"There's definitely something strange," Fairy Yu remarked, examining Jintuo closely. Her current cultivation level was quite formidable. With the Demonic Heavenly Scripture and Inverse Immortal Demonic Embryo, her abilities were not inferior to those of people like Bai Qingming. However, her foundation differed slightly from orthodox immortal cultivators. Perhaps that was the very reason Wang Chongsong wished to pursue this alternate path. Fang Chen asked with a smile, "Tell me what you see." Fairy Yu described softly, "There's no spiritual energy in his body, which means he's no longer a cultivator. His vitality is only slightly stronger than an ordinary person's. But his internal force is extremely strange and is somewhat similar to mine." The power cultivated through the Demonic Heavenly Scripture technically couldn't be called spiritual energy. Its nature was unique and different from typical spiritual power, carrying along mysterious properties capable of stealing lifespan. Xing Jintuo's internal force wasn't quite the same as that, but it was very similar. Fairy Yu's expression became slightly grave. "My lord, it's possible... that he's truly pioneered a martial path no one has ever walked before." "Ah, we meet again," said a familiar voice. It belonged to Raging Sword Song Chang. He approached them from the side. Seeing him, the martial artists sharing the table with Fang Chen and Fairy Yu immediately rose to greet him. They speculated about the relationship between this elegant couple and the renowned warrior. Song Chang wasn't the most powerful in the area, but among the younger generation, he was considered top-tier. He was well known and highly respected. "No need for formalities, everyone," Song Chang told the group at the table. He took the opportunity to sit down, smiling and nodding in greeting as he casually chatted about various martial world topics. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. The entire room fell silent as everyone turned to look toward the entrance. A group of martial artists dressed in crimson entered slowly. A deep sense of apprehension arose in the eyes of everyone present. At the center of the group, a red-robed youth was surrounded like a moon among countless stars. He approached Xing Jintuo with a cheerful smile and bowed respectfully. He said loudly, "Master Xing, my father asked me to deliver a birthday gift on his behalf. Please have a look." A massive crimson python was carried in. It was at least seven zhang long, and its thickest point was as wide as a barrel. The python's scales were like burning flames flickering all over its body. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they stared at the creature with a mix of awe and greed. "The Crimson Flame Blood Python! I've heard that its blood and gallbladder are both supreme elixirs for martial arts cultivation." "Just one sip of its blood can grant a full year of progress, and swallowing its gall can temper the muscles and reshape the bones..." "No wonder they are the Seven Kill Hall. What a generous gift! Looks like Master Xing's strength has grown so much that even Seven Kill Hall is looking to win him over!" "That kind of python has strength comparable to a Heaven Profound Stage expert! And look, there's a wound on its forehead but no signs of a struggle anywhere else... It was slain in a single sword strike!" "Young Lord Shi Yu of the Seven Kill Hall..." Song Chang's expression darkened. "Seven Kill Hall usually disdains martial world affairs. Whenever they intervene, it's always related to military or power interests. For them to show up at Master Xing's birthday feast... Could they be trying to recruit him?" Despite that, Xing Jintuo's expression remained calm. He cast a light glance at the crimson python before ordering for it to be carried to the back hall. Then Xing Jintuo gave the red-robed youth, Shi Yu, a slight nod, gesturing for him to go sit down somewhere. "You're too kind. Have a seat and enjoy a drink." Xing Jintuo's indifferent attitude took Shi Yu by surprise. Shi Yu's father had told him that Master Xing would surely be overjoyed upon seeing the Crimson Flame Blood Python, and that the Seven Kill Hall's recruitment would then naturally fall into place. Putting on airs, Shi Yu sneered inwardly. Nevertheless, he kept a composed facade; he smiled at Xing Jintuo and cupped his hands in greeting. Then he casually swept his gaze across the hall and walked toward the table where Song Chang and the others sat. The people at the table started to feel uneasy. "Why's he coming this way?" With immense influence and strength, the Seven Kill Hall held a special and intimidating status in the martial world. To most sects, it was like a giant looming over ants. Someone of Shi Yu's status should logically be seated at the main table. Xing Jintuo's eyes flicked toward Song Chang's table. When his gaze landed on Fang Chen, he paused momentarily. A few seconds later, his eyes curved into a subtle smile, and he gave the slightest nod. The gesture was so small that only a keen observer would have noticed. "There's an empty seat here, isn't there?" Shi Yu asked casually. The martial artists seated at Song Chang's table exchanged uneasy glances. The table was already full. Then the martial artist closest to Shi Yu quickly stood up and gave up his seat without hesitation. Shi Yu nodded politely and took the seat as if it were his all along. The others at the table were of average standing and far beneath Shi Yu's status, so his presence made them visibly uncomfortable. No one dared speak. Shi Yu's eyes settled on Song Chang, his tone light and playful as he spoke. "You're Raging Sword Song Chang, aren't you? I'm not mistaken, am I?" Song Chang forced a smile and cupped his hands in greeting. "Indeed, I am. Greetings." "Mm," Shi Yu murmured with a disinterested nod. He casually glanced at Fang Chen before resting his gaze on Fairy Yu. He asked with a charming smile, "And how should I address you, young lady?" Song Chang's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He cautiously shot Fang Chen a look, trying to warn him. The martial artists at the table realized why Shi Yu had chosen this particular table. They had all noticed earlier that the couple exuded an unusually refined demeanor, especially the young woman. She was incredibly beautiful and elegant, naturally drawing many covert glances from everyone in the hall. Fairy Yu replied, "A lady's name isn't something to be shared lightly. If you really want to know, you'll have to ask my lord here." "Lord? You're his maid?" Shi Yu uttered, looking mildly surprised. He gave Fang Chen a quick once-over and asked, "And you, brother. How should I address you?" Fang Chen replied with a calm smile, "Surname Fang. Given name, Chen." Everyone had assumed Fairy Yu came from an extraordinary background. They hadn't expected her to refer to herself as someone's maid, and now they began silently speculating about Fang Chen's identity. Shi Yu ran through his mental list of notable clans. There were no prominent families with the surname Fang in the region, so he didn't take it seriously. Smiling brightly, Shi Yu got to the point. "Brother Fang, your maid is quite beautiful and elegant. I must say, I like her very much. Would you be willing to part with her?" The mood at the table turned awkward. The others glanced at Fang Chen with pitying gazes. If the Seven Kill Hall wanted someone, there were few who could keep them from getting what they wanted. If this man were clever, he might use the opportunity to curry favor with the Seven Kill Hall. If not... he would be in serious danger. Fairy Yu put on a perfectly-timed expression of panic, looking pitifully at Fang Chen. Seeing that, Shi Yu felt an even stronger desire to make her his. He wasn't sure why, but he felt an intense urge to protect her. Fang Chen shot Fairy Yu a glance. Then he looked back at Shi Yu and said calmly, "Scram." His voice wasn't loud, just enough for the guests at the surrounding tables to hear him clearly. They immediately looked away, straightened their backs, and sat in silence. They were afraid to get caught up in something that was clearly about to explode. Song Chang looked stunned. Before he could react, a wave of killing intent had already begun to spread from the Seven Kill Hall martial artists behind Shi Yu. Shi Yu suddenly chuckled lightly and waved his hand to calm his subordinates. "This is Master Xing's birthday banquet. It's not the time for violence. Don't act rashly." Then he lifted the wine cup in front of him and downed it in one shot. He didn't say another word to Fang Chen and Fairy Yu, instead turning to chat idly with the other martial artists at the table. However, everyone knew that this sense of calm was just an illusion. Considering the Seven Kill Hall's reputation, there was no doubt that those two young guests were in serious trouble.