Chapter 291: Hunger

The two sisters, devoid of any Star Power fluctuations, sent a chill down Jiang Changkong and his companion’s spines.

They had initially thought this was merely an Ancient Ruins from the early or middle stages of the Star Realm. Now, it seemed they had stumbled into a dragon’s den and tiger’s lair.

Living here for over ten years?

Disliking the limelight, preferring seclusion and a low-key lifestyle, hence no reputation?

Impossible!

Having been in the game for so many years, Jiang Jiuqiao might not know all the high-level or Top-tier Martial Artists in the Federation, but he was familiar with at least a small half of them.

Even if he didn’t know them personally, he had more or less heard of their reputations.

Two individuals even Jiang Changkong couldn’t see through couldn’t possibly be nobodies.

Coupled with the desiccated corpses and eerie small trees at the entrance, both men knew these sisters were not to be trifled with.

Drink tea?

Could there be something wrong with this tea?

Jiang Changkong pondered, about to take action, when intense Star Power fluctuations erupted from within the sea of flowers.

“Everyone, be careful. This place should be a major killing array.”

“You’re just too cautious. This killing array hasn’t been activated yet; what power could it possibly have?”

“These flowers are so fragrant and beautiful.”

As the voices reached them, Jiang Changkong’s expression shifted slightly: “A single misstep led us here. I didn’t expect such a secluded place to be so lively.

My uncle and I won’t disturb you two sisters while you entertain your guests. We’ll take our leave.”

“One guest is entertainment, a group of guests is also entertainment. Please, allow this humble woman to properly host you both.”

Hua Tianrui’s voice was like pearls falling onto a jade plate—clear and melodious.

Her skirt rustling, Hua Tianrui slowly stepped out of the pavilion: “Little sister, greet the guests. I’ll go make some preparations.”

“Yes.” Hua Tianluo gave a slight curtsy, speaking gently: “Please, both of you, take a seat and enjoy the tea. Tianluo will go welcome the new guests.”

The two men had no choice but to return, sitting on the stone stools, staring at the tea, neither in the mood to drink.

Jiang Jiuqiao transmitted his voice: “What do we do now?”

Jiang Changkong’s eyes flickered open and shut as the Divine Control Art spread out in all directions—everything was real.

The flowers were still flowers, the pavilion was still the pavilion, the ancient zither lay there, the tea was warm with wisps of steam rising.

“Let’s take it one step at a time. I can’t detect any flaws. As an old hand, have you noticed anything?”

Jiang Changkong withdrew the Divine Control Art, his expression calm.

“Nothing. I’m not familiar with this place either,” Jiang Jiuqiao replied with a bitter smile.

Jiang Changkong pondered briefly: “We can only respond to changes by staying unchanged. These two haven’t made a move yet, so they probably aren’t in a hurry to kill. Don’t drink this tea.”

Without understanding the situation here, he dared not drink the tea. If it were some top-tier poison, they’d both be finished.

Jiang Jiuqiao sighed softly: “That might not be up to us. Those who just arrived are probably not as cautious as we are.”

“Let’s observe first. If they act recklessly, it might help us gauge these two women’s capabilities.”

Jiang Changkong mused: “I hope this killing array wasn’t set up by a Near-Deity.”

Jiang Jiuqiao: “…”

Don’t scare me. I’m really nervous right now.

Jiang Changkong wasn’t trying to scare him. This boundless sea of flowers was indeed a Star Array.

Only the ancient battlefield with the Soul-Stabilizing Tree could be on this scale.

If there were others, they would be even larger—the three palaces.

Thump, thump

Footsteps approached as eight Martial Artists, men and women, were led to the pavilion by Hua Tianluo.

“I didn’t expect someone to have entered before us.”

A middle-aged Martial Artist walked over, looking at them with slight gravity: “You destroyed the small trees at the entrance, didn’t you?”

Hua Tianluo’s jade-like face showed a flicker of unease, quickly concealed.

Jiang Changkong’s expression remained calm: “You jest. They weren’t here when we arrived. As for you, impressive strength.”

“Not as impressive as yours,” the middle-aged man narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within. “Shengjin, Jin Guangxuan.”

“Jiang Changkong.” A trace of coldness surfaced on Jiang Changkong’s face. “Enemies are bound to meet.”

Jin Guangxuan, mid-stage Star Martial Artist!

“So it’s you. Truly, enemies are bound to meet. You need to give an account for Jin Hansheng’s death.” Killing intent flickered in Jin Guangxuan’s eyes.

“Enough, stop arguing. What’s the situation here now?”

A middle-aged woman walked over, her aura like a vast sea of stars, unfathomably deep.

Also a Star Martial Artist, mid-stage!

Behind them were six Stellar Body Martial Artists, all at Star Body Peak.

With such a lineup, they could easily sweep through an ordinary Ancient Ruins.

“We just arrived as well. Thanks to the hospitality of these two sisters, we have the leisure to enjoy tea here,” Jiang Changkong said lightly.

“My name is Liu Bing, a rogue Martial Artist,” the middle-aged woman said. “I’ve been hearing about Lord Jiang’s deeds these past few days. Truly a prodigious talent. Liu Bing admires you.”

“Jiang Jiuqiao, Jiang Changkong, greetings.”

The two clasped their hands. Jiang Jiuqiao explained in a low voice: “Rogue Martial Artists are a force formed by those with few clan members, no pioneering territories, and no lands of their own. They are very strong.”

“We’re just like you, having arrived here recently. If you want to understand, you can ask Miss Hua Tianluo.”

Jiang Changkong said lightly, once again spreading out his Divine Control Art.

This time, he was going to find Hua Tianrui, who had left earlier, and see what she was doing.

The Divine Control Art spread silently, reaching the pavilion. The situation inside appeared in his mind.

Antique tables and chairs, calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, words written in Star Script—but Hua Tianrui was nowhere to be seen.

Jin Guangxuan and Liu Bing questioned Hua Tianluo.

They also noticed Jiang Changkong’s power but only glanced at him before ignoring it.

The six Stellar Body Martial Artists curiously looked around, not interrupting.

Jiang Changkong closed his eyes and continued probing. The Divine Control Art spread to other pavilions, but Hua Tianrui was still nowhere to be seen.

“Young master, what are you looking for?”

Suddenly, warm breath brushed his ear, fragrant as orchids.

Jiang Changkong’s body trembled slightly. The Divine Control Art swiftly retracted. Unbeknownst to him, Hua Tianrui had already stood beside him.

“Nothing, just curious about this place, so I wanted to take a look,” Jiang Changkong said without blushing or his heart racing.

Hua Tianrui smiled slightly: “I thought the young master was some kind of libertine. Tianrui misunderstood.”

Libertine…

Jiang Changkong’s face twitched. Would I, Jiang Changkong, be that kind of person?

Hua Tianrui set down the tea: “Esteemed guests, one cup each.”

“Thank you.” The Martial Artists picked up their teacups but did not drink.

No one present was a fool. Encountering two beautiful women living in the Ancient Ruins was definitely not a good sign.

“It’s getting late. Please have your meal and rest. The nights here are not peaceful.”

Hua Tianrui drank her tea and spoke softly.

Everyone’s expressions changed slightly, only now noticing that the place had grown dim.

When they entered earlier, there had been green light here, but now it had vanished.

Looking at the dim sky and checking the time, it was already seven o’clock. Outside, the sky would already be bright.

“Everyone, please follow Tianluo for the meal. Afterwards, Tianluo will take you to your guest rooms to rest.” Hua Tianluo gave a slight bow, a smile on her face.

“No need for a meal. We’ve already troubled you two ladies by coming as guests. We’re used to not eating or… gulp.”

Before Jin Guangxuan could finish speaking, his stomach rumbled, and a powerful sense of hunger washed over him.

Jiang Changkong felt the same, while Jiang Jiuqiao’s expression shifted slightly.

Everyone present was a High-Rank Martial Artist. One of them was a Star Constellation Expert, and the other possessed combat strength at the stellar level. Neither of them needed to eat or drink constantly—they could go years without sustenance without issue.

But now, just because of a few words, they felt hungry?

As for the others, there was no need to mention them. The six Stellar Body Martial Artists were even more ravenous.