"Is it because of the Tongshan Dao Lineage, or perhaps because... the esteemed seat is occupied?"
Zhang Jian pondered silently, though he didn't really care at this moment.
Meanwhile, he focused his gaze on the sources of those hostile intentions.
Most of these hostile gazes came from the middle seats.
Many cultivators were surrounded by dense Demon Qi, clearly indicating their affiliation with Zuo Dao.
However, all those attending such a high-end banquet like the one at the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace were renowned loose cultivator demons or grandmasters from heterodox sects.
There were also several cultivators emanating Immortal Light, with an unusual aura around them, likely from cultivation families, accompanied by younger ones.
Or wearing luxurious attire with a dignified demeanor, appearing as powerhouses from some loose cultivator factions.
Following Zhang Jian's gaze, Wu Liang True Monarch also looked at those individuals, sending a divine message.
"Junior Zhang, that's the Golden Dragon Granny of the Yun Family, the Island Lord of Celestial Wind Sea Wandering Soul Island, and the Island Lord of Cyan Nether Island, Cyan Nether Ancestor. Another one is the Sovereign of Celestial Wind Kingdom. They all think too highly of themselves because of their backgrounds, just ignore them. If you meet them outside in the wild, feel free to teach them a lesson!"
Wu Liang True Monarch's voice was full of laughter, clearly dismissive of these people.
Zhang Jian conveyed a divine message.
"Uncle, do they hold any resentment towards our Tongshan Dao Lineage? I noticed they seem to harbor animosity towards us."
Hearing this, Wu Liang True Monarch's indifferent laughter resonated.
"Our Tongshan Dao Lineage is re-emerging to take charge, and it's inevitable to face some criticism and hostility, but they are nothing more than insignificant chickens and dogs, unable to change the situation!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian smiled faintly.
At this moment, on the main seat, the Qingping Sea Dragon Monarch was introducing Zhang Jian to everyone.
"This is Zhang Jian, the protégé of Tongshan, the Lord of the Eastern Continent, Great Xia Emperor, Fellow Daoist Zhang. Fellow Daoist Zhang resolved the Outer World Demon Embryo in Jiutanzhou single-handedly a dozen years ago, slaying the Outer Celestial Demon, and becoming renowned in the Two Realms Region!"
Upon hearing this, many cultivators in the hall turned their eyes towards him.
When the Celestial Demon Star descended in Jiutanzhou, it caused an uproar at the time.
Everyone naturally understood the capabilities of the Outer World Demon Embryo.
Being able to handle the Outer World Demon Embryo single-handedly, his Dao practice is at least on par with some of the Primordial Spirit True Monarchs on the upper seats.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian clearly felt many of the hostile gazes subdued a bit.
"I heard Fellow Daoist Zhang is a protégé of the True Monarch Zhanmo from the Tongshan Dao Lineage. No wonder a renowned teacher produces outstanding disciples. True Monarch Zhanmo is well-known in the world, and the Great Xia Emperor is equally impressive!"
At this moment, a middle-aged emperor in luxurious clothing slowly spoke in the upper seats.
He was surrounded by a strong flow of Dragon Qi and Emperor's Qi.
At this moment, he gazed at Zhang Jian with a slight smile.
Zhang Jian looked at this rather unfamiliar emperor; he didn't know this cultivator who also followed the Saint King Dao.
However, asking in such a manner was somewhat impolite.
Fortunately, Wu Liang True Monarch noticed his gaze and sent a divine message.
"Junior Zhang, this is Elder Si Cheng from the Si Family. He also follows the Saint King Dao and has established a Si Family Dynasty in Jiuhua Province; he's our 'own people'!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian said, "So it's Emperor Si. Elder Si, you overpraise me. My cultivation is shallow, having just luckily slain one or two demons, how dare I compare with my master's reputation!"
At the high seat, Qingping Sea Dragon Monarch laughed.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, you're being too modest. The Outer World Demon Embryo is no ordinary demon, nor is it just any demonic cultivator..."
It seemed the Qingping Sea Dragon Monarch also perceived the hall's atmosphere, perhaps intending to ease the tension.
Whether it was the Dragon Monarch joking or the reputation of True Monarch Zhanmo that induced fear, many cultivators in the hall soon shifted their gaze away from Zhang Jian.
Seeing this, Zhang Jian felt slightly regretful; he now hoped someone would act rashly, giving him a chance to make a name and advertise for the Great Xia Dynasty.
After all, recruiting talents is best achieved by an emperor's influence spreading overseas, enticing those cultivators who admire strength.
The banquet gradually dispersed amid a lively and harmonious atmosphere.
However, the excitement of the Sea King Festival was just beginning.
There was still a month before the Sea King Festival.
The Qingping Sea Dragon Palace decided to set up six platforms on the square in front of the Sea Dragon Hall to entertain guests who arrived early.
Of the six platforms, three were for Dharma Debate.
The other three were for Magical Combat, corresponding to the Golden Core, Yin Spirit, and Primordial Spirit levels.
All six platforms opened simultaneously.
Each platform had prizes daily, or betting was allowed under the platform.
Prizes included cultivation techniques, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Materials, or special spirit herbs and spirit medicine from Qingping Sea.
If anyone was confident in themselves, they could go up and test their skills.
...
At this time in the courtyard, Bai Liying seemed visibly tempted, especially since several treasures offered by the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace were quite beneficial to a Dragon Maiden with Dragon Blood like Bai Liying.
"Princess, if you wish to participate, then go ahead!"
Zhang Jian encouraged this kind of magical combat.
Bai Liying possessed many unique secret techniques he had developed; what she lacked was experience in magical combat, so such practical combat would benefit her.
Upon hearing this, Bai Liying's eyes lit up and she solemnly said, "Your Majesty, I won't bring shame to Great Xia!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian smiled gently and said, "Princess, with the combination of magic you possess, there aren't many in the Golden Core Realm who can best you. What you lack now is battle awareness. As long as you maintain your rhythm, there won't be any issues!"