#264 - Chapter 264: The Valiant Cavalry General - Sui Long

Inside the Sui manor's main hall, Sui Ran paced anxiously, his heart filled with anticipation and nervousness. The white glove with considerable connections was about to arrive in Fu City and pay a visit to his cousin.

This news excited Sui Ran, as he believed it could be an important opportunity for his cousin. Seated in the main seat was a burly man with a resolute face and a composed demeanor.

He bore a strong resemblance to Sui Ran, with a ramrod straight posture and meticulous movements, but his expression was much calmer.

He calmly sipped his tea while watching his cousin pace back and forth, and said with a smile, "It's not like the master behind him is coming. Why are you so anxious?"

Sui Ran stopped pacing, his eyes gleaming with excitement and apprehension. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his slightly hurried breathing.

"Brother, that may be true, but this white glove is the eyes and ears of that great family. If we can gain his favor, wouldn't the Sui family's position in Fu City rise accordingly?"

Sui Long smiled slightly, put down his teacup, and a hint of imperceptible depth flashed in his eyes.

"You see the superficial glory, but I'm more concerned about the deeper implications.

This great family's actions are always unpredictable. If we blindly cater to them, I'm afraid we'll lose our own backbone and principles.

Moreover, we only have a normal business relationship. If we want to go further, we must know who is behind him. If it's a powerful clan we can't afford to offend, it's best to protect ourselves."

Sui Ran was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded thoughtfully. "Brother, I was too eager for quick success. But having said that, we can't neglect this honored guest, can we?"

"Of course not." Sui Long stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked at the bamboo leaves swaying gently in the courtyard outside the window. His tone was calm and firm. "I've prepared a small banquet, not for extravagance, but for elegance. It will showcase the Sui family's hospitality without losing our integrity. Go and prepare, and make sure every detail is perfect. We'll also take the opportunity to test him out."

Sui Ran's spirits lifted upon hearing this, and he quickly replied, "Yes, Brother, I'll go arrange it now. I'll make sure that Wei Zhuang sees the sincerity and strength of our Sui family!"

As Sui Ran left, Sui Long sat down again, closed his eyes, and pondered. This meeting was not just a simple reception, but also a major turning point in the Sui family's future.

The fact that they could consistently produce snow salt, a prohibited item not available on the market, for more than a year, indicated that someone was indeed behind them.

Sui Long had also given snow salt to his classmate, a knowledgeable official in the court, who also stated that such a good thing was not available elsewhere.

This made Sui Long suspect why the other party was specifically trading this prohibited item in that small county town.

But after thinking about it, for the sake of the glittering silver, Sui Long was willing to pretend not to know and provide cover for the other party.

Since getting on the snow salt express, Sui Long's stagnant martial arts had also made a breakthrough. He had finally broken through the barrier of Blood Refinement Completion and achieved Bone Forging Initial Stage, which showed the real benefits of silver.

Now that the other party wanted to visit, Sui Long began to take it seriously. If it was a paper tiger, it would be easily punctured.

If they really had the confidence, then how to show the Sui family's strength and qualifications without being servile was his biggest concern at the moment.

The Sui family had produced great figures in the past, but unfortunately, later generations were unpromising. Now, only he and his cousin Sui Ran could support the family's reputation.

Bringing glory to the ancestors was Sui Long's lifelong goal.

As night fell, the Sui manor was brightly lit. This dinner, carefully prepared for the special guest, although a private banquet, did not lack solemnity and refinement.

Sui Long and Sui Ran stood at the entrance of the hall, their eyes closely following the figure slowly entering, each with their own thoughts.

The current Hong Sect Master, Wei Zhuang, this white-haired guest with a commanding presence,

His striking white hair scattered over his shoulders, and his chiseled face added to Wei Zhuang's aloof and cold demeanor.

Every step he took seemed to be in time with an invisible rhythm, causing the surrounding air to freeze. The black robe appeared even deeper under the light, like his eyes that saw through people's hearts.

His every move revealed an extraordinary temperament, and the sharpness between his brows made people dare not underestimate him. It made people involuntarily feel awe.

Sui Long, having served in the military for many years, had naturally developed the ability to recognize people. His heart tightened: "Bone Forging stage, at least a Bone Forging late-stage martial artist."

Seeing Wei Zhuang's imposing manner, Sui Long secretly admired him. Just with the strength of the Bone Forging stage, even without a background, he would not be an unknown person.

He quickly adjusted his mentality, put on a smile, and personally went forward to greet him. "Brother Wei, your presence brings glory to the Sui manor. Please come with me, the banquet is ready, waiting for the honored guest to take their seat."

Wei Zhuang nodded slightly, his voice low and magnetic: "Brother Sui, you are too kind. I apologize for the late-night intrusion."

After speaking, the two walked side by side into the banquet hall.

During the banquet, the music flowed like a spring, melodious and elegant, adding a bit of poetry to the evening. The delicacies were dazzling, with a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste.

Sui Long and Wei Zhuang sat opposite each other, with exquisite dishes and fine wine placed in front of them, and a faint fragrance filled the air.

Sui Long smiled and raised his glass to Wei Zhuang: "Come, Mr. Wei Zhuang, this is the fine wine from the newly opened Mei Family Tavern in Fu City, called Autumn Sorrow, you must taste it!"

Wei Zhuang nodded slightly, also raised his glass, and lightly clinked glasses with Sui Long.

They both drank it in one gulp, then smiled at each other. Sui Long put down his glass and exclaimed: "Tonight is truly a beautiful night!"

Wei Zhuang nodded in agreement: "Yes, it is also Wei's honor to spend this night with Young Master Sui."

Sui Long skillfully guided the topic, showing himself while also subtly probing.

Wei Zhuang also understood that the Hong Sect had used an unknown tiger skin when it started, but it didn't matter. As long as there were real benefits, it didn't matter what was said. He would respond to all changes with constancy.

Moreover, the person in front of him was just a Bone Forging initial-stage martial artist. With his personal strength alone, he wouldn't retreat in front of him.

When talking about areas he didn't understand, Wei Zhuang simply said: "I'm just a small pawn who follows orders, I don't know much else," and brushed it off.

Little did he know that this silent, unassuming humility gave Sui Long a great shock, making Sui Long seem to see the unfathomable darkness behind Wei Zhuang.

After dealing with it for a while, Wei Zhuang began to complain: "We, the Hong Sect, have been instructed to expand outward. Recently, we want to make some achievements in Fu City. The main family wants to help General Sui in Fu City. I wonder if the General is interested?"

As soon as Sui Long heard that the main event was coming, he immediately perked up: "Brother Wei Zhuang, please speak freely."

"Our people have recently found some clues about the Red Lotus Sect rebels, which are actually related to the Lin family. I wonder if General Sui can lend a hand?"