The venue for the Demon Slaughtering Convention is peculiar indeed.
Outside the city of Linsen, there is an island surrounded by a moat, upon which a martial arts platform has been constructed.
Thirty years ago, this platform was commissioned by the former Sword Sect Master, appointed by the city lord of Linsen.
The initial purpose behind constructing this martial arts platform was to identify exceptional successors worldwide. However, gradually, this annual selection event took a sour turn.
Sixteen years ago, a tragic accident resulted in the death of many here.
Since then, the selection event hasn't been held.
Now, Lupan has goaded the entire world and chosen this very location to host the Demon Slaughtering Convention.
It is rumoured that the city lord of Linsen didn't oppose it. Not only did he not oppose it, but he vehemently supported it, even taking the initiative to renovate the martial arts platform.
The participants for the Demon Slaughtering Convention arrived early. Cultivators from various sects, both righteous and sinister, intermingled, as today, they only have one common enemy: Zagonnas.
However, as the participants near the complete assembly, Zagonnas has yet to make an appearance.
Just when speculation arises among the crowd about whether Zagonnas will show up today, the junior sect leader of the Sword Sect, Skoll, arrives with a few disciples.
Despite Skoll's young age, his demeanour exudes maturity, rendering him a commanding presence.
Upon Skoll's arrival, his gaze immediately fixes upon Lupan.
Lupan, unflinchingly, aspires for nothing less than dominance today. If Zagonnas meets his demise, the Sword Sect will fall into Lupan's grasp, along with the armoury of countless divine weapons within the Sword Tomb.
Then, he would truly be unrivalled.
His desires and ambitions, blatantly evident in his domineering gaze, are unleashed for all to see.
As the hour approaches, Lupan clears his throat, rises from his seat, and strides to the centre of the martial arts platform.
"To all friends from around the world, today at the Demon Slaughtering Convention, our target is none other than the demon, Zagonnas.
Zagonnas, a prodigy in his youth, wielded the Shui Sword across the realms. However, his actions have spiralled into madness; leveraging his formidable martial prowess, he has committed atrocities such as murder, arson, abduction, and debauchery. Not to mention, he is a scoundrel who abandons his wife!
A figure like him, remaining in this world, signifies calamity and cancer. Today, we vow to eradicate him and vindicate the departed souls with his blood."
Lupan's proclamation resonates with resolute fervour, stirring heated emotions.
The martial artists surrounding him, whether with grievances against Zagonnas or not, join in the resounding chant.
Kill Zagonnas, kill Zagonnas!
This rallying cry electrifies the martial arts arena in an instant.
"Skoll, you're spouting rubbish. My senior brother is righteous and honourable. You, on the other hand, are a despicable individual."
Growing increasingly impatient, Skoll leaps forward, pointing his sword at Lupan.
"Young Sect Leader, watch your words. Your senior brother's wanton killing of innocents was witnessed by all."
"You..."
Clamping his teeth together, Skoll contemplates a showdown.
Just as Skoll readies to unsheathe his sword, a figure in white descends from above, landing gracefully and swiftly redirecting Skoll's sword back into its scabbard.
"Return to your seat. How can the junior sect leader of the Sword Sect eliminate such a person and soil his hands?"
Ever since departing Maple Village, Zagonnas had escorted Skoll back to the Sword Sect and the two hadn't seen each other since.
After two months, on their reunion, even though Skoll bore much to say, the occasion restricted him from speaking out. To avoid interfering with his senior brother's affairs, he retreated to the sidelines after sheathing his sword.
Seizing this opportunity, Lupan casually meandered backstage, creating an avenue for escape for himself, all the while appearing undaunted on the surface.
"Zagonnas, you have finally shown yourself. You've slain countless of my disciples, violated women and children, you despicable beast!"
As Lupan's words descended, the two sisters who had encountered Cendrarsa at the tavern yesterday burst into tears and stepped forward from the crowd.
"It's him, he slaughtered my entire family and defiled both me and my sister. This deep-seated enmity and injustice cannot be avenged; death is the only means to vindicate our innocence."
The elder sister sobbed as she retrieved a dagger.
As she poised to harm herself, a silver needle materialized from above and swiftly deflected the dagger.
Subsequently, the sound of tinkling bells drew nearer and nearer.
Cendrarsa had arrived.
Zagonnas watched her approach, step by step until she stood before him.
Her beauty, as captivating as ever, reminiscent of the previous world. The difference now lay in the golden ankle bells adorning her ankle and the white jade pendant hanging from her neck, a gift from him.
Yet, the unwavering gaze remained unchanged.
Comparing this encounter with their initial meeting in the past life, her eyes exuded the same chilling allure, tinged with a hint of mischief.
Cendrarsa, in turn, observed Zagonnas. The damned scoundrel had noticeably slimmed down over the past two months.
Additionally, he sported a full outfit of moon-white brocade, embroidered silver-threaded boots, a white jade hairpin securing his hair, and even the belt buckle was adorned with gold and jade, a stark contrast to his previous impoverished appearance as a humble educator.
Not to mention his Shui Sword, now immaculately white save for the emerald jewel on its hilt, which added a touch of verdant hue.
Damn him, he was unexpectedly affluent.
The audacity! After enduring months of hardship with him!
The more Cendrarsa ruminated, the more incensed she grew, intensifying the chill in her gaze.
Witnessing the silent confrontation between these two friends, the onlookers remained hushed, refraining from speaking.
Yet, through Cendrarsa's eyes, the unspoken narrative between them bespoke of a twisted tale of profound and intense passion.
Just when the audience anticipated the clash between the two to commence, Cendrarsa turned away.
Approaching the two sisters who had contemplated self-harm, she knelt, pried open the elder sister's mouth, and discreetly slipped a pill inside. The same was repeated for the younger sister.
The distressed sisters gazed at Cendrarsa in puzzlement, unaware of what she had given them.
However, they soon discovered, as did the people around them.
"This is the Chastity Test Pill. If you are a virgin, a red line will appear on your forehead; if not, there will be no mark. Remember, girl, don't forget what you confided to me yesterday."
As Cendrarsa concluded, crimson lines appeared simultaneously on the foreheads of both sisters.
Before they could shield themselves, their revelation became visible to all.
"Hmph, as expected. I knew it. That scoundrel is rather discerning in his tastes. As the Abbess, he didn't even want me. How could he possibly defile you?"
With her declaration, Cendrarsa rose once more, her gaze fixed upon Zagonnas' icy countenance.
"Zagonnas, long time no see. In these two months, you've made it quite challenging for me to locate you. What are you hiding from? Scared I'll pursue reconciliation? Fearful I'll beg you not to abandon me? Hmph, a man like you, average in martial skill and unspectacular in bed, holds no appeal to me."