Chapter 141: The Feng Family Birthday Banquet

Qu Bu Ping couldn’t help but snort softly, muttering, “Snobbish.” Xiao Yu, however, was indifferent. He said, “This isn’t bad either—drawing no attention makes it easier to observe others.”

Xiao Yun’er was also unconcerned; after all, he was timid and preferred a quiet spot.

At the banquet, they noticed that those seated in the prominent center of the hall were either renowned figures from the martial world or key relatives of the Feng family.

Among the many guests, their own group stood out due to their significant status. Among those they recognized were the siblings Xiao Tianfeng and Xiao Sanxiong from the Xiao family village.

Also present were the siblings Long Feihu and Long Feifeng, sent by the Long family of Luoyang, as well as Hua Sanxiao, whom they had encountered on the road.

Of course, many guests were strangers to them. Among the Seven Wolves of Hedong, they recognized He Silang, who, like them, was seated at the side tables.

Though dissatisfied with the host’s seating arrangements, given their abilities and status, this was the treatment they could expect.

At the side tables, Qu Bu Ping also spotted two of his old martial world acquaintances—Iron Monkey and Fat Ox—whom Xiao Yu and Xiao Yun’er had seen before at the Ruyi Tavern. For some reason, they had also come to Jiangnan, and meeting familiar faces so far from home brought much joy.

Especially for Qu Bu Ping, who had once partnered with these two in an illicit salt trade. Though the business failed, their friendship endured. Thus, they sat at adjacent tables, exchanging laughter and stories.

At the central head table sat Feng Yehong, chief escort of the Red Maple Escort Agency, and his wife Mrs. Lu. Their primary companions numbered six.

Though Qu Bu Ping’s group did not know these six personally, they understood they were the most prestigious among the guests. Later, overhearing whispers nearby, they gradually learned their identities.

The first on the left was an elderly man with a strikingly youthful spirit despite his white hair and age nearing eighty, perhaps in his seventies. He carried an air of a recluse, his forehead lined with wrinkles that embodied wisdom and experience.

Anyone who glanced at him felt immediate respect; indeed, this was the revered Chief Escort Feng himself. Even those present respectfully referred to him as a senior, confirming his exalted standing in the martial world.

Nearby, Xiao Yun’er heard quiet conversations: “This is the legendary figure who ranks contemporary martial masters. He authored ‘The Record of Masters,’ the most authoritative book measuring the achievements of today’s martial artists. He is a mysterious sage, rarely seen yet widely known. It’s astonishing how Feng Yehong managed to invite him.”

On the right, the first was a man of similar age to Feng Yehong. Mrs. Lu addressed him as elder brother—he was Lu Baisheng, head of the Lu family in Nanyang and Mrs. Lu’s own brother.

Lu Baisheng was a famed master in the martial world, ranked fourth in the “Record of Masters,” known as the Unstoppable Death Spear.

Legend held that Lu Baisheng was a descendant of the Song Dynasty general Lu Wenlong, who wielded twin spears with peerless skill.

Passing down through generations, Lu Baisheng had enhanced these spear techniques with numerous pressure point strikes, transforming the twin spears from mere battlefield weapons into instruments akin to the judge’s pen of martial arts—precise and deadly. This fusion rendered him nearly invincible, earning his fearsome title.

He had come for two reasons: to celebrate his brother-in-law’s milestone birthday and to propose for his treasured son, Lu Badi, known as the Overlord Spear.

Lu Badi had lifelong sworn brothers, including the man who saved Feng Yehong’s life—Fang Bujie, the “Wild Monk.”

Years ago, during an escort mission, Feng Yehong was ambushed by powerful foes and nearly lost his life. Fortuitously, Fang Bujie happened to pass by, dispersing the bandits and rescuing Feng Yehong. From then on, they became sworn brothers.

Fang Bujie was originally a Shaolin disciple, expelled for breaking temple rules, though his skill placed him tenth in the “Record of Masters.”

The second on the right was a middle-aged man known to Xiao Yun’er from Iron Monkey’s explanations: Wu Yijie, leader of the Taihu Gang. Qu Bu Ping and his men had some past grievances with Wu’s subordinates from the Fishing and Grain Hall.

The third on the left was a young gentleman, known to Xiao Yun’er as Zhao Wuzong, younger brother of the Wulin Alliance leader Zhao Wuying.

Xiao Yun’er remembered him distinctly—the very youth who had proposed to Miss Long Jiu and later conspired with Xiao Zhenfen to ambush Bai Xuehua. Had it not been for Long Jiu, he might have been harmed.

Curiously, Xiao Yun’er glanced at him several times, puzzled why Long Jiu favored him but not himself.

The third on the right was a handsome youth with a face like fine jade—Hua Sanxiao, son of Madam Baihua.

In the martial world, the phrase “South’s Three Smiles, North’s Wuzong” referred to these two outstanding young gentlemen.

With the finest young heroes gathered here, it was said the most formidable woman in the martial world would also soon appear.

Among the other guests were Shen Yuanwai, a wealthy magnate from Suzhou, and his corpulent son. Shen was the richest man in Suzhou and head of one of the three great financial conglomerates in Jiangnan. Many of his goods were escorted by the Red Maple Escort Agency, and he maintained a close relationship with Chief Escort Feng.

Also present was Song Baiqiang, chief constable of Ancient Su City, known as the Divine Detective of Jiangnan.

Chief Escort Feng maintained dealings with all sectors of the martial world, both lawful and underworld, the civilian financial groups, and government officials.

Even the Long family from Luoyang and the Tang clan from Shu had sent representatives to extend their congratulations.