The Jiangdong Pavilion Master walked directly towards Xiao Yunlong, and the noisy square instantly fell silent. All the Jiangdong Pavilion disciples were undoubtedly very curious, wondering how the Pavilion Master would treat this young man, Xiao Yunlong, next.
Under everyone's gaze, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master walked to Xiao Yunlong as if no one else was there and laughed heartily.
"Good, very good, you haven't disappointed me. Your skills are truly impressive, and you've undoubtedly won this year's Hegemony Competition!"
As the Jiangdong Pavilion Master spoke, he heavily patted Xiao Yunlong's right arm.
Xiao Yunlong smiled lightly and said, "Pavilion Master Jiangdong, you flatter me. Winning this so-called Hegemony Competition is not much."
Upon hearing this, the pupils of the Jiangdong Pavilion Master's eyes instantly contracted, but his face showed no outward change.
"Indeed, a hero emerges from youth. According to our prior agreement, the territories previously held by Boss An and Tu Sandao now belong to you. Additionally, you have priority in choosing territories in the newly developed zone!"
At this point, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master turned to the other five protectors present and said sternly, "I presume no one here has any objections?"
The major protectors all lowered their heads in shame. Although they were unwilling, as defeated opponents, they had no face to say anything more.
"Very good. To celebrate the addition of a formidable general to our Jiangdong Pavilion, a grand banquet will be held today. Everyone is welcome to attend, and we shall celebrate in style!"
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master raised his arms and laughed heartily, exuding the aura of a superior.
Xiao Yunlong did not refuse, as it was already noon, and he was feeling hungry.
"Come, Brother Xiao, let us head to the main hall together. From now on, you are a member of our Jiangdong Pavilion. We are all family, so there's no need to be so reserved!"
As the Jiangdong Pavilion Master spoke, he reached out to grasp Xiao Yunlong's hand, but Xiao Yunlong skillfully avoided it.
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master shook his head and smiled, not taking offense, and led the way towards the nine-story Jiangdong Pavilion building.
Xiao Yunlong waved to Liu Ruyan and the others, then led them into the nine-story pavilion ahead.
The surrounding Jiangdong Pavilion disciples watched this and began to murmur, "We thought the Pavilion Master would do something, but it seems not. Does the Pavilion Master truly intend to accept this fellow named Xiao?"
"Isn't that obvious? This fellow named Xiao is so skilled, the Pavilion Master clearly intends to win him over and absorb him into our Jiangdong Pavilion. This way, our Jiangdong Pavilion's influence will be greatly enhanced."
"But this fellow named Xiao previously killed Boss An and Tu Sandao. This was a direct slap in the face to the Pavilion Master. Is he just going to let it go? That doesn't seem like the Pavilion Master's style!"
"Shh... you little fellow, keep your voice down. Don't you see how this fellow named Xiao is on the rise, even walking alongside the Pavilion Master? If the Pavilion Master truly accepts him, given the young man's skills, his status in our pavilion might surpass that of the five great protectors. So, we should be careful what we say from now on."
As these words were spoken, the many Jiangdong Pavilion disciples who had been murmuring or expressing dissatisfaction fell silent, daring not to speak further.
The main hall of the Jiangdong Pavilion was very spacious, with nine round tables set up. The Jiangdong Pavilion Master sat in the main seat of the central head table, and he had Xiao Yunlong sit to his left, while the two withered Zen elders sat to his right.
There is a saying in the martial world that the left is honored, which shows the importance the Jiangdong Pavilion Master placed on Xiao Yunlong.
The five great protectors sat at the same table. Although they were somewhat resentful in their hearts, seeing the Pavilion Master's attitude, they naturally did not say much.
Liu Ruyan and the others sat at the other tables. Soon, all ten tables were filled, and the atmosphere was lively. Those who were qualified to sit here were basically people of status and influence within the Jiangdong Pavilion.
Servants quickly served the dishes, and soon the tables were filled with various exquisite delicacies.
"Come, everyone, raise your glasses. As the saying goes, we get to know each other through conflict. After this drink, past grievances are wiped clean, and from now on, we are brothers. Especially you five great protectors, listen carefully." The Jiangdong Pavilion Master raised his wine glass and said.
Although Boss Gao and the other five protectors were unwilling, since even the Pavilion Master had spoken, they could only stand up and clink glasses with a forced smile.
After clinking glasses, the atmosphere immediately became more lively. The Jiangdong Pavilion Master turned his head and asked, "Yunlong, at such a young age, you possess such formidable skills. Your background must be extraordinary. May I ask where you are from and where you learned your martial arts?"
Xiao Yunlong smiled indifferently and said, "As the saying goes, heroes are not judged by their origins. Why does the Pavilion Master need to ask so many questions?"
A protector with a dark complexion named Xiong suddenly roared, "What kind of attitude is that, young man? Don't think that just because you have some skills, you can disregard the Pavilion Master. I'm telling you..."
Before he could finish, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master immediately waved his hand to interrupt, "Xiong Li, you shut up. Yunlong is the undisputed overlord of this Hegemony Competition. How can you be disrespectful to him?"
Saying this, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master scanned the protectors present and said, "Our Vice Pavilion Master passed away from a sudden illness eight months ago, and the position of Vice Pavilion Master has been vacant ever since. Today, I announce that Yunlong will serve as the Vice Pavilion Master of our Jiangdong Pavilion!"
"Pavilion Master, we haven't even clarified this young man's identity and background, and you're making him Vice Pavilion Master. This might not be appropriate?"
"Yes, Pavilion Master, isn't this too hasty?"
Many protectors present expressed their protest, and even many stewards disagreed.
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master overruled the objections and clapped his hands, "It's decided. Everyone, no need to say more. What are you all standing there for? Why aren't you quickly toasting Vice Pavilion Master Xiao?"
After speaking, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master was the first to toast Xiao Yunlong. Even the two withered Zen elders stood up to toast.
Seeing this, the protectors and stewards, though unwilling and resigned, dared not disobey. They all stood up and came forward to toast.
Xiao Yunlong accepted every toast without refusal, raising his glass and drinking it down. In the blink of an eye, he had consumed over a dozen cups of wine, but fortunately, his alcohol tolerance was very good, and he was not affected.
Liu Ruyan, sitting at a nearby table, thought to herself, "He actually appointed Yunlong as Vice Pavilion Master. Am I overthinking things?"
Buddha Master couldn't help but chuckle and say, "Miss Ruyan, it seems you were worried for nothing this time. The Jiangdong Pavilion Master clearly appreciates Mr. Xiao, which is why he appointed him Vice Pavilion Master. This is great; it seems we have finally established a firm foothold in Jiangdong."
Jun Bufan, however, pouted and said, "Just a Jiangdong Vice Pavilion Master, I'm afraid Big Brother doesn't think much of it. But I still feel that the Jiangdong Pavilion Master might not be so kind-hearted."
Throughout the entire banquet, Xiao Yunlong had a cheerful demeanor, accepting everyone's toasts without refusal, unlike Liu Ruyan and Jun Bufan, who appeared to be on guard.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more fervent. Many people even played drinking games and engaged in lively conversation, drinking heartily and eating heartily, appearing quite jovial.
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master suddenly said, "Judging by the time, it should be about time."
After speaking, his expression darkened, and he instantly seemed to transform into someone else. He turned to Xiao Yunlong with a face full of mocking sarcasm and said coldly, "Mr. Xiao, after eating so much food, are you full and satisfied?"
Xiao Yunlong nodded and smiled, "With so many exquisite dishes and so many people honoring me with toasts, of course, I am full and satisfied."
"Since you are full and satisfied, it is time to be on your way!" the Jiangdong Pavilion Master said, slowly standing up. His refined and handsome face suddenly became incredibly sinister.
Xiao Yunlong, however, seemed unfazed and retorted, "On my way? On what way?"
"Naturally, the path to the underworld!" the Jiangdong Pavilion Master sneered playfully.
As his words fell, the major protectors at the same table instantly stood up. The previously boisterous scene suddenly fell silent, becoming utterly quiet!
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master narrowed his eyes, staring at Xiao Yunlong, and roared word by word, "What do you think you are? You get a few favors, and you think you can stand tall? Truly oblivious to your own death. You publicly killed my two great protectors, and you really thought I would let you off so easily?"
The protectors and stewards present finally understood, thinking that the Pavilion Master had been faking it all along, and this was his true intention.
"That's more like it! That's the Pavilion Master I know. This fellow named Xiao is so arrogant, openly defecating and urinating on our heads. How could the Pavilion Master tolerate his insolence and arrogance!" the dark-skinned Xiong Li said with a wide grin.
"Yes, yes, we must kill this dog named Xiao. We've all disliked him for a long time!" many protectors and stewards echoed.
Xiao Yunlong remained seated and said coldly, "You have seen my strength just now. If I go all out, you might not be able to keep me. If I escape, it will be a nightmare for your Jiangdong Pavilion. Rather than making a powerful enemy for yourselves, it would be better to..."
Before Xiao Yunlong could finish, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master abruptly interrupted, "Powerful enemy? You are truly arrogant, young man, to even dare to call yourself a powerful enemy. At this point, do you think you can still escape?"
Saying this, the Jiangdong Pavilion Master curved his lips playfully and said, "Xiao, haven't you all noticed anything unusual within your bodies by now?"
As his words fell, Jun Bufan, who was about to stand up, suddenly went limp and collapsed to the ground with a thud.
"No... what's happening to me? Why can't I exert any strength, and I can't even mobilize the internal energy in my dantian!" Jun Bufan exclaimed.
Seeing this, Buddha Master, disbelieving, also tried to stand up, but his legs went limp, and he collapsed to the ground like a puddle of mud.
"My body can't muster any strength, and I can't sense any internal energy. This is bad, we've been poisoned!" Liu Ruyan's beautiful face turned pale with fright.
Xiao Yunlong remained seated, gritting his teeth and shouting, "Jiangdong Pavilion Master, you are truly despicable, resorting to poison. So, letting me be the Jiangdong Vice Pavilion Master earlier was just to lull me into a false sense of security!"
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master burst into laughter and repeatedly said triumphantly, "That's why I said, you're still too young, kid. In the martial world, who would trust others as easily as you do? Today, I will teach you a lesson. I hope you won't be so foolish in your next life!"
Liu Ruyan and Jun Bufan tried to mobilize their dantian's vital energy with all their might, but not only could they not use their internal energy, they couldn't even muster ordinary strength. It was as if their spines had been removed, and their bodies were limp and powerless.
"What kind of poison is this? It's so vicious. I was very careful when eating earlier, why didn't I notice it?" Liu Ruyan gritted her teeth.
"Stop wasting your efforts. This is the renowned Ten Fragrance Soft Bone Powder in the martial world. It's colorless and odorless, so you naturally wouldn't detect it. You won't recover for at least twelve hours!"
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master grinned coldly. His originally refined and handsome face had completely turned ferocious and sinister. It seemed this was his true face.
Xiao Yunlong remained seated and said solemnly, "There is one thing I truly cannot understand. I wonder if the Jiangdong Pavilion Master can enlighten me?"
"Seeing as you are about to die, kid, speak. What is it you don't understand?" the Jiangdong Pavilion Master roared.
Xiao Yunlong slowly said, "Logically speaking, although I killed Boss An and Tu Sandao, you saw that I am stronger than all seven of your Jiangdong Pavilion protectors combined. Even though you lost two protectors, recruiting me would not be a losing business. Why do you insist on killing me? We had no deep-seated hatred before, did we?"
"You indeed have no deep-seated hatred with him, but we do!" At this moment, one of the withered Zen elders, who had been sitting motionlessly, spoke.
"I have had grievances with you? Where does that come from?" Xiao Yunlong turned to look at the two elders.
"Your Excellency, you truly have a forgetful nature. A little over a month ago, you killed our junior brother, Liao Zhen. Have you forgotten this?" the withered Zen elder gritted his teeth and shouted coldly.
"Liao Zhen? You mean that bald donkey?"
Xiao Yunlong was stunned for a moment, then suddenly understood, "So that's how it is. So that bald monk was your junior brother. I should have realized it earlier!"
At this moment, a middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit, accompanied by a young man, walked out quickly from the side.
Xiao Yunlong glanced and recognized the young man as Cao Kun from the Cao family of Yancheng.
At that time, Cao Wushang, the city defense commander of Yancheng, along with his son Cao Kun, the bald monk Master Liao Zhen, and several Cao family experts, came to Sucheng to seek revenge for Cao Kun's broken arm, intending to eliminate Xiao Yunlong. However, they were all killed by Xiao Yunlong.
Upon hearing the news, Cao Kun of Yancheng fled with his entire family overnight to the provincial capital of Jiangdong!
The middle-aged man in the Zhongshan suit, staring intently at Xiao Yunlong with a face full of killing intent, was Cao Kun's second uncle, Cao Wuxie, who was also the commander of the Jiangdong City Lord's Mansion.
"Greetings to the two masters!"
Cao Wuxie first bowed to the two Zen masters, then turned to Xiao Yunlong and gritted his teeth, "You fellow named Xiao, you must have never imagined that this trap today was actually set by me. To capture you and avenge my elder brothers, I schemed many times, but all failed. In the end, I had no choice but to reach a secret agreement with the Jiangdong Pavilion Master and successfully invited the two Zen masters to use the legendary Soft Bone Powder, thus capturing you!"
Saying this, he chuckled and added, "I almost forgot, my name is Cao Wuxie. My brother Cao Wushang and my third brother Cao Wuji both died at your hands!"
Xiao Yunlong couldn't help but laugh, "I understand. Cao Kun's master was the bald monk Liao Zhen, so your Cao family originally had ties to Southern Shaoshi Mountain. And this Jiangdong Pavilion, its behind-the-scenes controller is also Shaoshi Mountain. The so-called Pavilion Master is merely an agent supported by Shaoshi Mountain."
Cao Wuxie said with a deep hum, "So what if you understand? You can only blame yourself for your arrogance and ignorance!"
The Jiangdong Pavilion Master snorted coldly, "Why waste more words with this brat? Cao Wuxie, you go ahead and finish him off!"
Cao Wuxie nodded immediately, then stepped towards Xiao Yunlong step by step, his eyes filled with surging killing intent.
Xiao Yunlong, however, suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily, "You call me ignorant? With the likes of you, do you really think I'm incapacitated after being poisoned by Ten Fragrance Soft Bone Powder? How ridiculous!"
After speaking, Xiao Yunlong slowly stood up!