On the other side of Beast God City, a far more serious meeting was taking place within the depths of the lion lord's castle. Ten figures knelt on the ground, facing their immortal lord. The atmosphere inside the room was so tense that a faint breath could be heard by all.
Immortal Tempest Badger Qiu Chuyi glared at the ten executive elders under his command. If his eyes could emit flames, he would have burned all of them to death already.
"Say it again!" He demanded.
The executive elders in the middle raised his head, "My lord! Multiple spies within the eagle lord's manor have reported that Immortal Blue Dragon Chen Wentian has arrived along with two disciples. They are seeking an alliance with the eagle lord!"
Bang!
Qiu Chuyi slapped the table and leaped to his feet, "Impossible… impossible! The Chen Wentian I know can never be that stupid! He wouldn't risk his life even if he was concerned about our lion lord!"
He was furious but also disappointed. Chen Wentian had left a deep impression on him during the Convocation of Swords and especially during their escape from the demon trap. The Chen Wentian in his mind was crafty, purposeful, and confident in his own ability. It was a complete contradiction then for him to set foot in Beast God City, especially with two precious disciples in tow.
Qiu Chuyi also blamed himself for not acting faster. He had wanted to talk to the lion lord about their disagreements with Chen Wentian. But after he returned to the city, he couldn't find the time and forgot about it.
"Investigate!" He said sternly, "I want reports every two hours on Chen Wentian and his two disciples. I want to know everything, even how many times they scratched an itch!"
"Understood!"
As the executive elders got up to leave, Qiu Chuyi beckoned to a particular person. "Xingping, I have a few things to ask you."
He Xingping, or Chen Wentian to be more accurate, walked up beside the immortal and bowed, "My lord."
Qiu Chuyi lowered his voice, "I predict that days ahead in Beast God City may become chaotic. I think it is best you send your wife and child on a little vacation."
Chen Wentian was surprised to say the least, "My lord… I… thank you for your concern. But what about…"
"What about my family? Hah, I have sent word to the necessary households. Your daughter, He Zhuyan, will be a special talent when she grows up, I have already seen it. And since she is related to me by blood, I naturally have to take care of your family."
"Thank you, my lord. I will remember your grace forever!"
Qiu Chuyi waved him away casually, not taking those words to heart since he had heard such platitudes countless times.
But for Chen Wentian, he was being completely serious. Even though Qiu Chuyi had not suggested this, Chen Wentian was planning on sending Qiu Jingyi and He Zhuyan away on a holiday.
He always had a good feeling about Qiu Chuyi. With this, his impression of the immortal improved further. It would be a shame to lose him to Jasmine's revenge. He could still be useful in the future, in the new Beast God Sanctum that would emerge from the ashes of the inevitable battle.
---
"Lord Chen, welcome!"
"Lord Chen, welcome!"
Chen Wentian walked into a banquet room that had only four tables. They faced each other in a rough circle and three of them were already occupied.
"Senior Qu, Brother Nan, Brother Gu," Chen Wentian greeted the three immortals.
They returned the greeting as Chen Wentian took a seat at the last table. Tonight was a private banquet for just immortals. The only mortals allowed to enter were the servants and the performers providing the entertainment.
Chen Wentian was somewhat curious. He didn't often hang out with other immortals. He looked forward to whatever the eagle faction had to offer.
The banquet started with many cups of wine and mountains of roast meats. All three immortals of the Beast God Sanctum were big eaters and there wasn't a vegetable anywhere in sight. It wasn't difficult to see where Jasmine got her habits and table manners from.
As they filled their stomachs and chatted about idle topics, the first group of entertainers was four women with very interesting outfits. Almost immediately Chen Wentian forgot about whatever he was eating and studied them intently.
Of the four women, two wore a rather skimpy fur outfit reminiscent of primitive hunters. Tufts of fur covered their breasts and their hips but not much else. Their fit figures were on full display.
One carried a bow with dummy arrows while the other had a short spear with a blunt end. These mock weapons along with their flowing hunting cloak made them look quite dashing and sexy at the same time, like they had just stepped out of an ancient painting.
However, they could hardly compare to the other two women who wore what could only be described as a fox costume. They had fake fluffy ears atop their heads and a thick fluffy tail that stuck out behind their butts. One woman's fur was orange like the setting sun while the other's fur was white as snow. And aside from these additions, they were completely bare, without a scrap of fabric to hide their pink nipples or the clean-shaven petals between their legs.
Chen Wentian was reminded of the first time he met Jasmine. Although these two women could hardly compare to her angelic visage, they were still considered quite beautiful among mortals.
"What… kind of performance is this?" Chen Wentian asked.
"Hahaha, Brother Chen, is this your first time seeing this?" Nan Lang asked.
"Mm." Chen Wentian nodded.
Nan Lang laughed some more, "Then you will get to see a treat. This is a tradition for us immortals of the Beast God Sanctum. This is called the hunter and the fox."
The immortal explained further that this was a game for both the immortals and the performers.
The four women were talented disciples of the Beast God Sanctum specifically chosen for this. They had to meet the minimum requirements of age and cultivation of the Spirit Initiate Realm. This game would give them a chance to charm an immortal and earn their favor.
The game was a mock battle between the foxes and the hunters and then among themselves. The two sides could work together to defeat their foes. But there could only be one victor so they would have to eventually turn on their allies. Each woman would have to use all of their skills to remain standing at the end.
Before they started, the immortal spectators would bet on who they thought would win the contest. If they won the bet, they would be allowed to take the winner and whoever else they wanted back to their room. And naturally, there was no need to mention what could happen inside.
Chen Wentian chuckled, "Well then, this sounds quite fun. May the winner enjoy the spoils."
Qu Shen and the other two also laughed. The elder immortal glanced at his two subordinates as if to communicate his happiness that the prey had so easily fallen into their trap.