Chapter 37 - The Banquet of Hidden Daggers
Wang Li sat in his courtyard, staring at the slip of jade in his hand. The invitation from the Azure Sky Sect had arrived earlier that morning, its golden inscription glowing faintly under the sunlight.
A banquet in honor of the visiting sect? It sounded harmless on the surface, but he knew better. In the world of cultivation, a simple meal could be deadlier than a battlefield.
Mu Qingling leaned over his shoulder, reading it aloud. "You are cordially invited to the Grand Banquet of Harmony, held in the Celestial Lotus Pavilion at sundown." She scoffed. "They could've just said, 'Come and get schemed against.'"
Lin Ruoyan, who was sharpening her blade nearby, smirked. "That's exactly what it means. You'll be walking into a nest of tigers."
Feng Yuling, sipping tea at the table, nodded. "And yet, refusing the invitation would be even worse. It would signal weakness—or worse, guilt."
Wang Li sighed. "So, I'm trapped either way?"
"Basically," Mu Qingling said cheerfully. "But don't worry! We'll be there to watch your back."
"Unless you say something stupid," Lin Ruoyan added. "Then you're on your own."
Wang Li rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the support."
He had no choice. If the Sect Master wanted him to be the 'unusual representative,' he would play the role—carefully.
---
The Banquet Begins
The Celestial Lotus Pavilion was breathtaking. Golden lanterns floated in the air, casting a soft glow over the courtyard. Elegant music played in the background, and dozens of high-ranking disciples from both sects filled the space, their robes shimmering with spiritual energy.
Wang Li entered, flanked by Mu Qingling and Lin Ruoyan. Feng Yuling had chosen to watch from the shadows, as always.
The moment they stepped inside, eyes turned toward them. Whispers followed.
"Is that him?"
"The one who survived against Senior Brother Jian?"
"I heard he's the Sect Master's new pawn."
Wang Li pretended not to hear any of it. He had learned that confidence was a cultivator's best armor. Instead, he studied the crowd.
At the center of the pavilion sat the delegation from the Azure Sky Sect. Their leader, a handsome young man dressed in sky-blue robes, raised a cup toward Wang Li.
"Welcome, Brother Wang. We have heard much about you."
Wang Li smiled politely. "Only good things, I hope?"
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The young man chuckled. "That depends on who you ask."
Mu Qingling nudged Wang Li. "That's Bai Ziyan, Azure Sky Sect's top inner disciple. He's known for his swordsmanship and... let's say, political maneuvering."
"Wonderful," Wang Li muttered.
The banquet proceeded smoothly—at first. Dishes made from rare spiritual beasts were served, and wine that strengthened qi flowed freely. Wang Li remained alert, barely sipping his drink. He had the distinct feeling that tonight was not just about pleasantries.
His suspicion was confirmed when Bai Ziyan stood and clapped his hands.
"Since we have gathered in good spirit, why don't we make the evening more interesting?" His eyes gleamed as he turned toward Wang Li. "I hear you are quite talented, Brother Wang. Would you care to demonstrate?"
Silence fell over the crowd.
Wang Li set down his cup slowly. Here it is.
Mu Qingling whispered, "You don't have to do this. He's setting you up."
Lin Ruoyan added, "But refusing might make you look worse."
Feng Yuling, still unseen, sent a voice transmission to him. Choose your battle wisely. If you accept, dictate the terms.
Wang Li smiled. "I wouldn't want to ruin the mood by fighting."
Bai Ziyan chuckled. "Oh, no need for a fight. A simple test of skill. How about a friendly challenge? A game of spiritual control?"
A flick of his fingers, and a small orb of water condensed above his palm, rotating with precise movements. "Whoever maintains their control longest without breaking concentration wins."
Wang Li's mind raced. A test of spiritual control? He had trained in refining his qi flow, but Bai Ziyan was an expert. If he played into the game unprepared, he could be humiliated.
Then, an idea formed.
He smirked. "Alright, but let's make it more fun." He flicked his own fingers, and instead of a simple water orb, he condensed a sphere of fire—unstable, flickering, wild. "Let's see who can keep their element from collapsing first."
The crowd murmured. A fire and water contest? Bai Ziyan's expression flickered for a brief moment before he smiled. "Interesting. Very well."
---
The Trial of Control
The two of them sat across from each other, their spiritual energy radiating from their bodies. The orbs of fire and water hovered between them.
Bai Ziyan's water remained steady, clear, and controlled. Wang Li's fire flickered chaotically at first—but that was exactly what he wanted.
He wasn't going to play Bai Ziyan's game. He was going to rewrite the rules.
Instead of forcing stability, Wang Li embraced the fire's natural movement, letting it shift, twist, and dance. He guided it, not suppressed it.
Minutes passed. Sweat appeared on Bai Ziyan's brow as he maintained his perfect water sphere. His control was flawless—but too rigid.
Then, Wang Li made his move.
With a sharp breath, he sent a pulse of energy into his flame, making it coil around Bai Ziyan's water sphere like a serpent. The heat pressed in, forcing the water's surface to waver.
Bai Ziyan's eyes widened. He tried to compensate, to keep his water pure—but it was too late. A single crack appeared in the form. Then another.
A moment later, his sphere collapsed into steam.
The crowd gasped.
Wang Li flicked his fingers, and his flame gently disappeared. He leaned back with a grin. "Oops."
Bai Ziyan forced a smile, though his expression was tense. "Well played, Brother Wang."
The Sect Master of the Azure Sky Sect, who had been watching quietly, chuckled. "It seems your reputation is well earned."
The tension in the room shifted. Bai Ziyan had tried to trap Wang Li in a battle of skill, but instead, Wang Li had turned the battle into a lesson.
Mu Qingling barely contained her laughter. Lin Ruoyan smirked approvingly. Even Feng Yuling, still hidden, sent a silent nod of approval.
The banquet continued, but Wang Li knew the real battle had only just begun.