Chapter 338: Chapter 222: Who Is the Overseas Fierce Dragon? The 14th Chair _4

"Seventh Young Master, Great Master."

Housekeeper Gui entered through the side door, quickly arriving at the main hall adorned with white cloth curtains and white lanterns, where the spirit tablet was displayed.

He Jingfeng and his father, He Lichang, had not yet rested; the former tossed the stack of paper money in his hand aside and softly asked:

"Did Brother Bai go to Hundred Rings Square tonight?"

Housekeeper Gui bowed and replied:

"Indeed, Master Bai went straight to Hundred Rings Square after picking out gifts at Fenghui Trading Company."

He Jingfeng furrowed his brows and further asked:

"Rumor has it that Bai Qilang, the direct disciple of Ninghai Zen, single-handedly crushed the spirit of many martial arts families this time; is it true?"

Housekeeper Gui nodded again:

"Absolutely true, unmistakably! I witnessed it myself when Master Bai entered Four Directions Street. With just one move, he killed Yan Qing from the Five Dragon Sect, then battled Du Ping Sect from the Iron Buddha Sect, steadily overpowering him, exhausting Little Peng King to death!"

He Jingfeng clenched his fists, seemingly unable to suppress his surging emotions, and looked at his father, He Lichang:

"Father, wasn’t I right? Bai Qilang is a young flood dragon nurtured in the Black Water River; he will transform into a divine dragon crossing the river someday!

Yan Qing from the Five Dragon Sect was destined to be recorded in the young talents’ section of the County City’s blacklist! Du Zongping, fifth in that section, a Third-Practice Expert capable of battling the Piggy Dragon underwater! All gone in one night!

This shows his skills! In another ten years, he could be another Ninghai Zen!"

He Lichang seemed indecisive and hesitated, saying:

"Xiaoqi, our Thirteen Trades...do not get along with Ninghai Zen.

That rainy event ten years ago destroyed four families, and our He Family lost many lives.

Now, his disciple enters the city. As your father, if I publicly make friendly overtures, what will others say?

It could easily make us the target of everyone’s criticism!"

He Jingfeng never questioned or retorted his father’s orders before.

But this time, he was firm, placing his palm over He Lichang’s hand and sincerely saying:

"Father, do you not recall what you once taught me? A slandering husband harms a scholar, as a slight cloud blocks the sun—it will soon clear! Thirteen Trades sound harmonious, together in prosperity and retreat, but who is not full of individual thoughts, only caring for themselves?

Elder brother and third brother’s bodies are barely cold, yet their empty Daoist student quotas have become coveted! The doorstep of Zhi Xin Temple is almost worn flat by them!

Our He Family has faced hardship, lost its pillars, and inevitably weakened for a while.

Now, as Ninghai Zen’s disciple enters the city, it draws other families’ attention!

Father, please trust me this once. Tomorrow do as I advise, make a clear stand in front of the Twelve Trades, mere rumors cannot harm the He Family!

Grandfather gambled all family wealth on that Lazily Taoist, believing he is an extraordinary outlander, and thus obtained thirty Yellow Bud Grand Pills, creating prosperity!

I wish to bet on Bai Qilang, who is an overseas fierce dragon suppressing Daoist Schools, Pai Bang, and Twelve Trades’ local bullies!"

He Lichang turned his head, looking dumbly at the two coffins in the hall, as the night wind swirled, causing candle flames to flicker—lighting his half bright, half dark face.

The great master of the He Family couldn’t help but sigh.

...

...

The next day.

Bai Qi washed up early; after a night of cultivation, he felt neither tired nor weary, instead, he was full of vitality.

This is the advantage of practicing the Dao.

Entry into meditation equates to deep sleep, an hour and a half is sufficient to revitalize the spirit.

"It would be lovely if the residence in Black River County could be like this."

Bai Qi gazed at the five lush and dripping Dragon Scale Pine trees, almost considering bringing them home in a shameful thought.

According to the Qi Observation Skill taught by Qi Yan, the clarity of the atmosphere at Nine Palaces Platform Villa mainly depends on these five Dragon Scale Pines that expel darkness.

Living here long-term at least ensures tasty meals, good sleep, and warding off illness.

"The study of Feng Shui is indeed costly; Uncle Qiu is wealthy for a reason."

Bai Qi shook his head; he had inquired, these five Dragon Scale Pines were at least three hundred years old, valuable beyond imagination, calculated in Yuanbao Gold.

"Sudden prosperity lacks depth. Black River County’s Boss Bai appears as a poor wretch in Yihai Prefecture."

He dismissed these frivolous thoughts and called Bai Ming to join for breakfast.

The two brothers enjoyed smooth porridge cooked from Spirit Rice with a few accompanying small dishes, making their meal refreshing and comforting.

"Ah Di, this is the Silk Money for the He Family. When we offer incense later, remember to give it, don’t neglect ceremonial etiquette."

Bai Qi took out a few silver notes in total of three thousand taels, specially exchanged yesterday while wandering, to cover the formal gift for the ceremony.

As the successor of Tongwen Hall and Ninghai Zen’s disciple, he could not be petty, ruining the Master’s reputation.

"Got it, elder brother. I’ve heard that Master Ning has made quite a few enemies in the County City. When we visit them later, will we be captured by five hundred ambushing swordsmen and axmen?"

Bai Ming asked with wide eyes.

He had often heard similar stories at tea houses, where a shattered cup would signal an ambush, resulting in a swift capture and beheading.

"What are you thinking? Those lords aren’t foolish enough to resort to violence, but they probably won’t be welcoming either. Not every business in the Thirteen Firms is as clear-headed and understanding as the He Family or Zhu Family.

Back in the day, Master was too ruthless—sons died, leaving no heirs; husbands died, leaving widows; parents died, leaving orphans—there were too many to count.

If it were you, could you forget such deep-seated hatred?"

Bai Qi wiped his mouth, speaking in a relaxed tone.

Bai Ming shook his head vigorously, his face tense:

"If someone harmed my elder brother, I would surely think of them and remember their face every day."

Bai Qi chuckled:

"Relax, that day will never come. Your elder brother has never suffered a loss."

The two brothers chatted casually a bit more before preparing to head out, walking to the He Family.

...

...

The He Mansion was located in "Xingqing Square" in the southern part of the city.

This was a street lined with pawnshops, with signs of "Bats and Mice Hanging Gold Coins" visible every few steps.

"Bats" sounds like "fortune," and money signifies wealth attraction.

As for "mice," pawnshop workers treated them as folk gods like the Well Dragon King, to prevent damage to valuable furs, clothing, silk, and fabrics.

Due to this custom, "Bats and Mice Hanging Gold Coins" became the pawn industry trademark.

It was said that throughout the He Mansion, every pavilion and building featured bat shapes, even on doors, windows, beams, and lamps, once earning it the name "Fuzhai."

"Ha ha, but now it seems this Fuzhai neither attracts wealth nor fortune nor protects descendants; it’s all just an empty name."

As this sentence was uttered, a well-cared-for, jade-like hand lifted the carriage curtain.

The attendant following closely behind immediately knelt, propping up their back to offer a step for the master.

Emerging from the carriage was the grand master of the Lu Family Antique Shop, Lu Zhongren.

Though he and the He Family’s grand master, He Lichang, were of similar age, his hair was thick and black, with no gray, appearing exceptionally energetic.

At first glance, he appeared to be a man in his thirties.

"He Lichang constantly boasts about his two excellent sons. Yet now, a white-haired man sees off black-haired sons, which just shows how little virtue he accumulated, causing his family’s fortune to fade, unable to protect his descendants."

Standing beside Lu Zhongren was a handsome young man with a slightly hoarse voice.

"Mr. Zhou Er, well said."

Lu Zhongren chuckled but didn’t continue the topic, instead continuing to speak.

The Lu Family dealt in antiques, naturally having some rivalry with the He’s pawning business.

"I’ve heard that He Lichang invited all of the Thirteen Firms, so today should be quite lively."

He laughed heartily, stepping up the stairs, as the steward beside him promptly announced:

"Elder Master of the Lu Family, has arrived!"

Stepping into the hall set up as a mourning hall, two high-quality coffins lay in the center, with white lanterns marked "Condolence" hanging everywhere. The servants wore mourning clothes and moved cautiously, not daring to make a sound, while the funeral band was arranged on the side, waiting to be used around noon.

"Brother Li Chang! My condolences!"

Lu Zhongren, with the young man, quickly approached as soon as they entered the hall.

He grasped He Lichang’s hand, speaking mournfully:

"My poor nephews, gone so young! They should have had bright futures and unlimited prospects. It’s infuriating that heaven turns a blind eye!"

He Lichang gritted his teeth, his cheeks trembling slightly. Although Lu Zhongren’s words seemed sincere, his face bore a mocking smile.

But it wasn’t the time to react; he remained silent, only saying:

"Brother Zhongping, please take a seat."

Inside the mourning hall, chairs were arranged on both sides for the elders of the Thirteen Firms.

After all, the deceased He Jinghong and He Jingyun, as juniors, weren’t entitled to receive grand ceremonies from their elders.

"Hmm, why are there fourteen chairs?"

Lu Zhongren’s sharp eye instantly noticed the oddity, but before he could ponder further, a drawn-out, full-voiced call echoed from the entrance:

"Black River County! Tongwen Hall! Bai Qilang, has arrived!"