The originally indignant expression on Gong Qing's face changed, realizing she had deceived her lord this time.

Hurriedly, she said, "I didn't mean to deceive you, it was just to break the deadlock."

"However, I still do not agree with your decision!"

Her face carried an innate stubborn persistence.

"Frankly, this is unwise, it might even hasten our demise!"

"Demise?"

Brother Cheng's lips curled slightly.

"What if I successfully deal with those enemies this time?"

Gong Qing was taken aback, and she carefully re-analyzed the disparity in strength between the two sides in her heart.

Then she shook her head heavily.

"That's impossible!"

"Oh, really?"

Brother Cheng smiled mysteriously, "Then let's make a bet."

"A bet?" Gong Qing looked puzzled.

"That's right."

Jiang Cheng put on a serious face, "If this time I don't use your plan but eliminate those enemies with my way, then you must never deceive me again, and you must get my consent before making major decisions!"

Actually, he wasn't very concerned about the deception from the people around him.

Even if there is betrayal, it's just a matter of dying once and respawning with extra power.

Moreover, Gong Qing's tactic this time was also meant to help him, wasn't it?

What he really cared about was that his opportunity to show off was unwittingly taken away by this extremely capable woman.

So he just wanted to secure a bit of insurance in advance.

Gong Qing was a bit surprised.

She didn't expect Jiang Cheng to have such low demands.

In fact, if it were any other lord, they would have just warned and commanded her directly, right?

Curiously, she asked, "And if you fail?"

Lord Jiang laughed heartily, "If I fail this time, then from now on, whatever you say, I will do. I will completely follow your advice!"

"What?"

This time, Gong Qing was genuinely shocked.

Because this promise was really too unbelievable.

Doesn't this mean that all future actions would be based on her words?

In the Cultivation Realm, power is revered, and Jiang Cheng's power surpassed hers by more than a hundredfold, creating a natural gap in their statuses.

If she wins this time, although Jiang Cheng wouldn't become her subordinate, he would essentially be under her control.

How could there exist such an easy-going lord in the world?

"Are you serious?"

Her breathing became tremulous, a bit unable to believe it was true.

"Of course, my promises are always reliable."

Seeing her extremely serious expression, Brother Cheng was amused and exasperated.

"Have you really started daydreaming? That would only happen if I lost!"

The news of Jiang Cheng hosting a banquet quickly spread throughout the city.

The external experts who recently arrived all received invitations from the Lord's Mansion.

This left everyone puzzled.

"What's he up to this time?"

"There must be a conspiracy!"

"Yes, such an unusual move must be a ruse!"

"Could it be he has hidden some Great Array at the feast to capture us all in one go?"

"Just him?"

"What can he do with his meager power?"

"Exactly, in the face of absolute power, all schemes are but fleeting clouds..."

If Gong Qing heard this, she might shake her head. It's best not to speak too decisively.

"Could it be he can't withstand our pressure and plans to surrender?"

"Right, that must be it, he can't withstand anymore."

"He better be sensible and voluntarily hand over the Lord's Mark, maybe he can save his life like a dog!"

With this mindset, experts from various territories and the Outer Domain headed to the Lord's Mansion.

"Lord Yuan Xi from the Red Star Territory has arrived!"

As the guard at the gate announced loudly, an expressionless senior of Mid-stage Fourth Realm of Emperor Realm flew in.

Beside him were several experts at the Late-stage Third Layer as his entourage.

These were Yuan Xi's companions, considered his helpers in the struggle for the mark.

"Lord Gan Qing from the Wuchan Territory has arrived!"

"Lord Zhu Song from the Liusheng Territory has arrived!"

One expert after another entered in succession.

After receiving the invitation, regardless of their intentions, all chose to attend.

What if the ownership of the Lord's Mark gets decided at this feast? If they miss it, wouldn't that be a big loss?

"Lord Di Yong from the Jue Ling Domain has arrived!"

The arrival of a Late-stage Fourth Realm expert made the guard's voice several degrees higher.

Beside this expert from the Outer Domain were two followers at the Early-stage Fourth Realm.

In terms of lineup, this was the strongest among all the powers.

No wonder Gong Qing previously chose him as the first target for calculation.

Listening to familiar names being called one by one, the hearts of the four Vice Lords and other elders trembled.

Sitting at the banquet, they felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, completely uncomfortable.

Many of those present had the power to kill the four of them.

No sense of security at all!

Now they could only place their hopes on Lord Jiang, hoping he truly had some clever plan.

But for now, observing Jiang Cheng, they couldn't discern anything.

This newly appointed lord just sat at the head seat with an air of tranquility, a hint of contentment in his smile.

He didn't rise to greet anyone, nor did he show any intention to host the 'guests.'

This demeanor, not to mention the present experts, even made the four Vice Lords uncomfortable.

They kept giving Lord Jiang meaningful glances, urging him to say a few words to them.

At least get familiar, or ease relations a bit!

Just as they were on the verge of standing up themselves, Brother Cheng finally spoke.

"Looks like everyone is here."

"Is there anyone missing? If so, send someone to hasten them!"

This left everyone unsure whether he was being hospitable or aloof.

Bang!

A heavy table slam in the center of the room caught everyone's attention.

"Hmph, what is this?"

It was Zhu Song from the Liusheng Territory looking visibly irritable.

"Since you're hosting a banquet, where's the feast?"

The table in front of him was bare, not a delicacy or even a glass of ice water prepared.

And it wasn't just him, everyone else's tables were equally bare.

"Jiang Cheng, what do you mean by this?"

"Are you provoking us?"

"Is the Celestial Rainbow Territory courting death?"

"Want to be annihilated?"

Several Fourth Layer experts from other territories also slammed their tables and rose, feeling slighted.

The four Vice Lords looked both helpless and aggrieved.

They had prepared everything, but before entering, Jiang Cheng ordered it all to be withdrawn.

The reason he gave was having a clever plan, saying this was a special arrangement.

The four believed his nonsense.

How were they to know his true intention was simply not to waste food?

After all, this 'guest' bunch was soon to become corpses, why bother entertaining them?

"Please, everyone, calm down."

Lord Jiang amiably motioned with his open hands toward the gathered outsiders.

"I actually admire you all."

"Knowing it's a treacherous banquet yet still daring to come, your spirit is commendable."