Bab 169: Banquet of Power and Intrigue
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the New Moon Profound Palace. The looming event of the evening—a grand banquet to commemorate the appointment of the new Palace Chief—dominated conversations within the sect. Raja, accompanied by his exuberant friend Xia Yuanba, walked along the stone-paved paths of the sect.
"Senior Brother Murong Ye and Senior Sister Lan Xueruo will definitely be at the banquet," Xia Yuanba began excitedly, his large frame practically bouncing with energy. "They're the top geniuses in New Moon Profound Palace. Murong Ye is already at the eighth level of the Nascent Profound Realm, and Lan Xueruo, well, she's a beauty and a prodigy. They're the pride of the Profound Department, along with others like Li Weihao and Xu Aoran."
Raja nodded, his interest piqued. "Sounds like this Murong Ye must think he's untouchable, and Lan Xueruo… Well, she seems intriguing already."
As if on cue, a tall, dashing young man and a woman of ethereal beauty approached. Xia Yuanba nearly tripped over himself in his eagerness to bow. "Senior Brother Murong Ye! Senior Sister Lan Xueruo!"
Murong Ye barely acknowledged the greeting, his aloof expression betraying his disinterest. Lan Xueruo, however, offered a warm smile. "You must be Raja, the new disciple Xia Yuanba's been talking about." Her teasing gaze flitted over him. "You seem… quite young to be here."
Raja inclined his head with a charming smile. "Young, perhaps, but with age comes experience, and with youth comes potential. Though, I'm sure you already know that, Senior Sister. Your accomplishments suggest you're no ordinary talent—likely from outside New Moon City?"
Lan Xueruo's smile widened in amusement. "You're a smooth talker, aren't you? But yes, I'm not originally from here."
Murong Ye, who had been watching the interaction in silence, frowned slightly. Raja noticed and leaned in with a mock-serious tone. "If I weren't so focused on my cultivation, I'd have to consider proposing to such a remarkable Senior Sister."
Xia Yuanba gasped, Lan Xueruo's laugh rang like silver bells, and Murong Ye's expression darkened.
"Enough joking," Murong Ye said coldly, his glare directed squarely at Raja. "You'd do well to watch your tongue, boy."
Raja shrugged, unaffected by the hostility. "Just a jest, Senior Brother. No need to take it to heart."
Lan Xueruo stepped between them, her voice light but firm. "Now, now, there's no need for tension. Raja, it was nice meeting you. Xia Yuanba, try not to cause too much trouble."
As they walked away, Xia Yuanba whispered, "Senior Brother Murong Ye is the Governor's son. He's powerful and influential, but he's been trying to win Senior Sister Lan Xueruo's favor for years. She doesn't seem interested, though."
Raja chuckled. "Unrequited affection? That explains the attitude. And what about Lan Xueruo herself?"
"Oh, she's amazing! She's related to Elder Sikong and already at the eighth level of the Nascent Profound Realm, even though she's only eighteen."
Raja grinned. "Impressive. Conquering the hearts of talented women is as important as conquering the world."
Xia Yuanba stared at him, aghast. "Big brother, you're impossible."
Later that day, Raja arrived at his quarters, a modest room adjacent to Xia Yuanba's. A package of low-quality medicinal pills awaited him, a far cry from the treasures of larger sects. Raja inspected them briefly before tossing them aside with a sigh. "Better than nothing," he muttered.
Settling onto the simple bed, he allowed himself a moment to reflect. The road ahead was full of potential challenges, but his determination burned brighter than ever.
The following evening, Xia Yuanba burst into Raja's room, shaking him awake. "The banquet is about to begin!"
Raja dressed quickly, his composure unshaken by Xia Yuanba's frantic energy. Together, they made their way toward the Main Palace, the grandest structure in the sect, nestled within a tranquil bamboo forest.
As they approached, the sight of the towering building took Raja's breath away. Intricate carvings adorned its walls, and the air was heavy with anticipation. Inside, a large hall was set for the banquet. Only a fraction of the seats were filled, primarily by Profound Department disciples.
Xia Yuanba whispered, "See how few guests have arrived? It's their way of showing disrespect to New Moon Profound Palace. They think we're too weak to warrant proper attention."
Raja nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Among the seated disciples, Lan Xueruo caught his gaze, her elegance and poise undeniable.
"Come on," Xia Yuanba urged.
As they entered, Murong Ye's voice cut through the air. "Ah, the newcomers. Try not to embarrass yourselves tonight."
Xia Yuanba bristled, but Raja placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let's not waste words, Yuanba. There's a banquet to enjoy."
The seating arrangement placed Raja and Xia Yuanba near the back, their location understated but not unnoticed. Xia Yuanba's imposing frame drew glances, while Elder Sikong Han leaned toward them. "Observe closely tonight. The duels will be enlightening."
As the banquet began, the hall gradually filled with representatives from various sects. Raja watched intently as the dynamic of power became increasingly apparent.
Lan Xueruo remained seated at the front, her position among the elite undisputed. Other disciples, including Ye Hongling from Class One, made their presence known. The young woman approached Raja, intrigued by his earlier achievement of entering the Nascent Profound Realm.
"You're Xia Yuanba's Big brother?" she asked, smiling faintly.
Raja inclined his head. "In a manner of speaking. He's my closest friend here."
Ye Hongling's interest deepened. "If you need assistance, feel free to ask. It's rare to see someone with such potential join the Profound Department."
Xia Yuanba beamed, but Raja replied modestly, "I'll keep that in mind."
The atmosphere shifted as the newly appointed Palace Chief, Qin Wuyou, arrived. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. He exuded authority and dignity, his presence commanding respect.
Following him, representatives from various sects entered. The Iron Spear Clan and Cloudy Sun Sect were among the first, their demeanor cordial. However, tension grew with the arrival of the Burning Heaven Clan, their fiery robes radiating heat.
Lastly, Xiao Luocheng from the Xiao Sect entered. At just sixteen years old, he was already at the peak of the Nascent Profound Realm. His reputation as New Moon City's most talented youth preceded him. Xia Yuanba whispered reverently, "That's Xiao Luocheng. He's incredible!"
Raja observed the young prodigy carefully, noting Lan Xueruo's serious expression. Despite Xiao Luocheng's polite manner, the Xiao Sect's decision to send a junior rather than a senior representative was a clear affront to Qin Wuyou's authority.
The Palace Chief, however, remained unbothered, greeting Xiao Luocheng with grace and humor.
The banquet's seating arrangement placed the most powerful sects and their representatives at the front, while New Moon City's Governor Murong Hang sat further back. Despite his position, Murong Hang showed no signs of challenging the larger sects' dominance.
Raja leaned toward Xia Yuanba. "The power dynamics here are fascinating. Everyone's posturing, yet no one dares make the first move."
Xia Yuanba nodded. "The medium-sized clans are always careful. They don't want to anger the major sects."
As the banquet unfolded, the hall brimmed with unspoken tensions. Raja sat back, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew this was just the beginning of his journey through the labyrinth of power and intrigue within the Profound Palace and beyond.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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