Chapter 1519

Hu Xiaotian and Long Xi Yue, along with several others, went back to discuss a plan; he let Xia Zhangming and those few warriors stay to rest, since several people were injured and the excuse was sufficient—they could also keep watch outside just in case the situation changed. Xia Zhangming's beast-taming technique could be useful at a critical moment.

Moreover, it seems the main guest of honor at today's banquet is me; Qin Bowen clearly came prepared. According to Hu Xiaotian's opinion, Long Xi Yue shouldn't go, but she couldn't rest easy and insisted on going with him.

Although Long Xi Yue was dressed in male attire, outsiders could tell at a glance she was a woman. The two arrived outside the Hall of Benevolence and Righteousness, only to see the inside already brightly lit. Long Xi Yue said, "Please, Master Wu!" Recalling Yan Nujiao's introduction of him just earlier, she couldn't help but laugh.

Hu Xiaotian said, "How should I introduce this handsome young gentleman later on?"

Long Xi Yue laughed, "You are Wu Neng, then I am Wu Yong."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Anyone can tell at a glance you're a girl; you can't fool those old hands of the martial world."

Long Xi Yue said, "You mean they might already know our identities?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Quite possible. Qin Bowen is the chief strategist of Heavenly Wolf Mountain; he wouldn't act lightly. Since Nujiao introduced me this way, we can only go along with it and play it by ear tonight."

Long Xi Yue said, "It's fine; Nujiao will definitely be on our side." She had full confidence in Yan Nujiao, seeing that she would rather sacrifice herself than harm Hu Xiaotian.

Although Hu Xiaotian also thought she was right, Yan Nujiao seemed afraid of her father; he didn't know what kind of temperament Yan Kui had. A bandit who could roam the borders of Xichuan for so many years certainly wasn't an ordinary person, so it was wise to be extra cautious of Yan Kui.

Hu Xiaotian is by nature fearless; his original idea to detour around Heavenly Wolf Mountain wasn't out of fear of Yan Kui, but to avoid unnecessary trouble. Now that the situation has come to a head and avoidance is no longer possible, he can only face it resolutely. Even if things develop to the worst, he could rely on his own martial skill to restrain Yan Kui, thereby achieving the goal of breaking the siege. Yan Kui this time brought over a hundred people; even adding the two hundred-plus who previously helped them escape the wolf pack, the total doesn't exceed four hundred, and there aren't many experts among them. Even if a conflict occurs, breaking out would not be difficult.

Yan Nujiao had already changed into the typical attire of the Black Miao Tribe, wearing exquisite silver ornaments. Her colorful short skirt and a pair of crystal-clear, jade-like beautiful legs were unabashedly exposed; even Long Xi Yue blushed at the sight, secretly thinking she really dared to wear it. Actually, this differs from local ethnic customs.

Yan Nujiao approached them, the silver ornaments on her body jingling. Long Xi Yue praised, "Little sister Nujiao, this outfit of yours is really pretty."

Yan Nujiao laughed, "If you like it, sister, I'll prepare a set for you later." She came up to Hu Xiaotian, lowered her voice, and said, "I suspect my father may have guessed your identity. Later, watch my expression and act accordingly."

Hu Xiaotian looked around, lowered his voice, and said, "Your father wouldn't poison the food and drink, would he?"

Yan Nujiao gave him a white-eye look: "My father always conducts himself openly and honorably. He's not the sort you described; even if he wanted to deal with you, he'd do it openly and aboveboard."

Hu Xiaotian gave a hehe laugh: "A notorious mountain king actually acting openly and honorably? I don't believe it! I wouldn't believe it even if you beat me to death."

The two followed Yan Nujiao into the Hall of Benevolence and Righteousness. Inside, long tables had already been set. Yan Nujiao led them to face Yan Kui, whose appearance was formidable. Hu Xiaotian had thought he would be difficult to get along with, but unexpectedly he proved quite amiable, laughing loudly as he rose and clasped his hands toward Hu Xiaotian and Long Xi Yue, saying, "Honored guests, you have come far; my poor welcome is my fault—I hope you will forgive any shortcomings."

Hu Xiaotian also hadn't expected that this rough-looking man's every move would be refined and courteous. Reflecting, he realized Yan Kui was of the Bohai royal clan, naturally different from ordinary mountain bandits who rob and plunder. As the saying goes, "If you respect me a foot, I'll respect you tenfold." Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply with clasped hands: "Junior Wu Neng pays respects to Chief Yan!" Long Xi Yue followed suit, bowing and saying, "Junior Wu Yong pays respects to Chief Yan!"

The name Wu Neng was actually given to him by Yan Nujiao; hearing it herself, she couldn't help but want to laugh—who would name their child Wu Neng and Wu Yong?

Yan Kui chuckled, "Wu Neng, Wu Yong! Good names, good names—modest and humble!"

Hu Xiaotian sensed there was more behind his words and also laughed, "Since childhood my parents taught me to keep a low profile in life but aim high in deeds!"

Yan Kui said, "The parents of the two Master Wus must be people of great wisdom and virtue; if the chance arises, I must certainly have you introduce me to them."

Hu Xiaotian said, "I'm afraid there won't be that chance."

Yan Kui blinked in surprise.

Hu Xiaotian accompanied with a smile, "Our parents have already passed away."

Yan Kui nodded, sighed, and said, "Then it was my fault to ask. Please, sit down! Take the seat of honor!"

Seeing Yan Kui treat him so courteously made Hu Xiaotian feel a bit embarrassed; although Yan Kui was a mountain king, after all he was a landlord and also Yan Nujiao's father, and in his presence Hu Xiaotian was the junior, so he had to observe propriety.

After everyone was seated, Yan Kui rose, lifted his wine bowl, and said, "Friends who have come from afar, brothers, today I, Yan, have set up this banquet: first, to welcome Xin Sheng and his two brothers joining our Heavenly Wolf Mountain; second, to give a warm welcome to Nujiao's friends."

Hu Xiaotian secretly wondered, Who is this Xin Sheng? He seems even more important than us? He looked over and saw the young man seated to Yan Kui's right rise; the youth was handsome and fair-skinned, and respectfully said, "Chief, you are overpraising Xin Sheng—what virtue or ability does he have to earn such great favor from you?"

Yan Kui burst out laughing, patted Ma Xin Sheng on the shoulder, and said, "If it weren't for Xin Sheng's help, I would have nearly suffered a major setback in Xizhou this time—he is my lifesaver!"

Ma Xin Sheng humbly said, "Chief, you overpraise me; Xin Sheng hasn't really helped at all—it's only because the chief possesses boundless good fortune that he can turn danger into safety."

At this moment Yan Nujiao finally learned that her father had encountered danger while out, and her heart involuntarily filled with concern.

Yan Kui raised his cup and drank with everyone, then after sitting down he said to the assembly, "I still have one matter I wish to announce." He smiled narrowly at Yan Nujiao and said, "I intend to betroth Nujiao to Xin Sheng as his wife; what do you think?"

Yan Nujiao's phoenix eyes widened in shock; she never imagined her father would publicly say such a thing, and beforehand he had never consulted her opinion.

Before Yan Nujiao could speak, Ma Xin Sheng rose and said, "Chief, how could Xin Sheng be worthy of the young lady?"

Yan Kui said, "Ah! With your dignified appearance and upright character, plus having saved my life, how could you not be suitable? Heroes don't ask about origins; we people of the martial world need not nitpick over such trivialities."

Yan Nujiao involuntarily glanced at Hu Xiaotian; Hu Xiaotian too was choked by the wine upon hearing the news, coughing repeatedly and nearly losing his breath. Yan Nujiao bit her lip and said, "I refuse!"

The hall, which had been lively, fell silent at once; everyone had been preparing to step forward to congratulate the couple, but they hadn't expected Yan Nujiao to publicly reject her father.

Yan Kui's face instantly darkened, becoming grim and frightening; his previous smile vanished completely, and he coldly asked, "What did you say?"

"I refuse!" Yan Nujiao replied clearly and unequivocally.

Yan Kui shouted in anger, "Nonsense! By the order of parents and the word of matchmakers, you are my daughter—I certainly can decide for you!"

Yan Nujiao retorted angrily, "Although I am your daughter, I am not your property; you cannot just give me away to whomever you please—I have the freedom to choose!"

Ma Xin Sheng wanted to interject: "Chief—"

But Yan Kui bellowed, cutting him off: "Shut up!"

Ma Xin Sheng was terribly embarrassed.

Yan Kui pointed at his daughter and said, "Why are you unwilling? Xin Sheng, whether in character, appearance, martial skill, or literary talent, lacks nothing that would make him unworthy of you; moreover, he saved my life, and as my daughter you ought to repay the kindness."

Having reached this point, Yan Nujiao threw caution to the wind and shouted, "He saved your life—did he save mine too? If you want to repay the favor, you should marry him yourself; why drag me into it?"

Everyone hearing this tried not to laugh, but dared not laugh in front of Yan Kui; each turned away, struggling to keep a straight face. Yet someone in the hall did burst out laughing—when they turned toward the sound, they saw it was Hu Xiaotian.

Hu Xiaotian's laugh drew everyone's attention; Yan Kui glared at him, furious, and demanded, "Master Wu, why are you laughing? What's there to laugh about?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Sorry, sorry… I just couldn't help myself…" Then he laughed again.

Yan Kui widened his eyes; even Yan Nujiao was stunned, thinking, "You're just adding trouble—my father has a bad temper, he already suspected you, and now you're making him suspect you even more."

Yan Kui coldly said, "Master Wu, if you have something to say, go ahead and speak."

Hu Xiaotian laughed until tears nearly welled up: "Your family affairs… as an outsider I really shouldn't pry… actually, Chief, you shouldn't have brought this up… in front of us…"

Yan Kui said, "Since you've heard it, you might as well share your opinion." He didn't fly into a rage.

Hu Xiaotian said, "If I were to speak, Miss Yan's words also make sense: grudges and debts have their sources; in this world, whether seeking revenge or repaying kindness, one must find the proper target. Following your logic, Chief, if an old lady had saved Miss Yan, and she wished to repay the favor by giving you to that old lady as a husband, would you be willing?"

"Uh…" Yan Kui was left speechless by the question.

Hu Xiaotian said, "According to your reasoning, Chief, you would certainly be willing."

Those around, hearing this, admired the young man's boldness, and many could not help but laugh out loud.

Yan Kui said, "By the order of parents and the word of matchmakers, I can decide for her, but she cannot decide for me." Feeling he had the upper hand in argument, he smugly glanced at Hu Xiaotian and said, "It seems your parents gave you that name for a deeper reason after all." Having gained the verbal advantage, he elicited applause, and everyone burst out laughing in unison.

Second chapter delivered, as agreed five chapters, today still owe Three More, wait for Zhangyu to finish writing, then open a Single Chapter to chat! (To be continued~^~)