Chapter 89: Deputy

After O Peng used his profound inner strength to unblock Shui Yupeng's acupoints, Shui Yupeng realized he was just a frog at the bottom of a well. His Loshui Gang, which he had operated, was insignificant compared to these great sects that had been passed down for hundreds of years. He felt relieved about his choice.

At this moment, O Peng said, "Brother Shui, there's no need to regret. Our Piaomiao Sect has countless classics to read. When you have time, you can visit the library. Although you can't practice internal cultivation techniques, there are many martial arts techniques you can refer to. Some techniques don't require specific cultivation methods. When you see them, you can choose one or two to practice. Even if you can't practice them, it's beneficial to study and verify your shortcomings."

Shui Yupeng bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Sect Leader, for your kindness."

O Peng patted Shui Yupeng's shoulder and smiled, "We are already brothers. Brother Shui, you're being too polite. Go take a bath and change your clothes quickly. The meeting hall still has other brothers waiting for us. They are all eagerly awaiting your joining."

At this moment, Liu Qingyang, who was sitting at the lower end, had long been impatient. If it weren't for O Peng's repeated instructions earlier, he would have been unable to sit still. Hearing this, he immediately jumped up and shouted, "Damn, Sect Leader Shui, go take a bath quickly. My mouth is already dry as a bone. Hurry up, let's go drink."

Shui Yupeng smiled apologetically, "I'll go right away. Please go ahead, brothers."

Then, Shui Yupeng followed Shangguan Lao Si to take a bath and change clothes, while the others chatted and returned to the meeting hall.

The meeting hall was still filled with laughter and joy, but everyone was puzzled. Sect Leader O Peng had been out for a long time and hadn't returned. When would the victory banquet start?

O Yan and Qin Dajie were whispering softly, occasionally glancing at the entrance of the meeting hall. When O Peng and the others returned, O Yan sighed in relief. Seeing her brother's more spirited demeanor, she knew he must have accomplished something significant. But what was it?

O Peng walked into the meeting hall, came to his seat, and did not sit down. Instead, he turned to face everyone and said, "Brothers and sisters, I know you've been waiting anxiously. I announce that the victory banquet begins now! Everyone, let's drink until we're drunk."

Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see the victory banquet set up in the meeting hall. It seemed that the Sect Leader was truly happy. They all shouted, "Great, thank you, Sect Leader. We'll definitely drink until we're drunk."

Then, the members and servants brought in a steady stream of rich wine and food, and the victory banquet began with great enthusiasm.

After a short while, the wine and dishes were all set up. At this moment, everyone fell silent, waiting for their Sect Leader to make the first toast. However, O Peng remained seated, not getting up immediately. Everyone was puzzled, and some began to whisper.

Suddenly, two people entered from outside the meeting hall. The first person everyone recognized was Shangguan Fengliu, one of the Piaomiao Six Tigers. The second person, dressed in white, was unfamiliar. He looked somewhat tired but had a joyful expression. His slightly raised head revealed a unique aura. Although he didn't look much like O Peng, there was a striking resemblance. Everyone couldn't help but compare this person to O Peng, feeling that they were equally impressive. But who was this person?

When the white-clad person followed Shangguan Fengliu to O Peng, O Peng personally stood up and led the white-clad person to the seat next to him. Everyone's curiosity grew even more. Who was this person? How could he have such a high status?

As everyone whispered, O Peng stood up, raised his wine glass, and said, "Brothers and sisters of the sect, the first toast of today's victory banquet is to all of you. Through everyone's efforts and hard work, the Piaomiao Sect has flourished and achieved today's success. I hope everyone will continue to work together to build our home better, making progress every day. Piaomiao is our home, and its development depends on all of us. Here's to you all."

After saying this, he drank the wine in his hand in one gulp.

Everyone was delighted and shouted in unison, "Thank you, Sect Leader. Piaomiao is our home, and its development depends on all of us. Cheers!"

After everyone finished their drinks and sat down, O Peng raised his second glass and said, "Before the second toast, I want to introduce someone to you. You may not have met this person, but I guarantee that once I mention his name, everyone will know."

He then warmly pulled up the white-clad person sitting next to him and said, "This is Shui Yupeng, the leader of the Loshui Gang."

The meeting hall, which had been somewhat noisy, instantly fell silent. Yes, they hadn't met this person, but the name of the Loshui Gang was well-known. The Piaomiao Sect had been busy for a long time, and today's victory banquet was to celebrate the resolution of the Loshui Gang issue. Now, the leader of their rival was sitting here. Could anyone not know?

Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions, O Peng was very satisfied with the effect and continued, "This second toast is to Sect Leader Shui and the brothers of the Loshui Gang, celebrating their joining our Piaomiao Sect!"

This statement was like a spark in a powder keg, immediately igniting the enthusiasm of the Piaomiao Sect members. Everyone raised their glasses, looking eagerly at O Peng and Shui Yupeng. Indeed, although they had taken control of the core of the Loshui Gang, the Loshui Gang's power had not yet been firmly grasped by the Piaomiao Sect. If Shui Yupeng did not represent the Loshui Gang to join the Piaomiao Sect, there would inevitably be more fierce battles, especially on the water, which was not the Piaomiao Sect's strong suit. The difficulties and casualties would be significant. Now that the Loshui Gang had joined the Piaomiao Sect, the two sects would merge, and these fierce battles would no longer be necessary. No bloodshed was naturally everyone's wish, so they were all very happy and excitedly drank the second glass.

After everyone calmed down a bit, O Peng raised his third glass and said with a smile, "This third toast is to our Piaomiao Sect's Deputy Sect Leader."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent again. Deputy Sect Leader? Strange, we've never heard of it. Everyone's eyes turned to the Piaomiao Six Tigers, but they were all sitting quietly, showing no reaction. Only Liu Qingyang and Shiniu, sitting together, were drinking and ignoring everyone else.

O Peng felt that the atmosphere of the entire hall was in his hands, and he enjoyed this feeling. Seeing everyone's expectant gazes, he explained with a smile, "Although the Loshui Gang has joined our Piaomiao Sect, we do not have anyone proficient in water-related affairs. Therefore, to develop and strengthen our sect, we must change the habit of only focusing on land development. We need to form a healthy model of development on both land and water, and we must excel in both. Only when both aspects are strong can we truly be strong. We must follow a harmonious path of development. For this reason, we plan to use the Loshui Gang as a pilot, giving it special policies and making it a 'Special Gang.' The Loshui Gang will be led directly by the Piaomiao Sect's elders, and the development of the Loshui Gang will be decided by the Loshui Gang members, giving them a high degree of autonomy. We will promote the idea of 'Loshui people governing Loshui,' and this policy will remain unchanged for twenty years. The leader of the Loshui Gang will be called 'Special Chief,' meaning 'Special Leader.' Moreover, this 'Special Chief' will directly be the Deputy Sect Leader of our Piaomiao Sect. Therefore, the first Special Chief of the Loshui Gang is Shui Yupeng, the Deputy Sect Leader. Come, everyone, let's toast to Deputy Sect Leader Shui."

Shui Yupeng was stunned on the spot. This day had been incredibly intense, like jumping off a cliff. Just a moment ago, he was at the top of the Loshui Gang, then suddenly fell into a low point, becoming a captive of the Piaomiao Sect. A long sword had been held to his throat, and he thought his life was over. Even with his iron will, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. However, O Peng's series of moves left him dazed. For himself, his family, his pursuit of martial arts, and his children, he willingly joined the Piaomiao Sect. He thought he would just be a puppet leader, but now, with O Peng's words, he was lifted to a high position. Standing on that high cliff, looking down at the abyss he had just jumped over, he couldn't believe it was real. He quickly tried to decline, "Sect Leader, this... this is too shocking. I have a heart condition; you can't play with me like this."

O Peng laughed and said, "Deputy Sect Leader Shui, do you think I'm joking? Our Piaomiao Sect values leading by example. Brother Shui has been in the Loshui Gang for many years, and his chivalrous heart is well-known. Everyone in the Piaomiao Sect admires you. Leading the Loshui Gang is the perfect fit for you. Without the title of Deputy Sect Leader, wouldn't the brothers of the Loshui Gang be disheartened? They would feel inferior before truly enjoying the benefits of the Piaomiao Sect, and people would say that our Piaomiao Sect's leadership has poor conduct. This Deputy Sect Leader position is definitely for the Loshui Gang. I've already announced it in front of everyone. Do you want me to take it back?"

Shui Yupeng was extremely moved and held O Peng's hand, "Organization, organization, I have finally found my home. After being the leader of the Loshui Gang for so many years, I never felt the warmth of the Piaomiao Sect. In the Piaomiao Sect, I feel like I have found a home. Before, leading the Loshui Gang was like feeling our way in the dark, but now, joining the Piaomiao Sect is like walking on a broad and smooth road. O Brother, my parents gave me life, and the Piaomiao Sect gave me a purpose. I have nothing to say. I will dedicate my entire being to the Piaomiao Sect. Please rest assured."

O Peng was also very pleased and held Shui Yupeng's hand, "Good, brother. Your words are enough. I believe that with our joint efforts, we can achieve great things and surpass the legends of the past, making a name for ourselves in the world."