“Impressive, Kunlun Swordmaster, to be able to sense my power.” A powerful voice resonated across the clearing. Blue light flashed in front of the hut, revealing two figures.
The leading figure had a solemn expression, wore a crown, and stood tall and imposing. Behind him stood Wu Zhao, the lieutenant who had welcomed them to the city, now respectfully at attention.
His commanding presence left no doubt as to his identity. The group quickly bowed in respect.
“Greetings, King of Strange City.”
Only Hua Da Tie remained unmoved, staring coldly at the king.
Bai Shuo anxiously tugged at Hua Da Tie’s sleeve, giving her a pointed look. But Hua Da Tie merely held her ground, her expression icy.
“There’s no need for formalities.” The King of Strange City’s gaze lingered on Hua Da Tie before softening as he addressed the others. “Jin Yao was right. The younger generation of the immortal and demon clans are indeed exceptional. To have even dispelled Rong Xian’s thousand-year-old resentment is no small feat. Since each of you has earned one heartfire, you have successfully passed the first two trials. Congratulations.”
With that, the King of Strange City confirmed the distribution of the two Wu Tong heartfires. Nan Wan’s expression darkened, and he couldn’t help but raise his voice, glancing at the sky, “Your Majesty, what is the third trial? You might as well tell us directly. Only eight hours remain until Strange City reopens. We’ve already spent two days on the first two trials; we can’t waste time on any more riddles.”
Though his words were rude, they were true. With the difficulty of the previous trials, the third trial would undoubtedly be even harder. Time was running out, and if they failed to obtain the third Wu Tong heartfire, this martial feast would be for nothing.
“I’ve come precisely to tell you where to find the third Wu Tong heartfire,” said the King of Strange City.
Nan Wan froze in disbelief, momentarily stunned. He had only asked on a whim, not expecting an actual answer. The others exchanged skeptical glances.
Could there be another trap? After everything, they were understandably wary of the martial feast’s tricks.
“The third heartfire has been placed by Jin Yao within the spiritual consciousness of all the residents of Strange City,” the King explained. “The third trial is simple. Tonight is our annual Festival of Burning Orchids, and all citizens will gather in front of the royal palace. They will voluntarily offer the heartfires from their own consciousness. The person they choose will be the owner of the third Wu Tong heartfire.”
The third heartfire’s owner chosen by the residents of Strange City? What kind of rule was that? They had absolutely no connection to the people of Strange City!
“Your Majesty, you’re not joking, are you? Your citizens probably don’t even recognize us! How are they supposed to choose? And what if they don’t choose anyone?” Mu Jiu quickly interjected.
The King of Strange City gave Mu Jiu a sidelong glance. “The rules of this competition were agreed upon by Jin Yao and the leaders of the demon clans. If you have any objections, you may raise them with them once the feast concludes and return to Phoenix Island.”
Mu Jiu, noting the King’s stern expression, quickly restrained his usual playful demeanor and kept his mouth shut.
Though the strangers lack spiritual energy, they possess immense natural strength—capable of splitting mountains and cleaving seas. It’s said that the King of Strange City, with his formidable power, overcame three celestial tribulations a century ago and is now at the peak of the Lord level. He had no desire to provoke this living terror; he hadn’t lived long enough yet.
“The location of the third Wu Tong heartfire has been revealed, and the rules explained,” the King of Strange City announced. “You needn’t do anything more. You’ve done us a service by dispelling Rong Xian’s thousand-year resentment in Strange City. I’ve prepared a banquet at the royal palace to honor you; you need only await tonight’s proceedings in peace.” With that, he turned to leave, but suddenly stopped and glanced at Hua Da Tie. “The day after tomorrow marks your mother’s memorial. Since you’ve returned, pay your respects at her royal tomb.”
With those words, he took a great leap, traversing a hundred miles in one bound toward the royal palace, disappearing from sight.
The group turned to Hua Da Tie, stunned. Mu Jiu stared blankly at her. “The royal tomb? The King of Strange City bears the surname Hua… You’re that princess, Hua Hong, born with superhuman strength yet banished from the city?!”
Hua Da Tie shot him a calm look, neither confirming nor denying.
Mu Jiu’s question dropped a bombshell. Everyone stared, trying to reconcile this rough-looking, makeup-covered woman with the image of a princess.
Bai Shuo glanced between Mu Jiu and Hua Hong, lost for words. These second-generation descendants are all so strange! Each one more eccentric than the last! The banished princess of Strange City was a well-hidden scandal across the Three Realms. And from the king’s reaction, it seemed that Hua Hong had even less tolerance for her father than he for her.
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