Chapter 21: Nangong Wentian’s Hospitality

Watching this scene, the two of them could only stare in shock. While Nangong Lin and Gu Qingyi were still processing what had just happened,

Nangong Wentian fixed Gu Qingyi with a strange look after hearing his own daughter’s account.

Without warning, Nangong Wentian struck out at Gu Qingyi with a palm.

Gu Qingyi felt a sharp, overwhelming force bearing down on him and snapped back to his senses. He quickly gathered all his spiritual energy to block the attack.

Still, he was knocked all the way back to the corner.

Gu Qingyi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes cold as he glared at Nangong Wentian.

Nangong Lin was instantly terrified. She grabbed Gu Qingyi in a panic and demanded, “Father, what are you doing? Why did you attack Brother Gu all of a sudden?!”

The good news: his daughter, who used to be his sweet little girl, was still safe. The bad news: that beloved little girl was growing up and slipping away. Nangong Wentian watched this unfold, surprised, and found himself starting to question his own life.

Trying to compose himself, Nangong Wentian coughed and flashed a bright look at Gu Qingyi. “Young Master Gu, you’re really something. You’re around my daughter’s age, yet you’ve already reached the second stage of the Sword King Realm. Impressive. Honestly, that’s quite rare across the whole continent.”

“Truly remarkable. A real hero among the young.” Nangong Wentian kept his gaze locked on Gu Qingyi. “May I ask where your family is from, Young Master Gu? Do you have a master?”

“He pulled his punch just now. He was only testing me, not really trying to hurt me.” Realizing this, Gu Qingyi paused to organize his thoughts, then said, “I can’t mention my master right now. I’m from the Gu family on Sky Sword Mountain in Sky Sword City. As for my teacher, I don’t have one for now.”

Nangong Wentian’s eyes lit up at that answer. “In that case, would you be willing to join my academy? By the way, I have an announcement. Just recently, thanks to a stroke of fortune, I broke through to the Sword Saint Realm. Below the Sword God Realm, I’m undefeated, and even within the Sword Saint Realm, I can fight anyone to a draw.” Nangong Wentian looked at Nangong Lin. “Daughter, on a whim, I started an academy called Nangong Academy. What do you think? It’s named after our family—sounds nice, doesn’t it?”

“I was planning to start recruiting students in a few days.” Nangong Wentian beamed with pride.

“Dad, don’t you think that’s a bit tacky? How about changing the name?” Nangong Lin shot her father a look, rubbing her forehead in utter helplessness.

“Then what do you suggest we call it, Lin’er?” Nangong Wentian looked at his daughter with genuine interest.

After thinking for a moment, Nangong Lin blurted out, “How about Tianwu Academy? It’s a combination of Sky Sword City and Xuanwu City. It symbolizes a place where people from all over can come to train and learn.”

Nangong Wentian narrowed his eyes as he looked at Nangong Lin, thinking to himself, “Sweet girl, since when did you care so much about everyone learning martial arts? Aren’t you just concerned about that brat?”

“Combining Xuanwu City and Sky Sword City, huh? Why don’t you just tell me you want to join our two families?” With a snort, Nangong Wentian pinched Nangong Lin’s cheek affectionately. “So all my careful raising is just so my little cabbage could get snatched by a pig!”

“Daughters really can’t be kept at home for long!” Still, Nangong Wentian agreed right away. As long as his girl was happy, nothing else mattered.

“By the way, Young Master Gu, to repay you for saving my daughter, I promise to help you three times—whatever you need, you have my word.” With that, Nangong Wentian turned to Gu Qingyi.

“Tonight, there’ll be a grand banquet! Hahaha… My precious daughter is back and I couldn’t be happier!” Nangong Wentian looked at Nangong Lin, no longer bothering to hide his smile.

………..

Night fell.

The sky was black as ink, darkness stretching endlessly in every direction. As the night deepened, the moon shone down like it was veiled in silver, shrouded in a hazy beauty.

Yet in the midst of this darkness, the City Lord’s Mansion was ablaze with light, more lively and festive than ever.

Guests filled the mansion, flooding the halls with constant bustle and excitement.

Inside the spacious banquet hall, every seat was taken. People from all walks of life had gathered, their voices mingling in lively conversation.

Tonight’s feast was nothing short of extravagant—rare delicacies and mountain treasures of every kind filled the tables.

Every dish was prepared with special care, each a feast for the eyes and a temptation for the palate.

Servants hurried back and forth, pouring wine and serving dishes, laughter and merriment echoing throughout the hall.

Banquets at the City Lord’s Mansion had always been the highlight of the city.

But tonight’s banquet was more elaborate than ever, all in celebration of a special occasion.

As darkness blanketed the sky, guests took their seats, raising their glasses in toast and celebration.

Plates stacked high, laughter and joyful voices filled the air—pushing the banquet’s atmosphere to its peak.

In this festive mood, the City Lord rose to deliver a heartfelt toast. He thanked every guest for coming to celebrate his daughter’s return and expressed deep gratitude for their support.

Thunderous applause followed, the guests cheering the City Lord’s humility and wisdom.

At that moment, the entire mansion seemed to glow with warmth and harmony.

The night deepened, and the festivities reached their height.

Everyone was in high spirits, exchanging toasts and sharing stories from all corners of the land.

On this pitch-black night, the City Lord’s banquet was like a brilliant beacon, cutting through the darkness and filling the city with energy and hope.

Yet behind all this happiness, nobody knew how many storms the city had weathered in the past.

It was only because of the City Lord’s wise leadership and the support of so many that the city now brimmed with life and vitality.

“Tonight, let’s raise our glasses together—for the City Lord’s good fortune, and for the future of this city. May it always prosper and be filled with hope!” The guests all rose to their feet.

………………..

Nangong Lin made her way over to Gu Qingyi. “Come on, Brother Gu, let me toast you. Why does it feel like you keep changing?”

After downing the cup of warm wine, Nangong Lin was already feeling lightheaded, swaying unsteadily as if she might fall at any moment.

“Take Miss back to her room to rest.” Seeing this, Nangong Wentian waved over a few maids.

“Yes, Master!” The maids answered and led Nangong Lin away.

Nangong Wentian then pulled Gu Qingyi along, offering toasts to every guest and recounting his story.

【Cultivation Levels on Sword Qi Continent: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm.】

【Demi-God Realm has never appeared in the world, so most people have forgotten it. It is also known as the False God Realm and is clearly recorded in ancient scrolls.】