Free Web NovelChapter 377: Chapter 220: Birthday Banquet [Half-Day Leave Requested]
Whenever he thought of the aura surrounding Chu Qing, Ye Feifan couldn’t help but feel his breath quicken.
He didn’t know who that mysterious mentor who taught him three moves that night really was.
However, being able to have the ’Third Young Master’ bring him into the Shen Family certainly meant his identity was not simple.
Whether it was the ’Third Young Master’ or that mentor, both were beings far beyond his reach.
As long as he accomplished what the mentor had instructed, he could become a disciple of the mentor. Perhaps, in the future, he might even become another ’Third Young Master’!
Just as he was lost in thought, he heard a familiar voice.
"The esteemed Third Young Master’s presence graces us, Shen Juke apologizes for not welcoming from afar and seeks the Third Young Master’s forgiveness."
Shen Juke!
Ye Feifan instinctively lowered his head. His face was disguised; with a closer inspection, he could be recognized, but at a glance, it wasn’t obvious.
Shen Juke knew him extremely well and must not see his face.
At least, not now when he must recognize him...
The mentor had said he should expose Shen Juke’s various evil deeds in front of the full assembly of guests.
Revealing his identity now would be too early!
Chu Qing’s gaze also fell upon the so-called ’Jinglan Hero’ at this moment.
At forty-something years old, he wasn’t particularly old.
Beitang Zun was over sixty and still quite the handsome old man, but Shen Juke in front of him appeared extraordinarily haggard.
His temples were graying, eyes filled with the wear of time, his figure seemed brisk but was in fact fatigued—every movement conveyed a sense of helplessness.
Before Chu Qing could speak, he heard people in the crowd talking.
"What happened to Hero Shen? Not too long ago, he didn’t look like this. How could he age to such an extent in just a few days?"
"Could something big have happened to the Shen Family recently? Don’t recall hearing anything..."
"Seems like someone important left..."
"Could it be that Liu Sanniang? But wasn’t that just a rumor?"
The moment the words ’Liu Sanniang’ were spoken, Shen Juke cast his gaze towards that direction, with a look as gloomy as could be.
The person was about to say more but was stopped by Shen Juke’s stare, and dared not speak further.
Chu Qing smiled and said:
"How could I dare to blame Hero Shen? While passing through Brahma Shock City, I heard it was Hero Shen’s birthday and came to pay my respects. I hope you can forgive the intrusion."
"No need to say that."
Shen Juke forced a smile and said:
"Having the Third Young Master visit is truly a huge honor.
"Please come inside, to the seat of honor."
He did not notice Ye Feifan behind Chu Qing, nor did he recognize Wuchen, who had wiped out the Chen Family a decade ago.
He merely extended an arm to guide Chu Qing inside.
Chu Qing also clasped his fists and said one word, ’Please,’ and the two, surrounded by the crowd, entered the main hall.
Inside, it was sparsely populated, not too many people present.
Shen Juke led Chu Qing to the main table, where there was still some emptiness, the only one seated being Li Hanguang, with whom Chu Qing had a brief encounter the previous day.
He was idly pouring himself wine, drinking while his eyes roved around dully.
Judging by his manner, he seemed to have overindulged.
He’s quite the drinker.
"Allow me to introduce him to the Third Young Master."
Seeing Chu Qing looking at Li Hanguang, Shen Juke explained:
"This is a friend from another generation, Li Hanguang.
"In the Martial World, known as Piqiu Sword."
When Li Hanguang heard Shen Juke mention him, he looked up and gave Chu Qing a glance, feeling unfamiliar.
Chu Qing then smiled and said:
"Guang as bright as thirty thousand miles, the killing intent entrenched in this autumn.
"I have long admired your great name!
"The street battle with Zong Yang yesterday really opened my eyes."
"Oh?"
Li Hanguang chuckled:
"Forgive my foolishness, Just trying to get some wine, May I ask who you are, brother?"
"This is the Third Young Master."
Shen Juke acted as Chu Qing’s voice.
Li Hanguang was briefly stunned, what Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master?
Yet, as the thought turned, his eyes widened, suddenly feeling three parts soberer from the drink.
With a sudden rush, he stood up:
"Are you the one from Divine Blade City, littering the field with bodies?
"The Luochun Manor and Celestial Secret Valley, who killed Prince Mu?
"In Ghost God Gorge, single-handedly preventing the war between the two halls—The Third Young Master?"
Chu Qing was surprised that with this title, he had done so much.
Nevertheless, he nodded slightly:
"That would be me."
"Forgive my lack of respect."
Li Hanguang quickly clasped his fists:
"To have the Third Young Master before me, seems yesterday I was showing off witless skills.
"I didn’t expect that in celebrating Shen Juke’s birthday, it would attract the presence of the Third Young Master.
"In the future, our Hero Shen will be quite proud to mention this day."
Shen Juke also smiled at the words, but this smile was somewhat genuine, and then he sighed softly:
"You two chat first, there’s much to do today in the residence, apologies for the poor hospitality from me, Shen."
"Go ahead then."
Li Hanguang seemed somewhat dismissive and waved a hand to Shen Juke, urging him to attend to his business. Once Shen Juke left with a helpless look, Li Hanguang poured wine for Chu Qing:
"I have long heard the great name of the Third Young Master, but have not met until now.
"Since we meet today, let’s not leave until we’re drunk."
Chu Qing did not decline, but merely smiled and said:
"I have also long admired your great name, Hero Li."
"Oh?"
Li Hanguang was somewhat bashful:
"To think my mere reputation could reach the ears of the Third Young Master. But where might the Third Young Master have heard of me?" ƒгeewebnovёl.com
"I am well-acquainted with White Horse Golden Sword Cao Qiupu."
Chu Qing chuckled:
"I heard you two once had a battle on Golden Sun Mountain, and ended in a draw."
"Indeed that happened."
Li Hanguang nodded repeatedly:
"But facing him was different from Zong Yang.
"The Third Young Master has discerning eyes, seeing that Zong Yang was testing his sword against me, using me as a whetstone.
