Chapter 127: The Royal Banquet


    As dusk approached, the city of Fila lit up with dazzling lights, and the streets became even more crowded than during the day.


    Outside the main gate of the royal palace, luxurious carriages of all kinds were packed tightly together. Men and women dressed in opulent attire chatted and laughed as they entered the palace to attend the grand royal banquet.


    Han Ming and Shasuo presented their invitations, and two court attendants immediately stepped forward to guide them through a series of deep courtyards, eventually leading them to a massive banquet hall.


    "Brother Han, I must meet up with some friends, so I won''t keep you company any longer," Shasuo said with a smile, the long scar running from his left eyebrow to the right corner of his mouth twisting slightly, giving him a particularly fierce appearance.


    Han Ming nodded politely, and the two parted ways.


    The hall was adorned with two long tables laden with rare delicacies and fine wines. Servants dressed in pristine white uniforms moved gracefully through the crowd, carrying trays.


    Han Ming found a relatively inconspicuous corner and sat down at a table, holding a pure silver goblet filled with a golden, undoubtedly expensive wine whose name he didn''t know.


    He quietly observed the guests. Groups of wealthy women gathered together, discussing topics such as a newly opened jewelry store that imported purple diamonds from another continent, or a certain family that had hired a master tailor capable of turning the most ordinary fabrics into works of art.


    Meanwhile, the male elites and influential figures from various fields also gathered in small groups, lightly laughing as they talked about which family had the most beautiful daughters, or how some overambitious fool had tried to establish himself in the imperial capital, only to be crushed by the combined efforts of several powerful families, leaving him without even enough money to return home.


    There were also some people similar to Han Ming, dressed less formally and behaving somewhat awkwardly. Yet, the number of people surrounding them was no less than those around the high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals.


    Han Ming knew these were likely the renowned experts from the three great empires.


    The news of the demon realm''s army intending to invade the human world was no longer a secret. Three days ago, the royal family of the Monte Empire had announced this to the world.


    Initially, Han Ming had worried that this would cause panic among humans, but to his surprise, people didn''t flee in terror. Instead, they seemed more indulgent than usual.


    He had to admit that the psychological resilience of the people in this world far exceeded his expectations. It also highlighted the immense pressure of daily life for ordinary citizens, to the point that, upon learning of the impending danger, they responded with an extreme, almost apocalyptic revelry.


    In the two days since Han Ming''s return, the streets had been filled with festive decorations and a joyous atmosphere, creating an indescribably eerie scene.


    Perhaps it was due to years of enduring war and the constant presence of violence that people had grown accustomed to it, or perhaps they had simply resigned themselves to their fate.


    As for what exactly had led to this morbid atmosphere, Han Ming didn''t know, nor did he care to find out.


    Thanks to its unique geographical location near the Savage Forest, the Monte Empire had temporarily become the most prosperous nation on the Northern Continent. The capital, Fila, was now packed with people from all over the world, gathering for what felt like a final feast before the end.


    Was it hatred for the world? Hatred for their own country? Or simply hatred for their own lives?


    Han Ming shook his head helplessly. "I really don''t understand what they''re thinking."


    "Is this seat taken?"


    A stunningly beautiful woman approached Han Ming''s table, holding a transparent crystal glass that she gently swirled. Her fiery red hair was tied up in a loose bun, with a fan-shaped fringe at the end that swayed gently with her movements, exuding an air of elegance and lazy charm. Her narrow, enchanting eyes carried a hint of amusement, surprise, and perhaps even a trace of resentment.


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    Han Ming stared at the woman, certain he had never seen her before.


    "Ah, no," Han Ming replied politely with a nod.


    The woman smiled and sat down beside him, but Han Ming stood up and walked toward another, less crowded corner.


    The woman''s eyes showed a flicker of disappointment, and she let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Leaving so soon? Am I that frightening?"


    Han Ming paused, turned back, and smiled at her. "Usually, I''m not accustomed to sitting next to ladies as beautiful as you."


    The woman raised an eyebrow, playfully swirling her crystal glass, which refracted colorful light. She tilted her head slightly, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Usually, being around a beautiful woman invites jealousy from other men. Are you worried someone might cause trouble for you?"


    Han Ming smiled faintly and disappeared into the crowd.


    A young man in his twenties, dressed in luxurious attire, approached quietly and gave a slight bow.


    "Is this seat taken?"


    The woman chuckled, her chest rising and falling gently with her laughter.


    The man''s eyes flashed with greed and possessiveness.


    The woman shook her head lightly, and the man pulled out a chair to sit down.


    She glanced at him briefly, then stood up and walked away.


    "Haha, Huang Ying, didn''t you boast that no woman could escape your charm? Why did your signature warm smile fail this time? She didn''t even give you a second glance."


    A tall, handsome man sat down beside Huang Ying.


    The once-arrogant playboy, who had severely injured Han Ming and Li Chengfeng in the past, was now gazing greedily at the woman''s retreating figure.


    "Tsk tsk, look at her. Her waist is as slender as a willow, and she moves with such grace. She''s truly a rare beauty. Brother Shang Que, I think I''ve fallen in love with her."


    The tall, handsome man was none other than Shang Que.


    "Didn''t you think the guy who just left looked familiar?"


    Huang Ying put away his greedy smile and began to ponder the origins of his romantic rival.


    Shang Que, upon hearing this, also felt that the young man looked familiar, though he couldn''t quite place where he had seen him before.


    "Ah, forget about him. By the way, where''s Sister Fei''er? Why hasn''t she arrived yet?"


    At the mention of Fei''er, Shang Que lightly slapped his thigh. "Now that you mention it, that guy just now was the one you humiliated two years ago."


    "Who? I''ve humiliated so many people. Which one are you talking about?"


    Huang Ying was completely lost.


    "Never mind. He''s just a small fry, not worth mentioning," Shang Que said with a smile, shaking his head.


    An elegantly dressed middle-aged man stepped onto the raised platform in the hall and gave a light cough.


    The murmurs of conversation in the crowd immediately ceased.


    "Ahem, esteemed guests, distinguished visitors from friendly nations, good evening. Welcome to the Monte Empire. On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Vivian, I extend our sincerest gratitude to all of you. Shortly, Her Majesty will personally join us to celebrate this memorable night. We also wish the best of luck to all the experts from various nations who will be participating in the Tri-Nation Tournament two days from now."


    The middle-aged steward stepped down from the platform to the sound of polite applause.


    "Huh? Shang Que, what are you two doing sitting in the corner? Where''s your good brother Zhan Hu? Why isn''t he here?"


    Shang Que stood up with a smile, gently adjusting the long dress of the girl before him. He gazed tenderly into her eyes. "Fei''er, you look stunning tonight."


    The girl blushed slightly, a rare occurrence, and lightly punched Shang Que''s shoulder with a delicate fist. "You smooth talker."


    "Ugh, you two, stop flaunting your love in front of me. This single man can''t take it. Zhan Hu''s got himself infatuated with some strong woman from who-knows-where, and now he''s trailing after her like a lovesick puppy. Sigh... and you two are here rubbing it in. Poor me."


    The girl giggled. "Oh, come on. You''ve played around with plenty of girls. I''ve warned you before—no more toying with the feelings of innocent girls, or I won''t let you off the hook." She emphasized the word "innocent."


    Huang Ying waved his hands dismissively. "Alright, alright, I get it. I can''t stand you two lovebirds. I''m off to find my own spring." With a mischievous grin, he dodged the girl''s playful punch and disappeared into the crowd.


    "Ahem, pardon the interruption. Is there a guest named Han Er present? If so, please come to the back door."


    A young attendant stepped onto the platform, coughing lightly and apologetically making the announcement.


    Hearing his name, Han Ming knew that Elder Mai Lun had arrived. He slowly stood up and made his way to the back door of the hall.


    "Elder Mai Lun, it''s been a while. I hope you''ve been well."


    Han Ming walked toward the familiar figure with a warm smile.


    Mai Lun looked at Han Ming with a puzzled expression. "You are... Han Er?"


    Seeing Han Ming nod with a smile, Mai Lun burst into laughter and embraced him.


    "You rascal! I always knew you were disguised, but I never expected you to be so handsome. And your aura—it''s completely different from before."


    Han Ming chuckled but chose not to delve into his secrets. "Elder Mai Lun, there are some matters I''d like to discuss with you in person. Would you have some time to spare?"


    Mai Lun laughed heartily. "Not just some time—I''d give my life for you if needed. Come, young friend Han, let''s talk in a private room."


    Mai Lun dismissed his attendants and led Han Ming into a beautifully decorated private room, where they sat facing each other.


    "Young friend Han, since we last parted, I''ve been deeply concerned about your safety. It''s a regret that I left you in your most perilous moment after you helped Vivian and me so much. I feel ashamed to face you. After returning, I attended to some urgent matters in the kingdom and was about to set out again to search for you in the Savage Forest when I received a secret message from your friend, which delayed me."


    Han Ming quickly assured Mai Lun that he held no grudge. He hadn''t taken these matters to heart, as everyone had their own lives and responsibilities. Moreover, his decision to help had been motivated purely by his affection for Charles, without any ulterior motives.


    What concerned him most now was the threat of the demon realm''s invasion.


    "Elder Mai Lun, do you have any plans to organize a defense against the demon realm''s invasion? Are there any concrete strategies in place?"


    At this question, Mai Lun''s smile faded.