Chapter 580 Banquet

The days flew by in a whirlwind of pleasure. Wang Jian, his heart brimming with contentment, reveled in the company of his harem. He'd taken them to all corners of the Sky Martial World, each region offering a unique adventure. Yet, a part of him yearned for the Eastern Cosmos, for the thrill of the ongoing war.

"My loves," he announced one evening, his gaze sweeping across his assembled women, "the war in the Eastern Cosmos rages on. But have no fear, your powerful husband will emerge victorious. And when that glorious day arrives, the doors to this world will open. We'll leave this paradise behind and explore the vastness of the Eastern Cosmos together."

A collective gasp rippled through the room. The prospect of venturing beyond the confines of their world, of experiencing the wonders Wang Jian had described, filled them with excitement. Su Xian, her usually calm eyes sparkling, spoke for them all.

"To see the Eastern Cosmos with you, husband? It would be a dream come true."

Wang Jian smiled, the room basking in the warmth of his affection. After all, hadn't he built this world for them? Wasn't it a testament to his love, a reflection of their desires? With renewed enthusiasm, they spent the next few days indulging in further pleasures, their anticipation for the future fueling their joy.

Finally, the time came for his return. Bidding farewell to his harem with promises of a grand reunion, Wang Jian severed the connection with the Sky Martial World. He found himself back in his chamber within the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, the familiar sights and sounds grounding him in the reality of the war.

A knock on the door interrupted his reverie. It was Cui Lan, her usual composed demeanor tinged with a hint of urgency. "Master Jian," she greeted him, her voice low and steady. "There's an update on the war front."

He gestured for her to continue, a predatory glint in his eyes. Ever the opportunist, he knew even war reports could hold an advantage.

"The White Tiger Clan," Cui Lan explained, "has been facing severe setbacks since their involvement with the devil tribes. The other beast clans, disapproving of their association with the enemy, have imposed sanctions. Their supply of resources and weapons has been drastically reduced."

A sly smile played on Wang Jian's lips. This was an unexpected turn of events, but one he could exploit. A weakened White Tiger Clan wouldn't be much help to the devil tribes. He needed them strong, needed them to be a formidable force against the Ancient Phoenix Clan.

"Interesting," he mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "We can't allow the White Tiger Clan to crumble. If they lose to the Ancient Phoenix Clan, our alliance crumbles with them."

Cui Lan nodded, understanding flickering in her gaze. "Indeed, Master Jian. What course of action do you propose?"

Elder Bai Yuxian's smile remained unchanged. "However," she continued, "there is a... stipulation to this invitation. Only female cultivators are allowed within the Star Cluster. Should you choose to accept, Patriarch Hu, you must be accompanied solely by women from your esteemed harem. And all these women must be in their purely human appearance."

Hu Tianba's surprise morphed into delight. He, the mighty Patriarch of the White Tiger Clan, would have the privilege of entering the legendary Star Cluster? This was an opportunity not to be missed!

"A most intriguing stipulation," he chuckled, his voice brimming with amusement. "Fear not, Elder Bai. The White Tiger Clan boasts a formidable harem, each woman is a warrior in her own right. We shall enter the Star Cluster with only the most exquisite company."

Elder Bai Yuxian understood. The legends were true. The White Tiger Clan, renowned for their prowess and ferocious beauty, possessed a harem filled with White Tigress warriors – females with potent bloodlines and formidable cultivation levels. Their human forms were said to rival even the most breathtaking beauties of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion.

A few days later, a magnificent procession approached the entrance to the Star Cluster. Leading the way was Hu Tianba, his broad chest puffed with pride. Flanking him were not his usual lieutenants but dozens of stunning women. Each, a White Tigress in her human form, radiated an aura of power and undeniable allure.

Their features were a fascinating blend of feline grace and human beauty. Some with snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes, others with cascading ebony tresses and fiery amber eyes – each a testament to a different, powerful White Tiger bloodline.

Within the banquet hall, Wang Jian, hidden amidst the shadows, observed the scene with a predator's grin. His eyes, gleaming with a depraved delight, lingered on each and every woman. He leaned towards Cui Lan, his voice barely a whisper.

"It seems, my dear Cui Lan, that our White Tiger friends have taken the invitation quite literally."

Cui Lan, always perceptive, understood the implications. A smile, devoid of innocence, played on her lips."Indeed, Master Jian. It appears we have a delightful new batch of potential recruits for our esteemed Pavilion."

The night deepened, and the banquet reached a crescendo. Exquisite dishes, each boasting not only flavor but also potent spiritual properties, were devoured. Wine, shimmering with an ethereal glow, flowed freely. Hu Tianba, his suspicions lulled by the seemingly innocent festivity, raised his goblet in a toast.

"To the everlasting alliance between the White Tiger Clan and the Heavenly Jade Pavilion!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the vast hall.

Cui Lan, the picture of serene grace, clinked her glass against his. "A toast shared is a bond strengthened," she replied, her voice a melodious chime.

But beneath the surface of conviviality, a sinister game was unfolding. Unbeknownst to Hu Tianba and his harem, the food and drink were laced with a meticulously crafted poison. It worked subtly, slowly seeping into their systems, a silent predator waiting to strike.