Zhong Renwang's mind was secretly pondering, his thoughts like a cunning fox calculating its prey in a dark cave. He fervently hoped that the Divine Water Palace Master Liu Yanran would choose either Zhong Wanwang or Zhong Wanqiang, and consequently betroth Liu Tingting to one of them.

In Zhong Renwang's eyes, this marriage was not merely an affair of romance, but a perfect opportunity to further consolidate his power.

Images of his prestige and power in Jianghu growing like a snowball through this familial connection kept floating in his mind, and his lips curled up slightly, revealing a sinister smile that was difficult for others to detect.

Located by the Celestial Pool of Liaodong, the Divine Water Palace has always been renowned for its enigmatic aura. The palace stands beside majestic green mountains and the clear Celestial Pool. The mists waft around like a light veil, lingering all year round, making it appear as an isolated, earthly Immortal Realm from afar.

Within the palace, clear springs meander, babbling, with water so pure and sweet that it resembles nectar.

Widely spread in Jianghu, it is said that drinking from these springs of the Divine Water Palace not only strengthens the body but also extends longevity, hence the name "Divine Water."

The palace gates stand tall and grand, magnificent in their presence, with stone steps stretching a thousand levels like a winding dragon.

Beside the stone steps, pines and cypresses grow lush and green, evergreen throughout the seasons. This dense verdancy adds an air of solemnity and sanctity.

Upon entering the palace, one sees buildings arranged in an orderly manner, with exquisitely carved beams and rafters. The splendid decorations shimmer brilliantly in the sunlight, with every detail showcasing an extraordinary aura and deep heritage, as if narrating the long-standing and mysterious history of the Divine Water Palace.

Upon receiving the news that the leader of the largest gang in the land, the Beggar Gang Leader Zhong Renwang, and the famed Young Manor Master Xie Zhichuan of the Divine Sword Manor were about to visit, the Divine Water Palace Master Liu Yanran personally came out to welcome them.

She was dressed in the most luxurious palace attire, with intricate and exquisite patterns embroidered all over the garment, each stitch and thread reflecting the craftsmans' devotion.

Liu Yanran, with her graceful demeanor, exuded elegance with every gesture, appearing dignified and majestic, yet still approachable and kind.

The reception ceremony she arranged was exceedingly grand, showing the importance and respect for the two distinguished guests, making the atmosphere feel like a grand celebration.

However, Liu Yanran was very concerned about maintaining the secrecy of the Divine Water Palace.

She was well aware that if the complex terrain and meticulously arranged traps within the palace were revealed to outsiders, the Divine Water Palace would face a significant crisis.

Therefore, although warmly entertained, she did not lead Zhong Renwang, Xie Zhichuan, and their group to the picturesque pavilion by the Celestial Pool for tea, nor did she let them step inside the palace, only hosting them in a spacious courtyard carefully arranged outside the palace.

As for Liu Yanran, she already harbored deep dissatisfaction towards Shi Feiyang.

In her eyes, Shi Feiyang's existence was like a thorn lodged in her heart, causing her constant unease. Furthermore, upon hearing the legends of Shi Feiyang's Vermilion Bird and White Tiger Auspicious Beasts, rumored to possess extraordinary powers, she believed that if they could be controlled, the strength of the Divine Water Palace would surely increase greatly.

Meanwhile, Zhong Renwang and Xie Zhichuan also had sinister intentions towards Shi Feiyang, each with their own schemes.

Zhong Renwang harbored illusions of eliminating Shi Feiyang to remove a major obstacle in expanding his influence in Jianghu.

Xie Zhichuan was filled with hatred and swore to kill Shi Feiyang to avenge his family's grudge.

The three, sharing the same malicious intent, quickly joined forces, hatching a sinister and treacherous plan to assassinate Shi Feiyang.

Xie Zhichuan's eyes glistened with a cold light, like a hungry wolf in the cold night, with an ultimate viciousness in that light.

In a lowered voice, he said viciously, "That Shi Feiyang, with his formidable Martial Arts and widespread popularity, we must come up with a foolproof plan, strike with one fatal blow, and not give him the slightest chance to breathe."

Zhong Renwang nodded slightly, with that signature sinister smile, agreeing, "The Young Manor Master is right, but Shi Feiyang is surrounded by masters, so we must plan carefully and choose the perfect moment to strike."

Liu Yanran, gently stroking the teacup in her hands, revealed a hint of greed in her eyes and said, "Once Shi Feiyang is removed, the Vermilion Bird and White Tiger shall belong to my Divine Water Palace. Their powers will surely elevate our position in Jianghu." As the three exchanged words, the dark plot quietly unfolded in that courtyard, like an invisible net, slowly being cast towards Shi Feiyang.

Liu Tingting had been fascinated with the pursuit of immortality since childhood.

She often practiced in seclusion in a secluded valley behind the Divine Water Palace, trying to discover methods for eternal life and transcendence.

Upon hearing about Shi Feiyang's Vermilion Bird and White Tiger Auspicious Beasts, the fire of greed in her heart was instantly ignited.

In her view, if she could subdue these two Auspicious Beasts and harness their mysterious powers, her path to immortality would progress by leaps and bounds.

At this moment, though not part of her parents' secret meeting with Zhong Renwang and Xie Zhichuan, she was already plotting how to seize the Vermilion Bird and White Tiger once they succeeded in eliminating Shi Feiyang. She closed her eyes tightly, hands clasped in prayer, muttering incantations, as if she could already see herself mastering the Auspicious Beasts and ascending to immortality, with a strange smile appearing on her face.

By the Celestial Pool of Liaodong, the Divine Water Palace seemed like a mysterious Immortal Realm hidden within the clouds and mists.

The palace buildings were scattered, with flying eaves blending into the mist, and clear springs flowing murmuringly, narrating the secrets of time. Today, the Divine Water Palace welcomed two unexpected guests — Beggar Gang Leader Zhong Renwang, accompanied by his sons Zhong Wanwang and Zhong Wanqiang, and the Young Manor Master Xie Zhichuan of the Divine Sword Manor.

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