Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Gate of Yu (Part Two)

Because of a cold front that swept down last night, the temperature in Lin City had dropped considerably today. Yet, everyone fortunate enough to step into the boundaries of Shanhé Residence No. 1 found not only their hearts ablaze with excitement, but also marveled at how the air was as warm as spring. Today, a grand banquet was to be held here—an event that the wealthy elite of Lin City would give anything to attend. It was not merely the Master of the Divine Blade Sect's ascension ceremony that drew them, but most importantly, it was about wealth.

Anyone with influence or connections in Lin City knew that the wildly popular and perpetually sold-out "Xi Shuang" beauty lotion was backed by the Divine Blade Sect’s Luhai Group. Who wouldn’t want a slice of such a lucrative pie? Just to secure a small portion of the distribution rights or supply chain meant a path to riches. Rumor had it that the Divine Blade Sect was looking to select new partners at this very gathering.

This banquet, however, was of the highest caliber: only the truly affluent could attend, and even then, their activities were confined to the first floor. Still, invitations were so coveted that receiving one was, in itself, a badge of honor. From eight o'clock in the morning, an endless stream of luxury cars wound their way up the mountain road. The estate was spacious enough to accommodate them all, and soon a parade of impeccably dressed businessmen and glamorous socialites strode from their vehicles. Guided by attendants, they entered the grand garden before the villa, where blossoms flourished and the warm breeze made one question whether it was truly winter.

“Mr. Zhang! Long time no see!”

“So it’s Boss Wang!”

“My old friend, not going to say hello?”

Laughter echoed.

“Son, don’t run off. Watch and learn.”

“Don’t cause any trouble.”

The banquet had not officially begun, yet most guests had arrived. In the first-floor hall, people clustered in small groups, polite and composed, holding delicate crystal glasses as they sipped wine and sampled hors d’oeuvres while engaging in soft conversation. Their eyes drifted now and then toward a heavily guarded room on the second floor, yet the ambiance remained congenial and lively.

Suddenly, a ripple of commotion stirred the crowd.

“The Qi family has arrived!”

“The patriarch, the family’s master, and the prodigy Qi Tiancong are all here. But who’s that rough-looking man walking beside them?”

A group of impeccably dressed and imposing figures entered—the Qi family, the preeminent clan in Lin City. Qi Zhenghui led the way, followed by Qi Zhenghao and a handsome young man—presumably the newly ascended master, Qi Tiancong. At his side walked a stout, oddly dressed middle-aged man. With stoic faces, they headed straight for that room on the second floor.

“How strange, the other families aren’t here yet. The Qi family is always the last to arrive, and now they’re first.”

“They want to steal the spotlight!”

“Don’t forget, there’s also the Black Dragon Society and the Unity Gang—once equal in stature to the Divine Blade Sect.”

“I had nearly forgotten, but since the Divine Blade Sect’s rise, those two underground bosses have faded into the background. I’ve heard Boss Bai and Mistress Feng plan to merge with the Divine Blade Sect.”

“Is that true? I haven’t heard a thing.”

“You’ll see today.”

“Speak of the devil—they’re here!”

“All the other families have arrived together! Except for the destroyed Liu family and the absent Li family, the remaining Gu, Sun, Qiu, and Zhu families came as one. But who are those people leading them?”

“Look, isn’t that Boss Bai? And the woman in the mask must be Mistress Feng!”

“There are also Japanese among them!”

“Why are the four great families trailing behind a Japanese man as if they were his lackeys?”

“Hmph, that foreigner must be someone significant.”

“Wait, I remember who that man up front is.”

“For so many factions to unite, it’s clearly not just to offer congratulations—looks more like they’re here to stir up trouble!”

A dozen more intimidating figures entered, representing Lin City’s four great families and two major gangs. Most notably, these six powers willingly fell in line behind others, playing the role of loyal subordinates and provoking a wave of speculation among the onlookers.

Clearly, today’s events would be anything but simple—a spectacle was about to unfold.

Unlike the lively atmosphere downstairs, the room on the second floor was fraught with tension. Each person present harbored ulterior motives; they could all be considered hostile guests. Yet, on the surface, etiquette prevailed. After exchanging formal greetings, everyone found a seat to await their host.

Those seated were the heads of families, gang leaders, and masters, each flanked by formidable subordinates. The division into two camps was obvious: one centered around the Qi family, the other around a rebellious, handsome youth.

“So, everyone’s here—and yet your esteemed Master Dao still refuses to show himself?” said the ostentatiously dressed, arrogant youth, carelessly propping his feet on the table and casting a lazy glance at Fan Jun across the room.

Fan Jun smiled slightly, neither humble nor overbearing. “If I’m not mistaken, you must be the young master of the Donghou Shen family. To what do we owe the pleasure? I don’t recall sending you an invitation. Of course, a guest from afar is always welcome. Your presence brings honor to us. Please be patient—a few distinguished guests from neighboring provinces are yet to arrive.”

The young master from the Shen family leaned back, folding his hands behind his head with lazy indifference. “Ah, I forgot to mention—they won’t be coming. You see, if the Shen family doesn’t permit it, they simply don’t come.”

His offhand remark brimmed with arrogance and mockery, and he had every reason for such confidence: these nearby provinces were the Shen family’s domain—their private garden.

Fan Jun’s expression darkened. “The Donghou clan’s influence is indeed formidable, but you—”

He was cut off as an ashtray suddenly flew across the room, glancing off the table and striking one of Fan Jun’s men on the forehead, drawing blood.

“Damn it! You’re nothing but a cockroach. I’ve wasted enough words on you. Get out and fetch your boss!” the young master from the Shen family said coldly, his face full of disdain.

“So, Young Master Shen, it seems you have little regard for me,” a deep voice sounded as the door behind Fan Jun swung open. Two men entered; the first, a burly elder, was none other than Blade Mo himself, followed by the now-recovered Gao Chao.

“If I hadn’t taken such measures, perhaps Master Dao would never have come out. Becoming a master has certainly inflated your sense of importance,” the Shen family’s young master laughed.

“Brat, just for that remark, you won’t leave here unscathed today!” Gao Chao snarled before Blade Mo could respond.

“The lackeys of the Divine Blade Sect truly are ill-mannered. It seems the master’s teachings have been lacking. No matter—soon, Master Dao will be one of the Donghou faction. I’ll discipline your men myself, so as not to disgrace us all. Go—bring me that boy’s right hand!” The Shen family’s young master grinned cheerfully as he spoke.