Willow Willow, clad in robes as white as snow, possessed an irresistible, handsome charm. After coldly and efficiently completing a task, her subordinates bowed their heads in submission. "Yes, Master. Everything is at your command."
Two days later, the wind was gentle, the sun shone brightly, and the sky was high and clear, with sparse clouds drifting across the firmament.
Willow Willow led Dai Mei, Duan Mu, along with her concubine Zhi Gu, and the eccentric Wu Lang Jun, heading towards Black Wind City.
Black Wind City was not too far from the capital, but not close either. If one traveled diligently, it could be reached in a few days.
Along the way, they saw many people with swords at their waists, galloping on horseback, appearing to be heading to the martial arts convention in Black Wind City.
It seemed that this martial arts convention in Black Wind City would be exceptionally lively. A smile flickered across Willow Willow's lips, yet it was as cold as frost. Had she finally remembered who the person in Wangyue Teahouse was?
Zhan Yun, the Martial Alliance Leader Zhan Yun. No wonder the name had felt peculiar at the time. It turned out to be the renowned Zhan Yun. She hadn't expected the world-famous Young Master Zhan Yun to favor men. This was truly scandalous, but hadn't he just married?
It must be quite tragic to be his wife.
Willow Willow pulled the reins, spurred her horse with her legs, and the horse neighed and bolted forward. Her four subordinates followed her like shadows, all heading towards Black Wind City.
Black Wind City was bustling with activity. Shops lined both sides of the streets, with numerous brothels, pleasure houses, embroidery shops, and tea houses. People of all sorts weaved through them, each either carrying a saber or a sword, yet an atmosphere of peace prevailed everywhere.
This was thanks to the governance of the Martial Alliance Leader Zhan Yun, which kept Black Wind City orderly. Even with the large number of martial artists, there was no disarray or clamor.
On the night of the full moon, moonlight poured down like water, and colorful fireworks filled the sky, mingled with the sounds of lively and festive conversations. These emanated from the most famous establishment in Black Wind City, Qinglian Mountain Villa, where Martial Alliance Leader Zhan Yun was hosting a grand banquet for his guests.
In the garden, flowers of myriad colors, bathed in moonlight, converged into a brilliant sea of blooms. A gentle night breeze rustled through, setting the flower shadows dancing, and the moonlight cast its captivating spell.
A clear and tranquil lake encircled the mountain villa. The fireworks reflected on the rippling water, creating a shimmering expanse. Soft music and graceful dances filled the air, with the sounds of flutes and strings never ceasing.
Just as everyone was enjoying the lively festivities, a colorful sedan chair suddenly appeared in the sky, kicking up dust as it approached. A light breeze passed, carrying a delicate fragrance. Wherever the sedan chair traveled, flowers were scattered, creating a rain of petals that startled the banquet guests.
Everyone looked up at the colorful sedan chair in the air. Seven-colored ribbons fluttered as the sedan chair slowly descended, coming to rest in a clearing. Only then did the crowd regain their senses, whispering amongst themselves, "Who is this? Such grandeur, I've never heard of them."
Dai Mei and Duan Mu stood on either side of the sedan chair. Dai Mei reached out and lifted the curtain, saying respectfully, "Master, we have arrived."
Willow Willow, with a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, stepped out of the sedan chair. Her eyes, however, were sharp as knives. She generally disliked such ostentatious displays, but to enhance the reputation of Seven Star Tower, she would indulge in them occasionally. She swept her gaze across the martial artists, who had stopped their revelry to observe.
Sunlight pierced through the crowd, falling upon the man seated in the high seat. Today, he wore a brocade blue robe, with beauties flanking him. A jade-like handsome face flickered with smug satisfaction. His eyes, as dark as ink, now provocatively gazed at them, waiting to see the spectacle unfold without uttering a word.
Indeed, seeing the Martial Alliance Leader remain silent, some people assumed this was merely a ploy by some unknown figures.
Angered by these few daring to be so ostentatious and provocative, someone stood up, cursing and pointing at Willow Willow. This woman was too beautiful, and even her subordinates were handsome and attractive, which stirred envy and covetousness.
"Who are you all, putting on such a grand show? Don't you even recognize Alliance Leader Zhan? Today, I, your humble servant, will teach you a lesson!"
The speaker was a man of five feet, portly and stout. As he moved, his muscles rippled, and his forehead was beaded with sweat.
Willow Willow merely smiled, remaining silent. Dai Mei stepped forward, her voice bewitching and captivating. "Our Seven Star Tower Master has come to pay respects to Alliance Leader Zhan. May we ask Alliance Leader Zhan, is this how guests are received? Shouldn't at least someone more presentable be chosen to challenge us?"
Upon hearing this, the refined guests erupted in an uproar. Many cast disdainful and contemptuous glances, clearly disbelieving Dai Mei's words. Seven Star Tower? They exchanged inquiries, having never heard of such a place.
It seemed like another trick by some unknown individuals. The stout man who was walking towards Dai Mei had been captivated by her beauty moments ago. Now, upon hearing Dai Mei's words, his round, fatty face turned red, and he snorted in displeasure.
"Such big talk! Today, let me, Old Zhu, try your Seven Star Tower people!"
As he finished speaking, he lunged towards Dai Mei. Dai Mei sidestepped, evading him, and let out a hearty laugh. Her laughter was infused with internal energy, shaking people's eardrums. Many sects were startled, daring not to underestimate her.
They were surprised that such a young and beautiful woman possessed such profound internal energy, let alone her master. It seemed the Seven Star Tower had come prepared, and they should proceed with caution. As Dai Mei's charming laughter ended, her voice, like tinkling silver bells, rang out.
"Old Zhu, are you sure you can spar?"
As soon as Dai Mei finished speaking, Old Zhu felt a tightness in his chest and a discomfort, causing him to collapse onto the ground with a thud, gasping for breath as he pointed at Dai Mei. "What did you do to me?"
"What a dullard. If I wanted to harm you, you would already be dead, wouldn't you? You've been given the Three Smiles Soul Severing Incense. Just stay quiet."
As Dai Mei finished speaking, the people at the banquet seemed to explode. Three Smiles Soul Severing Incense. They had heard of it before; it was the signature technique of the infamous Poison Lady from twenty years ago, "Three Smiles Severing Souls." They hadn't expected this woman to know such a wicked, captivating incense.
Immediately, many people circulated their inner energy, their expressions changing dramatically, their faces turning pale. Clearly, they knew they had been poisoned. Some with strong foundations and deep internal energy began to focus their efforts on expelling the poison.
As for those with lower martial arts skills, they were in a panic, looking towards the Martial Alliance Leader Zhan Yun, who sat on the high seat.
Zhan Yun moved, standing tall like a deity. A glint of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes, and a cruel smile played on his lips. It seemed this Qi Ye had come prepared, but who would have the last laugh was yet to be determined.
He cupped his fists, his voice like a gust of wind, calm and restrained. "So, it is the Master of Seven Star Tower, Qi Ye. I've heard much about you. Guests are welcome. Someone, arrange a seat for the Master."
Following Zhan Yun's words, a line of beautiful maids emerged from the side, quickly setting up a table. It was a prime seat, and no one dared to speak further.
Only those who considered themselves righteous sects showed disdain, muttering softly. It seemed Seven Star Tower was not a good place either. These fellows looked like evil beings, not of their ilk.
Willow Willow, dressed in white, her eyes like dazzling gems under the moonlight, shone brightly. Her graceful posture was like a jade tree in the wind, exceptionally handsome. Her gaze casually swept across the banquet.
The young ladies from the righteous sects couldn't help but blush and their hearts raced. Gently clasping their jade hands, they thought, Young Master Qi Ye is so handsome, and so arrogant and untamed, with an air of refined charm.
Willow Willow smiled elegantly and waved her hand. Dai Mei unfurled her body, her long sleeves dancing. Her figure, like a delicate butterfly, swept through the air, carrying with it waves of floral fragrance. The guests felt refreshed, realizing that the Three Smiles Soul Severing Powder had been dispelled. Their purpose had been achieved; there was no need to take lives.
After today, the martial world would have a new presence: Seven Star Tower. Willow Willow strode towards the table, and her companions sat down after their master.
The sounds of flutes and strings began again, and the singing girls danced gracefully. However, everyone's mood was somewhat heavy. There was no longer the previous atmosphere of drinking heartily and laughing loudly.
Having just narrowly escaped death, everyone was left with a lingering fear. However, not everyone had been affected by the Three Smiles Soul Severing Powder. At least, the man seated in the high seat had not been affected, suggesting that those with deep internal energy and strong resolve were largely immune.