The assembled crowd rose to greet the man, offering congratulations without daring to show any disrespect.
The middle-aged man, his expression indifferent, took his seat. He remained impassive, paying no heed to the flattering remarks directed at him.
"Who is this person? He certainly carries himself with great importance!"
Yang Xian'er muttered, "To think he could command such a reception!"
"He is Shangguan Qingtian, the younger brother of the Divine Wind Pavilion's master, and a Venerable at that!"
Lin Jianyi reminded her, "His personal attendance at this birthday celebration demonstrates the Divine Wind Pavilion's reverence for Immortal Valley!"
"So that's how it is!"
Yang Xian'er nodded slightly. It was no wonder he commanded such presence. As a Venerable and the brother of the Divine Wind Pavilion's master, either title alone was enough to inspire awe.
Lu Fan stood to the side, glancing at Shangguan Qingtian. His brow furrowed slightly. He hadn't expected to encounter someone from the Divine Wind Pavilion within Immortal Valley.
The last time in Heavenly Immortal City, Lu Fan had killed Shangguan Hai. The Divine Wind Pavilion likely knew of this. If Shangguan Qingtian were to discover that the killer of his nephew was standing before him, Lu Fan wondered if he would fly into a rage.
As Lu Fan pondered this, several more figures appeared in the distance, their arrival heralded by an even grander procession.
Upon seeing the newcomers, even Shangguan Qingtian hastily rose, careful not to offend these important figures.
A young man, flanked by several elders, strode into the sea of flowers, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an imperial bearing.
"The eldest son of the Eighth Prince's Estate has personally arrived. Immortal Valley truly holds great prestige!"
The assembled guests murmured amongst themselves, visibly impressed. Beside the White Tiger walked Elder Tian and others, their imposing auras captivating.
"The Eighth Prince's Estate comes to offer birthday wishes. Where is the Master of Immortal Valley?"
Bai Hu's voice boomed, carrying a heroic spirit.
"Immortal Valley has always maintained no ties with the imperial court. How could Liu Qianjiao possibly bear the weight of the Eighth Prince's Estate's son's personal visit!"
A resonant voice echoed through the sea of flowers. In mid-air, a woman in a red dress appeared on the high platform in an instant. Her every movement was imbued with a captivating allure.
"It's Auntie!"
Yang Xian'er exclaimed with joy, her excitement evident. After so many years, she recognized her immediately.
"I have long heard that the Master of Immortal Valley possesses unparalleled beauty. Seeing you today, the rumors are indeed true!" Bai Hu laughed heartily. "My visit today has no other purpose than to offer birthday wishes to the Valley Master!"
With that, Bai Hu presented a treasure, his eyes holding a trace of arrogance.
The Eighth Prince's Estate possessed numerous treasures; any single one he offered would likely astonish everyone.
His reason for coming to Immortal Valley was to win them over. As the eldest son of the Prince's Estate, he naturally paid close attention to such sect powers.
"The gift from the esteemed son of the Eighth Prince's Estate is too generous; Immortal Valley fears it cannot accept it!" Liu Qianjiao stated directly. "Please return, esteemed son! Lest others misunderstand!"
"Master of Immortal Valley, I have come personally to offer birthday wishes, yet you ask me to leave. Do you not consider the Eighth Prince's Estate worthy?" Bai Hu's expression turned cold.
"The Eighth Prince's Estate is part of the imperial court, while Immortal Valley is merely a cultivation sect. The two have no connection!"
Liu Qianjiao chuckled softly. "I still request that you return, esteemed son!"
"How dare you!"
Bai Hu's expression was icy. "I am the son of the Prince's Estate, and you dare to be so disrespectful!"
"The esteemed son's visit today is merely to try and win over our Immortal Valley!"
Liu Qianjiao smiled faintly. "Alas, the esteemed son is too young and does not yet understand many things!"
"Hmph, since you know my intentions, you should also be aware of the consequences if Immortal Valley does not submit to me!"
Bai Hu's expression was stern. If he could bring Immortal Valley under his control, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. How could he let such an opportunity pass him by?
"Even the Eighth Prince's Estate would not dare speak to me in such a manner!"
Liu Qianjiao coldly sneered. "What, do you wish to flaunt your status as the son of the Prince's Estate before me?"
"Liu Qianjiao, I know you possess formidable strength, but you should be aware of the fate that awaits those who oppose the royal family in the White Dragon Dynasty!"
Bai Hu said in a cold tone. "I hope you do not do anything foolish!"
"Peony, escort our guest out!"
Liu Qianjiao commanded coldly. "Today is my birthday, and I do not wish to resort to violence!"
"Esteemed son Bai Hu, please return!"
Peony made a gesture, showing no signs of apprehension.
"Who do you think you are, daring to order me around in front of this esteemed son!"
Bai Hu's aura surged, his demeanor becoming extremely hostile.
"Presumptuous! Is Immortal Valley a place where you can run wild!"
Liu Qianjiao's anger flared, and her powerful aura erupted, pressing down on Bai Hu.
Within the sea of flowers, the onlookers felt this oppressive aura, their hearts filled with dread. They had never imagined that the Master of Immortal Valley's aura would be so potent, causing widespread concern.
Elder Tian and the others struggled to resist the pressure, their hearts filled with trepidation. They had come to Immortal Valley intending to subdue it, believing that with the name of the Eighth Prince's Estate, it would not be difficult.
However, they had never anticipated that the Master of Immortal Valley would be so formidable, completely disregarding the Eighth Prince's Estate.
Boom...
With a thunderous sound, Bai Hu and his entourage were violently thrown back, and Elder Tian and the others were also forced to retreat, utterly unable to resist.
"You dare to attack me!"
Bai Hu wiped the blood from his face, his gaze instantly turning venomous.
"Why would I not dare?"
Liu Qianjiao sneered. "Even your father would not dare to be so presumptuous before me. This world is vast; do not think that merely being a member of the royal family grants you the right to act with impunity!"
"Esteemed son, Immortal Valley has many powerful experts, and the Valley Master's strength is extraordinary. If we were to truly engage them in combat, we would likely suffer losses!" Elder Tian quickly advised.
The other members of the Eighth Prince's Estate nodded in agreement, their courage utterly shattered. They were acutely aware that lingering any longer would only lead to greater trouble.
"Hmph!"
Bai Hu snorted coldly, then turned to leave, his displeasure palpable. As the son of the Eighth Prince's Estate, he had been thoroughly humiliated today.
After Bai Hu and his group departed, the assembled guests finally recovered. They knew Immortal Valley was no ordinary place, but they had never witnessed its true might.
"I apologize for the spectacle just now, everyone!"
Liu Qianjiao smiled faintly. "Today is my birthday, and I had no intention of resorting to violence. However, some individuals simply do not understand proper etiquette!"
"Valley Master, your might is truly admirable. We are all impressed!"
The crowd rose in unison, offering their praises and daring not to show any hint of disrespect.
Liu Qianjiao appeared pleased, taking her seat on the main platform. Raising her wine cup, she said with a smile, "Thank you all for gracing my birthday celebration today! Let us all share this toast!"
The assembled guests raised their wine cups and drank the contents in a single gulp.
As the banquet commenced, numerous female disciples of Immortal Valley, holding a pill each, approached the guests.
"Everyone, these are specially prepared pills from Immortal Valley. They not only strengthen the body but also aid in cultivation!" Liu Qianjiao said with a smile. "I hope you will not find them wanting!"