Ch. 973 - Black & White Asuras

The last time Baili City had been this lively was during the day of the Martial Heaven Tournament.

But now everything had changed, and undercurrents surged through the entire city.

People from every continent and every power had gathered here.

According to the Demon-Slaying Alliance, no matter one’s identity or faction, as long as one was willing to exterminate the demonic race, they could participate in this Demon-Slaying Assembly.

As for the position of alliance leader, that would depend on strength alone.

Xu Zimo and Lin Ruhu arrived at Baili City and put away Chaos and the Darksky Tiger.

“Brother Zimo, won’t we be too obvious if we go in like this?” Lin Ruhu asked.

After all, the whole Demon-Slaying Alliance had been formed against Xu Zimo. Now, for him to walk straight in so brazenly was indeed too conspicuous.

“Go buy two masks, and we’ll wear them. There’s no rush, I’m curious to see what this Demon-Slaying Assembly is like,” Xu Zimo said. “Also, find out which major factions are here this time.”

“Got it,” Lin Ruhu nodded.

He entered the city and bought two Asura masks, one black, one white, both fierce and domineering.

Xu Zimo wore the white one, then followed him into the city.

Perhaps because so many people had gathered here, even the street vendors had multiplied.

Shouts of hawking mixed with the aromas of all kinds of food filled the air.

“The Demon-Slaying Assembly begins tomorrow. Let’s find a place to rest first,” Lin Ruhu suggested.

“Go to a busy tavern, it’ll be easier to gather information,” Xu Zimo nodded, not refusing.

He had been to Baili City once before during the Martial Heaven Tournament, but he hadn’t paid much attention to the city itself.

On the other hand, Lin Ruhu knew this place far better.

Under his lead, the two arrived at a towering tavern.

It was called the Star-Plucking Tower.

Xu Zimo looked up and couldn’t see the top in a single glance. The building was grand and magnificent, majestic and imposing.

“This is the most famous tavern in Baili City. It has thirty-three floors, known as the Thirty-Three Heavens,” Lin Ruhu explained. “They say its name, Star-Plucking, comes from Grand Emperor Chang Kong. Legend has it that when he was young, he once stood on the top floor of this pavilion. One night, a meteor fell, and with one reach of his hand, a star landed in his palm. Thus came the name Star-Plucking.”

“Nonsense. This tavern just likes to brag about itself,” Xu Zimo laughed. “The stars are millions of miles away. Though they look like specks from afar, each one is unimaginably massive. A single star could destroy all of Baili City. When Baili Changkong was still young and not yet an emperor, how could he pluck a star with his hand?”

“That I don’t know,” Lin Ruhu chuckled. “That’s just how the story goes.”

The two came to the pavilion’s entrance. The great doors were equally grand, refined from five-elemental metals, with green and red windows and carvings of exotic beasts.

The signboard bore the words “Star-Plucking,” forged from star crystal, glittering magnificently, almost as if it were about to hang two galaxies from it.

Two women in red robes, figures graceful and flawless, stood welcoming guests on either side of the entrance.

These days were the most important for Baili City, so even the tavern’s manager had come out personally to receive guests.

“Let’s go in and take a look,” Xu Zimo smiled.

But as the two approached, the manager stopped them.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Lin Ruhu frowned.

Wearing the black Asura mask, matched with his burly frame, he exuded quite an intimidating aura.

“Honored guests, our Star-Plucking Tower has been reserved by the Baili Imperial Clan. We only receive those attending the Demon-Slaying Assembly,” the manager said politely.

“My brother and I are here to attend the assembly. What of it?” Lin Ruhu replied.

“Not everyone has the qualifications to participate. May I ask what names you go by?” the manager asked.

“When we, the Black and White Asura, roamed the continent in our prime, you didn’t even exist yet. And now you dare question us?” Lin Ruhu seized the man by the collar and growled fiercely.

Since they were here to stir trouble anyway, he wasn’t planning to be polite.

A tavern of such scale in Baili City couldn’t possibly have no connection to the Baili Imperial Clan.

The manager’s expression changed, but before he could speak, a scornful laugh came from inside the pavilion.

“Two nobodies who don’t even look around before causing trouble here. I advise you to apologize to the manager.”

“Who? Who’s talking?” Lin Ruhu lifted his head, his tiger eyes glaring coldly.

He looked into the spacious interior where countless people sat.

The speaker was a young man seated at one of the tables, enjoying tea with an elder.

“Whose dog is this, barking without restraint?” Lin Ruhu sneered.

With a bang, the teacup in the youth’s hand shattered.

He glared at Lin Ruhu angrily and said, “Watch your mouth, boy.”

“What? Did I say something wrong?” Lin Ruhu retorted.

“I was talking with the manager. What business is it of yours? Meddling fool.”

“Do you even know who I am?” The youth stood up. He wore a white robe, his features carrying a touch of effeminacy. A faint aura of pressure emanated from his eyes.

“Don’t tell me you’re a eunuch?” Lin Ruhu guessed.

“This brother,” someone nearby laughed and explained, “he is Zhang Shihao, Holy Son of the Heavenly Chicken Sect.”

It was clear that this person also had status. Most of the crowd watched with amusement.

After all, anyone who could dine in the Star-Plucking Tower had seen their fair share of scenes.

“Beastly Sect?” Lin Ruhu said in surprise.

“People still use names like that these days? Forget it, forget it. How could one stoop to reason with livestock?”

Zhang Shihao slammed the table, releasing a burst of pressure, gritting his teeth as he glared at Lin Ruhu.

At that tense moment, a chuckle sounded from beside him.

It was the elder seated at the same table.

“Shihao, I’ve taught you often. Your cultivation is sufficient, but your Dao heart is still lacking,” the elder said with a smile. “How could you be provoked by a few mere words?”

“Master’s teachings are correct,” Zhang Shihao quickly replied with respect.

“Since this friend has never heard of our Heavenly Chicken Sect, then go and enlighten him,” the elder said with satisfaction. “Make sure he remembers well.”

“Yes, Master,” Zhang Shihao replied.

He turned toward Lin Ruhu, snorting coldly. “You heard him. Do you dare accept my challenge?”

“Just you?” Lin Ruhu sneered with disdain.

Indeed, he looked down on Zhang Shihao. After all, he had grown up in the True Martial Sacred Ground.

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