Chapter 178: and translation of chapter title

After taking his seat, Ouyang Feng showed unusual enthusiasm, looking at Huang Lao Xie, Yi Deng, and Hong Qi, he laughed and said:

"Medicine Brother, Duan Brother, Seven Brother, we brothers parted at Hua Shan many years ago and haven't met since; today, as brothers, we simply must not get drunk and not return!"

Subsequently, without even checking whether the table's host, Niu Dingtian, had spoken, he directly filled his own cup, raised it toward the three, and said: "My skills back then were nowhere near yours; now, after years of neglect, I'm certainly still inferior. We four brothers have long been separated and now reunited—I, the younger brother, will first drink as a sign of respect!"

Having said that, his gloomy eyes glanced furtively at Niu Dingtian, then he directly tipped his head back and drained the cup in one gulp.

After savoring it carefully, he again laughed heartily at Niu Dingtian and praised: "Sect Leader Niu, fine wine!"

Seeing this, Huang Lao Xie, Yi Deng, and Hong Qi exchanged a glance, all feeling astonished—this old poisoner had never been so humble before.

Perhaps because even evildoers fear other evildoers, he has always addressed this righteous-yet-evil lord, Huang Lao Xie, as brothers, never provoking him.

Toward Yi Deng, he puts on a courteous facade, but behind the scenes he will seize any chance to trip him up, striking when the opportunity arises without mercy.

But toward Hong Qi, the Beggar Clan chief, he makes no effort to hide it—constantly calling him "old beggar" to his face, and his attitude whenever they meet is simply: I look down on you.

Therefore, regarding Ouyang Feng's sudden show of cordiality, Hong Qi, though broad-minded, knows it's certainly a weasel paying New Year's respects to a chicken—absolutely no good intentions.

He then opened the wine gourd at his waist, peered inside with one eye, shook it hard a few times, and pretended not to have seen anything.

Yi Deng saw this, smiled, and seeing Niu Dingtian merely sitting opposite, smilingly gazing, he slowly lifted his tea bowl in return, chuckling as he said: "As a monk who has already entered the empty gate, it's inconvenient for me to drink alcohol; I can only offer tea in lieu of wine to return your respect, Ouyang Brother."

Huang Lao Xie's eyes flickered slightly as he raised his wine cup and lightly laughed: "Brother Peak, you're too modest—everyone in the martial world knows that the Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar's martial arts are equal in weight, their strength matched."

"You've spent many years in the Western Regions—what fierce skills have you picked up? At the martial arts discussion in a couple days, show us a bit."

Having said that, he drained it in one gulp.

Yi Deng shook his head, smiled, and also finished the tea in his hand.

Seeing this scene, Niu Dingtian smiled faintly, rubbing the wine cup in his hand, his eyes inscrutable.

The Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar—after all, they are old friends of many years.

If he weren't acquainted with Yi Deng and also had an additional connection with Huang Lao Xie, then if he truly tried to kill Ouyang Feng today, the other party would only need to feign misery and beg for help, and those few would certainly step forward to block him.

Not to mention Huang Lao Xie, if a longtime rival who had been contending for supremacy suddenly softened and begged him, he would certainly lend a hand.

Yi Deng, by nature kind-hearted, although aware that Ouyang Feng bears him ill will, has spent these years only saving lives and truly never killed anyone; should the other's life be in danger, he would certainly not stand by idly.

Although Hong Qi and Ouyang Feng have some verbal and face-related disputes, given his character, if the other begged for help at a life-or-death moment, he would undoubtedly intervene.

This overflowing will to survive… but truly, he is extremely crafty, borrowing influence with effortless ease.

Niu Dingtian thought silently.

After Huang Lao Xie and Yi Deng each set down their wine cup and tea bowl, seeing Hong Qi still feigning indifference, Ouyang Feng's face involuntarily darkened.

But he well knows Hong Qi's temperament is firm and his actions resolute; if he truly gave him a cold shoulder, today would likely backfire.

Moreover, seeing Niu Dingtian's aloof demeanor, Ouyang Feng's eyes flashed, and he promptly laughed aloud: "Back when I learned that the Sect Leader Niu had crippled Brother Seven's martial arts, I found myself in a dilemma."

His words were somewhat loud, so inevitably someone at a nearby table paused mid-drink or chopsticks, turning an ear to listen.

Ouyang Feng, seeing this, continued to laugh and said:

"On one hand, I admire the martial prowess of Sect Leader Niu—you know, aside from the Chongyang True Person, we four brothers fought for days and nights without anyone prevailing. Thus, upon learning of such a young expert as Sect Leader Niu, I truly wished to rush to the Central Plains to make his acquaintance."

By the time he said that, Hong Qi's face had already darkened slightly; Niu Dingtian saw this and gave Ouyang Feng a teasing, half-smile glance.

Ouyang Feng showed no embarrassment on his face, thinking to himself that, after all, he and this surnamed Niu are well acquainted, and he wasn't speaking for his benefit anyway.

He then continued: "On the other hand, I have been brothers with Brother Seven for many years; although we often have verbal spats, we are all frank and straightforward, so our genuine feelings remain. For such an unfortunate matter, I naturally also feel anguish and sigh—how could I dare still harbor thoughts of befriending Sect Leader Niu?"

"Fortunately, I heard this morning that Brother Seven's strength has already recovered, so my troubled heart can finally be set at ease."

"I don't know how Brother Seven's injury is now—has it fully healed? If not, brother I brought back plenty of healing elixirs from the Western Regions; Brother Seven, feel free to try them."

Having said that, Ouyang Feng's expression unchanged, he put on a show of concern and looked toward Hong Qi.

He didn't truly expect this old beggar to believe his words; he merely wanted, in front of the crowd, to reopen the wound and stir up the old beggar's grudge against Sect Leader Niu.

To be able to roam the Western Regions for decades, he, the "Western Poison" Ouyang Feng, relies on more than just martial arts and poison.

Upon hearing this, how could Hong Qi not know Ouyang Feng's intent? Exposing his sore point before everyone, he originally wanted to retort, but ultimately mindful of the occasion, he immediately raised his head and chuckled: "An old beggar shouldn't be called 'Brother Seven' by the Old Poison; it's more natural to be called Hong Qi the old beggar. As for the elixir, keep it for yourself—this old beggar still hopes to live a few more years."

"Amitabha."

Yi Deng suddenly interjected, chanting a Buddhist invocation.

After a moment's contemplation, his gaze turned to Niu Dingtian and Hong Qi, and he spoke solemnly: "As a monk, I also know a bit about that past grudge; I won't inquire into the details."

"Although Brother Seven is upright and chivalrous, at heart he is somewhat frivolous and worldly; I and Medicine Brother know that even if he had a monumental affair, he would merely let his subordinates in the Beggar Clan handle it themselves, making it hard not to be deceived."

"I also know that Layman Niu is not truly vicious; back then he was merely in his youthful prime, inevitably hot-blooded, and furthermore his heart was set on his beloved, which caused the conflict."

"Fortunately, Brother Seven has enjoyed good fortune—his martial arts have not only fully recovered but, turning misfortune into blessing, have improved further. Therefore, I, the monk, will boldly act as intermediary here, hoping the two can shake hands and make peace."

"What do you two think?"

These words were spoken with extraordinary sincerity; after finishing, Yi Deng looked expectantly at Niu Dingtian and Hong Qi. He largely understood Ouyang Feng's motive, but even if the other didn't pick a fight, he also intended to seize an opportunity in the near future to raise this matter.

Not to mention that one is his longtime friend and the other now has a marital tie to him; judging solely by their current statuses, if this thorn remains lodged in their hearts, their disciples will inevitably clash frequently in the future.

Such a situation is certainly not what he wishes.

Upon hearing Yi Deng's words, Huang Lao Xie also couldn't help but nod in agreement, saying: "Brother Duan is right—grievances should be resolved, not perpetuated. Since we can sit together today and drink, we shouldn't waste this fine immortal's brew; let's just get drunk and settle our grudges, letting past resentments fade with the wine."

Seeing this, Ouyang Feng couldn't help but feel secret resentment, yet he didn't dare openly offend the two "old friends"; his thoughts shifted, and he instantly saw an opening to slip in a remark, so he hurriedly took up the conversation and laughed:

"What Brothers Duan and Medicine said makes sense; today is Sect Leader Niu's great joyous occasion, we must not let unpleasant matters spoil the festive air. Sect Leader Niu, being magnanimous, does not hold grudges against petty folk, nor does he treat my nephew as an equal—I am naturally grateful beyond measure."

Having said that, he paused, his eyes showing some hesitation, then decisively reached into his bosom and produced a silk box.

Slowly opening the lid, everyone saw that inside the silk lining lay a yellow sphere the size of a pigeon's egg, its color dark, resembling a pill.

Ouyang Feng pointed at the box and said to Niu Dingtian: "This 'Tongxi Earth Dragon Pill' is made from the body of an exotic beast from the Western Regions, and I have further refined it with special medicinal ingredients; worn on the body, it grants immunity to all poisons, and it is the only one of its kind under heaven."

"I originally intended to keep it to pass on to my future niece-in-law, but today I will also offer it as compensation to Sect Leader Niu; Sect Leader Niu might also let my nephew come forward to offer a cup of wine as an apology."

Saying this, Ouyang Feng handed the silk box to Niu Dingtian.

Thus, for he also feared that Niu Dingtian would accept several chests of treasure only to turn around and deny him later.

For now, he can only seize the opportunity to first get his hands on his son; afterward, as long as he stays near the two "good friends," he will at least make Niu Dingtian wary to some extent.

"Indeed, it's still more worthwhile to keep Ouyang Ke; if used properly, the benefits will keep flowing." Seeing this, Niu Dingtian couldn't help but think.

He can keep Ouyang Ke, mainly to restrain Ouyang Feng.

With such a grandmaster expert present, if one day they want to use him, they only need to expend some effort on Ouyang Ke, which is more cost‑effective than killing the opponent.

But the Six‑Yang Divine Skill can only be tallied up in detail later.

Thinking of this, Niu Dingtian cheerfully took the brocade box and handed it to the nearby Fentian.

"Mr. Ouyang's intention, I, Niu, will not decline. I still need to trouble the Vice Patriarch to make a quick trip to invite Young Master Ouyang over."

Having said that, he gave Fentian a meaningful glance; Fentian understood, took the brocade box, and left the banquet.

Then Niu Dingtian looked toward Yideng and said, "To have Master Yideng's mediation, I am deeply grateful. That Leader Hong Qi Gong could set aside past grievances and accept the invitation tonight also saves face for me."

He then raised his cup toward Hong Qi Gong and said, "Back then I was indeed young and full of vigor; had I been able to speak calmly a few words, perhaps it would not have ended with fists and kicks."

"Regardless of who was right or wrong in the cause, I apologize to Leader Hong for my past actions."

After speaking, he drained the wine in his cup.

Since Master Yideng and the old father‑in‑law have spoken, lingering any further would only cause loss of face; no matter what Hong Qi Gong thinks, Niu Dingtian feels his own bearing is sufficient.

Moreover, the one at a loss is not himself; now he cannot kill without cause, and he does not wish a grandmaster to bear a grudge against him daily.

And regarding why Hong Qi Gong's power has recovered, Niu Dingtian is also eager to find out, since he himself lacks that ability.

Hong Qi Gong's eyes held a hint of complexity.

Saying there is no hatred is false, yet if he truly tried to hate, he could not bring himself to do so. He can allow others to hold a grudge against him, but finds it hard to bear a grudge himself.

That is his nature.

Speaking of it, Hong Qi Gong has not done few deeds of repaying grievances with virtue over the years; if he truly were a grudging person, he would not have been able, before death, to smile and settle the feud with Ouyang Feng after being targeted and harmed countless times.

"If an apology is to be made, it should be me, Old Beggar," Hong Qi Gong said after a moment of silence, shaking his head with a wry smile.

"Brother Duan is right; Old Beggar is frivolous and world‑weary, loves leisure and good food, and has always been too lazy to meddle in matters big or small."

"Had it not been so, the Beggar Sect would not have produced some miscreants over the years, and some disciples' deeds would not have embarrassed Old Beggar to the point of being unable to speak of them."

"It is my Beggar Sect that has let down the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan, that has let down the former Leader Liu Duo! Old Beggar apologizes here!"

Having said that, Hong Qi Gong's face showed guilt; he raised his cup in a distant toast to Niu Dingtian and then drained it.

"Well! Brother Seven, such a magnanimous heart!"

Ouyang Feng saw this, his eyes flickered slightly, and without waiting for Yideng and Huang Lao Xie to speak, he quickly clapped his hands in praise.

But when one savors those words, they always feel somewhat off.

Hong Qi Gong knew he intended to mock, cast a sidelong glance and ignored him, poured himself a cup, and began drinking with Huang Lao Xie.

"Mr. Ouyang has indeed been generous today," Niu Dingtian said with a smile to defuse the situation, noting that for such a magnanimous host, one must look after his face a bit. Give and take, and later one can prosper.

As he spoke, Niu Dingtian lifted his cup toward Ouyang Feng, smiling, and said, "I toast Mr. Ouyang with a cup; if you have free time in the future, you should often come to Nine Palace Mountain for a visit."

"I'm done! Mr. Ouyang, feel free!"

"Sss—"

Under Ouyang Feng's faintly suppressed glare, Niu Dingtian heartily drained his cup. (End of chapter)