiuyuan's heart had already skipped two beats.

"Whichever player you choose, are you willing to play?"

"I hope Your Highness will grant my wish."

Li Xizhou glanced at the remaining nine people: "Are you all here too?"

Several people had already chosen their opponents in their minds and were convinced that their previous performances had left an impression on His Highness. However, they naturally realized that His Highness's personal selection of them was a sign of his interest in them, so they all clasped their hands in agreement.

Li Xizhou smiled: "Are all of you in the top twenty here willing to step down and try your luck?"

Luwei clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Highness, since we are here for a sword banquet, how can we be arrogant?"

Qunfei also stood up and echoed, and the others all stood up and agreed. He Yaoyao, mixed in with them, bowed her head, stood up, and quickly cupped her hands in greeting.

The entire banquet hall was focused on the host.

"The duels you all just now were all very exciting," Li Xizhou said with a smile. "I have lived in the capital for a long time and have never been involved in the martial arts world. I was truly overwhelmed by what I saw and was very pleased."

"The only pity is that I am too ignorant of martial arts. Not to mention all of you here, even the three or four-life heroes are extremely powerful to me. Therefore, although I thought your sword skills were beautiful, I think I could not perceive the many subtleties within them and ultimately could not understand them very well."

Shao Xiuyuan felt his heart leap into his chest and bowed again in a gentle voice: "If Your Highness will not be offended, Xiuyuan can answer your questions."

"No need." Li Xizhou smiled faintly. "I do have only one young hero whom I trust to risk my life for, and I roughly know his abilities. It just so happens that he is among us. If you gentlemen don't mind, why don't you give him a try? That way, I can have a comparison in my mind."

Everyone was stunned, and the banquet hall fell silent.

Cui Zhaoye silently retreated, knowing that there was probably nothing more for him to do afterward. Only his eyes shone brightly as he looked expectantly into the arena.

“Pei Ye,” Li Xizhou smiled and looked eastward, then extended an index finger and pointed it downwards, “I want to see you compete with them.”

Pei Ye didn't speak, but lowered his head to put the cat down, picked up his sword, and stood up:

"Row."

(End of this chapter)