Chapter 1844: Purple Xuan Strikes Back

"Brother Dao, no matter what happens later, there's no need for you to intervene; just observe." Lu Ye instructed. Mangdang had a somewhat fiery temper, and although his background meant he wasn't afraid of Purple Jade Island, Lu Ye didn't want him to get into trouble because of his own affairs. Years ago, Lu Ye had saved Mangdang's life. After learning about the predicament of Three Realms Island, Mangdang immediately decided to establish a branch of the Five Colors Chamber of Commerce there to help them resolve their issues. Just moments ago, he had even offered to help Lu Ye fight his way out of the encirclement, demonstrating his strong sense of loyalty and friendship.

Mangdang nodded. "I understand." He then turned and glared ferociously at a nearby demoness attendant. "Pour the wine quickly! Can't you see I'm having a pleasant conversation with my brother?" His spittle nearly sprayed onto her face. The demoness attendant's face paled, and she hastily poured the wine.

Guests continued to arrive, and the tables gradually filled with Moonfall cultivators from various spirit islands. However, Lu Ye had only seen Hu Guang from Purple Jade Island's Moonfall cultivators so far; he hadn't spotted anyone else.

Apart from the demoness attendants serving by the side, all the cultivators present were in the late Moonfall stage. Only Lu Ye, being in the mid-Moonfall stage, stood out conspicuously. Several tables opposite Lu Ye were empty; he surmised these were reserved for the island's Moonfall cultivators. As for the large seat at the far end to his left, it was likely the Grand Island Lord of Purple Jade Island's position.

Another guest arrived, personally escorted by Hu Guang. Lu Ye turned his head and immediately spotted a familiar face. The person walked alongside Hu Guang, chatting and laughing, seemingly in good spirits. As they arrived, he happened to look towards Lu Ye.

Their eyes met. Lu Ye narrowed his eyes slightly, while the other person, smiling broadly, walked directly over and stood before him. "Isn't this Fellow Daoist Lu from Three Realms Island? It's been a long time," he said.

The newcomer's cultivation wasn't high, only at the early Moonfall stage, yet his identity was one no cultivator present could ignore. It was Yuan Cheng! Sharing the same surname as Yuan Du and serving under him, many speculated that Yuan Cheng was Yuan Du's descendant, though no one knew for sure.

What was undeniable was that Yuan Cheng essentially acted as Yuan Du's external spokesman and representative. This was because many matters were inconvenient for Yuan Du, as a Sun Gazer, to handle in person. For example, receiving visits from spirit islands—these were all managed by Yuan Cheng. When Lu Ye was pursuing Yu Huan back then, Yuan Cheng had jumped out to obstruct him, pleading with Lu Ye to spare Yu Huan. However, Lu Ye was unmoved and still intended to deliver the killing blow, which forced the hidden Yuan Du to appear in person. Ultimately, he still couldn't save Yu Huan's life.

Given Yuan Du's involvement in this matter concerning Purple Jade Island, Yuan Cheng's presence here was unsurprising. Back then, Yuan Cheng was only at the Star Gazer cultivation level, but he had now advanced to Moonfall. However, judging by his spirit energy fluctuations, he likely hadn't been promoted long ago.

Lu Ye didn't even lift his head, simply drinking his wine. A nearby demoness attendant offered him a berry, which Lu Ye ate. Yuan Cheng's face twitched slightly. He immediately regretted intentionally coming over to show off in front of Lu Ye. Being ignored in such a public setting was, after all, a loss of face. He gritted his teeth and said, "Is Fellow Daoist's hearing perhaps not so keen?"

Lu Ye still couldn't be bothered to respond. Instead, Mangdang suddenly splashed the wine from his cup forward and glared, "Where did this blind fool come from, blabbering on? Get lost!"

Yuan Cheng had never expected Mangdang to suddenly lash out. Drenched by a cup of wine, his face turned alternating shades of green and red. Considering Yuan Du stood behind him, who in the Myriad Manifestations Sea wouldn't give him some respect? If it had been another Moonfall cultivator who dared to humiliate him like this, he certainly wouldn't have let it go. But Mangdang came from the Five Colors Domain and truly wasn't afraid of Yuan Du. Moreover, he hadn't actually attacked Yuan Cheng, so Yuan Du naturally wouldn't hold him accountable for such a minor incident.

Just as Yuan Cheng felt awkward and enraged, Hu Guang stepped forward. "Fellow Daoist Mangdang, please don't shout so loudly; it's quite startling. Fellow Daoist Yuan, please come this way. Fellow Daoist Mangdang is likely a bit tipsy from too much wine. I, Hu, apologize on our island's behalf for the poor hospitality." With that, he pulled Yuan Cheng away.

Yuan Cheng also knew it was not a good idea to make a scene. With a livid face, he went with the flow and sat down directly opposite Lu Ye, at the foremost position on the right. He couldn't glare at Mangdang, as he was less powerful and Mangdang wasn't afraid of him. He could only accept his bad luck, comforting himself that it was just like being bitten by a mad dog. Instead, he glared fiercely at Lu Ye opposite him, looking as if he wanted to devour him.

Across from him, as Lu Ye observed the seating arrangement Purple Jade Island had made for Yuan Cheng, he knew the main event was about to begin. With him and Yuan Cheng seated at the highest positions on opposite sides, it was clearly a deliberate arrangement by Purple Jade Island. In this drama, he was the protagonist, while Yuan Cheng was there representing Yuan Du to watch the show.

After Yuan Cheng took his seat, the already robust music around them suddenly became even louder and more boisterous. As the music swelled, several powerful auras rapidly approached from a distance. Sensing these auras, the guests all stood up. Only Lu Ye and Mangdang remained calmly seated.

Demonic energy surged, and figures flashed. Before the large chair at the head, an extremely burly figure suddenly appeared. Lu Ye looked up and saw this figure, over three zhang tall, with a bare chest, strange bronze-colored skin, and a mass of wild, shaggy hair. His expression was stern and imposing without anger, like a lion that had just awoken. It was Lionheart, the Grand Island Lord of Purple Jade Island! Lu Ye recognized his identity at a glance because Tang Jun had specifically mentioned him when explaining information about Purple Jade Island earlier.

It was said that Lionheart had been in the late Moonfall stage for over a thousand years, allegedly due to having been too zealous in his cultivation during his youth, which had made reaching the Sun Gazer stage impossible for him in this lifetime. Although he had no hope of advancing to Sun Gazer, his prolonged time spent in the Moonfall realm meant his strength at this level was almost certainly among the very best. Furthermore, owing to his demonic origin, his physique was exceptionally tough, akin to a human-shaped magical artifact. There was a precedent of a fellow late Moonfall cultivator challenging him, only to be torn apart alive in less than twenty breaths, a testament to his formidable power.

It had to be admitted, such a massive figure standing there brought an extremely powerful sense of oppression. Arriving with him were other Moonfall cultivators from Purple Jade Island, who now stood before their reserved seats.

Lionheart's dark yellow eyes swept across the hall. He seemed entirely unconcerned by Lu Ye and Mangdang's discourtesy. Grinning, he began, "Esteemed guests, your presence honors our humble island. This Island Lord first thanks all fellow Daoists for coming to show your support." With that, he cupped his hands and bowed.

The group of Moonfall cultivators below politely returned the bow. "Please, all be seated," Lionheart said, gesturing with his hand. "This feast has no important agenda. All of you are friends of Purple Jade Island, many of whom I haven't seen in a long time. I simply invited you all to catch up." He was the first to settle into his massive chair.

If Lu Ye were to sit on that chair, four of him could sit side by side. Yet when Lionheart sat down, he fit perfectly, showing his enormous build. If the two of them stood face to face, Lu Ye estimated he would probably only reach the other's knees.

With host and guests seated, the atmosphere grew lively. Demoness dancers sang and danced below, and specialty dishes from Purple Jade Demonic Star were continuously served. The guests engaged in animated conversation, creating a bustling scene.

Lu Ye remained in his seat, only having a few drinks with Mangdang. Lionheart showed no intention of specifically acknowledging him, nor did the other Purple Jade Moonfall cultivators display any deliberate special attention. Even Hu Guang didn't skip him when going around toasting each guest.

But he could feel the turbulent undercurrent hidden beneath the surface of peace and revelry. After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, the atmosphere became even more lively.

After Hu Guang had completed several rounds of toasts, he suddenly stood still and announced loudly, "Everyone, today is truly joyous, with so many friends gathered. It is indeed cause for celebration. Our Purple Jade Island has specially prepared a Blood Food Sacrifice for you all today. We won't stop until we're thoroughly drunk!"

Immediately, an enthusiastic guest, emboldened by drink, showed interest. "Oh? I wonder what kind of rare spiritual beast today's Blood Food Sacrifice will be?" The cultivator who spoke had previously attended similar banquets on Purple Jade Island and naturally knew that the Blood Food Sacrifice was the highest form of hospitality on Purple Jade Demonic Star.

Last time he came, Purple Jade Island had prepared an extremely precious spiritual beast for the guests to share, which was incredibly delicious and left a lasting impression on him. So, upon hearing there would be another Blood Food Sacrifice today, he was immediately filled with interest. Most other guests, even if they hadn't truly participated before, were aware of the Blood Food Sacrifice. Those who didn't know quickly learned from others.

Hu Guang smiled slightly. "Today's Blood Food Sacrifice is no ordinary one; it will surely satisfy you all." As he spoke, he commanded, "Present it!" The drumbeats around them suddenly became more rapid. As many cultivators watched, four robust demon race members carried a bamboo bed through the air. On the bamboo bed appeared to lie a pale, fleshy object.

Lu Ye's expression suddenly darkened. He had been waiting for Purple Jade Island to make their move, but he never expected it to be in such an unexpected manner! Looking up, he saw Yuan Cheng staring directly at him from across the table, a sarcastic, mocking smile playing on his lips.

As the bamboo bed approached, many eager guests couldn't help but frown. They discovered that what lay on the bamboo bed was not a rare spiritual beast at all. It was actually a person! A cultivator, bound naked to the bamboo bed, who was still alive and didn't appear to have suffered much torture, as there were no visible injuries. However, they must have been restrained by a spell, otherwise, they wouldn't be completely unresisting.

The four demon race members carried the bamboo bed and placed it before Lionheart, respectfully bowing before retreating. Hu Guang stepped forward, a faint trace of excitement spreading across his pale, effeminate face. "Everyone, this is today's Blood Food Sacrifice! Don't let his current appearance fool you; this is a Moonfall cultivator, and what's rare is that he's also a body cultivator! His flesh is firm; he should be quite chewy!"