Eternal Saber

Chapter 456 - 62: Congratulatory Gifts

On this day, the Plum Blossom Sword Sect established its new Sect Leader, and various Jianghu factions in Wu State had already arrived one after another.

Peng Shiquan hadn’t slept all night.

Lately, he had been feeling uneasy.

Because of this, he checked the cells in the back mountain every night, but found nothing unusual.

As for those two juniors from Langya Pavilion, they had also been very quiet over the past three days.

According to the disciples keeping watch, the sword techniques used by that Shen Tang did indeed originate from the Book and Sword Hall.

Moreover, it was the Book and Sword Hall’s most famous "Riverside Preface"!

Without being a true disciple of the Book and Sword Hall, one simply isn’t qualified to practice the sword techniques in "Riverside Preface."

Peng Shiquan thought no more of it.

After all, they were just two juniors, even if they caused some trouble, it wouldn’t make much of a wave.

After pondering, Peng Shiquan determined there were no unforeseen changes or surprises, and finally felt at ease.

With the servants attending to him, he bathed, changed attire, and burned incense to purify his hands.

When the auspicious hour arrived, Peng Shiquan, surrounded by the disciples of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect, headed towards the main hall at the front.

Friends from Jianghu factions were already gathered in full.

Among them, the top powers from Wu State included four major sects: Songtao Temple, Drunken Immortal Tower, Water Moon Blade Sect, and Soft Jade Whip Sect.

There were also some second and third-rate forces, like the Bishui Pavilion known for its Qihuang Skill and its expertise in antidotes and healing.

The largest bank in the Capital City, Ruyi Bank.

It’s said that the backing of Ruyi Bank is Shen Guobao, the current Minister.

Also present was the Thousand Mechanism Sect, which specializes in intricate mechanisms.

The Iron Fist Gang, who mingles in the marketplace and streets and comes from the Capital City.

Rumor has it that this gang also has connections to the Government Office.

The Gang Leader of Iron Fist Gang can even reach the heavens!

Among these people, the one holding the highest status was the Master Xiaoyao of the Drunken Immortal Tower in the Capital City.

The Drunken Immortal Tower in the Capital City is considered the headquarters, and Master Xiaoyao’s status in the Drunken Immortal Tower is self-evident.

In recent years, the Plum Blossom Sword Sect had already fallen to a second-rate status.

First-rate powers like Songtao Temple, Water Moon Blade Sect, and Soft Jade Whip Sect did not have their Sect Leaders or Abbot coming in person, but rather sent respected and renowned Martial Artists, mostly Third Grade or Fourth Grade experts, accompanied by a few disciples.

The personal arrival of Master Xiaoyao undoubtedly gave great face to Peng Shiquan.

It’s said that back when Peng Shiquan was expelled from the Plum Blossom Sword Sect, he was fortunately taken in by the Drunken Immortal Tower, helping him through difficult times and building close friendships with some people there.

Now it appears this is true.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries and greetings initially.

Before long, Peng Shiquan arrived at the scene.

"Sect Leader Peng, congratulations, congratulations."

Upon seeing Peng Shiquan, Sect Leader He Huo of Bishui Pavilion stood up to greet him, smiling, "A small gift, no need for grand gestures."

He Huo ordered his disciples to bring over a tray, then lifted the cover.

On it were placed two porcelain bottles, one black and one white.

He Huo said, "This is the latest healing medicine from Bishui Pavilion, the Black and White Jade Water Pill. The black one for internal use and the white one for external, with remarkable effects. Of course, we hope Sect Leader Peng will never have to use them."

"Haha!"

Peng Shiquan laughed heartily, gesturing for a disciple to take the tray, "Sect Leader He, you’re very thoughtful."

Boss Ji of Ruyi Bank, plump and perpetually smiling, with a simple rise from his seat, panted a few breaths and said, "My gift is very mundane: here are silver notes worth ten thousand taels, which can be exchanged freely at any Ruyi Bank in our Great Xia."

Those in attendance couldn’t help but gasp in awe.

A gift of ten thousand taels was no small matter!

"Mundane is good, mundane is good!"

Peng Shiquan let out another hearty laugh, "We’re all ordinary folks in this Jianghu!"

The other heads or elders of various factions then presented their congratulatory gifts in turn.

Some offered intricate and marvelous mechanical devices, others gave a peerless treasure sword gleaming coldly, and some delivered rare jewels and peculiar stones...

Peng Shiquan felt immense joy in his heart, his face beaming with pride, feeling elated and triumphant.

When he first arrived, he noticed the two from Langya Pavilion hadn’t shown up.

He even specially instructed two disciples to check what was going on.

Now, amidst the congratulations from fellow Jianghu friends and gazing at the dazzling treasures, Peng Shiquan was overjoyed, having long since pushed the matter of Chen Tang and the other aside.

He knew he had obtained the position of Sect Leader through extraordinary means.

Though he had coerced most of the sect’s disciples into acknowledging him through slaughter and bloodshed,

in their hearts, those disciples surely resented him.

Today’s grand occasion was to show these disciples of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect what his status in Jianghu was!

Would there have been so many Jianghu folks coming to celebrate if it were that old thing Mei Qingyuan?

Would there be so many rare treasures gifted?

Master Xiaoyao, a scholarly-looking man in his forties, holding a folding fan, appeared suave and charming, and last to rise, he smiled slightly, "I didn’t bring any gifts today."

"You’re joking, Master Xiaoyao."

Peng Shiquan laughed, "Your presence alone is an honor for our Plum Blossom Sword Sect."

Master Xiaoyao flicked his wrist, opening the folding fan, and shifted his tone, "However, I did bring two jars of wine."

The attendees perked up at these words!

The most famous wine of Drunken Immortal Tower is the legendary Drunken Eight Immortals!

Master Xiaoyao leisurely said, "One jar is naturally a congratulatory gift to Brother Peng. The other, to share with all the friends present today!"

"Great!"

"Splendid!"

"Master is generous!"

The crowd responded with cheers and excitement.

For many leaders and elders of these second and third-rate factions, this would be their first opportunity to taste the Drunken Eight Immortals.

Unexpectedly, today they had the fortune to taste this rare brew!

Master Xiaoyao said with a laugh, "Thanks to my mentor, who traversed countless landscapes and explored numerous ancient sites and dangers, before finally crafting this Drunken Eight Immortals."

"Our first glass later should certainly honor Elder Drunken!" someone suggested.

"Indeed!"

"Elder Drunken, by nature, is carefree and unrestrained. He originally founded Drunken Immortal Tower to make friends over drinks and associate with heroes from all over."

Everyone echoed the sentiment.

Peng Shiquan exchanged a glance with Master Xiaoyao, coughed lightly, and said, "With the Profound Celestial Bandits growing stronger and Jianghu declining, and with Elder Sword Sect in seclusion, only Elder Drunken among the older generation can lead Jianghu now."

"In my opinion, if Elder Drunken is willing to come out during the Martial Arts Assembly at the end of the year, why not nominate him as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader!"

"That’s not quite appropriate."

Upon hearing this, Master Xiaoyao shook his head, "My mentor has always shunned fame and wealth and would likely not participate in such matters."

Peng Shiquan said, "Brother Xiaoyao, try persuading Elder Drunken; if he doesn’t step up to lead, Jianghu is in danger!"

"Indeed, just days ago, the Profound Celestial Bandits raided Meixiang County by night, leaving countless dead or injured, the scene resembling a human purgatory, too tragic to look upon!" Master Qingfeng sighed.

"Master, the time has come!"

Just then, a disciple of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect stepped forward and whispered a reminder.

Peng Shiquan cupped his hands in all directions, "Everyone, please wait a moment."

To officially succeed as Sect Leader of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect, a simple ceremony must be held.

With the Plum Blossom Sword, cut a plum blossom into the wine, and drink together with all disciples present to formally become the Sect Leader.

"Peng Shiquan, I also have a congratulatory gift for you."

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the back of the hall.