Eternal Saber

Chapter 547 - 153: River Overlord

The Ba Mountain Sword Sect members settled down at Yunmeng Manor.

In the past few days, various Jianghu sects and gangs have arrived one after another.

The entire Yunmeng Manor has become extremely lively, truly a sea of people.

Yunmeng Manor holds the Cloud Dream Sword Discussion every year, and is quite experienced in this, arranging the major gangs and sects according to the Six States, placing them in different regions systematically.

Sects with past grievances are specially separated to avoid conflicts.

In these days, the Martial Arts Assembly hasn’t officially started, and Manor Master Yun Yifeng invites the sect leaders and gang leaders of major sects and gangs every day.

If there’s no blood feud, the grievances between some sects might be resolved at the banquet.

Of course, disciples of each major sect are naturally not qualified to attend the banquet.

Yunmeng Manor has already prepared the banquet, which is self-serve at meal times, much like a buffet from previous lives, quite convenient indeed.

Some Jianghu friends, due to the long journey, usually don’t have the chance to meet, and take this opportunity for a small gathering.

Chen Tang takes this opportunity to stroll around among the various sects at Yunmeng Manor.

He sees a few familiar faces, such as Shen Zhiyuan from Book and Sword Hall, Su Muzhe from Peach Blossom Village, and Yan Shu from Huanhua Sword Sect.

The two seem to have already privately made a lifelong commitment, always seen together, quite intimate.

Previously, Madam Su from Langya Pavilion, due to past events, wouldn’t allow Su Muzhe to be with a female disciple from Huanhua Sword Sect.

Presumably, Madam Su, having grown older and letting go of many things, no longer cares.

For these two, this is a good thing, saving them from sneaking around, unable to express their feelings.

Chen Tang is unaware that this matter is somewhat related to him.

Madam Su prohibited Su Muzhe from being with Yan Shu, not only because of past grievances but mainly to bridge a connection between Su Muzhe and Zhiwei.

However, after the battle at Langya Pavilion, Madam Su found Chen Tang to be quite a remarkable young man, seemingly more suited for Zhiwei. Thus, she let Su Muzhe be, inadvertently facilitating a match.

Due to his status, Chen Tang did not go over to chat idly with Shen Zhiyuan and the others.

Chen Tang also sees Hall Master Bai from Flying Snow Hall, the couple Female Knight Su, and their daughter Bai Ruoqing.

The couple smiles at Chen Tang from afar and greets him warmly.

Bai Ruoqing, upon seeing Chen Tang, brightens up and runs over to ask questions.

Chen Tang replies briefly and apologizes to Hall Master Bai and his wife, finding an excuse to gracefully leave.

He has agreed with Ah Li to meet at the Martial Arts Assembly.

But after circling around several times, he did not see people from Peach Blossom Valley, feeling somewhat disappointed and vaguely worried.

The Martial Arts Assembly has yet to officially start, so perhaps wait and see.

Peach Blossom Valley remains secluded all year round and is not accustomed to participating in such occasions; they may not arrive so early.

Chen Tang consoles himself.

"Little brother!"

At this moment, someone suddenly taps Chen Tang on the shoulder.

He is startled, instinctively turning and stepping back half a step.

Though he was somewhat distracted earlier, to let someone get so close without noticing is something even Celestial Concealment could not achieve!

The person opposite seems unfamiliar, wearing a coarse cloth shirt with arms and calves exposed, unusually wide hands, a burly figure, rough skin, grey-streaked temples, yet eyes are bright and deep, like waves within.

"You must be Chen Jing?"

The person asks in a rough voice, "The one who killed the Esoteric Monk?"

Chen Tang is unaware of the person’s intentions and becomes cautious, asking in return, "Who might you be, sir?"

"Haha, little brother is quite cautious!"

The man laughs heartily and says, "I am Jiang Feng from the Boat Gang, just arrived today. Earlier, I heard Wang Xiang and others speak highly of you, so I came to meet you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Tang’s doubts are largely dispelled.

This man’s attire indeed resembles those of the Boat Gang brothers.

"Thanks for your help with the boat incident, little brother."

Jiang Feng says, "If anything happens in the future, come directly to the Boat Gang and look for me. I will help you resolve it."

"Thank you, senior."

Seeing the man is older and his cultivation is not weak, Chen Tang addresses him as senior.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Feng frowns deeply, waves his hand, and says, "No need for formality, the Boat Gang refers to each other as brothers. If you don’t mind, just call me big brother."

"Brother Jiang Feng."

Finding this man’s straightforward nature and hearty laughter quite pleasant, Chen Tang can’t help but burst into a smile, effortlessly changing his address.

"Gladly!"

Jiang Feng laughs once more and says, "I’ll go in first, need to greet the host."

With that, he turns and walks away.

Being able to greet the host of Yunmeng Manor shows that this Jiang Feng from the Boat Gang is not someone obscure.

Returning to his dwelling, Chen Tang mentions this matter to Ye Yushi and learns that this man is the Gang Leader of the Boat Gang and a Grandmaster.

Back in the day, he participated in the Battle of Xiajiang, intercepting the Wu Dynasty’s army by the Xiajiang bank, earning fame for decades, and shocking Nanxia, known as the ’River Overlord.’

"Such a prominent figure!"

Chen Tang muses privately.

Jiang Feng carries no airs and dresses as casually as the average gang member does, unexpectedly, he is a Grandmaster and a gang leader!

"Has Sword Pavilion sent anyone?"

Chen Tang asks.

These days, he’s focused on news regarding Peach Blossom Valley, while Ye Yushi is most concerned about the Sword Pavilion.

"No, they haven’t."

Ye Yushi shakes his head slightly and says, "According to Master, they have sent a letter to Yunmeng Manor saying the Wind and Cloud, Heaven and Earth, and Man Lists will be published after the Martial Arts Assembly."

Chen Tang contemplates.

Ye Yushi says, "All major sects have arrived; with Sword Pavilion absent, Manor Master Yun has announced the Martial Arts Assembly will officially open tomorrow."

No news from Peach Blossom Valley yet.

It seems after the Martial Arts Assembly, he’ll need to find Song Wu to inquire about Peach Blossom Valley’s location.

No matter what, Ah Li journeyed across the sea with him to Nanxia.

Now, her fate is unknown, and he cannot ignore it.

On the second day.

The Martial Arts Assembly officially commences.

By the Yunmeng Marsh, a very spacious open space, arranged according to the Six States, where all major sects and gangs gather.

Aside from first-class sect forces like Ba Mountain Sword Sect, Book and Sword Hall, Tea Path Sect, and Boat Gang, representatives from second and third-rate Martial World sects have also come.

Like the Plum Blossom Sword Sect, Chen Tang sees Mei Qingyuan, Mei Zhenyu, Zhu Lingxue, and several disciples in attendance.

On the scene, Chen Tang also spots a familiar face.

Ranked first on the Earth Ranking, He Shiyao!

The Drunken Immortal Tower’s location is closest to the main seat, with quite a crowd today.

He Shiyao stands at the front of the crowd, holding a folding fan, beside a young girl in red brocade.

At the very front of the Drunken Immortal Tower sits an elderly man with white hair and beard, a red-tinted face, in wide robes, with a kindly demeanor.

"That’s the Drunken Elder."

Ye Yushi whispers.

Chen Tang nods slightly.

Observing how the surrounding people treat this elder, he already had a faint guess.

Just then, the Drunken Elder seemingly glances casually in this direction.

Keeping his composure, Chen Tang is nonetheless startled internally, feeling a sudden cold surge behind him!

He even suspects that with that one glance, the Drunken Elder has seen through his mask.