Ji Shiyu saw the crowd surging and threw down her food, squeezing in from the back.
“What happened?”
Ao Tian understood Yun Liu’s meaning and circled above Ji Shiyu’s head, sending a voice transmission.
“Shiyu, this has nothing to do with you here. Hurry and come back with me.”
“But Teacher…”
Ji Shiyu glanced at the Black Crow Soldiers, her small face tangled.
Didn’t Ao Tian say that big-butted woman was a demonic fiend?
How could she let the Oily Boy take the risk alone?
Be good and go back to your room.
When adults are talking, children shouldn’t interrupt.
“I’m not a child!”
At Yun Liu’s order, Ji Shiyu nodded reluctantly, her gaze suspicious.
The Demon Cult Fiends were full of tricks.
He wouldn’t have fallen for that big-butted woman’s schemes, right?
Finally remembered where to use Jade God Oil?
Recalling Jing Rui’s ambiguous gaze, the little blond felt uncomfortable, though she couldn’t pinpoint why.
“Why haven’t you left yet?”
Yun Liu looked at Xiao Xinran again.
The red-clothed girl said nothing, just gripped her skirt corner stubbornly and shook her head.
She would never let Xiao Yun fall into such a desperate situation again, even if he didn’t need her help now.
“Do as you please.”
Yun Liu didn’t bother to argue and walked forward with his hands behind his back.
Xiao Xinran lifted her sword and guarded his side like a bodyguard.
With Ao Tian present, Jing Tan’er and Ji Shiyu were very safe, allowing Sister Qin to act against Qingshan Sect’s Min Hen as agreed.
Black Armor Guards opened the way on both sides, serving honored guests as they ascended for the feast.
Once more on the third deck, the top pavilion of the Golden Crow was brightly lit, and the group stopped outside the door.
Lifting the curtain, the spacious banquet hall was lit by faint candlelight, unusually quiet.
On the high seat, only Madam Black Crow waited, still in a half-transparent black gauze gown, her seductive figure half-reclined.
“Welcome, Pavilion Lord Daren. During the day, my hospitality was lacking. Now, I finally have the chance to properly entertain you.”
Jing Rui smiled alluringly.
Jing Tan’er was nowhere to be seen, and the Shenhua Sect members only spotted a red-clothed girl.
They found it strange but didn’t ask.
She had heard of this pitiful fiancée.
Yun Liu’s damaged Qi Sea caused his family’s status to plummet, leaving him neglected.
Then came a dramatic turn.
After the engagement was broken, he rose to prominence as a Heavenly Dao Pill Master, taking charge of Shanhai Pavilion.
Now, the Xiao Family deeply regretted their decision—a stroke of misfortune.
Jing Rui naturally paid Xiao Xinran no heed, just glanced back and signaled her subordinates to split up.
She had intended to use the banquet as an excuse to draw Yun Liu away, leaving the Shenhua Sect members to Min Hen and the others.
In the eyes of the Holy Cult Disciples, these so-called righteous sects were nothing.
This way, there was no need to clash directly with the Shanhai Pavilion, and Jing Tan’er could be captured with ease.
Although Yun Liu hailed from Shenhua and had deep ties to the Five Peaks, that was all in the past.
Now, the lives of Shenhua Sect disciples had nothing to do with him.
Even if the Xiao Family was wealthy, they held no power at court.
If they behaved, they might receive a bone in the future and serve the new lord together.
If not, the Xiao Clan could vanish at the Saintess’s word, buried alongside the Divine Splendor Cloud Estate.
Jing Rui’s smile was gentle as she clapped her hands. Yun Liu had not yet sat when he caught a fragrant scent, and soft music drifted to his ears.
More than a dozen gorgeously dressed young dancers emerged from behind the screens.
As each beautiful face passed, long sleeves brushed the youth’s cheek, stirring the heart.
Yun Liu lowered his head to sniff, then grinned.
“Last time I saw Madam, you were surrounded by people. Why are you so alone tonight?”
“Sir must be joking. Apart from Pavilion Lord Daren, who in Eastern Pole deserves my personal hospitality? Naturally, I can’t bear outsiders disturbing us!”
Jing Rui covered her mouth with a charming laugh, her eyes captivating.
“Oh? Then allow me to keep Madam company.”
Yun Liu ascended the high seat without hesitation, sitting beside Madam Black Crow.
So easy?
It can’t be—she hadn’t even set the bait yet!
Jing Rui was stunned, but quickly resumed her smile and hurried to pour wine for the honored guest.
“Nothing would please me more!”
She guessed this boy’s cultivation was low.
Even if he was a Heavenly Dao Pill Master, he was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had barely restored his Qi Sea—young and full of vitality.
Jing Rui clapped again, and maidservants instantly presented fine dishes.
Yun Liu didn’t move his chopsticks, but stared openly at the swaying beauties in the dance, occasionally glancing at the mature woman beside him.
The young girls were slender and graceful.
Though lacking spiritual roots, they were skilled dancers and musicians, trained to entertain guest cultivators.
Jing Rui understood.
“This is a celebration performance prepared for Elder Brother Wang. It was meant for the Shengyu Festival. Please have a look, Mister Yun. If you like, take them as you wish.”
“How could I accept such a thing?”
Yun Liu waved his hands repeatedly, feigning reluctance, but his covetous expression made Xiao Xinran roll her eyes.
Since when did Xiao Yun become so worldly?
“With beauties like clouds at Sir’s side, how could my sisters compare to the Yunhai Fairies? Not to mention you have a confidante like Miss Xiao.”
“Hmph!”
Xiao Xinran turned away, showing no kindness to the royal aunt and niece.
If the boss weren’t here, the sharp-tongued Miss would have unleashed a tirade!
“Her? I see her as a sister—young and innocent, unlike Madam, who knows true pleasure.”
Yun Liu glanced at Xiao Xinran with a smile.
Xiao Xinran pursed her lips, on the verge of tears.
That’s not how you treated Ji Shiyu just now!
Jing Rui, flattered, raised her cup in thanks, and the music flowed as conversation flourished.
“Sir seems different from the rumors…”
After downing three cups as promised, Madam Black Crow’s cheeks flushed, making her even more alluring.
“What rumors?”
“Unapproachable!”
Jing Rui laughed, tapping Yun Liu’s nose, growing bolder as her plump body leaned against him, warmth radiating.
Xiao Xinran’s eyes burned with fury, but she had to maintain her role.
This was the kind of ‘care’ for which the Yunhai Sword Guard was hired.
“The Five Peaks of Yunhai each have their own charm. It’s said the disciples of Tianxiang Peak are cold and aloof… Ah, forgive me, you’re no longer a Shenhua Sect member.”
Madam Black Crow spoke carelessly, then drained another cup.
“Indeed. I didn’t become a cripple. You must be disappointed, right?”
Yun Liu suddenly turned cold, his expression sharp.
Jing Rui’s smile froze.
The conversation had been so pleasant—what triggered this sudden change?
“Sir… what do you mean? Rui’er doesn’t understand.”
Madam Black Crow waved her hand.
The dancers and maids immediately withdrew, not daring to disturb further.
“You don’t understand? Then I’ll be direct.”
Yun Liu propped his legs on the table, kicking over a jade platter of delicacies.
He questioned coldly.
“Hehuan Banner Eastern Pole Hall Master Jing Rui, thirty-second generation disciple of the Demon Sect, who at sixteen ventured alone into Nili Abyss to worship the Sacred Fire and join the Demon Sect. Am I clear enough, or should I list your birthdate and past missions one by one?”