Chapter 36
C36 – The Celestial Wolf Gang Invited Him
“Patriarch Jiaang, Young Master Jiaang, I shall not impose upon you any further and will now take my leave.”
Having completed the task assigned by Young Master Shaang, Hua Yuru respectfully bowed with a fist-in-palm salute to Jiaang Zhengzu and his son, then led his men away.
“Please… take care!”
Jiaang Zhengzu, recovering from his astonishment, returned the gesture and watched as Hua Yuru and the other Dao Artifact Hall Experts departed.
It wasn’t until they had vanished from sight that Jiaang Zhengzu turned to Jiaang Lin, curious about why Hua Yuru had shown such respect and friendliness, why he had apologized, and why he had presented a pill furnace as a gift. But considering the many onlookers in the hall, he decided it wasn’t the time to inquire.
He would eventually learn what he needed to know; there was no point in questioning what was meant to remain unknown.
“Alright, everyone is dismissed.”
Jiaang Zhengzu announced with authority.
The Jiaang family’s high-level members quickly dispersed.
Jiaang Zhengshan and his son Jiaang Xiang also left, their faces clouded with discontent.
“Father, I can’t stand it. Is Hua Yuru senile? Why is he pandering to Jiaang Lin, that worthless fellow? First, he brings an apology, and then he offers a lavish gift!”
Jiaang Xiang grumbled, frustration evident as he walked beside his father.
“Senile? Do you honestly believe Hua Yuru is a fool? His unusual behavior today surely has an explanation that eludes us. We must no longer underestimate Jiaang Lin; we need to devise a plan to eliminate him,” Jiaang Zhengshan responded gravely.
”Father, what’s our next move?” Jiaang Xiang pressed, eager for action.
“For now, we wait. In a few days, Jiaang Lin will face Qiao Junhan in a decisive battle. We’ll discuss our next steps after that. Perhaps, when the time comes, Qiao Junhan alone will suffice to end Jiaang Lin’s life.”
Jiaang Zhengshan responded.
Upon hearing this, Jiaang Xiang inwardly nodded, managing to quell the frustration and reluctance stirring within him.
“Father, I’m heading back to my room now!”
Jiaang Lin said with a smile.
“Go on, but remember to focus on your cultivation. You have less than six days until your showdown with that scoundrel Qiao Junhan!”
“If you don’t want Xue to end up marrying into the Qiao family, you’d better make me proud!”
Jiaang Zhengzu advised, waving his hand, his face beaming with smiles.
He had always been concerned for Jiaang Lin, but recently he had noticed a significant change in his son.
Though unsure of the reason behind his son’s sudden transformation, all he could do was offer silent support and watch him strive for greater strength and growth.
“Hehe, I won’t let you down, Father!” Jiaang Lin said, grinning.
Turning to Jiaang Xue, he lowered his voice, “Xue, I might not be able to spend time with you for a while. But after I’ve taken down that jerk Qiao Junhan, I’ll make it up to you.”
”Mhm!” Jiaang Xue nodded gently, her lovely face lighting up with a sweet smile that could captivate any heart.
She had observed Jiaang Lin’s ascent and transformation and was confident that Mr. Jiaang Lin would surely triumph over Qiao Junhan.
”Patriarch, the Celestial Wolf Gang requests an audience,” announced the Old Steward of the Jiaang family, entering the hall and addressing Jiaang Zhengzu with respect.
”The Celestial Wolf Gang? Show them in,” Jiaang Zhengzu said, momentarily taken aback, then quickly instructing.
The Old Steward bowed and withdrew. Shortly after, a middle-aged man clad in purple Battle Armor strode confidently into the Jiaang Family Main Hall.
”Patriarch Jiaang, I offer my greetings,” he said, greeting with a polite bow of his fists.
“No need for formalities. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?” Jiaang Zhengzu asked, eyeing the Celestial Wolf Gang’s representative with curiosity.
He was familiar with the Celestial Wolf Gang, a notable faction in Clear Water Town. Though not as influential as the Jiaang family, they were certainly not to be taken lightly.
Patriarch Jiaang, Jiaang Zhengzu, vividly recalled that his family had never had any interactions with the Celestial Wolf Gang. So when they suddenly came knocking, his curiosity was piqued.
“To be frank, our leader wishes to extend an invitation to Young Master Jiaang to join us for a gathering. He has personally sent me to escort Young Master Jiaang to our sect,” the middle-aged man revealed.
“Eh?” Jiaang Zhengzu was taken aback, his mind racing with astonishment. When had his son become involved with the Celestial Wolf Gang? And to think that their leader had gone to the lengths of dispatching a formidable expert to personally invite him to their ranks!
”May I know if Patriarch Jiaang consents to this request?” the middle-aged man inquired, smiling.
”Why don’t you ask my son? If he has no objections, then neither do I,” Jiaang Zhengzu replied with a wry smile.
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man turned to Jiaang Lin to hear his thoughts.
“Let’s go! I’m quite eager to meet the leader of your sect,” Jiaang Lin said with a grin.
He was aware that the Celestial Wolf Gang’s effort to send someone for him was likely tied to his recent act of rescuing Que Chunye and other members of the gang in Celestial Peak Valley.
“Without further delay, may I ask if Young Master Jiaang is ready to attend the banquet now?” the middle-aged man asked with respect.
”Absolutely,” Jiaang Lin affirmed with a nod.
He followed the middle-aged man out of the Jiaang residence and set off towards the Celestial Wolf Gang’s location.
In the courtyard of the Celestial Wolf Gang, Que Chunye was seated on a stone bench, jovially conversing with several middle-aged men. The stone table before them was laden with an array of exquisite wines and delectable dishes, the aromas mingling enticingly in the air.
The men laughing with Que Chunye were the esteemed leaders of the Celestial Wolf Gang. Among them was a burly figure with a broad, square face and a short buzzcut. His muscular frame exuded a sense of raw, explosive power, and his face bore numerous fearsome scars.
This was Yinn Shediao, the current leader of the Celestial Wolf Gang, renowned as one of the formidable experts of Clear Water Town, with a strength classified as Qi Gathering Level Seven.
The other individual was somewhat slender with a pale complexion, sporting long, jet-black hair and dressed in a purple robe. Clutching a folding fan, he presented himself with the air of a scholar.
He radiated an aura of erudition and refinement, exuding a delicate, almost fragile charm.
Yet, should any cultivator from Clear Water Town encounter him, they would certainly not underestimate him.
For he was none other than Jee Heishui, the Vice Sect Master of the Celestial Wolf Gang and one of the formidable experts in Clear Water Town, with his strength at Qi Gathering Level Six.
The other six individuals were also of considerable power, each one at Qi Gathering Level One or Level Two, just like Que Chunye, all Hall Masters within the Celestial Wolf Gang.
“Hall Master, Young Master Jiaang has been brought here.”
As Yinn Shediao was enjoying a conversation with Jee Heishui and Que Chunye, a gang member of the Celestial Wolf Gang briskly entered the courtyard and bowed respectfully to Yinn Shediao and the rest.
“Please, bring him in at once!”
Yinn Shediao urged.
The gang member nodded, taking his leave.
Shortly thereafter, he escorted Jiaang Lin into the courtyard.
“Mr. Jiaang, please take a seat!”
Upon seeing Jiaang Lin, Que Chunye immediately rose with a welcoming smile and ushered Jiaang Lin to join them at the banquet.
“Here, Mr. Jiaang, allow me to introduce you. This is…”
No sooner had he sat down than Que Chunye eagerly began to introduce Yinn Shediao, Jee Heishui, and the others to Jiaang Lin.
“Mr. Que, I’m already acquainted with them, no introductions are necessary.”
Jiaang Lin said with a smile.
“Oh? You know everyone?”
Que Chunye was taken aback, and likewise, Yinn Shediao, Jee Heishui, and the others were equally surprised.
“Yinn Shediao, the Sect Master of the Celestial Wolf Gang, with a bear as his Battle Soul and a cultivator at Qi Gathering Level Seven. He’s a master of defense, and his signature move, ‘Heavenly Dipper,’ allows him to withstand a full-force attack from an opponent one level higher than his own!”
Jee Heishui, the Vice Sect Master of the Celestial Wolf Gang, wields an ice Battle Soul and has reached Qi Gathering Level Six. He excels in speed and lethal strikes, with the Wind Cloud Step as his signature technique. Once deployed, even those whose cultivation surpasses his by one level struggle to track his movements.
……
As Jiaang Lin gazed upon Yinn Shediao, Jee Heishui, and the six Hall Masters of the Celestial Wolf Gang, he felt a surge of warmth and excitement. Memories flooded his mind of how, in his previous life, these very individuals had risked their lives to save him, ultimately meeting tragic ends at the hands of the Qiao family. Equally vivid were the joyful times spent with Yinn Shediao and Jee Heishui, filled with laughter, hearty drinking, and feasting. Those cherished moments remained unforgettable to Jiaang Lin. Now, reborn, the sight of Yinn Shediao, Jee Heishui, and the others stirred an immense thrill within him.
“Damn, kid, did you dig up my past?”
“You’re closer to me than my own father! Even he doesn’t know me as well as you do.”
“Exactly, you even know where I like to peek at girls bathing – such a private matter!”
“You’re aware that I pick my nose while eating?”
“And you know about all the women I’ve been with?”
Upon hearing Jiaang Lin recount their identities, origins, and numerous private secrets with such precision, Yinn Shediao, Jee Heishui, and the other six Hall Masters of the Celestial Wolf Gang were left speechless, their eyes wide with astonishment. They couldn’t help but wonder how Jiaang Lin could possibly know them so intimately. Even with prior research, it seemed impossible to uncover such detailed information!