Chapter 385

Chapter 385: Pay Attention to Your Image

Yan Mengqing, the first beauty of the Western Desert.

Some said she resembled the bright moon hanging above the desert night, not as dazzling as the Daybreak Sun, yet far surpassing the stars in allure, captivating all who beheld her.

If a woman were merely beautiful or held a high status, it might not cause such a stir. The key was her martial prowess, which was equally exceptional. She was one of the most gifted prodigies of the Crimson Flame Dynasty, recognized as surpassing even Prince Yan Chihuo. Alongside Taixu Emperor Jin Shengtian and the legendary assassin genius Ye Wolf, she stood among the thirty greatest talents of the Western Desert.

Within the Crimson Flame Dynasty, few martial prodigies could be compared to her. Even the organizer of tonight’s Treasure Gathering Night Banquet, the unparalleled Chi Jiuxiao of the Nine Skies, stood as one of the few new-generation members among those thirty, while the rest were mostly from the Immeasurable Stage.

Thus, Yan Mengqing’s reputation in the Western Desert was not inferior to that of Jin Shengtian.

Wherever she went, she caused a sensation.

Zhang Yang, however, felt slightly wronged. He hadn’t paid much attention to these matters. Even when the Black Cloaked Strategist first appeared before him, he hadn’t reacted immediately, he simply didn’t care for such things.

Moreover…

“Is the first beauty of the Western Desert more beautiful than our first beauty of the Southern Region? I believe no one in this world can surpass her. Absolutely no one!” Zhang Yang muttered, as if speaking to himself.

Then, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, as if an invisible weight had lifted from his chest.

All eyes around him seemed to brighten, drawn toward the dazzling radiance of a woman whose beauty overwhelmed the senses.

Bing Yuyan had removed her veil.

She wasn’t even sure why she’d worn it when she left Liu Town. And now, for some unknown reason, she had simply taken it off.

It must be said, even though Cold Thief Tian, Tiger Howl Wind, Demon Sword Yi, and the others had seen her many times before, they were still stunned into silence. Bing Yuyan was breathtaking—flawless and transcendent, bearing the grace of a goddess shaped from youth. Her proud and aloof demeanor was like the bright moon in a dark sky, enough to enchant even someone as renowned as Hong Daoxuan, one of the most formidable Great Boundless Perfect Stage experts in the Western Desert.

As she walked, Bing Yuyan drew countless gazes. Many forgot to watch their steps, either bumping into walls or stumbling, utterly distracted on their way to the venue of the Treasure Gathering Night Banquet.

The Sword Pavilion.

Comparable to the Butian Pavilion and Hunters’ Guild of the Taixu Dynasty, it was controlled by the royal bloodline of the Crimson Flame Dynasty. Yet, unlike those institutions, the Sword Pavilion often appointed non-royals as its masters.

A prime example: the current master, Chi Jiuxiao.

Chi Jiuxiao was not of royal lineage. He hailed from a minor family within the Crimson Flame Dynasty. After gaining recognition from the dynasty, he was nurtured and eventually became one of the top thirty geniuses in the Western Desert.

“The Sword Pavilion is hosting a treasure hunt for a holy sword this time?” Zhang Yang asked.

“Yes. A newly forged holy sword without an owner, everything about it is brand new. Once it gains recognition, it could be fully refined in three to five days,” Hong Daoxuan replied.

Zhang Yang sighed. “The Sword Pavilion truly has deep pockets.”

Once again, he appreciated the power of legacy and heritage.

Although the Vast Forest had claimed many holy treasures and weapons from countless battles, it still wasn’t enough to go around. Even what was saved for cultivation and reserve felt lacking.

Yet here was the Crimson Flame Dynasty, forging a pristine holy sword just to entertain guests and keep the event lively—ensuring no one grew bored.

The grand gates of the Sword Pavilion swung open.

Lanterns hung high.

Two stone lions stood illuminated beneath the glow. Though they looked like stone on the outside, they were actually formed around the bones of formidable Great Boundless Beasts, infused with forbidden laws and ready to defend the Sword Pavilion at any moment.

Zhang Yang glanced around, quickly recognizing the environment, and a realization struck him. The more he understood about a dynasty’s sacred ground with over ten thousand years of history, the more he sensed the vast disparity between it and the Vast Forest, not only in appearance, but in deeper, intangible aspects that could not be remedied overnight.

At the Sword Pavilion entrance stood Chi Jiuxiao, the newly appointed master, personally leading the welcoming party.

Unlike a calculating family head, Chi Jiuxiao exuded a martial presence, confident and commanding, as befitting a master of the Sword Pavilion.

He had met Zhang Yang and his party before and now led them inside.

During this time, Zhang Yang clearly noticed Chi Jiuxiao’s astonishment at Bing Yuyan’s beauty. He kept stealing glances at her, not out of disrespect, but because she radiated such an awe-inspiring presence that even the most ascetic saint would likely sneak a look.

Bing Yuyan remained calm and indifferent, offering only a slight nod, fully embodying her goddess-like air.

The more she acted this way, the more Zhang Yang felt a growing warmth in his palms, itching to spar. But then he noticed Bing Yuyan sneaking a glance his way, clearly trying to provoke him. His heart raced, and he had to force himself to remain composed.

The Sword Pavilion had its own expansive courtyard.

Decorated with vibrant flowers, flowing streams, elegant bridges, koi ponds, and rock formations, it was like something out of a dream. Luminous pearls, each the size of a fist, dotted the area, reflecting the moonlight and casting a hazy, ethereal glow.

Many guests had already gathered.

As Zhang Yang and his group stepped inside, their ears were filled with chatter, most of it centered around the death of the Black Cloaked Strategist. Occasionally, people also spoke of the unparalleled beauty from Liu Town who had fought evenly against saints, even at the Great Boundless rank.

Clearly, news of the strategist’s death had spread quickly, within just a couple of hours. And with the Moon-Returning Dragon returning to reunite with old friends and the situation in the Cold Moon Dynasty stabilizing, more and more familiar, friendly faces had begun to appear.

Zhang Yang kept a low profile, encouraging everyone to blend in and explore freely.

Then he slipped into a quiet corner where a long table, covered in a white cloth, was laden with delicacies and fine wines.

He casually picked at the food and sipped his wine, lounging as he listened to the murmurs of those around him.

Bing Yuyan was the only one who hadn’t left. She had veiled her face again to avoid drawing excessive attention. Yet, her tall figure and goddess-like aura still attracted countless covert glances.

“Are you interested in tonight’s holy sword?” Zhang Yang asked.

“Not interested,” Bing Yuyan replied curtly. “I’ve already begun forging my sword in the Realm of Thunder.”

Zhang Yang paused, surprised. “So soon?”

Bing Yuyan’s Ice Spirit Holy Sword was incredibly pure, one of the finest among holy weapons. Enhancing it any further would be no simple feat.

“Don’t you know who I am?” Bing Yuyan said proudly, lifting her chest and chin in a way that sent nearby onlookers reeling with admiration.

Smack!

Zhang Yang gave her a playful slap and said, “Watch your image.”

Instead of getting angry, Bing Yuyan simply laughed, leaving Zhang Yang inexplicably flushed as he fumed, “What are you laughing at?”

Bing Yuyan looked even more pleased with herself.

After a short while, the lively atmosphere around them began to shift, becoming tense, even oppressive.

Jin Liuli had arrived, exuding the aura of a domineering female leader.

Her presence instantly rubbed many the wrong way.

Yet Jin Liuli paid no mind to their discontent, flaunting her arrogance like a proud golden peacock. That was, until her eyes landed on Zhang Yang seated in the corner. The moment she saw him, she instinctively raised her hand to her forehead. Her imposing demeanor instantly crumbled, and a faint tremble ran through her.

She harbored a deep psychological shadow when it came to Zhang Yang.

For once, Jin Liuli dropped her usual haughtiness. Her face turned pale as she quietly withdrew to the farthest corner from Zhang Yang.

Gradually, the atmosphere lightened again.

But just then, a loud cry rang out from outside, freezing the entire area in silence.

“The Grand Princess has arrived!”