Blood River

The next day.

As the sun set in the west.

"Let's go, it's time for the banquet," Su Changhe said, fastening a mask with an eerie smiling face onto his own.

Su Muyu frowned. "You're really going to pose as my attendant?"

"Actually, all these years, I've always been your attendant, haven't I? Hahaha. Don't you think so?" Su Changhe retrieved a long case from behind him. He opened it to reveal a neat row of paper umbrellas inside. He pulled one out and tossed it to Su Muyu.

Su Muyu gave a bitter smile. "Why did you prepare so many?"

"This time, we're dealing with the Tang Sect—naturally, we can't take it lightly." Su Changhe adjusted his mask and turned to Su Muyu and Mu Yumo. "Let's go. Time for the banquet."

The Golden Tower.

The Golden Tower was the most extravagant restaurant in Jincheng. True to its name, the entire exterior of the building was coated in gold lacquer. Under the dim glow of the lanterns lining the night streets, it appeared even more opulent and gilded. Su Muyu walked ahead with the paper umbrella on his back, while Mu Yumo and Su Changhe followed behind.

Yet the moment Su Muyu and Mu Yumo stepped into the building, all eyes in the room were drawn to them. After all, they were Dark River's most handsome man and most beautiful woman. No matter how they tried to conceal themselves, their presence was dazzling wherever they went. Only Su Changhe lingered leisurely at the back, observing them—and the expressions of those around them. Beneath that smiling mask, there was undoubtedly another smirk playing on his lips.

Soon, a Tang Sect disciple emerged to guide the three of them upstairs. At the top of the Golden Tower, in a private room named "Elegance View," Tang Lingkui sat waiting before a table laden with dishes and several jars of wine. Behind him stood Tang Lingluo and a group of Tang Sect disciples.

As Su Muyu and the others entered Elegance View, the Tang Sect disciples tensed up, their gazes locked onto the newcomers.

Umbrella Ghost Su Muyu—not only was this the name of a top-tier assassin, but it was also the moniker of Dark River's most feared Puppet, the one who had once struck terror into the hearts of the Demon Sect. It was said that he had played the most crucial role in the assassination of Ye Dingzhi.

Su Muyu took his seat and looked calmly at Tang Lingkui. "The ways of the world are truly amusing. Just days ago, the Tang Sect's leader sought my life, yet today, you've invited me to a banquet here."

Tang Lingkui chuckled. "What of it? Just as no one expected Dark River to aid us during the Demon Sect's eastern campaign years ago. Sometimes, enemies and friends are separated by just a single thought."

Su Muyu smiled faintly. "Can those who come together for mutual benefit truly be called friends?"

A young Tang Sect disciple beside him poured a cup of wine for Su Muyu. Su Muyu glanced at him, accepted the cup, and drank it in one go. Then, he paused slightly. "This wine is excellent."

"This wine is called 'Tai Xuan.' It's said to have been brewed by the Sword Immortal during his travels in Jincheng. It's the finest wine our city has to offer," the disciple replied with a bow.

Su Muyu extended his cup. "Then I'll trouble you for another."

"As the head of the Su Family commands," the disciple replied respectfully, pouring another cup.

"I invited The Head to join us for this banquet in my letter," Tang Lingkui said solemnly. "But it seems he has not come."Su Muyu said calmly, "Elder Tang, how did you confirm that The Head has also entered Jin City?"

Tang Lingkui slightly raised his head, "Everyone knows that the current Dark River Grand Master and the Su Family head are inseparable. Moreover, for a major event like forming an alliance with the Tang Sect, even the Su Family head alone probably couldn't handle it, could he?"

"Alone? Our Mu Family head came too, only to nearly die at the hands of your Tang Sect." A trace of hostility flashed in Su Muyu's eyes.

"Just a misunderstanding," Tang Lingkui poured a cup of wine. "Let's discuss today's main business."

"Main business," Su Changhe suddenly spoke up. "Elder Tang is certainly direct."

Tang Lingkui coughed lightly, "And you are?"

"Su Qiancheng of the Su Family, greetings to Elder Tang," Su Changhe said with a smile.

"A name I haven't heard before," Tang Lingkui remarked quietly.

"Just an insignificant nobody," Su Changhe replied.

"If you're a nobody, then don't speak," Tang Lingluo said sharply.

"Audacious!" Mu Yumo shouted, her purple robes fluttering as countless black spiders crawled in through the windows, surrounding everyone.

"Spider Woman—now that's a name that rings like thunder," Tang Lingkui continued drinking calmly.

"Yumo," Su Muyu called softly.

Mu Yumo snorted coldly and flicked her sleeve, causing the spiders to retreat.

Su Muyu lightly tapped the table with his fingers, "Where has Tang Linghuang gone?"

Tang Lingkui smiled, "The Su Family head is as direct as I am."

"That is an answer I must know," Su Muyu replied.

Tang Lingkui narrowed his eyes, "Where Tang Linghuang has gone, I truly cannot tell the Su Family head. But one thing I can say—he will not appear again. Now, within the Tang Sect, only we are qualified to negotiate with you."

"You?" Su Muyu raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Us—the Four Heroes of Tang Clan, the Four Heroes excluding Tang Linghuang," Tang Lingkui said.

Su Muyu tapped the table lightly. After three taps, the wine cup beside him suddenly shattered. He lifted his head, "In that case, I see no need for this negotiation."

Tang Lingkui frowned slightly, "Does the Su Family head believe we, the Four Heroes of Tang Clan, are unworthy of negotiating with you?"

Su Muyu stood up, "To discuss this matter, the sincerity shown in this banquet is insufficient. Thus, I see no point in continuing."

Tang Lingkui stroked his chin, "Sincerity?"

"At the very least, when we meet next, I hope to see our Dark River's Poison Flower before me," Su Muyu turned to leave. At the door, he glanced back slightly, "And a more... candid encounter."

Tang Lingkui said gravely, "We haven't even begun formal discussions, yet the Su Family head is already making demands."

"But isn't that how Dark River operates? We are an organization driven by profit. Without seeing the benefits, why would we reveal our hand?" Su Muyu said indifferently. "How many from Dark River do you think have entered Jin City? Thirty, fifty, or a hundred?"

Su Changhe drew a sharp breath, "A threat—this is a threat."

"Let's go," Su Muyu pushed the door open and walked out.Su Changhe glanced at the table full of dishes and took a step forward. "I've long heard that Jin City's cuisine ranks among the top three in Northern Li, and this Golden Tower is among Jin City's top three establishments. And this... this whole table of delicacies. I'd love to take a bite." But as he picked up his chopsticks, he suddenly realized, "Ah, what a pity I'm wearing a mask today. I'll have to come back another time, another time. What a shame indeed."