Chapter 781: All the Big Shots Gather

"Everyone, please listen to me!"

Seeing that Third Master was clearly annoyed by the incessant chatter, Xu Yang decisively spoke up to help him, simultaneously drawing the attention of all the martial arts experts present to himself.

"Thank you all for your high regard. However, I have no intention of leaving Third Master's side yet. He has shown me great kindness and recognized my abilities, and I am determined to repay him. As for your generous offers, they are indeed hard to refuse. So, how about this: three days from now, at our manor, I will host a banquet in Third Master Yun's name for all the esteemed martial arts figures and leaders of various sects. Anyone who wishes to give me, A-Yang, face is welcome to attend. We can then drink and celebrate together!"

"Excellent, Brother A-Yang is truly generous! Though you are not yet formally part of the martial arts world, I fear the legends of the future will all be about you. The title of the number one hero in Chang'le Prefecture can only belong to you, Brother A-Yang!"Everyone began to praise Xu Yang's strength, showering him with compliments. However, Xu Yang could tell that these martial artists were not being insincere; their heartfelt admiration came from the depths of their hearts.

"In my opinion, Yun Manor might not be the best location. While Third Master Yun is well-connected and highly respected, he is, after all, a governor. Hosting us martial artists at his residence might cause him some trouble. How about we gather in the Hundred Trees Forest, thirty li outside Chang'le Prefecture, instead?"A ronin wielding a sword suddenly spoke up, immediately receiving unanimous agreement from everyone. "Very well, then! Three days from now, in the Hundred Trees Forest, we will drink and celebrate. Gentlemen, farewell!"

Soon, the spectacle of today's martial arts hall competition spread throughout Chang'le Prefecture. In just half a day, martial artists from several nearby prefectures had heard A-Yang's name and were all curious about what kind of incredible person he was.

That very evening, after everyone had dispersed and left, the Third Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall slammed his hand onto the table, his face ashen.

"This is outrageous! I, an elder, have been active in Chang'le Prefecture for decades, and I've never been so humiliated. That A-Yang fellow actually made me lose face so badly! I'll make him pay!"

The mustachioed secretary, who always served the Third Elder diligently, approached him with a fawning expression.

"Master, there's no need to be angry with him at all. Our leader will be back soon. When that happens, we can just pin any crime on that A-Yang fellow. I'd like to see if this Third Master Yun has the guts to protect him! After all, the world now belongs to the Law Enforcement Hall. Does he dare challenge us? He's just a lone general; how long can he be active?"

As expected, the secretary's words immediately brought a satisfied smile to the Third Elder's face.

"Counting the days, our esteemed leader should arrive in Chang'le Prefecture in exactly three days. Then I'll show them!"

"Precisely. When the Chief returns, we'll exaggerate things a bit and ensure that A-Yang is torn to shreds!"

The Third Elder nodded in satisfaction.

"Third Elder, a report from our scouts: that A-Yang fellow and other martial arts factions have agreed to meet in the Hundred Trees Forest in three days. Should we take action?"

"Oh? Is that so?"Hearing this, the Third Elder's eyes immediately lit up. Without a doubt, he saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Absolutely true. This news has already spread throughout Chang'le Prefecture. The agreement between A-Yang and the martial arts experts was made shortly after we left today."

"Hahaha, Heaven is helping me! Immediately write a letter to the leader, saying that a group of martial arts outlaws will appear in the Hundred Trees Forest in three days. Then we will send two or three hundred warriors to provide support and directly capture A-Yang and those arrogant fools in one fell swoop. Let them know who the true ruler of Chang'le Prefecture is now! Have they been peaceful for so long that they've forgotten the might of our Law Enforcement Hall?"

"As you command!"

The mustachioed man chuckled and went into the inner hall to write the letter. Meanwhile, the Third Elder, delighted, began to sip his tea, already plotting how he would crush Xu Yang.

Little did he know that the moment he decided to make an enemy of Xu Yang, the countdown to his downfall had already begun.

"Hahaha, how exhilarating, truly exhilarating! To be honest, I haven't been this happy in over ten years. If it weren't for your appearance, I fear I would never have had the chance to regain my former glory in this lifetime!"

"A-Yang, do you know how high-spirited I was in my youth, standing in the majestic imperial palace? Ever since our lineage was expelled from the core of power, I have been a laughingstock to others."

"Though everyone outwardly addresses me as Third Master, I know very well that they mock me behind my back with all sorts of words. But what does it matter now? With your help, I can finally achieve great things!"

Xu Yang could see that Third Master was overjoyed today, his happiness genuinely heartfelt and undisguised.

"Don't worry, there's much more to be happy about. This is just the beginning. In three days, I'll go meet those martial artists. It seems like it shouldn't be too difficult to win them over. With their help, our forces can expand to a thousand people. By then, even confronting a force like the Law Enforcement Hall head-on will be an easy matter."

Three days later, Xu Yang arrived early at the Hundred Trees Forest. Before long, a venerable old man with an otherworldly aura was the first to float through the air, clutching two bottles of fine wine.

"Hahaha, Brother A-Yang, you arrived so early! You truly are a man of your word; I didn't misjudge you, old man that I am!"

This old man had a somewhat ethereal and free-spirited appearance. Yet, his carefree enjoyment of good wine and meat also made him seem like an old mischievous child. Regardless, Xu Yang found him easy to get along with.

"Greetings, Senior!"

"Oh, no need for 'Senior' or anything like that. We are all people of the martial arts world; let's not bother with those cumbersome titles of seniority. If you think highly of me, just call me Elder Brother Tan. Later, I'll introduce you to some truly important figures in the martial arts world!"

Soon, a sword-wielding man draped in a blue cloth robe flew over, stepping on paths of bamboo and wood.

This was Qi Bai, the Wandering Immortal!

Behind him was Iron Arhat Da Chuan, who had previously claimed to be from the Arhat Hall!

Immediately following from the bamboo forest to the south, a shadowy figure suddenly appeared, his movement technique enhanced to extreme speed.

He was dressed in an assassin's attire, his face indiscernible, but his eyes gleamed sharply.

"This is Occult Calamity, the Shadow Lord!"

The last to appear was a long-haired woman, holding a pipa. Dressed in a blue-green gown, she seemed to float in on a wisp of song.

"This is Ling Wu, the Music Concubine!"