Chapter 818 - 818 Congratulating Dao
All of Da Hong Fist's men withdrew alongside Hong Tianci, and the signboard replacing ceremony continued unabated. Clearly, those who previously had designs on the Xingyi School, after witnessing the strength of Du Tian Yi and Du Fei, immediately abandoned their thoughts.
The prowess of Du Tian Yi and Du Fei was such that they were not far inferior even when compared to some of the seniors. What's more, the Xingyi School now also had Du Yongwu holding the fort. In truth, Du Yongwu's strength was not much less than that of Tie Yongwen. Now with the unification of the North-South Xingyi Quan, his power has grown considerably, catapulting him into the ranks of first-rate masters. The current Xingyi School is far stronger than it was under Tie Yongwen's leadership. Who would dare challenge the Xingyi School now?
No sooner had the signboard been hung up than people from all the surrounding sects immediately gathered around to congratulate those from the Xingyi School. The disciples of the Xingyi School were naturally overjoyed. With the signboard exchanged, the North and South Xingyi Gate were now truly one. The continuous increase in the Xingyi School's strength delighted everyone.
Lunch was served there, at the Xingyi School, with tables set up inside and out. As everyone took their seats and before the dishes were served, another group of more than a dozen people entered the gate. Leading them was Hong Tianci of Da Hong Fist. Following him were several older individuals. The youngest among them was also over forty years old. It seemed likely that these people were the elders of Da Hong Fist.
Their purpose for coming at this time was obviously very clear. All eyes turned to them, and even Tie Weihua's brows slightly furrowed, but he still stood up and went to meet them.
"Young Master Hong!" Tie Weihua greeted with a light smile, "Where did you go just now? The banquet is about to start, and I have been looking for you for quite a while. Come this way, please. A guest who crosses the threshold is a friend after all!"
Hong Tianci remained silent, his eyes fixed hatefully on Du Tian Yi. Meanwhile, an elderly man with graying hair by his side let out a slight chuckle and saluted with his hands, "I presume you are Sect Leader Tie? I am Hong Shengquan, the Sect Leader of Da Hong Fist!"
"So you are Sect Leader Hong!" said Tie Weihua quickly clasping his hands in greeting, "I had no idea Sect Leader Hong would also come today. Please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."
"There's no need for a distant welcome." Hong Shengquan chuckled, "In the early years, I too had the opportunity to meet your father, Old Master Tie. I actually intended to pay respects and offer incense to Old Master Tie upon my arrival in Shenchuan City. Alas, mundane affairs detained me, and I haven't had the chance. Little did I expect, my unfilial son here stirred up a heap of trouble. Today, I've come specifically to extend my apologies to Sect Leader Tie. For any offense caused earlier, I hope Sect Leader Tie can forgive us!"
Tie Weihua replied with a smile, "Young Master Hong speaks straightforwardly and acts frankly - a true spirit of valor befitting our martial artists. There's no talk of offense or affront. Sect Leader Hong, there's no need to take it to heart!"
"What valor? He's simply a willful and arrogant youth!" Hong Shengquan laughed, "I heard earlier that a junior of the Xingyi School defeated my unfilial son using only one hand? Might I inquire which talented young hero it was, and if I might have the honour of meeting him?"
The expression on Tie Weihua's face shifted subtly, knowing Hong Shengquan's intent to see Du Tian Yi would lead to trouble for Du Tian Yi. It seemed that Hong Shengquan's so-called apology was nothing but a pretense. It was nothing more than his own son failing to make a scene here, so he personally brought people over. Da Hong Fist was determined to disrupt the Xingyi School's event today, one way or another.
Seeing the people behind Hong Shengquan, Tie Weihua felt somewhat anxious. These elders were no doubt strong, and if they truly intended to issue a challenge, it would be troublesome for the Xingyi School. After all, among the Xingyi School's seniors, only Du Yongwu was a true master. Who among the rest could be the match for these elders?
All eyes at the scene were fixed on Tie Weihua. These were all old hands of Jianghu who understood that Hong Shengquan was indeed here for a challenge. Many secretly snickered, curious to see how the Xingyi School would handle this situation. If their event was disrupted on the very day of changing their signboard, it would spell the end for the Xingyi School.
Ye Qing, who was seated in the inner room, furrowed his brow slightly. The people from Da Hong Fist were clearly here to cause trouble today, which was beginning to infuriate him. As he clenched his fists, just about to stand up, suddenly, a hearty voice rang out from the entrance: "Xihang Shen Family Manor, congratulates the Xingyi School on their joyous occasion!"
The moment these words were spoken, the whole place buzzed with noise. The martial arts world of the Southern Six Provinces was well-aware of the Xihang Shen Family Manor. But how many could claim ties with the Xihang Shen Family? The arrival of the Shen Family themselves to offer congratulations greatly honored the Xingyi School.
As the voice faded, three individuals walked in through the main entrance. Seeing these three people, Ye Qing and Du Tian Yi, seated in the inner room, changed their expressions and hurriedly got up to greet them.
"Uncle Shen, when did you arrive?" Ye Qing greeted with a smile as he approached. The man leading the three was none other than Shen Da of the Shen Family. Flanking him were Shen Er and Shen Si, who were among the Shen Family's Ten Outstanding Members.
The strength of these three was paramount within the Shen Family. Especially Shen Da, whose prowess was even greater than Wang Tian'an. If not for being incapacitated by the Bone-Piercing Tendon-Softening Powder at the hands of Wang Tian'an, he likely would not have suffered such a disastrous defeat. Each member among the Shen Family's Ten Outstanding Members possessed formidable abilities. Shen Er and Shen Si, although not quite on par with Wang Tian'an, were not much weaker. They were undoubtedly first-rate experts here!
And now, Shen Da was the one overseeing the Shen Family affairs. The major decisions were made by Shen Tianjun, while the minor ones were directly handled by Shen Da. His arrival with two others underscored the importance he placed on the affairs of the Xingyi School. Otherwise, there would be no need for all three of them to come personally.
Tie Weihua and the others, upon hearing these were people from the Xihang Shen Family, were already ecstatic. However, not recognizing these three individuals, they weren't sure how to greet them, creating a slightly awkward moment.
"We have just arrived," Shen Da said with a smile, patting the shoulders of Ye Qing and Du Tian Yi, "My father heard that the Xingyi School was changing their signboard today and worried someone might cause trouble. Hence, he sent us three brothers to take a look. First, to see if any miscreants would dare cause a scene here, and second, to offer our congratulations to the Xingyi School. Congratulations to all of you!"
Du Tianyi quickly bowed and said: "Thank you, Uncle Shen!"
Tie Weihua also quickly bowed and said: "Thank you, Senior Shen, for your consideration!"
"People from the Xihang Shen Family? Are these really people from the Xihang Shen Family?"
"When has the Shen Family ever congratulated someone else before, why would they come here today?"
"It is said that the Southern Fist King Shen Tianjun has an extremely close relationship with Sect Leader Tie Yongwen of the Southern Xingyi School. It's normal for the Shen Family to come and offer their congratulations."
"But hasn't Shen Tianjun been missing for twenty years already?"
"You are behind with the news. Just a few days ago, I received word that the Southern Fist King Shen Tianjun has already returned to the Shen Family. Now the Shen Family Manor is truly the Martial Arts Holy Land of the Southern Six Provinces!"
"..."
Many people below were whispering to one another, very curious about the origins of the three individuals from the Shen Family. Meanwhile, Hong Shengquan and others nearby slightly furrowed their brows as they looked at the three from the Shen Family. Shen Da's earlier words seemed like a warning to them, which made them somewhat annoyed.
Hong Shengquan turned and looked at Shen Da, saying: "Turns out it's friends from the Xihang Shen Family, I have yet to inquire about the esteemed names of the three of you."
Shen Da looked at Hong Shengquan with a faint smile and said: "My surname is Shen, and I am the eldest brother in the family. These two are my second and fourth brothers!"
Hong Shengquan's expression changed slightly. He, of course, knew of the Shen Family's Ten Outstanding Members and was well aware of the identities of Shen Da, Shen Er, and Shen Si. The fact that the Shen Family had sent these three people here showed the great importance they placed on the Xingyi School. With these three present, who would dare cause trouble at the Xingyi School at such a critical moment?
"So it's three of the Shen Family's Ten Outstanding Members, I have long admired you!" Hong Shengquan clasped his fists towards the three men and smiled: "I am fortunate to meet people from the Shen Family here today, my trip here has not been in vain. Master Tie, I came in a hurry and have nothing suitable to offer as congratulations, so I can only wish you my heartfelt congratulations!"
"Thank you, Sect Leader Hong!" Tie Weihua quickly bowed in response.
"We're all comrades of the martial arts world, no need for such politeness!" Hong Shengquan smiled and said: "In that case, I won't disturb you any further. Mr. Shen, Sect Leader Tie, I shall take my leave now!"
Tie Weihua quickly said: "Sect Leader Hong, since you are here, why don't you stay for a drink before you go?"
Hong Shengquan had originally come to cause trouble, but with the arrival of the three from the Shen Family, he knew he could no longer take advantage in this place and had no intention to linger. He exchanged a few cordial words with Tie Weihua and then promptly left with the folks of Da Hong Fist. His visit this time could be considered thoroughly embarrassing. He had come with aggressive intentions, but upon seeing the three from the Shen Family, he immediately fled without accomplishing anything, naturally inciting scorn from many.
However, Hong Shengquan was also shrewd. He preferred to be laughed at rather than stay and cause trouble. He knew that Shen Tianjun had already returned to the Xihang Shen Family Manor, and he was absolutely unwilling to provoke anyone from the Shen Family. Thus, he would rather lose face than fight with the people of the Shen Family, which was indeed the smartest thing about him. Shifting with the wind was his way to survive and thrive!
The arrival of the three from the Shen Family made the atmosphere at the venue even livelier. After all, the Shen Family of Xihang had been renowned as a Martial Arts Holy Land for twenty years. Although some harbored ulterior motives towards the Shen Family, most still held respect for them. Now that they had seen the Shen Family's experts with their own eyes, sitting right beside them, one could imagine the excitement in their hearts.
The members of the Xingyi School were especially excited. Even Du Yongwu personally came out to receive the three from the Shen Family, indicating the importance they attached to the guests from the Shen Family. In the end, the three from the Shen Family joined Ye Qing and Du Tianyi at the same table, as they were somewhat acquainted.
Du Yongwu accompanied them throughout the entire time. He was already aware of Shen Tianjun's return and understood that the Xihang Shen Family would only become more prestigious. The presence of people from the Xihang Shen Family here gave him great confidence in the future of the Xingyi School!