Chapter 20: The Eight Generals of Heaven's Gate

At the same time, Tang Zhenguo took a token from his breast pocket and held it up before him.

Ye Tianci recognized it—it was the Commander's Token of the Eight Generals of Heaven’s Gate.

He released Tang Ying, then used both hands to help Tang Zhenguo to his feet, his voice low and steady. “I only ever heard the old man mention that Heaven’s Gate has Eight Generals. I never imagined your Tang family would be one of them.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Tang Zhenguo’s expression was solemn. “I only recognized your status as Gate Master when I saw the Heaven’s Gate Master’s Ring on your hand. May I ask your honorable name?”

“Ye Tianci.”

“I never thought the new Master of Heaven’s Gate would be so young and accomplished! Master, is the old Master still alive?”

“My master is still alive and well, aside from some gray hair.”

Tang Zhenguo became even more respectful, bowing his head. “So you are the disciple of the old Master.”

“The old Master has lived in seclusion for over ten years. Heaven’s Gate has fallen silent for just as long. Apart from the Eight Generals and the Thirteen Crimson-Clad Guards, the disciples of the sect have all but scattered.”

“Heaven’s Gate has declined. I hope, Master Ye, you will restore its former glory!”

Ye Tianci nodded. “Rest assured, Heaven’s Gate will only become more powerful than ever before.”

He glanced at Tang Ying, a faint smile on his lips. “Is this your grandson? He’s got some backbone.”

Tang Zhenguo hurriedly scolded Tang Ying. “Who told you to stand up? Hurry and kneel before Master Ye to apologize!”

The scene of his grandfather kneeling to Ye Tianci had left Tang Ying completely stunned. It was only when his grandfather scolded him that he snapped back to his senses.

“I, Tang Ying, have offended you. I sincerely apologize.”

Tang Ying was about to kneel, but with a wave of Ye Tianci’s hand, an invisible force surged forth—no matter how he tried, he couldn’t kneel.

“No need. Since your family is one of the Eight Generals, you too are considered part of Heaven’s Gate.”

Tang Ying stood up, looking at Ye Tianci with newfound respect and admiration.

Ye Tianci appeared even younger than he, yet his strength was unfathomable—truly terrifying.

Seeing that Ye Tianci bore no grudge against his grandson, Tang Zhenguo breathed a sigh of relief and bowed again. “More than ten years ago, before the old Master withdrew from the world, he promised to take my granddaughter Tang Qiong as his disciple if he ever returned.”

“I have also intended to pass on the position of Commander of the Eight Generals to Tang Qiong.”

“Therefore, I would like to ask the Master to accept my granddaughter Tang Qiong as a disciple in the old Master’s stead.”

Ye Tianci replied, “My master will no longer involve himself in worldly affairs. As for his previous promise, as you wish, I shall accept your granddaughter on his behalf and pass on his teachings to her.”

Tang Zhenguo was overjoyed. “Master, the day after tomorrow is Tang Qiong’s twenty-third birthday—a most auspicious day. I have arranged a banquet at the Longxiang Grand Hotel to celebrate her becoming your disciple. Would that be agreeable?”

Ye Tianci waved his hand lightly. “Arrange it as you see fit.”

“Excellent!” Tang Zhenguo was as delighted as a child.

Tang Ying, thick-skinned, piped up, “Master Ye, why don’t you take me as your disciple as well?”

“As long as you accept me as your disciple, I’ll kowtow a hundred times right now!”

Ye Tianci smiled faintly. “You’re not suited to be my disciple, but you can be my little brother.”

He meant it as a joke, but Tang Ying took it seriously and dropped to his knees with a thud, knocking his head on the ground.

No one could stop him.

“Big brother, from today on, I, Tang Ying, am your little brother! You must look out for me!”

Tang Ying’s sincerity was written all over his face.

Ye Tianci was at a loss for words. Though Tang Ying was impulsive, he had a strong character and was refreshingly straightforward.

“Get up. If people see a young master from a noble family kneeling before me, it’ll be quite the spectacle.”

“A little brother kneeling to his big brother is only right. Anyone who has a problem with it will answer to me!”

Tang Ying stood up with a sheepish grin.

“Master, my granddaughter Tang Qiong—” Tang Zhenguo asked.

“She’ll wake up in an hour. When she does, just give her some medicine to replenish her blood and heal her wounds.”

“Shall I bring her to see you once she wakes?”

“No need. We’ll meet at the banquet.”

Ye Tianci waved his hand, then suddenly recalled something, his voice turning grave. “Do you know Qi Changling?”

“I do. He’s the patriarch of the Qi family in Shu City. Why do you ask, Master?” Tang Zhenguo inquired cautiously.

Ye Tianci’s expression was calm. “In the next couple of days, help me gather information on the Qi family. After the banquet, I’ll tell you my intentions.”

“At your command, Master!”

Tang Zhenguo bowed deeply, watching Ye Tianci depart.

Back in the pharmacy’s main hall, Ye Tianci settled his bill and was about to leave when he was stopped by Akang and several assistants.

“You can’t leave!”

A haughty voice rang out as Yang Ming strode over.

Ye Tianci’s lips quirked. “And what do you want?”

“You just boasted that both my master and I are quacks. My master will be here any moment, and you must apologize to us!” Yang Ming’s face was full of arrogance.

Ye Tianci asked with a smile, “Your master, Xue Haisu, is coming?”

“That’s right! What, you’ve heard of my master’s reputation and you’re scared now?”

“Well, it’s too late for that!”

Yang Ming’s expression grew even more smug.

Ye Tianci was amused by his arrogance and spoke calmly, “If Xue Haisu really comes, do you believe he won’t make me apologize—instead, he’ll make you apologize to me?”

“You must have lost your mind. My master would make me apologize to you?” Yang Ming sneered.

“You don’t believe me?” Ye Tianci goaded him.

Yang Ming’s eyes widened. “If my master doesn’t make you apologize, but instead orders me to do so, I’ll refund you ten times what you just spent on medicine!”

“Not only that, you can take any precious medicine from Huairen Hall, free of charge!”

Ye Tianci shook his head with a faint smile. “No need for such bold claims. You wouldn’t keep your word anyway.”

Riled up, Yang Ming clapped his hands loudly, drawing the attention of every customer in the shop.

He repeated his promise for all to hear, asking everyone present to be witnesses.

The customers all agreed enthusiastically.

Yang Ming looked at Ye Tianci with a proud sneer. “So many people are watching. I’ll keep my word. But if my master doesn’t do as you say, what will you do?”

Ye Tianci’s lips curled. “Deal with me as you wish.”

“Then I’ll have you kneel and kowtow a hundred times and say you were wrong a hundred times.”

“Agreed,” Ye Tianci replied with a slight smile.

“Good! Fair and just!”

“We’re all witnesses. If anyone goes back on their word, he’s no man!”

The customers voiced their approval one after another.

Suddenly there was the sound of a car outside, and someone shouted excitedly, “Doctor Xue is here!”

Yang Ming, brimming with pride, proclaimed, “Boy, my master has arrived!”

He rushed to the door, Akang and several assistants in tow, all eager to welcome Xue Haisu.

The next moment, Xue Haisu indeed stepped into Huairen Hall.

The instant he entered, his eyes lit up upon seeing Ye Tianci.

“Master, you’re finally here! You wouldn’t believe the arrogance of this fellow just now—eh? Master, where are you going?”

Yang Ming hurried forward to complain, but before he could finish, he realized Xue Haisu had left him behind, striding straight toward Ye Tianci.

Yang Ming was taken aback, then quickly caught on and followed at Xue Haisu’s heels, flattering him. “Master, you’re incredible. Without a word from me, you already know the arrogant one is this guy.”

“He just called both of us quacks. You must give him a good lesson!”