"Young Master Shen, though we have our past grievances, that is all in the past. With our standing, we should broaden our horizons and look forward. Dwelling on old grudges is not only meaningless but also alienates friends."
Kong Wu Dao looked at Shen Lang, his expression unperturbed, and said with a smile.
"I want to kill you right now." Hearing Kong Wu Dao's shameless words, Shen Lang's face darkened.
"Young Master Shen, you are all honored guests I've invited today. Give me some face and let's put this aside for now. I won't interfere with how you settle your grievances later, alright?"
Seeing Shen Lang and Kong Wu Dao at each other's throats, Zhao Shen Tian quickly stepped forward, trying to mediate with a smile.
"Fine, I'll give you this face."
Shen Lang glanced at Zhao Shen Tian, his eyes darting, then patted Zhao Shen Tian heavily on the shoulder and said, "Even though you're scum, a beast, and an absolute bastard, looking at you is more comfortable than looking at Kong Wu Dao. That's because he's even worse than scum, a beast, and an absolute bastard."
"You..."
Kong Wu Dao was so angered by the remark that he almost lost his composure. Just then, Qi Tuo Jiang emerged, fanning himself and smiling, "Young Master Shen is joking. Young Master Kong is my brother, and he is by no means the person you describe. I can guarantee that."
"Alright, enough with the pleasantries. Let's get straight to the point."
Shen Lang interrupted Qi Tuo Jiang and then said to Zhao Shen Tian, "Why have you invited so many people here today? Just say it. I'm in a hurry to get back and cook for my wife. If I'm late, she'll go hungry."
"Young Master Shen, don't be anxious. Not everyone has arrived yet. We'll talk once everyone is here."
Zhao Shen Tian glanced at Shen Lang with a smile and spoke. At this moment, a group of women in red appeared behind Zhao Shen Tian.
Zhao Shen Tian glanced back at the women in red and smiled, "Prepare seats and serve tea."
"Yes—" Hearing this, the women in red quickly brought in tables and chairs, and served tea.
Of the five great families, only the Qin family had arrived. As for the Zhao, Kong, and Qi families, and the Ye family, only Kong Wu Dao and Qi Tuo Jiang had come; their patriarchs had not yet arrived.
Five minutes later, Zhao Ding Tian, the patriarch of the Zhao family, arrived with fifty people.
Ten minutes later, Kong Jie, the patriarch of the Kong family, arrived with fifty people.
Twenty minutes later, Qi Kai Di, the patriarch of the Qi family, arrived with seventy-three people.
Half an hour later, Ye Zi Xuan, the patriarch of the Ye family, arrived with one hundred and twenty people.
"How could this be?"
When Kong Wu Dao saw that all the patriarchs of these influential families had arrived, he was utterly shocked and looked at Qi Tuo Jiang.
They knew these patriarchs; they rarely accepted invitations from others, nor did they proactively meet anyone. Yet, Zhao Shen Tian had managed to invite them all here. How had he done it?
Kong Wu Dao, who had come with the intention of spectating, suddenly sensed that something was amiss. He felt as if he had fallen into a trap.
"Young Master Kong, something isn't right. We should proceed with caution. If necessary, we should quietly step aside."
Qi Tuo Jiang also sensed danger and said to Kong Wu Dao, "Let's first understand what's happening, and then we'll act. Don't be the first to rush in, lest we fall into a pit unknowingly."
"Good!" Kong Wu Dao thought the same. Hearing Qi Tuo Jiang's words, he followed Qi Tuo Jiang and, without anyone noticing, quietly retreated seven or eight steps, finally hiding in an inconspicuous corner to observe everything.
"Esteemed patriarchs, your journey here is truly an honor to me, Zhao Shen Tian, a junior. Please be seated and have some tea first. We will discuss important matters afterward."
Seeing that everyone from the five great families had arrived, a smile appeared on Zhao Shen Tian's face as he addressed the arriving patriarchs.
The patriarchs of the five great families listened to Zhao Shen Tian, found seats, and slowly sipped the premium Da Hong Pao tea.
"Alright, Zhao Shen Tian. We've had our tea. Get to the point."
Zhao Ding Tian, the patriarch of the Zhao family and Zhao Shen Tian's grandfather, was completely unaware of Zhao Shen Tian's escape from prison and the significant stir he had caused.
Zhao Ding Tian looked at his favorite grandson, the one he had designated as the next heir of the Zhao family, and felt an indescribable sense of estrangement.
"Grandfather, don't rush. We have another distinguished guest. Once she arrives, we can get down to business."
Zhao Shen Tian looked at Zhao Ding Tian with a respectful smile.
"Distinguished guest? Are you referring to me?"
As soon as Zhao Shen Tian finished speaking, a woman in black, wearing a black cloak, a black mask, carrying two Han swords on her back, and a silver moon saber and a black gold token at her waist, walked over and said to Zhao Shen Tian with a smile.
Behind her, a group of people dressed similarly followed.
Seeing these people, the pupils of the patriarchs of the five great families constricted, their faces filled with terror. They knew exactly who these people were.
They were called Bu Liang Ren, individuals empowered by the state to execute judgment first and report later.
As everyone watched in shock, the leading woman slowly removed her mask. It was none other than Nalan Yan Qing.
"Yan Qing, you're here! Please, have a seat."
Seeing Nalan Yan Qing arrive, Zhao Shen Tian's face lit up with a smile.
"Young Master Zhao, escaping from Bu Liang Lou and then boldly inviting everyone, including us? How could I not come?"
Nalan Yan Qing said with a smile, looking at Zhao Shen Tian, then took her seat confidently and began to drink the Da Hong Pao tea before her.
"Good. Since everyone is here, I will now get straight to the point."
With everyone present, Zhao Shen Tian smiled and said, "The reason I've invited everyone here today is for one thing: I wish to purchase this Deng Tian Long Lou. However, the ownership of this building lies with the five great families and the Bu Liang Ren. Therefore, I wish to discuss it with you all."
"What?"
As soon as Zhao Shen Tian spoke, the members of the five great families and the Bu Liang Ren's expressions changed drastically. They stared at Zhao Shen Tian, disbelieving what he had said.
"Zhao Shen Tian, you dare to set your sights on Deng Tian Long Lou? Are you tired of living?"
The first person to vocally oppose was none other than Zhao Shen Tian's grandfather, Zhao Ding Tian. He looked at Zhao Shen Tian in anger and said, "Who instigated you? What are you trying to do?"
"Grandfather, don't get agitated. I simply like this building and want to buy it. That's why I'm discussing it with all of you."
Zhao Shen Tian's eyes flashed with a cold killing intent as he saw Zhao Ding Tian oppose him first, but he concealed it well, and it vanished in an instant.