In Jiangnan's Linxian City, the world's backyard, renowned for its exquisite wines and alluring beauties, the Demon-Slaying Conference unfolds. A strategic choice, coinciding with the upcoming Qingming Festival in two days. The grand Welcome Immortal Pavilion teems with figures from righteous and sinister factions, a rare sight where worldlings, typically indifferent to one another, now foster harmony due to their common adversary—Zagonnas.
This madman spares no sect affiliated with the Wen family, regardless of their alignment, demanding either forfeiture of martial skills and exit from the world or facing death. Initially met with resistance defending the Wen family's honour, those who opposed met gruesome ends.
While his erratic behaviour is somewhat understandable, Zagonnas bizarrely spares the sect leaders, families, and disciples, leaving them untouched. Such actions breed uncertainty, akin to mowing grass without uprooting it—surely inviting retaliation.
Perhaps, the fearlessness in facing vengeance stems from their strength. Zagonnas' thoughts remain inscrutable to ordinary minds. Furthermore, a peculiar anomaly persists; the Wen family's core members remain unscathed. Although appearing calm, these two months have seen the Wen family reduced to a shell, leaving Lupan, their leader, in torment, guarded heavily every night despite his formidable skills.
Currently, the only conceivable way to end this madness is through the Demon-Slaying Conference. Additionally, sowing discord between the Venomous Sect and the Sword Sect proves critical. Most significantly, the world now reverberates with the news of Zagonnas divorcing Cendrarsa. The Venomous Sect has declared relentless pursuit until Zagonnas faces a severe reckoning.
Rumors, once widespread, often unveil truths. Within the Welcome Immortal Pavilion, spectators watch exotic dancers as whispers spread like wildfire.
"Have you heard? Cendrarsa, consumed by hatred for Zagonnas, seized his master Randolph, turning him into a test subject—a tragic fate."
"Ah, this woman is truly fearsome. Zagonnas, of all people, had to provoke her. He could've tangled with anyone, yet he chose that enchantress!"
"Fish seek fish, shrimp find shrimp. A pair of lunatics like them, it'd be best if they fought and both suffered. Our world would be at peace then."
"Absolutely. Fortunately, their love turned to loathing. If they were affectionate, our world would be too cruel."
As the crowd converses, the music abruptly halts in the banquet hall, the dancers retreat, and a group enters from outside, led by a woman in Miao attire embroidered with phoenixes—recognized as the Venomous Sect's Grand Guardian, Poisonous Phoenix. Following her is a woman clad in red with ankle bells and flowing locks—a stunning figure, presumed to be the Venomous Sect's leader, Cendrarsa!
The clear jingle of bells cuts through the silent hall, capturing all eyes. Cendrarsa, shrouded in mystery to many, evokes admiration and envy, likened to a striking yet toxic mandrake flower. No wonder why the Xiu Shui Sword fell into her hands; her enchanting visage leaves onlookers spellbound.
Acknowledging the gazes fixed upon her, Cendrarsa smiles. Advancing to the centre of the hall, she singles out a swordsman.
"Was it you who claimed I divorced Zagonnas? Ensure you have the facts straight; he breached marital integrity, not me. Another misstep, and watch your words."
Despite her smile, the swordsman quivers in fear, nodding vigorously. Dismissing the onlookers, Cendrarsa's presence today signifies her arrival to all. At this moment, the innkeeper approaches.
"Madam Leader, our city lord has instructed the entire top floor of the Welcome Immortal Pavilion to be reserved for you and your entourage. Please follow me."
"How considerate of the city lord."
With a light remark, Cendrarsa, accompanied by her retinue, ascends with the innkeeper. The nine-story pavilion, Linxian City's tallest edifice, features elevators for easy access between floors.
Upon entering Heavenly Room No.1, Cendrarsa gazes at the opulent furnishings, feeling a sense of luxury. The intricately carved rosewood bed and exquisite Suzhou embroidery bedding exude comfort and extravagance. Yet, despite the lavishness, overlooking the entire Linxian City from the window, with the starlit sky above, pales in comparison to the humble, rundown cottage she once shared.
For two months, Cendrarsa received daily reports of Zagonnas' movements, his killings, and his whereabouts, yet she never crossed paths with him. Despite spreading the word of turning his master Randolph into a test subject, he continues evading her.
He is avoiding her. Cendrarsa learned the reason behind his rift with the Wen family—Lupan desecrating his master's grave, Skoll. Sighing softly, fatigued, Cendrarsa leans against the window.
"Leader, it's drafty by the window. Don't catch a cold."
"It's April. I won't feel cold." Cendrarsa's voice carries a lazy tone. The Poisonous Phoenix approaches, delivering news.
"Leader, Randolph has safely returned to the Sword Sect."
"Hmm."
"Leader, while we spared Randolph's life, we crippled his martial prowess. He's essentially worthless now. Do you think Master will retaliate?"
"Retaliate how? Randolph's crimes against my master and disciples are undeniable facts. Sparring his life was already a generous gesture from me."
In this matter, Cendrarsa has her considerations. With a second chance at life, many decisions could be remade. Even in the case of Randolph, despite his treachery, he remains Skoll's father and Zagonnas' master. And with the mission still unaccomplished, Zagonnas harbours lingering resentment, unable to let go of his lethal blade.
Another soft sigh escapes Cendrarsa's lips as weariness sets in. Just as she rises from the window, a firework shoots into the night sky from some corner of the city below, blossoming into a vibrant red flower against the dark canvas.
In the hushed night, numerous fireworks ascend, their display seemingly tailored for Cendrarsa gazing from her window—splendid, close yet distant.