Chapter 297

Chapter 297: Please Start the Performance

You You and her group waited until the steward finally signaled their entry. Before stepping onto the stage, he warned them to stay sharp and not spoil the city lord’s mood, then shoved them forward.

The moment they entered, Demonic Energy surged violently, accompanied by a chaotic mix of noises. As they rounded the screen, Yuan Qi at the front halted abruptly, his brow furrowing as if sensing something. After a pause, he continued walking.

His Voice Transmission reached them: “There’s a hidden formation here. Stay alert.”

They tensed, following him into the hall.

The vast hall was lined with low tables where demons knelt, some raising cups to flatter the figure at the head. Seated atop the main platform was Chiyu City’s female city lord.

The woman in blue lounged lazily on her seat, thick Demonic Energy swirling around her. Her bored gaze swept over the crowd. To the hall’s right stood a stage where performers ahead of them acted out an opera—soon to be their own spot.

You You noted three Celestial Demon cultivators: the city lord and two men flanking her with potent Demonic Energy. She avoided staring. As the opera ended, guards ushered the performers off and waved her group onstage.

Exchanging glances, they climbed up. You You trailed Yuan Papa, carrying her guqin. She dragged a small table to center stage to set the instrument down.

Below, a black-robed demon stood, toasting the city lord: “Your swift rise to Celestial Demon cultivation blesses Chiyu City! May your reign bring ten thousand years of peace!”

The city lord tilted her head, smirking. “Ge, still Zhan Chang’s favorite bootlicker, I see.”

Ge’s smile twitched. “All I do is for Chiyu City’s sake. Your strength safeguards us all.” He gestured grandly. “Do today’s arrangements please you?”

“Your efforts?” She sipped wine, her tone mocking. “The wine’s decent. The music… tolerable.”

Onstage, Feng Rong and Yuan Papa began playing flute and guqin. You You hovered behind Feng Rong, idle.

Ge seized the praise. “Your fame draws even distant demons to celebrate your ascension!”

“Oh?” The city lord’s gaze drifted to the stage. Her eyes narrowed, lingering on the performers. “The musicians are… visually pleasing.”

Ge brightened. “They’ll stay extra days to perform more!”

You You shot panicked looks at her companions. The city lord cut in: “Unnecessary.” She pointed at You You. “You. Come pour my wine.”

You You froze. *Me?* She stared at Feng Rong’s guqin, then her empty hands.

Ge barked, “Move! Honored to serve the city lord!”

You You trudged forward, demons’ eyes drilling into her. As she passed Feng Rong, he lunged subtly, but Yuan Papa restrained him.

The city lord watched her approach, predator-like. You You knelt, filling the Wine Cup. “City Lord.”

Instead of taking the cup, the woman gripped You You’s chin, thumb brushing her cheek. “Such pretty features. Serve me henceforth.”

You You’s skin crawled. *I look average—since when am I prettier than Yuan Qi or Feng Rong?!* She recoiled, then froze—a faint pulse resonated in her mind.

*The Yin volume!*

Her eyes snapped to the city lord’s wrist. A jade bracelet glowed softly—the Yin volume’s upper half!

“Reluctant?” The city lord withdrew her hand.

You You grabbed her wrist. “I’d be *delighted*, miss!”

*TWANG!*

A guqin string snapped onstage.