Chapter 15. Different smiles. Dark Tide Citadel. Order of Bailing Hu. 

Hu Dao Ming (Li Shing)

The servants had done their best, and today the reception hall looked a little less gloomy. These stone walls had seen a lot. Most often, stern warriors gathered here and male voices were heard accompanied by the clanking of weapons. But the festive decorations gave a solemnity to the usually gray room.

The first day of the reception was always the most difficult, too much ceremony and fuss. 

The guests had already begun to arrive, and the courtyard was filled with the unusual sounds typical of the beginning of any holiday.

Finally, the first of the arrivals appeared at the threshold. In snow-white robes, as if they had not spent a long time on the road, the adepts of the Baishan Feng Clan entered the hall. After a short break, the spellcasters from the other invited Clans also took their places. The ceremonial speeches were interspersed with the presentation of gifts and quiet conversations between the guests.

Su Chun Sheng (Li Hua)

During the feast, the girl carefully examined the present spellcasters. Indeed, the cream of the crop had gathered here. The best representatives of the most powerful and rich Clans. But still, Head Hu was the best in all respects.

Although he hardly looked at her now, but this was only because, being the host of the holiday, he was too busy. But during the time the reception lasts, she will definitely attract his attention. Moreover, there are not even competitors. Chun Sheng once again glanced dismissively at the girls — gray mice.

— Yu Lan, how do you like young lord Hu? — barely noticeable, the spellcaster touched her younger sister by the edge of her sleeve.

Su Yu Lan (Jiao)

The maiden's eyes run wild, there are so many of them, and all so beautiful, so noble, that it takes her breath away. An unexpected question brought her down to earth, and she had to think.

— Ah... hmm... Yes, he's cute. Young lord Hu doesn't look as stern as his brother. But look over there, — the girl pointed towards the Feng Clan and, clasping her palms together, said almost at the top of her voice, — so cute!

Su Chun Sheng (Li Hua)

She looked curiously at who Jiao admired so much. Of course, the Feng disciples stood out even here. Snow-white hair flowing over the same white clothes, blue eyes of various shades - all this is very beautiful.

— Yu Lan, the Feng Clan adepts are certainly very beautiful, but don't you think that their hearts are as cold as their appearance? — the thought flashed through the girl's mind that one of these handsome young men was the heir, who would sooner or later become the Head of the Clan. And that meant that if her sister married him, and she married the Head Hu, then the Su Clan would spread its influence to three Orders, — and which one of them do you like more?

Su Yu Lan (Jiao)

She narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling her foresight. Of course, they may look cold, but their hearts are alive. And she answered indignantly:

— Chun Sheng, don't talk nonsense! Even the coldest heart can't resist true beauty, — she took a closer look, choosing the most handsome one for herself, — Feng Xue Wang seems more attractive to me. He looks so distant. He definitely won't pay attention to other women.

Su Chun Sheng (Li Hua)

— You're right about that, but will he devote it to you? Maybe it makes sense to take a closer look at Feng De Shang? Someday he will lead the Feng Order.

The girl again fixed her gaze on the Head Hu. “And he will become my husband,” — this thought made Chun Sheng smile.

Su Yu Lan (Jiao)

She snorted in displeasure.

— Why shouldn't he pay attention to me?— abruptly turned her gaze to Li Hua, — he just wants to punch something in his arrogant face. I am attracted to much more graceful young men.

Yu Lan could hardly stand in place; she really wanted to move away, but her mother’s stern gaze literally chained her in place. She folded her arms across her chest for a moment, making it clear that she did not intend to continue the conversation.

Su Chun Sheng (Li Hua)

Too carried away by dreams of a wonderful future together with Hu Dao Ming, she lost interest in the conversation. Yu Lan is still too young and doesn't understand anything about life.

Shoe Sheng Lang (Bai Hu)

During the feast, he does not forget to look closely. During the days of the reception, it is necessary to find the most suitable match for Xiu Li.

— Lei, which of the spellcasters do you like the most? — Sheng Lang decided to start with the simplest thing.

Shoe Chung Lei (Chuan Li)

Busy with eating fruit and looking at the guests, the spellcaster was completely lost in all this splendor. One is more beautiful than the other. We all had to get together. The question was slightly unexpected, which he did not try to hide.

— I don’t even know, everyone is so beautiful and wonderful. I wouldn't jump to conclusions. In a few days there will be a competition among guests, then we'll see, — the young man, pleased with his decision, reached for another piece of fruit. Then decided to ask, — have you got your eye on anyone?

Shoe Sheng Lang (Bai Hu)

— At first glance, they all look good. Beautiful, rich, from a good family, but how can you tell which one of them Xiu Li can live happily with? I think it would be a good idea to talk to everyone, — thoughtfully tapped his fingers on the cup of wine, — So we'll hit two targets at once: we'll make new acquaintances and get an idea of ​​potential suitors. Let's split it up, who are you ready to talk to?

Shoe Chung Lei (Chuan Li)

Chung Lei thought about his brother's proposal. In general, he is right. The eyes darted around in search of interlocutors and almost immediately stopped at the image of a phoenix. The young man nodded to his brother.

— I'll take care of them.

 Shoe Sheng Lang(Bai Hu)

— Well. I'll talk to the Feng brothers. We'll leave the rest for other days of reception. Unless, of course, a convenient opportunity arises. I'll take Xiu Li to her rooms and come back, — rising from his seat, Sheng Lang extended his hand to his sister.