At that moment, a voice came from the sky.
"Only one guest? Am I, Azhdaha, not included?"
As soon as the words fell, two figures descended outside the pavilion.
The speaker was a slightly chubby young man with a handsome and imposing appearance, carrying an unmistakable aura of dominance.
"Greetings, Geo Archon. Greetings, Dragon King Azhdaha."
The adepti and the Yaksha guardians bowed toward the two newcomers.
"Should Qiqi bow too?"
Qiqi looked up at Ren Kai and then at the pink fox, Yae Miko.
Yae also turned to look at him.
"Yes."
"That is the Geo Archon of Liyue and the Dragon King Azhdaha."
"They have protected Liyue for thousands of years."
Ren Kai began to stand as he spoke.
Inside, however, he was puzzled.
Shouldn't Zhongli still be recovering from his injuries? Why did he come to the gathering?
"There is no need for such formality."
"Today's victory belongs to all of you."
"You fought bravely and defended the people of Liyue with your lives."
"I should be the one thanking you."
Zhongli felt helpless inside.
He had only been dragged here by Azhdaha.
And now this group not only insisted on treating him like the Archon—they were even trying to bow to his older brother.
"Right, right! Everyone sit!"
"Today there is only Zhongli and Azhdaha—no Archon, no Dragon King!"
Azhdaha quickly chimed in.
Inside, he was panicking.
Rexas, the War God, was Morax's elder brother and the one who had watched him grow up.
How could he possibly accept a bow from him?
Sure, Rexas used to beat him up often—
But he had also taught him many things.
Because of that guidance, Azhdaha had managed to resist the erosion that plagued other ancient beings.
"Hehe… looks like we'll need a bigger table today."
Marchosius, the Stove God, said before happily running toward the house.
Soon he dragged out a huge table.
Everyone gathered around it with cheerful smiles.
"Please, Your Excellency, take the seat of honor."
Bosacius stepped forward bravely when he noticed that neither Zhongli nor Azhdaha had taken their seats.
"No."
"You are the heroes of this battle."
"Mr. Ban is our guest—he should sit at the seat of honor."
Zhongli gave Ren Kai a subtle look.
Sit down already, my dear big brother.
"As the saying goes, the guest follows the host."
"This is Lady Guizhong's residence."
"Perhaps Lady Guizhong should take the main seat."
Ren Kai quickly shifted the attention toward Guizhong.
He did not want to draw too much attention.
"Ah—no, no!"
"If anything, the Stove God should sit there. He prepared all the food."
Guizhong immediately pushed the responsibility away.
When did I ever become qualified to sit in the seat of honor?
"What?! Then the Dragon King should take it!"
Marchosius panicked and pointed directly at Azhdaha.
"I… this… you all…"
Azhdaha felt a headache coming.
If Rexas were not present, he would have taken the seat without hesitation.
But now things were complicated.
Not long ago he had suffered serious injuries.
Fortunately, they were only physical wounds, and his powerful regeneration had already allowed him to walk again.
Then suddenly Rexas agreed to attend the gathering.
Curiosity really does kill dragons…
He had dragged Zhongli here out of curiosity, only to fall into this predicament.
"I think Mr. Ban should take the seat."
"Today he displayed overwhelming power."
"Even I, Azhdaha, am completely convinced."
Azhdaha immediately threw the problem back to Ren Kai.
The scene left the adepti and Yaksha stunned.
Normally the seat of honor belonged to either the Geo Archon or the Dragon King.
Why were they all pushing it away today?
Mr. Ban might be powerful—but surely not beyond the Archon and the Dragon King.
"…This is a mess."
Ren Kai looked completely helpless.
These people were practically forcing him to reveal his identity.
What a headache.
"Big brother… are you feeling unwell?"
Qiqi asked with concern.
"I'm fine."
"But Qiqi, can you help big brother with something?"
Ren Kai suddenly thought of a solution.
"Qiqi can help big brother? Yay!"
Qiqi jumped happily with both hands raised.
"Good girl."
Ren Kai picked her up and walked to the seat of honor.
He placed Qiqi in the chair.
"Qiqi can sit here and eat, alright?"
He sat beside her, smiling warmly.
"Okay."
"Qiqi will sit nicely."
Qiqi smiled happily, swinging her little legs.
"Excellent."
Zhongli immediately sat beside Ren Kai.
"Perfect."
Azhdaha happily took the seat next to Qiqi.
"Incredible."
Guizhong burst out laughing and sat beside Zhongli.
"Everyone sit down."
"I'm bringing out the food!"
Marchosius said with a cheerful grin to the still-stunned adepti and Yaksha.
Inside, he thought:
As expected of Lord Rexas, the War God.
Ping'er glanced at Cloud Retainer and dragged her to sit beside Guizhong.
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver followed suit.
The five Yaksha sat near Azhdaha, leaving one seat open for Marchosius.
Even with so many people seated, several empty spots remained around the huge table.
When Marchosius began serving dishes, he first placed fried tofu, grilled skewers, and coconut milk directly in front of Ren Kai.
Only afterward did he serve the rest of the food.
The adepti and Yaksha felt like their minds were collapsing.
What is happening today?
Why were all the gods acting so strangely?
Ping'er had already begun to sense that something was wrong.
She was starting to suspect Ren Kai's true identity.
After serving the dishes, Marchosius sat beside Azhdaha.
Everyone stared at one another.
Why was nobody picking up their chopsticks?
Zhongli and Azhdaha were waiting for Ren Kai.
The adepti were waiting for Zhongli and Azhdaha.
"Qiqi, drink this."
Unable to stand it any longer, Ren Kai poured a cup of coconut milk for Qiqi.
Qiqi happily drank it.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
"This is delicious."
"Thank you, big brother."
She finished the entire cup in one go.
"Here, another cup."
"But drink it slowly."
Ren Kai poured her another.
"Hehe!"
"Qiqi, try my fried tofu!"
"And these grilled skewers!"
Yae Miko had already jumped onto the table.
She pushed the dishes toward Qiqi.
Seeing the awkward expressions of the adepti, Zhongli and Azhdaha quickly began eating as well.
After all, the adepti and Yaksha had never seen anyone pick up their chopsticks before the Archon or Dragon King.
Fortunately, they assumed Zhongli and Azhdaha were simply showing courtesy to Mr. Ban for saving Liyue Harbor.
Only Ping'er and Cloud Retainer exchanged a knowing glance.
They had already made up their minds—
They had to uncover Mr. Ban's true identity.
After all, the War God Rexas had never attended gatherings before.
And since Rexas was believed to be dead, no one had even considered that possibility.
Enjoyed these chapters? Access 60 ahead advanced chapters and exclusive content by visiting my Patreon. https://patreon.com/WillOFD129?