Chapter 173: Returning to the Banquet

"Are you sure the Holy Light envoy is the Redwood patriarch's eldest daughter?"

"Certain," Rayan said nonchalantly.

Phoenix Lady nearly screamed herself hoarse at Rayan, "This is crucial! I need absolute certainty!"

"One hundred percent certain."

Rayan saw no need to hide anything and said bluntly, "I have no conflicting interests with you at the moment and don't want to be your enemy, so I wouldn't lie to you about this—the Redwood family's Holy Light artifact was indeed taken by me, and it was then that I discovered Eileen's secret conversation with the Redwood patriarch."

"What were they talking about?" Phoenix Lady persisted.

Rayan did not want to involve Trevor in this and simply shook his head at Phoenix Lady, "What they talked about isn't important, but it's definitely against your Firebird family."

"I knew it!"

Phoenix Lady bitterly said, "They've always wanted to get rid of my son and me! But I didn't expect that old fox to have his eldest daughter hidden so deeply! No wonder I always felt uneasy whenever Eileen looked at me, I thought it was just the deterrence of Holy Light, but now it seems it's all out of hostility!"

She took a deep breath, her expression finally easing, "Rayan, the secret you've told me has not disappointed me."

Rayan was unmoved by Phoenix Lady's praise. He revealed the secret to Phoenix Lady partly to exchange it for the Holy Light artifact, and partly to force Eileen into a corner through Phoenix Lady.

The loss of the Twilight Blade might be minutely linked to the legendary God Race, but Rayan's knowledge about the God Race was nearly nil. Even if that person was pretending to be from the God Race, it would certainly have something to do with Holy Light, and here, the person closest to Holy Light was Eileen. Although this great magician's power was unfathomable, if Phoenix Lady could confront her first, Rayan might find a chance to press Eileen for information about the God Race.

Moreover, there was another reason—to get back at Trevor for poisoning.

It seemed Phoenix Lady also had a plan to deal with the Holy Light envoy, her confident and graceful smile returning to her seductive face. "Rayan, to thank you for this secret, let me give you another benefit."

Rayan, recalling Phoenix Lady's previous behavior, said with distaste, "No need, we're even now, I don't want any further entanglements with you."

Phoenix Lady grinned, "What if I say the benefit is another Holy Light artifact, would you still refuse?"

Rayan was tempted, but remained impassive. "As far as I know, there are four Holy Light artifacts in Stonerock City—one with you, one in the Black-armored barracks, one with the Redwood family, and the last one in the Lion King's palace. How could you have two?"

"It seems you've studied the distribution of the artifacts well."

Phoenix Lady smiled meaningfully, "Indeed, I only have one Holy Light artifact, but I can manage to get another from the heavily guarded royal palace. If you want it, accepting my favor is the easiest way, otherwise, you'll face the most elite hero team of the entire Stonerock Kingdom—Lionheart. Not even a legendary figure could confront a nation's elite guild alone, let alone you."

Rayan held his breath, knowing the opportunity was rare. If he didn't accept Phoenix Lady's favor, he might never get a chance at the last Holy Light artifact. But if he accepted, he would again be entangled with this cunning woman...

"Let's be clear, I won't see you any differently because of this."

"No need, I just purely want to repay you."

Phoenix Lady said earnestly, "The information you gave me has virtually saved our entire family's lives, allowing me to prepare specifically, I may have designs on you, but that's a separate matter, I will not demand anything in return for helping you get the Lion King's Holy Light artifact."

Her tone sounded quite sincere, but Rayan still faintly felt she had ulterior motives. He knew he shouldn't trust this woman, but the temptation of the fourth Holy Light artifact was too great. If he obtained the fourth Holy Light artifact, he could unlock Martha's secret and also obtain the so-called "mysterious reward."

Rayan pondered for a moment, then asked Phoenix Lady, "When will you give it to me?"

"It's not as simple as me going into the palace and charming the Lion King to walk out with the Holy Light artifact."

Phoenix Lady chuckled, "At most, I can tell His Majesty that the tournament needs the Holy Light artifact as a prize, but whether you can get it depends on your own ability."

Rayan nodded thoughtfully. "So, you want me to participate in the tournament."

"Eh? Aren't you here to participate in the tournament?"

Phoenix Lady teased, "Don't tell me you came to celebrate my birthday—tying up the birthday person on the bed, but doing nothing else, and instead setting fire to the birthday person's garden, such behavior is not something a noble sincerely celebrating would do."

Rayan pursed his lips, his gaze sharpening. "It seems I not only have to participate in the tournament but also must win first place."

"I like the look on your face right now."

Phoenix Lady laughed flirtatiously, "It's truly mesmerizing, you know? You don't even have to touch me, just meeting your gaze can make me wet..."

Rayan avoided Phoenix Lady's seductive gaze and provocative topic, "If that's the case, then I accept your favor—farewell."

Rayan turned and walked out of the room, the place filled with elements that made him uncomfortable, he wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"Remember—"

Phoenix Lady did not stop him, but lay back on the lounge chair, resuming her initial languid tone, "My door is always open for you... of course, so are my legs..."

Rayan did not stop, hastening his departure from Phoenix Lady's cabin, not wanting to see her for a moment longer.

"My little wild beast, we'll see each other again soon..."

Phoenix Lady breathed in deeply, enjoying Rayan's lingering scent, a sinister smile creeping across her lips.

The inner courtyard garden was utterly transformed.

In the effort to extinguish the fire, its elegance and tranquility were destroyed, with broken branches everywhere, flowers and plants trampled carelessly, covered in mud, the mess likely taking weeks to recover.

Rayan was indifferent to the muddy ground beneath his feet, but couldn't help but wonder what Phoenix Lady might think seeing her garden in such a state. That woman rarely showed her emotions easily, recalling her lascivious smile and direct actions, chills ran down Rayan's spine.

This kind of woman was too dangerous, and dangerous women were alluring, which in turn made her even more dangerous—Rayan resolved to keep his distance from Phoenix Lady, avoiding any private contact with her as much as possible.

Walking into the inner hall, the hall was still empty, Trevor was not there—Rayan guessed he was likely busy handling the disputes from the banquet.

It had to be admitted, Phoenix Lady was incredibly shrewd, she controlled the Firebird family's private armed forces, yet did not allow Marquis Hart to take the opportunity to intervene, effectively sidelining him and sending him to find Trevor to maintain order—she had nearly planned every move well, the only miscalculation was not anticipating the true identity of the Holy Light envoy.

Of course, this couldn't be considered her mistake, after all, the Redwood family had hidden Eileen's background for over twenty years, just waiting for such an opportunity.

Rayan did not want to help either side. Since killing Duncan, his hatred for the Firebird family had also dissolved; in his heart, both Redwood and Firebird were the same, chess players in the game of power, and he wouldn't mind if either side lost.

Returning to the banquet hall with a heavy heart, Rayan found the guests still noisy, but their behavior was significantly restrained under the encirclement of Black-armored guards—Marquis Hart sat smugly in the chairperson's seat, looking like he had everything under control. In fact, all this was Trevor's doing, and the idea was Phoenix Lady's, nothing to do with him.

Around him, a circle of servile nobles fawned, including a tall, robust servant, who was boastfully bragging about something.

Rayan had no interest in that group; his eyes caught Lady Spring Rain sitting in the previous corner, looking anxiously towards him. His heart warmed, all troubles forgotten, and he quickly walked over to Lady Spring Rain's side.

Lady Spring Rain's face was somewhat pale, which for a woman who would blush from a little wine, clearly stemmed from excessive worry about Rayan's safety. When Rayan walked over safely, her tense shoulders relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, her complexion also returning to normal.

"I was worried something happened to you in the chaos..." Her beautiful eyes brimmed with tears, like pear blossoms bathed in rain.

Rayan quickly smiled reassuringly, lowering his voice, "No worries, I've taken my revenge."

Lady Spring Rain nodded, acknowledging she had heard about Duncan's death. "This place is too dangerous, you should leave early."

Rayan shook his head, "Although Duncan is dead, the Twilight Blade has not been found yet."

Lady Spring Rain asked worriedly, "Do you have any leads?"

"Just a very small clue."

Rayan pursed his lips, his gaze naturally falling on Holy Light envoy Eileen not far away. Eileen was smiling broadly, toasting with the surrounding nobles, taking center stage, clearly the hostess of this birthday banquet.

"What clue?"

Lady Spring Rain looked puzzled, "Can I help?"

Rayan thought about Lady Spring Rain's relationship with Eileen and decided not to mention the clue, not wanting to put Lady Spring Rain in a difficult position. He deliberately avoided Lady Spring Rain's question, instead saying, "I need to participate in the tournament, and I must win first place."

As soon as he finished speaking, a rough shout came from not far away: "First place is mine!"

Immediately after, a wine glass flew towards Rayan's head—