Yan Zhonghua quickly snatched the Imperial-grade cultivation technique from the servant's hand and opened it. "Bai Yi Quan by Ou Huang?!"
"What?! Bai Yi Quan? That's a top-tier boxing manual worth seven to eight hundred thousand, and it's priceless, incredibly hard to come by!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Lixue felt ashamed, thinking to herself, "I thought... this boxing manual was not as valuable as the Cold Iron Gauntlets. It turns out it's far more valuable! Heavens, how much do I owe Ming Zhitian?"
Yan Zhonghua approached Yan Lixue, holding her jade-like arms with both hands. "Cousin Xue'er, you are... too, too, too! kind to me. I truly don't know how to thank you."
Yan Lixue tidied her hair, revealing a captivating charm. Her flushed cheeks made one want to kiss her. "As long as you like it, Cousin. I thought you might not."
Yan Zhonghua quickly denied, "Not at all, I love it. Thank you, Cousin Xue'er."
Yan Lixue was lost in the moment of close proximity with Yan Zhonghua. However, Yan Zhonghua's gaze fell upon Ming Zhitian, who was gnawing on a chicken leg and peeling a lobster beside them. He was stunned, and everyone followed his gaze, chuckling dismissively.
"Whose child is this? Looks like they haven't eaten in three days."
Yan Zhonghua muttered to himself, "Who is this? I don't recall inviting him. And his attire..."
Suddenly, someone chimed in, "He looks like a pauper-like cultivator."
Yan Zhonghua immediately grew displeased. He didn't mind the person crashing the party and not bringing a gift, but to freeload and expect free food and drinks? Out of the question!
"Hey, you, yes, you! Security, come here! Escort him out," Yan Zhonghua said, adjusting his tie.
Yan Lixue quickly intervened, "Wait, Cousin. He's my friend, Ming Zhitian."
"Oh?" Yan Zhonghua frowned. "A cultivator at the third level of Qi. Cousin Xue'er, what kind of friends do you make?"
Ming Zhitian wiped the oil from his mouth. "Enough to destroy you."
"You?" Yan Zhonghua thought he misheard. He was at the fifth level of Ascending Dragon, a genius of his caliber!
Xue Mingyuan interjected, "Since he's Lixue's friend, we all brought gifts. What's the meaning of you coming empty-handed? Do you look down on Brother Hua?"
Yan Zhonghua felt a surge of pride and glanced at Xue Mingyuan. He remembered Xue Mingyuan had gifted a top-grade artifact, only one rank below an Imperial-grade one, and became even more interested.
Ming Zhitian shrugged. "Apologies, I came in a hurry. I was so focused on eating chicken legs that I forgot to bring a gift."
Yan Lixue quickly moved beside Ming Zhitian, shielding him from the murmurs. "Cousin, that's not right. Actually, Bai Yi Quan was a gift from Ming Zhitian."
Upon her words, no one believed her, and Yan Zhonghua was even less convinced. "Security!"
The security guards, having been called twice, had no choice but to appear. Yan Lixue stood in front of Ming Zhitian. "Let's see who dares."
Yan Zhonghua said, "Cousin Xue'er, it's best not to associate with this kind of friend. He's simply too common. I must say, Cousin Xue'er, when did your judgment become so poor?"
Yan Wangshuang spotted someone and immediately beamed, rushing over to flatter. "What wind brings you here, Sect Master Guo?"
Yan Zhonghua quickly followed. "Father, please introduce me. Who is this senior?"
Yan Wangshuang whispered, "This is the Sect Master of the Qimen Sect of the Five Peaks. He has more than three thousand disciples. He's someone worth befriending."
Given Yan Zhonghua's earlier treatment of Ming Zhitian, Guo Qiang became displeased. "Brother Zhitian is a close friend of my master and also my friend."
They didn't believe it, but hearing it from Guo Qiang's mouth, they had no choice but to accept it. They all cast envious glances at Ming Zhitian.
Guo Qiang said, "Since you don't welcome us, Brother Zhitian and I shall leave."
Ming Zhitian let out a satisfied burp. "Just ate my fill. Thank you, Lixue, for your generous hospitality. I'll be going now."
Yan Zhonghua berated several security guards. "You all retreat! Who told you to come up? Are you that idle? Hurry up and leave!"