Chapter 912: Hosting Guests at the Mansion

When Kai Xin returned to the capital once again, the atmosphere there was extremely tense.
Everywhere, members of Yipin Tang cast hostile glances, while those from allied gangs avoided their eyes out of fear.
North of the Yangtze River, including Xuan Cheng, Yipin Tang had lost control of over fifty cities. More than a hundred thousand people, under the watch of the Mu Family, the Xiyi Gate, and allied gangs, dared not step outside their cities. The forces of the Mu Family and the Xiyi Gate continued to advance, expanding their gains and pushing the war deeper into the northern regions.
At the same time, many inland cities, including the capital, were under the threat of large-scale covert teams from the Mu Family and the Xiyi Gate…
Kai Xin’s return to the capital at such a time clearly signaled his intention to seize control of the city and drive Yipin Tang to the brink.
Not only was Yipin Tang extremely anxious, but even various forces in the capital grew fearful, speculating whether the Mu Family intended to completely replace Yipin Tang.
…
On the second floor of Tianxiang Restaurant, near Yipin Tang’s headquarters, Qin Qing and Qin Yun sat face to face in a window-side private room.
Curtains hung down, blocking outside views and sounds.
“Before, I thought Meng Yun had the greatest ambition in the world, and she was the one most likely to dominate the martial world…”
Qin Qing’s tone was much calmer and softer than before, yet her calm eyes seemed to conceal many depths.
Qin Yun glanced at her sister but said nothing.
“…”
“Three months ago, I thought luck was on our side. Lingxiao Palace might have the chance to expand using its coastal advantages and become the largest gang in the Central Plains.”
“But now I realize that those with true ambition are often the ones who remain hidden…”
Qin Qing said sarcastically.
Qin Yun silently lowered her head.
Who would have thought that the Mu Family, which only controlled a few areas along the Yangtze River, with most of its territory intertwined with the Xiyi Gate and cooperating with various gangs to develop resources, would mobilize its forces to cross the Yangtze River and deal a fatal blow to the well-established Yipin Tang?
Through careful planning, fires broke out everywhere in the north…
In just two days, Yipin Tang was riddled with weaknesses. The foundation it had built over more than a year was completely shattered.
“Yun, what do you think? With Kai Xin’s return to the capital, what are the chances that Yipin Tang can withstand the Mu Family’s attack?”
“Sister already has a plan,” said Qin Yun.
“I want to hear your opinion. In the past, due to my stubbornness, I wouldn’t listen to you. Now, let’s see what’s become of Lingxiao Palace.”
Hearing Qin Qing self-mockingly bring up the past, Qin Yun couldn’t help but look gloomy.

“…This time, Yipin Hall is doomed!”
“Doomed?”
Qin Qing was prepared for Qin Yun’s assessment.
After all, Yipin Hall was nominally an ally. Since the decline of Lingxiao Palace, it had served as its shield. Now that even that shield could barely take care of itself, it was only natural to feel disheartened.
“Xifeng Tower has been eyeing our territory for days now. If Yipin Hall collapses, we’ll surely become easy prey. By then, we might not even have a place to stand in the Central Plains.”
“Not necessarily.”
Qin Yun said, “In the capital, there are many gangs with good relations with Yipin Hall. Besides our Lingxiao Palace, there’s also Tongtian Pavilion from Langya and other gangs. With so many gangs united, their combined strength is astonishing. If they can unite, even the Mu Family and Xiyimen wouldn’t dare to confront them head-on and claim to destroy Yipin Hall.”
Qin Qing’s eyes lit up…
Tongtian Pavilion alone had nearly 50,000 members, and other large gangs had over 20,000 each. If all of them joined forces, there would be at least 300,000 people.
“It’s easy for you to say.”
“To achieve this, someone must break the myth of Happy or step forward to deal a fatal blow to the Mu Family and Xiyimen. Otherwise, most gangs won’t have the courage to continue opposing the powerful Mu Family and Xiyimen, nor will they risk destruction to help Yipin Hall.”
“…”
Qin Qing fell silent.
Indeed.
Even Lingxiao Palace, even them, wouldn’t dare to risk all its disciples in this seemingly clear-cut gamble and get dragged into the war that had swept across northern Central Plains.
With their strength, they couldn’t make much of a difference in such a massive battle; they might even be crushed in no time.
Just then…
The two women suddenly noticed a significant disturbance among the crowd on the street below.
Boom!!
Dozens of riders rushed past from afar!
“Baixiaosheng’s residence is hosting a banquet! Inviting famous masters from the capital!”
“The best master in the Central Plains is attending the banquet!”
“The head of Tongtian Pavilion from Langya is here!”
“The leader of Baima Gang, Luo Baima, is here!”
…
“Baixiaosheng’s residence is hosting a banquet! Inviting famous masters from the capital!”
“The best master in the Central Plains is attending the banquet!”
“Ren Jie, a top disciple of Ximen Chuixue, is here!”
“Li Gongzi, the Swift Blade, is here!”
“The vice leader of Yipin Hall, Huang Sha, is here!”
…
Boom!!!

Dozens of riders sped past the street outside the restaurant, leaving behind shouts emitted by people using their internal energy, which clearly reached the nearby restaurants and shops, attracting countless players to come and take a look.
“…”
“Baixiaosheng is hosting a banquet to welcome guests?”
“What does that mean?”
Qin Qing and Qin Yun could see the seriousness in each other’s eyes.
Baixiaosheng held a high status in the capital and the Central Plains, but his mansion’s gates were always tightly closed, and he only received a limited number of guests daily. The cost to enter was extremely high. Yet, he chose to open his doors and host a banquet when Happy entered the capital to confront Yipin Hall, inviting all the notable figures in the capital. This move was indeed intriguing.
At that moment, discussions and guesses from players could be heard outside.
The crowd was in an uproar:
“This time, Yipin Hall is really finished.”
“Baixiaosheng is even rallying support for the Mu family.”
“How do you know Baixiaosheng isn’t trying to mediate the conflict?”
“Mediate hell! Meng Yun admitted in person at Shaolin on Songshan that she had connections with the Prophet, breaking Happy’s shielding effect. If Baixiaosheng is enraged, would he still help Yipin Hall mediate?”
“The Prophet recklessly interfered in the martial world of the Central Plains, humiliating Baixiaosheng. Do you really think Baixiaosheng is just a hermit with no temper?”
“Just wait… This banquet is essentially a preparation for Happy’s entry into the capital. The capital is full of all sorts of people, and it’s not just Yipin Hall. If the Mu family wants to fully take control here, it will be troublesome. The banquet is just an opportunity, an opportunity created for Happy.”
…
As the saying goes, the onlooker sees most of the game.
The sisters Qin Qing and Qin Yun might not be able to figure out Baixiaosheng’s intentions right away, but outsiders could see them at a glance.
With such a grand banquet, Baixiaosheng probably intended to break his usual policy of keeping his gates closed and join forces with Happy to destroy Yipin Hall.
Thinking further, the sisters’ expressions changed.
Qin Yun said, “It seems we must visit Baixiaosheng’s mansion. What do you think, sister?”
“Why?”
“If Baixiaosheng is really paving the way for the Mu family and Happy, by going there, we can first hear his explanation. Second, it’s like indirectly showing submission to Happy and the Mu family. I think this might be our last chance to save Lingxiao Palace.”
“…”
Qin Qing’s eyes flickered for a moment before she finally sighed and nodded. “Let’s do as you say.”
After saying that, the two packed up, sent a message via homing pigeon to prepare a gift, and left the restaurant to head toward Baixiaosheng’s mansion.
…
“Hehe, Brother Long is here too?”
“It’s Baixiaosheng Master’s first banquet. How could I not show up?”

“Haha, I’m different from you. I’m here for that person. My daughter said she likes Happy’s endorsed products the most. Hearing that Happy is coming to Beijing, she insisted I record the entire banquet, haha…”
…
“Brother Ji!”
“Master Mo Jian.”
“I’ve long heard of your fame. Please come in.”
At the entrance of Bai Xiaosheng’s residence, thirty-six disciples in simple clothes stood neatly on the steps, bowing to greet the famous guests from Beijing as they led them to the front hall and main hall of the residence. The scene was bustling:
“Boss Luo, this way, please.”
“Master Fei, long time no see. Your friend Bai Shui has been waiting inside for a while.”
“Okay, okay.”
“Haha, everyone, I’ll be leaving first.”
Players outside, eager to watch, occupied the rooftops, surrounding the area tightly, marveling:
“Huang Sha is here too? Look, he’s brought two bodyguards.”
“That young man… Ren Jie? Isn’t Xi Men Chui Xue’s disciple always practicing swordsmanship in seclusion? Why is he here too?”
“I heard he’s mastered swordsmanship and came here specifically to challenge Happy.”
“Just him?”
“Happy has been defeating-> The Invincible Master of the -> The Invincible Master of theThe Invincible Master of the (or The InvincibleThe Invincible Master of the) at Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain. Yi Jian’s disciple Dao Zhen and Wu Gu’s disciple Yu Luo… He doesn’t even rank high on the global top fighters list.”
The entrance was lively, and soon over three hundred people entered…
“It seems all the gang leaders from Beijing have arrived.”
“It’s even more bustling now. Those who support Yipin Hall and the gang leaders who usually make their presence known in Beijing are all here.”
“Hey, look.”
On the rooftops outside the residence, countless eyes were fixed on the two sisters.
“Qin Qing! Qin Yun!”
“Those two sisters are also in Beijing.”
“I didn’t expect Lingxiao Palace to show up too.”
“There’s going to be some interesting action now.”
“Happy once nearly destroyed Lingxiao Palace. Are these two sisters here to avenge themselves?”
…
“Proud Master Qin! Thank you for coming. We’re sorry for not greeting you properly.”
The two disciples stepped forward eagerly, bowing in front of Qin Qing and Qin Yun.
The two women nodded politely:
“Master Bai Xiaosheng is hosting a banquet, and we came here out of admiration. We didn’t ask to be invited, but I hope we won’t disturb him.”
“Of course not. Our master told us that if the two palace masters came, we should let them go straight to the hall, as that’s where the important guests sit.” The disciples’ reply surprised Qin Qing and her sister.
It seemed Bai Xiaosheng had anticipated their arrival.