I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

It wasn't that Xie An was getting arrogant, but facing this scene, even with Xie An's calm demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a surge of heroism.

A surge of intense ambition arose spontaneously.

Comfortable, smooth, and heroic.

The loud and piercing cries of "Master Xie" echoed and reverberated throughout the vast training grounds, lingering for a long time.

Later, when Tang Qingyun introduced the other three Masters, the disciples still shouted "Master," but it was clear that they were not as enthusiastic as they had been at the beginning.

Clearly, the weight of the Blood Ridge Master was measured in everyone's heart.

After the disciples recognized and paid their respects to the Masters, Tang Qingyun led the four new Masters to the library, the medicine mixing room, the armory, and other places, so that the shopkeepers of each establishment could recognize the four Masters.

Wherever Tang Qingyun went, the shopkeepers naturally greeted him with great courtesy. And the person Tang Qingyun emphasized the most each time was Xie An.

The shopkeepers could naturally discern the meaning behind this and often paid great respect to Xie An, but not as much to the other three Masters. Fortunately, the other three Masters had also adjusted their positions and did not feel any displeasure.

After all, Xie An had won the top spot based on his hard power, so how could they not be convinced?

Only Chen Qing was somewhat unhappy, but he didn't show it too much.

After recognizing all the shopkeepers, Tang Qingyun led the four to the Central Courtyard to pay their respects to Fang Baiyu.

The complexity of this process was beyond Xie An's expectations.

It's really like the imperial court.

Despite his grumbling, the process still had to be followed.

Xie An followed Tang Qingyun to the Central Courtyard and saw Fang Baiyu sitting upright in the chief seat of the living room, his face stern.

"Greetings, Hall Master Fang."

The four Masters stood in the center of the living room and cupped their fists towards Fang Baiyu.

"Hahaha."

Everyone thanked him.

Xie An paid special attention to the expressions of the other three Masters:

Chen Qing was fine, with no expression. Clearly, he didn't care about the two hundred taels. But Xu Bin and Wang Liuhe were sincerely grateful.

Next, Fang Baiyu behaved even more generously, even taking out a treasure.

"Xu Bin, I see that you are skilled in swordsmanship, but your training is scattered and your foundation is unstable. If you can come here often, I will give you more guidance, which will surely improve your swordsmanship."

"Thank you, Hall Master."

"Well, this Qingfeng Blade was forged from fine iron that Fang obtained from killing bandits in his early years. Now I give it to you. I hope you will train the cavalry well and make new contributions to my Baiyu Hall."

Thump.

Xu Bin was so moved that he knelt down directly, "Thank you, Hall Master, for your great kindness. I will definitely work my heart out for the Hall."

Fang Baiyu was very happy to see this and warmly helped Xu Bin up, "Please rise quickly, Fang has always been kind to people, there is no need to be so formal."

When Xu Bin got up again, his eyes were red. It could be seen that he was really moved by Fang Baiyu. After all, Xu Bin, who was born in poverty, had never been treated like this before.

Wang Liuhe, who was on the side, showed an envious and jealous look, clearly also expecting to receive a reward from Fang Baiyu.

However, Fang Baiyu did not continue to reward them, but encouraged everyone and then announced the end.

When walking out of the Central Courtyard, Xu Bin stroked the Qingfeng Blade with love, and a chuckle appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Wang Liuhe, who was watching from the side, was very jealous. Finally, he couldn't help but go up and say, "Congratulations, Master Xu. You have gained the Hall Master's appreciation and importance on your first day in office. Can you lend me this treasure to take a look?"

Xu Bin hesitated, but finally gave the treasure blade to Wang Liuhe, "Be careful, don't break it."

"It's said to be a treasure blade, how can it be so easy to break..." Wang Liuhe smiled and drew the treasure blade, waving it twice. He found that it was indeed a treasure blade, far exceeding his own saber several times over.

Then, the envy and jealousy in his eyes grew even stronger.

After waving it for a while, Wang Liuhe reluctantly returned the treasure blade to Xu Bin, "It is indeed a treasure blade. Master Xu has a bright future."

Xu Bin took back the treasure blade, cherished it, and did not forget to encourage Wang Liuhe: "Master Wang will also have it in the future. As long as you work hard, Hall Master Fang is kind to people and will definitely not treat you badly."

Chen Qing, who was not far away, glanced at Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin, snorted softly, did not say anything, and left directly.

Xie An naturally noticed the expressions of Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin, and also heard their conversation. He secretly clicked his tongue:

Fang Baiyu knows how to play.

If he rewards all four at the same time, the effect will be limited, and everyone will be harmonious.

But singling out Xu Bin, who was born in poverty, immediately shows favoritism and divides the four Masters. It will also make Wang Liuhe jealous and envious, and he will be even more eager to curry favor with Fang Baiyu.

I'm afraid that before long, Wang Liuhe will also fall into Fang Baiyu's palm.

As for why Fang Baiyu chose Xu Bin, he must have done a background check and determined that Xu Bing's psychological defenses were the easiest to break. As for Chen Qing... with Chen Qinglang backing him, Fang Baiyu would naturally not think about controlling him. As for Xie An... he has repeatedly ruined his good deeds, and it is estimated that Fang Baiyu has already written Xie An's name in his little notebook.

They left the Hall.

The Masters said goodbye one after another, preparing to go to their respective jurisdictions.

When Chen Qing left, he did not forget to say to Xie An: "Master Xie, come to the pier to visit when you have time."

Xie An agreed readily, "Okay. If Master Chen has time, you are also welcome to visit Blood Ridge. I will welcome you with open arms."

Chen Qing cupped his fists and left.

Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin also came to greet Xie An and invited Xie An to visit. After some greetings, they left.

After seeing off the Masters, Xie An solemnly opened his mouth to Tang Qingyun, "Elder Tang, if you are not busy..."

Before Xie An could finish speaking, Tang Qingyun waved his hand and said, "The end of the year is approaching, and the Tiger Wolf Gate and Tang Family Fort have many affairs. I have to go to Tiger Wolf Mountain to report back."

Immediately, Tang Qingyun took the green horse that the groom had led over, stepped on the stirrup and flipped over onto the horse. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and said to Xie An: "Brother Xie, I have been to Wubridge Town and know that Brother Xie has been a pawnbroker for half his life and has no family. In half a month, it will be the New Year. At that time, bring Miss Yuhe to my Tang Family Fort to celebrate the New Year."

Xie An was overjoyed to hear this.

It seems that the Tang Family Fort has finally responded to the matter of Qi sensation.

Inviting himself to the Tang Family Fort for the New Year is an extraordinary treatment. It is far better than an ordinary meeting.

Xie An quickly cupped his fists and said: "I am just a rough man, how can I disturb the Tang Family Fort."

Tang Qingyun was in a very good mood and laughed loudly: "Hahaha, if Brother Xie is a rough man, then there are no smart people in this world. Brother Xie does not need to decline, this is not my intention, but the Old Master's intention. In a few days, the invitation from my Tang Family Fort will be sent. The Old Master said that the New Year is a new beginning, and the time when all things recover is a good time to meet. Brother Xie, see you on New Year's Day."

Giddy up!

With that, Tang Qingyun raised the reins and whipped them on the horse's back. As the sound of hooves rang out, a flurry of snowflakes splashed, leaving him in the dust.

Xie An stared at the receding figure, stunned for a long time.

It was not until Zhang Lin and Lin Yunyuhe came over, calling Xie An's name, that Xie An recovered.

Lin Yun said: "Master Xie, let's go back to Blood Ridge. The brothers all know that you came to the Hall to take office today, and they are all looking forward to you going back early to celebrate with everyone."

Zhang Lin said: "Yes, yes, Zhou Xing and the others have already set up a celebration banquet, just waiting for Master Xie to go back."

Xie An nodded: "Okay, let's go back. However, in private, the two virtuous brothers should not call me Master, just call me Lao Xie."

Although Xie An felt that being a Master was good, he didn't really care about the set of empty names.

"How can this be? The necessary etiquette cannot be less."

"That's right. You have to call him Big Brother no matter what."

Seeing that the two were stubborn, Xie An knew that he could not force them, so he said: "I am a few years older than you. Then call me Big Brother Xie, so it will also show that we are close."

"Big Brother Xie."

"Big Brother Xie!"

Although they were a little awkward, Lin Yun and Zhang Lin still braced themselves and called out.

Yuhe then said, "Master Xie."

These three words made Xie An feel awkward, and it was easy to be misunderstood as "Thank you, Master..."

"Omit the Xie, just call me Master."

"Master."

As expected, it sounded much more comfortable, and Xie An couldn't help but laugh.

The other three were also infected and laughed heartily.

Since there were no outsiders here, everyone was no longer restrained and laughed particularly relaxed.

Laughter, this thing, is really contagious.

Xie An was originally just a little happy, but at this moment, he couldn't help but be a lot more unrestrained.

Yuhe led the horse, and the four of them mounted and headed towards Blood Ridge.

Giddy up!

Four fierce horses galloped on the snow, trampling up the sky of snowflakes... ...

... ...

Blood Ridge.

Early afternoon.

The entire black market has become busy and bustling.

More than thirty disciples set up sheds on the open ground of the black market, built stoves, and lit fires. They prepared mutton, beef, pork, duck, chicken, and goose. They also hired chefs to prepare a sumptuous lunch.

It's even more lively than the New Year.

Led by Liang Zhi, with Wang Xiang and Zhou Xing assisting, they purchased festive items like red carpets and borrowed twenty large round tables. The round tables were covered with red cloths, and the ground was covered with red carpets, creating a very joyous atmosphere.

Many stallholders from the black market were quite surprised and came up to inquire.

"Old Liang, it's not a special day today. Is there a big celebration?"

"That's right. Ever since Executive Xie took charge of this place, celebrations during festivals have only been small gatherings. What's this about?"

"There must be a big happy event. Old Liang, tell us about it so we can share in the joy."

"… …"

Before Liang Zhi could speak, Wang Xiang excitedly explained the reason, "This morning, our boss went to the main branch. When he returns later, he will be the new Master of the Blood Ridge Black Market. Shouldn't we have a big celebration?"

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As soon as these words came out, many stallholders secretly clicked their tongues in amazement.

"I heard a few days ago that Executive Xie shone brightly in Water Lantern Town and came out on top. I didn't expect him to be appointed as Master so quickly. This calls for a big celebration."

"Executive Xie has been very generous to us stallholders during his year here. With him as Master, we will have good days ahead."

"Old Liang, are we invited to the feast?"

Liang Zhi smiled and said, "Of course, everyone in the black market today is invited."

"Great, great, great! I'll go prepare a gift right away."

"I'll go too."

The stallholders and the nearby workers who came to watch were all excited to hear that they could attend the new Master's celebration banquet, and they went back to prepare gifts.

Wang Xiang saw all of this and smiled, "Brother Liang, it seems like everyone likes our boss very much."

While laying the red carpet, Liang Zhi smiled and said, "Of course, everyone has benefited from what our boss has done in the past year. Business is better, everyone is making money, and there aren't as many dirty tricks and underhanded methods. Naturally, everyone respects the boss.

By the way, go shout it out in the black market and tell every worker to come. Also, call out those disciples who have made mistakes or been injured. Let's all have some fun together."

"Alright, Zhou Xing, you go shout it out in the black market and tell the workers to come eat. I'll go call those disciples who have made mistakes or been injured," Wang Xiang made further arrangements.

"Okay," Zhou Xing immediately complied. In the beginning, Zhou Xing and Wang Xiang were about the same level, and Zhou Xing was even slightly higher. But there was no way around it; Zhou Xing's boss… wasn't as capable as Wang Xiang's boss. Now, he could only accept it.

Moreover, Xie An treated Zhou Xing quite well. Not only did he not feel unhappy, but he was also very grateful.

… …

Inside a dark and gloomy woodshed.

The ground was damp, and the straw spread on the ground was moldy, emitting a pungent musty smell. The door was tightly closed, leaving only a small piece of window from which light shone down.

Li Shaoyun sat blankly on the straw, looking up at the only window with light. His turbid eyes became very depressed.

After nearly half a year of confinement, Li Shaoyun no longer had the same high spirits as before.

Cruel reality had struck him a blow to the head.

What Deputy Executive?

What about the martial arts examination three years later?

He felt that he had thought too much.

Now, he only wanted to leave this cold and damp place as soon as possible. Then, he would return to the Li mansion, be a good young master, and never think about any ambitions again.

The new executive only said that he would be confined for several months, but he didn't say exactly how many months…

Suddenly, Li Shaoyun heard a series of footsteps approaching.

Li Shaoyun immediately moved closer to the door.

He was too hungry.

He thought it was someone bringing food.

Click.

As the sound of the key inserting into the lock sounded, the door was quickly pushed open. Bright and dazzling light poured in, causing Li Shaoyun to squint instinctively. After a while, he adjusted and saw that it was Wang Xiang who had come, and he wasn't carrying lunch.

Li Shaoyun was immediately flustered.

He had been punished with confinement for secretly learning Wang Xiang's martial arts. Now that he saw the person involved come to his door, Li Shaoyun instinctively thought that Wang Xiang wanted to settle the score with him.

With Wang Xiang's "ferocious" methods, beating him up would be a light punishment, and breaking his legs wouldn't be a big deal.

Thinking of this, Li Shaoyun was very scared and immediately bowed down, "Brother Wang, I'm sorry, I was wrong before."

However, Wang Xiang didn't attack Li Shaoyun. Instead, he showed a very satisfied smile, "What's there to mention about those small things? Come out. Go with me to the feast."

After leaving a sentence, Wang Xiang turned around and left.

Li Shaoyun stood only inside the door, not daring to go out. The threshold was clearly in front of him and very low, easily crossed with one foot. However, Li Shaoyun felt that the threshold was particularly tall and he didn't dare to cross it.

Huh?

Wang Xiang, who had walked a few steps, noticed that no one was following behind him. He couldn't help but turn back and saw Li Shaoyun standing timidly behind the threshold, his eyes full of fear.

Wang Xiang knew that Li Shaoyun was scared from being confined, "Look at you. Why were you so bold before? You even dared to secretly learn the Tiger Wolf Gate's martial arts. Do you know that's a capital crime? If it weren't for the executive thinking of you, according to the rules… you would have your tendons severed and your martial arts abolished, or you would be beaten to death. Oh no, we should call him Master now.

Why are you so timid now? Come out quickly. Today is the big day for the boss to take office as Master. Let's celebrate together and go see the Master."

Li Shaoyun understood the reason, and the worries in his heart dissipated. He tiptoed over the threshold, "That new executive became the Master?"

Wang Xiang introduced him very proudly, "That's right. Didn't I say our boss is amazing? In the examination at the main branch a few days ago, he forcefully killed Hong Lie, who was in the Fine Flesh Realm, and came out on top. Today, he's going to the main branch to officially take office. When he returns, he will be the real Master of Blood Ridge."

Hiss.

Li Shaoyun was shocked to hear this.

He never thought that an executive who had just taken office would take the position of Master of Blood Ridge in just one year.

Li Shaoyun, who had grown up in Black Bridge Town, knew very well that among the four Masters of the White Feather Hall, the Master of Blood Ridge was the leader.

If the Hall Master of the White Feather Hall leaves in the future, the person who takes over the position of Hall Master will either be the Deputy Hall Master or the Master of Blood Ridge.

In any case, the Master of Blood Ridge is considered one of the top figures in the six towns around.

"Don't just stand there in a daze. You're also a nominal Deputy Executive. Come outside with me and prepare to welcome the Master's return," Wang Xiang scolded.

Li Shaoyun came to his senses and quickly nodded and followed.

Arriving near the shed, Li Shaoyun heard everyone talking about the new Master. Moreover, he could see that everyone respected the new Master very much, telling stories of the new Master, and calling him "Master Xie" with every breath.

Master Xie, old man, late bloomer…

These pieces of information combined made Li Shaoyun feel a strong sense of curiosity, "Brother Wang, what's the name of this new Master?"

"Xie An. He's also from Black Bridge Town."

Li Shaoyun was greatly surprised.

Could it be Xie An, the appraiser master from his Li family?

Impossible…

Absolutely impossible.

That old man had a stroke before. Although he recovered later, he was still old and frail. When he was redeemed, he had ruthlessly taken advantage of him. His attitude was also cold. Moreover, in order to curry favor with Zhang Biao, Li Shaoyun had taken the initiative to provide convenience and let Li He arrest Xie An's apprentice, He Chunli, and tortured him severely… almost beating He Chunli to death.

If the new Master of Blood Ridge is really that Xie An, would he still have a chance to live?

The more Li Shaoyun thought about it, the more afraid he became.

At this moment, a disciple ran in from the canyon entrance, shouting towards Liang Zhi from afar: "Brother Liang, the Master's horse is a few miles away, he'll be here soon."

Pa!

Liang Zhi put down the bench in his hand, waved his hand, "Quick, everyone come over here, line up neatly, and wait for the new Master of Blood Ridge."

Whoosh.

The crowd stirred.

Those who were lighting the fire, cooking, chopping wood, cutting meat, and washing vegetables… all put down their work, lined up neatly, and were full of energy. And the surrounding hundreds of stallholders and workers didn't have so many rules, but they also gathered around, looking forward to it.

Countless pairs of eyes stared at the entrance of the canyon in front. The ground was still covered with heavy snow, and the cold air was pressing. However, everyone's heart was warm.

Finally—

Giddy up!

The sound of horses' hooves rang out, stirring up bursts of snowflakes. Four fiery steeds galloped closer from afar. In a short while, they arrived in front.

Neigh! Neigh!

Xie An, leading the way, reined in his horse first. He was quite surprised to see the scene in front of him. Before he could speak, he heard Liang Zhi take the lead and cup his hands, "Welcome Master Xie."

The others spoke one after another, their voices loud and clear.

"Welcome Master Xie!"

"Welcome Master Xie!!"

Everyone was overjoyed.

Only Li Shaoyun… was so frightened that he sat down on the ground, shivering and his back feeling cold.

It really is that… appraiser master from the Li family!?

That old man who used to call him young master…!

Li Shaoyun widened his eyes, incredulously staring at Xie An, who was sitting upright on the horse: an azure brocade robe, a jade-inlaid belt, a blood-colored jade pendant, a celadon jade hairpin, a full head of black hair, where was the slightest hint of old age?

His posture was as straight as a spear, his aura as vast as pine and cypress, his noble spirit drawing in the breeze!

The aura of a generation of heroes and knights came rushing in.

How… is this possible!?