Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2764  Arriving At The Western Shore Palace

"Is everyone ready?" Lin Mu asked as he stood in the courtyard, adjusting his sleeves.

"I'm ready!" Meng Bai said, nearly bouncing in excitement.

The young boy was clad in a black robe adorned with intricate golden embroidery, a design that mirrored Lin Mu's own attire. They had decided on a matching theme, with Lin Mu looking every bit the noble cultivator while Meng Bai appeared as his promising young protégé. The sight of the two together would easily fool anyone into believing they belonged to the upper echelons of high society.

Daoist Chu gave a dramatic twirl. "How do I look?"

His robes were an elegant blend of green and blue, the crest of the Zenith Dao Sect proudly emblazoned on his chest.

"You're wearing your sect's robes?" Lin Mu raised a brow. He hadn't seen the man don them before.

"For banquets like this, it's important to display status. My sect's robes are perfect for that." Daoist Chu said with an air of authority, puffing his chest out.

"Well, if it makes you comfortable," Lin Mu shrugged before turning to Monk Hushu. "You sure you don't want to come?"

"Amitabha, such a place is not for a monk like me," Monk Hushu replied serenely, palms pressed together.

"That's fine. You can relax here," Lin Mu said, understanding the monk's reservations. While Monk Hushu would undoubtedly be treated with respect, his presence at a lavish event might make things awkward. People simply wouldn't know how to interact with him, and the monk himself might find the excessiveness of it all distasteful.

"Me! Me! My turn!" Ashy chirped excitedly, fluttering around Lin Mu in circles.

"You look good too," Lin Mu said, eyeing her pristine white feathers.

"No one will recognize me in the market now," Ashy declared proudly.

Since the little bird was infamous as the so-called 'Harbinger of Doom,' Lin Mu had devised a clever way to disguise her. Using a blend of special herbs, he had temporarily dyed Ashy's feathers snow-white, making her look like an entirely different creature.

The news of the 'Ghost Boy' and the 'Harbinger Bird of Doom' had already reached the Imperial Court, and he had no doubt that curious nobles would be eager to discuss such rumors at the banquet. The last thing he needed was Ashy drawing unwanted attention.

"Also, no talking," Lin Mu warned.

"Fine…" Ashy pouted, though her eyes sparkled mischievously.

The twin snakes, Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang, were safely hidden within Lin Mu's sleeves. Unlike Ashy, they had remained mostly unseen due to her innate skill, allowing them to accompany Meng Bai without issue. But they, too, were brimming with anticipation—for the feast, of course.

And then, there was Little Shrubby.

Not only was he essential for analyzing the dishes, but he also served another important role: bait.

'If the noblewomen get too bothersome, I'll just release Little Shrubby,' Lin Mu thought, recalling past experiences. Nothing diverted attention faster than a fluffy, adorable kitten.

"Alright then, shall we head out?" Daoist Chu asked, rubbing his hands together.

"Let's go," Lin Mu said, allowing Little Shrubby to perch on his shoulder.

"Honored guests, here!" A servant called out as they approached the exit of the quay. "A carriage has been prepared for you."

"Well, that's convenient," Lin Mu remarked as they stepped into the spacious carriage, which was large enough to resemble a moving chamber.

"Now I really feel like royalty," Meng Bai said, admiring the luxurious interior. The seats were plush, wide enough to serve as makeshift beds, and a table in the center bore an assortment of refreshments and delicacies.

"To the Western Shore Palace!" the servant announced before activating the formation that propelled the carriage forward. There were no spirit beasts pulling it; instead, an intricate array powered its movement, ensuring a smooth and elegant ride through the city.

"Looks like a lot of people have been invited," Meng Bai noted as he peered outside.

"It is a Shanxi Banquet, after all. There will be at least thirty to forty thousand people present," Daoist Chu estimated.

"That many?" Meng Bai's eyes widened.

"Maybe even more. Fifty thousand!" Daoist Chu proclaimed with a knowing nod.

"Damn," Meng Bai whispered, even more eager for the experience.

Their journey took about half an hour, slowed by the heavy traffic of extravagant carriages making their way to the palace. Upon arrival, they stepped out and found themselves before a grand spectacle.

The entrance to the Western Shore Palace was lined with towering lanterns that illuminated an exquisitely maintained garden. The path was paved with shimmering jade tiles, leading them through a breathtaking scene of lush greenery, ornate fountains, and exotic flora that exuded a divine fragrance.

"Your invitation, please," an attendant at the entrance requested politely.

"Here," Lin Mu handed him the invitation.

The attendant scanned it carefully, pausing slightly at a subtle mark near the bottom. He recognized it immediately—a discreet indicator of special guests.

'So, he's one of them,' the attendant thought before straightening his posture. "Please follow me, honored guests."

The moment the grand doors opened, they were met with a scene of unparalleled opulence.

Thousands of guests filled the vast hall, dressed in luxurious silks and dazzling jewelry. The ceiling, impossibly high, was adorned with floating luminescent orbs that bathed the entire space in a warm, golden glow. The walls bore elaborate murals depicting the grandeur of past dynasties, each painted with exquisite detail.

Long tables stretched across the hall, laden with a magnificent feast. Dishes of every imaginable variety were meticulously arranged, their aromas mingling in the air, creating an intoxicating symphony of scents.

There were whole roasted spirit beasts, their glistening skins crackling under the light, alongside platters of golden-crusted seafood that exuded an irresistible fragrance. Delicate dumplings, each infused with a hint of spiritual energy, rested in ornate bowls, their skins translucent enough to reveal the rich filling inside. Towering cakes decorated with edible pearls and gold leaf stood proudly on dessert tables, promising sweetness beyond compare.

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