"Master Long Pu, while the tea is good, it's a bit hot. Allow me to cool it down first."
Lin Fan moved his fingers, and the teacup, as if pulled by invisible threads, began to circle in a diameter of about half a meter.
Li Yurou's beautiful eyes widened, her gaze following the floating teacup.
As the teacup flew closer, she reached out to grab it. Unexpectedly, the teacup seemed to have a mind of its own, dipping down to evade her hand.
"Sister Yurou, be careful, it's hot," Lin Fan said, his finger tracing intricate patterns as he controlled the teacup's flight.
Zheng Yue was utterly stunned.
The teacup had been behind Lin Fan just moments ago!
Zheng Yue truly hadn't expected to find such a miraculous person.
The teacup spun more than a dozen times.
The people in the assembly hall followed the teacup with their heads, their eyes now spinning dizzily.
Lin Fan extended his hand, and the teacup, like an obedient kitten, settled gently into his palm.
"Mmm, truly excellent tea," Lin Fan praised after taking a sip.
Long Pu's Adam's apple bobbed as he watched, dumbfounded.
He considered his internal energy to be at a very high level, rarely seen in the world. Yet, Lin Fan had just slapped him across the face!
More importantly, Lin Fan's application of internal energy had reached a state of perfection!
"Benefactor Lin is no ordinary person!" Long Pu clasped his hands together, sincerely praising him.
"Master, you flatter me. I am but a humble commoner." Lin Fan finished his tea and flicked his wrist. The teacup floated and landed with a clatter beside Long Pu.
Long Pu remained silent for a long time. He felt a tremendously pure power, vast and potent, unmarred by any evil energy.
Zheng Xingchao watched everything unfold, his heart filled with indecision. He saw that Lin Fan was also an expert, and young at that, with an immeasurable future. If he offended this person today, it would likely lead to great trouble later!
"Benefactor Lin, perhaps you could stay a while longer? This humble monk has something to ask your advice on." Long Pu looked up at Lin Fan with hopeful eyes.
As Lin Fan hesitated, a soft cough came from behind him. It was Zheng Yue.
"Alright, I was also hoping to learn from you," Lin Fan agreed.
Zheng Xingchao laughed heartily. It was as if his wish for a pillow had come true just as he was sleepy. With two masters staying, he felt even more confident of success.
Zhu Mengfei and Zheng Yangming's expressions were grim. They had gone to great lengths to invite Master Long Pu from Liming Temple. To their surprise, Zheng Yue had found some unknown young man who possessed power comparable to Master Long Pu, stealing half their spotlight.
"Someone, prepare the banquet," Zheng Xingchao declared, the time nearing noon. "Everyone, we shall not return until we are drunk today!"
"Thank you, Master Zheng," a chorus of thanks echoed in the assembly hall. Zheng Xingchao personally helped Long Pu up.
"Master Long Pu, please accompany me to the inner hall for a chat."
"That is precisely my intention," Long Pu replied, hands clasped in prayer.
Lin Fan sighed with relief and stretched his shoulders. "That was not easy."
"Brother Lin, you've truly opened my eyes today," Li Yusheng praised with a smile, giving him a thumbs-up.
"You are too kind, Brother Yusheng. You also retain your former charm," Lin Fan replied with a chuckle.
Li Yurou let out a soft snort, feeling indignant. Lin Fan ignored the young girl, shaking his head and continuing to talk with Li Yusheng.
Zheng Yue was brimming with excitement, standing by the side unable to interject, feeling anxious.
"Oh no!" Lin Fan suddenly slapped his forehead.
Zheng Yue jumped, startled. "What's wrong?"
"My fish!" Lin Fan rushed out. He hadn't anticipated so many detours. He had thought he'd just meet Zheng Xingchao and leave, but now it was noon, and they were having a meal!
Zheng Yue found it both amusing and exasperating. All this fuss for a fish.
Moments later, Lin Fan nimbly leaped down from the stone bridge and returned, carrying the black carp.
Zheng Yue looked at Lin Fan with a pout, wanting to say something but holding back.
"Fifth Miss, should we find a refrigerator to store it first, or would you like to take it directly to the kitchen?"
"I..." Zheng Yue was momentarily flustered.
Fortunately, Zheng Ke followed, stepping forward to take the fish. He had been drawn by the exclamations from the assembly hall during Master Long Pu's demonstration. He genuinely admired Long Pu's skills, but Lin Fan's later performance had impressed him even more. So this Master Lin was so strong! Strong beyond his wildest imagination! He even suspected Lin Fan had been playing with him before, otherwise, he wouldn't have known how he died.
"Master Lin, your martial arts are truly superb!" Zheng Ke said with genuine admiration.
"Just a small matter," Lin Fan replied with a smile.
Zheng Ke sighed inwardly, wishing he could learn internal martial arts. He didn't ask for the divine abilities of Master Lin or Master Long Pu, but even having the strength to contend with Meng Wang would make his life worthwhile.
"Don't forget, half spicy, half sweet and sour," Lin Fan reminded them carelessly with a grin.
"Yes," Zheng Ke took the fish and turned to leave.
"Let's go to the banquet hall, Master Lin. You are the honored guest today," Zheng Yue said, taking Lin Fan's arm, her gesture intimate. Lin Fan's body stiffened. He had to admit, Zheng Yue was quite shapely.
"Sister, let's go. What's wrong?" Li Yusheng noticed his sister was sulking and standing still, utterly confused.
"Brother, they just met, right?" Li Yurou pouted, her tone tinged with sadness.
Li Yusheng chuckled and ruffled his sister's hair. "They're just holding hands, what's the big deal?"
"I've never held hands with a stranger in my life."
"Not everyone is like you." Li Yusheng looked at Lin Fan and Zheng Yue walking ahead and added, "They are a perfect match, and both are unmarried. It's normal if there's something between them."
"Brother, what kind of values are those?" Li Yurou glared at him fiercely. "Men are really all no good!"
"Alas~" Li Yusheng watched his sister walk away, scratching his head and sighing. What was wrong with his sister? What did it matter to her what others were doing? Before he could figure it out, he saw his sister had walked far ahead and quickly chased after her. "Yurou, wait for me."
The luxurious banquet hall glittered with gold and splendor, and guests were led to their seats by servants. Zheng Xingchao and his wife, Xie Wei, and Long Pu sat at one table. Since Long Pu was a vegetarian, Zheng Xingchao had specially arranged for servants to move their table away from others. Perhaps he also had something he didn't want others to hear.
When Lin Fan and Zheng Yue entered, a servant immediately approached. "Fifth Miss, please follow me. Master has given instructions." Near Zheng Xingchao, there was another table. Zhu Mengfei and Zheng Yangming sat at the main seats, constantly glancing at Long Pu's table, likely hoping to be seated there as well.
Zheng Yue's face darkened. Compared to the first branch, the second branch was more malicious. Zheng Yue and her mother had suffered greatly at their hands since childhood. Although she knew her father had called her over to show favor, seeing Zhu Mengfei's smug face completely spoiled her appetite.