Chapter 303 - 144: Top-Tier Gambit, Great Families of Qing Province

Chapter 303: Chapter 144: Top-Tier Gambit, Great Families of Qing Province

...

The Demon Suppression Mansion, main hall.

Inside the hall, Wei Qing was sipping tea. He immediately stood up when Fang Xing appeared.

"Lord Fang!"

Wei Qing clasped his hands and bowed, showing him the utmost respect.

Fang Xing did not act conceited; after all, Wei Qing was at the Peak of True Essence in his cultivation. After returning the bow, Fang Xing took the seat of honor. Hong Luan stepped forward, poured him a cup of hot tea, and then withdrew.

"Lord Wei, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Fang Xing asked with a smile, looking at Wei Qing.

Wei Qing smiled back at him. "Lord Fang, I was wondering, is Hong Luan to your satisfaction?"

Fang Xing nodded lightly. "Yes, she’s excellent. Thank you for the arrangement, Lord Wei. I am truly grateful."

"Not at all, not at all. I’m just glad you’re satisfied, Lord Fang." Wei Qing beamed, his expression exceptionally cordial.

"Lord Fang, do you have any plans for the coming days?" Wei Qing asked.

Fang Xing narrowed his eyes and looked at Wei Qing. "Nothing in particular for the next few days."

Wei Qing smiled. "In that case, might you be free this evening? There are some people who wish to pay their respects to you."

"Hm?"

Hearing this, Fang Xing’s gaze fixed on Wei Qing.

He spoke without revealing any emotion. "Lord Wei, who exactly are these ’some people’ you mention?"

"They are some of the influential powers in Qing Province City. They wish to meet you."

"If you are free, I can accompany you to a gathering at the Celestial Fragrance Tower in the city tonight."

Wei Qing said with a smile.

The powers of Qing Province City...

Fang Xing’s mind raced as he listened to Wei Qing.

The information Hong Miaojin had given him previously mentioned this.

There were three major powers in Qing Province City.

These three powers were all great families with centuries-old legacies.

Their foundations ran deep, and they were not only firmly entrenched in Qing Province City but had intricate networks extending throughout the entire Qing Province.

The most crucial point was that these three great families had some dealings with Demon and Demon Power.

Fang Xing picked up his cup with one hand, took a sip of hot tea, and pondered for a moment before looking at Wei Qing. "Since you’ve asked, Lord Wei, then naturally there’s no problem. I can meet them."

Wei Qing smiled faintly. "Then it’s settled. I’ll go make the arrangements right away."

Fang Xing nodded.

Immediately after, Wei Qing left the Demon Suppression Mansion.

’This guy... seems his ties with the three major powers run deep.’

As his thoughts turned, Fang Xing calmed himself.

Even if there were connections, he wouldn’t concern himself with them.

Once he had enough strength, he could uproot these powers completely.

...

「Night fell.」

In the East City of Qing Province City, a carriage stopped before a luxurious restaurant. The curtain was lifted, and Fang Xing and Wei Qing stepped out.

Looking at the Celestial Fragrance Tower before them, he saw it was the peak hour for business.

The restaurant was bustling with people, a constant stream of patrons coming and going.

A middle-aged man in brocade clothing hurried over to them. "Welcome, my lords. The private room is ready. Please follow me to your meal."

Fang Xing glanced at the man and instantly perceived his cultivation level.

True Qi First Realm.

"Lord Fang, after you!" Wei Qing said with a smile, gesturing for him to go ahead.

Fang Xing then strode into the restaurant.

The man in brocade clothing exchanged a look with Wei Qing, then followed.

Inside the Celestial Fragrance Tower, the man in brocade clothing led the two of them to the door of a private room on the top floor.

Pushing the door open, the man bowed and said, "My lords, please enter."

Fang Xing and Wei Qing stepped into the private room.

Inside, three figures immediately rose to their feet, their faces wreathed in welcoming smiles.

"We are honored by your presence, my lords. Please, have a seat," a middle-aged man in rich attire said with a smile.

Fang Xing and Wei Qing sat down in the central seats of honor.

He looked at the three men in the room.

There was a middle-aged man in rich attire, a large man in a purple robe, and an old man in green clothes.

All three had cultivation at the True Essence Realm.

Furthermore, they had all reached the Late Stage of the True Essence Realm.

All three were magnates at the Martial Dao Grandmaster Level.

"Lord Fang, these three are the patriarchs of the Lin Family, the Xu Family, and the Chen Family,"

Wei Qing introduced them.

Patriarch Lin, standing to the side, spoke with a smile. "I am Lin Hongtao. I have long heard of Lord Fang’s great name. It is truly fate that we meet today. Allow me to toast to you first."

With that, Patriarch Lin raised his cup and drained the wine in a single gulp.

Afterward, the patriarchs of the other two families also raised their cups in a toast.

All three were exceedingly polite.

Fang Xing did not act arrogantly. He raised his cup in response and drank all the wine.

Fang Xing understood perfectly well the reason these three great families were being so polite—it was all for Hong Miaojin’s sake.

They were trying to indirectly curry favor with Hong Miaojin through him; this was perfectly clear to everyone.

Even Wei Qing’s politeness stemmed from the same reason.

"Congratulations on your promotion to Demon Suppression Envoy, Lord Fang. It is truly a joyous occasion. To have such a young Demon Suppression Envoy—you must be the first in the Great Jing,"

Patriarch Xu said with a beaming smile.

Fang Xing smiled faintly. "Patriarch Xu, you flatter me. It is only because Lord Hong has shown me favor. My position is merely temporary."

"To be so highly regarded means you must be Lord Hong’s trusted confidant, Lord Fang. Your future is limitless," Patriarch Chen said with a laugh.

"I wouldn’t dare call myself a confidant. It’s simply that Lord Hong has taken some effort to cultivate me," Fang Xing replied modestly.

Wrapping himself in the tiger’s hide, raising a great banner!

Indeed, using Hong Miaojin’s name could save him a great deal of trouble.

"Lord Fang, the chefs at Celestial Fragrance Tower are exceptional. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else. Please, try some," Patriarch Lin said with a warm expression.

Fang Xing picked up his chopsticks and took a small bite. The fish was tender, smooth, and fragrant. The meat of a Spirit Fish had an exceptionally delicate flavor.

"It is indeed excellent. I thank you all for your hospitality."

"Not at all, not at all. It is our honor that you came."

"My lords, please enjoy the food first. There are better things yet to come."