Then the event that everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived.

Entertainment in the form of sword dances by the kingdom to the guests.

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And after that is a show that will be presented by several participants who come forward voluntarily.

Everyone seemed happy, tasting the food provided while enjoying the dance moves that were taking place in the middle of the party.

As well as when two participants who were showing their actions in front of everyone, fought and tried to outperform each other as if they were showing greatness and strength to the royal family. Maybe it was because of the rumors circulating, that participants who were natives of the Zu kingdom who have the advantage in this competition would be recruited into soldiers or even king guards without any selection process.

Cheers sounded like thunder that filled all directions, accompanying the fighter in the arena in the middle of the party.

After a few minutes, there was still no sign of the two men going to lose, or in other words, they were a draw. Until the host of the show stopped them both.

"Wow, it looks like the participants this time is great," said the middle-aged man who guided the event from the start.

After saying that, he then immediately headed to the very last event. Taking participant numbers.

The event also lasted less than an hour. Many of the participants prayed and hoped that their participant's number would have the same as the people from the Hunter Village, in the hope that they would later be seen as superior and ogled by officials or even the royal commander.

Until the event is over, all participants and guests are ready to return to their rooms.

However, suddenly several maids reappeared, each carrying a golden jug filled with wine, quickly dispersed pouring it into everyone's empty cups. Made those who were preparing to return to their rooms to drop their intentions, and to sit back down.

"This is a special banquet from the royal court of Zu," said His Majesty the King to everyone.

"Before going back to rest, hopefully, this wine can make guests and participants sleep soundly and come back fit the next day," he added later, lifting a cup with intricate gold carvings into the air.

"It's an honor for us, Your Majesty," shouted someone rising from his seat and bowing slightly to pay respect to the Emperor.

"Thank you for the kindness of His Majesty the King."

The intoxicating scent of wine immediately spread the same scent that Fu Xie Lan had felt on the first night of the banquet in the hall.

And minutes later everyone raised their glasses looking at each other a toast.

Fu Xie Lan and the other three also did the same, but at the same time, the girl turned to the side for a moment and found Wan Lie, Ju Xian, and Xue Ning who were also looking at her.

Fu Xie Lan nodded faintly, followed by the other three.

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Suddenly the wind blew very, very hard, shaking the pillars that were only made temporarily for the sake of the party. The cup, chair, table, and some of them have even been piled on the ground.

Everyone panicked, and started looking for shelter but hadn't even taken a few steps, the thick black smog immediately spread out blocking everyone's view. It was so dark that it was very difficult to see one's hand. Even though tonight the moon is shining brightly.

"PROTECT THE KING," a shout echoed amidst the panic.

The black smog continues to move over the venue and the surrounding area, as if untouched by the wind at all

In everyone's panic, without anyone noticing, a light shot very fast towards where the royal family was.

Some plant tendrils that are so thin move nimbly to a place.

It only lasted for about five minutes or so, the smog and strong winds disappeared suddenly in an instant leaving terror to everyone.

Chaos was everywhere, tables and chairs that seemed out of shape were out of place. Almost everyone is in the same position. Prone or bent down to protect each other's head.

Not a few appear to be injured due to being hit by flying pieces of wood and iron.

Even Ju Xian was injured too.

Soon some soldiers and servants helped the wounded, took them back to their rooms, and then called the royal physician to treat them. According to the order of the King.

While those who were lucky because they didn't get the slightest wound seemed to be still standing and sitting in place not moving at all, looking around as if they were digesting what had just happened.

"Your Highness better go back," a man's voice rang out, judging by the clothes he wears it seems he is a commander.

"As the leader. I shouldn't have left my guest in this state," he said in a loud voice, his expression truly unsightly.

"Your Majesty, I found this stuck there," said one of the guards who suddenly appeared while giving an arrow at the Emperor. There is a white cloth at the end.

Immediately the emperor accepted the object and removed the cloth that was there.

"Guards, search the entire area within the palace!" the commander-in-chief ordered, the rose mark on his neck gave off a faint glow, but it only lasted for a few seconds.

"Don't let anyone enter and leave the palace," he said again.

Hearing that, several people in the same uniform immediately moved in various directions.

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As for Fu Xie Lan, the girl didn't miss the expression of the King and the people around him one bit. Her violet eyes gleamed coldly.

"Guard, please help us," Xue Ning shouted trying to help Ju Xian up. Everyone could see blood running down his forehead.

"Guard, here first."

"Esteemed Master, your friend's injury is not as severe as my friend," Xue Ning sarcastically said.

"Tch, weak people. Who gave you the advice to enter this competition if you only end up getting hurt and harming others?" someone else snapped.

"I don't think, we ever asked for anything, or asked your help, let alone harming other people as you meant."

"Tch, getting hurt in an inappropriate place already means harming someone else, Miss hunter."

"You should know that that weak people like you are only wasting the time of these guards who should have helped someone more deserving than you."

"You guys have to wake up! Guard, help my friends first! They're just a bunch of weak people. I don't care if they die," said the person again with a voice that was louder than before, making them instantly become the center of attention.

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"What happened there?" asked the king to the commander of the kingdom.

"Looks like the people from the Hunter Village are injured, Your Majesty."

"Hunter Village?"

"That's right, Your Majesty."

"Immediately order some people to help them," the emperor then ordered.

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On the other hand, when Fu Xie Lan saw the king seeing towards them for a moment, she immediately turned around, walking towards Ju Xian and Xue Ning

"We don't need your help, we can bring our friend," she said then helped Ju Xian but her position was immediately replaced by Wan Lie.

The four of them then left the place. Ju Xian was carried by Xue Ning and Wan Lie. While Fu Xie Lan followed behind them with a faint smile etched on her lips.