Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Today was a major occasion, not just for the Yunxia Sect, but for every sect and faction throughout the entire Qingyang Region.
With only two months left until the Centennial Term, all sects knew that once that deadline arrived, the Nine-Hua Alliance would, like a ravenous glutton, swallow them all. Even though the Nine-Hua Alliance had never explicitly stated this, everyone understood they would certainly do so.
The Three Elders of Yunxia had emerged from seclusion and were hosting this Heir-Selection Ceremony, inviting all the notable figures of the Qingyang Region. Their intention was clear to anyone with eyes. Thus, those who came today weren't just factions with vested interests in Yunxia Sect; even some sects that usually had little interaction with Yunxia were present.
As a guest elder of the Yunxia Sect, Ouyang Feiyue naturally had the right to attend today's Heir-Selection banquet. When she entered the sect and arrived at the Outer Gate plaza, she couldn't help but be astonished.
The Outer Gate plaza was usually an area for disciples to practice, a vast expanse of grassy lawn. Today, however, it was filled with rows of tables and chairs. Small groups of people gathered here and there, engaged in conversation.
Ouyang Feiyue, who ran a First-Class Manor and had seen countless people in her time, recognized at a glance that these individuals were either sect masters of cultivation sects, gang leaders of various societies, or patriarchs of prominent clans. Even the lowest-ranking attendees were elders. All were considered influential figures within the Qingyang Region.
Just as she hesitated, looking for a familiar face to sit with, Ouyang Feiyue spotted a surprising figure at a table in the distance.
The man sat casually in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. He nibbled on a Scarlet-Leaf Demonfruit and sipped fine wine. His face, which should have been stern and imposing, instead wore an expression of leisurely contentment. He squinted his eyes, occasionally glancing at the crowds coming and going on the plaza.
Who else could it be but Gu Qingfeng!
Ouyang Feiyue was surprised, not because she saw Gu Qingfeng here, but because she was shocked this fellow had arrived so early.
"Young Master, we meet again..." she walked over, her face blossoming into a flower-like smile as she greeted him.
"Well, if it isn't Sister Feiyue."
Gu Qingfeng leaned slightly to one side, his left elbow resting on the table to support his head, his right hand holding a wine cup from which he took a small sip. His dark, profound eyes swept over Ouyang Feiyue's figure without the slightest restraint, and he chuckled, "A few days apart, and you've become even more alluring..." One had to admit, Ouyang Feiyue was truly a captivating woman. That beautiful, fox-like face, that enchanting figure, combined with the fact she was wearing a smooth, silky crimson dress that hinted at the curves beneath and left her alluring legs exposed... her entire being radiated a bewitching charm that most men would have a hard time resisting.
No woman dislikes being complimented on her looks, and Ouyang Feiyue was no exception. However, she didn't enjoy being praised by Gu Qingfeng, especially not when his eyes roamed over her so brazenly. It didn't give her a sense of superiority or pride; instead, it sent a chilling sensation down her spine.
"So?" Gu Qingfeng grinned. "Here to watch the show today?"
"Young Master, you do love to jest."
Ouyang Feiyue sat down and personally poured Gu Qingfeng a cup of fine wine. Smiling, she said, "I've always stood on Elder Huode's side. Today, Young Master is contending for the Heir Apparent position, so of course I've come to lend my support."
As she spoke, she raised her cup towards him and said with a smile, "Come, Young Master, let me toast you. I wish you success in ascending to the Heir Apparent seat in advance."
"That sounds good, hahaha..." The two of them chatted idly here and there, while more and more guests arrived for the banquet.
Not long after, a group of over twenty people entered the plaza. Leading them was a middle-aged man with a somber expression. When they appeared, many in the crowd actively went over to greet them. Clearly, this group had significant backing.
Perhaps noticing Gu Qingfeng's slight confusion, Ouyang Feiyue explained, "Those are people from the Wind-Shadow Li Clan. The one leading them is the clan patriarch, Li Changxin."
"Is that so."
Gu Qingfeng swept his gaze over them. Among the twenty-some individuals, three or four were Golden Core True Persons, while the rest were Purple Mansion True Persons. For a single clan to have so many True Persons was quite impressive.
"Today, the Li Clan has mobilized almost everyone. Only these twenty-plus are attending the banquet; many more are waiting outside. All dozen or so gangs under the Li Clan's control have gathered. With a single command from Li Changxin, those dozen gangs outside would come charging in."
Gu Qingfeng chuckled. "Everyone's come prepared, I see."
"Not just them. All twenty-four gangs under Yunxia Sect's control have also arrived and are waiting outside. The same goes for the gangs controlled by the other five major clans of the Qingyang Region, as well as the Ten Great Gangs...
People from the Seven Major Sects are also waiting outside. And that's just the forces from the six major clans, seven major sects, and ten great gangs. On top of that, nearly a hundred smaller clans, minor sects, and lesser gangs have shown up. If you add up all these forces...
The numbers are truly terrifying."
Hearing this, Gu Qingfeng was rather surprised and remarked dryly, "Jin De's reputation must be quite substantial."
"Jin De does indeed have quite a few supporters behind him, but not all of them are here for him. Many of the bosses who came today want to use this Heir-Selection event to show support for Yunxia Sect and thereby test the Nine-Hua Alliance's stance."
Just as she finished speaking, Ouyang Feiyue suddenly spotted a familiar face. She turned to Fei Kui, who had been standing silently behind Gu Qingfeng, and said, "Fei Kui, you're doing well for yourself."
Fei Kui had been standing hunched over, head bowed. Hearing Ouyang Feiyue's words, he was bewildered and didn't understand her meaning.
"Your elder brother, Fei Lei, has brought the Fierce-Tiger Gang here..." Ouyang Feiyue smiled with a hint of mischief. "It seems Jin De really has managed to win over quite a few people this time."
"My elder brother?"
Fei Kui looked up and scanned the crowd. Sure enough, he saw a short man with a face broader than his own and a body even rounder than his, swaggering into the area with a dozen or so followers. It was indeed his own blood brother, Fei Lei, also the leader of the second-rate Fierce-Tiger Gang in the Qingyang Region.
Seeing this, Fei Kui's face instantly paled with fright. He hurriedly said, "Young Master, this humble one... I'll be right back."
After Gu Qingfeng nodded, Fei Kui shot off like an arrow. Without a word, he grabbed his elder brother amidst the crowd and dragged him outside. Only when they reached a secluded spot did Fei Kui shove Fei Lei against a wall. Glaring fiercely, he hissed, "Elder Brother, did you take benefits from Jin De to come support him?"
Fei Lei and Fei Kui were blood brothers and looked very similar, though Fei Lei appeared even shorter and rounder than Fei Kui.
"Second Brother, what's with the tone? I'm just..."
Fei Kui didn't let him finish, roaring, "Answer me! Did you or not?"
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you. Yes, I came to support Jin De. So what? Why are you so furious? If it's about the benefits, I can share some with you..."
"Share my ass! Elder Brother, I'm telling you, if you want to live, leave this place immediately!"
"Why?"
"No reason! Just leave! I'll explain later!"
"If you don't tell me, I'm not leaving."
"You!" Fei Kui gnashed his teeth in anger, his voice dropping to a grave tone. "Elder Brother, do you trust me or not?"
"You're my own brother. Who else would I trust if not you?"
"Good. If you trust me, then leave the Yunxia Sect. Don't ask why. I don't even know why myself. Just leave, that's all."
Fei Lei knew his younger brother well. He had rarely seen Fei Kui speak to him with such seriousness and severity. After a moment's thought, he said awkwardly, "Fine, I won't ask why. But... Jin De has people guarding the entrance. I took his benefits. How am I supposed to leave...?"
"This..." Fei Kui pondered carefully. Indeed, the Yunxia Sect was now under strict lockdown, surrounded layer upon layer, watertight. All of the sect's protective grand formations had been activated. Getting in was easy, but getting out would be harder than climbing to the heavens.
"Alright then. Later, you stand as far away as possible. Absolutely do not speak up, do not make a move. Most importantly, you must not support Jin De. You must not! If you support Jin De today, our family line will be completely severed tomorrow."
"R-really? Are you serious, Second Brother? You're not joking with me, are you? This is creeping me out! I'm a little scared!"
"I swear on our mother's name, I am not joking with you!"
Hearing this, Fei Lei took a deep breath. He knew his younger brother never joked about their mother. He couldn't help but swallow hard, licking his lips before replying, "Second Brother... wh-why, though?"
"No reason!" Fei Kui roared. "None! Don't ask!"
Fei Kui's furious shout made Fei Lei tremble all over, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He opened his mouth but didn't speak for a long moment, finally shrinking his head and saying, "Alright... alright, I'll listen to you, I'll listen. But... if I took Jin De's benefits and don't show my face today, what if he comes after us later? We can't afford to provoke him. Maybe... maybe I should go return the resources he gave me now?"
"No need to return them."
Fei Lei craned his neck. "Why not?"
"He won't live to see another day..."
*Thump.* Fei Lei froze in place, as if he couldn't process the words for a moment.
While Fei Kui was persuading his elder brother, the atmosphere in the Outer Gate plaza suddenly grew lively due to the arrival of another person.
It was a man of extraordinary bearing. His features couldn't be called handsome, but he carried himself with grace and elegance. He held a folding fan and appeared cultured and refined. His popularity seemed quite high; when he appeared, many people in the crowd went over to greet him, including leaders of major clans and great gangs. The man of extraordinary bearing greeted everyone with a constant, gentle smile.
"Who's that?" Gu Qingfeng took a sip of wine, glanced over, and remarked, "Seems quite popular."
Ouyang Feiyue replied, "The number one personal disciple among the Nine Halls of Yunxia Sect, Wen Jingshan."
"Wen Jingshan?"
The name sounded familiar to Gu Qingfeng; he seemed to recall Huode mentioning it. Thinking carefully, he chuckled. "So he's the one who injured Huode..."