Chapter 49: The Four Great Families

After plundering Black Wind Fortress, the three of them returned to Gusu City satisfied with their loot. By then, it was already daylight, and the bustling streets were filled with players who continued to travel back and forth within and outside the city, striving for their various dreams in the martial world!
“Let’s find a place to have some drinks and divide up what we’ve gained from this trip,” suggested Happy.
Ximen Qing’s expression changed: “We can drink, but there’s no need to divide the loot.”
“Right!” Xuanfeng Xiao Li quickly agreed. “Senior brother, though I’m quite greedy, I’ve already gotten the Qiankun Bag this time, plus several thousand taels of silver from the third fortress lord. My cultivation level has also improved. To be honest, I’ve already reaped so many benefits by following you. If you insist on dividing anything further, I’ll feel embarrassed.” He then chuckled.
“That’s true,” Ximen Qing said solemnly, agreeing, “If you ever have such good opportunities in the future, just remember to take care of us, and we’ll be happy. There’s no need to divide the loot.”
They had their own principles, but didn’t Happy have his too?
Without Ximen Qing and Xuanfeng Xiao Li’s help, it would have been impossible for him alone to take down Black Wind Fortress. If they had delayed any longer, it might have fallen to the Dragon and Tiger Gate.
In the end…
After much persuasion, Happy managed to divide the loot at the fortress entrance and the silver collected inside—totaling over 64,000 taels—into three parts.
“Honestly, since you’ve already reached the master level in two martial arts and meet the requirements to establish your own sect, why not keep all the money? You can apply to become the sect leader, and we can be vice-leaders. Our reputation will surely be greater than that of the Dragon and Tiger Gate…”
“I rarely hear Xiao Li come up with such thoughtful suggestions. Happy, you should consider it.”
Ximen Qing raised an eyebrow, somewhat intrigued.
The establishment of the Dragon and Tiger Gate had brought about significant changes in the atmosphere of Gusu City, making him realize that the martial world couldn’t be controlled by just one or two people…
Of course!
Unless it was someone like Happy, a human monster. Ximen Qing thought to himself.
“I’m not interested in founding a sect,” Happy shook his head. “That’s not my ambition. I don’t have the time or interest to deal with such trivial matters. If you guys establish a sect, I might join…”
“…”
Hearing this, the two felt immense pressure: them as sect leaders and Happy as a subordinate? What a joke—the pressure would be too great… they couldn’t handle it…

They immediately stopped discussing the topic.
“Never mind, let’s find a place to drink first.”
“I’ll treat you at Yumen Tower!”
Xuanfeng Xiao Li clearly forgot his vow from last time to never spend money here, but it wasn’t surprising—times had changed. Now with tens of thousands of silver taels in his pocket, he spoke with great boldness!
…
Yumen Tower was no longer as deserted as it had been during the first two months of its operation. It had emerged from its slow season, with more wealthy players arriving one after another.
The three of them entered Yumen Tower confidently, ordered three different types of beauties as companions, and chose seats by the window overlooking the lake.
As they passed by several tables, they were occasionally greeted by unfamiliar players raising their glasses with smiles.
Though surprised, they managed to hide their astonishment and nodded back appropriately, showing both the brotherly spirit of the martial world and the restraint and pride of refined scholars…
A group of people not far away observed this scene.
A woman with a graceful figure, fair skin, and a light blue veil over her face had bright eyes. As the three of them sat down, she showed interest and curiosity:
“Is he the greatest expert in Gusu City? The Blue-Clothed Gentleman Swordsmaster is indeed impressive. Truly worthy of being a descendant of the Murong family—just his demeanor is already remarkable.”
Her voice, coming from behind the veil, was as clear and melodious as jade falling on a pearl plate, captivating and thought-provoking.
However, the words of the veiled woman made the two young men across from them frown as they glanced over. One of them said disdainfully, “The Murong family? Isn’t that just a nouveau riche who made their fortune by stealing martial arts from various sects? What’s so special about them?”
“Hmph, the only real skill they seem to have is ‘Douzhuan Xingyi.’ I doubt he’s even qualified to learn such an advanced technique,” the other added sarcastically, turning away. “As for demeanor, my junior sister is right. It’s a pity, but such things won’t get you by in the martial world.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
“The four great families are led by the Nan Gong family! The Nan Gong family’s businesses span across the country, with great influence in the south. The Dong Fang family controls the coasts and dominates that region. The Xi Cheng family relies on extraordinary people to thrive in the mountains, producing many remarkable individuals. The Bei Tang family roams the deserts, unmatched in strength. All four great families are powerful and dominate the world! How ridiculous that a scoundrel from a fallen royal family dares to call himself part of the Murong family.”

The two of them exchanged words back and forth, their voices growing louder and louder, dismissing the Murong family as worthless. Not only did their arguments reach the ears of the Happy Trio and ruin their already good mood, but other guests at the Jade Gate Tower also felt somewhat annoyed.
The Murong family was the foremost family in Gusu City, a goal that countless players aspired to. No matter how inferior someone might be, it wasn’t their place to criticize them.
“Damn it!”
Xuanfeng Xiao Li already had a rough temper. Hearing someone insult his proud Murong family, he stood up immediately—but Happy pulled him back down just in time.
“We’re here to celebrate. Don’t let those noisy fools ruin our mood.”
After saying that, he whispered to the beautiful attendant beside him. She rose gracefully, her arms moving softly as a delicate bead curtain descended. Strangely enough, it completely blocked out external noises.
Following suit, the guests at other tables quickly understood the trick and ordered their attendants to lower similar curtains. This angered the two young men at that table greatly.
“…Cowards.”
Especially after losing face in front of the person they admired, they dared not curse rudely and lost even more to frustration. They drank cup after cup of wine to drown their anger.
“Bastards! If you’ve got guts, stay in the city forever! Otherwise… Hmph!”
Unnoticed by them, the veiled beauty kept her gaze fixed on the Happy Trio’s table. Even through the bead curtain, her bright eyes never wavered, her tempting red lips bearing a faint, alluring smile and interest.
If others didn’t know the prowess of the Blue-Clothed Gentleman Sword, how could she not?
She had come here from Hangzhou because the leader of the Dragon and Tiger Gate sent an urgent message, saying that the Blue-Clothed Gentleman Sword had single-handedly defeated an NPC at the Creation Realm level with extraordinary skill. It seemed he was next targeting the Dragon and Tiger Gate. So she brought two of her admirers by boat to Gusu City to offer help. A person like this—if possible—should either be brought into the Dragon and Tiger Gate or fall at her feet.