Chương 244: The Invitation

Plum Manor, Reception Hall. Song Que was happily chatting with Gao Jun and Xu Zishan. Tie Yuniang and Xu Ziqing, who had tagged along, were thoughtfully attended to by Nie Feng, ensuring no one was left out in the cold.

"Zishan, when are you heading back to your sect? I thought you would have left already."

"I was originally planning to leave, but the sect sent a letter stating there was an important matter, so I stayed for a few more days."

"Oh? I wonder what important matter it is. If you need my help, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Haha, there actually is a matter that requires you, Brother Song," Xu Zishan smiled and replied.

"As for the specific details, it's best if Senior Brother Gao explains them to you clearly." Hearing this, Song Que turned to look at Gao Jun. The man reached into his robes, pulled out a letter, and solemnly handed it to him:"Young Master Song, the main purpose of my visit this time is to deliver this invitation on behalf of the Yaochi Tea Party. We cordially invite you to be present at the Yaochi on the morning of the 6th of the second lunar month.

We've heard about the incident where you were ambushed by thieves last time. Rest assured, the same thing will not happen again. I can guarantee this on the honor of the Heavenly River Sword Sect." Gao Jun spoke with extreme confidence and bearing. Throughout the entire Yangnan Circuit, there was nothing that could escape the eyes and ears of the Heavenly River Sword Sect. As long as they intentionally investigated, no one could hide. Grandee Song naturally believed this statement.

He readily accepted the invitation and smiled:"Many thanks to Brother Gao, and to Alliance Leader Zhao for his protection. This humble one will definitely arrive on time and absolutely will not miss such a serendipitous opportunity again."

"Haha, then I can rest at ease. Furthermore, Grandmaster Hui Wu asked me to pass a message to you. He requests that you absolutely must attend this banquet; he has a few words he wishes to say to you in person." That monk brother of mine has something good in mind for me again? Grandee Song was delighted:"Many thanks for the notification, Brother Gao. Sorry to have troubled you to make this trip today.

Brother Gao and everyone else must stay at Plum Manor for a meal, allowing this humble one to play the host to his heart's content." Having no pressing matters before or after, and naturally wanting to associate with an outstanding talent like Song Que, Gao Jun and Xu Zishan simply exchanged a glance and happily agreed.

"Then we thank you, Young Master Song, for the trouble. To be honest, I've longed for the Raging Fire Liquor for quite some time, but unfortunately, it's too scarce; I've barely had the chance to drink it a few times. This time, I must drink my fill to make up for all the days I've yearned for it."

"Haha, since you've come to my place, the liquor will naturally flow endlessly. Brother Gao, just open your belly and drink!" Song Que laughed heartily. At this moment, Tie Yuniang, who had been sitting quietly to the side, saw that their business was concluded and hurriedly turned to ask:"Song Que, where are your pets? Why don't I see them?" Right now, even her own father didn't dare to call Grandee Song by his name so casually.

But toward this little girl's lack of manners, he merely smiled and let it slide, not stooping to her level:"Oh, they're playing in the back garden. If Yuniang wants to see them, we can head to my courtyard to have some tea now. I'll have the servants prepare the food."

"Good, good, that's perfect!" The little girl's eyes lit up as she nodded repeatedly. Meeting Zishan's apologetic gaze, Song Que shook his head with an unconcerned smile. He stood up to lead the way, inviting everyone to his small courtyard to play. When they saw Little Black, it naturally caused a small commotion. Grandee Song was used to this by now.

After all, this bastard's appearance was simply too massive and ferocious, and with his nurturing over these past few days, its aura had grown even more intimidating. It was only normal for others to feel fear and curiosity toward it. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. The group sat in the courtyard, enjoying tea and chatting.

With Gao Jun—a man who had walked the martial world for many years—offering a few pointers, everyone in the household benefited considerably. During the meal, under the relentless toasting of the four men of the Song household, Xu Ziqing ended up dead drunk like a dog, and even Gao Jun was visibly tipsy before they finally stopped. Song Que then ordered servants to prepare a carriage to take them back to the city........ From now until the 6th of the second lunar month, there were roughly three weeks left.

If he wanted to attend the Yaochi Tea Party, he would need to make some preparations beforehand. The Black Iron Stronghold had been made public; it was no longer a secret refuge. There was no need for his household to hide there anymore. With the Heavenly River Sword Sect standing as a guarantor, and Old Du currently recovering from severe injuries, simply strengthening the defenses of Plum Manor should ensure his household wouldn't face any danger.

After all, everyone involved was someone of status with properties; sometimes, one had to be mindful of many things. As long as Song Que wasn't dead, Old Du absolutely wouldn't dare to act too recklessly...... South Docks. It had been a long time since Song Que had returned to this place. Ever since it was purged by Tian Buer, quite some time had passed, yet it still hadn't managed to recover its original vitality. He heard that the place was now temporarily overseen by a 5th Grade expert.

With such a massive incident occurring, even though Chu Tianqiu hadn't been made a scapegoat, he couldn't completely shirk responsibility, so he was dragged back to the commandery to do grunt work. Today, Grandee Song came here to see Xu Zishan and Gao Jun off on their journey back to the Heavenly River Sword Sect. While drinking yesterday, they had agreed he would come see them off this morning.

With his current prestige, let alone having Gao Jun and Zishan here, even if they weren't, there was absolutely no one in Qinghe County who dared to step forward and test their luck against him.

"Brother Gao, Zishan, until we meet again!"

"Young Master Song, there's no need to see us off any further. Let's talk again on the 6th of the second month." Gao Jun, who held a very favorable impression of Grandee Song, smiled and cupped his hands.

"Hehe, I was lucky enough to be selected to help out with odd jobs at the Yaochi Tea Party. Perhaps I'll have the fortune of welcoming you then, Pavilion Master Song." Xu Zishan also smiled and spoke up. Her cultivation wasn't high enough, so she didn't qualify for an invitation. However, as a sect disciple who had grown up graceful and beautiful, she was chosen to go there and assist. When Song Que attended the banquet, they would naturally meet again.

"Excellent, this humble one will definitely be there. We will catch up then."

"It's a promise. When the time comes, I'll be the guide and show Brother Song around the scenery of Yangnan." Having said that, recalling the chaotic thoughts her parents had constantly been feeding into her head the night before, Zishan's face suddenly turned red. Fortunately, the two men didn't notice her strange behavior. Seeing that the time was about right, Gao Jun cupped his hands once more and led her onto the ship.

Only after the ship bearing the flag of the Nine Rivers Alliance began to sail away did Grandee Song call his people to get into the carriage and head back to the city. He still needed to make a trip to the Sea of Clouds Pavilion to meet with Old Yun....... Sea of Clouds Pavilion. Hearing that Grandee Song had come to visit, Yun Shan hurriedly ran all the way down from the upper floors to greet him at the door.

"Chief Steward, there's no need to be so polite. This junior can just walk up himself." Seeing his demeanor, Song Que shook his head, finding it amusing. But what could be done? His status now was worlds apart from before. Yun Shan didn't dare to act casually; respecting the strong was a fundamental rule in this world.

"It's nothing, just running a few steps. Young Master Song, please follow me!" Following Old Yun up to his office, after the servants brought in tea and pastries, Song Que finally stated the purpose of his visit today:"Chief Steward, the Yaochi Tea Party is approaching once again, and I received the invitation yesterday. This time, I would like to ask you to pass on an invitation to travel together to Miss Yun Xi on my behalf. If she agrees, the schedule will be entirely up to her."

"Haha, so it's about this. Rest assured, Young Master Song, I will immediately have someone pass the message to my young miss later and let you know. The young miss will surely be honored to travel with you."

"Hehe, then this junior can rest easy!" Grandee Song nodded in satisfaction.

"I wonder if the Chief Steward will be going along this time?" Hearing him ask, Yun Shan sighed and shook his head with regret:"I probably won't be able to go. After all, there are still so many things to handle here. Not being able to witness Young Master Song's title, 'Black Gorilla,' resound throughout Yangnan in person is truly a pity!" F*ck! Black Gorilla again! Grandee Song's face turned dark. Old Yun, cunning and experienced, was excellent at reading people's expressions.

Seeing the displeasure on the kid's face, he felt uneasy. Unable to figure out what he had said to offend him, he cautiously asked:"Young Master Song, what is the matter?"" Sigh, Chief Steward, please don't mention this title again in the future. It's truly embarrassing."

"What? Are you dissatisfied with this title?" Song Que just kept shaking his head and refused to say another word. Holy shit, flattery almost hit the horse's hoof! Just looking at his face, it was obvious this guy absolutely despised the name 'Black Gorilla'. Yun Shan hurriedly made a mental note to remind his young miss about this issue later. Currently, Song Que was their branch's biggest bargaining chip; paying careful attention to every minor detail was never too much.

Chatting with Old Yun for a while longer, when noon arrived, Grandee Song declined his invitation to stay for a meal and returned to the Headquarters to catch up with the upper echelon of the Moon-Lacking Pavilion. Eating while listening to his subordinates report their work, seeing that everything was thriving and rapidly developing, Pavilion Master Song was incredibly satisfied. The number of martial artists in the gang had officially broken through 250—taking up over a third of the official members.

It was truly a cause for celebration. Finally, after the banquet ended, he instructed Old Shen to prepare some matters to accompany him to the Yaochi Tea Party. Only then did Song Que get into his carriage and lead his people back to Plum Manor.