There is a saying at the wine table that one's drinking etiquette reflects their character, but the culture surrounding tea is even more nuanced.
For instance, when pouring tea for someone, you shouldn't fill the cup to the brim. This adheres to the principle that "filling a cup with wine shows respect, while filling a cup with tea shows arrogance."
Another example is that guests shouldn't gulp their tea in one go, nor should they drain the cup to the bottom. They should savor it slowly, and certainly, never turn the cup upside down after finishing, as this signifies a lack of appreciation for the host's hospitality.
There are many similar cultural customs, and a Northerner's depth of character is often judged by their behavior at the tea table.
Yan Shouyi was well-versed in etiquette, his every move graceful and poised. He even discerned that the tea was from the mother tree of Da Hong Pao with a single sip, demonstrating the vastness of his knowledge.
What was even more commendable was that a young man with such extensive experience spoke with such humility.
Rongcheng had no shortage of talented youths, and many achieved early success. However, from Lu Jingsheng's perspective, Yan Shouyi was the most mature, steady, humble, and generous young man he had ever met.
Lu Jingsheng smiled with satisfaction and praised, "Young friend, you are indeed a descendant of Lu Ban. Your breadth of knowledge and rich experience are unparalleled among your peers."
"Sect Leader Lu overpraises me. This junior has merely traversed the martial world for a few years," Yan Shouyi replied humbly.
Tong Jiuhua refilled Yan Shouyi's tea and remarked with emotion, "So many years have passed, and we no longer heard news of Lu Ban's descendants in the martial world. We all thought they had vanished, but to encounter one again in my lifetime is truly unexpected."
Lu Jingsheng inquired, "May I ask, young friend, how much of the three volumes of the Lu Ban Book—upper, middle, and lower—have you mastered?"
Yan Shouyi did not answer immediately. Instead, he cupped the tea bowl with both hands and slowly took another sip.
During this time, his mind was occupied with how to respond to Lu Jingsheng.
Lu Jingsheng's question was sharp. Especially if Yan Shouyi did not fully trust them, answering rashly might lead him into a trap.
If Lu Jingsheng harbored ill intentions, and Yan Shouyi revealed too much, it could easily spark malicious thoughts in him.
After a moment of contemplation, Yan Shouyi placed his tea cup down and said, "One or two tenths is enough to get by in the martial world and fill my stomach."
Lu Jingsheng chuckled and nodded. His subtle gaze clearly indicated he did not believe Yan Shouyi's words.
However, at least by concealing the truth, Lu Jingsheng could no longer gauge Yan Shouyi's true depth.
Yan Shouyi asked, "May I ask, esteemed seniors, what brings you to invite this junior here today?"
"All Xuanmen of the world are one family. It is rare for a descendant of Lu Ban to reappear in the martial world, so we must fulfill our duties as hosts!" Tong Jiuhua said with a smile. "The ancestors of the Lu Shan Sect had close ties with the Lu Ban sect. We hope we can maintain frequent contact and mutual support in the future."
Tong Jiuhua did not mention the return of the hidden techniques, which made Yan Shouyi even more wary.
Not knowing the other party's true intentions was the most dangerous situation.
Unexpectedly, Lu Jingsheng suddenly asked, "Young friend, you are still so young; you shouldn't have a family yet, should you? Have your parents made any arrangements? If not, this old man can help you find a match. The young ladies of Rongcheng are no less remarkable than those from Sichuan and Chongqing!"
Chuan-Yu was renowned nationwide for its beautiful women, but when it came to top-tier beauty, no region was inferior to another.
The crucial point was that Lu Jingsheng held such influence that any woman he introduced would surely be of high caliber.
However, Yan Shouyi felt a slight awkwardness. He replied, "My family has already made arrangements."
"That is truly a pity!" Lu Jingsheng sighed regretfully. It was likely that when he asked the previous question, he had already mentally shortlisted several suitable matches for Yan Shouyi.
Yan Shouyi's heart pounded. Why was the esteemed Sect Leader of Lu Shan so keen on matchmaking for others?
Tong Jiuhua also shook his head with regret, "I know many female celebrities who would gladly marry someone like you, young friend!"
"This junior appreciates the kindness of both seniors," Yan Shouyi said with an awkward smile.
After a few more pleasantries, and seeing that Lu Jingsheng and the other had not gotten to the main point, Yan Shouyi finally couldn't help but ask,
"Sect Leader Lu, since I arrived in Rongcheng, I have been active near the Shanghang Art School. I heard that you once set up the Nine Dragon Sha-Dispelling Formation for the Shanghang Art School..."
Lu Jingsheng nodded and said without reservation, "It was indeed set up by this old man. Is there a problem?"
"The location of the Shanghang Art School is unique, and the Sha energy is very strong. Even with the Nine Dragon Sha-Dispelling Formation you established, there are still flaws. The formation needs to be reinforced and Sha energy needs to be dispelled annually. Even so, strange incidents still occur frequently at the Shanghang Art School. In the short term, students are affected, with several accidents occurring each year. In the long term, the excessive Sha energy at the Shanghang Art School could become a haven for malevolent spirits or demons, leading to endless trouble."
"Yes."
"Then haven't you considered resolving this hidden danger?"
Lu Jingsheng smiled at Yan Shouyi and said, "That's why this old man has invited you here, isn't it?"
Yan Shouyi blinked.
Then he leaned back against the chair, speechless.
So, this old man was scheming against me here???
It must be that Huang Hai informed Lu Jingsheng about my affairs at the Shanghang Art School. This old fox Lu Jingsheng immediately set a trap, waiting for me to walk right into it.
Upon learning Lu Jingsheng's motive, Yan Shouyi felt a sense of relief.
As long as they weren't after the Lu Ban Book, that was all that mattered.
Tong Jiuhua said with a smile,
"Our Lu Shan Sect is not adept at formations and seals. When it comes to these matters, your Lu Ban descendants are more skilled. The Sect Leader learned of your presence at the Shanghang Art School and wished to collaborate with you to perfect the Nine Dragon Sha-Dispelling Formation, thereby completely resolving the hidden dangers at the Shanghang Art School. This is why we invited you here today. As for the hidden techniques of our Lu Shan Sect recorded in the Lu Ban Book, since you have already reached an agreement with Huang Hai and the others, we will not force you."
Yan Shouyi nodded, "Resolving the hidden dangers at the Shanghang Art School is a benevolent act that will benefit the people of Rongcheng. This junior will not refuse."
"Excellent!"
Lu Jingsheng was overjoyed. He immediately rose and hopped off the sofa, pulling Yan Shouyi to the table to prepare for the meal.
Yan Shouyi felt speechless. So, if he hadn't agreed, this meal would have just been a tea session?
The people of Lu Shan Sect were truly straightforward and decisive in their actions...
The dishes, prepared by a descendant of imperial chefs, were soon served. They were truly "fine wine in golden goblets worth ten thousand cash, and precious delicacies on jade plates worth ten thousand riches"—a table laden with delicacies that ordinary people had never heard of or seen before.
After picking up their chopsticks, the three shifted from drinking tea to drinking wine. They were drinking the homemade yellow wine of the Lu Shan Sect, which was mellow, sweet, refreshing, harmonious in body, and endlessly flavorful.
After three rounds of drinks, Lu Jingsheng seemed to have had a bit too much. He pulled Yan Shouyi aside and spoke in a low voice,
"Young friend, this old man finds you more and more pleasing to the eye! To be frank, I have a personal disciple, the eldest daughter of the Lin family in Licheng, named Zi Tong. She is about your age and possesses naturally purple pupils. She can perceive the Yin and Yang, and observe the past and present; she is destined for the Zi Wei star. And you, being a descendant of Lu Ban, are a perfect match for her!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shouyi's emotions finally stirred. He had not expected Lu Jingsheng to mention Lin Zi Tong to him.
So, Lu Jingsheng also felt that Zi Tong and I were a good match?
For some reason, Yan Shouyi felt a bit happy.
However, Lu Jingsheng's next sentence sent Yan Shouyi plummeting into despair:
"If you had appeared earlier, this old man might have introduced her to you. Unfortunately, the marriage I arranged not long ago has her betrothed to the Bai family of Feifeng Mountain."
*Clang!*
The wine cup in Yan Shouyi's hand suddenly fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. The wine splashed out.
He stood frozen, feeling his limbs go cold, unable to believe what he had just heard.
Lin Zi Tong was already engaged?
And it was to the Bai family, who were his adversaries and had committed countless wrongdoings?
This, this couldn't be possible...
But the person who said this was the Sect Leader of Lu Shan, and more importantly, Lin Zi Tong's master. How could he be joking?