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"I was astonished to learn that two distinguished individuals from the Sanling Region have ascended the New Star Ranking of the Demon Path, and what’s more, they are both from the Hou Clan. I’ve been longing to meet you ever since I heard that the two young masters were passing through Jinling. Today, after seeing you in person, I now realize that your renowned reputation is indeed well-deserved," said Mr. Shen with great anticipation.
"I’ve witnessed countless talents over the past two hundred years, not a thousand, but at least a few hundred. Yet, at such a young age, to have a cultivation like the two young masters have, I can count on only two hands!" Mr. Shen exclaimed with admiration.
As the crowd intended to proceed inside, they were interrupted by Shen Gufan’s sudden flattery, prompting Hou Yujie and Hou Yuxiao to halt in their tracks and glance sideways.
When they had approached the city walls earlier, they had already noticed Shen Gufan and his company, but Zhou Hong had captured their attention first. Although they perceived that Shen Gufan and his companions were extraordinary, they had chosen to converse with Zhou Hong first. Upon hearing Shen Gufan introduce himself as "Mr. Shen", the two brothers immediately guessed his identity.
"Could this gentleman be the Head of the Shen Family, the white-robed swordsman Shen Gufan?" Hou Yuduan inquired, deliberately turning to ask Zhou Hong who stood beside him and noticing Zhou Hong’s face stiffen as he nodded. Observing the six Dan Embracing Phase martial artists with a leader-like demeanor standing behind Shen Gufan, Hou Yuduan quickly surmised the situation in Jinling County and a hint of keen interest flashed in his eyes.
"Such modest notability, yet Young Master Hou is aware of it. I’m truly ashamed," said Shen Gufan humbly.
"Family Head Shen is too modest. The name of the white-robed swordsman is known throughout the Sanling Region. Who doesn’t know it? My brother and I, in your presence, are merely juniors," replied Hou Yujie with humility.
Hou Yujie and Hou Yuduan bowed together to Shen Gufan, just as they had to Zhou Hong, and also gave him the same junior’s respect.
The title of white-robed swordsman was no mere nickname; ranked 108th on the Demon Head list, this Shen Family Head before them, was a Demon Path expert almost a hundred ranks higher than Divine Illumination Law King Ding Dian. Not taking him seriously would likely lead to serious consequences.
"I dare not accept such praise. With Fifth Young Master’s fame echoing throughout the six states and Fourth Young Master’s exceptional cultivation at such a young age, it is only a matter of time before your names are widely known. I wouldn’t dare to claim seniority before you two. If you don’t mind, just calling me Family Head Shen will suffice!" Shen Gufan modestly remarked, though his face bore a satisfied smile. He proceeded to introduce Ling Yanyun and the other six individuals behind him, all of whom lavished similarly extravagant praise upon Hou Yujie and his brother.
Zhou Hong, standing to the side and seeing how well Shen Gufan conversed with the two, suddenly had a glint of malice in his eyes.
After exchanging pleasantries, the group soon arrived at Shengxin Residence.
Zhou Hong mentioned it was to heave off the dirt from the journey, but it was quite obvious he deliberately sought to ingratiate himself with the Hou Clan, much the same as Shen Gufan and company. Throughout the toasting and drinking, their intention to establish ties with the Hou Clan was palpable.
Both appeared to be in a bit of competition, and Hou Yujie and Hou Yuduan, sensing the situation, feigned ignorance as they deftly navigated between both parties, careful not to offend either.
After three rounds of drinks, both professed their willingness to assist the Hou Clan with any needs they might have in Jinling. Seizing the opportunity, Hou Yujie was the first to state their purpose.
"Prefect Zhou, Head of the Shen Family, without hiding anything, my Hou Clan does indeed have an urgent matter as we pass through Jinling for which we would like to request both of your assistance," Hou Yujie stated.
"Please speak out."
"Fourth Young Master, please elaborate!" 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Hou Yujie, observing the immediate responses from the two, then turned to gaze at Hou Yuduan beside him, signaling him to speak.
Hou Yuduan nodded, set down his wine cup, and began speaking.
"The Hou Clan has managed to offend many in Tongling, and we’ve just learned that here in your esteemed county, someone from the Zhu Clan has issued a Jinling Death Order against a member of our family. We brothers are here by the order of our elder brother, Hou Yuxiao, to see if there is any way we can reach an accord with the Zhu Clan, have them rescind the kill order, and prevent any vendetta between our two families!"
Upon hearing the word "Zhu Clan," both Zhou Hong and Shen Gufan’s expressions shifted slightly, with Zhou Hong’s eyes revealing a sense of sudden delight, while Shen Gufan’s brows furrowed, his face slowly revealing a hint of shadow.
Hou Yuduan, with his acute observations, noticed the subtle changes in their expressions, and he instantly had a measure of the situation.
"To issue a Jinling Death Order against the Hou Clan, this..."
"The Jinling Death Order from the Zhu Clan, hiss!"
"Unyielding until death, who has such audacity to go so far?"
...
At the mention of the phrase "Jinling Death Order," Ling Yanyun and the other six individuals not only changed their expressions instantly, but they also exclaimed in shock, indicating the notoriety of the death order among the local Jinling County.
"As for this person from the Zhu Clan, if Prefect Zhou is acquainted with them, could you possibly introduce us? Of course, if you could directly persuade them to cancel the death order, that would be even better. As long as the price is reasonable, we’re open to discussion!" Hou Yujie purposely asked Zhou Hong instead of Shen Gufan.
Zhou Hong repressed the joy in his eyes, glanced at Shen Gufan who wasn’t far away, and then shook his head, saying, "As far as I am aware, unless the Zhu Clan is wiped out, there is no way to rescind the Jinling Death Order.
"Disgraceful as it is to say, though I have served as the Jinling Prefect for many years and have hated this rampant assassins’ organization to the bone, wishing to eliminate them completely, their members are indeed well-hidden, and some have ties within the county. Even though we’ve captured some assassins, we have never been able to eradicate them completely.
"So as for the introduction, I’m afraid I’m helpless..."
Having said this, Zhou Hong paused for a moment, then abruptly redirected his gaze to Shen Gufan, and said softly, "However, I do know that there’s someone in Jinling County who can definitely lend a helping hand!"
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