Chapter 117: Two Prominent Figures

Jin Shengyuan smiled and said, "Not an exaggeration at all!"

"Mr. Ye, you might not know this, but every year during the Double Ninth Festival, martial artists from all over gather at Mount Song in Luocheng, Jiangbei. On the mountain, there is the Sword Trial Terrace and the Martial Virtue Monument!"

"All top contenders of the Mysterious Ranking ascend the Sword Trial Terrace to compete in swordsmanship. Only the champion of the Mysterious Ranking can enter the Earth Ranking, becoming a new powerhouse whose name will be engraved on the Martial Virtue Monument for future generations to admire. Naturally, their name will be immortalized in history!"

Ye Tianci blinked. "I see, so the champion of the Mysterious Ranking each year truly leaves a mark in history."

Jin Shengyuan nodded with a smile. "Exactly. Your father was once the champion of the Mysterious Ranking."

"I heard that Master Wan of the War God Hall and the current Alliance Leader Yi were both champions in their day."

"You could say that among the top-tier martial artists in the Great Xia martial world, six or seven out of ten have once held the champion title of the Mysterious Ranking. That's why I was curious whether you have any martial honors."

Ye Tianci’s eyes brightened. His father had been the champion back then!

Imagining his father’s heroic demeanor, Ye Tianci felt a surge of enthusiasm. "Old Jin, the Sword Trial on Mount Song in Luocheng happens every Double Ninth Festival?"

Jin Shengyuan nodded.

"There's just over a month until the Double Ninth Festival. Can I participate?"

"Of course."

Ye Tianci’s gaze grew eager. "Very well, I will definitely go to Mount Song for the Sword Trial this year!"

Though he disliked empty fame, this was the path his father had walked, and he could even see his father’s name on the Martial Virtue Monument. Why not embrace it?

Jin Shengyuan’s expression turned serious. "Mr. Ye, be cautious then. The Sword Trial on Mount Song is no mere formality—real blades and real combat. No one goes easy. I lost an eye during a trial back then."

"Thank you for the reminder, Old Jin." Ye Tianci smiled and clasped his fists respectfully.

"Old Jin, your two esteemed guests are still waiting in the Wolong Hall. What do you think?" Li Zhenhua spoke up.

"Zhenhua, you and Mr. Ye can help me entertain them. It’s rare to see your father well again. Since his health has improved, my old brother and I will catch up properly."

Jin Shengyuan glanced at Ye Tianci. "Mr. Ye, two distinguished guests have arrived at my villa. If you’re not busy, why not go with Zhenhua to greet them and assist in hosting? It might help expand your network."

Ye Tianci smiled faintly and nodded, "Since Old Jin insists, I shall respectfully follow your orders."

They went to the front courtyard. Li Zhenhua warned Ye Tianci, "Mr. Ye, these two guests are no ordinary people. They carry a lot of pride and aren’t easy to please."

"Are you worried I might offend them?" Ye Tianci asked with a grin.

"Better safe than sorry." Li Zhenhua chuckled.

As they reached the door, Li Zhenhua pushed open the entrance to Wolong Hall and invited Ye Tianci inside.

Inside, a large table was set, with two men seated.

The man on the left had a square face, slightly plump, with a sharp gaze.

The man on the right was slender, wearing glasses.

The man with glasses snapped angrily, "Old Li, what’s going on? Didn’t you say you’d invite Master Jin for us? Where is he?"

"And even if you, Old Li, have a high status, you can’t just keep us waiting here this long!"

The plump man couldn’t help but complain, "Exactly. You, Li Zhenhua, think highly of yourself but treat us like we’re nothing?"

Li Zhenhua laughed heartily. "Director Xia, Director Guan, don’t say that. We are old friends. If I slight anyone, it wouldn’t be you two!"

"There were some delays, but as soon as the matter was done, I rushed here without pause!"

The two men snorted but didn’t argue further.

Li Zhenhua smiled and introduced, "Director Xia, Director Guan, this is Mr. Ye. He is..."

"Wait!" The plump Director Guan snorted, cutting him off.

"What’s this, Old Li? Is Mr. Ye some VIP or what?"

Director Guan’s tone was sarcastic.

"Director Guan, Mr. Ye really is a distinguished guest," Li Zhenhua said with a smile.

"So you mean Director Xia and I don’t count as distinguished guests?"

Director Guan’s expression darkened; he was displeased.

Ye Tianci wore simple cloth garments and looked quite ordinary.

Li Zhenhua bringing him here was already annoying enough, but introducing Ye Tianci before them, putting them second, was an insult to their status!

Li Zhenhua smiled gently. "Old Guan, you misunderstand. Both you and Director Xia are honored guests. I understand what you mean. Alright."

He continued introducing, "Mr. Ye, this is Guan Mingtang, Vice Leader of the Four Seas Pharmaceutical Alliance of Shucheng, and also Director Guan of the Shucheng Medical Department."

"The Four Seas Pharmaceutical Alliance is the sole alliance in the pharmaceutical trade, controlling the trade of medicinal herbs across regions. It’s vast in scale and powerful."

"Vice Leader Guan is the second-in-command of the alliance—definitely a big shot!"

Guan Mingtang was quite pleased with this introduction.

"This gentleman is Director Xia Dong, head of Zhonghai Bank in Shucheng. Zhonghai Bank is the only private bank that can stand alongside the four major state-owned banks."

"Director Xia is not only the head of Shucheng but of the entire Southern Province! Both he and Vice Leader Guan are influential figures even I have to curry favor with!"

Li Zhenhua gave them plenty of face.

Xia Dong waved his hand, pleased. "Old Li, now that’s more like it."

Guan Mingtang grinned. "You speak well, Li Zhenhua."

Ye Tianci furrowed his brow slightly. These two were not only bad-tempered but also quite arrogant.

A faint smile curved Ye Tianci’s lips as he walked straight to the main seat and sat down.

"Bang!"

Guan Mingtang was furious, slamming the table. "You young man, where’s your manners? That’s the main seat! It’s Master Jin’s seat!"

"I know," Ye Tianci said calmly, sitting quietly.

"You know and you still dare to sit here?" Guan Mingtang glared fiercely.

"This seat is mine today. If you don’t believe me, ask him," Ye Tianci said, pointing to Li Zhenhua.

Li Zhenhua helped smooth things over. "Director Xia, Director Guan, Master Jin is unwell. He asked Mr. Ye to host you in his place."

"Besides, Mr. Ye is Master Jin’s honored guest."

"So today, Mr. Ye is the guest of honor. You two are here as company."

"What?!" Xia Dong and Guan Mingtang were stunned as if they’d been hit by a bull, nearly overturning the table.

"Old Li, you’re toying with us!" Guan Mingtang fumed.

"Bring Master Jin here! I want an explanation!" Xia Dong was equally displeased.

Ye Tianci spoke calmly, "Gentlemen, let’s sit down and talk. Anger harms the body."

"What do you think you are? Do you deserve us to sit down?"

"Exactly! Take a good look at yourself. With your commoner looks, you dare to have us as your company?"

Xia Dong and Guan Mingtang hurled bitter insults, seething with anger and disdain as if wanting to trample Ye Tianci into the ground.

Ye Tianci’s lips curved slightly as he looked at Xia Dong. "You have a pointed head, narrow forehead, scattered eyebrows, and a sunken ‘child palace’."

"If I’m right, you’re over forty and have no children."

Xia Dong’s eyes suddenly widened. "How do you know?"

"Naturally, I read it from your facial features," Ye Tianci replied calmly.

"Oh, I see. Li Zhenhua told you, right?"

Xia Dong frowned, growing angrier. "Old Li, you’ve crossed the line, sharing my private matters with others and letting them play the mystic here!"

"Director Xia, I’m innocent!" Li Zhenhua protested.

"Husband, we’re back!"

At that moment, a woman’s voice suddenly rang out.

The hall door opened, and two women adorned in pearls and jewels entered.

The speaker was a plump woman with a round face, full lips, decked in gold and silver—Guan Mingtang’s wife, Wang Qing.

Wang Qing sat down, animated and boastful.

The other woman sat beside Xia Dong. Her name was Li Yanzi, Xia Dong’s wife, quieter than Wang Qing.

"Husband, who is this? Why is he sitting in the main seat?" Wang Qing glanced at Ye Tianci with contempt.