Lu Li couldn't have stood outside the gate. Therefore, he might not have a chance to contact Ye Luo if he could not go in.
But Gu Min was a clever man. He cupped his fists and said with a smile, "My lord, he is not my escort. He is my cousin and he married a young lady of a branch of the Palace of Heaven's Roars. He has come, attracted by Young Master Ye Rong's fame."
"Really?"
The Ye Family warriors stood away. A young lady of a branch of the Palace of Heaven's Roars was still a young lady nonetheless. Lu Li might have dressed in an unrefined way and didn't look like a young master from a big family. That being said, Gu Min had some reputation and the warriors didn't think he would lie.
A Noble Lord Realm warrior of the Ye Family thought about it and waved his hand and said, "Then go on in. You know the rules."
"Yes, of course!"
Gu Min replied with a respectful smile and walked in with Lu Li. Gu Min signaled Lu Li to put away the long sword he carried on his back. After all, the sword made Lu Li like an escort, instead of a young master.
Lu Li sighed. He knew that by saying him to be a young master of the Gu Family, Gu Min would bring many troubles to the Gu Family if someone dug out the fact. But now that Gu Min had said it, Lu Li could only relocate the Gu Family to the Clouds Plains or the Northern Desert.
Lu Li had seen his fair share of big occasions. He adjusted quickly from the manners of an escort to a young master. His eyes shone and he didn't stand behind Gu Min anymore. His temperament changed that to a young master as well. He had to do this. By continuing to act like an escort, he could get into trouble.
They followed a servant inside. Lu Li shoot Gu Min a glance and assumed a haughty air. Lu Li wanted to play a Kung Fu addicted young master that lacked understanding of the ways of the world and was as dumb as an oyster. He would have Gu Min deal with everything so he wouldn't draw much attention.
Of course, this banquet was not of a high level. Ji Mengtian and Yang Xuan might not be here. Lu Li was not worried that he would be recognized by some old acquaintances.
Soon, they arrived in a side chamber where some young masters and young ladies were waiting. They didn't go to a main hall because it was still early and young master of the Ye Family hadn't come yet.
A steward of the Ye Family was entertaining everyone. Lu Li followed around Gu Min to greet others. But Lu Li only nodded and rarely spoke. Gu Min was quite skilled in this. He exchanged pleasantries with some young masters and young ladies and then sat down with Lu Li.
Gu Family was only a fifth rank family but their chamber of commerce had been selling some rare productions. They have earned fame but not too eye-catching.
Those products of rarity were actually Mystical Materials from the Inferno. Lu Ling asked the Gu Family to sell some secretly, which had given the Gu Family some reputation.
Gradually, there were more coming to Gu Min for business. Lu Li stayed there with a cold face and nobody would court a rebuff by talking to him. On the other hand, Gu Min was talking lively and jovially, drawing the attention from some young ladies.
More young masters and young ladies arrived. The side chamber became livelier. Of course, those who came now were from fifth or sixth rank families. Those from distinguished families would arrive later. If some big shots had come, Ye Rong would have come to greet them.
Lu Li seemed to be drinking tea indifferently but he had been paying attention to the outside. That being said, he understood even if Ye Yu and Ye Luo were to be present, they would come after the luncheon began. After all, they were too distinguished to show up early.
Time moved on. An hour later, there were more than 100 in the side chamber. It was not a small place but it was packed nonetheless.
The steward of the Ye Family invited everyone to the main hall. Lu Li went to the main hall with the others, thinking that with so many people, he wouldn't stand out as long as he remained low key.
The main hall was at lakeside. There were no walls, only huge columns. The main hall was surrounded by sheer curtains. Willow twigs danced to the breeze. Fragrance of flowers were intoxicating. It was a nice spot for luncheon.
Finally, Ye Rong came. He resembled Ye Luo's appearance. He was handsome with inspiring looks. Of course, there was still a gap between him and Ye Luo, who, after all, was the future Family Patriarch. Ye Luo had developed a manner that took years of experience. Ye Rong couldn't compare on that front.
Lu Li took a few glances and saw that there were more than a dozen young masters and young ladies by Ye Rong's side. They must be from major families or they wouldn't have the right to stand with Ye Rong.
Gu Min and Lu Li were seated in the corner and they weren't even at the front row. More than half of the people present here were disciples from sixth rank families and more than a dozen were from seventh rank families. It was nice for Gu Min and Lu Li to score a seat at all.
Lu Li didn't mind this. He was only here to see if he could meet Ye Luo during this luncheon. Nothing else was of his concern.
"Enjoy~"
Ye Rong took the central seat and waved a team of maids and servants in to serve delicacies. But many guests frowned.
They were interested to come because Ye Rong said Ye Luo and Ye Yu would be here. But they hadn't arrived and how could Ye Rong announce the beginning of the luncheon now? Was he playing everyone?
Lu Li was disappointed as well. He was not a fan of parties like this. He even wanted to leave secretly now.
Detecting the discontent, Ye Rong toasted as an apology, "Future Family Patriarch and Sister Yu promised to come but Lady Ji Mengtian just invited them over. So…I am sorry. Of course, there is a chance that Future Family Patriarch will come here after he is done there. Lady Mengtian's party is at the Fairy Pavilion just nearby. Please enjoy while we wait for them."
"Lady Mengtian!"
Many young masters were intrigued. They looked toward the west. The Fairy Pavilion was also by the lake but it was the best tavern in the City of Buddha. The only ones allowed in there must be young masters and young ladies from the wealthiest families.
"Hmm!"
Lu Li snorted. Ji Mengtian was out as he was told. Did she reach the Human Sovereign Realm? On the other hand, Lu Li was relieved. Ji Mengtian and Ye Luo had piled-up anger toward each other at the small battlefield. It was highly likely that Ye Luo would come over after some time.
"I'd like a word!"
Holding up his goblet, Ye Rong said, "We invite you here to let you know that we will be opening our Tumulus of Sword in sixth months. By that time, there will be amazing pieces of weapons unearthed. If you are interested, you are more than welcome to come to the City of Universe. As a matter of fact…we will be selling Quasi Relic. This is a rare chance…"
From Ye Rong's long speech, Lu Li finally understood the point of Ye Rong's luncheon. Lu Li heard that the Tumulus of Universe was famous for their Xuan Artifacts. More than half of the Xuan Artifacts at Central Plains were manufactured at the Tumulus of Universe.
"Wow~"
A chorus of enthusiastic reaction swept across the hall. The Tumulus Universe was quite generous, selling Quasi Relic. Lu Li was not interested but he was wondering how come Ye Luo didn't have one when the Tumulus of Universe was selling Quasi Relic.
Many questions came from the young masters and young ladies, which heated up the atmosphere in the hall. Some of them were toasting with each other and chatting. Lu Li was bored after a while and felt that time hung heavy on his hands.
People had been drinking for a while but there was no show of Ye Luo and Ye Yu, which was disappointing.
They were here, hoping to meet the future Family Patriarch and the most honorable young lady of the Ye Family who didn't show themselves in public often.
"Rustle, rustle, rustle!"
After the time for several incense sticks to burn, there came some sounds of footsteps. Then the words of the steward excited many, "Future Family Patriarch and Lady Yu."
At last, Ye Luo and Ye Yu came.