Chapter 1662 - 853: As Heaven Adds Years, Man Gains Longevity (Part 2)

Compared to this, it's all quite good. Some people don't even qualify to enter; after presenting their gifts, they were sent away without even seeing Ling Shuo.

An entire afternoon, filled with bustling and clamoring, a spectacle rarely seen on Luo Island, not even during the opening of the Coastal Industry.

Not just the visiting guests, but enormous, expensive floral tributes were lined up from the entrance of the Guili Building all the way to the end of the street, densely packed, barely fitting in.

But no matter how packed, they had to fit in; those who sent the floral tributes even carried their baskets personally, squeezing into visible spots, lowering their heads to ask the attendants for a good position.

"It's truly lively. It hasn't even started yet, and people are already pledging loyalty."

Inside a luxury car stuck at the street corner, Meng Sang, representing the Shiye Wilderness, sneered, "Look at how these people rush ahead... One would think that Ji is already a Heavenly People."

"It's just a matter of time." In the back seat, the actual person in charge, Ao Gao, smoked coldly and said, "When we get to the place later, you'd better keep your mouth shut. We're just here to observe; don't spoil Dragon Head's matters."

"Is it necessary to be this cautious?" Meng Sang frowned.

"Even if he's not a Heavenly People, he's already a Master of Glory in the Artisan Association. Do you know how many people on Thousand Islands line up outside his workshop every day for one of his creations? Right now, the entire Thousand Islands are using his weapons; even the Federation uses his drones. The funds and influence he controls might not be able to touch Dragon Head for now, but they could easily squish you."

Ao Gao asked coldly, "Moreover, doesn't he have a Heavenly People behind him?"

Meng Sang's expression stiffened slightly; he subconsciously averted his gaze. "As if we don't have one as well."

"So what if you do?"

Ao Gao's gaze grew sharper, "Are you a Heavenly People? If you were a Heavenly People, you could do whatever you want, say Mr. Ji is nothing, and I'd agree. But are you?

If you're not, keep your mouth shut. Dragon Head has more than just one son; if you want to earn merit, behave, and don't cause trouble for me!

Otherwise, without needing Dragon Head, I'll educate you myself."

Meng Sang didn't dare speak, lowering his head.

Ao Gao and his father William are like brothers. Sometimes, even in the syndicate, his father has to respect Ao Gao. If Ao Gao is truly angered, Meng Sang wouldn't have a good ending.

William wouldn't mind breaking a leg to appease his brother.

Seeing Meng Sang calm down, Ao Gao withdrew his gaze and sighed softly.

Ultimately, still too young.

Backing?

As if no one has it.

Out here, you're supposed to have backing, but it's called backing, not a beast of burden, because you'd better damn well keep quiet unless necessary!

Backing is for show, not for use!

It's just like Old Gou wouldn't report to Ji Jue just because the caravan in the midway was intercepted; Yu Shu wouldn't immediately report just because the wilderness is hard to manage; Minkler wouldn't call for backup just because a city-state said something stupid...

No need.

Running to the people above whenever something happens only makes people question your competence. Sometimes, the people above are unwilling or unable to intervene.

If you keep bringing in the bigger boss whenever there's a small fry, street brawls could escalate into massive conflicts... that's not how things should be done.

The aftermath of an escalating situation that spins out of control is something no one can afford.

That's why rules are needed, even in the wilderness, more so, because no one wants a situation that cannot be resolved.

"Later, when we go up, follow behind me. If I laugh, you laugh. If I walk, you walk. Without my instruction, don't even fart without asking me first, understand?"

Before getting out of the car, Ao Gao looked back at Meng Sang until he repeatedly promised, then nodded and pushed open the car door.

"Mr. Ao Gao?"

As a distinguished guest, he naturally received a personal welcome from Ling Shuo, "The people below just told me you had arrived. Sorry for the lack of reception, truly."

The two exchanged a warm smile, shaking hands as if they were intimate: "How is Mr. William's health?"

"Not great, constantly coughing, he was even talking about coming personally."

"Ah, such a pity, missed meeting him by chance. But he should focus on his health above all. You see, talking to you, I forgot the occasion."

Ling Shuo tapped his forehead and hurriedly led the way, "Please, please, the VIP seats await."

Inside the bustling and noisy venue, it was nearly full; each table was lively, and every face bore a genuine smile, immersed in the fragrant flowers and wine in a festive atmosphere.

Only after Ao Gao led his people to sit down did he realize the people sitting across from him turned out to be his old acquaintances... Abadesa from the Hidden Mist Wilderness and Himawan from the Iron Hook District.

Upon seeing them, he chuckled, adopting a more comfortable position as he looked at Himawan, "Didn't you say you weren't coming?"

"When did I say that? I don't recall,"

Himawan, with dark skin and curly hair, seemed shocked, "We're all neighbors; there's no reason we'd miss such a good event."

Ao Gao smiled, saying nothing more, and glanced elsewhere.

Among the numerous guests and seats within the venue, he quickly scanned through them. However, when his gaze shifted toward the forward positions, he couldn't help but pause slightly.

Unexpectedly, in the capacity of a Dragon Head representative, he did not get to sit at the very front table, which, by now, was already half-occupied.

Seated foremost was a young man engrossed in playing a handheld console, with a sword leaning across his chair - none other than the monster who recently rose to fame in the Western Sea Area...

Beside him was a burly man, with eyes faintly encircled with blood flames, bronze-skinned, and hair jet-black, already lifting a glass to drink heavily - clearly the Legion. Moreover, he wore a Central Earth-style robe with a crossed sword emblem on his shoulder... the Returning Knight Order from Red Country!

Seated on the other side was Minkler's secretary, the Seven Cities Alliance Leader, and beside them was the development department director of Seven Cities Coastal Industry. Separated by both sides in the middle sat a man with a strong White Deer presence, middle-aged, graying temples, and a solitary arm.

He was casually chatting with the young man, seemingly unfazed by the lack of response, smiling on as if an elder.

"Who is that?" Ao Gao frowned slightly.

"A representative from the Cliff City Wilderness, last name Lin, under Chen Xingzhou... Cliff City Wilderness has close ties with Seven Cities, most likely he's orchestrating things from behind,"

Abadesa turned back and said, "See the woman beside him? That's Shaban's eldest daughter."

"From Tower City?"

Ao Gao's demeanor grew more solemn, "Is Shaban getting involved too?"

"What else? He's earned plenty riding on that Master Ji,"

Himawan mocked, "With just the Alchemy Bullets leaking through from the Federation Military Base, they're nearing a monopoly on White Country's market. Ordering Shaban to have someone attend is one thing, he'd even call Ji 'Dad' if asked.

To me, the old man sitting beside her is more weighty."

Ao Gao stayed silent, not speaking.

That old man, he recognized... In fact, they'd just dealt with each other a few days back, the primary manager of Taiyi Ring Craftsmen Association in the West Sea Region!

Now, with no need for further advice from Ao Gao, the previously curious Meng Sang was sitting upright, eyes lowered, not daring to speak.

"Such a grand occasion."

Ao Gao murmured appreciatively, "Seems that person is truly sparing no effort in supporting him."

"Don't rush; the excitement lies ahead,"

Sipping red wine, Abadesa suddenly chuckled, meaningfully, "For all we know, someone might already be anxious. The dutiful son, toughened up, has bitten fiercely and prepares to fly solo... Now putting on a big show for a birthday; as a father, some gesture is necessary, no?

I reckon, today won't end well."

Just after those words fell, it didn't take long for the entire banquet hall's chatter to noticeably quiet down.

Silence spread like an infection, rapidly filling the banquet hall, suddenly making it quiet.

Outside the door, faint clamor arose.

Soon, not only Ao Gao and Himawan but even Abadesa, who had just spoken, stood frozen, looking up, incredulous.

No, they just mentioned it, and the person came?

Remarkably...

Came personally!

Underneath the reflection of crystal chandeliers, an elderly face appeared before everyone, with a gentle smile.

For decades the Dragon Head controlling Gray Port, the powerful wilderness mighty hovering over Endless Sea...

Ling Liu, arrived in person!