The next day.

As the sun set in the west.

“Let’s go, time to attend the banquet.” Su Changhe placed a mask with an eerie smile on his face.

Su Muyu frowned. “You intend to pose as my attendant?”

“I’ve been your attendant all these years, haven’t I? Hahaha. Don’t you think so?” Su Changhe took out a long box from behind him. He opened it to reveal a row of paper umbrellas neatly arranged inside. He pulled one out and tossed it to Su Muyu.

Su Muyu smiled wryly. “Why did you prepare so many?”

“This is a visit to the Tang Clan after all, it’s no small matter.” Su Changhe adjusted the mask on his face and said to Su Muyu and Mu Yumo, “Let’s go, time for the banquet.”

The Waiting Gold Tower.

The Waiting Gold Tower was the most luxurious restaurant in Brocade City. True to its name, the entire exterior was coated in gold lacquer. Under the yellow lanterns that lined the night streets, it appeared even more ostentatiously golden. Su Muyu walked in front carrying the paper umbrella, with Mu Yumo and Su Changhe following behind.

The moment Su Muyu and Mu Yumo entered the building, all eyes were drawn to them. After all, they were the Dark River’s most handsome man and most beautiful woman. No matter how they tried to conceal themselves, they were dazzling presences wherever they went. Only Su Changhe leisurely followed behind, observing them and the expressions of others around them. Under his smiling mask was, naturally, another face wearing a mocking smile.

Soon, a Tang Clan disciple came forward to guide the three upstairs. In the Elegant View chamber at the top of the Waiting Gold Tower sat Tang Lingkui, with a table full of dishes and several pots of wine before him. Tang Lingro and numerous Tang Clan disciples stood behind them.

As Su Muyu and his companions entered the Elegant View chamber, all the Tang Clan disciples tensed up, staring intently at these newcomers.

The Umbrella Ghost Su Muyu wasn’t just the name of a top assassin, but also the Dark River’s puppet who had once terrorized the Demonic Sect. It was said he played the most crucial role in the assassination of Ye Ding.

Su Muyu took his seat and looked at Tang Lingkui before him, saying coolly, “How interesting the ways of the world are. Just days ago, the Tang Overseer wanted my life, yet today he hosts a banquet to welcome me.”

Tang Lingkui smiled. “What of it? Just like when the Demonic Sect launched their eastern campaign, no one expected the Dark River to offer aid. Sometimes friends and enemies are separated by but a single thought.”

Su Muyu smiled faintly. “Can those who come together for profit truly be called friends?”

A young Tang Clan disciple poured wine for Su Muyu, who glanced at him before accepting the cup and drinking it in one go. He paused slightly: “This is good wine.”

“This wine is called Supreme Mystery. They say it was brewed when the Sword Poet visited Brocade City. It’s our city’s finest wine,” the Tang disciple replied with a lowered head.

Su Muyu extended his cup. “Then please pour me another.”

“As Master Su commands.” The Tang disciple respectfully poured another cup.

“I invited the Grand Elder to attend the banquet in my letter,” Tang Lingkui said gravely. “But it seems the Grand Elder didn’t come.”

Su Muyu said coolly, “Tang Overseer, how are you so certain the Grand Elder has already entered Brocade City?”

Tang Lingkui lifted his head slightly. “Everyone knows that the current Dark River Grand Elder and the Su Clan Master are inseparable. Moreover, for such a major matter as allying with the Tang Clan, surely even the Su Clan Master cannot handle it alone?”

“Alone? Our Mu Clan Master came as well, though she nearly died at your Tang Clan’s hands.” A hint of killing intent flashed in Su Muyu’s eyes.

“Just a misunderstanding.” Tang Lingkui poured a cup of wine. “Let’s discuss today’s real business.”

“Real business.” Su Changhe suddenly spoke up. “Tang Overseer certainly gets straight to the point.”

Tang Lingkui coughed lightly. “And you are?”

“Su Qiancheng of the Su Clan, greetings to the Tang Overseer.” Su Changhe smiled.

“A name I haven’t heard before,” Tang Lingkui said quietly.

“Just an unknown nobody,” Su Changhe replied.

“If you’re a nobody, then keep quiet,” Tang Lingro said harshly.

“How dare you!” Mu Yumo shouted, her purple robes flying as countless black spiders crawled in through the windows, surrounding everyone.

“The Spider Woman – now that’s a name I know well,” Tang Lingkui continued drinking calmly.

“Yumo.” Su Muyu called softly.

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

Su Muyu tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “Where is Tang Linghuang?”

Tang Lingkui smiled as well. “Master Su is as direct as I am.”

“This is an answer we must have,” Su Muyu replied.

Tang Lingkui narrowed his eyes. “I cannot tell Master Su where Tang Linghuang is. But I can tell you this – he won’t appear again. In the Tang Clan now, only we have the authority to negotiate with you.”

“We?” Su Muyu raised an eyebrow.

“We, the Tang Clan’s Four Champions, excluding Tang Linghuang,” Tang Lingkui said.

Su Muyu tapped his finger on the table three times, after which the wine cup beside him suddenly shattered. He lifted his head. “If that’s the case, I see no need for further negotiation.”

Tang Lingkui frowned slightly. “Master Su, do you feel that we Tang Clan Champions are not worthy to conduct these negotiations?”

Su Muyu stood up. “To discuss this matter, the sincerity shown by this banquet is insufficient. So I have no desire to continue our talks.”

Tang Lingkui stroked his chin. “Sincerity?”

“At our next meeting, I hope to see our Dark River’s Poison Flower before me.” Su Muyu turned to leave, pausing at the door to glance back. “And a more honest encounter.”

Tang Lingkui said gravely, “We haven’t even begun formal negotiations, yet the Su Clan Master is already making demands.”

“But isn’t this just how we in the Dark River operate? We are an organization that pursues profit, but how could we reveal our cards before seeing the benefits?” Su Muyu said coolly. “How many Dark River members do you think have entered Brocade City? Thirty? Fifty? Or a hundred?”

Su Changhe drew in a sharp breath. “A threat, this is a threat!”

“Let’s go.” Su Muyu pushed open the door and walked out.

Su Changhe looked at the table full of dishes and stepped forward. “I’ve heard Brocade City’s cuisine ranks in the top three of the Northern Lands, and the Waiting Gold Tower is among the top three in Brocade City. All these dishes… I want to try a bite.” But as he picked up the chopsticks, he seemed to remember something. “Ah, but I’m wearing a mask today. It’ll have to wait until next time. Next time. What a shame.”