Chapter 64
Wedding Banquet
Duan Xu's shouts grew fainter, but the red light on the horizon grew brighter and brighter, as the first ray of sunlight fell on the peaks of the Ten Thousand Mountains.
The crowing of roosters and barking of dogs woke up the residents around Peach Blossom Lane. The shouting occurred three times that night, and even the most patient person couldn't resist opening their window and cursing.
When those people arrived at Peach Blossom Lane with sticks and brooms, they only saw two lumps of flesh, one large and one small, lying on the ground.
Wu Zhengzhong was on the verge of death, and Duan Xu had drool seeping from the corner of his mouth, clearly having lost the ability to speak.
What's most unsettling to look at is that his large hand, which looked as if it had touched a woman's hand, had its five fingers broken and lay on the ground in an extremely irregular shape.
The foot, which seemed to have kicked a beautiful woman, was even more upside down.
"Tsk tsk, what kind of deep-seated grudge could this be?"
"Don't you guys recognize this kid? He seems to be Jiang Zhongkun's prized young disciple from the Scale Python Martial Arts School."
Alas, now I've ended up like this, it's truly tragic!
……
dong dong.
dong dong!
"Coming!" Duan Xin's clear and melodious voice came from inside the Duan family's old courtyard, followed by the sound of her lively and light footsteps.
As soon as she opened the door, Duan Xin was stunned, because the person in front of her was none other than her nephew Duan Xuan, whom she had not seen for a long time.
Duan Xuan was carrying two bags of steamed buns wrapped in oil paper, steaming hot and fragrant.
"Xuan'er, what are you doing here?"
"You little rascal, I went to your martial arts school twice and didn't see you. Were you out fooling around with some girl?" Duan Xin put her hands on her hips, pretending to be angry, but she couldn't help but smile.
"Isn't this a special apology to you? Here, two steamers of meat buns!" Duan Xuan flicked his finger, and the rope on one of the steamers was shaken open by the force.
He piled the elastic buns in his hands and gently handed them to Duan Xin.
Duan Xin hummed, picked up the tip of the bun with her slender little finger, took a small bite, and the hot soup flowed into her mouth and slid down her throat.
Finally, it reaches the stomach, rich and flavorful with a deep, dark sauce.
Since Duan Xu started practicing martial arts, he has almost drained Duan Jiantao and his family's savings.
Recently, he has been buying Qi and Blood Pills to prepare for the martial arts exam.
They went so far as to not even leave them money for basic living expenses; the family hadn't had meat or any good food in a long time.
The family reduced their meals from two to one.
Moreover, they could only eat stale grains, chestnuts, and wild vegetables that were hard to swallow.
Duan Xin had visibly lost a lot of weight.
"Eat slowly, I'll go buy more if you're not full!"
Duan Xin nodded and began to eat heartily. Halfway through, she glanced around the room and said, "Why don't you come in and sit down?"
Duan Xin knew, of course, that her aunt was reluctant to finish the food and wanted to bring the rest to her grandparents.
"No, I came to see how my aunt is doing. I'm relieved to see you're alright." With that, Duan Xuan took out a small bag of silver from his hand. This was what his mother, Zhou Fang, had gotten from selling the sable to the Golden Leopard Gang.
Yesterday, he had taken many treasures from Wu Zhengzhong and Duan Xu, including a considerable amount of silver.
But that can't be given away, because the Scaled Python Martial Arts School must be frantically searching for the killer right now.
"I don't want it, Xuan'er. You work so hard practicing martial arts. Even if you work part-time at Renhetang, you can't give it all to me. Take it back..."
Duan Xuan gently pushed the silver back into his aunt's arms: "My aunt has helped me so much. If I see you suffering and I am powerless to help, wouldn't all my martial arts training have been in vain?"
Okay, I'll send you some nice stuff in a few days.
With that, Duan Xuan bid farewell and left. Duan Xin, holding two steaming buns and a bag of loose silver, felt a surge of emotion.
As soon as Duan Xin closed the door, she turned around and saw her father, whose hair had turned completely white overnight.
He descended the steps with Liu's help, his voice hoarse: "Is that Xuan'er?"
"Yes, he's gone."
"Sigh..." Duan Jiantao sighed deeply, his nose suddenly feeling a little sore.
"Cough cough cough!"
"Father, don't overthink it, let's go back inside," Liu said, noticing the bag of loose silver in Duan Xin's hand.
With money, her husband wouldn't die, and her family wouldn't have to struggle financially anymore.
"What are you looking at? Do you think this silver can be saved?"
Don't forget your ungrateful son hasn't come back yet!
"If he comes back, who will be able to live a good life?" Duan Jiantao suddenly took a deep breath and loudly reprimanded Liu Shi.
Liu could only lower her head and dare not speak.
……
Poshan Martial Arts School.
Lin Hu and Liu Mingze both passed the imperial examination and became martial arts scholars.
One is sixth on the A list, and the other is fifth on the B list.
Although not all of them made it onto the A-League list.
However, this is still the best result that can be achieved among all the martial arts schools outside Huangshe County. The top few are all from the largest martial arts schools in the inner city and the children of big families.
At the urging of the surrounding martial arts school owners, Chen Feng "reluctantly" agreed to hold a victory celebration banquet.
Almost everyone on the street was present, except for the Scaled Python Martial Arts School and its partners.
A long red carpet was laid out, and the courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Poshan Martial Arts School was bustling with activity like never before.
Liu Tie and his disciples stood at the entrance to greet and receive guests.
"We've arrived at Qiankun Boxing Gym. Please come in!"
"We've arrived at the Hong family's door. Please come in!"
"The Huang family? The Huang family from the inner city..."
Upon hearing that the powerful Huang family had sent someone, Chen Feng, who was still exchanging pleasantries with the other owners, immediately came over.
"Congratulations, Master Chen! I, Huang Zhen, and my fourth brother, Huang Liang, represent the Huang family to offer our congratulations!" Huang Zhen said, clasping his hands in greeting.
Chen Feng had no idea that the two were just direct descendants of the Huang family, so he quickly and warmly bowed, saying, "Young Masters Huang, please come in."
Jingyun, please lead the two young masters to their seats of honor.
Chen Jingyun walked briskly over with graceful steps and bowed to the two of them.
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were immediately stunned. Although her appearance was not as stunning as Duan Xu's aunt, it was not far off.
Each has its own unique characteristics.
Chen Jingyun raised an eyebrow slightly: "Two young masters?"
"Miss Chen is as gentle as water and as beautiful as a fairy. My brother and I were momentarily captivated by her beauty. Our apologies!"
……
Not long after the Huang family members went inside, Liu Tie shouted loudly again, "The Wang family is the Wang family! Master, senior brother, senior sister, it is the third madam of the Wang family who has personally graced us with her presence."
The martial arts masters in the courtyard were all stunned. They had considered that the Wang family might try to recruit Lin Hu and Liu Mingze as disciples.
But to everyone's surprise, it was the Third Madam herself who came.
Chen Feng was flattered and looked up to see an incomparably noble face.
The third lady was dressed in a snow-white long woolen coat, with a gold hairpin in her hair and a pure white fox fur around her neck.
Behind him followed an elderly man with snow-white hair and a vigorous spirit—Zhang Zhuanghe!
Zhang Zhuanghe carried the heavy congratulatory gifts in both hands.
Chengdu far surpasses Huang Zhen and the other two.
"A simple banquet in our humble courtyard is hardly enough to warrant the presence of the Third Madam. It truly brings honor to our humble abode!"
Chen Feng could no longer hide his smile, but he knew that such an important figure would never show himself easily, so he dared not be negligent in the slightest.
He led the two of them toward the inner courtyard.
"Master Chen, let's skip the formalities. It's a joyous occasion that your martial arts school has produced two martial arts scholars at the same time."
If my Wang family did not come in person, it would be a sign of disrespect. However, my master and the other ladies have important matters to discuss and cannot leave.
"I'll have to do it in your place," said Third Madam Zhang Qianye, pointing to the two boxes of gifts. "These are just a small token of my appreciation."
"What are you saying, Third Madam? It is an honor for our Poshan Martial Arts School that you have come in person. How could we possibly blame you? If there has been any inadequacy in our hospitality, please forgive us."
"By the way, Master Chen, are Lin Hu and Liu Mingze about to reach the Dark Force realm?"
Madam Wang actively inquired about the situation of Lin Hu and his companion.
Chen Feng's mind raced as he considered how to answer without offending anyone.
The three of them walked along the red carpet, leaving Huang Zhen and Huang Liang completely behind.
Upon seeing Zhang Zhuanghe, the two men trembled in fear and didn't dare to lift their heads.
However, Zhang Zhuanghe's attention was not on the two of them.
The two brothers followed Zhang Zhuanghe's gaze with suspicion and saw a simply dressed young man teaching his disciples boxing in the training ground.
"Senior Brother Duan, they seem to be looking at you..."
The crowing of roosters and barking of dogs woke up the residents around Peach Blossom Lane. The shouting occurred three times that night, and even the most patient person couldn't resist opening their window and cursing.
When those people arrived at Peach Blossom Lane with sticks and brooms, they only saw two lumps of flesh, one large and one small, lying on the ground.
Wu Zhengzhong was on the verge of death, and Duan Xu had drool seeping from the corner of his mouth, clearly having lost the ability to speak.
What's most unsettling to look at is that his large hand, which looked as if it had touched a woman's hand, had its five fingers broken and lay on the ground in an extremely irregular shape.
The foot, which seemed to have kicked a beautiful woman, was even more upside down.
"Tsk tsk, what kind of deep-seated grudge could this be?"
"Don't you guys recognize this kid? He seems to be Jiang Zhongkun's prized young disciple from the Scale Python Martial Arts School."
Alas, now I've ended up like this, it's truly tragic!
……
dong dong.
dong dong!
"Coming!" Duan Xin's clear and melodious voice came from inside the Duan family's old courtyard, followed by the sound of her lively and light footsteps.
As soon as she opened the door, Duan Xin was stunned, because the person in front of her was none other than her nephew Duan Xuan, whom she had not seen for a long time.
Duan Xuan was carrying two bags of steamed buns wrapped in oil paper, steaming hot and fragrant.
"Xuan'er, what are you doing here?"
"You little rascal, I went to your martial arts school twice and didn't see you. Were you out fooling around with some girl?" Duan Xin put her hands on her hips, pretending to be angry, but she couldn't help but smile.
"Isn't this a special apology to you? Here, two steamers of meat buns!" Duan Xuan flicked his finger, and the rope on one of the steamers was shaken open by the force.
He piled the elastic buns in his hands and gently handed them to Duan Xin.
Duan Xin hummed, picked up the tip of the bun with her slender little finger, took a small bite, and the hot soup flowed into her mouth and slid down her throat.
Finally, it reaches the stomach, rich and flavorful with a deep, dark sauce.
Since Duan Xu started practicing martial arts, he has almost drained Duan Jiantao and his family's savings.
Recently, he has been buying Qi and Blood Pills to prepare for the martial arts exam.
They went so far as to not even leave them money for basic living expenses; the family hadn't had meat or any good food in a long time.
The family reduced their meals from two to one.
Moreover, they could only eat stale grains, chestnuts, and wild vegetables that were hard to swallow.
Duan Xin had visibly lost a lot of weight.
"Eat slowly, I'll go buy more if you're not full!"
Duan Xin nodded and began to eat heartily. Halfway through, she glanced around the room and said, "Why don't you come in and sit down?"
Duan Xin knew, of course, that her aunt was reluctant to finish the food and wanted to bring the rest to her grandparents.
"No, I came to see how my aunt is doing. I'm relieved to see you're alright." With that, Duan Xuan took out a small bag of silver from his hand. This was what his mother, Zhou Fang, had gotten from selling the sable to the Golden Leopard Gang.
Yesterday, he had taken many treasures from Wu Zhengzhong and Duan Xu, including a considerable amount of silver.
But that can't be given away, because the Scaled Python Martial Arts School must be frantically searching for the killer right now.
"I don't want it, Xuan'er. You work so hard practicing martial arts. Even if you work part-time at Renhetang, you can't give it all to me. Take it back..."
Duan Xuan gently pushed the silver back into his aunt's arms: "My aunt has helped me so much. If I see you suffering and I am powerless to help, wouldn't all my martial arts training have been in vain?"
Okay, I'll send you some nice stuff in a few days.
With that, Duan Xuan bid farewell and left. Duan Xin, holding two steaming buns and a bag of loose silver, felt a surge of emotion.
As soon as Duan Xin closed the door, she turned around and saw her father, whose hair had turned completely white overnight.
He descended the steps with Liu's help, his voice hoarse: "Is that Xuan'er?"
"Yes, he's gone."
"Sigh..." Duan Jiantao sighed deeply, his nose suddenly feeling a little sore.
"Cough cough cough!"
"Father, don't overthink it, let's go back inside," Liu said, noticing the bag of loose silver in Duan Xin's hand.
With money, her husband wouldn't die, and her family wouldn't have to struggle financially anymore.
"What are you looking at? Do you think this silver can be saved?"
Don't forget your ungrateful son hasn't come back yet!
"If he comes back, who will be able to live a good life?" Duan Jiantao suddenly took a deep breath and loudly reprimanded Liu Shi.
Liu could only lower her head and dare not speak.
……
Poshan Martial Arts School.
Lin Hu and Liu Mingze both passed the imperial examination and became martial arts scholars.
One is sixth on the A list, and the other is fifth on the B list.
Although not all of them made it onto the A-League list.
However, this is still the best result that can be achieved among all the martial arts schools outside Huangshe County. The top few are all from the largest martial arts schools in the inner city and the children of big families.
At the urging of the surrounding martial arts school owners, Chen Feng "reluctantly" agreed to hold a victory celebration banquet.
Almost everyone on the street was present, except for the Scaled Python Martial Arts School and its partners.
A long red carpet was laid out, and the courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Poshan Martial Arts School was bustling with activity like never before.
Liu Tie and his disciples stood at the entrance to greet and receive guests.
"We've arrived at Qiankun Boxing Gym. Please come in!"
"We've arrived at the Hong family's door. Please come in!"
"The Huang family? The Huang family from the inner city..."
Upon hearing that the powerful Huang family had sent someone, Chen Feng, who was still exchanging pleasantries with the other owners, immediately came over.
"Congratulations, Master Chen! I, Huang Zhen, and my fourth brother, Huang Liang, represent the Huang family to offer our congratulations!" Huang Zhen said, clasping his hands in greeting.
Chen Feng had no idea that the two were just direct descendants of the Huang family, so he quickly and warmly bowed, saying, "Young Masters Huang, please come in."
Jingyun, please lead the two young masters to their seats of honor.
Chen Jingyun walked briskly over with graceful steps and bowed to the two of them.
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were immediately stunned. Although her appearance was not as stunning as Duan Xu's aunt, it was not far off.
Each has its own unique characteristics.
Chen Jingyun raised an eyebrow slightly: "Two young masters?"
"Miss Chen is as gentle as water and as beautiful as a fairy. My brother and I were momentarily captivated by her beauty. Our apologies!"
……
Not long after the Huang family members went inside, Liu Tie shouted loudly again, "The Wang family is the Wang family! Master, senior brother, senior sister, it is the third madam of the Wang family who has personally graced us with her presence."
The martial arts masters in the courtyard were all stunned. They had considered that the Wang family might try to recruit Lin Hu and Liu Mingze as disciples.
But to everyone's surprise, it was the Third Madam herself who came.
Chen Feng was flattered and looked up to see an incomparably noble face.
The third lady was dressed in a snow-white long woolen coat, with a gold hairpin in her hair and a pure white fox fur around her neck.
Behind him followed an elderly man with snow-white hair and a vigorous spirit—Zhang Zhuanghe!
Zhang Zhuanghe carried the heavy congratulatory gifts in both hands.
Chengdu far surpasses Huang Zhen and the other two.
"A simple banquet in our humble courtyard is hardly enough to warrant the presence of the Third Madam. It truly brings honor to our humble abode!"
Chen Feng could no longer hide his smile, but he knew that such an important figure would never show himself easily, so he dared not be negligent in the slightest.
He led the two of them toward the inner courtyard.
"Master Chen, let's skip the formalities. It's a joyous occasion that your martial arts school has produced two martial arts scholars at the same time."
If my Wang family did not come in person, it would be a sign of disrespect. However, my master and the other ladies have important matters to discuss and cannot leave.
"I'll have to do it in your place," said Third Madam Zhang Qianye, pointing to the two boxes of gifts. "These are just a small token of my appreciation."
"What are you saying, Third Madam? It is an honor for our Poshan Martial Arts School that you have come in person. How could we possibly blame you? If there has been any inadequacy in our hospitality, please forgive us."
"By the way, Master Chen, are Lin Hu and Liu Mingze about to reach the Dark Force realm?"
Madam Wang actively inquired about the situation of Lin Hu and his companion.
Chen Feng's mind raced as he considered how to answer without offending anyone.
The three of them walked along the red carpet, leaving Huang Zhen and Huang Liang completely behind.
Upon seeing Zhang Zhuanghe, the two men trembled in fear and didn't dare to lift their heads.
However, Zhang Zhuanghe's attention was not on the two of them.
The two brothers followed Zhang Zhuanghe's gaze with suspicion and saw a simply dressed young man teaching his disciples boxing in the training ground.
"Senior Brother Duan, they seem to be looking at you..."