"Do you know? Hmph, another attempt to stir up trouble," Li Zhiyi said sharply. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is all orchestrated by Yuan Shi Tian Zun. If we all come together and take control of him, all our problems will be resolved naturally. I even suspect he has already aligned himself with the evil organization. My grandfather once remarked that Yuan Shi Tian Zun possesses a strong sense of rebellion; after successfully crossing the Cliff of the Sea, he even took initiative to negotiate with the headquarters using tools and tactics, deliberately making a strong showing to impress upon them. Perhaps it was precisely upon hearing of his secret communications with the evil organization—his plans to harm us—that Yan'er was eliminated." "Primordial Heavenly Sovereign, if all of this has been orchestrated by you, then please, just stop now." "Why on earth are you going mad? What benefit does aligning yourself with the evil organizations bring you?" "Don't jeopardize your own career." The crowd erupted into passionate uproar; only a few high-ranking sages remained relatively unaffected, though their brows were furrowed with concern. As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, Yin Ji and Ling Jun exchanged a glance. Ling Jun's body suddenly expanded, black-and-yellow fur bursting through his pores. His nose broadened and deepened, silvery whiskers grew along his cheeks, and the hair on his forehead clearly formed the character "King." In an instant, Ling Jun transformed into a towering, upright tiger. Turning to face the assembled crowd, he raised his head and roared. "Roar—!" The deep, resonant roar echoed throughout the compact chamber, reverberating with powerful force. An indescribable sense of dread surged within the minds of the official attendants, overwhelming all other emotions and sharpening their thoughts. After a long roar, the fur on Ling Jun's body rapidly retracted, and he resumed his human form, speaking clearly: "Pay attention to your emotions—you've been influenced by others." He first turned to Liu Zhiyi, asking seriously, "What does the Prime Immortal have against you that you're treating him so specially?" Liu Zhiyi displayed a complex expression—confused, puzzled, yet still harboring lingering resentment and envy. He glanced at the Prime Immortal, his expression momentarily distorted, then forced himself to turn away, to prevent the flood of jealousy and hatred from surging once more. Clearly, he himself had noticed something was off. Ling Jun then looked at the group of noble ladies, including Miao Teng'er, and said, "The Prime Immortal was invited to this banquet by me—not by design. Throughout the entire journey, I've been with him. When we arrived at the hall, you all were with him as well. How could he have found time to contact that evil organization?" "Even if he went to the restroom to conspire with a malevolent organization, wouldn't it take them time to arrive? Yet the reality is that as soon as Yan'er passed away, we were already trapped in the resort." Hearing this, everyone nodded thoughtfully, silently agreeing. Once their emotions stabilized, they began to notice numerous inconsistencies and logical discrepancies. Yin Ji spoke softly, "Don't worry, everyone—let's listen to what Yuan-Shi Tian-Zun has to say." Compared to the thunderous roar of the tiger, her voice was gentle and soothing, effectively calming the crowd. Immediately, everyone turned their attention to Yuan-Shi Tian-Zun. Yin Ji and Ling Jun were still reliable—thank goodness, I didn't have to resort to my golden face to impress them. Zhang Yuanqing looked at Miao Teng'er and asked, "Teng'er, were you who invited her to the banquet?" Miao Teng'er nodded. "Yan'er always enjoyed attending such social gatherings. As long as she was called, she would usually come—unless the event was too far away or she had something else coming up." "A young lady of modest status but with high aspirations will certainly actively participate in various social gatherings, eager to expand her network and meet talent and leaders from different departments." "Who is she with? How is her relationship with Yang Elder? Do they see each other often?" Zhang Yuanqing asked again. Miao Teng'er replied, "She brought only two bodyguards, whom I've arranged on the first floor." Turning to look at the elderly man with white hair, she said, "Yang Uncle, please go and invite Yan'er's bodyguards." After the elder had left, she turned to the group and said, "It's too crowded here. Let's all go to the dining room to talk." As the crowd gradually dispersed, guests returned in silence to the dining room, leaving only Miao Teng, Yin Ji, Ling Jun, and Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn in the restroom. Miao Teng'er sighed, took up Yan'er in her arms, and quietly stepped out of the restroom. Ling Jun murmured, "There's going to be trouble tonight—no doubt many will fall ill." Yin Ji, her black veil draped over her, furrowed her long, straight brows Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the two bodyguards and said, "The situation is more serious than we anticipated. I just used stellar astrology to examine all of your faces, and each of you has a blood-related disaster." "Now, I have something important to say to you..." Two bodyguards exchanged glances and shook their heads simultaneously. It now appeared that the Pure Yang Master had taken over Yan'er recently, and thus could not have been residing within her for an extended period—his keen awareness could not be underestimated. As Zhang Yuanqing's thoughts turned, he addressed the guests who had gathered around him in a circle: Liu Zhiyi knew better than anyone how terrifying the Pure Yang Master was. "Who exactly is he?" asked Man Yan, her figure full and plump, unable to hold back. Her question echoed the sentiments of most present. What kind of being could instill such fear in Liu Zhiyi and weigh so heavily on Yuan Shi Tian Zun's expression? "But what truly made me doubt him was what Yan'er said right before her 'suicide.' She called me her prey. Indeed, that very day in the ancient tomb, I nearly killed him. 'He wasn't here for me,' she said. 'His true target should have been the three elders of Taimei Sect. But upon seeing me step onto the stage, he immediately shifted his focus—attempting to charm me, perhaps hoping to absorb my essence and claim my spiritual energy.'" "And his objective is all of you four." As soon as these words were spoken, everyone stepped back, moving away from the two Night-Wanderers and the two Star Officials. Liu Zhiyi's voice trembled as he said, "The Pure-Yang Master is active in the Songhai, Jiangnan, and Dispersed Provinces regions—this is understandable, but as my mother told me, that ancient cultivator is extremely frail. How could he dare to target us?" The Pure-Yang Master is right here with us—he's again guiding Liu Zhiyi's emotions, this time with fear. Seeing the guests instinctively turning to look at him, waiting for a response, Zhang Yuanqing pointed toward the window, saying, "The answer is clear—he has other backing!" Yin Ji added, "Then, once we locate and eliminate the Pure-Yang Master, the crisis will naturally be resolved. Though his own strength is average, he excels at influencing emotions and in the art of taking over hosts, making him very subtle." His strength is average—only difficult to handle. Yin Ji's implication was undoubtedly a steady tonic, bringing calm and composure to the group. As long as one understands that the enemy is not strong, the mind will naturally grow calm. The Pure Yang Master, aiming to stir emotions and create panic, will find it more difficult to achieve her objectives. Immediately after she finished speaking, Zhang Yuanqing said: "Everyone, stay calm. I already have a solution. I have two tools particularly effective in breaking seals. Once the seals are lifted, I will notify the elders of the Songhai branch, and the Pure Yang Master will be completely at our mercy." Pausing, he added, "After the seals are opened, to prevent the Pure Yang Master from fleeing, I will need everyone's cooperation." Yin Ji continued: "I will set up the Confining Spirit Array to ensure the spiritual bodies cannot escape—just stand within the array." Ling Jun declared loudly: "Anyone who objects is, by definition, the Pure Yang Master." The guests exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one dared to speak up. This was precisely the plan that Zhang Yuanqing, Ling Jun, and Yin Ji had discussed—when dealing with an enemy hidden among the crowd, the right strategy makes the challenge far more manageable. At once, Yin Ji retrieved the materials and, with the assistance of Zhang Yuanqing and the two Night-Wanderers, drew a massive spiritual scroll circle at the center of the dining hall. "I hope everyone keeps a close watch, so as not to give Pure Yang Master any opportunity to act," said Ling Jun, standing within the array. The gathered guests exchanged glances, remaining on guard, while simultaneously turning their eyes toward Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn. The small pumpkin struck the floor-to-ceiling window, sending out concentric ripples like a wooden mallet tapping into thick syrup. Zhang Yuanqing raised his Purple Thunder Mallet and struck again and again, one blow after another… The thick, slow ripples expanded steadily—first from a small circle, then spreading across the entire wall, then reaching the ceiling and the floor. Soon, the entire resort began to tremble. "His props are no ordinary ones," said Mr. Yang, whose hair had turned white, leaning close to Miao Teng'er and speaking softly. "I'm certain that even a 6th-level Fire Demon wouldn't be able to penetrate this force." Miao Teng'er nodded slightly, her tense posture easing a little. Yin Ji and Ling Jun kept a close watch on everyone's expressions—tension and anticipation were evident on every face. Even Li Zhiyi, who had just been fiercely critical of Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun, now held his breath and clenched his fists. This made it impossible for them to determine who their enemies truly were. Suddenly, as the seal was vibrating at its peak, nearing the brink of shattering, Yuan-Shi Tianzun abruptly halted. "What? Why have you stopped? Keep going!" "Isn't it supposed to succeed now?" "Master Yuan-Shi, keep going! What are you doing?" Zhang Yuanqing paid no attention. His grip on the Purple Thunder Mallet trembled violently, veins bulging blue, his skin turning a deep purple-red. Time had run out. The power of a Sovereign-level being—Zhang Yuanqing's right arm ached, but that was far less intense than the crisis gripping his heart. The Purple Thunder Mallet could not breach the seal within five minutes. This meant the seal's strength had surpassed that of a Saint-level being, now reaching the level of a Sovereign. Thus, the bloodshed disaster stemmed from this Sovereign-tier artifact. Then, all hope rested on the Red Dance Shoes… Zhang Yuanqing withdrew the Purple Thunder Mallet and summoned the Red Dance Shoes. "Tap, tap, tap—" The clear, rhythmic sound echoed through the quiet restaurant. Zhang Yuanqing issued the command for them to depart. The crimson dancing shoe clicked around the master in a circle, then leapt up, planting its two feet on the windowpane and sending out barely perceptible ripples. It settled gently to the ground, seeming a bit deflated, remaining silent for several seconds. Suddenly, with a subtle shift of its right hind leg and a lift of its toes, it bowed gracefully on one knee. Did it want to return to the inventory? No—keep going, keep striving! Zhang Yuanqing’s嘴角 twitched. Clearly, the crimson dancing shoe couldn’t break free from the seal either. Then what could we do? We’d have to face Pure Yang Master head-on… Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, turned around, and looked at the gathering: "I'm sorry, but the situation is more complicated than I anticipated." The guests reacted with surprise, their expressions clearly conveying disappointment. After a while, Miao Teng'er spoke up: "Very well. If that’s the case, let’s bring Pure Yang Master to light. Together, we can pool our strength and face off against a weakened ancient cultivator—what could be easier?" "Far from it!" Zhang Yuanqing returned from by the floor-to-ceiling window, speaking in a steady tone: "Now we can confirm that the seal binding us is a master-level item. If master-level items have functions limited to this, then he would never have managed to blend into the banquet." As if in response to his words, a 3D-projected message appeared above the dining room: [Welcome to the Green Adventure. Safety time countdown has ended. The dice are now spinning—please wait...] A translucent table materialized within the dining room, its surface veiled in mist, with only the lower-right corner clearly visible—there, a figure stood, barely an inch tall. At the edge of the starting point, green plants were drawn, accompanied by text: [Green Forest Starting Point]. Above the floating table, a dice the size of a football was spinning rapidly. Board game? Zhang Yuanqing paused. A few seconds later, the dice gradually slowed and finally settled, stopping on a three. Under the astonished gazes of all present, the small figure followed the winding path to the third red dot. The mist parted, and everyone focused to find a small note there: "You are about to cross the small river, but due to the large number of people, the boat cannot carry everyone. Please leave two companions behind." At the same time, the projection above the dining hall changed: 【Ping! Please complete your vote within three minutes to select the two companions to be left behind. If no vote is successfully cast, two attendees will be randomly eliminated.