| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
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The news of World's Supreme Fortress Lord Xing Beiming's son's full moon banquet and inviting renowned figures from the Central Plains Martial Arts World, spread widely in the Martial Arts community. Everyone was talking about it, making it a hot topic. However, whether the guests were truly renowned figures was unknown to most except those present at the banquet.
"Congratulations, Lord Xing on your son's birth!" Ke Weiqing with a fake smile, congratulated and presented a specially crafted baby-sized jade statue, which he had commissioned. The translucent white jade statue of a smiling baby with eyes like crescent moons was very charming. Lord Xing nodded in satisfaction, "Ke Weiqing, you went to great lengths. Thank you!" He then instructed his steward, "Take it to the bedroom."
Ke Weiqing proudly took his seat at the head table, exchanging meaningful glances with Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao shook his head helplessly before patting Xing Beiming's shoulder. "Congratulations, Beiming. Big Brother has been busy with his own affairs recently and neglecting you. Please understand!" Not even knowing when his younger brother had a son, this Big Brother had indeed been negligent.
Xing Beiming grasped Jiang Yao's reliable hand while smiling subtly. "I knew you had matters to attend to, that's why I didn't bother you. Besides, everything is fine now. Let's sit and have a good drink later."
His "future sister-in-law" wasn't present, indicating that his big brother still hadn't resolved matters from his frequent trips to the capital. Thinking of his own lover, Xing Beiming suddenly felt fortunate.
Life was comfortable.
Lin Canghai was an expected guest. Even if not invited, he would probably find a way to attend. Today, he brought his precious daughter along, who sweetly handed Xing Beiming a crystal flower ball. "Uncle, this is a gift for the little brother. It's his favorite!"
Xing Beiming took it and handed it to his steward, "Thank you, Lingling. You're so thoughtful."
Did the Fortress Lord's son really like such girlish things?
Lin Canghai chuckled and carried his daughter to their seat. He would give whatever his precious daughter liked, so he gave a large crystal flower ball!
Zou Lao and his group approached Xing Beiming amidst admiring gazes. Apart from Zou Lao's high status, Li Wan'er's presence also stirred many hearts. Xing Beiming respectfully greeted Zou Lao, who had helped him significantly during the Shuichuan incident. Zou Lao smiled and accepted the greeting before teasing him, "Xing Beiming, you conceal your identity that day. Today, I'll make you drink a few more cups!"
Xing Beiming nodded, "Of course, please do. Cheng Bo, escort Elder Zou to the high seat."
Li Wan'er approached Xing Beiming with a curtsy, "Congratulations, Lord Xing." Xing Beiming raised his hand in acknowledgment but didn't respond much.
Everything proceeded amidst the lively atmosphere, except for a minor incident. Zuo Wuxiao, unabashedly carrying gifts, arrived uninvited. But no one scolded him and was just cautious. "Don't be so guarded. I'm just here to deliver gifts on behalf of the Palace Lord." Zuo Wuxiao said with a smile and placed the gifts in Cheng Bo's hands. He leaned closer to Xing Beiming and whispered. "Lord Xing, the Palace Lord reminds you not to forget the appointment."
Xing Beiming pointed towards the door, "I won't forget. You may now leave."
Zuo Wuxiao shook his head, "Lord Xing is quite straightforward. You're even ushering guests out on such a joyous day. Fortunately, I'm not an insensitive person. Farewell!"
Ke Weiqing watched him leave disdainfully, and Jiang Yao looked puzzled. "What's wrong, A’Chun? Do you have a history with him?"
Ke Weiqing sneered, "How could I have any association with such a person? Hmph! Also, don't call me A’Chun. Being addressed that way by you sounds vulgar!"
When Shi Qi brought the baby out, half of the people's attention was on him while the other half focused on the baby. Initially, rumors about the World's Supreme Fortress Lord bringing a male partner to the Fortress were treated with skepticism. Now, seeing the couple's demeanor, the rumors seemed credible.
Who was this young man?
And how did he earn the favor of the World's Supreme Fortress Lord?
As for the baby, who were his parents?
If not for Xing Beiming's status, someone would have already asked.
Lin Canghai understood some of the reasons behind this. Though Shi Qi was wrapped in a cloak, it was still apparent that he looked different from usual. However, Lin Canghai, being a sharp person, wouldn't speak of it even if he knew.
Who in the Martial Arts World didn't have a secret? Not everyone could uncover them.
The baby was still young and fell asleep quickly. Xing Beiming, not wanting to disturb him and noticing the discreet surveillance, urged Shi Qi to return to the room. Before leaving, Shi Qi reminded Xing Beiming, who had a barely noticeable smile, to drink less.
Shi Qi left the hall stiffly and arrived in the courtyard but unexpectedly saw Ying Qi standing there. "Brother Qi?"
The night was too dark to see Ying Qi's expression clearly but there was a hint of a smile in his voice. "I guessed you wouldn't stay inside for too long. Come here and let Brother hold the baby."
Shi Qi handed the baby over and Ying Qi carefully took him. Running his fingers over the soft face. "When he was just born, he was so red. Now, he's already this cute in just a month. Witnessing a baby's growth firsthand is a great joy in life. Shi Qi, this Brother envies you."
"The baby is also Brother's godson, so you will naturally experience his growth with us. Why? Don't you want to acknowledge this godson?" Shi Qi sensed a hidden meaning in Ying Qi's words and suddenly felt a bit anxious.
"How could that be? But aside from the baby, how's your body?" Ying Qi changed the topic with a smile.
"I'll almost recover. With Master Gu's help and the pearl fruit from Young Master Ke, it's hard not to recover. Brother Qi, don't worry about me!"
"Well, Shi Qi, though it feels a bit redundant… But I still want to ask you, are you happy now?"
"...Brother." Shi Qi was moved.
Since joining the World's Supreme Fortress, his relationship with Ying Qi had been the best. The recent events had been quite extraordinary, and he knew Ying Qi had been extremely worried. "Compared to before when I could only sneakily admire from afar, I think I'm more than satisfied now..."
"So that's it." Ying Qi didn't expect this answer, so he paused for a moment then nodded. "No wonder your relationship with Master has developed so naturally. There must have been a foundation."
Though Shi Qi felt there was nothing wrong in saying this, he still felt uneasy. "Brother Qi, I didn't understand before but after so many things happened.. I now understand and I'm not really a wooden block."
"That's good. Just by looking at what Master has done, you can tell he cares deeply for you. To ensure your and the baby's safety, he even went all the way to Shuichuan to find Master Gu. He also studied a lot of medical knowledge to familiarize himself with the habits and preferences of pregnant people. Master was especially attentive to your diet and preferences, which you must have noticed. And this time, he arranged the full moon banquet as a declaration of the baby's identity. Shi Qi, you and Master must take care of each other in the future..."
Xing Beiming had indeed changed a lot.
In the past, Xing Beiming would never force himself to do things he didn't like. Like agreeing to the life-and-death agreement with Yin Ji.
They must already feel happy with their life, but without him being there, will they miss him?
"Brother Qi! Brother Qi!" Shi Qi shook Ying Qi's shoulder anxiously, seeing him lost in thought.
Something he rarely saw.
Ever since encountering Yin Ji, he knew that was a thorn in Ying Qi's heart but he didn't know how to remove it for him.
"...It's nothing, I'm just a bit tired. Go inside and rest. This banquet won't last long." Ying Qi placed the baby carefully in Shi Qi's arms, patted his shoulder and disappeared into the darkness.
For some reason, Shi Qi wanted to grab hold of the disappearing shadow of Ying Qi.
A sudden feeling of unease surged within him, as if it foretold something he didn't want to happen.
……….
The second day of the full moon banquet, as the guests who stayed overnight due to the distant journey bid farewell, Gu Weijing was also in Elder Zou's group.
Xing Beiming thanked Gu Weijing sincerely. As his departure was abrupt, it turned the previous night's full moon banquet into a farewell banquet. Gu Weijing waved it off, "We're all Martial Artists, so skip the formalities! In the future, I'll visit whenever I want to see the baby. The gates of the World's Supreme Fortress should always be open. Oh, by the way, where's Si Fang?"
……..
Si Fang stared at the baby while furrowing his brows at the little face until Gu Weijing came over and dragged him away. He seemed eager as he spoke. "I'll come for the baby's birthday every year, alright?"
The answer was naturally yes.
It seemed like a response to Si Fang's words as the baby kicked his limbs, delighted and even blew a bubble.
With everyone being polite during the farewell, the baby fell asleep again with closed eyes. Shi Qi took him to the bedroom and as soon as he left the outer room, Xing Beiming grabbed him and pressed him down on the bed, their bodies intertwining. Xing Beiming had a hint of triumph on his face but it was barely detectable. "Shi Qi, when did you start secretly admiring this Lord? Tell me the truth! Hiding is no use now!"
Huh?
Master asking this…
Could it be…
Shi Qi blushed. Unable to hide his embarrassment. "I don't know... I just realized... I already... liked you, Master..."
Xing Beiming felt incredibly pleased.
Shi Qi admitting to liking him early on felt exhilarating! Just as he was about to tease him further, a signal from the Shadows Guards indicated urgent news. Xing Beiming had no choice but to give Shi Qi an irritated bite on the neck, then got up and went to the study.
Shi Qi massaged his neck and felt Xing Beiming's bite was quite harsh!
A laughter, seemingly mocking, echoed in his ears and Shi Qi couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. Shi Qi suddenly remembered something and asked, "Shi Er, where's Brother Qi?"
Shi Er paused his chuckles.and after a long silence, a voice rarely heard seriously came, "He's on a mission to assassinate Yan Yunsheng. Ying Qi took it upon himself and set off last night."
Shi Qi froze, "You've already found out about Yan Yunsheng's whereabouts."
Shi Er replied, "It's only been these past two days. Ying Qi learned of it first and by the time we knew, it was already a done deal."
"And why was I kept in the dark when the decision was already made and I was promised that I would be informed promptly?" Shi Qi disregarded Shi Er's tense calls and disappeared from the bedroom like a gust of wind.
Translator thought:
Oh no!
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