When Hou Yuxiao turned around, a faint unusual gleam flickered in his eyes as he brought Shen Guyun to Shen Gufan, bowing and saying, "Family Head Shen need not worry. Although I detained Shen Guyun for a few days, I have not inflicted any punishment on him. Once he wakes, you can ask him."
Shen Gufan waved his hand and spoke modestly, "Guyun had an old friendship with Ke Jiangyun. Last month, when he said he wanted to go to Yangping, I advised him not to get involved in the affairs of Fengbo Hall, but he wouldn't listen. Since it was his fault to begin with, being taught a lesson is no one else's fault. Master Hou, that you spared his life, I am endlessly grateful."
At this point, he paused, then with a troubled expression, he joined hands and continued, "By the way, Master Hou, I would like to inquire about Hall Master Ke. Guyun and Hall Master Ke shared a deep bond. If convenient, could you release Hall Master Ke? I assure you, I will keep them strictly in check from now on. Should they dare to cause trouble in Hexi again, I will personally clean house. Please be at ease, Master Hou!"
"Ke Jiangyun, this..."
Seeing Hou Yuxiao's troubled face, Shen Gufan thought there was a chance and immediately said, "Master Hou, please name your price."
Hou Yuxiao replied with a wry smile, "Family Head Shen thinks too much. It's not a matter of price. My fourth brother was too heavy-handed in Yangping County. Ke Jiangyun was already dead by the time he was brought back to Tongling. I truly regret it."
Upon hearing Hou Yuxiao's response, Shen Gufan's facial expression visibly stiffened for a moment, but he quickly adjusted and waved his hand in resignation, "No matter, if he's dead, then let it be."
Hou Yuxiao seemed to think nothing of it as he scanned the crowd around and laughed loudly, "Since you all have given me, Mr. Hou, face, I cannot be unappreciative. Today, I will host another banquet at Hou Mansion as a small gesture of hospitality. Everyone, please join us!"
In fact, Hou Yuduan's wedding banquet had concluded only three days prior, and Hou Yuxiao had already become acquainted with most of the people present, but the invitation now bore a different meaning. From this moment on, the Hou Clan had gained recognition from the four First-Class powers, the Shen Clan, and almost all influential forces within the four territories, becoming the rightful Lord of Hexi.
An invitation from the Lord of Hexi was, of course, an honor!
Seeing the high spirits and agreement from everyone, Hou Yuxiao felt pleased. He gestured to Wan Renjue and five others, and with them, along with a crowd following in pairs and threes, he headed towards Hou Mansion.
Since Hou Yuduan's wedding banquet had ended just a day before, it wasn't troublesome to host another. The banquet was ready for everyone upon their return, set to begin immediately.
At this banquet, Hou Yuxiao, leading Hou Yucheng and three others, received excessive praise from everyone. His face radiant, he formally joined Wan Renjue and the other five at a table, solidifying not just the status of the Hou Clan as the rulers of Hexi but also establishing their genuine First-Class status.
Of course, status was not the same as power!
In the end, what happened at Shengxin Residence merely showed all influential forces from the four territories the power of the five members of the Hou Clan, especially Hou Yuxiao's formidable ability to go head-to-head with Shen Gufan.
Whether the Hou Clan possessed First-Class power was still an unknown.
At the banquet, Shen Gufan, who had been seated, suddenly stood up, raised his cup towards Hou Yuxiao, and started to speak:
"To be frank, I, Mr. Shen, as the Head of the Shen Family, have achieved little over the years, in contrast to Master Hou who has developed the Hou Family to such an extent in just a few years. I had some doubts previously, hearing the reputation of the Double Dragons of the Hou Family, thinking the Hou Family was just lucky to have two true dragons, hence the good fortune!"
Here, he shook his head, his tone shifting as he continued, "Only after coming to Hexi did I realize that it's not just about Double Dragons; it's clearly about five fierce tigers descending the mountain. With these five tigers, the Hou Family is certain to prosper, and Hexi is far from the end for the Hou Clan. I dare to presume, to this toast to the Five Tigers of the Hou Clan, I shall drink first in respect!"
As everyone heard the phrase "Hexi is far from the end for the Hou Clan," their faces, already uneasy, froze slightly, and when the words "Five Tigers of Hou Clan" were spoken, a powerful emotion surged in their hearts.
Looking towards the five members of the Hou Family, a trace of wariness emerged in their eyes.
However, Hou Yuxiao remained unfazed and, along with Hou Yucheng and three others, stood up, lifted their cups, nodded toward Shen Gufan, and then together downed their wine.
"Although Hexi is small, it's enough for the Hou Family to thrive. Family Head Shen worries too much. After all, the Hou Clan is still under the Holy Church, and Hexi is merely being managed on behalf of the Holy Church. Everyone, rest assured, the business of expanding territories is not in our hearts, nor do we have the audacity for it!"