C8 Fong Yong

Fate Pavilion stood as the grandest restaurant in Deepmere, a nine-story marvel of wood with elegant pavilions, towering structures, and intricately carved beams adorned with paintings. It was the envy of commoners and a rare indulgence for the minor elite.

Today, however, Fate Pavilion was turning away patrons, having been reserved entirely by an enigmatic individual. This unusual closure sparked curiosity among the local residents and passersby, all wondering who could possibly commandeer the entire establishment.

Fong Yong, the head janitor at Fate Pavilion, was privy to the identity of the mysterious patron when others were left in the dark. But what good did that knowledge do him? His days were spent attending to the needs of the elite, which naturally gave him insight into secrets unknown to the average onlooker.

The birthday celebration was set for the evening, yet since dawn, a steady stream of guests had been arriving nonstop.

Each guest was a person of wealth or distinction, requiring their carriages be taken to a separate courtyard for safekeeping, and they themselves to queue up patiently, sometimes necessitating a bit of persuasion.

Despite Fong Yong's role and his considerable fourth-level Qi Refinement strength, the day's demands had left him frazzled and weary.

To add to his vexation, there were those who tried to bluff their way in.

Take, for instance, the young Taoist priest at the end of the guest line, leading a donkey. The priest himself appeared neat enough, but the donkey was a sorry sight, filthy and hardly befitting someone of stature. Its presence threatened to sour the mood of the waiting guests.

Fong Yong gestured to a quick-witted young servant, "See to it that Taoist is turned away."

The servant dashed off, only to return shortly after, panting, "Boss, the Taoist won't budge. He's adamant he's here for the banquet."

With a dismissive wave, Fong Yong sent the servant away. Best to handle this personally, just to be sure.

Approaching the Taoist, Fong Yong saw a young man not unlike himself in age, but not the charlatan he had expected. Instead, the Taoist exuded a distinct air of dignity.

Stationed at the door to welcome guests all day, Fong Yong had honed his own art of discerning people. He couldn't help but notice a certain resemblance between the young Taoist before him and the influential figures he had encountered in the past.

"Do you hail from the Soul Capturing Sect, Daoist?" Fong Yong inquired.

"No," replied the Taoist.

"Perhaps from another one-star sect?" Fong Yong probed further.

After a moment's thought, the Taoist answered, "No."

"Do you possess an invitation from the Twin Streams Trading Company?"

"I do not."

"Yet you wish to attend the banquet?"

"Indeed."

...

"Alert, special type detected.

Name: Fong Yong

Age: 19

Attributes: Three spiritual veins, bone structure of 3, comprehension of 4, predestined blessing of 2, temperament of 6, total score of 15.

Cultivation Level: Qi Refinement, Fourth Stage.

Star Rating: Special type talent, excels in hospitality and socializing, ideal for greeting guests in the sect's grand hall."

"Recruit this individual and receive a reward of 20 Heavenly Points."

Lee Qingyun observed the quiet Fong Yong before him, curious to see how he would handle such a challenging guest. He knew there were two ways to gain entry to Wang Ruhai's birthday celebration: the first was as an official guest, presenting an invitation letter at the door; the second was as a sightseeing visitor, required to pay an entrance fee of two low-grade spirit stones.

Lee Qingyun, lacking an invitation and not dressed like someone who could afford the spirit stones, was adamant about getting into the celebration. What would Fong Yong do? Would he have him thrown out? Could he discern that Lee Qingyun was not to be trifled with?

After a brief hesitation, Fong Yong leaned in and whispered to Lee Qingyun, "I can get you inside, but you must keep this between us."

"Hmm?" He was actually going to let him in?

With that, Fong Yong announced loudly, "Ah, Daoist, it is you! Please, come this way!"

Upon noticing that the servant was acquainted with the Taoist, the others ceased their inquiries, and the suspicion in their eyes gradually faded.

Lee Qingyun, recognizing the situation, had no choice but to follow Fong Yong. Fong Yong guided him to a small table tucked away in a corner on the first floor, gesturing for Lee Qingyun to take a seat opposite him.

Fong Yong spoke earnestly, "Daoist, my name is Fong Yong. Everyone faces hardships, and I've had my share, so I can empathize with your plight. You're determined to enter Fate Pavilion, and you must have your reasons. I won't pry further. I've done what I can to get you here, but beyond that, I'm afraid I can't offer much help."

"Just a word of caution: whether you're here to find someone, reconnect with family, or simply to enjoy a good meal, remember to stay on the first floor. Do not venture above the third floor. Those levels are reserved for the scions of great families and the Immortals. Crossing them could lead to dire consequences for us ordinary folk."

With that, Fong Yong rose silently and returned to the entrance to resume his duties, leaving Lee Qingyun to ponder his words. Lee Qingyun stroked his chin, musing, "This kid's got some chops. He's made me feel at ease, but why do I get the feeling he's underestimating me? Maybe he's just used to dealing with everyday patrons and hasn't rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty. Could that have skewed his perspective?"

Pouring himself a cup of tea, Lee Qingyun thought, 'Regardless, Fong Yong has been decent enough. If the opportunity arises, I might just bring him back to the sect.'

The number of guests swelled, and the chatter grew more animated. These were mostly tourists who hadn't received an invitation, congregating on the ground floor. Lee Qingyun found himself among them.

Those with invitations, the more influential guests, ascended to the second and third floors. The fourth through sixth floors were populated by the progeny of Deepmere's prominent families.

The seventh and eighth floors were reserved for the most esteemed visitors: the clan leaders of Deepmere and the disciples of the Soul Capturing Sect who maintained cordial relations with the city.

If all goes as expected, the representative from Nature's Mystery Pavilion at the top tier of Deepmere society should be arriving.

Lee Qingyun pondered his situation, wondering, 'If I reveal my identity, which tier would I be seated at?'

Had the Twin Rage Sect not fallen into decline, as either the Sect Master or Young Sect Master, I would undoubtedly be at the ninth layer, with Wang Ruhai bending over backward to curry favor with a smile.

But with the sect's current diminished status, I'd likely be relegated to the seventh layer, seated among the elite disciples of the Soul Capturing Sect.

Still, there's a chance that Wang Ruhai, ever the astute businessman who only rises early for profit, might be swayed. Historically a fence-sitter, if I can present something enticing enough or demonstrate formidable strength, he might just be inclined to favor me over the Soul Capturing Sect in our rivalry.

Naturally, if I'm to flaunt my power, it won't just be for Wang Ruhai's eyes. With the banquet teeming with guests...

Isn't this the ideal opportunity to declare the resurgence of the Twin Rage Sect?

[Ding! Hidden mission activated. Assert the prestige of your sect within the Fate Pavilion.]

[Rewards:

1. 10 to 300 Genius Points (varies with mission impact).

2. Hidden Attribute (unlocks after achieving Five Stars Sect status).]