My cultivation disguise has been exposed by Xiao Sizi.

"Haha, it is an honor to have such a distinguished guest grace our humble abode."

The Lord of Brahma City changed out of his official robes and into a wide, dark gold brocade robe, and greeted him from the main seat with a beaming smile.

He had a plump, Buddha-like appearance; the fat on his cheeks jiggled with his laughter, making him look harmless and approachable.

If someone didn't know his background, they might actually be fooled by his hypocritical mask of hospitality.

"Today at Baiyu Square, Master Mingxin's profound Buddhist teachings awakened people from their dreams with a single word, which was truly gratifying."

The city lord very familiarly led everyone to their seats, constantly spouting flattering words.

"Those old bald monks from Dajue Temple are used to bullying others in this Brahma City. They think they can do whatever they want just because they have some background."

"I have long disliked them, but I have been unable to do so due to my status."

"Today, the young master and Master Mingxin's actions can be considered as a way of venting the anger of the people of this city."

These words were perfectly worded, not only cleanly extricating himself from the Dajue Temple's camp, but also incidentally bringing him closer to Li Chen and the others.

Li Chen sat in the large rosewood chair in the guest area, leaning back lazily.

His deep eyes gazed silently at the city lord, who was full of lies, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on his lips.

When the city lord saw that Li Chen did not respond, a faint shadow flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered up by a warm smile.

He turned around and took a wine pot carved from ten-thousand-year-old warm jade from the maid.

"Come, come, esteemed guests, please drink this cup to the brim."

The city lord personally poured wine for Li Chen and Monk Mingxin.

The wine had a clear, amber-like color, and as soon as it was poured into a glass, a rich and refreshing aroma filled the hall.

"This is the Bodhi Wine that our manor has treasured for eight hundred years. It is brewed using spiritual spring water unique to the far west and mixed with ninety-nine kinds of rare spiritual herbs."

"Not only does it have a rich and mellow taste, but it can also nourish the meridians and cleanse the soul."

"Young master, please."

The city lord raised his wine cup with both hands, his wide sleeves hanging down, his posture extremely humble.

Li Chen glanced at the amber-colored wine in front of him, which emitted an enticing aroma, but did not reach out to pick it up.

His senses were incredibly sharp; he knew that the wine was indeed not poisonous, and was in fact a rare and highly nourishing substance.

But the more attentive the city lord was, the stronger the murderous intent behind the meal became.

He simply bent his slender fingers and tapped them lightly and casually on the table, making a crisp tapping sound, his eyes cold and distant.

The city lord, left standing there, froze in mid-air with his wine glass in hand.

The atmosphere instantly became somewhat awkward.

The city lord could only chuckle awkwardly and turn his gaze to the monk Mingxin sitting beside him.

"Master Mingxin, you've fought several battles today, and your energy must be depleted. This Bodhi Wine is the best tonic, so perhaps..."

"Amitabha, thank you for your kindness, City Lord."

The monk Mingxin clasped his hands together, his eyelids drooped slightly, and his voice was as calm as a still pond.

"This humble monk is a monastic and strictly adheres to the precepts of Buddhism."

"Even if this wine is the finest nectar, in this humble monk's eyes it is no different from poison that will burn through your intestines."

Having weathered all the storms along the way, and especially after comprehending the true meaning of Mahayana Buddhism, Master Mingxin's mind has become as firm as a rock.

He knew very well that his theory of "using force to subdue demons" was only for dealing with evil monsters and demons.

However, in terms of personal conduct and ethics, he still adheres to the purest bottom line.

Despite the aroma of wine and meat filling the hall, his mind remained unmoved, and he did not touch a drop of alcohol.

After being rebuffed twice, the city lord's smile finally began to fade.

He slammed the wine glass down on the table, a barely concealed glint of malice flashing in his eyes.

However, when his gaze fell on the small figure who was happily eating on the table, he couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

In this somber and oppressive banquet, the only one who remained completely unaffected was Princess Sizi of the Tang Dynasty.

The little girl didn't care about being a city lord or anything like that, nor did she care about those hypocritical pleasantries.

As soon as she sat down at the table, her attention was completely drawn to the huge, golden-brown, crispy hind leg of a mythical beast in front of her.

The beast's hind legs were as big as half a person, and its skin was covered with rich spices, sizzling with oil.

Sizi grabbed a bone with her two soft, white hands, opened her little mouth, and began to gnaw on it.

The little girl ate with great gusto, her mouth covered in golden oil, her two pink cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel.

Fatty Si, who was squatting next to her, was not to be outdone.

The black and white tabby cat jumped onto the table, pressed its two front paws against a piece of tender fish meat, and began to tear it apart.

The two, a human and a cat, seemed to be having a rice-eating contest, eating with great gusto.

The city lord watched as the wolf-devouring Sizi, the mockery in his eyes growing even stronger.

Eat up, eat more, and die a full-bodied ghost on your journey. That way, it won't be in vain that I, the city lord, have prepared such a large table of delicious food.

Anyway, once the blood array is activated, all the rare and precious herbs we've ingested will eventually transform into the purest blood and energy, nourishing the array.

Just as the city lord was secretly pleased with himself.

"Pah, pah, pah."

Sizi, who was frantically gnawing on meat, suddenly stopped.

With a cute little frown, she spat a piece of meat from her mouth onto the white jade plate in front of her.

Then, with her greasy little hands, she pulled a silk handkerchief from her small bag and hastily wiped her mouth.

The little girl looked at the half-eaten piece of roasted meat in her hand with disdain in her eyes.

"Uncle, is your cook still half asleep?"

Sizi unceremoniously picked up the large bone and began to complain loudly to the city lord.

"This grilled meat looks pretty good, but why does it taste so strange?"

The city lord was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting this five-year-old girl to suddenly cause trouble.

He suppressed his anger and forced a stiff smile.

"Young guest, you flatter me. This is a top-notch spirit chef hired by our manor at great expense, using the finest Crimson Flame Spirit Pig leg meat from the far west."

"Why does it taste strange?"