This move greatly intrigued Lin Xiao.
If he were to use his true qi, he could achieve a similar effect, but he hadn't sensed any fluctuations of true qi just now. It seemed this Zhuge Lan had managed it solely through the exertion of his wrist.
But how had he managed to make that serving of pan-fried dumplings hover in the air for a few seconds?
It was truly remarkable.
"Boss, two more servings of pan-fried dumplings," Zhuge Lan said, turning back to the shop owner.
"Alright!"
Following this, the group sat by a table in the small shop and enjoyed a good meal.
"I've wanted to try the most authentic pan-fried dumplings for a long time, so this trip has been worthwhile," Zhuge Lan said contentedly, putting down his chopsticks. Even as he sat, his suit jacket remained draped over his shoulders, never falling off with his movements.
There was an indescribable elegance and nonchalance to his demeanor, making Lin Xiao feel that although Zhuge Lan didn't look much older than himself, he seemed to possess far more life experience.
"Let's go."
Elder Zhao took the initiative to pay the bill.
"Elder Zhao, this won't count as our operational expenses for this mission, will it?" Zhuge Lan quipped.
"It hasn't come to that yet; this old man still has plenty of savings," Zhao Yuanchao replied while paying.
"So, our mission funds can't even cover a meal of pan-fried dumplings?" Zhuge Lan feigned an exaggerated expression.
However, throughout their interaction, a faint smile lingered on his face, and his eyes remained narrowed.
Zhao Yuanchao glanced at him, disinclined to continue the conversation.
Zhuge Lan didn't dwell on the topic any further.
They then proceeded to their mission destination.
Although the people hadn't arrived yet, the arrangements for the event were nearly complete.
This was a global business conference, with distinguished individuals from across the nation in attendance. However, to be truthful, only the heads of state from the Dragon Country and the United States had come.
A significant reason for the Dragon Country's attendance was the unpredictable nature of the American counterpart's presence, which necessitated their own participation.
As a nation of etiquette, they could not simply ignore the American dignitary's presence.
"There's still an hour."
Zhao Yuanchao checked the time. "I'll go pick up the people."
"Together."
Lin Xiao prepared to rise and accompany him.
"You stay here. You need to assist Zhuge Lan," Zhao Yuanchao said, pointing to Zhuge Lan, who was already beginning his preparations.
"...Alright."
Lin Xiao had no choice but to agree.
At this moment, Zhuge Lan seemed to be moving around the venue in all directions. He would occasionally toss small objects to the ground and could be seen drawing and writing on the floor.
"Is he... setting up a formation?"
Lin Xiao and Dongfang Bai followed behind Zhuge Lan, and Lin Xiao asked out of curiosity.
Zhuge Lan did not reply, appearing oblivious to everything around him. His eyes would occasionally flash with an otherworldly light. At this moment, only the formation diagrams in his hands mattered; no one else existed in his vicinity.
"When he enters this state, he becomes completely unaware of his surroundings," Dongfang Bai explained. "Have you ever heard of the Seven-Star Lantern ritual to extend life?"
"I've heard of it... but didn't it fail? And wasn't it just a legend?"