Among the guests at this banquet were many hidden talents. True masters would not reveal their sharp edge, but Liu Liu and her companions were an exception today.
If it weren't for promoting the name of Seven Star Tower, they wouldn't have needed to participate in this martial arts gathering. They had no desire to seize the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader, and Zhan Yun clearly appeared to be a ruthless and sinister individual, despite his seemingly refined and extraordinary demeanor.
For Liu Liu understood that a wolf in sheep's clothing was the most venomous.
The fireworks still danced in the sky, and the music played incessantly. Everyone was preoccupied with eating, inwardly cursing the young man who had suddenly appeared, their minds no longer appreciating the song and dance.
Zhan Yun, aware of their thoughts, showed a smile on his chiseled features. His sword-like eyebrows curved above captivating eyes, as black as an unfathomable lake, deep and mysterious. He held a transparent glass goblet, the rose wine the color of crimson hail, thick and fragrant.
"Come, it is my honor that everyone has graced me with their presence today. I hope we can all forget the small disturbance from earlier. An acquaintance through a friendly spar, let us drink heartily as before."
When the Alliance Leader proposed a toast, the guests, not wanting to appear ungrateful, all stood up to drink. Conversations became livelier, the previous unpleasantness vanished, and they eagerly resumed appreciating the song and dance.
For a time, the sounds of strings and flutes, of singing, music, laughter, and voices, blended into a lively symphony.
Zhan Yun lounged casually on a soft couch, attended by beautiful maids who occasionally fed him grapes. His tanned hand lightly swirled the glass goblet, exuding an air of elegance and charm.
However, his eyes constantly appraised the people below. He lay there like a predator coiled in anticipation, ready to devour anyone who dared to encroach upon his territory.
Liu Liu raised her own glass goblet, subtly observing the various sects and factions at the banquet. Her slender, jade-like fingers, illuminated by the red wine, appeared exceptionally alluring. She swayed the goblet gently, played with it, and took a light sip. The taste was faint, carrying hints of fruit and floral notes.
Liu Liu had always disliked drinking, so she merely sampled it. She knew that the burning gaze from above was filled with turbulent emotions, fixed intently on her. She abruptly raised her head, lifted her goblet, and provocatively met his gaze, taking another delicate sip.
A flicker of suppressed anger flashed in the man's fierce, wolf-like eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He responded by taking a drink, and a maid beside him immediately fed him a small pastry.
People said the Martial Arts Alliance Leader enjoyed a life of luxury; it was indeed true. Surrounded by beautiful maids and entertained by singing and dancing, how did he command respect? Weren't the prestigious sects known for their integrity?
She saw no evidence of that at tonight's gathering of heroes. These so-called righteous sects were all devouring meat heartily, drinking from large bowls, and lecherously admiring the courtesans on display.
The night was already deep, yet these people showed no signs of weariness; on the contrary, they were full of spirit.
The moonlight slanted westward, the white dew crystalline, adorning blooming flowers and winding grasses, which shimmered in the lantern light.
Liu Liu shifted slightly, surveying the banquet. Many were swaying with intoxication, leaning together in small groups, murmuring softly. Liu Liu withdrew her gaze and looked towards her four subordinates seated beside her.
"Zhi Gu, how many of these people do you recognize?"
Poison Lady Zhi Gu raised her slightly clouded eyes and scanned the room. Disdain filled her gaze as she lowered her voice.
"I recognize all those who claim to be righteous sects: Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Qingcheng, Tang Clan, and the Kongtong Sect. These people have always been close to the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, claiming to be embodiments of justice. They will unite to eliminate anyone they deem heretical or unorthodox, all under the guise of protecting peace. In reality, their clandestine dealings are far more sinister than any evil sect. Otherwise, how could these major sects support so many people? Do they not need to eat?"
Poison Lady Zhi Gu's words prompted Liu Liu to ponder. Indeed, these renowned sects had numerous followers. If they didn't engage in any trade, how would they sustain themselves? Relying solely on meager incense money would likely not suffice.
"Mm, be cautious, all of you. Although tonight appears harmonious, this martial arts gathering is fraught with hidden dangers. Our purpose at Seven Star Tower has been achieved. We must be careful and vigilant from now on," Liu Liu cautioned her subordinates meticulously.
She wasn't worried about the others, especially Poison Lady and the Mad Wolf, who had years of experience in the martial world and feared nothing.
However, Duan Mu was a reckless fellow. Participating in such a grand event for the first time had clearly excited him. His bright eyes darted everywhere, making it obvious to anyone that he was new to the martial world.
"Yes,楼主 (Louzhu)," the four replied in unison. Duan Mu, noticing his mistress's gaze, understood it as a warning and quickly suppressed his excessive excitement. He had already caused the mistress to lose four hundred thousand taels of silver, and he couldn't afford to fall into anyone's trap again.
A hint of fish-belly white appeared in the eastern sky. The stars began to fade, leaving only the hazy, dim moonlight. The banquet had long since quieted down. Many had fallen asleep, slumped over, and the dancers had withdrawn.
Silence descended upon the surroundings. In this stillness, occasional snores could be heard. Only a few tables of resilient individuals sat as if nothing had happened.
Zhan Yun lazily stood up, casting a satisfied glance at the few remaining alert individuals. He stretched his arms casually, resembling a waking wild beast, flexing its sharp claws and teeth, waiting for its prey.
Liu Liu knew he wouldn't willingly relinquish the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader. As for why they were holding this assembly, she hadn't yet figured it out, but she believed the fox would eventually reveal its tail.
"Arrange the people from Seven Star Tower and Dian Cang Pavilion in the Heaven-grade guest rooms in the Plum Courtyard," the mist grew thicker, making it difficult to discern faces, only chilling breaths and killing intent could be heard.
"Yes, Alliance Leader," after respectful voices, stewards and maids approached, inviting Liu Liu and her group to the Heaven-grade guest rooms in the Plum Courtyard.
Liu Liu turned to look at the higher vantage point, but there was no one there. Zhan Yun's martial arts were indeed formidable; he could disappear and reappear at will. It seemed they needed to be cautious. She had initially thought it was merely a friendly martial arts competition, but now it appeared to be something entirely different.
The mist thinned and became wispy. The group followed the steward of Qing Lian Mountain Manor towards the guest quarters.
Although just a minor steward, his footwork was agile and his movements swift, clearly indicating he was a practitioner of martial arts, and not weak at that. It was evident that Qing Lian Mountain Manor was the true place of hidden talents.
Qing Lian Mountain Manor occupied a vast expanse, stretching as far as the eye could see. Pavilions, water features, corridors, and gardens were scattered throughout. Despite the mist, one could faintly discern exotic flowers blooming in the garden. In the distance lay a lake, with a pavilion upon it, and a winding corridor of nine turns and eighteen bends, finally leading to the end.
A verdant pavilion and separate courtyard stood before them. Above the round, carved ancient gate, the words "Plum Courtyard" were inscribed horizontally. The gate was half-open, and the steward bowed respectfully before them.
"Guests, please enter. If you require anything, you may approach these young maids, and they will report to me immediately."
After speaking, the steward dispersed and left. Liu Liu was somewhat taken aback. Were they simply abandoning them here?
As she stood there in surprise, a line of maids dressed in red approached. They curtsied deeply towards her: "Young Master, please follow us. The steward has already assigned the tasks to us."
These maids were composed and poised, clearly of high status. Liu Liu smiled faintly, gazing at the lead maid in red, forgetting that she was dressed as a man at the moment.
Seeing the maid in red blush with shyness and lower her head, Liu Liu finally came to her senses. She gave a self-mocking laugh. What was she doing? Recovering her composure, she nodded indifferently.