Expectations for the rest of the performances skyrocketed.


    It had always been the norm for better performances to only be shown in the later parts of each festive celebration.


    After the performance by the Flying Shell Performance Group, everyone could not help but look forward to seeing the other performances to come.


    Unfortunately, they were bound to be disappointed.


    That was not to say that the subsequent performances were bad, but the Flying Shell Performance Group had simply left too deep of an impression on everyone.


    Of course, almost everyone’s memories of the performance could be said to be focused solely on one particular person.


    The way Lu Zhiying moved her body along with the music was simply impeccable, incorporating the right amount of grace and force only at the right moments, which made the overall performance just about impossible to look away from.


    And that applied even to the female disciples.


    In a way, it was fortunate that the performance was being held at the Core Grounds where only the upper echelons of the sect were seated.


    After all, they were the calmest group, enjoying the performances in relative silence.


    Had it been held either in the Inner Grounds or Outer Grounds, the next performing group would have been shocked by the looks of disappointment that appeared on everyone’s faces!


    One by one, the different performance groups went up to perform.


    It did not help that the Flying Shell Performance Group had performed early in the night either. Because of that, most of the subsequent performing groups were relatively unknown.


    This awkward situation finally ended as time passed, when more established performing groups with their own fanbase started appearing on stage.


    Only then did people’s attention finally begin to return to the performances.


    ***


    After taking a short rest in their assigned waiting room, the members of the Flying Shell Performance Group were directed to leave the Core Grounds and return to the Outer Grounds, where they would finally get to enjoy the rest of the celebratory banquet.


    Upon their return to the Outer Grounds, the group first returned to their respective residences and put down their stuff before reconvening.


    “Time to have some good food!” Bo Fei exclaimed excitedly as they slowly made their way to the banquet venue.


    “It feels especially good now that we are done with our performance. I can finally eat with peace of mind!” Gu Qiansi agreed.


    “I cannot agree more. I was so stressed just now!” Huang An said softly.


    “Hahaha, you guys are really exaggerating things!” Lu Zhiying laughed. “But I really am looking forward to the good food too!”


    Huang An looked at Lu Zhiying in disbelief.


    She definitely was not exaggerating the stress that she had felt!


    Come to think of it, Lu Zhiying never asked Gu Qiansi for the Softpetal leaf in the end.


    Huang An could not help but feel impressed by Lu Zhiying all over again.


    “Oh, right. This will be your first time attending the New Year celebratory banquet, won’t it?” Zhao Yunxiao said. “Make sure to eat your fill later. Come tomorrow, we will be having our meals back at the canteen again.”


    “I will eat my fill even if you didn’t tell me so!” Lu Zhiying was visibly excited as well.


    “Looks like we have arrived,” Zhao Yunxiao rubbed his palms together as they stepped in front of the entrance to the banquet venue. “Time to enjoy!”


    “Do you know where our seats are?” Gu Qiansi asked.


    “Trust me, I’ve got this,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded. “Just follow me.”


    The celebratory banquet for the outer disciples was held at a huge square in the Outer Grounds, with a huge piece of thick white fabric hanging on each side of the square.


    Images were being projected onto these pieces of white fabric through the use of special arrays, showing everyone exactly what was happening on stage in the Core Grounds.


    Currently, a group was putting on a wonderful performance involving speed painting, exciting enough to capture the attention of most present.


    Zhao Yunxiao confidently led the way into the banquet venue, perfectly aware of the way to their allocated seats.


    However, he never would have guessed the reaction that they were about to get.


    “You are here, Junior Martial Sister Lu!” someone called out from the first table that they passed.


    As though it had been a rally to battle, those words instantly caused everyone’s attention to turn in their direction.


    Zhao Yunxiao instantly frowned, sensing that something was amiss about the situation.


    “I saw your performance earlier. It was simply amazing!” the young man who exclaimed earlier had shot up from his seat and was already standing in front of them before they knew it. “Ah, that’s right. I am Sheng Qi’an. Feel free to call me Big Brother Qi’an.”


    “Since you are not familiar with each other, let’s not get ahead of yourselves. It is best to just address him as your Senior Martial Brother Sheng,” another young man said as he stepped up beside Sheng Qi’an. “As expected of you, Junior Martial Sister Lu. Your performance was simply too mesmerising. I am Zeng Fan, and it just so happened that I am currently considering pursuing the art of dance. I wonder if I can have the honour of inviting you to have a discussion on the wondrous aspects of dance?”


    “Since Junior Martial Sister Lu doesn’t know me well now, that is all the more reason to start,” Sheng Qi’an replied. “As for you, since when have you been into the art of dance? In case you didn’t know, Junior Martial Sister Lu is really busy. Please don’t waste her time with your temporary interests!”


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    “And who are you to speak on her behalf?” Zeng Fan retorted.


    “I speak nothing but the truth!” Sheng Qi’an said.


    Sparks of rivalry crackled in the air as the two stared down each other, neither willing to back down.


    Standing in front of them, the members of the Flying Shell Performance Group finally realised what was going on.


    And from where they were standing, they could see that it was not just Sheng Qi’an and Zeng Fan as well.


    From all over the banquet venue, numerous disciples had gotten up from their seats and were slowly converging towards them!


    Still, the rest did not approach as actively as Sheng Qi’an and Zeng Fan.


    Not stepping forward yet standing near enough to let their presence be known, they seemed to be taking a wait-and-see approach, wanting to see how things panned out for the two of them before deciding on their next move.


    In any case, the two of them had already managed to seize the initiative.


    If the others did not plan things out properly, suddenly walking up to the two of them to compete for Lu Zhiying’s attention might just make them appear more desperate than sincere.


    That was an outcome that they would definitely have to avoid!


    Zhao Yunxiao let out a sigh of resignation.


    He had wanted their performance to leave an impact, but he truly did not expect the impact to be as huge as this!


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    “Are you sure about this, Junior Martial Sister Lu?” Gu Qiansi asked as they settled into their seats.


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    </a> He could not wait to be blown away!