"Madam Yin, the Lord of the City invites you to the Inner Mansion banquet."

Seating at the banquet was also arranged according to rank, and upon hearing from the guards that she could enter the Inner Mansion, Yin Qinghe couldn’t help but feel delighted.

The Lord of the City personally hosts the banquet in the Inner Mansion.

Although her late husband was no longer around, at least she still had some face...

After all, she had done quite a bit for the City Lord’s Mansion in the past.

If the Lord was too indifferent, even if someone was willing to work for the City Lord’s Mansion in the future, they might not do so wholeheartedly.

Thus, Yin Qinghe led Qin Yu and Zhao Mengli into the Inner Mansion.

Upon entering, there was the sound of conversations inside, yet many eyes were watching the three of them.

Yin Qinghe and Zhao Mengli were recognized by everyone, with some heated gazes sweeping over them.

Within this Inner Mansion, many people intended to take advantage of the mother and daughter, not only to win the beauty but also to acquire the Danxin Herb Hall, achieving two things at once.

Moreover, Zhao Mengli’s talent was evident to all, who knows, she might become an Alchemist in the future!

Among the three, only Qin Yu was a new face.

The aura about him could only be described as utterly ordinary, the only noteworthy trait was... a hint of good looks.

But, in this world, looks were obviously not important!

Thus, those gazes only lingered on him briefly before moving away.

To them, such a person simply didn’t warrant their attention.

In the banquet hall, maidens gradually served exquisite dishes and delicacies.

Seating here was arranged with separate tables, with Yin Qinghe at the front, and Qin Yu and Zhao Mengli behind, in front of them was a desk table, with fine wines and Spirit Fruit, all in abundance.

Just not as lavish as Yin Qinghe’s position.

The surroundings were similarly arranged as well, with elders in front, juniors behind.

No sooner had the three taken their seats, than they heard a voice laced with mockery.

"Madam Yin, why are you attending the banquet alone?"

"What, Master Zhao hasn’t returned yet?!"

Upon hearing the voice, Yin Qinghe couldn’t help but furrow her brows, raising her gaze to see Cheng Yi strutting proudly over to their side.

"Even with Master Zhao absent, they still invited Madam to the Inner Mansion banquet, the Lord of the City’s indeed generous!"

His words both praised the City Lord and belittled Yin Qinghe, implying she wasn’t worthy of being here.

Yin Qinghe’s complexion turned unsightly.

If truth be told, she indeed didn’t have the qualifications to enter the Inner Mansion.

She knew coming here meant facing humiliation, yet, some things had to be done, thus she must come.

She did not respond to Cheng Yi, acting as if he was invisible.

Instantly, Cheng Yi’s expression turned cold, his eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of coldness within.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to employ soft strategies; initially, he went to propose for his junior, but was rejected.

Although his junior’s talent was somewhat inferior to Zhao Mengli’s, the reason for rejection was... too ugly!

Rejected for ugliness?!

He took this as an insult, hence resorted to numerous aggressive tactics, even going to great lengths to poach disciples and apprentices from Danxin Herb Hall.

All of it just to make Yin Qinghe submit before him!

Cheng Yi initially wanted to berate her, but this was the City Lord’s Mansion, during the Lord’s birthday banquet, no matter how furious he was, he didn’t dare vent it here.

If he ruined the City Lord’s birthday banquet, he certainly couldn’t afford to bear the consequences.

"Madam Yin, take care!"

He left in a low voice with a threatening undertone, then strode off with a flick of his sleeve.

Yin Qinghe’s expression remained unchanged throughout, his threats seemingly ineffective.

Behind her, Qin Yu witnessed it all.

Now he understood his place, naturally, he wouldn’t act recklessly.

Without sufficient power, pretending would only bring about the calamity of one’s own demise!

Among those seated here, none were simple characters, additionally, this person dared openly display his intentions, proving he had little reservations.

Qin Yu’s eyes were calm, his gaze lowered, his peripheral glance spotted him moving towards the first row, confirming Qin Yu’s suspicions.

Once Cheng Yi returned to his seat, one of his juniors leaned in, asking, "Grandfather, how did it go...?"

He was called Cheng Hua, the most esteemed junior by Cheng Yi.

His talent in Lin Xian City ranked fairly high, especially in the path of Alchemy; however, his appearance was... extremely unattractive.

Resembling a car accident scene.

Even Qin Yu couldn’t help but marvel at how he could grow into such a state.

But despite his ugly looks, he harbored lofty dreams!

During inquiries, Cheng Hua’s gaze unabashedly roved towards Zhao Mengli, filled with possessiveness.

It made the little senior sister panic, her face displaying fright.

Fortunately, the two tables were joined, Qin Yu extended a hand, clutching Zhao Mengli’s little hand, gradually calming her.

"Return to your seat, what kind of demeanor is this?"

Cheng Yi already held a bellyful of anger, rebuking him.

"Grandfather, Master said I might become an Alchemist within ten years."

Cheng Hua’s words dispersed much of his grandfather’s rage.

"You must be diligent, strive to become an Alchemist soon, other matters, leave them to your grandfather!"

While uttering this, Cheng Yi deliberately raised his voice, ensuring those around could hear, with a hint of boasting.

He bore a look of pride once people turned towards him.

To him, merging with Danxin Herb Hall was chiefly about obtaining that piece of insight; if he had the insight, Cheng Hua’s progress in becoming an Alchemist would surely speed up.

As for women and such, Cheng Yi didn’t really care about them.

"Thank you, Grandfather!"

Cheng Hua immediately showed a joyful look, believing his aspirations were set to be realized, gazing eagerly again towards Qin Yu’s direction, his eyes ablaze.

Even his gaze lingered on Yin Qinghe for a moment!

The scoundrel!

Courting his own death!

Qin Yu certainly wouldn’t act foolishly, merely noting down these two.

Holding grudges.

Didn’t require loud declaration!

Would it even be called holding a grudge if shouted out loud?

Fearful others wouldn’t directly finish you off?

None would allow someone harboring resentment against them to live.

The banquet continued.

People began mingling, yet Yin Qinghe remained idle, not seeking favors from former ’friends’ to stand up for her.

Master Zhao, being the finest Alchemist in Lin Xian City, how many here haven’t received his favor, owed him a debt?

But when Cheng Yi oppressed Danxin Herb Hall, no one stood up, which in itself said plenty.

Even seeking help would only result in empty rhetoric, possibly even outrageous demands.

This resulted in the trio remaining isolated and cold within the hall.

"The City Lord arrives!"

With this announcement, all eyes focused on the entrance.