Chapter 26: The Face of a Villain

The melody of the seven-stringed zither swirled around the Ximen Manor.

Ximen Xiong tapped his fingers in time with the music.

He knew nothing about music.

He couldn't play any instruments.

He only knew that it was cheerful, sad, or touching.

Born into a martial family, his only interest was martial arts.

Still, he enjoyed listening.

Especially, he loved listening to his sworn brother, Biao Lichan, play the seven-stringed zither at Xiangzheng Pavilion. Not only did he enjoy listening, but watching Biao Lichan play always brought a smile to his face.

'Why do I feel so energized when I see you?'

Ximen Xiong felt a surge of vitality whenever he saw Biao Lichan.

Perhaps it was because he remembered the day they became sworn brothers.

Three years ago, the Biao family was attacked by a group of monsters.

By the time Ximen Manor arrived, many, including the family head, had already met their end.

At that moment, Biao Lichan, the youngest son of the family head, was out and managed to survive by a hair. However, the family's treasures and wealth were already gone, and the manor was burned to the ground, making reconstruction difficult.

Losing his parents and siblings in a single day, and with his family in ruins, Biao Lichan was in a state of shock.

At that time, Ximen Manor took Biao Lichan in.

Ximen Xiong formed a sworn brotherhood with him.

Naturally, Biao Lichan was grateful to Ximen Manor for saving him.

"Lichan, it's always a wonderful melody, no matter how many times I hear it."

When the tune ended and he expressed his admiration, Biao Lichan stood up and bowed deeply.

"Your praise is too kind."

"No, no, it's not. To be honest, I feel a shiver run down my spine when I hear your music."

"Haha, Brother, you really know how to flatter me."

"The guests will be arriving soon. Please give us a wonderful performance until then."

"Of course."

Biao Lichan played the zither again, and a beautiful melody filled the air.

Ximen Xiong nodded in satisfaction.

He knew nothing about music.

He couldn't play any instruments.

But what was the point of that?

'Idiot.'

The fool was only moved and pleading with him, the one who had destroyed his family.

That's why Ximen Xiong felt a surge of energy every time he saw Biao Lichan. It reminded him that without strength, one would end up like this, and it fueled his desire to become stronger and acquire more. A shiver ran through his body.

'Yes, this time it's the Tianhua Academy.'

It was time to take in a scholar as a younger brother.

***

Carriages lined up in front of Ximen Manor.

The young masters of the invited noble families entered one by one, exchanging warm greetings.

"Hahaha!"

The eldest son of Tianhua Academy burst into laughter, and Ban Jiaoren covered her mouth and laughed.

"Really, did the eldest son say 'puru puru'?"

"Yes, I misunderstood and offended the sect leader back then."

"I didn't know that. My father would sometimes imitate it at home, and I was worried why he kept doing it."

Ban Jiaoren playfully rolled her eyes.

Thanks to this invitation from Ximen Manor, Ban Jiaoren not only saw Yan Hua Jue and Baihua Manor's Miao Jialing again but also greeted them warmly. Everyone showed their joy, but Ban Jiaoren was the most enthusiastic.

Of course, there were also those meeting Hou Gong for the first time.

"Uahaha, I finally get to meet the famous eldest son of Tianhua Academy. I am Wang Sihan of the Continental Battlefield."

"I am Mugu Gong of the Eight-Armed Sect."

"I am Dan Jiangwu of the Iron Gold Society."

Their personalities were revealed through their greetings.

These people were unknown to Hou Gong, so this was truly their first meeting.

However, he wasn't completely unfamiliar with them.

He had learned about the nearby forces through Yun's report and had later obtained more detailed information from Ban Jiaoren.

Among them, Hou Gong found Dan Jiangwu of the Iron Gold Society particularly interesting.

The Iron Gold Society was a family renowned for their skill in forging iron.

Dan Jiangwu, true to his family's reputation, had a stern expression, a chiseled face, and a gruff manner.

Hou Gong was familiar with the Iron Gold Society.

Starting as a small forge, they had seized an opportunity and gained a name in the world within just twenty years.

It all began when Neng Liang, an elder of Huashan Sect, commissioned a sword from them. Later, Huashan Sect bestowed the swords made by the Iron Gold Society to their disciples.

Hou Gong learned about this through Neng Liang.

Neng Liang praised the sword so highly that Hou Gong decided to inspect it himself. Indeed, it was extraordinary.

After that, the head of the Iron Gold Society sent a letter to Hou Gong, offering to present a sword to him if he allowed it.

However, Hou Gong, who already had three cherished swords and hadn't carried one for a long time unless necessary, simply laughed it off. Now, he was connected to the Iron Gold Society here.

Finding it odd, he smiled at Dan Jiangwu when a loud laugh erupted.

"Brother Fan, you're quite different from what I imagined. I thought you'd have a gloomy look and a serious demeanor, but seeing you so relaxed makes me feel uneasy."

He spoke without restraint, his voice loud.

Wang Sihan of the Continental Battlefield, who looked like a steamed bun, was the son of a wealthy family. He seemed to lack malice but lacked a filter.

'Thought he'd be a person to watch out for...'

But upon meeting Wang Sihan, Hou Gong realized his concerns were unfounded.

His round face and plump figure reminded Hou Gong of a steamed bun, making him seem like a gentle and approachable person.

"Brother Wang, what do you mean by a gloomy look?"

"Gloomy? Hmm... something like this."

Wang Sihan immediately put on a gloomy expression.

Hou Gong couldn't help but laugh at Wang Sihan's attempt at gloominess.

This guy had never looked pathetic in his life.

He thought he was doing it, but it just looked ridiculous.

Everyone watching burst into laughter.

Wang Sihan, however, showed no embarrassment.

He seemed delighted that his actions had lightened the mood, laughing heartily. His lack of concern for others' opinions was evident.

'Wang Sihan won't be a variable...'

Hou Gong had been concerned about the Continental Battlefield because Ban Jiaoren mentioned that there were marriage talks between the eldest son of Ximen Manor and the daughter of the Continental Battlefield. He expected them to show hostility towards Ximen Manor, but it turned out to be unnecessary worry.

On the contrary, the marriage talks were a stroke of luck for the daughter of the Continental Battlefield. It was as if heaven was on her side.

At that moment, a sneer broke out.

"Hmph! The audacity of Tianhua Academy."

It was Mugu Gong of the Eight-Armed Sect.

He was thin and sneered, his lips curling in disgust.

"Tianhua Academy is so shameless, I'm surprised. Brother Fan, shouldn't you at least pretend to be gloomy? You're not wearing a mask, yet you're smiling so brightly, it's quite a sight."

Mugu Gong provocatively rolled his eyes.

Everyone was taken aback, their eyes widening.

"Prince Mugu, why are you suddenly so harsh? Your words are too severe!"

Ban Jiaoren frowned and shot back.

Mugu Gong pouted and shrugged.

"Miss Ban, are my words too harsh? What's so harsh about them? The situation clearly points to Tianhua Academy spreading rumors, yet the eldest son acts as if nothing happened. I've never seen anyone more audacious."

"The situation is as you see it?"

"Indeed, it's quite strange."

Mugu Gong smirked.

"Even a three-year-old would notice, but Miss Ban seems oblivious. Do you think Qingyue Sect is also a victim? You don't seem angry at all. Did Tianhua Academy give you a treasure? Or do you have a crush on the eldest son of Tianhua Academy?"

"Prince Mugu, how can you be so rude!"

Ban Jiaoren was furious, and soon Zhang Yu and Miao Jialing joined in, raising their voices to scold Mugu Gong.

Despite this, Mugu Gong remained calm.

"Hey, everyone, calm down. I'm not saying anything wrong, am I?"

He continued with a mocking tone, further disrupting the atmosphere.

Hou Gong inwardly sighed.

'The Eight-Armed Sect...'

According to Ban Jiaoren, the Eight-Armed Sect was a "sect that follows Ximen Manor," but this was a mischaracterization.

The Eight-Armed Sect was "Ximen Manor's dog." They didn't need explicit instructions from Ximen Manor. The master doesn't need to tell the dogs to bark; they bark on their own, and the master later pretends to scold them.

Mugu Gong was barking faithfully, but Hou Gong couldn't let him continue. A mad dog needs a stick, but he had no stick and couldn't beat him here.

Hou Gong intervened as the argument escalated, calming Ban Jiaoren, Zhang Yu, and others.

"Stop it. I'm fine."

"How can you be fine? This is outrageous!"

"I appreciate your concern, Brother Zhang. Miss Ban and Miss Miao, I'm grateful. But it's best to stop here. From what I see..."

He then looked at Mugu Gong.

"Prince Mugu seems to be out of his mind today. He must have eaten something wrong. Otherwise, why would he bark like a dog in such a prestigious gathering? He might bite someone. There's no medicine for that, so it's best not to engage with him today."

"What? Dog... dog? You... you..."

Mugu Gong's face turned bright red, and he was at a loss.

At the same time, Wang Sihan burst into laughter.

"Uahaha! A dog? What a fiery metaphor. You're truly different. To handle it so smoothly! Uahaha!"

Wang Sihan's loud laughter showed that he didn't care about the Eight-Armed Sect. However, Mugu Gong, unable to ignore the Continental Battlefield, could only glare at Wang Sihan without retaliating.

Ban Jiaoren, Zhang Yu, and others were trying to suppress their laughter.

'Damn it.'

Mugu Gong's face crumpled.

He had intended to impress Ximen Manor by putting Tianhua Academy in its place, but now he just looked ridiculous.

The group moved to the banquet hall where the feast was to be held.

They took their seats at the long table set up outside, and maids brought tea. Light conversation ensued as they savored the tea.

Suddenly, an old, raspy voice broke the air.

"Everyone is here. I apologize for interrupting your conversation..."

Turning around, they saw a bald old man.

The old man smiled and looked at Hou Gong.

"Can the eldest son of Tianhua Academy spare a moment? Lord Ximen wishes to see you before the banquet."

Lord Ximen referred to the eldest son of Ximen Manor.

Hou Gong, who had been hoping for this, nodded immediately.

"Of course. Please lead the way."

Hou Gong followed Bai Nao.

From behind, a low bark was heard.

"Hehe, you're so confident now, but I wonder what face you'll have when you come out."