"Young Master Fang Chen!"
Light exclamations came from the crowd upon seeing the first young master of the Fang Clan, Fang Chen.
This was natural. After all, he was the current hot topic of the whole city after the announcement of the alliance by marriage between Fang Chan and the Gao Clan.
"He's here… at the Xuan tavern?"
"Don't tell, he's here to meet Young Master Gao Xuan?"
"No, he's here to meet the King. Dumbass, who else will he come here to meet?"
"Hey, I was just voicing out my thoughts…"
….
As the crowd speculated, argued, and watched, Ye Tian Yun, disguised as Fang Chen, stepped on the surface.
Two more young men soon followed him, both of them in dashing robes.
These two were Jun Xie and Zheng Xiang.
As they stepped out, the second carriage's gate also opened, and out came two beautiful young ladies, instantly attracting the gazes of everyone present at the scene.
Just as the group of five reunited, the gates of Xuan Tavern were slowly opened, and a young man walked out.
Ye Tian Yun was a bit taken aback.
He was expecting to meet Gao Xuan, not his elder brother, Gao Long.
Gao Long smiled at them and walked towards them.
His appearance didn't create much commotion because many were already aware of him being present in the tavern, having seen his carriage arrive here a few minutes ago.
"Welcome," Gao Long added while cupping his fists, "Brother-in-law."
Ye Tian Yun cupped his fists in return, "We meet again, Brother Gao."
And then, gesturing at his friends, he introduced them, "These are my close friends, Jun Xie, Zheng Xiang, Bai Qing'er, and Miss Qing. All are part of the Gracious Sword Sect. And guys, this is Second Young Master of Gao Clan, Gao Long."
(E/N: Miss Qing= Princess Wu Qingwu)
Gao Long greeted them by cupping his fists, and they reciprocated.
"Come in, let me be your guide to this tavern." Gao Long said, gesturing at the five to follow him inside.
As this group of six went inside the carriage, the crowd couldn't help but talk among themselves.
"So they really accepted this marriage? I still can't believe it…"
"Yeah, Third Miss Gao is a fairy who has descended on this mortal plane, and Fang Chen… hmph! What else does he have except for a good background?"
"I know, right! This is so infuriating."
"Hey, you two! Keep your mouth shut!"
"What? Are we saying anything wrong?"
"No, but you will have everyone here killed! And in this world, the background is enough for a person to make his own destiny. So, shut up and get lost from this place!"
…
While there was still commotion going on outside the tavern, within the Xuan Tavern, there was a pin drop silence.
Gao Long guided the guests through the whole tavern, showing them everything on the first floor, and then they headed toward the second floor.
The first floor mainly had circular tables with seating for four at once. There were about twenty to thirty such seats.
The second floor, on the other hand, was much more lavish and decorated.
"This is for a full-course meal." Young Master Gao Long said as they stepped inside the huge hall.
On one of the sides was a huge curtain.
"Beyond that is the kitchen area." He explained, "This kitchen is on the lower floor too."
After everyone was seated, he added, "The floor above is staff-only. We will take a tour of the kitchen after dinner."
"That would be great," Ye Tian Yun smiled.
"So, how have you been since we last met?" Gao Long asked.
Ye Tian Yun smiled, "Well, there was a small breakthrough in my cultivation. Other than that, nothing worth mentioning happened."
"Oh? What about your marriage announcement?"
Ye Tian Yun smiled, "As I said, nothing worth mentioning happened."
Gao Long frowned but chose to ignore Ye Tian Yun's remarks, "What about the Royal Edict?"
"Ah, that…" Ye Tian Yun sighed, "That thing did annoy me for some time."
"Oh? May I ask why?"
"Well, one of the reasons was that it targeted our clans' alliance."
"Hm?" Gao Long was surprised upon hearing these words.
'Prime Minister Fang told him about the loss?'
This was surprising because it was common knowledge that Fang Chen wasn't normally included in the core clan matters.
'Prime Minister Fang must have started to groom him to become the next Clan Head.'
Unaware of Gao Long's thoughts, Ye Tian Yun continued to speak, "Well, there is one more reason, but this is a bit personal. Just think that I suffered a similar loss, but it was my private loss."
"Oh?" Gao Long smiled, "Now I am quite curious about it."
Ye Tian Yun shrugged. This was literally their first official meeting. 'Did this guy really think I would tell him everything?'
Taking a hint, Gao Long changed the topic, "Are you planning to take part in the Grand Spirit Hunt?"
"No," Ye Tian Yun shook his head, "I have better things to do."
"Really?" Gao Long couldn't help but smirk, "Like? I am sure accepting the reality is not one of them."
"What do you mean, Young Master Gao?" Zheng Xiang narrowed his eyes.
Gao Long shrugged, "Well, it's up to you how you interpret my words, but what I am saying is, Fang Chen still has a long way to go. And honestly, I feel like this is the right decision because he won't lose face for the Fang Clan and my sister."
"Are you- " Just as Zheng Xiang was about to argue with him, he suddenly felt a nudge on his leg and turned silent.
"You are right, Young Master Gao Long." Ye Tian Yun smiled, "But one shouldn't throw stones at other people's houses when their own is made out of glass."
Gao Long narrowed his eyes, and after a few moments of a staredown, he sighed.
"Fang Chen, you're different from what I have thought. I shall be the first to apologize for my rude behavior. It's just I am not satisfied with how my sister must marry for this alliance to work out."
Ye Tian Yun nodded, "Indeed, this is troublesome."
"Troublesome?" Gao Long scratched his chin, "Aren't you the one who wanted this marriage to happen so desperately?"
"Hm?" Ye Tian Yun frowned, "Since when? I honestly had no say in this whole matter."