After glancing at Lan Yue, Ye Cangtian's gaze shifted to the two figures seated side by side on the main seat of the Hall of Light.
One, aged and wearing prosthetics, was the familiar Pope.
Beside him sat a much younger man with a stern, imposing face. It had to be the Guangyu Sage.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian cupped his hands towards them and said, "Greetings, Guangyu Sage, greetings, Your Holiness."
At his words, the Guangyu Sage's gaze instantly turned grim.
Though he appeared younger, it was due to the miraculous effects of elixirs. In reality, his seniority far surpassed the Pope's.
Setting him aside, even the Pope, by Ye Cangtian's status, should have offered a more respectful bow, given the Pope was an elder.
However, Ye Cangtian had merely cupped his hands and bowed slightly to both of them, a gesture that clearly lacked proper reverence.
With this in mind, the Guangyu Sage felt displeased. Yet, with so many people present and Ye Cangtian having been invited by the Hall of Light, he couldn't lash out over such a minor matter.
Therefore, he had to endure it.
"Haha, Ye Cangtian, we've been waiting for you as eagerly as we await the stars and the moon!"
"On behalf of the Hall of Light, I welcome your arrival!"
Beside him, the Pope was exceptionally enthusiastic towards Ye Cangtian.
He paid no mind to Ye Cangtian's actions. In his view, as long as he could kill Ye Cangtian this time and avenge their past humiliation, it would be enough.
As the Pope's voice fell, Guangyu cast a deep look at the Pope, a hint of approval in his eyes.
If it were someone else, they might have picked a fight. Yet, the Pope could endure and be so welcoming, truly surpassing ordinary people.
Thinking this, he cast his gaze towards Ye Cangtian and said, "Ye Cangtian, you've had a long journey. I have specifically arranged a banquet for you to welcome you. I hope you won't find it wanting. Please take your seat!"
As he spoke, the Guangyu Sage, accompanied by the Pope, descended the steps and took their seats at the only two tables in the center.
Ye Cangtian also took the seat of honor on the left.
The next moment, as the Pope gave the order to commence the feast, guards began bringing in exquisite dishes.
In a short while, the tables were laden with delicious food.
The Guangyu Sage raised his wine cup, his gaze slowly sweeping across the assembled guests, and then he spoke, "I thank everyone for responding to the Hall of Light's invitation amidst your busy schedules. This cup of wine is to you!"
The people in the hall immediately raised their cups in acknowledgment and drained their drinks.
Seeing this, the Guangyu Sage lifted a second cup, his eyes falling upon Ye Cangtian. "This cup of wine is for the Huaxia faction. They have made unremitting efforts for peace, which is truly admirable!
At the same time, I hope that with this cup of wine, we can become like family in the future, supporting each other and having no more disputes."
"Good!"
The crowd in the hall responded and drank their wine.
Next, Guangyu once again raised his third cup, his gaze once more falling on Ye Cangtian.
He paused for a moment, as if preparing his words, and then said, "For this third cup of wine, I wish to toast Mr. Ye personally. He is willing to trust our Hall of Light and dares to bring precious treasures. This magnanimity and trust alone make me respect him."
At his words, all eyes turned to Ye Cangtian.
Rumors about the Four Seals had already spread like wildfire online. Now, with Guangyu's statement, their curiosity was rekindled.
They also wanted to witness firsthand how miraculous these Four Seals truly were.
This Guangyu is truly insidious!
On the other side, Ye Cangtian, while outwardly smiling and raising his cup, was inwardly cursing Guangyu.
With a single, seemingly casual remark, Guangyu had placed him in the spotlight.
The greedy and curious gazes were the best proof of this.
Most importantly, he couldn't refute anything, for the Seal of Light was in Guangyu's possession, and it could clearly sense the location of the other three Seals.
Therefore, even if he argued, it would be useless.
With this in mind, Ye Cangtian smiled and said, "What is Lord Guangyu saying? Does your trust in the Hall of Light surprise you? Or has the Hall of Light done something unspeakable?"
"..."
As Ye Cangtian spoke, the expressions of those around him changed drastically. They could already smell the gunpowder.
It wasn't entirely unexpected, as the two factions were only cooperating on the surface.
However, they hadn't expected Ye Cangtian to launch an attack so quickly upon their first meeting.
The Pope and the Guangyu Sage were also taken aback by the same remark, and their expressions immediately turned grim.
Especially the Guangyu Sage, a flash of killing intent flickered in his eyes.
He had intended to use the toasts to push Ye Cangtian into a difficult position.
This way, discussing the merger of the Four Seals would be much simpler.
His plan was going smoothly, but who knew Ye Cangtian's reaction would be so swift, redirecting everyone's attention? Such a response was truly terrifying!
After a moment, Guangyu looked at Ye Cangtian and said with a smile, "Mr. Ye is quite the jokester. The Hall of Light has achieved its current status by acting with integrity and mutual benefit with allies..."
As things had just begun, he wouldn't immediately fall out over such a minor issue.
"Haha, Lord Guangyu is indeed wise! You can tell at a glance that I was joking!"
Seeing that Guangyu had no intention of tearing down the pretense and had even shifted the topic, Ye Cangtian laughed heartily and spoke playfully.
Hoo!
With those words, Ye Cangtian clearly heard the collective sigh of relief from the assembled guests.
On the other side, Guangyu cast a glance at Ye Cangtian and continued, "Mr. Ye, we haven't finished this cup of wine yet!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian raised his cup in a gesture of acknowledgment and then downed the wine in one gulp.
...
After a minor interlude, the banquet officially began.
During the feast, representatives from various factions introduced themselves. Most of these factions, apart from the Dark Association, hailed from the ruins of light.
There were also some reclusive families from the outside world.
While Ye Cangtian outwardly appeared indifferent to these introductions, he quietly took note of every face present.
These factions were not weak!
Not to mention anything else, those seated here were basically quasi-Heavenly ranked experts. If they united, they would form a considerable force.
Before long, after the introductions from the various factions, the guests began to drink heartily.
Some toasted each other, while others performed sword dances to entertain. The scene was lively.
Unknowingly, the wine had circulated three times, and the dishes had been tasted five times.
The Pope and the Guangyu Sage, seated on the main stage, exchanged glances.
The next moment, the Guangyu Sage turned his gaze to Ye Cangtian and asked, "Mr. Ye, what are your thoughts on the gathering of the Four Seals this time?"
As his voice fell, the noisy scene immediately quieted down, and all eyes turned back to Ye Cangtian.
They weren't here merely to eat and drink; their purpose was for the Four Seals to gather and open the so-called Gate of the Heavenly Realm.
Now that Guangyu had steered the conversation to the main topic, they naturally paid attention.
Sensing the gaze of everyone, Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and said, "Lord Guangyu, these people are too enthusiastic, and I cannot handle the wine. Can we discuss the matter of the Four Seals later?"
At his words, everyone's expression changed. Ye Cangtian appeared perfectly normal, so why claim to be unable to handle the wine?
Could it be that Ye Cangtian had no intention of presenting the three seals to open the Gate of the Heavenly Realm?
"Mr. Ye, you should know that these people are not here to drink and chat with you!"
Seeing the change in everyone's faces, the Guangyu Sage revealed a cold smile. He couldn't believe that Ye Cangtian would be completely indifferent to so many factions.
On the other side, Ye Cangtian looked at the Guangyu Sage and said, "I have already arrived at the Hall of Light, and I have brought the three seals. My sincerity is self-evident, wouldn't you agree?
Given the circumstances, why is Lord Guangyu in such a hurry?"
Hmph!
Upon hearing this, Guangyu immediately let out a cold snort.
Logically, he shouldn't be in a hurry. But Ye Cangtian was no easy opponent!
Who knew what changes might occur if they delayed for a day or two?
With this thought, the Guangyu Sage said, "Mr. Ye, it's not that I'm in a hurry, but the distinguished guests present are all leaders of their respective factions, and their time is extremely limited!"
"If anyone is in a hurry to leave, they are welcome to do so. I haven't said anything to stop them."
As he spoke, Ye Cangtian swept his gaze across the crowd and asked, "Let me ask you all one more time, do you have time to stay?"
"This..."
At his words, all the factions exchanged glances. For the sake of the Gate of the Heavenly Realm, they naturally had time.
But if they spoke up, wouldn't that mean opposing the Hall of Light?