A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 146 - 122: A Happy Ending for All, You’re Good, I’m Good_2

Only regret that my martial skills aren't high enough!

Otherwise, what difference does it make if he's Ninghai Zen's disciple?

A challenge among peers of the same level!

Even if that figure in blue stands right in front, knocks dead Bai Qilang from Tongwen Hall, he won't find a single fault!

"Fifth Young Master, we..."

Lao Ou asked cautiously.

He vaguely felt something amiss.

Why did He Jingfeng suddenly host this banquet and invite everyone to the feast?

For what purpose?

Is it merely to push Fifth Young Master down?

"Go!"

Zhu Shou Rang watched the flickering candlelight, seemingly igniting a spark in his eyes.

"I fear him not!"

...

...

As the hour of 7 p.m. reaches its end, dark clouds obscure the moon.

For prestigious families like the He Family and Zhu Family from Yihai Prefecture, the inn seems rather simple, with several basins burning charcoal, emitting plenty of warmth.

The hall, usually filled with tables and chairs, has been cleared, leaving a spacious area, and only the solid long table and round rosewood stools are kept, ready for the distinguished guests who will soon be seated.

Li Yuan arrived early, being the one with the highest status and position there, he was the first to reach the inn.

He Jingfeng warmly greeted him, taking a stance respectful of his younger generation:

"Master Li, please come in! I am truly grateful that you honored us with your presence!"

Li Yuan was broad and towering, almost like a mountain at the doorway, blocking the cold wind from sneaking in.

"Was that invitation written by you?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

He didn't mince words, speaking bluntly.

This He kid here doesn't seem capable of carrying out ruthless deeds.

No vigor in the hands, no fury in the eyes; clearly a pampered fowl kept at home.

Striking people with power or engaging in tricks might work, but wielding a knife to fight for life, far from it!

"I dare not deceive Master Li, the invitation... I sent it, and the writing is mine.

But those words were from Bai Qilang himself."

He Jingfeng bowed and replied.

"Bai Qilang, I know him, he's the disciple of the Instructor, and I'm here precisely because of him."

Li Yuan spoke little, indifferent to the distinction between host and guest, picked any seat he pleased, and casually sat down.

He closed his eyes to restore his energy, showing no intention of chatting with He Jingfeng.

Making it clear that this eldest son of the He Family wasn't significant enough to be worth acknowledging.

He Jingfeng wasn't bothered at all, determined to accomplish what his elder brother set out for, he willingly played the role of a runner today.

"Brother Bai, don't let me down."

At precisely 9 p.m., the invited guests gradually arrived.

First were Zhu Ling'Er with her little maid, then Zhu Shou Rang lifted the wind-blocking curtain, stepping in with large strides, followed closely by Lao Ou.

They sat down one after another.

But Bai Qi arrived last, stepping down the stairs step by step to sit beside He Jingfeng.

"Everybody who came offers me, He Mou, some face, I will drink three cups first to express my gratitude."

Seventh Young Master He was never unnerved by such situations, having cultivated experience and insight from feasting since young, it'd be impossible for him to falter, he instantly filled three cups, raising each to drink it clean.

The originally stiff atmosphere was stirred up somewhat lively by his actions.

"The chef is personally invited from the county city by me, and the ingredients were transported by boat to the dock, the fresh seafood, nourishing mountain delicacies, no way we would neglect everyone.

Master Li, I know you love good wine, so I specifically prepared ten jars of Luofu Brew, the younger generation shamelessly toasts you a cup, hoping for your continued guidance in Black River County."

He Jingfeng's eloquence was impressive, his smooth talk flowed naturally, Uncle Yang brought over five or six jars of Luofu Brew, slapped open the seal, the clear liquid poured into large bowls, emitting a rich wine aroma.

The master and servant worked seamlessly, and in the blink of an eye, three large bowls were poured.

"Master Li is bold, my alcohol tolerance isn't high, I can only accompany you for a cup."

He Jingfeng lifted a sea bowl, Luofu Brew swaying like waves without spilling, turned and handed it to Zhu Shou Rang who remained expressionless:

"Brother Zhu, I know you have always had a great capacity, also heard that you're about to apprentice under Master Craftsman Li to become a closed-door disciple of the kiln.

Such a monumental occasion surely deserves celebration! Come, toast your master a bowl, also showing off the straightforwardness and sincerity of us men from Yihai Prefecture!"

Brother Zhu?

Are we that familiar?

Zhu Shou Rang felt utterly bewildered, habitually wanted to retort, but considering Zhu Ling'Er's instructions, he rather reluctantly stood up without the slightest bit of friendliness:

"Master Li! Earlier, I spoke out of turn, recklessly offended you. I'm here to apologize."

He held a bowl full of Luofu Brew with both hands, facing Li Yuan, who sat motionless, showing rare signs of respect. He tipped his head and gulped down the liquor in several large swigs.

Li Yuan glanced at Bai Qi, who was observing silently, not knowing what scheme he and He Jingfeng were up to, and quietly picked up his bowl, drinking two large bowls at once.

"What a drinker! I heard in Yihai Prefecture that Brother Zhu loves strong liquor, enjoys drinking heartily while forging iron, reportedly drinks five large bowls and can then forge a fifty-refinement steel knife! Come, let's enjoy ourselves tonight, Uncle Yang, pour another for my Brother Zhu!"

He Jingfeng chimed in appropriately, which seemed very strange to Zhu Ling'Er.

She couldn't help but wonder if Xiaowu and He Qilang truly had an deep camaraderie?

"Trying to get me drunk? Make me embarrass myself in public?"

Zhu Shou Rang furrowed his brow slightly, ever since he was twelve, whether practicing martial arts or forging iron, he would drink fiery liquor to warm up and invigorate, developing an immense capacity without getting drunk.

A few mere casks of Luofu Brew wouldn't knock him down!

"Let's see what your real intentions are!"

Zhu Shou Rang drank another bowl to the bottom, showing the empty bowl to Master Li.

He Jingfeng, like a procuress in a brothel, urged repeatedly, Li Yuan accepted without refusal, drinking a bowl as soon as it was poured, and Zhu Shou Rang, caught in the atmosphere, drank continuously.

Five or six casks of Luofu Brew were emptied in no time, not a drop left.

Lao Ou, a servant like Uncle Yang who had no place at the table, felt puzzled about what the feast was really about?

Why did it suddenly become a drinking contest between Master Li and the Fifth Young Master!

Several guests didn't even move their chopsticks.

Except for He Jingfeng.

Almost no one spoke, they were like uninterested spectators in a theatre, just waiting for the show to end.

"Please excuse me."

Zhu Shou Rang drank seven or eight bowls of Luofu Brew, barely drunk, but the urge to urinate arose.

No matter how skilled a practitioner is, at most they can use Qi Blood to disperse the alcohol, but can't avoid human bodily functions.

Unless one possesses remarkable skills in Circulation of Qi, absorbing Earth Evil to cultivate formidable true energy.

Zhu Shou Rang stood up, and the hall fell silent instantly.

He Jingfeng leisurely sat down, the lively atmosphere quenched like water on a fire, disappearing in an instant.

It was even more eerie.

"Young Master He really is an excellent mood-maker."

Bai Qi, silent for most of the evening, raised his cup to drink, and slowly stood:

"Please excuse me."

That upright figure vanished in front of Li Yuan, Zhu Ling'Er and others in the hall.

"Something's not right!"

Lao Ou was shocked, immediately wanting to follow.

"Uncle Yang."

He Jingfeng called out softly.

Uncle Yang, whose wrinkles could trap flies, moved to block Lao Ou, chuckling:

"Does your Young Master need someone to wipe for him when he uses the bathroom?"

Lao Ou felt even more terrified, growing more alarmed the more he thought.

He Jingfeng and Bai Qilang conspired openly to harm the Fifth Young Master!

Weren't they afraid of the Zhu Family's wrath!

"Second Miss!"

Lao Ou shouted sternly.

"Bai Qilang, he..."

Bang!

The whole hall felt like a heavy hammer had struck, the air surged like a tide, pressing towards all directions.

Before Zhu Ling'Er could respond, Li Yuan, sitting like a mountain, glared:

"Why are you shouting? Interrupting my enjoyment!"

Taking advantage of Lao Ou's momentary daze, Uncle Yang's hand moved swiftly like lightning, firmly pressing down on his shoulder:

"Your Young Master will be back soon, why rush, come, let's find a table to chat."

He Jingfeng clenched his hand hidden in his sleeve tightly, almost trembling from exertion:

"Brother Bai, you mustn't fail, let him come out alive!"

Li Yuan, holding his chopsticks, picked up a dish that had already gone cold, his mind recalling the words from that golden invitation:

"Kill Zhu Wulang, and all will rejoice!"

Without the Hundred Refinements Hand, subtracting one Zhu Wulang, Li would be pleased, He would be happy, Bai would find delight.

For the Zhu's, perhaps there would be ease?