Banquet of Beasts

Chapter 19: Banquet of Beasts

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"The wine flows red not from grapes, but from ambition."

—Old Fox Xu, Royal Poisoner

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Imperial Capital - Five Days Later

Qin Feng stood before a silver mirror, draped in a black robe trimmed with crimson phoenix feathers. A dragon-tooth mask hung in his hand. Behind him, three palace maids stood ready with incense, combs, and accessories made from moon crystal.

"The banquet begins in one hour, my lord," one of them whispered.

He nodded.

Outside the balcony, the entire capital glittered. Spirit beasts pulled sky lanterns overhead. Floating banners announced the Divine Banquet. Crowds filled the upper plazas and lower districts, hoping to catch a glimpse of legends.

Tonight was more than a feast. It was a battlefield.

And Qin Feng was walking into it with a stolen fate, a half-healed Lightning Vein, and a passive buff that made too many girls blush too easily. He adjusted his collar, narrowing his eyes at the reflection. "Time to act like I belong," he muttered.

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1. The Grand Entry

The banquet hall was vast. Over a thousand cultivators, nobles, sect heirs, and divine messengers had gathered under its starlit dome. Floating candles hovered near the ceiling, casting golden light upon jade tiles and silk banners.

A sea of robes shimmered like flowing qi. The air was thick with incense and hidden tension.

Qin Feng entered through the central gate, mask covering half his face, posture relaxed but commanding.

Heads turned.

"That's him."

"The lightning bastard."

"I heard he insulted the princess and lived."

From the balcony above, Princess Frostfire watched him. Her gaze was cold. Curious. Amused.

Qin Feng smirked beneath the mask. Let them talk.

He was guided to his seat near the center, close to the imperial dais. Several girls giggled as he passed. Some whispered. Others blushed.

Beside him sat a veiled woman with silver hair and an eyepatch. Her cultivation was terrifying. She sipped wine and said, "You're the one who bent fate backward. I'm interested."

Qin Feng chuckled. "I'm not here for flirts."

"Good. I'm not flirting. I'm recruiting."

"I'll consider it when I survive tonight."

She raised her goblet. "I like survivors."

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2. Enemies & Allies

The banquet began.

Food arrived in waves. Dishes made from ten-thousand-year lotus root, spirit beast ribs marinated in thunderfruit wine, phoenix egg dumplings, glazed moon scallops, and pearl cloud pudding. Every bite was enough to increase cultivation for weaker guests.

Music floated from hidden harps, and dancers moved like wind spirits, their sleeves shimmering with qi threads. Everything looked festive—on the surface.

The Emperor gave a speech. Sects cheered. Goblets clinked.

But the true battle began in whispers.

A young noble leaned toward Qin Feng. "Your luck won't last, traitor."

Qin Feng raised his glass. "Jealousy makes your face ugly."

A masked monk offered him a fortune scroll: "Tonight, someone will try to kill you. Maybe two. Maybe seven."

Qin Feng sighed. "Typical Monday."

Across the table, a girl with fox ears winked at him. Her tail swayed slowly. She whispered something to her attendant, who vanished into the crowd.

To his left, the veiled woman was still watching.

"You know," she said, "if you die tonight, I get your loot."

"You wish."

"Don't tempt me to speed things along."

Qin Feng chuckled.

A shadow passed above.

The first assassin struck.

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3. Blood on Silk

A blade of condensed qi came whistling from the rafters.

Qin Feng ducked.

His elbow hit the table, flipping dishes into the air.

He rose, grabbing a wine jug with one hand and hurling it mid-spin. It collided with the assassin's face just as the second one dropped from the ceiling.

"Disrespectful guests," Qin Feng muttered.

The veiled woman laughed. "Fun has arrived."

The guards rushed forward but hesitated. Too many noble sects. Too much risk. Assassins blurred between chairs, trying not to touch honored guests.

Qin Feng dashed across a floating platform of spirit plates. He landed beside the fox girl, shoved her under the table, and unsheathed a hidden dagger from his boot.

Lightning danced.

"Didn't you all RSVP?"

He slashed upward. The second assassin screamed as his chest cracked open.

Gasps echoed. Blood splashed across snow-white banquet cloths.

The Emperor remained seated, sipping calmly.

Princess Frostfire didn't even flinch.

Qin Feng landed on the third table, hair whipping behind him, eyes glowing faint gold. His aura crackled.

A noble stood up. "This is an outrage!"

Qin Feng threw a fruit skewer through the assassin hiding behind him.

"This is a party."

A gong sounded.

More assassins leapt from behind banners. Lightning exploded from Qin Feng's palm, forming a whip that wrapped around one's throat midair.

Another tried to flee but tripped over a dancing maiden—who turned out to be a disguised sect enforcer.

"No refunds," she said, slamming him into the floor.

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4. Power Games

As the assassins were dragged away, tension settled.

The banquet resumed, albeit colder.

Some guests looked impressed. Others looked afraid. A few looked thoughtful.

"That dagger technique... I've seen it in the Thunder God Manual."

"Impossible. He's too young."

"Or too lucky."

The Emperor leaned toward his daughter. "He reminds me of someone."

"You hate that someone," she replied.

"I hate most people. Doesn't mean they're not useful."

Meanwhile, the veiled woman offered Qin Feng a token.

"Join my sect. We deal in information. You'll never be caught off guard again."

He twirled it. "Tempting. I prefer chaos though."

"Then stay alive. Chaos needs its jester."

Princess Frostfire stood.

"I will personally duel anyone who attempts to dishonor the court again."

Her blade ignited with frost.

The message was clear. No more games.

The hall quieted.

The fox girl climbed back into her chair, cheeks puffed. "I missed half my dumplings. You owe me, lightning boy."

"Next time, duck faster."

Then a messenger ran in.

He knelt before the throne. "Your Majesty. A sealed decree from the Western Border. The Demon Prince has broken through."

Everyone froze.

The Emperor stood.

His voice shook the room. "The banquet is over. The war begins."

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To be continued...

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Chapter 20 Preview:

The Demon Prince War is coming. While the Empire scrambles to prepare, Qin Feng is dragged into a covert mission involving cursed lands, forbidden beasts, and the one name even the Immortal Clans fear.

The Demon Prince has returned.