Chapter 318: Night Banquet Gala

Chapter 314: Night Banquet Gala

Jiang Taichu sat on the main seat. On his left and right were the heads of the three major branches and the twelve halls. Even though the seats were arranged according to rank, there were many empty seats at the head table.

Those who were present at the banquet were generally around the level of a branch head or hall master. Those below that rank rarely had the opportunity to attend this kind of banquet, unless they were specifically invited or accompanied their master.

After the banquet began, Jiang Taichu spoke a few polite words, and then everyone started eating and drinking, and chatting amongst themselves.

This banquet was not a grand feast, nor was it a celebration, but rather a more relaxed occasion. Everyone could speak freely and converse with others.

For disciples like Jiang Li, who were not yet well-known, attending such a banquet was a chance to mingle with influential figures. If they could catch the eye of a branch head or hall master, their future prospects would be much brighter. Even getting a small promotion could be considered a great opportunity.

Jiang Li took a bite of the roasted meat in his bowl, and then took a sip of the wine. The wine was quite potent, and it tasted somewhat like the baijiu from his previous life.

He secretly observed the people present. There were about a thousand people in total, all gathered in the banquet hall of the main peak.

This hall was incredibly spacious, capable of accommodating over ten thousand people without feeling crowded.

Jiang Taichu, as the sect leader, was very busy socializing. Many people were offering him toasts. Jiang Taichu did not refuse, and exchanged drinks with everyone.

After Jiang Taichu finished the first round of toasts, he returned to his seat. He glanced at the people below and smiled slightly.

"Today's banquet is for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. No need to be too formal. You can socialize freely and make new friends."

After Jiang Taichu finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall became even more lively. People were now free to move around and socialize with whomever they wished.

Jiang Li was still sitting in his seat, slowly eating and drinking. He was not interested in socializing, as he knew that even if he did, it would be of no benefit to him.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Jiang Li, why are you sitting here alone?"

Jiang Li looked up and saw that it was Jiang Ziqi. Jiang Ziqi was holding a wine glass and smiling at him.

"Brother Ziqi," Jiang Li stood up and greeted him.

"Sit down, no need to be so formal," Jiang Ziqi waved his hand and sat down beside Jiang Li. "Why aren't you socializing? This is a great opportunity to meet some important people."

"I'm not good at socializing," Jiang Li said honestly.

"Nonsense," Jiang Ziqi laughed. "You're not good at it? That's not true. You just don't like it."

Jiang Li smiled awkwardly.

"Let's go, I'll introduce you to some people," Jiang Ziqi stood up and pulled Jiang Li up. "Don't just sit here and eat alone. Let's go and mingle."

Jiang Li reluctantly followed Jiang Ziqi.

Jiang Ziqi led Jiang Li to a table where several young people were sitting. They were all dressed in luxurious clothes and had a confident air about them.

"Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Jiang Li, a disciple of our sect," Jiang Ziqi said with a smile. "Jiang Li, these are all my friends. This is Jiang Feng, this is Jiang Yu, and this is Jiang Xiu."

Jiang Li bowed slightly and greeted them.

The young people at the table also greeted Jiang Li, but their attitude was somewhat distant. They seemed to be polite, but not particularly friendly.

Jiang Li knew that this was because he was just a regular disciple, and they were likely from influential families within the sect.

Jiang Ziqi didn't seem to notice the subtle tension. He sat down and pulled up a chair for Jiang Li.

"Come, let's all have a drink together," Jiang Ziqi said, raising his glass.

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

After that, Jiang Ziqi started chatting with his friends. Jiang Li just sat there and listened, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

He quickly realized that these young people were mostly talking about cultivation and their experiences in various trials and missions. They seemed to be quite competitive, often comparing their progress and achievements.

Jiang Li felt a bit out of place. He was not as advanced in cultivation as they were, and he didn't have much to contribute to their conversation.

After a while, Jiang Li excused himself and went back to his seat.

Jiang Ziqi didn't try to stop him. He seemed to understand that Jiang Li was not comfortable in that group.

As Jiang Li sat back down, he saw that Jiang Taichu was walking around and socializing with the people in the hall. He seemed to be in a good mood, laughing and talking with everyone.

Suddenly, Jiang Taichu stopped and looked at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li was startled and quickly stood up.

Jiang Taichu smiled and walked towards him.

"Jiang Li, you're here," Jiang Taichu said kindly.

"Yes, Sect Leader," Jiang Li replied respectfully.

"Sit down, sit down," Jiang Taichu waved his hand and sat down beside Jiang Li. "Are you enjoying the banquet?"

"Yes, Sect Leader," Jiang Li said.

"That's good," Jiang Taichu smiled. "I heard that you performed very well in the recent mission. You've made great progress."

"Thank you, Sect Leader," Jiang Li said.

"You don't need to be so humble," Jiang Taichu said. "You have potential. Work hard, and you will achieve great things."

"I will, Sect Leader," Jiang Li said.

Jiang Taichu chatted with Jiang Li for a while longer, asking about his cultivation and his plans for the future. Jiang Li answered truthfully, and Jiang Taichu listened attentively.

After a while, Jiang Taichu stood up and said, "Alright, I have to go and socialize with others. You continue to enjoy the banquet."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Jiang Li stood up and watched as Jiang Taichu walked away.

Jiang Li felt a sense of relief after Jiang Taichu left. He had been a bit nervous talking to the sect leader.

He sat back down and continued to eat and drink.

As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere became more lively. Some people started singing and dancing, while others gathered in small groups to chat.

Jiang Li decided to take a walk around the hall. He wanted to see what else was happening.

As he walked, he noticed that there were several people performing martial arts demonstrations. They were all very skilled, and their movements were graceful and powerful.

Jiang Li watched for a while, and then continued his walk.

He saw that there were also some people playing musical instruments. The music was beautiful and soothing, and it added to the festive atmosphere of the banquet.

Jiang Li enjoyed walking around and observing the different activities. He felt a sense of belonging, even though he was still a relatively unknown disciple.

As he walked, he suddenly saw a familiar face. It was Qin Wuyan.

Qin Wuyan was sitting at a table with a group of people. She seemed to be enjoying herself, laughing and talking with her friends.

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment, and then decided to go over and say hello.

He walked up to the table and greeted Qin Wuyan.

"Qin Shijie," Jiang Li said.

Qin Wuyan looked up and smiled when she saw him.

"Jiang Shidi, you're here," she said. "Come, sit down."

Jiang Li thanked her and sat down at the table.

Qin Wuyan introduced him to her friends. They were all very friendly and welcoming.

Jiang Li chatted with them for a while, and he found that they were all very interesting people. They shared their experiences and stories, and Jiang Li felt comfortable in their company.

As the night went on, the banquet became even more lively. People were now singing, dancing, and celebrating.

Jiang Li felt happy and relaxed. He had enjoyed the banquet, and he had met some interesting people.

As the banquet drew to a close, Jiang Li stood up and said goodbye to Qin Wuyan and her friends.

He walked back to his seat and gathered his belongings.

As he was about to leave, he saw Jiang Taichu standing near the exit, talking to some people.

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment, and then decided to go over and say goodbye to the sect leader.

He walked up to Jiang Taichu and bowed.

"Sect Leader, I'm leaving now," Jiang Li said.

Jiang Taichu turned and smiled at him.

"Alright, Jiang Li," he said. "Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"Yes, Sect Leader, I did," Jiang Li said.

"That's good," Jiang Taichu said. "Go home and rest. You've had a long day."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Jiang Li said.

He bowed again and walked away.

As Jiang Li walked out of the banquet hall, he felt a sense of satisfaction. He had attended the night banquet gala, and he had met some important people. He felt that he had taken a small step forward in his journey.