Chapter 627 – The Beginning (2/2)

Li Qingshan discovered basically all the leaders in the world could not go without some buzzwords and cliches when they spoke. They would express their gratitude toward everyone before bringing up things like “pool our efforts together” or “we’re all in the same boat” like they were worthless. In the end, he formally announced the beginning of the ceremony.

Vertical scrolls draped down from the nine Soaring Dragon ships. They were words of blessing each prefecture had gifted to Si Qing.

“It’s completely lacking in vigour!” Northmoon shook his head in disdain.

“It’s just their kind intentions. It’s obviously nothing compared to our friendship.” Si Qing’s eyes twitched. Today, everyone came with gifts. Just a wretched daemon like you came with no gift, even taking something from me and giving it to that Li Qingshan.

Afterwards, a grand performance similar to an opening ceremony unfolded. The banquet was moved out of the covered area and onto the terrace. Northmoon continued to sit with Si Qing without the slightest care in the world.

Si Qing forced out a smile. “A’yue, you’ve traveled a long way, so why don’t you go rest up? I’ll have those beauties serve you!”

“I’m not tired. The performance here is still quite interesting.”

Si Qing gritted his teeth. “The competition between the schools of Miscellany is first. I’ll have someone accompany you!”

“Didn’t I tell you already? I haven’t brought my hundred treasures pouch!”

“That’s not an issue. If anything catches your fancy, it’ll just be on me.”

Northmoon was angered. “Am I the type of person to take advantage of friends?”

“Then… you can just treat it as borrowing from me.”

“That’s more like it. What about you?”

“I have to stay here and watch over everything!”

“Then forget it. I’ll stay here with you. Come, let’s drink!”

You fucking wretched daemon, can you stay away from me? Si Qing roared inside as he raised his cup helplessly. “Alright then!”

The grand ceremony continued all the way until dusk. Thousands of fireworks were launched into the air, bursting apart brilliantly in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It was far richer in variety than any fireworks Li Qingshan had seen in his past life. Mingling with the glow of the setting sun, it was magnificent. This was obviously the handiwork of the school of Mohism.

Li Qingshan and Han Qiongzhi stood together as they watched the fireworks. Han Qiongzhi turned her head and gazed at his face that constantly flickered with colourful lights from the fireworks, like he had been smeared with make-up. Sometimes he seemed rather funny, but at other times, he seemed rather eerie or even terrifying.

Li Qingshan noticed her gaze and looked over. He asked, “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothin!” Han Qiongzhi grabbed his hand.

When the red glow had completely vanished in the west and the fireworks had died down, Si Qing stood up on the Soaring Clouds terrace and loudly announced the beginning of the Exhibition Matches of the Nine Prefectures. Following the order used in the past, the first competition was the school of Miscellany!

Li Qingshan looked back. Before he knew it, nine stores of miscellaneous goods already formed a ring.

Han Qiongzhi said, “C’mon, let’s go for a stroll!”