Chapter 159: Chapter 90: Bloody Banquet! A Clean Cut in Two!_1

The procession moved forward, and Sikong Huang nodded to herself in approval. She was worried that Su Changkong might feel anxious in the face of such a display, but in truth, Su had been through many vicissitudes and had faced vast armies alone—how could he be frightened by the scene before him?

His expression was stoic, neither speakng casually nor laughing, as he strode forward with his head held high and chest puffed out, walking with the power and grace of a dragon or tiger. One would never think that the imposing “Young Gang Leader” before them was actually a young person in disguise.

Juyi Hall was the place where the Giant Whale Gang held gatherings, celebrations, and discussed major issues. It was opulent and magnificent, with golden and jade carvings and painted rafters that conveyed an air of authority and grandeur.

Rock gardens and clear waters adorned either side, and within the ponds, fish could be seen swimming around, surrounded by evergreen flowers, grasses, and trees.

Today was a major festival, and despite the cold weather, outside the Juyi Hall it was all festivity and joy, with groups of Giant Whale Gang disciples sitting together at tables, seeming extremely festive.

The Giant Whale Gang’s annual gathering was, put simply, a New Year celebration, a farewell to the old and a welcome to the new—naturally, it was a time of great joy.

“Young Gang Leader, Second Miss!”

As the Sikong Family’s group arrived, many disciples stood up to greet them with respect.

“Hmm.”

Su Changkong, ever sparing with words, simply uttered a brief ‘hmm’ before continuing towards the inner hall.

In the Giant Whale Gang, the hierarchy was strict; ordinary disciples could only sit outside while the inner hall was naturally a gathering place for the sect’s elite, Hall Masters, and Deputy Hall Leaders.

“Young Gang Leader, Second Miss!”

In the main hall, the Hall Masters, Deputy Hall Leaders, and elite disciples who had arrived early also stood to greet them, many coming over to welcome them personally.

With a glance, Su Changkong’s gaze swept across the crowd, and he recognized a familiar face.

It was a shy young man dressed in a white alchemist robe.

This person was none other than Liu Geng!

Since the event that shook the Giant Whale Gang a month ago—the defection of an alchemist—besides the resentment towards the “traitor” Master Su, one of the happiest people was Liu Geng.

Liu Geng, who worked in the Pill Refining Room, naturally became the new Alchemist and had the qualifications to attend the gathering in the inner hall.

But at this moment, he was following someone respectfully.

The man was clad in blue, of average appearance and in his forties, but his eyes were very sharp, like an eagle’s, fierce and intimidating, making people afraid to look directly at him.

“Is that Meng Sang?”

Although Su Changkong had not met Deputy Gang Leader Meng Sang before, he recognized him nonetheless, keeping his face devoid of any emotion.

While most in the hall rose to greet him, Meng Sang remained seated in his chair. His followers, including various disciples and Deputy Hall Leaders, stood and greeted with a bow but did not come over to meet him—they were all from Meng Sang’s faction.

“Young Gang Leader, I heard that you suffered severe injuries while suppressing the Sea Pirates during your recent expedition, but it seems you’ve recovered nicely!” Meng Sang greeted with a smile on his face.

As Meng Sang spoke, the bustling hall fell silent. Everyone there was aware of the current situation within the Giant Whale Gang—the power struggle between the Sikong Family’s Leader Faction and Deputy Gang Leader Meng Sang’s faction.

With Gang Leader Sikong Yong in seclusion and not seen for many years, the Sikong Family usually looked up to Sikong Zhan, but as Sikong Zhan was not Sikong Yong, his prestige alone could not deter everyone.

Now that Meng Sang had spoken, the others kept quiet, not wanting to appear as if they were taking sides.

Meng Sang had previously forced Su to poison pill medicine, which led to his departure from the Giant Whale Gang and a near-death pursuit where he almost died alongside Qi Chenghong. It was natural, then, for Su to regard Meng Sang as an enemy to be eliminated.

But in that moment, Su Changkong showed no emotion so as not to give himself away.

Su Changkong glanced at Meng Sang and with a voice purposefully practiced to mimic the deep tone of Sikong Zhan, he said indifferently, “I, Sikong Zhan, have battled the Sea Pirates of Blue Rain Sea and fought in the north and south—a small injury is not worth mentioning.”

Having said that, Su Changkong paid no more attention to Meng Sang and headed towards a large tiger-skin chair, where he sat down confidently, while Sikong Huang took a seat beside him.

“Today, let’s not be reserved. We won’t talk shop, and we won’t leave until drunk. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest,” Su Changkong declared, asserting the manner of a host.

“Of course!”

The others in the hall responded and sat down.

“Drink! Eat meat!”

The atmosphere inside the hall grew lively, with clinking glasses and beautiful dancers moving gracefully.

Su Changkong leaned back in the tiger-skin chair, supporting his chin with one hand, seemingly indifferent. He knew from Sikong Huang that Sikong Zhan didn’t like such noisy occasions, so this attitude was fitting and paid attention to detail!

Sikong Huang undoubtedly felt extreme satisfaction in her heart. Although Su Changkong was young, he wasn’t mentally frail, showing no fear and perfect in his portrayal. They only needed to wait for the gathering to end, and today’s task would be complete.

“I received news that Sikong Zhan recently suffered heavy injuries while suppressing Sea Pirate Li Hun of the Eighteen Pirates, ranked fifth as Shattered Soul Hand, during an encounter that left both parties grievously wounded. Could he have recovered from the injuries inflicted by the Shattered Soul Hand so quickly? Is he forcing himself to appear strong?” Meng Sang frowned in concern, observing Su Changkong intently.

According to Meng Sang’s information, Sikong Zhan should have been gravely injured and not recovered so swiftly.

Yet from his observations, Sikong Zhan seemed to breathe steadily, with a sharp gaze and a full spirit—not at all like someone who was injured. Could he be feigning strength, just for show?

This possibility wasn’t unfounded. With Sikong Yong secluded and absent for many years, which already caused unrest among the Gang’s disciples, if Sikong Zhan were to miss the gathering, the consequences would be troublesome.