Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3457: Hidden Intentions For Meng Bai

The private gathering for the younger generation was held in a small palace not far from the main banquet hall.

It floated above a wide garden filled with immortal flowers that glowed softly in the night, their petals releasing faint mist that smelled sweet and calming. Beyond the garden stretched a large lake, its surface smooth like polished glass, reflecting the stars and floating lanterns that drifted slowly across it.

Meng Bai stood at the entrance for a moment, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness.

”So many people...” he muttered.

Dongxu Ning stood beside him, adjusting her robes.

She wore a pale blue dress that shimmered faintly under the moonlight, with silver thread s made from crushed jade that made patterns shaped like flowing rivers. Compared to the armored and leather clad fighters they were used to seeing, she looked gentle and refined.

”Relax,” she said with a small smile. ”They are all from our generation. Just talk normally.”

Meng Bai nodded. ”I will try.”

They stepped inside.

Soft music played from spirit instruments shaped like birds and flowers. Young cultivators stood in small groups, chatting, laughing, drinking, and showing off subtle spiritual tricks. Some summoned tiny flames that danced like butterflies. Others formed miniature stone beasts or water dragons just for fun.

People quickly noticed Meng Bai.

”That’s him.”

”Daoist Lin Mu’s disciple.”

”He fought well.”

”Isn’t he the one who fought that little girl?”

Whispers turned into approaches.

A tall youth in red robes smiled and cupped his fists. ”Brother Meng Bai, I am Zhao Lin of the Iron Crest Kingdom. Your fight was impressive.”

Meng Bai returned the greeting. ”You flatter me.”

Another youth joined, wearing robes marked with a mountain symbol. ”I am Han Wei from the Rockheart Sect. Are you truly Daoist Lin Mu’s direct disciple?”

”Yes,” Meng Bai said, feeling a bit shy.

Soon, more joined.

Questions came quickly.

”What technique do you cultivate?”

”How long have you followed your master?”

”Is Daoist Lin Mu as strict as people say?”

Meng Bai answered honestly, though sometimes awkwardly.

”He is not strict, but he is serious about cultivation.”

”He teaches more by example than by words.”

”He... um... hits very hard.”

Some laughed. Some looked even more impressed.

Dongxu Ning stepped in smoothly when questions became tricky.

”He focuses on foundations,” she said. ”That is why Meng Bai grows so steadily.”

Meng Bai silently thanked her.

Later, someone asked, ”Where are you from?”

Meng Bai hesitated. ”I am from Jui World.”

Blank looks met him.

”Where is that?”

”In the Western Immortal Court’s territory.”

Several people gasped.

”So far?”

”And you came all the way here?”

Meng Bai nodded. ”I met my master when he came to my world and joined him on his journey.”

That alone made many look at him differently.

Another question followed. ”Is your master taking more disciples?”

Meng Bai scratched his cheek. ”That is... up to him. I cannot decide that.”

Some accepted that politely.

Others smiled in ways that made Meng Bai uneasy.

”Well, if you speak well of us...” a young man said with a grin.

”I... will try,” Meng Bai said awkwardly.

Then came the girls.

Some were subtle, standing nearby, laughing a little louder than needed.

Some were bold.

One in pink robes leaned close. ”Brother Meng Bai, you are quite handsome when you fight.”

Meng Bai’s ears turned red. ”Th... thank you.”

Another in green robes smiled sweetly. ”You must be very brave to fight someone like that assassin girl.”

Meng Bai nodded nervously. ”I was... very scared.”

Dongxu Ning stood beside him like a wall.

She smiled politely, but her eyes were sharp.

When a girl tried to touch Meng Bai’s arm, Dongxu Ning smoothly stepped between them.

”Sorry,” she said gently. ”He is tired.”

Some girls frowned.

Others whispered.

But none dared cause open trouble.

As hours passed, the gathering grew louder.

Some started drinking contests.

Spiritual wine flowed.

Laughter echoed across the garden.

Meng Bai drank a little, but carefully. He still remembered how Daoist Chu once had to carry him back after he drank too much.

Around three in the morning, Dongxu Ning was pulled away by a group of girls.

”We are talking about beauty pills,” one said. ”Come join us.”

Dongxu Ning looked at Meng Bai. ”I will be back soon.”

Meng Bai nodded. ”I will wait here.”

She left.

At first, Meng Bai stood awkwardly alone.

Most people had already asked what they wanted.

Some were now too drunk to care.

He looked at the lake.

The floating lanterns were beautiful.

Stars reflected in the water like a second sky.

”It is nice...” he muttered.

That was when three girls approached.

They did not look flashy.

One wore white.

One wore pale purple.

One wore soft gray.

They smiled gently.

”Brother Meng Bai,” the girl in white said softly. ”Are you enjoying the gathering?”

”Yes,” Meng Bai replied.

”It must be tiring to answer so many questions,” the one in purple said.

Meng Bai nodded. ”A little.”

The one in gray looked toward the lake. ”The view is even better from the boats. The stars look like they are floating under your feet.”

Meng Bai followed her gaze. The lake truly looked beautiful.

”Would you like to go see?” the girl in white asked.

”Just for a short while,” the one in purple added. ”There is a small boat near the lotus pier.”

Meng Bai hesitated.

He thought of Lin Mu.

He thought of Daoist Chu.

But they had allowed him to come.

And Dongxu Ning was only talking nearby.

”It should be fine...” he thought.

”Alright,” he said. ”Just for a bit.”

The three girls smiled.

Their smiles were gentle.

But hidden beneath them were thoughts that were anything but gentle.

They led him through a quiet path of glowing flowers toward the lake.

The garden grew quieter.

Music faded.

The palace lights became distant.

Only the soft sound of water and insects remained.

Ahead, a small boat waited near the lotus pier, gently rocking.

The stars above were bright.

And behind gentle smiles, danger quietly followed.