Chapter 23: The Victory Banquet

Having achieved such a significant victory, everyone was extremely happy. News of victory also arrived from the Chan Sect side, though they had lost one Third Generation Disciple who had fought to the death, suffering some losses. This did not mean the Jie Sect had suppressed the Chan Sect from the start; although the two sects were currently in an alliance and could not fight, they could certainly compete over this. Thinking of this, everyone was even happier.

After clearing the battlefield, Shen Gongbao said loudly, "To celebrate today's victory, we shall hold a victory banquet tonight; let us all enjoy ourselves." After all, sometimes it is necessary to let the soldiers relax appropriately.

Hearing Shen Gongbao's words, everyone cleaned up with even more enthusiasm.

By nightfall, the lights were brilliant, and victory banquets were set up throughout the entire city; truly, the sky was filled with armored soldiers.

The Wu State Imperial Palace.

The Eastern Earl, now the King of Wu, raised his wine cup and said to the outstanding disciples of the Jie Sect, "I thank you all for your support here. If not for your support, I would still be the Eastern Earl, at any moment likely to be framed by others and become a wronged soul under the tyrant King Zhou. Although it is uncertain who will win in the end, I can state with certainty here that even if this founding of the nation fails and I die, I have no regrets, for I have been glorious in this life."

"Your Majesty, that is too modest. With our Jie Sect's support, we will certainly defeat the other two sects and make you the sole emperor. Everyone, don't you agree?" Shen Gongbao said, full of confidence.

"Yes, Your Majesty, please rest assured. We will certainly defeat the other two sects and make you the sole emperor." The Jie Sect disciples, having heard the King of Wu's words, felt that this man was a real man worth supporting. Hearing the words of the State Preceptor, they all shouted out to express their determination and confidence.

The King of Wu was also very happy to hear the Jie Sect disciples say this and said to Shen Gongbao, "Thank you, State Preceptor, for your assistance. Today's battle was fought beautifully."

Hearing the King of Wu's words, Shen Gongbao repeatedly claimed he did not deserve the praise, saying, "Actually, the reason this victory was so easy is mainly due to the merit of Junior Nephew Yuan Hong. Without him using his formidable strength to sweep away the enemy's main generals, this battle could not have been a complete victory. Therefore, the greatest contributor to this battle is Junior Nephew Yuan Hong. Come, everyone, toast him a cup."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately raised their wine cups and said, "Senior Brother Yuan Hong truly had an unmatched demeanor today; to take the life of the Crow Spirit with just a few punches is truly divine martial prowess." Everyone was full of admiration for Yuan Hong's strength and spoke from the heart, only Anan wore a gloomy face. He had intended to use today's victory to wash away the shame of his defeat to Yuan Hong that day, but he had not expected that instead of showing his face, he had lost it, having been saved by Yuan Hong.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brothers. Good, today let us drink until we fall," Yuan Hong said, full of high spirits.

At this moment, a loud shout was suddenly heard: "Who is Yuan Hong? Nezha, under the tutelage of Taiyi Zhenren of the Chan Sect, has come to seek instruction."

Everyone frowned, thinking to themselves what was going on with the Chan Sect. It was clearly agreed upon in the alliance that as long as Buddhism had not been defeated, disciples of the sects could not fight each other. How could someone come to challenge them just one day after the alliance was formed?

Shen Gongbao knew what was going on as soon as he thought about it; it must have been Nezha who snuck out on his own. Jiang Ziya of the Chan Sect was a cautious person and would certainly not instigate his disciple to do such a thing.

Shen Gongbao had guessed correctly; Nezha had indeed snuck out. Today, when attacking the Shang Dynasty, his good friend Huang Tianhua had died in battle, and he was already feeling somewhat sad. Then, hearing that a Third Generation Disciple of the Jie Sect army had swept away the main generals of the Shang Dynasty, he developed a competitive spirit. Upon hearing that a victory banquet was being held, he immediately became furious, took his weapons, and snuck out, intending to defeat Yuan Hong to let them know that it was not the Chan Sect that was incompetent, but that the Shang Dynasty main generals they faced were powerful.

The Jie Sect disciples were naturally unwilling when they heard Nezha's words and all walked out on the spot. They saw a young boy wearing a bellyband, a golden ring around his neck, and holding a red spear in his hand. They knew this was Nezha, a master among the Third Generation Disciples of the three sects, but they had absolute confidence in Yuan Hong, so they prepared to watch a good show.

"Which one of you is Yuan Hong? Come and fight me, Nezha," Nezha said arrogantly, looking at the Jie Sect disciples who had walked out.

"Where did this little brat come from? You haven't even been weaned yet, and you dare to come here and act wild?" A monkey with six ears walked out from the crowd and said.

"Are you Yuan Hong? Do you dare to fight me?" Nezha had heard that Yuan Hong was a monkey, and seeing Liuer, he assumed it was Yuan Hong.

"Hmph, just based on you? You are worthy of fighting my Senior Brother? Watch me, Liuer, take care of you." Liuer said, displeased at Nezha's arrogant appearance.

"Fine, I will defeat you first, then defeat Yuan Hong. Come on, let's see what skills you have to challenge me here," Nezha said, still just as arrogant.

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Updating three chapters today has exhausted me. The previous three chapters were all over a thousand words, and now they are all over two thousand words. I hope everyone likes them. In addition, I hope everyone clicks to support; here, Death Beauty thanks you all.