Within the Hanyan Palace, in a side hall. Two women in cyan robes stood within the empty hall.

Originally, there were two rows of seats in this hall. But when the two women entered, the guards present cleared away all those seats right before their eyes, leaving them no choice but to wait standing.

Then they waited, from early morning all the way until noon, yet still, the Marquis’s figure did not appear. Xuan Yunlan looked up at the sky with an expression of helplessness.

Beside her was that Mother Zhang from that day, whose full name was Zhang Xin. At the Jingyun Ya, she served as the madam.

Yet, she herself was a powerhouse at the Martial Ancestor realm, holding no weak position in the Outer Sect of the Light Sound Sect. At this moment, she was grinding her teeth in fury: “This City Lord of Qiantian Mountain truly possesses an immense air of authority!

Although our Light Sound Sect does not occupy the Sacred Land Lingfu, it is not without the strength to do so. After we announced our names, he actually dared to treat us with such contempt and neglect!” However, when she reached this point, a trace of hesitation still flickered across Zhang Xin’s face: “Junior Sister, are you truly certain that the young man from that day is the new City Lord of Qiantian City?

The ruler of a nation, the hegemon of the Eastern Lin West Continent—how could he possibly arrive at our Jingyun Ya Tower accompanied only by two maids at the Innate Realm?” “It should be correct.” Xuan Yunlan glanced across the hall, utterly devoid of even a single seat, and let out a bitter laugh: “His age is about right, just as the rumors suggested, possessing neither True Qi nor spiritual energy. As for the two maids by his side, Senior Sister Zhang, have you ever heard of Ruoshui?

This woman possesses both Shadow Fox and Celestial Fox bloodlines, and her specialty is concealing cultivation. If she deliberately hides it, others absolutely cannot detect it.

As for why this other one came to Jingyun Ya Tower, how would I know? Perhaps he truly possesses the ability to fight a Black Tortoise Grandmaster and thus fears no assassination.” “Based on him?

Absolutely impossible!” Zhang Xin directly pursed her lips. Recalling the youth who couldn’t even evade a basin of water, she couldn't help but shake her head dismissively.

Then, a look of worry crossed her face: “Junior Sister, if it really is him, then this is truly troublesome…” Xuan Yunlan also wore a look of helplessness. If it were any other power, it would be manageable, but Qiantian Mountain City, precisely, held formidable influence in the mortal world.

On this Eastern Lin Cloud Continent, they had the power to crush the Light Sound Sect. Unless they deployed a powerhouse at the Seventh Tier realm, there was simply no way to deal with them.

And even if they reached the level above the Celestial Stage Sun Roamer, Qiantian City probably wouldn't need to pay heed. Although the number of Celestial Stage powerhouses produced by the Demon Race over the years was fewer than that of the Human Race, they were far more united.

Normally restrained by the power of the various Sects, they did not interfere in worldly affairs. But once a Celestial Stage powerhouse attacked the Demon Race forces, they would certainly retaliate regardless of the cost.

Matters concerning the survival of an entire race were the most unforgiving. Furthermore, the Cangsheng Dao was regarded as an unorthodox sect, disliked even by the righteous sects.

What’s more, the reason presented by this City Lord of Qiantian was unimpeachably just. It was open and above board; there was absolutely no pretext that could be exploited.

Sighing inwardly, Xuan Yunlan wished to retreat and avoid this suffocating atmosphere. But the thought of the women surrounding the outside of Jingyun Ya Tower brought on a fresh wave of headache.

Even returning would not bring peace. The incessant, chattering curses were like the chirping of hundreds of thousands of sparrows, making true serenity impossible.

She couldn't help but grumble internally: this new lord of Qiantian Mountain was truly too petty. Over there, Zhang Xin’s expression was equally grim.

Her eyes shifted, suddenly flashing with ferocity, then suddenly revealing helplessness. It was merely splashing a basin of water, not intentional harm—was such a massive display truly necessary?

Recalling the edict that spoke of an evildoer indulging in debauchery, engaging in public obscenity, utterly despicable and unsightly, she felt a suffocating tightness in her chest. The elegant reputation she had spent years establishing in Qiantian Mountain City was now utterly ruined.

If this City Lord was indeed that person from that night, fine. If he was not, she would definitely flay Hu Zhongyuan alive!

As she contemplated this, Zhang Xin’s ears twitched slightly, catching a sound. Then, moments later, a youth swaggered in, accompanied by a delicately pretty maid, entering the hall.

Following them, several guards reappeared, carrying a grand golden chair to the upper position. Zhang Xin’s gaze immediately sharpened, her eyes flashing with raging fury: “It really is you!” Yet, a slight shock rippled through her chest.

She didn't know why, but the feeling emanating from the Marquis today was entirely different from that night; there was an indefinable aura about him. Zong Shou smiled, sitting down on the golden chair with an air of confidence.

The chair was actually quite uncomfortable, designed only for show. Zong Shou, however, reveled in it.

As if he hadn't heard Zhang Xin’s words, he asked slowly and deliberately, “You are people of the Light Sound Sect. What business do you have with this City Lord?

Keep it brief; I manage countless affairs daily and have little time to spare for you.” Zhang Xin’s forehead immediately twitched, her chest nearly exploding with anger. Xuan Yunlan, however, smiled slightly, elegantly curtsying with a graceful bow: “Light Sound Sect’s Xuan Yunlan pays her respects to the Sovereign.

We are here for two reasons: first, to offer an apology; second, regarding the Ten-Mile Fragrant Alley—the women there are all in dire straits with no way out. Yunlan begs the Sovereign to rescind the order.” “An apology?

Why apologize? You haven’t offended me.” Zong Shou looked genuinely bewildered, then his expression shifted to feigned anger: “Closing the Ten-Mile Fragrant Alley is a major policy of Qiantian City and will absolutely not be changed easily!

While those women are pitiful, if the moral character of the citizens of Qiantian Mountain City changes because of it, leading to the demise of our city and nation in the future, who will pity us Qiantian clansmen? Does your Light Sound Sect perhaps wish to interfere with the governance of Qiantian Mountain City!” Her expression, which had been relatively calm moments before, suddenly erupted in thunderous rage.

It caused the breath of the two women in the hall to catch, leaving them speechless. Chu Xue, standing beside them, secretly chuckled; her young master was putting on an act again.

Xuan Yunlan felt helpless, but a brilliant smile bloomed on her face. Her already incomparably moving beautiful face and figure suddenly seemed even more breathtaking.

“The events of that night, it was our Jingyun Ya Tower that erred. The Sovereign is a magnanimous person and surely will not press the matter.

Please, for the sake of Yunlan’s countenance, spare the Ten-Mile Fragrant Alley?” Her eyes seemed to glow, dazzling and captivating, stirring the heart and soul. Chu Xue only glanced once before her expression went blank, stunned.

Just as she was about to instinctively say yes, she heard a cold sneer: “For your countenance? What do you think you are?

Why should I value your face? With the skill you’ve honed in the pleasure quarter for selling smiles, it’s probably not enough.” His voice carried as if it were a massive hammer striking deep into Chu Xue’s soul, jolting her awake instantly.

The illusion vanished, and the scene before her returned to its previous appearance. And Xuan Yunlan retreated a step further, her face suddenly flushing red, then turning pale.

Guilt and shame were already in her heart; this was the first time she had used the Seduction Art of the Light Sound Sect. And her first target was a mere fourteen-year-old youth.

But now, there was more shock. This young Demon King was not only unaffected by her technique but had dismantled it with a single remark.

His words felt like sharp swords piercing directly into her core. Then, Zong Shou stood up and began to pace toward her.

“You dare use a demonic enchantment technique against this King? You truly have audacity!” With a slight flick of his sleeve behind him, the guards understood and carried two wooden basins from outside the hall.

Zhang Xin glanced over and saw that they were filled only with clear water. First came shock, then immediate realization, and her eyes instantly flew wide open: “You dare!

Brat, you must know, within three steps, blood can be spilled!” Her right hand gripped her sword, and a faint sword intent immediately rose. With no other powerful experts present, she could subdue this detestable youth in just three breaths.

But in the next instant, a power ten, perhaps a hundred times more formidable than the True Qi within her body suddenly surged and suppressed everything. The condensed sword intent was forcibly shattered.

Her hand gripped the sword hilt, but she could not draw the blade out. Furthermore, she bore a crushing pressure equivalent to millions of pounds, and her feet were instantly pressed two inches into the ground.

The bones throughout her body were audibly cracking. “This power far exceeds the peak of the Black Tortoise realm—could it be Celestial Stage?” Zhang Xin subconsciously assumed that a Celestial Stage expert nearby had made a move.

In the next moment, she realized something was wrong. Faintly discerning the source of this suppressive force, the focus in her eyes instantly blurred.

Under the immense pressure, her vision was filled with red dots; she could no longer see clearly. She could only vaguely sense a sword intent opposite her, an intent hundreds of times more potent and refined than her own, hovering right before her eyes.

If he pushed forward just a fraction more, he could completely obliterate her Nascent Soul and physical body. And in that direction stood only one person—Zong Shou!

Xuan Yunlan also found herself immobilized, her breath suddenly becoming heavy. With her peak Martial Ancestor martial arts, her situation was only slightly better than Zhang Xin’s.

Sword intent enveloped her, consolidating the might of an entire nation—this was the Kingly Secret Martial Art! Those rumors circulating in the world were largely true!

This young Demon King truly possessed a spirit-communicating sword intent. For a moment, she didn't know how to react—she had been bold enough to use a seductive charm technique in front of such a powerhouse!

“This King is not an unreasonable person. Today, returning your own method upon you will suffice!” Zong Shou’s expression was cold, smiling without any warmth.

He casually picked up one wooden basin, poured out the water, and drenched Zhang Xin’s head. Then, he tipped the other basin directly over Xuan Yunlan’s head.

The water spilled down, soaking the woman completely until she was drenched from head to toe. Only then did he toss the basin aside, dust off his hands, and return to sit upon the golden chair.

As the oppressive force was withdrawn, his expression smoothed back into a gentle smile, as if the previous events had never occurred. The moment Zhang Xin regained movement, she drew her sword with a ‘swish,’ gritting her teeth so hard her lips nearly bled.

But when she met Zong Shou’s gaze, which still held a hint of icy coldness, her heart gave a sharp jolt. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her; all thoughts of retaliation quickly melted away.

She knew that here, this newly appointed Demon King of Qiantian could likely crush them with a single finger! Xuan Yunlan also trembled with suppressed fury, her delicate body shaking.

Her face was ashen as she said through gritted teeth, “For the humiliation inflicted today, is the Sovereign not afraid of retaliation from my Light Sound Sect?” Upon hearing this, Zong Shou offered a half-smile, the sharpness in his eyes seeming capable of piercing through everything: “Nothing more than a battle. Why should this King fear it?” (To be continued)