This was different from the time they were set up by Xue Fangsheng. Back then, he had agreed with Xu Yang. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

But this time, he felt Xu Yang shouldn’t have backed down.

Although Lu Ren was just making excuses, he wasn’t wrong. The biggest gain from this mountain sweep wasn’t hunting Exotic Beasts, but the spiritual transformation that made them true Martial Artists.

"I don’t have much ambition. Everyone’s path is different," Xu Yang said with a smile.

After they talked for a while, he learned that Zhang Yong and Zhang Hong’s haul was surprisingly large. The Exotic Beasts they encountered weren’t very strong, and the two of them had managed to hunt down three, which would net them one hundred and thirty taels each.

"Senior Brother Zhang Yong, Senior Brother Zhang Hong, Senior Brother Jiang Ping wishes to hold a celebratory banquet to commemorate the successful conclusion of the mountain sweep. He invites you to join him." Just then, an Inner Courtyard Disciple who followed Jiang Ping walked over.

Zhang Yong and Zhang Hong cupped their fists toward Xu Yang, then rose and followed the disciple away.

"Senior Brother Jiang, with Xu Yang’s progress, even without participating in this mountain sweep, he still has a high chance of achieving Martial Arts Ascension Dragon in the future. Why not invite him as well? It’s just a matter of an extra pair of chopsticks, after all."

In the pavilion, Gu Fang looked curious.

Jiang Ping was ostensibly celebrating the end of the mountain sweep, but in reality, he was laying the groundwork for the Martial Arts Ascension Dragon, building connections with those who had the potential to achieve it.

Xu Yang had the Liu Family’s monthly stipend, plus the Qiu Family’s support. The Martial Arts Ascension Dragon wasn’t completely out of reach for him.

"Him?"

Jiang Ping raised an eyebrow. "Even if he gets a chance at the Martial Arts Ascension Dragon, he doesn’t have the guts to make a move against us. Why waste a meal on him?"

Gu Fang nodded. "That’s true."

...

Xu Yang walked into Bai Shi Workshop under the evening glow. Before he reached his house, he saw a group of people at his front door.

Surrounded by four or five burly men, a man in his twenties sat sprawled in a chair, clutching a small teapot and putting on an air of arrogant authority.

Xu Yang could see clearly that among the four or five men standing there, one was his own cousin, Xu Zheng.

The door to his house was shut tight, and he couldn’t see Xu Qing anywhere. The neighbors’ doors were also shut tight, with not a soul in sight.

Xu Yang’s heart sank, and he quickened his pace.

"Young Master, that’s Xu Yang," Xu Zheng whispered.

"I’ve been waiting for so long, and he finally deigns to show up."

Zhang Tong remained sprawled in his seat, taking an unhurried sip of tea. "No more tea. Add some water."

Xu Zheng took the hint at once. He turned and called into the house, "Xiaqing, bring some more hot water for the Young Master."

"Right away."

Xu Qing’s voice came from inside. The next moment, the door opened, and she walked out carrying a kettle of hot water. She carefully refilled the teapot in Zhang Tong’s hand.

After pouring the water, she didn’t go back inside but instead ran to hide behind Xu Yang, who had just strode up.

"Xu Yang, this is the Young Master of the Sishui Gang, an expert at Qi Gathering Great Success. Hurry up and pay your respects."

Xu Zheng spoke first. He no longer called Xu Yang "Brother Ah Yang" but addressed him directly by his full name.

’That idiot Li Sanhe!’

Xu Yang cursed inwardly. Li Sanhe had said Zhang Tong’s cultivation was at Qi Gathering Minor Achievement, which was absolute bullshit.

’It’s a good thing I dealt with Li Sanhe decisively. If I had to face a Qi Gathering Great Success expert head-on, I’d be in danger even with my Wind and Thunder Strength.’

He finally understood why Li Sanhe had wanted to kill Zhang Tong. With two people at Qi Gathering Great Success in the Sishui Gang, Li Sanhe had no choice but to strike first if he didn’t want to die.

Shooting a cold glance at Xu Zheng, Xu Yang turned to Zhang Tong. "Young Master, to what do I owe the honor of your visit to my humble home?"

Zhang Tong handed the teapot to the man beside him, a smile playing on his lips. "Don’t be nervous. I’m not here to cause trouble. The Sishui Gang has simply taken over the Sanhe Gang’s territory, and I heard Bai Shi Workshop had a figure of some note, so I came to see for myself."

’He’s here to put me in my place!’

Xu Yang’s expression remained impassive. "Compared to the Young Master, I am hardly a figure of any note."

Zhang Tong nodded. "That’s true enough. But the Sishui Gang has to make a living here. If we don’t greet local notables like yourself first, and a conflict breaks out someday, people will say the Sishui Gang doesn’t know the rules."

’So arrogant!’

’But with both father and son at Qi Gathering Great Success, he certainly had the right to be arrogant in front of someone like me, who’s only at Qi Gathering Minor Achievement.’

Xu Yang took a deep breath and cupped his hands. "How would I dare? The Sishui Gang’s reputation is legendary. I have nothing but admiration; I would never dare to start a conflict."

"You’re quite the smooth-talker, Brother Xu!"

Zhang Tong suddenly asked, "I heard you were on good terms with Li Sanhe?"

’So it was about Li Sanhe!’

Xu Yang shook his head. "I wouldn’t say we were on good terms. Gang Leader Li just visited me twice after I reached Qi Gathering."

"Brother Xu, no need to overthink it. I was just asking casually. It’s getting late, so I won’t disturb you any longer."

Zhang Tong stood up, a smile on his face. "The Sishui Gang will be making its living here from now on. I hope Brother Xu will look out for us. Your younger sister’s tea-making skills are quite good. When I have time, I’ll be sure to come back and taste it again."

"Take care, Young Master!"

’Is he using Xu Qing to warn me, or is he actually interested in her?’

In the nearly one year under his care, with no shortage of food, Xu Qing had blossomed into a graceful young woman. Combined with learning to read and write, she had developed a certain air of refinement and no longer looked like a simple country girl at all.

Xu Yang’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Zhang Tong leave with Xu Zheng and the others. Only then did he and Xu Qing go back into the house.

"They didn’t do anything to you, did they?" Xu Yang asked.

Xu Qing shook her head. "No. It was just Xu Zheng being annoying, constantly ordering me to boil water for that Young Master."

"Don’t get into a conflict with him. As long as I’m here, he won’t dare do anything to you."

Xu Yang nodded and got up to make dinner.