I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 139: Dean Chen Hosts a Banquet at Lou Mountain

Many people who heard their discussion fell silent, eager to listen in on the inside information. The men at the neighboring table also failed to notice that the once-boisterous tavern had become uncannily quiet.

Everyone was surprised to hear that Lou Mountain Academy was holding a banquet to view the legendary fruit. They all thought about going to Lou Mountain the next day to take a look, hoping they might get to witness it for themselves.

「The next day.」

The road to Lou Mountain Academy was a sea of people, with a crowd rivaling an imperial procession. The government had to dispatch guards just to disperse the congestion and clear a path for the carriages.

The base of Lou Mountain was packed with carriages from every major estate. It would take at least four hours to walk from the foot of the mountain to the main gate, even at the fastest pace.

This posed a huge problem for the elderly who weren’t accustomed to exercise. However, for a chance to see the Yin-Yang Symbiotic Fruit, they were determined to climb, even if it meant dying from exhaustion.

Some who couldn’t make the climb had themselves carried up the mountain.

Lou Mountain Academy had never seen so many people since its founding. On this day, the academy suspended all student classes, and the teachers instructed everyone to remain in their rooms.

Ye Qianning had already heard the news yesterday. As soon as her master’s invitations were sent out, some people grew too impatient to wait and had already ascended Lou Mountain late in the night.

The noisy stream of people hadn’t let up since late last night. Her master hadn’t mentioned anything to her. ’What on earth is he planning to do?’

"My girl, you’re up so early today."

Dean Chen knocked on the door and came in carrying a box. Ye Qianning had already finished washing up.

"It’s so noisy outside today. Is someone else trying to become Master’s disciple?" she asked.

"Of course not. One disciple is enough for Master."

"Then why are there so many people?"

"Today, Master invited all the dignitaries in the Capital City to the academy to view the Yin-Yang Symbiotic Fruit," Dean Chen said with a chuckle.

"Did Master invite the Emperor, too?"

"No." Dean Chen shook his head, then paused before adding, "But Master guesses that the Emperor will certainly come."

"Coming uninvited? Is he looking for trouble?" Ye Qianning asked, confused.

"Haha, of course not." Dean Chen chuckled. ’Does this little girl think the Emperor is some common thug?’

"Then?"

"The Emperor is like the heavens; no one can truly command his presence with an invitation. Nothing that happens in the Capital City escapes his eyes. The Yin-Yang Symbiotic Fruit is so precious, he will naturally come to take a look. Of course, with the Emperor in attendance, there’s no need to fear any trouble," Dean Chen said.

Ye Qianning nodded in understanding.

’If the Emperor comes, he can definitely keep things under control. Anyone who covets the fruit and plans to make a move will have to behave themselves. Making a move with the Emperor present would be tantamount to regicide. If caught, it’d be a miracle if their entire clan wasn’t wiped out. Besides, the Capital City isn’t that large. It would only be a matter of days to follow the clues back to the source.’

"By the way, this is your disciple uniform. Change into it later and go to the front courtyard with Master." Dean Chen handed the box to her.

Ye Qianning took it, somewhat puzzled. "I’m going too?"

"You are his only Direct Disciple. I’m taking advantage of everyone being here to introduce you."

’Ye Qianning had no idea what her master was truly planning. He had correctly predicted that the Emperor would come... Could he be planning to give the Yin-Yang Symbiotic Fruit to the Emperor?’

At the main gate of Lou Mountain Academy, the crowds were overwhelming. The teachers had assigned numerous students to direct traffic and maintain order along the path. Security at the gate was especially tight, and many of the academy’s own guards, usually unseen, had made an appearance.

Teachers stood guard at the main gate. Only representatives from estates that had received an invitation from the Dean were allowed to enter, and only upon presenting it. Anyone without an invitation was denied entry.

While it was bustling at the entrance, it grew much quieter past the main gate. Many dignitaries had already arrived in the vast courtyard. While they waited, acquaintances gathered in groups of two and three, chatting about the Yin-Yang Symbiotic Fruit and the Penglai Immortal Mountain.