Chapter 128: The Birthday Banquet

The contents of the letter were indeed significant. It turned out that Huang Zhen and "Great Luo Hand" Song Yang were old acquaintances, sharing a friendship that dated back many years. Because of this, when Song Yang celebrated his eightieth birthday, he specifically invited Huang Zhen. However, Huang Zhen did not intend to attend in person and instead delegated the task to Lu Shaoyou. To ensure he had a formidable presence, Lu Shaoyou brought Yang Xing along, as Yang Xing was among the few people in the Xuanwu Courtyard he trusted most.

Yang Xing pondered for a moment, thinking to himself, "Since Song Yang's banquet has invited many experts, it can be considered a grand event in Hezhong Prefecture. I might as well go and see the spectacle." With that thought, he put away the letter and began his training.

In the evening, as Yang Xing was practicing the Xuanwu Seal, Niu Man arrived. She was the petite young woman who had been cooking for him since his first day at the post. Yang Xing asked with a smile, "Is it time to procure more ingredients again?" At Woniu Ridge, Niu Man was the most skilled cook, so she was usually responsible for purchasing supplies.

Niu Man shook her head and said, "Deacon Yang, I’ve come to tender my resignation."

Yang Xing asked instinctively, "Resignation? Where are you going?"

Niu Man sighed, "I was originally a disciple of the Niu family stronghold in Kaixing City. Later, with the help of my elders, I came to the prefecture to cultivate. I have spent three years wasting time in the Outer Courtyard, and now it is time to return."

The Four Absolute Pills supplied by the Four Absolute Sect had become increasingly expensive, doubling in price without anyone noticing. Many disciples stuck at their current cultivation levels were considering their options. An expert at the Transformation Realm could earn at least five hundred taels of silver a month working as a consultant outside, whereas in the Four Absolute Sect, they received only one hundred.

Yang Xing nodded, "I understand." Niu Man’s strength was at the peak of the Dark Energy Realm—an insignificant presence in the sect’s Outer Courtyard—but back in a smaller place, she could live quite comfortably without having to endure the daily toil. At the crossroads of life, everyone makes their own choices.

Later, Yang Xing shared a meal with the patrol disciples of Woniu Ridge as a farewell to Niu Man. With Yang Xing present, the disciples drank a few extra rounds. As the meal drew to a close, Niu Man was the first to leave, saying she needed to pack her belongings. Just then, Yang Xing heard someone sigh softly, "Actually, Sister Niu Man was a very good person."

***

After Niu Man left, three new patrol disciples arrived at Woniu Ridge—one at the Dark Energy level and two at the Transformation level. Yang Xing had one of the veterans show them around, and they quickly adapted to the environment.

Before long, the date reached July 13th, the day of the eightieth birthday of Song Yang, the leader of the Seven Sons of the Heavenly River.

The Heavenly River Sect was located on Jade River Mountain. The mountains were lush and emerald green, filled with verdant trees and deep, shaded forests. As the morning sun shone down, the towering, cloudy peaks sparkled with radiant cliffs. The mist dissipated from the mountains, revealing a sea of greenery that framed a complex of ancient buildings with exquisitely carved eaves. Stone steps ascended the mountain, winding through lush foliage, with white vapors visible to the naked eye. Amidst the rolling sea of clouds stood elegant, classical halls.

The mountain top was rugged and winding, with dozens of smaller peaks rising below it. There were thirty-three pavilions in total, which were the most precious sites of the Heavenly River Sect, housing centuries of collected martial arts manuals, medicinal pills, armaments, and exotic treasures. By morning, the disciples of the Heavenly River Sect were busy decorating the grounds, and the mountain gate was filled with a festive atmosphere.

Yang Xing and Lu Shaoyou walked along the mountain path toward the Jade River Hall at the summit. On the way, Lu Shaoyou cautioned him carefully, "There are many experts attending this banquet, including many unknown ones. Remember not to stir up trouble, but if someone seeks to provoke you, do not be afraid." Yang Xing nodded.

Along the way, they had already spotted many notable figures, such as "Soul-Snatching Sword" Lan Jing, the head of the Changsheng Escort Agency, and Lu Xichen, the master of the Five Tiger Sect. Seeing so many masters just on the path, one could imagine how many would be present for the celebration.

Soon, they reached the Heavenly River Sect's gate. A middle-aged man stood at the entrance, smiling as he greeted the guests. Lu Shaoyou cupped his hands and said, "Lu Shaoyou of the Xuanwu Courtyard of the Four Absolute Sect, accompanied by my junior brother Yang Xing, has come to offer birthday wishes! This is my master's gift." He then produced the gift that had been prepared in advance.

The middle-aged man laughed heartily upon hearing this, "So it is the beloved disciples of Huang Zhen! Please, come in." A disciple of the Heavenly River Sect took the gift, checked it, and registered it in the ledger before escorting Yang Xing and Lu Shaoyou into the banquet.

Lu Shaoyou whispered, "That man is Bai Ziyun, one of the Seven Sons of the Heavenly River, nicknamed 'Green Dragon in the Sleeve.' Don't let his friendly smile fool you; his heart is incredibly vicious..."

*Bai Ziyun!?* Yang Xing felt a jolt. The tragedy of the Xiao family had been orchestrated entirely by this man.

Entering the banquet hall, the atmosphere was already bustling and deafeningly loud. A few members of the younger generation approached, immediately showering Lu Shaoyou with flattery. "Brother Lu! It's been a long time; your demeanor is even more impressive than before!"

"Not at all, not at all!"

As a core disciple of the Four Absolute Sect's Inner Courtyard and the senior disciple of the Xuanwu Courtyard, Lu Shaoyou held an extraordinary status. Not only were disciples of smaller sects and aristocratic families coming forward to greet and court him, but even seasoned martial artists were seeking to make his acquaintance.

After dismissing the crowd, Lu Shaoyou whispered, "That man is Lian Chen, an expert from the Lian family. They are the premier family in Hezhong Prefecture for forging weapons. If you have the chance, you should get to know him." Yang Xing looked in the direction indicated and saw a tall, bearded man who was periodically approached by others, though his expression remained arrogant and cold. Yang Xing had heard of the Lian family; because they could forge exceptional weapons, their connections were vast. The family head, Lian Yifeng, was highly respected, and the family supported dozens of consultants, including several masters at the Dan Energy Realm. Though not on par with the Wang or Xie families, they were still a top-tier clan in Hezhong Prefecture.

Lu Shaoyou continued, "That one over there is the master of the Yi Sword Sect. He is a formidable expert who survived the 'Great Battle of Wild Wolf Mountain.' He usually keeps to himself, so I didn't expect him to attend Song Yang's birthday." The man was an elderly figure sitting in a corner, his eyes as calm as still water. Calluses were vaguely visible on the webbing between his thumb and index finger, clearly the result of years of sword practice.

There were many small sects in Hezhong Prefecture that had once been prominent. Though they had declined, they were still not to be underestimated.

Just then, Lu Shaoyou looked at a young man, his voice tinged with gravity, "That man is Zhen Li." Hearing the name, Yang Xing immediately understood his background and why Lu Shaoyou was so solemn. In Hezhong Prefecture, beyond the three sects, two families, and various smaller organizations, there was an extraordinary force: the Golden Feather Guard, led by Commander Zhen Bu'er.

The Golden Feather Guard was created by the Wuguo imperial court to deal with unruly martial arts factions and experts. Even today, many in the martial world paled at the mention of the Golden Feather Guard. The force was a mix of imperial-recruited martial artists and talents excavated from the imperial martial examinations. With the support of the massive imperial apparatus, their strength remained transcendent. Zhen Li was the son of a Golden Feather Guard captain and one of the "Four Heroes" of Hezhong Prefecture.

"This Zhen Li has a very fiery temper; he’s easily provoked," Lu Shaoyou whispered. "It is said he has been looking for an opportunity to challenge all the other outstanding figures among the Four Heroes and Three Elites..."

Yang Xing nodded. Lu Shaoyou continued to introduce other experts, his patience clearly driven by his own calculations. In the Xuanwu Courtyard, there were four disciples at the Dan Energy Realm. Shao Qiuju and Yu Baoquan did not show him much respect, but as long as Junior Brother Yang stood on his side, he had no reason to fear the other two.

Suddenly, Lu Shaoyou’s lips parted, and his eyes lit up. "Hm!?"

Yang Xing followed Lu Shaoyou's gaze and saw a stunning figure. The woman wore a long white robe, and her every movement carried a sense of ethereal grace. When she appeared, not only Lu Shaoyou, but many others were captivated. It was none other than Xie Lingyan.

Lu Shaoyou's eyes brimmed with fervor, his throat bobbing as he whispered, "She..."

Yang Xing glanced at Xie Lingyan and said, "I know who she is." A woman who was both beautiful and powerful was a rare sight indeed.

Lu Shaoyou carefully took a white handkerchief from his robe and sighed, "Four years ago, at a gathering on the Tea-Horse Road, I met Miss Xie for the first time..." As he spoke, he held the handkerchief to his nose and inhaled greedily.

Yang Xing looked at the handkerchief and asked in surprise, "Did she give that to you?" Was there a secret affair between Xie Lingyan and his senior brother? This was major news.

Lu Shaoyou shook his head, "No, she dropped it, and I picked it up."

Yang Xing: "..."