After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 87 - "Senior Sister, Why Not Strike Me Down?"

An Residence, The City Lord’s Birthday Banquet.

In the grand and resplendent hall, rows of distinguished guests in luxurious attire were seated. These were the nobles and elites of the capital—lords, ministers, and scions of prestigious immortal families. Many of them held extensive connections and disciples across the Dragon Dynasty and the major immortal sects, wielding significant influence in the immortal world.

Today, these family heads and their descendants had gathered to celebrate the birthday of the City Lord of Dragon Capital.

As the banquet reached its peak, a graceful immortal maiden in a flowing dress was invited to the stage to perform a sword dance at the request of the An family.

“Miss Luo Yi’s swordsmanship is truly divine, as if performed by a celestial being!”

“Indeed, it’s said that during the recent chaos in Yong’an City, it was thanks to Fairy Luo Yi guarding the Abyss Spirit Hall that the Abyss Spirit Orb was saved from the Demon Sect!”

“Not only that, but the Abyss Spirit Orb even recognized Fairy Luo Yi as its master afterward...”

“And the Empress herself approved of it! That ancient treasure was directly given as a reward to the heroic immortal attendant!”

“Fairy Luo Yi is undoubtedly the destined prodigy. Naturally, Her Majesty the Empress would be generous in her rewards, haha!”

Below the stage, the nobles and elites showered the silver-haired fairy with admiration, their gazes filled with reverence.

On stage, under the glow of the lanterns, the fairy danced with her sword. Her phoenix-like attire shimmered like snow, immaculate and ethereal. For the immortals, her performance was a display of swordsmanship; for the mortals, it was an enchanting dance. She earned praise from all walks of life.

At the end of the hall, the elderly City Lord, the guest of honor, watched in awe.

He stroked his white beard, sighing in admiration, before turning to the young man in immortal robes seated beside him.

“Zijing.”

“What do you think of Miss Luo Yi from the An family? Does she suit your taste?”

The annual gathering of the noble families was, of course, an opportunity for the heads of these families to arrange potential marriages for their children.

This year, as the birthday celebrant, the City Lord of Dragon Capital held significant sway in the proceedings.

Moreover, the City Lord was particularly confident this year because his most accomplished son had returned home.

Li Zijing, aged twenty-five, was a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, a direct disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and a student of the renowned Nine Heavens Sword Immortal. He also held a high-ranking position as an immortal attendant in the Dragon Dynasty, earning the Empress’s favor.

At such a young age, Li Zijing had achieved so much. He was undoubtedly the most sought-after “destined prodigy” among the noble families.

At tonight’s banquet, if the City Lord wanted to arrange a marriage for his son, it would be akin to an emperor selecting a bride. Every family would eagerly offer their daughters, as no one could refuse such a promising son-in-law.

In fact, any family whose daughter caught Li Zijing’s eye would consider it a blessing. The noble families would compete fiercely for such an opportunity.

Of course...

That depended on Li Zijing’s preferences.

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This was the City Lord’s primary concern. His son, though talented, was arrogant and had high standards. Ordinary women couldn’t catch his eye, which was why, at twenty-five, he had yet to marry.

While cultivators had long lifespans, the matter of producing heirs couldn’t be delayed indefinitely. Without a new generation in a few decades, the Li family might find itself lacking capable successors.

As such, the City Lord was eager for his son to settle down and start a family, ensuring the Li family’s continued prosperity.

“Father, regarding Miss Luo Yi—”

The young man’s cold and handsome face softened as he watched the fairy perform her sword dance on stage. A faint smile appeared on his lips. “She’s quite impressive.”

Hearing this, the City Lord beamed with joy.

If Zijing was interested in the An family’s young lady, that was excellent news. The City Lord had previously discussed this matter with the head of the An family. Among the daughters of the four great families in the capital, An Luo Yi was the most talented and graceful.

Moreover, An Luo Yi had recently achieved great merit in Yong’an City, making her a rising star in the immortal world.

From the perspective of cultivation and status, An Luo Yi was a perfect match for Li Zijing. A union between a “destined prodigy” and a “destined heroine” would be a match made in heaven.

Now that Li Zijing had returned home and expressed approval of An Luo Yi, half the marriage arrangement was already settled.

The City Lord thought to himself that if he brought this up with the head of the An family tonight, the latter would likely agree, especially given the City Lord’s status as the birthday celebrant.

After all, who could refuse such a promising son-in-law as Li Zijing?

With his exceptional qualifications, the An family would be foolish to decline. Other families would fight tooth and nail for such an opportunity!

“Good, good. I’ll discuss this with Old Master An tonight.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Li Zijing bowed to the City Lord, raising his cup in gratitude before drinking it in one go.

The City Lord, in high spirits, turned his attention back to the stage to enjoy the fairy’s sword dance. However, at that moment, the host announced a new segment.

“Next, let us welcome the An family’s guest performer to the stage! Together with Fairy Luo Yi, they will present the Phoenix Duo Dance!”

As the host’s voice echoed, the audience watched in surprise as a white-robed youth ascended the stage with three light steps.

The youth’s attire matched the silver-haired fairy’s. He wore a pristine white robe embroidered with a phoenix, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

Moreover, upon closer inspection, the cultivators in the audience noticed something intriguing about the youth’s sword.

An Luo Yi wielded the Silver Phoenix Sword, its blade engraved with a phoenix playing with a pearl.

The youth’s sword was also silver, its blade adorned with a phoenix seizing a crown, perfectly complementing the fairy’s Silver Phoenix Sword.

“What is...”

The City Lord’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing.

The evening’s program had been carefully planned by the City Lord, who had specifically requested the An family to have their young lady perform a solo sword dance to showcase her talents and grace to the noble families.

This was a long-standing tradition at such gatherings, often serving as a platform for matchmaking.

But now, An Luo Yi had a male dance partner, and their matching attire and swords were a glaring breach of protocol.

Not only did the City Lord’s face sour, but even Li Zijing raised an eyebrow, his displeasure evident.

“Senior Sister Luo Yi, please grant me your guidance.”

The youth stepped onto the stage, bowing respectfully with his sword, his smile unbothered by the astonished gazes of the noble families.

The fairy looked at him, her expression unreadable. After a moment of silence, she smiled faintly and returned the gesture with her sword.

Sword dancing was inherently a performance.

Adding a duel between a man and a woman only made it more captivating.

Their duel was seamless, as if they had been partners for years. The fairy, with her eyes closed, could predict the youth’s next move, while the youth’s elegant and precise swordsmanship matched hers perfectly.

Their synchronized movements, their chemistry, and their striking appearances captivated the audience.

In no time, applause erupted from the crowd.

As the duel reached its climax, the silver-haired fairy suddenly struck with full force, disarming the youth’s Silver Phoenix Sword. She leaped into the air, her sword aimed at his throat.

The audience held their breath.

Losing one’s sword was a grave mistake in swordsmanship. The crowd assumed the youth had blundered, and the fairy’s unrelenting stance suggested she had no intention of holding back.

“Tch, overestimating himself.”

From the depths of the hall, Li Zijing sneered, his expression smug. He eagerly anticipated the cold and aloof fairy delivering a fatal blow to her male dance partner.

But just as everyone watched intently, the youth stepped forward instead of retreating, pulling the silver-haired fairy into a mid-air spin.

It seemed they would fall off the stage together.

But at the last moment, the youth stopped.

At the edge of the stage, he held the fairy by one hand, preventing her from falling.

Her left hand was in his grasp, while her right hand still held her sword at his throat. Yet, she didn’t strike.

Despite the blade at his neck, the youth remained unfazed.

Standing at the edge of the stage, holding the fairy, his eyes were filled with trust.

“Senior Sister, why not strike me down?”

He asked knowingly.

The fairy didn’t respond, but under the gaze of the crowd, a faint blush spread across her cold, flawless face.

That night, the banquet hall erupted in applause.

But Li Zijing’s expression was darker than ever.