Liu Yi took a deep breath. Patience! he thought.

He then noticed the group of middle-aged men gathered in the alley. Judging by their builds and demeanors, Liu Yi knew they were also Martial Artists, likely here to visit the young Grandmaster. He recognized many of them; their skills varied, including Pseudo Grandmasters, Masters, and even some ordinary Martial Artists. Regardless, these individuals were all representatives from various sects and factions. In this era, many factions were reduced to a single surviving heir, so not every faction necessarily had a master. Clearly, these representatives had all come to pay their respects to the newly ascended Grandmaster.

When did Shishi have such a prominent figure? How did I not know anything about this? The more Liu Yi pondered, the stranger it seemed, and he decided to approach them for a chat.

However, before he could make a move, Wu Yougui suddenly stretched out a hand, stopping him. "Hold on."

Liu Yi looked up, baffled. He saw Wu Yougui retract his hand, straighten his clothes, smooth his hair, and compose his facial expression.

Wang Hua, his eyes judgmental, admonished Liu Yi, "Old Liu, what do you think you're doing? Have you no sense of propriety? This isn't a task for you. If you mess it up and embarrass yourself in front of everyone, how can we possibly face Grandmaster Zhang?"

Having berated Liu Yi, Wang Hua instantly changed his tune, grinning at Wu Yougui. "Mr. Wu, you are the most senior and the strongest among us. Only you are qualified to communicate with this new Grandmaster. We're counting on you!"

"Hmm, I know!" Wu Yougui nodded and walked forward.

As for Liu Yi, after Wang Hua's tirade, he stared at Wang Hua's obsequious, fawning smile and silently cursed Wang Hua's mother. These dogs! Playing their parts so well, implying roundabout that I'm unqualified. Fine, fine, so this is how you want to play it! Just you two wait! Liu Yi fumed inwardly, stewing by himself.

Meanwhile, Wu Yougui walked up behind the crowd and tapped one of them on the shoulder.

Huo Xin had been racking his brains, trying to figure out how to squeeze to the front and what to say to make an impression and connect with Grandmaster Zhang. The sudden tap completely derailed his train of thought. Annoyed, Huo Xin frowned and turned, ready to snap. But when he saw Wu Yougui's face, he froze, then said in surprise, "Grandmaster Wu, you're here too?"

He found it odd. He knew Grandmaster Wu was from Dongshan Province and, by rights, shouldn't need to make such a visit. It was like when Wu Yougui himself had become a Grandmaster recently; people from Huo Xin's Northern River Province hadn't gone to pay respects either—the same principle applied.

"Heh, naturally, I'm here to see Grandmaster Zhang," Wu Yougui said. "What's the situation here? Why is everyone crowded around? Is Grandmaster Zhang not home?" Due to the throng of people in front, Wu Yougui couldn't see what was happening inside and could only guess based on the scene before him.

"Grandmaster Zhang? Grandmaster Zhang is right here!" Huo Xin exclaimed upon learning Wu Yougui's purpose. "Everyone, please make way! Grandmaster Wu has arrived!" Although the other man was a Grandmaster from a different province, he was still a Grandmaster and deserved respect wherever he went. Huo Xin dared not be disrespectful.

Hearing his shout, the crowd surrounding Zhang Beixing, all vying to curry favor, paused in surprise. They turned and indeed recognized Wu Yougui, the one they'd recently heard had just been promoted to Grandmaster. They quickly parted, clearing a path for him.

It was not until then that Wu Yougui finally saw Zhang Beixing. Confirming that this was indeed the young man who had broken through to the Grandmaster Realm at the mere age of twenty-one, a brilliant smile bloomed on Wu Yougui's usually stern face. He hurried forward a couple of steps, eager to offer a warm greeting. Zhang Beixing, in turn, also began walking in their direction, as if he had noticed Wu Yougui and was coming to personally welcome him.

Seeing this, the smile on Wu Hegui's face broadened even further. Indeed, Grandmasters cherish Grandmasters, and heroes appreciate heroes. Only among Grandmasters is there a common language!

"Grandmaster Zhang—" Wu Hegui began, stepping forward.

But before Wu Yougui could get another word out, Zhang Beixing, whose gaze had gone past him, let out a soft exclamation, "Master?"

Zhang Beixing then brushed past the bewildered Wu Hegui—who now seemed like a complete stranger to him—and walked straight to Liu Yi, who stood nearby. Taking Liu Yi's arm, Zhang Beixing asked with concern, "Master, what are you doing here? Oh, you came without telling me! If you'd let me know, I would have come to pick you up. I remember you were injured a while ago. How's your recovery been? Are you all healed?"

Hearing Zhang Beixing's words, Liu Yi was stunned. He looked blankly from Zhang Beixing to Wu Hegui, who stood frozen in place, his hand still half-extended, grasping at empty air.

BOOM!

In that instant, Liu Yi felt as if his head had exploded, his eyes glazing over.

How strangely satisfying!

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