Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Chapter 396: 201, Sending money (request for subscription!)_2

"Fifth Young Master is too kind, too kind!"

Ke Jiangyun and Yue Wenzhu, standing nearby and witnessing the scene, both visibly let a hint of darkness flash across their eyes. Hou Yuduan arrived later than Gao Haicheng, yet after merely a few words, he was chatting with him more fervently than with them, inevitably leaving them feeling upstaged.

Of course, they never liked the Gao Family to begin with...

In Hexi, there were only three second-rate powers among the three counties, with the rest being more than thirty third-tier powers, who theoretically should all be groveling at their feet. Yet exclusively the Gao Family of Lingyuan, including the Tianding Sect among their three families, consistently oppressed them. Despite the Gao Family's notable strength, under the joint suppressions of the three prominent second-rate powers, their life was naturally challenging.

Over the years, to say that Gao Haicheng held no grievances against them was something Yue Wenzhu and Ke Jiangyun would certainly not believe. The moment Gao Haicheng appeared, he began belittling their sect members as a way to curry favor with Hou Yuduan. Both being extremely perceptive, they immediately understood his intentions.

The Gao Family, this was an opportunity for them to turn the tables at this transfer of power in Hexi!

The subtle atmosphere among the three parties was fully observed by Hou Yuduan, a slight smile appearing on his face. After chatting idly with Gao Haicheng for a moment, he laughed heartily and said, "Now that all three of you are here, we can begin today's Hexi martial arts conference. Please take your seats!"

In fact, these three families were who he had been waiting for. The order of arrival generally signifies importance. Today, in the hall, thirty-five tables each represented a participating power; Fengbo Hall, Famed Sword Sect, and the Gao Family essentially represented the three strongest forces of Hexi. Their late arrival was to be expected.

As the three factions took their seats, Hou Yuduan also made his way up to the highest platform in the center.

As soon as Hou Yuduan ascended, the entire hall of Golden Wind and Drizzle Building immediately fell quiet. Everyone stopped whispering among themselves and focused their eyes on him.

The expressions of the crowd all carried a hint of solemnity.

With the transfer of power in Hexi, although these thirty-five significant powers had all explicitly surrendered, and the Demon Sect's army indeed did not deal them a lethal blow, strictly speaking, the Rakshasa Demon Religion had yet to make their position clear. So, as of now, they were still considered powers granted by Wanjian Holy Sect.

Hou Yuduan was now a highly favored individual in Zhan Taiqing's eyes. Today's banquet, ostensibly hosted by the Hou Clan, was undoubtedly endorsed by the Demon Sect. Therefore, the words from Hou Yuduan next could very likely determine the fate of their respective houses. They were all acutely aware of this.

Standing on the platform, Hou Yuduan surveyed the surroundings, his feelings contrasting with the worried mood of the crowd. He felt somewhat reflective at this moment.

Today's gathering boasted representatives from thirty-five substantial powers, with over five hundred individuals. Aside from six Grandmasters, there were more than one hundred at the Gang Qi Realm, at least thirty in the Dan Embracing Phase, and the lowest cultivation among the rest was between the ninth and tenth levels of body-opening.

This was a force many times stronger than the Hou Clan. Considering that these were not even the full strengths of the thirty-five significant powers—most of their sect members remained in their respective territories—one could imagine the prosperity of Hexi.

Amid his reflection, Hou Yuduan couldn't help but feel a bit proud. After all, these thirty-five significant powers were here at his Hou Clan's invitation. Although leveraging the influence of the Holy Church somewhat, the fact that the Hou Clan now had a nearly unrivaled status in Hexi was an indisputable truth.

Hou Yuduan took a deep breath, glanced back at the second floor and nodded subtly. Then, turning to face the crowd, he clasped his hands together and began, "My Hou Clan has been ordered by the Holy Church to host the Hexi martial arts conference. Given that every major power in Hexi is present today, none absent, I, on behalf of my elder brother Hou Yuxiao and all the Hou clan members, sincerely thank all the masters and seniors here today!"

As he finished speaking, Hou Yuduan respectfully bowed in four directions...

These words immediately won over many in the audience. Not only did sect members of various powers look at Hou Yuduan with a friendly gaze, but even those leaders with Dan Embracing Phase cultivation felt increasingly favorable toward him.

Hou Yuduan was already well-known, his cultivation at the Second Realm of Yu Wen. Today, in the presence of only six Grandmasters who could consider themselves his peers, yet he showed no hint of arrogance, addressing those who had just reached Dan Embracing Phase cultivation as "seniors."

"We have joined the Holy Church and are now part of Yongzhou, sharing a path with the Hou Clan. Since we are on the same path, supporting this event is only right. Fifth Young Master, there's no need for modesty!"

"Fifth Young Master's reputation precedes him. We dare not accept the honorific 'senior.' We only hope that the Hou Clan will speak more for us in front of the Master..."

"Who doesn't know of Fifth Young Master's astonishing literary accomplishments? Today, there's probably no one here daring to claim the title of your mentor in your presence. Please do not address us as your seniors anymore!"

"With such magnanimity, Fifth Young Master, we too are reasonable people. Today, we've come to hear about the Holy Church's plans for governing Hexi. Please speak frankly, Fifth Young Master. As long as it's not too extreme, we shall comply!"

......

"Merely with a few words, he has won extensive support and continuous responses. Hou Yuduan, though just the Old Fifth of the Hou Clan, one of the Twin Dragons, is showing such extraordinary talent. What kind of exceptional person then must be the Family Head Hou Yuxiao..."