"Just a follower?"
What did that mean?
Everyone's eyes widened. A follower at the late-stage Divine Emperor realm?
That would require someone incredibly powerful.
"This... is what Lord Qiu said true?" the old woman asked, startled.
"Absolutely true," Qiu Zhengyi nodded, confirming it.
"This must be a young master from a super sect."
"Indeed. To have an expert at the late-stage Divine Emperor realm as a follower and protector, they must be from a super sect."
"I didn't expect someone from a super sect to come join the fun. Our chances of winning are even greater now."
They spoke one after another, their expressions growing more excited.
"Well... actually, I think this Divine Emperor expert looks more like a servant," Qiu Zhengyi said, seeing their excited faces.
What Qiu Zhengyi said was indeed true.
A late-stage Divine Emperor was already a top-tier expert. Besides the supreme experts, the Divine Venerables, late-stage Divine Emperors were already incredibly formidable.
Such a powerful individual would have no need to be so respectful to a young master.
If it were merely protection, it wouldn't warrant such deference.
After all, powerful beings only showed genuine respect to other powerful beings; anything else was just superficial.
Therefore, Qiu Zhengyi could tell that Li Mo's respect for Xia Feng was genuine, and he obeyed Xia Feng's words without question. What else could that be but a servant?
Qiu Zhengyi's words were like a depth charge, causing the others to blush.
Was it really that impressive?
They were almost stunned.
Was such a thing possible?
A late-stage Divine Emperor, such a formidable existence, yet a servant to a young man?
This was simply beyond belief; it surpassed their knowledge.
Even Zi Ruolin, seated on the throne, showed a look of confusion and was filled with curiosity about the young master mentioned by Qiu Zhengyi.
"Lord Qiu, whether what you said is true or not, we'll see at the banquet," the old woman still didn't quite believe it.
After all, it was hard to believe.
"Alright, you can see for yourselves then," Qiu Zhengyi agreed.
After some discussion, they began to organize the banquet, as time was drawing near.
The banquet was grand, with dozens of Divine Emperors gathered, a rare sight indeed, so the scale had to be impressive.
Xia Feng, accompanied by Li Mo and Mu Yunchen, arrived to attend. Li Mo was the one participating in the competition, so bringing more people was somewhat inconvenient.
Xia Feng looked at the bustling crowd in the royal palace, finding it very lively.
"Young Master, we've arrived," Li Mo called out respectfully as they reached the palace gates.
"Good." Xia Feng alighted from the beast carriage prepared by the palace, then extended a hand to help Mu Yunchen down.
Xia Feng walked ahead alone. Li Mo dared not walk parallel to Xia Feng, always maintaining a distance.
Xia Feng was his master, and respect was ingrained in his bones; he could not afford the slightest disrespect.
Qiu Zhengyi, responsible for reception at the entrance, greeted them as he had met everyone before, making his task effortless.
Seeing Xia Feng enter, Qiu Zhengyi hurried over and called out, "Young Master, Senior, you've arrived."
"Mm." Xia Feng nodded slightly, while Li Mo stood behind Xia Feng like a bodyguard, not uttering a word.
Li Mo didn't understand social niceties. He only knew his duty was to be a good servant to Xia Feng. As for how others perceived him or what they thought of him, it was none of his business.
Seeing this, Qiu Zhengyi became even more convinced that Li Mo was Xia Feng's servant.
Qiu Zhengyi personally led the way, guiding Xia Feng to the pre-arranged seats.
Xia Feng was assigned the first seat below the Queen. Li Mo stood beside him. However, the palace did not permit this, arranging for Mu Yunchen to sit below Xia Feng, and Li Mo below Mu Yunchen.
Qiu Zhengyi didn't concern himself with matters of hierarchy, but Li Mo clearly understood them.
Qiu Zhengyi had no objections; they were a party of three, and three seats were arranged, so they could sit as they pleased.
As they were all Divine Emperor experts, the banquet commenced without delay, and everyone arrived on time.
Once everyone was gathered, Qiu Zhengyi stood at the front and announced loudly, "First, I thank everyone for coming to our kingdom to participate in the competition. I welcome you all once again."
"Today, there is also an important matter to announce. To show our respect to everyone, Her Royal Highness Zi Ruolin, the future Queen of the Great Xiao Kingdom, will personally grace us with her presence to thank you all and dine with you."
As Qiu Zhengyi finished speaking, a group of people entered from the back of the hall, escorting a woman of exceptional beauty.
The woman wore a phoenix coronet and a purple python robe. She walked with a graceful and voluptuous demeanor, possessing an outstanding aura.
Even though they were all cultivators, and many had lost interest in beauty, they couldn't help but look at Zi Ruolin a few times.
She was indeed very beautiful.
As Zi Ruolin entered, her gaze swept over Xia Feng repeatedly.
Her curiosity about Xia Feng was already insatiable.
...