Douluo Continent: From Blue Silver Grass to Nine-Leaf Sword Grass

Chapter 37 Birthday Banquet

Dugu Bo was very satisfied to see that Jiang Li had agreed. It was just a birthday, what could possibly happen? Besides, even if something did happen, he would be there to protect him. In the past, it might have been difficult, but now, Dugu Bo's poison was not out of the question.

.........

One week later.

Today is Emperor Shangxue's fiftieth birthday. As the emperor of one of the two great empires, a lavish banquet will naturally be held on this important day. No matter how large or small the forces in Tiandou City are, they will not miss such an opportunity. Those who cannot attend will send gifts, and those who can attend will prepare an even more valuable present.

This is the Emperor's birthday celebration on a snowy night. Almost all the nobles with prestige in the empire will receive an invitation. It is also a rare opportunity for the younger generation of their clans to broaden their horizons and expand their networks. There are even quite a few people who take this opportunity to arrange marriages.

After passing through a grove of trees, hidden behind the dense forest, lies an elegant and magnificent palace.

This is where the banquet is held.

The person in charge of arranging this banquet was a handsome and refined young man. He looked to be no more than twenty years old, dressed in very ordinary casual clothes, which made him somewhat conspicuous, but the young man possessed a special aura. Or rather, an air of nobility that could be felt even in tattered clothes.

This young man is none other than Xue Qinghe, the current crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, or perhaps Qian Renxue.

"Your Highness, the guests have been arranged."

She appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, but her eyes seemed to have seen through everything in the world, far surpassing those of a woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

The silver palace-style gown fit her perfectly; in terms of sheer elegance,

Xue Qinghe quickly returned the greeting, "Aunt Yuehua, what are you doing? This junior cannot accept such a gesture."

Tang Yuehua chuckled and said, "Stop calling me 'Auntie,' am I really the youngest?"

"I'm not old," Xue Qinghe said with a forced smile.

The woman was Tang Yuehua, the master of Yuexuan Pavilion, the third young lady of Haotian Sect, and Tang San's aunt.

As the owner of Yuexuan, Tang Yuehua was also an excellent teacher and did not waste this excellent opportunity.

As the imperial etiquette academy of the Heaven Dou Empire, Moon Pavilion requires at least a noble title and no more than thirty years old to be admitted. Undoubtedly, it is the place where the next generation of nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire is cultivated.

These students are undoubtedly still young. Arranging for them to receive guests this time is not only to hone their skills, but also to allow them to expand their network of contacts.

After all, all the prominent figures from the Heavenly Dou Empire have come this time, and I believe they won't let this banquet pass them by and will bring the younger generation along as well.

In the evening, inside the Dugu residence, Dugu Bo and his two companions prepared to depart.

"Tsk tsk, I didn't expect you to look so handsome in this outfit." Dugu Yan exclaimed, looking at Jiang Li in front of her.

At this moment, Jiang Li was dressed in a blue robe with gold thread outlining the sleeves and hem. Combined with his delicate face and light blue hair, he could only be described as a peerless gentleman, as handsome as jade.

"It's alright, just average," Jiang Li said modestly.

This outfit was custom-made by Dugu Bo after Jiang Li decided to attend the birthday banquet. The shop had an excellent reputation, and almost everyone in Tiandou City ordered from there. As a result, Jiang Li waited a week for it to be ready.

"Yours isn't bad either," Jiang Li praised, looking at Dugu Yan's clothes.

"What do you mean the clothes aren't bad? It's because I'm naturally beautiful." Dugu Yan said proudly after hearing Jiang Li's praise.

Dugu Yan wore a custom-made black dress that perfectly accentuated her figure, highlighting her slender waist, delicate collarbones, and long, shapely legs. Combined with her exquisite face and black hair, she appeared unapproachable.

"Haha, you two stop fooling around, it's time to go," Dugu Bo urged with a laugh.

Dugu Bo didn't care much about formalities, since he was a Title Douluo and it was good enough that he went; why would he need to wear a formal suit?

The three then left the Dugu residence with some gifts and headed to the palace.

Before long, the three arrived at the palace gate. At this time, the palace gate was heavily guarded, and every guest had to undergo a careful check.

Because there were too many guests, the three of them had to wait in line.

Please show me the invitation!

Soon it was Dugu Bo's turn and the other two's turn. The guards at the door symbolically asked Dugu Bo for an invitation.

The invitation was just a formality; after all, everyone who came here was someone of importance, and Emperor Xueye was also concerned about his image, which is why this happened.

Dugu Bo wasn't surprised. He simply took out the invitation from his robes and handed it to the guard. After taking it and glancing at it to confirm it was correct, the guard said, "It is Venerable Dugu Bo who has come to offer his congratulations."

After the guard finished shouting, he returned the invitation to Dugu Bo and then opened the palace gates.

"Let's go." Dugu Bo put away the invitation and led Jiang Li and the other person into the palace.

The three then entered the palace, leaving the gifts at the entrance before leaving.

Upon entering the palace, Jiang Li was immediately struck by the spacious hall. Magnificent chandeliers hung from the towering ceiling, casting a soft yet bright glow. The floor was covered with plush carpets, making each step feel like walking on clouds.

In the palace courtyards, lush trees provide ample shade, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers. Fountains spray glistening droplets under the night sky, seemingly adding vitality and life to the palace. The artificial hills, ponds, pavilions, and terraces in the courtyards complement each other, creating a beautiful picture.

Deep within the palace were the residences of the emperor and members of the royal family.

The entire palace was under heavy guard, with soldiers in full armor and carrying sharp weapons patrolling inside and outside the palace.

The night sky is exceptionally clear tonight, without a single dark cloud, as if in celebration of this birthday.

In the bright courtyard in front of the palace, one can clearly see the faintly twinkling stars in the sky, with the bright moon overhead and countless stars filling the air. A cool, refreshing breeze from the northern night blows by, and the sounds of flowing water and chirping insects in the artificial flowerbeds carved out by the royal family on both sides, combined with the elegant and tranquil lighting, create a scene that is absolutely breathtaking.

On a vast expanse of open-air artificial turf, pristine white ivory tables, fragrant wooden benches, and long dining tables are scattered across the lawn like decorative accents, laden with all sorts of exotic delicacies. The aroma permeates the entire lawn, making one's mouth water just by smelling it.

The banquet was divided into two groups: the younger generation gathered outside, while their elders were inside the hall. The two groups would only intersect as the banquet reached its climax, but for the majority of the time they would remain separate. The older generation would talk about their own things, and the younger generation would do their own thing; different age groups coming together would actually feel awkward.

These young people with aristocratic titles gathered in small groups, chatting and seemingly oblivious to the delicious food. No one was really after the food. Everyone understood the main purpose of tonight's banquet, and despite their seemingly happy and casual demeanor, networking with peers was secondary.

Most people's attention was focused on the palace, where the powerful and wealthy or the Soul Masters were the things that truly interested these young people of extraordinary status.

Dear guests, I apologize for keeping you waiting.

Everyone looked up toward the source of the sound and saw a noble and elegant lady walking gracefully toward them; it was Tang Yuehua.

However, each time I saw her, I was amazed. Her stunning beauty goes without saying, but there was an elegance in her every move that made people feel inferior, which deeply attracted the attention of everyone present.

"Welcome, everyone. There aren't many rules at this banquet, so please do whatever you like. Before we begin, I'd like to play a piece for you."

Tang Yuehua dismissed the maids on both sides and sat down alone on a stone bench in the center of the garden, carrying her pale blue harp.

An elegant, pure tone, as clear as pearls and as lucid as morning dew, flowed slowly from the exquisite golden harp. The beautiful notes drifted on and on, and the performer's emotions were conveyed to everyone's heart through the notes.

The moon shines brightly, as if one were standing on a lake reflecting the night sky; the peace and tranquility are truly refreshing.

This tranquility seemed to be something even the wind was unwilling to break...

(End of this chapter)