Enduring the multitude of stares from every direction, Zhou Changqing couldn't help but gently squeeze Ya Fei's soft arm, leaning in to whisper by her ear. "Sister Ya Fei, I finally understand what they mean when they say a beautiful woman is a calamity."
"Just look around. I don't know how many men here want to tear me to pieces because of you."
"You little rogue, how dare you tease your big sister~"
Feeling the warm breath tickle her ear, the tips of Ya Fei's ears turned a faint red. She tapped the young man's arm with a delicate hand, her voice a playful pout.
But this coquettish, womanly gesture from Ya Fei shattered the hearts of the many men watching her, the pain so sharp it felt hard to breathe.
Why isn't that man beside Ya Fei me!
The desire to take his place was an overwhelming, primal urge that gripped them all.
At the same time, their gazes toward Zhou Changqing grew even more hostile, the jealousy practically spilling from the corners of their eyes.
A faint smile touched Zhou Changqing's lips. Ignoring the stares that could have killed him a million times over, he withdrew the arm she was holding, only to wrap it decisively around her slender waist. He gave a firm squeeze, pulling her even closer against him.
Her eyes, shimmering with allure, shot the mischievous young man a playful glare. But Ya Fei offered no resistance, allowing him to hold her and even leaning into his embrace.
This scene made many of the men grind their teeth in frustration.
Soon, the pair arrived at a quieter table in the main hall.
Dressed in a magnificent robe of black and gold, Teng Shan was conversing with another guest, his eyes narrowed to slits as if they were closed.
When his peripheral vision caught Zhou Changqing arriving with Ya Fei, Teng Shan was momentarily stunned before rising with a welcoming smile.
"Hehe, young friend Changqing, I didn't expect you to come. This is a rare occasion indeed. Please, have a seat."
Ever since this young man had taken up residence at the Mittel estate, he had rarely ventured out, refusing all visitors who came seeking an audience. Teng Shan had assumed this prodigiously talented young expert disliked social interaction, which was why he was so surprised to see him.
Zhou Changqing smiled and returned the gesture. "Patriarch Teng Shan, you're too kind. I was simply bored, so I decided to accompany Sister Ya Fei and join the festivities."
He then guided Ya Fei to a seat beside him and began to chat casually with Teng Shan.
Many of the people nearby witnessed this and were taken aback, their gazes toward Zhou Changqing filled with suspicion and bewilderment.
To have Teng Shan, the Patriarch of the Mittel Family and a powerful Dou King, personally rise to greet him was an honor few could claim.
In the entire Imperial Capital, the number of individuals deserving of such courtesy from Teng Shan could be counted on two hands.
What had this young man done to deserve such an honor?
Could he be the scion of some Dou Emperor? Even so, this level of deference seemed excessive. Not even the imperial princes and princesses commanded this kind of respect from the Mittel Patriarch.
This baffling scene didn't just capture the attention of those nearby; even some of the older generation's experts cast their gazes over, all of them silently trying to guess the young man's identity.
Elsewhere in the hall.
Nalan Jie had just finished with a guest who had come to offer congratulations when he caught sight of Teng Shan laughing and talking with an exceedingly handsome young man.
From Teng Shan's demeanor, it was clear he wasn't treating the youth as a junior. An unknowing observer might have thought the young man's status was equal to his own.
Just then, the current head of the Nalan family and Nalan Jie's son, Nalan Su, walked over.
"Father, what are you looking at?"
Noticing his father's strange expression, Nalan Su followed his line of sight and also saw Teng Shan engaged in a lively conversation with the young man.
This piqued Nalan Su's curiosity. "Who is that young man?"
"Why don't we go find out?"
Nalan Jie's eyes were filled with contemplation as he began walking toward Teng Shan's table. Nalan Su followed close behind.
As the host of the banquet, Nalan Jie's every move was watched. Seeing him make his way across the hall, many who sought to curry favor with the Nalan family subtly trailed after him. Even many of the younger generation had noticed the commotion.
"Hehe, old brother Teng Shan, what are you discussing so happily? You didn't even come over to share a drink with an old man like me."
Teng Shan was in the middle of a pleasant conversation with Zhou Changqing when he heard the voice. He looked up to see Nalan Jie approaching, followed by Nalan Su.
As a guest, Teng Shan couldn't be impolite. He rose to greet them, smiling. "Hehe, old brother Jie, my apologies. I was so caught up in conversation that I forgot to congratulate you on being freed from your old ailment. May you enjoy a life of ease and restored glory."
"Hahaha, I'll take you up on those kind words. By the way, who is this?"
Nalan Jie stroked his beard and laughed before turning his inquisitive gaze to Zhou Changqing.
By now, Zhou Changqing had already stood up and was smiling at the older man. To remain seated when the host himself had arrived would have been rude. It was a matter of courtesy, not a reflection of strength or status.
Teng Shan paused, unsure how to introduce Zhou Changqing, and looked to the young man for a signal.
Seeing this, Nalan Jie's heart skipped a beat. He was shocked that for a simple introduction, Teng Shan would first seek the young man's permission!
Understanding Teng Shan's meaning, Zhou Changqing gave a slight, permissive nod. His identity was no secret, and there was nothing to hide.
With the go-ahead, Teng Shan finally introduced him to Nalan Jie with a broad smile. "Old brother, allow me to introduce you. This is young friend Zhou Changqing."
"Perhaps you haven't met him before, but I'm certain you've heard of his reputation."
"Oh? This young friend is clearly a rare talent, a prodigy among his peers. I am quite interested to learn more. Please, do tell."
Nalan Jie nodded toward Zhou Changqing in acknowledgment, then looked at Teng Shan with an expression of genuine curiosity.
Teng Shan didn't beat around the bush. A smile played on his lips as he said, "Old brother, as you know, my Mittel Family recently held an Earth-tier auction. The final item of that auction was crafted by none other than young friend Zhou."
"With that said, have you guessed his identity?"
"What?!"
Nalan Jie's pupils contracted, and he let out an uncharacteristic gasp. He stared at Zhou Changqing, his face a mask of utter astonishment!
He wasn't the only one. Nalan Su and the many others nearby who had overheard were just as stunned, their eyes wide with shock as they stared at Zhou Changqing.
In an instant, four words surfaced in everyone's mind: Master Weaponsmith!
This bombshell of a revelation was like a giant boulder crashing into a calm lake, sending powerful ripples of shock spreading rapidly through the crowd.
Gulp.
Thinking of the legendary weapon that was rumored to double the strength of a Dou King and allow even a mere Dou Practitioner to briefly possess the combat power of a Dou King, everyone swallowed nervously.
They never imagined that such a priceless armament was the creation of a mere youth!
As the initial shock began to subside, it was replaced by a scorching intensity. Every eye in the vicinity was now locked on the handsome young man who had become the center of attention.
Nalan Jie, befitting his reputation as the Lionheart Marshal who commanded respect throughout the empire, was the first to process the stunning news.
Immediately, a warm, enthusiastic smile spread across his aged face. He cupped his fists in a formal salute to Zhou Changqing, his tone apologetic. "So it is Master Zhou. I was blind to not recognize such a distinguished figure. It was a great discourtesy, and I hope the Master will not take offense."
"The Nalan family has been a poor host indeed, to be unaware of the Master's arrival. I will personally reprimand the servants in charge of reception. I hope the Master can overlook our family's oversight," Nalan Su added, recovering quickly.
They finally understood why Teng Shan, a Dou King and a family patriarch, had been so deferential to this young man.
A Master Weaponsmith capable of forging a Tier 5 armament that could rival a Dou King's power was a figure whose status was in no way inferior to the Pill King Gu He!
Such a person was fully qualified to stand with them, the old guard of the empire, as an equal!
Nalan Jie, a shrewd judge of character, had instantly grasped Zhou Changqing's terrifying potential.
A young man who appeared to be less than twenty years old already possessed such world-shaking blacksmithing skills.
It was impossible to imagine what heights his future accomplishments would reach.
But one thing was certain: he was destined to surpass the Pill King Gu He and become the next most sought-after figure in the Jia Ma Empire