Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1565 - 963: The Grape Vendetta (Part 2)

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Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Rong Lijun publicly humiliated Yi Zhongxian by shattering his prized flute and then evaded his enraged attacks with ease. Provoked further, Yi Zhongxian escalated the fight, but Rong Lijun continued to toy with him before casually approaching Baili An's table.

Observing the crystal grapes on the table had vanished, leaving behind a meager collection of skins in a corner, became evident.

Yi Zhongxian, interpreting this as an attempt at a defeated retreat, let out a chilling laugh, resolute in preventing any escape.

He thrust his left palm forward, and four incandescent pillars of flame erupted, ascending towards the heavens.

Ultimately, his actions proved successful in ensnaring and confining Rong Lijun's physical form and life force.

The four columns of fire, positioned at cardinal points, coalesced to establish a square barrier of flames, creating an inescapable enclosure.

Rong Li's eyebrows arched slightly in a smile, a light sigh escaping his lips as if feigning distress: "Alas, I've been apprehended so swiftly."

With a stride as commanding as a dragon and as powerful as a tiger, Yi Zhongxian advanced, flames swirling around his sleeves as he raised his sword with imposing might.

"Rong Lijun, your insolent words and deeds shall be repaid with consequence today!"

The scene depicted blazing pillars of fire, a formation lock encompassing all four sides, and Rong Lijun's eyes, bright and lifted beneath thick lashes, seemed to gleam with an inner light.

He offered a subtle smile and, quite unexpectedly, produced a folding fan, positioning it behind his back.

It was at this precise moment that his fan met the impact of Yi Zhongxian's fiery sword strike.

Where the sword tip grazed the fan's surface, a cascade of brilliant sparks erupted, filling the air.

Rong Lijun, appearing to be cornered and overwhelmed, emitted a cry of distress.

The folding fan he held promptly fractured into countless slivers, which launched outwards like a fine mist, striking Yi Zhongxian's body directly.

Yet, surprisingly, these fragments caused no injury, dissolving into the water's surface without a ripple, leaving him entirely unscathed.

Conversely, it was Rong Lijun who was sent hurtling backward, his momentum carrying him into the four flame pillars that had sealed his space, causing them to shatter.

By sheer coincidence, his landing was directly upon Baili An’s table, accompanied by a resounding thud, obliterating the spread of food and splashing wine in every direction.

Of the lavish banquet that had graced the table, only the single Purple Crystal Grape, now peeled, resting in Baili An's hand remained untouched.

Witnessing Rong Lijun's ignominious state ignited a surge of fierce anger within Yi Zhongxian's heart.

Just as he reveled in his triumph with a satisfied chuckle, a peculiar and unsettling tingling sensation coursed through his meridians, followed by an acute pain akin to sharp needles piercing his flesh.

He staggered back a pace, his complexion visibly paling.

While the onlookers, anticipating Rong Lijun's utter defeat, began to display expressions of smug satisfaction, they abruptly noticed an anomaly concerning Yi Zhongxian.

Situ Ye, his brow furrowed in concern, inquired, "Brother Yi, what troubles you?"

Yi Zhongxian obstinately refused to concede that he had been effectively injured by the impudent Rong Lijun.

In terms of cultivation, his realm was demonstrably one level above Rong Li's; otherwise, he would not have achieved initial suppression.

Furthermore, his accumulated years of cultivation far surpassed Rong Li's, exceeding them by several decades.

Therefore, under no circumstances should he have found himself at a disadvantage in this encounter.

Gritting his teeth, he forcefully suppressed the agonizing pain, rendering him incapable of immediately assessing his own condition.

He could only feign nonchalance, stating, "It is of no consequence. I was merely concerned I might have been overly aggressive, thereby disrespecting the Asheng Sect by inflicting excessive harm upon their disciple. Should he end up partially incapacitated, it would indeed be a significant failing."

The assembled crowd erupted in laughter, teasing Yi Zhongxian about his notoriously fiery temper.

No one gave any thought to the defeated party's feelings.

Only Baili An found himself unable to disregard the disruptive presence so close at hand.

He glanced down at the remnants of crushed grapes beneath his hand, a slight frown creasing his brow.

He perceived… Rong Lijun possessed the capability to defeat, or at least subtly vex, that hot-headed scion of a Daoist Immortal.

The apparent calculated loss, the facade of weakness, seemed a deliberate counterpoint to the single peeled grape remaining on his plate.

With only one grape left in his hand.

Presenting it to Xiao Shuang in such a manner felt notably inappropriate, Baili An mused for a brief moment.

He decided, "Very well, I shall consume it myself."

Just as he moved to convey the grape to his lips, a head swiftly dipped in first.

Unbeknownst to the observing eyes, Rong Lijun leaned in and delicately plucked the grape from Baili An’s fingertip using his mouth.

The soft, warm texture of his tongue lightly brushed against his fingernail.

With that fleeting contact, the grape was openly pilfered!

Baili An’s frown deepened considerably.

Rong Lijun’s cheeks puffed out, shaped like the grape he held, as he lifted his gaze, his long eyes shining brilliantly.

His lips, glistening with grape juice, appeared vividly red and alluring, as if delicately tinted with vermilion, possessing a profoundly captivating charm.

Yin Baishuang, who found the unfolding spectacle rather displeasing, nearly overturned the table in a fit of pique, much like Yi Zhongxian, having been solely focused on Baili An.

What peculiar beings had the marriage delegation from Shifang City brought forth?

Why was Rong Lijun behaving in such an enchantingly brazen manner? Was he not ostensibly here to seek Fang Geyu's hand in marriage for Shifang City?

Amidst this gathering, he was openly flirting with another man!

In this day and age, for a woman to protect her man, must she remain vigilant not only against other women but also against these very men?

Inside, Baili An’s heart pounded with suppressed rage. Just as he struggled to contain his fury, a loud smash echoed from the table.

All eyes turned towards Fang Geyu, who was casually propping her chin with one hand, nonchalantly twirling a Dragon Saliva Whale Treasure Bead.

Beneath her table, another Treasure Bead had splintered into fragments.

The Spiritual Qi from the broken bead dissipated into wisps of ethereal, rainbow-hued light, a clear sign that this priceless treasure had been utterly squandered.

Mu Yunye’s gaze grew more profound, but he remained silent.

With a gentle flick of her finger, Fang Geyu sent the remaining Treasure Bead rolling; it tumbled to the ground and shattered as well.

As if she had merely tossed aside two ordinary stones, she lazily lifted her eyelids and drawled:

"Is this the extent of the excitement? Perhaps I should carve out a fighting arena for everyone to settle things properly?"