The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror-Chapter 452 - 197: A thousand members of the Sea Sand Gang surge forward, can Xu Gongming still pick us off?

Xu Qing rested for a night at the Sea Sand Madam’s villa, then took a boat to the Sea Sand Gang Headquarters. This place is an island, its area much larger than the Sea Sand Madam’s villa, heavily guarded.

Xu Qing brought only one maid, Su Lianqing, and ascended the island with Sea Sand Madam leading the way. The layout before them was a natural grand Array, although not as mysteriously infinite as the one on Dragon Tiger Mountain, it was far from simple.

From a distance, the island’s architecture was picturesque, with corridors winding and eaves towering; all positioned to take advantage of the terrain, intertwining intricately.

Take a wrong step and one might lose direction, needing a guide to find the way out.

Xu Qing already knew from Sea Sand Madam that her father had once enlisted extraordinary talents to create this Qi Men Formation on the island, its origins traceable even to Marquis’s Eight Formation Map.

Stepping into it, Xu Qing could distinctly sense the invisible killing intent of the Array covering the island, affecting the Divine Soul.

He remained composed, showing not a trace of fear.

On the other side, Sea Sand Madam went ahead to announce Xu Qing’s arrival, and the message was swiftly conveyed to the Sea Sand Gang Headquarters’ council hall.

All the Elders and Hall Masters, though they had heard Xu Qing was at Sea Sand Madam’s villa, did not expect him to arrive so soon.

They became tense at once.

A person’s name, like a tree’s shadow; this Xu Gongming has been fierce in battle since he debuted.

Even though Elder Liang had previously guaranteed it, with the real person standing before them, fear abruptly emerged.

Elder Liang had already boasted, so there was no reason to show weakness. He asked the gatekeeper who reported to the council hall and learned that Xu Qing only brought one maid, he laughed loudly, "This young Xu Gongming is triumphant, inevitably arrogant. No matter how powerful he is by himself, if our Headquarters’ hundreds of people charge at once, can he defeat us? My fellow Elders, let’s go."

Though he spoke thus, his heart grew more wary, his Divine Soul thoughts placed within the Array Flag, ready to set up the grand Array at any moment.

Admittedly, Xu Gongming couldn’t handle hundreds charging at him all at once, but killing only the leaders might not be impossible.

The Elders and Hall Masters opened the main gate to welcome him, and they saw a young man, tall and robust, with a broad forehead, long arms and legs, but key was the temperament, not as vulgar as ordinary warriors.

"My uncles, brothers, this is South Zhili’s Top Scorer, Mr. Xu Gongming," introduced Sea Sand Madam.

The mention of ’Top Scorer’ felt like a heavy pressure, making many gang members feel inferior.

They were making a living at sea, but ultimately, their roots were on land.

In the countryside, a Scholar was like a celestial being descended to earth, let alone the Top Scorer of South Zhili. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Nowadays, the level of Martial Arts can only be known after a fight, and even then, the defeated party may not admit it, claiming the ground was slippery, they hadn’t eaten enough, or were sick, etc.

Excuses abound.

But in the Imperial Examination, one is one, and two is two.

The Southeast has always been a gathering place of outstanding culture, a land of great personages and spiritual energy, where the old aura of royalty resided. A Top Scorer from this region naturally commands extraordinary prestige.

Many Elders and Hall Masters felt an inferiority complex.

Others had far-reaching futures.

They were just fruit eaters; others were destined to divide the fruit.

There was no comparison!

Sea Sand Madam emphasized the Top Scorer identity for a reason—if you act rashly and accidentally kill Mr. Xu, that’s killing a Court Scholar, and a Top Scorer at that.

Acting privately and acting before many people around are two different matters.

Xu Qing smiled slightly: "Today, I come to resolve the disputes of your gang; forget the formalities of the officialdom, we will abide by the rules of the worldly society."

As he said this, everybody remembered, he is a Scholar, an official; most of them were commoners.

Although the influence on Elders and Hall Masters was not great, ordinary gang members, who usually swagger around, dared not even think about killing an official or rebelling.

The Great Yu Dynasty hadn’t fallen yet, and the expected awe towards it still existed in the hearts of ordinary people.

In fact, even during times of chaos, court officials still possess a certain prestige among commoners, and if one bold enough to rouse the masses could gather a force.

Moreover, Xu Qing spoke, secretly using Thunder Sound to intimidate their spirits.

After all, his actions have always been cautious; even if the Qi Fortune Little Snake did not show signs of danger, he remained vigilant.

First, to intimidate these ordinary gang members, dealing with these guys later would be a breeze.

The Elders and Hall Masters thus went up to greet and humbly invited Xu Qing inside.

Inside the Headquarters, they finally relaxed.

In their own territory, they suddenly felt much less pressure from Xu Qing.

What overlord crossing the river, once here, is but a snake.

But as Xu Qing entered the Headquarters, he distinctly felt many hidden gazes upon him, menacing at every turn.

The Sea Sand Gang’s covert watchmen indeed had some reputation.

But that was all.

He didn’t take them seriously.

Sea Sand Madam observed secretly, her heart gradually easing.

Su Lianqing took on the mindset of observation, taking it as a learning opportunity.

In the future, when Mr. Xu rises up, the regulations of his mansion must not be inferior to the Sea Sand Gang Headquarters. She is now playing the role of chief steward, preparing in advance is part and parcel of seeking governance in her position.

Even if she is transferred later, this information can be left to her successors.

Upon entering the council hall, an Elder said, "Bring tea and refreshments for Mr. Xu."

Someone brought over tea and snacks.

The tea was piping hot, much like the set from Sea Sand Madam’s daughter the day before—appetizing tea, a show of force. It seemed the young lady had also learned this from the gang.