Chapter 189: The Banquet

Chapter 189: The Banquet

While Ning Xiaochuan was engaged in battle with Sun Haixing, the other four masked members of the Law Enforcement Team stormed into the inn, intent on capturing Yu Ningsheng.

To force Ning Xiaochuan into revealing the cultivation method of the Northern Abyss Divine Art, they had to use Yu Ningsheng as leverage.

Thus, capturing her was imperative.

In the eyes of these four Law Enforcement Team experts, Yu Ningsheng was merely a delicate and defenseless brothel girl—someone they could easily overpower.

Boom!

A flurry of white snowflakes, sharp as blades, shot out from the inn, carrying a biting Freezing Energy that sent one of the Law Enforcement Team members—a Ninth Level of the Divine Body Realm expert—flying out from the second floor and crashing onto the ground.

The other three Law Enforcement Team members paused in shock.

Crash!

Yu Ningsheng transformed into a streak of white light, bursting through the roof tiles and landing atop the inn.

Standing on the ridge of the roof, her long black hair fluttered wildly in the wind like fine silk threads. The veil covering her face obscured her peerless beauty, making her appear ethereal—like a celestial maiden stepping upon rippling waves.

The four Law Enforcement Team members stared up at the white-clad woman, their hearts trembling. So beautiful… No wonder she’s hailed as the "Number One Beauty of the Imperial City."

"Ice and Snow World!"

The temperature in the air plummeted.

Amidst the Fierce Winds, white snowflakes swirled, rapidly blanketing the city district as if winter had descended in an instant.

At some point, an Ice Sword had appeared in Yu Ningsheng’s hand. With a swift thrust, she aimed at one of the Law Enforcement Team members.

Sword Qi sent the snowflakes spiraling into the air like a storm of white pear blossoms.

The four Law Enforcement Team experts quickly steadied their minds and charged forward, determined to subdue her swiftly.

Above the sky, Ning Xiaochuan and Sun Haixing were locked in fierce combat.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Ning Xiaochuan summoned a hundred Sword Qi Shadows, merging them into a colossal dragon of sword energy that surged toward Sun Haixing. The attack shattered Sun Haixing’s Protective Profound Qi Armor, leaving three deep gashes on his body.

Sun Haixing retreated hastily, realizing that fighting in the air put him at a disadvantage against Ning Xiaochuan’s agility.

He swiftly descended on his mystic beast, thrusting his spear toward Yu Ningsheng’s back. As a Transcendent Realm expert, a single strike from him would surely claim her life.

Whoosh!

Ning Xiaochuan activated Rainbow Teleportation, his body transforming into a Rainbow Bridge as he landed behind Yu Ningsheng in an instant. With a palm strike, he slammed against the Ghost-Seeking Soul-Snatching Spear.

Sun Haixing grinned viciously. Fool! Trying to block a Five-Star Mystic Artifact like the Ghost-Seeking Soul-Snatching Spear with bare hands? You’re courting death!

"Stars and Moon Sharing the Sky!"

A torrent of starlight erupted from Ning Xiaochuan’s palm, and within it, a radiant moon shot forth, slashing across Sun Haixing’s chest and leaving a foot-long gash.

Sun Haixing staggered backward, feeling a violent surge of Profound Qi invade his body, wreaking havoc in his Meridians. His blood flow slowed, and his body swayed unsteadily, forcing him to brace himself with his spear.

The other four Law Enforcement Team experts quickly retreated to his side, glaring warily at Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng.

"Retreat!"

Sun Haixing had no idea what was wrong with his body, but he knew Ning Xiaochuan must have done something to him earlier. If the fight continued, not only would he fail to capture Ning Xiaochuan, but he might even lose his life here.

The five of them swiftly retreated, vanishing into the darkness.

Just as Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng were about to pursue them, a series of agonized screams suddenly erupted from the darkness, followed by splashes of crimson blood staining the street.

Something unexpected had happened.

The two of them immediately halted their steps.

From the darkness emerged a group of oddly dressed martial artists—over thirty of them—each with a fierce and menacing appearance, yet their cultivation levels were astonishingly high.

Thud!

Thud!

The five Law Enforcement Team experts who had just retreated were now corpses, dragged out and thrown at Ning Xiaochuan’s feet.

The black iron masks on their faces had been removed, revealing their features.

Ning Xiaochuan’s gaze fixed on one of the corpses, recognizing the man. He had seen him once in the Law Enforcement Hall, standing beside Han Fu—likely one of Han Fu’s trusted subordinates.

So, they really were from the Law Enforcement Team.

Hmph. Han Fu, once we return to the Emperor's Martial Palace, I’ll deal with you slowly. Ning Xiaochuan thought coldly.

While Ning Xiaochuan was examining the corpses, Yu Ningsheng remained vigilant, her eyes locked on the group of ferocious martial artists across from them.

These five masked warriors were no ordinary figures—each was an outstanding individual capable of holding their own. Yet, in just an instant, they had been utterly annihilated.

Who are these people? Why did they kill these five?

White Dragon City had gathered many demonic figures, which made Yu Ningsheng wary. She scrutinized the group before them—they were undoubtedly Demonic Martial Artists.

Even the Demon Sect has gotten involved.

What should we do now?

Her gaze flickered toward Ning Xiaochuan.

Ning Xiaochuan gave her a reassuring look before raising his head to stare at the thirty-plus figures standing opposite them.

At the forefront were three elderly men, all over fifty, their eyes sharp and their temples bulging. Even standing casually, they exuded an overwhelming pressure.

The elder in the center cupped his hands slightly toward Ning Xiaochuan and smiled amiably. "Might the young master across from us be Ning Xiaochuan of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House?"

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "And who are you?"

"This old man is Elder Qiu Xinghui of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao."

Ning Xiaochuan pointed at the five corpses on the ground. "Elder Qiu, what is the meaning of this?"

Elder Qiu stroked his beard and chuckled. "Young Master Ning is the future heir of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House—a figure of the highest status. Since you’ve come to White Dragon City, our Heavenly Annihilation Dao should naturally fulfill our duty as hosts and welcome you properly. Yet, to our surprise, five assassins dared to target you. Their deaths here are nothing but retribution."

Ning Xiaochuan understood now—these five corpses were a "gift" from them.

Since they had presented such a gift, they must have a request.

The question was—were they connected to Elder Han Yue and the others he had met earlier in the day?

Ning Xiaochuan didn’t wish to become too entangled with them, so he said, "Then I must thank Elder Qiu for stepping in to suppress the assassins."

"You needn’t thank me, Young Master Ning. This was merely our Heavenly Annihilation Dao’s duty," Elder Qiu replied, condensing his voice into a thread that directly transmitted into Ning Xiaochuan’s ear. "This was ordered by the Ghost Envoy of the Ghost Manor."

No one else heard these words—only Ning Xiaochuan.

A strange expression flickered across Ning Xiaochuan’s face as he glanced at Elder Qiu.

Elder Qiu gave a slight nod and smiled. "Would Young Master Ning care to visit the Heavenly Annihilation Dao as our guest? We would certainly treat you as an honored visitor."

"Since Elder Qiu has extended such a sincere invitation, how could I refuse? Elder, please lead the way." Ning Xiaochuan had many questions in his mind and intended to seek out Tianchenzi to ask what exactly was going on.

Tianchenzi was none other than the Netherworld Envoy of the Ghost Manor.

Yu Ningsheng naturally noticed that Elder Qiu had secretly transmitted a message to Ning Xiaochuan, though she couldn’t hear its contents.

Ning Xiaochuan followed Elder Qiu into a massive estate—red walls, jade pillars, upturned eaves, and arched bridges over flowing water, all decorated to rival an imperial palace.

Throughout the corridors and courtyards, beautiful maidservants could be seen carrying trays of fruit, wine, and delicacies. Upon spotting Elder Qiu, they immediately knelt. It was clear that Elder Qiu held a high position within the Heavenly Annihilation Dao.

The Heavenly Annihilation Dao was a demonic sect with a thousand-year legacy, deep-rooted and boasting a vast number of followers.

Though all were called "Elders," they were ranked in tiers, their status and martial cultivation vastly differing.

Walking behind Elder Qiu, Ning Xiaochuan remarked, "Elder Qiu, it seems your estate is hosting an important banquet."

Elder Qiu chuckled. "Indeed, this old man was just on his way to invite you, Young Master Ning. This is a personal invitation from our Ninth Lady."

"Who is this Ninth Lady?" Ning Xiaochuan grew even more puzzled.

Elder Qiu played coy. "Heh. You’ll know when you meet her."

The banquet was held in a resplendent hall, with Mystic Stone lamps illuminating all twelve directions, bathing the entire chamber in brilliant light.

Inside, over a hundred guests had already gathered—some resembling scholars, others merchants, and even an old beggar who looked half-dead. Yet without exception, each exuded an extraordinary presence, undoubtedly figures of great influence.

Ning Xiaochuan thought to himself, These people must either be family heads of major clans or sect leaders.

He scanned the hall but didn’t spot Tianchenzi. Where is that old fox hiding now?

As Elder Qiu entered the grand hall, the gazes of all the powerful figures present turned toward Ning Xiaochuan, followed by hushed whispers.

"The Ninth Lady truly has her ways—she actually managed to get Ning Xiaochuan to come!"

"Ning Xiaochuan is the most sought-after figure in the world right now. Rumor has it the Master of the Martial Palace has already passed the Imperial Authority Token to him. He might very well succeed him as the next ruler of the Emperor’s Martial Palace."

"If the Ninth Lady can tie Ning Xiaochuan to her cause, her chances of becoming the new leader of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao will be even greater."

"A mere brat still wet behind the ears. Any random expert from the Demon Sect could beat him to a pulp." A woman wearing a jade conch necklace let out a cold snort, her eyes filled with disdain.

Ning Xiaochuan glanced toward the left corner and saw an exquisite figure dressed in dark green robes, her long black hair cascading down her back. A string of jade conches hung around her neck as she sat alone, drinking, not even sparing him a glance.

None of the martial artists in the hall had noticed her presence until now, only realizing at this moment that such a person had appeared.

Her face was oval and flawless, with delicate lashes and bright, round eyes that carried a seductive allure. The neckline of her dress plunged low, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of snowy-white cleavage and the full curves of her jade-like peaks, as if threatening to spill out of her garments.

How could such a sensually alluring woman have gone unnoticed until now?

When had she even entered the hall?

The martial arts experts in the hall were no virtuous lot—their eyes locked onto her like wolves spotting a lamb, tongues lightly licking their lips as if eager to devour her whole.