That night, the city's residents found rest elusive. The following day, murmurs spread, questioning the sanity of the City Lord—celebrating with fireworks on a non-festive night. Oh, wait, it was the day before the Qingming Festival (a day of remembrance for the deceased).
Launching fireworks before the Qingming Festival was indeed peculiar, but more enigmatic events unfurled thereafter. Overnight, Linxian City transformed with crimson lanterns adorning every corner, exuding a festive air akin to New Year's Eve. What were they celebrating exactly? Was it in honour of the upcoming Qingming Festival, or anticipation of the Demon-Slaying Conference the next day?
Some bold speculations even suggested the City Lord's grand gesture hinted at matrimonial intentions, perhaps an eerie marriage on Qingming Festival to a... ghost? As the day progressed, the city saw an influx of participants gathering for the imminent Demon-Slaying Conference, filling every inn.
At twilight, Lupan arrived with a retinue of hundreds, occupying an entire inn surrounded by skilled Wen family members. As anticipation for the Demon-Slaying Conference peaked, within the Welcome Immortal Pavilion, Cendrarsa found herself bewildered by the array of gifts presented.
"Great Leader, this is a millennium-old ginseng, these are the pearls of the Eastern Sea, and here's the exquisite Crimson Crane Crest. Ah, this one is extraordinary—pure silk, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Also, this is the Heavenly Snow Lotus, and this..."
The innkeeper meticulously introduced each item in ornate boxes, leaving Cendrarsa slightly flustered. Overwhelmed, she intervened, seeking clarity from the innkeeper regarding the City Lord's intentions.
"Why has the City Lord sent these gifts? Is he taking an interest in me?"
The innkeeper chuckled nervously, "Oh, Great Leader, our City Lord merely requested these gifts to be delivered without providing a specific reason."
Curious, Cendrarsa inquired about the City Lord's identity, prompting the innkeeper to describe him as a young, handsome man. However, divulging his name was off-limits, emphasizing the City Lord's discretion and the nominal value of the gifts.
Acknowledging the gesture with a creased brow, Cendrarsa dismissed the innkeeper after accepting the offerings, indirectly thanking the City Lord. Before stepping out to enjoy the city's illuminated streets, Cendrarsa adorned herself with the jade pendant gifted by Zagonnas during their first encounter, revamped by craftsmen into a luxurious necklace embellished with gold and jade.
Accompanied by only the Poisonous Phoenix, Cendrarsa attracted every passerby's gaze, her commanding presence captivating the streets. As she strolled, the bustling marketplace quieted in her wake, all eyes fixated on the emblematic white jade pendant adorning her neck. Unbeknownst to outsiders, the engraved dragon motif on the white jade signified the Linxian City Lord's seal.
Oh my, was the City Lord truly preparing for marriage? Not to a ghost, but to a woman more formidable than any spectre. Furthermore, the City Lord's audacity astounded many, especially considering Cendrarsa's past ties with Zagonnas.
Alas, with the impending Demon-Slaying Conference, concerns arose about the city being entangled in the City Lord's romantic pursuits. Even the seasoned city dwellers, accustomed to worldly upheavals, began to fret.
Observing the complex gazes of passersby, Cendrarsa's unease grew.
"Phoenix, am I truly that enticing? Why do they all stare at me?"
"Perhaps it's due to Zagonnas' recent tumultuous actions. After all, you were his former spouse, garnering extra attention," the Phoenix remarked.
"So, all this attention is because of him? So, in their eyes, the illustrious leader of an Evil Sect is merely Zagonnas' ex-wife?"
"Likely," the Phoenix nodded.
"Ugh," Cendrarsa uttered in frustration, now yearning to confront Zagonnas and give him a piece of her mind.
Just as Cendrarsa's mood darkened, two figures approached. The Phoenix swiftly intercepted.
"What are you here for?"
"Grand Guardian, we are from the Wen family, sent by our master to invite the Great Leader for a drink," they replied.
Ignoring the Phoenix's protection, Cendrarsa pushed forward, "Lupan wishes to see me?"
"Yes, and hopes the Great Leader will grace us with her presence."
"Very well, I happen to be famished. Let's go."
With the looming Demon-Slaying Conference, Cendrarsa harboured a keen desire to confront the man who disrupted the world's equilibrium. Shortly after, Cendrarsa, accompanied by the Phoenix, arrived at a private room in a tavern where Lupan awaited.
Interestingly, standing behind Lupan was the leader of the group dispatched to Maple Village to kill Zagonnas—the very individual Cendrarsa had released. Two months later, upon seeing Cendrarsa, the man noticeably paled.
"Wu Leader, a pleasure to meet you," Lupan greeted with a bow.
Cendrarsa nodded coldly, taking a seat amid a spread of delectable dishes. Observing her composed demeanour, Lupan let out a sigh of relief before broaching the topic.
"Great Leader, I heard you have an interest in the title of Martial Arts Alliance Leader?"
"Heh, indeed. Previously, the Martial Arts Alliance Leader was always dominated by someone from the Central Plains. It's time for a change. However, I am a demon. Lupan, are you orchestrating this Demon-Slaying Conference to eliminate me?"
Arched brows and piercing gaze fixed on Lupan, Cendrarsa awaited his response.
"Ah, Great Leader, you misunderstand. The Demon-Slaying Conference is aimed at Zagonnas, not someone as distinguished and righteous as yourself. I invited you here today to propose an alliance. If you can vanquish Zagonnas, I will support you to become the current Martial Arts Alliance Leader."
"So, you've come to seek an alliance with me?" Cendrarsa's eyes gleamed, inquiring.
"Indeed, I wish to ally with you! Zagonnas is a despicable man; he not only killed my disciples but also defiled the families of our sect leaders. Today, we bring these two young ladies before you..."
As soon as the girls saw Cendrarsa, they knelt, tears streaming down their faces.
"Great Leader, Zagonnas killed my father and defiled me and my sister. Please, seek justice for us."