Chapter 264

Sui Mansion

Sui Ran was pacing anxiously in the main hall, his heart filled with anticipation and nervousness. That White Glove with quite the background was about to arrive at the Prefecture City and pay a visit to his cousin.

This news made Sui Ran incredibly excited, as he believed this might be an important opportunity for his cousin. Meanwhile, sitting in the main seat was a man with a burly build, a resolute face, and a calm temperament.

He looked quite similar to Sui Ran, his back held straight, his actions methodical, yet his expression appeared even more composed and at ease.

While calmly drinking tea, he watched his cousin pacing back and forth and said with a smile, "The one coming isn't the master behind them, so what are you in such a rush for?"

Sui Ran stopped his steps, a glow of both excitement and nervousness flickering in his eyes; he took a deep breath, struggling to calm his slightly rapid breathing.

"Brother, that may be so, but this White Glove is the eyes of that great family out in the world. If we can gain his favor, won't our Sui Family's status in the Prefecture City rise with the tide?"

Sui Long smiled slightly, set down the teacup in his hand, and a trace of imperceptible depth flashed through his eyes.

"What you see is the superficial glory, but I care more about the hidden meaning behind it.

The way this great family acts has always been unfathomable; if we blindly cater to them, I fear we will lose our own backbone and bottom line.

Furthermore, we are only in an Ordinary trading relationship. If we want to go further, we must know who is behind him. If it is a powerful clan we cannot afford to provoke, it would be better for us to protect our own interests."

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

"Naturally not." Sui Long stood up, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked at the bamboo leaves swaying in the wind in the courtyard outside the window, his tone peaceful yet firm. "I have prepared a small banquet; I do not seek luxury, but elegance, so as to show our Sui Family's hospitality without losing our integrity. You go and prepare; ensure every detail is perfect. We shall take the opportunity to probe him."

Hearing this, Sui Ran felt a surge of energy and hurriedly replied, "Yes, Brother, I will go arrange it now. I will definitely make that Wei Zhuang see our Sui Family's sincerity and strength!"

Following Sui Ran's departure, Sui Long sat down again, closing his eyes in contemplation. This meeting was not just a simple matter of receiving a guest, but an important turning point for the future fate of the Sui Family.

Being able to steadily provide Snow Salt, a contraband item not found on the market, for over a year, shows that there is indeed someone behind them.

Sui Long had also given Snow Salt to his former classmate, and that well-informed classmate who served in the imperial court had explicitly stated that no other place had such good things.

This had also made Sui Long wonder why the other party insisted on trading such contraband in that small county.

Yet, after thinking it over, for the sake of the gleaming silver, Sui Long was willing to pretend not to know and provide cover for the other party.

Ever since getting on the fast track of Snow Salt, Sui Long's stagnant Martial Dao had also made a breakthrough; he had finally broken through the barrier of Blood Refining Perfection and achieved initial success in Bone Refining. The benefits of silver were truly tangible.

Now that the other party wanted to come and pay a visit, Sui Long began to take it seriously. If they were a paper tiger, they would be punctured at a single touch.

If they truly had the backing, then how to demonstrate the Sui Family's strength and qualifications while remaining neither servile nor overbearing was the issue he cared about most at this moment.

The ancestors of the Sui Family had produced great figures, but unfortunately, the descendants were not up to the task. Now, only he and his cousin Sui Ran could support the facade.

To bring glory to the family name—this was Sui Long's lifelong goal.

As night fell, the Sui Mansion was brightly lit. This banquet, carefully prepared for a special guest, was a private one, yet it did not lack solemnity and refinement.

Sui Long and Sui Ran stood at the entrance of the main hall, their eyes following the figure slowly walking in, each harboring their own speculations.

The current Hong Sect Leader, Wei Zhuang—this white-haired yet imposing guest.

The striking white hair draped over his shoulders, and his knife-carved features added a sense of aloofness and coldness to Wei Zhuang.

Every step he took seemed to tread on an invisible beat, causing the surrounding air to solidify. His pitch-black robe appeared even more profound under the reflection of the lights, much like his eyes that could peer into the human heart.

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

Sui Long had been in the military for many years and had naturally cultivated the ability to judge people and things. His heart tightened: "Bone Refining Stage, at least a Martial Artist at the Bone Refining Late Stage."

Seeing Wei Zhuang's imposing manner, Sui Long sighed in admiration to himself. With the strength of the Bone Refining Realm, even without a background, this person would not be a nobody.

He quickly adjusted his mindset, wore a smile, and personally stepped forward to welcome him. "Brother Wei, your arrival makes the Sui Mansion shine. Please, follow me. The banquet is prepared, waiting only for the honored guest to take his seat."

Wei Zhuang nodded slightly, his voice low and magnetic: "Brother Sui is too kind. Disturbing you late at night, I hope you will forgive me." After speaking, the two walked side by side into the banquet hall.

During the meal, the music flowed like a spring, melodious yet elegant, adding a touch of poetry to the banquet. The delicacies were dazzling, appealing to the eyes, nose, and palate.

Sui Long and Wei Zhuang sat opposite each other, with exquisite delicacies and fine wine placed before them, and a faint fragrance permeating the air.

Sui Long smiled and raised his wine cup, signaling to Wei Zhuang: "Come, Mr. Wei Zhuang, this is fine wine from the newly opened Mei Family Tavern in the Prefecture City, called Autumn Sorrow. You must have a good taste!"

Wei Zhuang nodded slightly, also raised his wine cup, and clinked it gently with Sui Long's.

The two drank it in one gulp, then looked at each other and smiled. Sui Long set down his cup and remarked with emotion: "Tonight is truly a wonderful night!"

Wei Zhuang nodded in agreement: "Indeed, it is also an honor for me to spend this night with Young Master Sui."

Sui Long skillfully guided the conversation, showcasing himself while also not forgetting to probe in his words.

Wei Zhuang also understood that when the Hong Sect started, they had used the name of an unnamed tiger, but it did not matter. As long as there were tangible benefits, it didn't matter what was said; he would meet all changes with constancy.

Furthermore, the person before him was only a Martial Artist at the Bone Refining Initial Stage; he would not retreat before him based on personal strength alone.

When the topic turned to areas he did not understand, Wei Zhuang used the line, "I am just a small pawn following orders, I don't know much else," to brush it off.

Little did he know that this silent, plain humility gave Sui Long a great shock, making Sui Long feel as if he had seen the unfathomable darkness behind Wei Zhuang.

After dealing with the pleasantries, Wei Zhuang began to complain: "Our Hong Sect has been ordered to expand outward. Recently, we want to achieve some results in the Prefecture City. The main family wants to help General Sui in the Prefecture City; I wonder if the General is interested?"

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

"Our people recently discovered traces of the Red Lotus Sect rebels, and it actually involves the Lin Mansion. I wonder if General Sui could lend a hand?"

(The Brave Cavalry Lieutenant — Sui Long)