Chapter 008: Chunhui Building

The private room reserved by Hong Shengri is on the third floor, perfectly suited for Du Jincheng and Zong Xinyue to carry out their "operations". As Du Jincheng ascended the stairs, he unexpectedly spotted Zong Xinyue seated on the second floor. She gave him a knowing glance, and they exchanged smiles. Zong Xinyue's gaze swept across several tables nearby; although it was not yet mealtime, these tables were already filled with people. Du Jincheng understood that these were all individuals arranged by Zong Xinyue.

The humans of Qingyuan Continent have relied on martial arts to struggle against this world for tens of thousands of years, and it is by no means as simple as he imagines

Once these individuals arranged by Zong Xinyue spread the news, the entire Wudu will know by tomorrow, and Hong Shengri's reputation will be ruined. As for me, Du Jincheng, I will be able to rise to power on the back of Old Master Hong, with a reputation that does not fear the powerful and influential.

Hong Yu waved his hand and said: "No need. Everything that the Hong family possesses has been earned through our own strength, not through connections or flattery to the powerful for favors! You have no right to return anything to us, because you are unworthy!"

Zong Xinyue became more and more excited and happy as she thought about it. At that moment, a voice suddenly came from upstairs: "Oh, Mr. Du, how did you come up here?"

With this achievement, who would still dare to say that the Hong family has no successors

In this era, Du Jincheng is a rather unconventional disciple of Confucianism. He completely fails to understand why one should "benefit the world when prosperous, and uphold oneself when impoverished"; whether in decline or in prosperity, everything must serve his own interests

The third rank of divine manifestation has never encountered such a situation before, and for a moment, even he himself found it hard to believe

As for the esteemed Lord Hong, the foremost general of the Great Xia, who has fought against the Di Rong for decades and safeguarded the northern tranquility of the entire Great Xia dynasty, does he have any connection to a mere coin?

Hahaha! Hong Lie was filled with immense excitement, looking up to the sky and letting out a long laugh. From this day forward, who would dare to say that he, Hong Lie, is a mediocre talent! Who would dare to criticize him for not being able to succeed Hong Shengri and carry on the legacy of the Hong family!

Hong Yu nodded quietly, believing that after this incident, his elder brother's confidence had been restored. Presumably, after a period of training, he would be able to break through to the realm of the seventh-grade Soul Star.

Zong Xinyue is at the mid-stage of the Eighth Rank Body Refinement, just a step away from advancing to the late stage of the Eighth Rank Body Refinement. In the past, she could easily suppress Hong Lie on her own. Therefore, she initially thought that with a casual gesture, Hong Lie would surely be sent rolling aside.

Hong Lie still thought that Hong Yu really did not notice that Zong Xinyue was disguised as a man, and quietly said from the side: "This is Zong Xinyue"

Hong Lie's entire body moved, and a wave of dark golden martial energy emerged from within him, as if he were wearing a dark golden armor. The late-stage realm of the Eighth Grade Body Protection was unmistakably revealed

After Hong Shengri, his reputation will be in tatters, and what face will he have to remain in Wudu? Having accomplished such a significant matter, he himself is the greatest contributor to the entire clan's elevation to the 'Four Great Pillars'

He recalled that kind of imposing aura, which was very powerful, but for some reason, when Hong Shen was asked to determine what realm it was, he could not articulate it

Bang

To establish a foothold at Liling Academy, external support is undoubtedly essential. For instance, he has chosen Zong Xinyue. The Hong family appears to be a formidable entity, and offending them for the sake of the Zong family does not seem worthwhile. However, one must take a long-term perspective

Hong Lie's eyes suddenly turned red. The old man had always been fiery and strong-willed throughout his life; he had never bowed his head even among the Four Great Pillars. Yet now, for his sake, he was actually willing to lower his dignity and invite that scoundrel Du Jincheng! In that moment, Hong Lie felt that all the blood in his body rushed to his head. How could he allow his grandfather to suffer such humiliation!

Du Jincheng was not surprised to see Hong Lie and Hong Yu, as Hong Sheng's invitation to dinner was precisely for the matter concerning Hong Lie

Hong Lie's expression changed dramatically: "Zong Xinyue, watch your tone! Your Zong family is merely one of the six great treasures!"

It is too difficult to elevate the standards, so by expelling the few worst-performing individuals, the average score of the class will still be improved

The Hong family, having no successors, is destined to decline

And today, even the legendary Hong Shengri, the ancestor of the Hong family, who would not show any signs of displeasure even in front of the emperor's trusted confidant Baili Shengshi, actually took the initiative to host a banquet for me

The moment Du Jincheng received the invitation, he even felt a moment of hesitation, contemplating whether he should show some respect to the elder and ease the relationship with Hong Lie

Zong Xinyue let out a roar and rose up with a majestic demeanor, his fists clenched like iron. He glared fiercely at Hong Yu, and with a roll of his eyes, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, falling backward to the ground.

"Step aside!" Hong Yu shouted angrily as he charged forward. Hong Lie grabbed him and sincerely looked at Hong Shen: "Uncle Shen, I plead with you this time, let the second brother come out with me!"

A muffled sound was followed by a figure being sent flying out. In just a few breaths, all these mid-stage Eighth Rank body tempering practitioners were knocked out by Hong Lie alone

Hong Shengri's judgment is entirely correct; the "Beihuang Zhenjing" possesses formidable combat power, being nearly invincible among peers. Moreover, Hong Lie's realm is a whole level higher than theirs

Hong Lie still did not understand: "What happened?"

Hong Yu clapped repeatedly from the side, praising Du Jincheng, saying: "This girl is truly a hero; her roar is like thunder breaking the silence!"

In recent years, Hong Lie had endured enough humiliation in the academy, and at this moment, he finally felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. After consecutively defeating numerous opponents, he suddenly experienced a feeling of complete liberation. He spread his arms wide and let out a long howl towards the sky, his entire being expanded with a sense of ease, and his momentum surged dramatically

General Du's invitation is one I cannot afford to neglect

Even if Hong Lie believes in Hong Yu, he only thinks that it is enough for Hong Yu to do his best

Then, when the time was about right, Du Jincheng set off from home, heading towards Chunhui Building

After Du Jincheng made up his mind, he sent someone to deliver a letter to the Zong family, believing that Zong Xinyue would help him arrange everything.

Du Jincheng was taken aback, glancing at Hong Yu and vaguely sensing that something was amiss. His expression changed: "Absurd! The illustrious Hong family, one of the Four Great Pillars, actually causing such a scandal!"

Chunhui Building is the most luxurious restaurant in Wudu, located between the Xungui District and the Imperial City, adjacent to Qingshen Street, and not far from Dingding Street outside the North Gate of the Imperial City

Although it was Lord Hong who invited him, Lord Hong is a highly respected elder who has made significant contributions to the rulers and citizens of the Great Xia. As a junior, he must arrive first.

Zong Xinyue let out a muffled groan, her massive body uncontrollably flew backward, crashing through three tables in succession. Amidst the clattering sounds, she fell to the ground in a disheveled state, her face covered in blood, making her look even more ferocious

Hong Lie remained completely still

Zong Xinyue was so furious that smoke seemed to be coming out of her seven orifices: "You little rascal, what did you say!"

The grand stallion project has finally taken its first step

Neither Hong Shengri nor Hong Shen ever thought that Hong Yu could truly help Hong Lie elevate his realm

Unlike ordinary girls who dress like boys, she still resembles a girl. However, when Zong Xinyue dresses like a boy, she embodies a high degree of masculinity

He grabbed Hong Lie and said, "What are you still babbling about? Hurry up and go!"

Zong Xinyue silently exclaimed that it was not good and got up to leave

Boom! Boom! Boom!

He has already seen the future very clearly. At eighteen years old, having reached the eighth rank of the Body Refinement stage, he may not be considered a super genius, but he can certainly be regarded as a remarkable talent of his time

However, everything must start from now

With a single wave of his palm, a move from the "Northern Wilderness Scripture" called "Angry Elephant Shaking Its Trunk" unleashed a martial energy as formidable as a mountain wall, crashing violently against Zong Xinyue's palms.

... ...

Hong Yu spoke while guiding Du Jincheng to a seat. Meanwhile, Zong Xinyue instinctively glanced around; in this brief moment, quite a few diners had already arrived on the second floor! Among them were the three classmates who had been driven away by Du Jincheng, as well as several scholars from the class who had a good relationship with Hong Lie.

Hong Yu said with a smile that did not reach his eyes: "As a prominent family of the six great treasures, how could the servants make such a mistake, causing my elder brother to make a trip for nothing?"

The chief steward, Hong Yao, stood respectfully to the side and replied, "The master is hosting Mr. Du at Chunhui Building today"

These bookworms know nothing. Du Jincheng is very confident that he can easily defeat everyone at Liling Academy. Give him twenty years, and he will surely be able to sit in the position of the academy's head.

Grandfather, this is sacrificing his own reputation to meet that scoundrel Du Jincheng, wanting to help you improve your current situation

Hong Yusong released his grip, only to feel a sudden darkness before his eyes, a buzzing noise filling his ears, and he fell to the ground with a thud.

The two rushed to the entrance of the Hong residence at the fastest speed, but Hong Shen helplessly blocked the doorway: "Young Master Yu, you cannot go out"

With a fierce collision, the martial energy erupted explosively, and a pillar of light approximately one zhang high violently struck the ceiling. The ceiling was illuminated by a surge of array light, which countered the raging force.

In the past, those who liked to adopt a lofty demeanor, looking down on others due to their superior status, now seem so ridiculous. The Six Great Treasures foolishly fantasize about challenging the Four Great Pillars; as long as the Four Great Pillars produce even one talented individual, what are the Six Great Treasures worth?

According to the plan he has in mind, regardless of the stance that Old Master Hong adopts today, Du Jincheng will undoubtedly rise to his feet, loudly denouncing Hong Shengri for using his status to oppress others and interfering with the normal teaching at Liling Academy. In order to uphold the dignity of the Confucian school, he will resolutely refuse to yield.

Hong Shen sighed and said, "However, military orders are as heavy as a mountain; the general has instructed me to keep an eye on you"

The Hong family will not decline; it remains one of the Four Great Pillars. So what does the clan amount to?

He offended the Hong family for the sake of the clan, isn't that courting death

Hong Lie let out a cold snort and cast a faint glance at Zong Xinyue, completely dismissing the idea of explaining anything to her

Grandfather has gone out? Hong Lie was somewhat surprised, as generally speaking, after the morning court session, Hong Shengri would not go out during the half-day period.

In a fit of anger, Zong Xinyue rushed in front of Hong Lie, and with a rough, fat hand, he pushed aside and shouted, "Get out of the way!"

Hong Yu suddenly realized and repeatedly apologized: "I am sorry, I am sorry. No wonder you appear to have a strong and robust physique, yet your movements are somewhat shy and reserved; it turns out you are a woman."

After Hong Yu finished speaking, he lifted his foot and walked over to Xu Yong and the others, pointing at them and saying: "Du Jincheng, the matter concerning these three will not end so simply, just wait and see. Liling Academy will definitely send someone to investigate!"

The professors at Liling Academy, those bookish individuals, were held in contempt by Du Jincheng in his heart. What do these fools understand? Do they know how to maximize the use of existing resources to expand their own interests? Do they know how to eliminate their competitors discreetly through cunning schemes? Do they know how to convert their identity, status, and reputation into tangible benefits?

Hong Lie turned around and gave Hong Yu a heavy embrace: "Second brother, I thank you, big brother!"

Hong Lie was momentarily taken aback: "Mr. Du? Which Mr. Du?"

Hong Yumei clapped her hands with a smile: "That girl who can run horses with her fists and stand on people's arms, you truly are unaware of the situation. Just look at this, I handle the talking, my brother handles the action, what a sharp combination! Why do you insist on coming over to seek punishment? Is it really because you feel that no one will want you for the rest of your life, to the point of having such dark thoughts that you resort to self-harm?"

Hong Shen tossed the small vial towards the two and walked away nonchalantly. Hong Yu caught the vial, overjoyed, and without daring to delay any longer, hurriedly went to Chunhui Building with Hong Lie.

Hong Yu called out to her: "This brave person, please stay!"

As for Zong Xinyue, he is certainly eager to strike at the Hong family. The sooner the Hong family collapses, the sooner the Zong family can rise to power

Once today has passed, who in the entire clan would still dare to underestimate me? Who would still dare to say that women are inferior to men?

... ...

Today, the extraordinary and the unbelievable are indeed quite abundant

Hu Huo—" Hong Lie slowly exhaled, opening his eyes. Within that breath, a faint dark golden light flickered.

Hong Yu looked at Hong Lie with a smile. Now, the Hong family has Grandpa Hong Shengri, and in the future, the Hong family will have the elder brother Hong Lie. As long as the Hong family remains strong, he can comfortably live as a dandy stallion. Moreover, he is the kind of stallion who controls his own mating rights

Zong Xinyue downstairs also heard it, and like Du Jincheng, her heart skipped a beat

Du Jincheng's face turned ashen, and he ignored him

It is akin to the fact that no professor in the academy has ever considered using all means to enhance "grades." However, Du Jincheng knows what should be done

Du Jincheng has been living quite comfortably lately

Zong Xinyue's hair was standing on end with anger as she suddenly turned around and glared at him fiercely: "What did you say?"

Hong Yu deliberately waited for a moment until Du Jincheng had figured everything out and his heart felt like ashes, before he said slowly: "Mr. Du, I heard that you removed my brother from his position and handed it over to Zong Xinyue, claiming that my brother's cultivation level was too low. What do you think now? It seems that Zong Xinyue is only at the mid-stage of the Eighth Grade Body Refinement, while my brother is already at the late stage of the Eighth Grade Body Refinement, right? In the entire class, my brother's cultivation level seems to be the highest now. What do you say?"

Hong Yu ignored the grief-stricken Du Jincheng and walked up to Zong Xinyue, launching into a scathing reprimand: "As a young woman, why aren't you focusing on finding a suitable husband, raising a family, and teaching your children? Why are you trying to play these schemes like others? Look where that has gotten you now, caught up in a plot and made a fool of yourself, haven't you?"

Hong Shen outside was left speechless. Although he himself had risen to the mid-stage of the third rank of Manifestation thanks to Hong Yu, it was an outcome that occurred unconsciously on Hong Yu's part

Du Jincheng continued to ascend the stairs, while Zong Xinyue, disguised as a man, sat in a seat on the second floor. Beside her were several classmates from her class. These individuals were her sycophants, who had previously cheered her on as she created trouble for Hong Lie.

The reckless elephant crashes into the mountain

His efforts to curry favor with Zong Xinyue were rewarded. Originally, there had been considerable discontent within Liling Academy due to the recent withdrawals of students from his class, but this was suppressed by the influence arranged by the Zong family.

Just now, Hong Yu suddenly unleashed such a powerful aura that Hong Shen was exceptionally astonished; moreover, he actually helped Hong Lie to advance, directly moving from the eighth-grade body refinement to the late stage of the eighth-grade body refinement, crossing over the mid-stage.

Du Jincheng's expression was extremely grim. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said: "I was wrong before, Hong Lie, whether it is yours or not, I will return it to you."

Over the past decade or so, the long-standing oppression of being undervalued has finally been swept away in this moment

Hong Lie let out a cold snort, standing proudly as dark golden martial energy erupted from his back, coalescing into a pair of wing-like radiance. Under the backdrop of the dark golden winged light, Hong Lie, who usually appeared kind and harmless, suddenly transformed into a formidable general, victorious in countless battles

In his lifetime, Sanpin Xiansheng had seen countless things, yet this was the first time he encountered such an unbelievable event. It left Shen Shu standing there in a daze, while Hong Lie and Hong Yu had already walked some distance away. Only then did Hong Shen suddenly come to his senses, muttering to himself, "How could this be possible?" as he hurried to catch up.

As for Hong Shengri and Hong Shen, they both feel that this brat is just causing trouble

The few lackeys at Zong Xinyue's table suddenly sprang up. Hong Lie let out a cold laugh, his shoulders shaking as a wave of dark golden martial energy surged forth, enveloping him in a mist that resembled armor. He stomped heavily with both feet, and with a thunderous sound, two massive deep pits appeared on the hard ironwood floor. Utilizing this immense force, Hong Lie charged out like an ancient demonic elephant, recklessly rushing towards that group of people.

Mr. Du, you just mentioned that we are the Four Great Pillars. To put it bluntly but honestly, do you think that, given your status, my grandfather would personally host a banquet for you

Zong Xinyue stood up with disheveled hair and a face covered in blood, looking like a vengeful spirit, and stared at Hong Lie in terror: "You have already broken through to the late stage of the Eighth Rank Body Refinement? This is impossible. Just yesterday, you were still in the early stage. How could you possibly break through two realms in one night? This is absolutely impossible!"

The entire Chunhui Building has four floors, with the first and second floors serving as the lobby, while the third and fourth floors are private rooms

Hong Lie stepped forward, reached out, and grabbed Zong Xinyue by the neck, throwing her aside.

Hong Yu smiled and said, "Mr. Du, I truly apologize. The servant was thoughtless and made a mistake. It was not my grandfather who invited you, but rather my brother and I. My grandfather has reserved a private room at Chunhui Tower for other guests today. Given our status, we are not in a position to book a private room at Chunhui Tower. Please, do come with us."

Du Jincheng believes that his success is contingent upon paying attention to details. The more he wishes to maintain the face of Old Master Hong, the more he must ensure that his etiquette is impeccable

Hong Yu did not intend to let Du Jincheng off so easily. He and Hong Lie descended the stairs side by side. The staircase was already narrow, and as the two of them came down, they forced Du Jincheng to retreat.

He strode confidently up to the third floor

Zong Xinyue let out a strange cry and was about to pounce on Hong Yu. Hong Yu, unfazed, reported: "Elder brother, she is going to hit me"

He exerted great effort and finally transferred from Leizhou to Wudu, and he is teaching at the Liling Academy, a sacred place for the disciples of the Confucian school in the Great Xia, known for its *Tu* and *Shu*.

Hong Yu is truly furious, charging forward and glaring at Hong Shen: "Uncle Shen, step aside, I am not going out to cause trouble this time!"

Those lackeys flew out; some crashed into the pillars, some directly flew out of the window and fell onto Qingshen Street outside, and some collided with the railing of the stairs and tumbled down, each one more tragic than the last

This impassioned speech must be shouted loudly so that everyone downstairs can hear it

Du Jincheng's face was ashen; he knew that the matters concerning these three individuals were not to be exposed. If the Zong family helped him cover it up, it would be manageable, but if a serious investigation were to ensue, he would have to leave Wudu in disgrace, and even return to Leizhou would subject him to scorn

However, today, Hong Lie remained motionless. Zong Xinyue was furious, and a dense martial energy gathered in her hands, shimmering with a distinctive white light, which made her dark skin appear even more unsightly. She struck fiercely towards Hong Lie!

Hong Shen glanced at the two individuals, remaining silent. He raised his hand, revealing a small vial in his palm: "This is called 'Divine Emperor's Sleep.' It is the most potent sedative I have ever encountered, capable of incapacitating even a third-grade manifestation. Moreover, it is colorless and tasteless, so even a third-grade manifestation would not detect it. You have slipped this sedative into my food, which is why I am currently in a deep slumber, completely unaware that you have sneaked out."

The Zong family has risen strongly, ranking first among the six major families, and is set to replace the Hong family in the future

Hong Yu pushed him away and said, "You're suffocating me! When did you become so fussy, brother?"

However, this idea was soon driven out of his mind; it was too naive! To maximize benefits, it is essential to leverage Hong Shengri to enhance reputation and completely align with the clan.

He suddenly thought of a question on the road: based on the kind of momentum that Hong Yu initially displayed, what level is this kid truly at

She sat in the chair, feeling that success was within reach, her heart filled with excitement, and even the hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly

However, with your disposition, it is likely that you will not find a husband. No wonder your mindset is dark and twisted, constantly thinking of schemes and plots. However, such schemes are typically the domain of femme fatales, and they must be beautiful, right? Tell me, in every aspect of yourself, which part is even remotely related to the term 'beauty'?

"Let's go and show it to Grandpa; he will surely be very happy." Hong Lie pulled Hong Yu outside. This good news must be communicated to Grandpa at the earliest opportunity

... ...

It was truly a thrilling experience just now; if it weren't for the novice monk Fa Xiang, the consequences of my actions would have been severe! This has made him more vigilant, no longer daring to underestimate the martial arts of this world

Her skin is rough and dark, her eyes somewhat lifeless, her figure tall and stout, her nose broad and straight, and she has a prominent set of front teeth. It is truly a pity for such a delicate and beautiful name as Zong Xinyue.

Hong Yu kept smiling as he looked at Du Jincheng beside him. When Hong Lie emerged victorious, his eighth-grade body refinement late-stage realm was unmistakably revealed, and Du Jincheng's expression instantly turned very unpleasant, becoming somewhat restless.

Hong Lie tapped his forehead and said, "Look at me, I'm too excited. We are brothers, no need to say these things"

As for those scholars who were driven away by him, it is very likely that their lives were ruined as a result; he would not consider how your lives are of any concern to me

Hong Yu has come to understand that in his previous life, he had witnessed too many parents who were once proud and unyielding, now bowing their heads in humility for the sake of their children. Regardless of whether these individuals are good or bad, they present themselves as loving fathers and mothers in front of their children