Chương 195: The Wu Family's Troubles

6th day of the 6th month, Year 815 of the Great Yan Calendar. Clear skies, mild sunshine, not a cloud in ten thousand miles. Today, 'Daddy Heaven' gave Boss Song plenty of face, purposely providing such beautiful weather so their Moon-Lacking Pavilion could set up an altar to worship heaven and announce the establishment of their sect to the world. For an important event like this, someone who loved to show off like Song Que naturally couldn't do it perfunctorily.

That was why this morning, Qinghe City witnessed the spectacle of countless people pouring into the streets, rushing toward the South Gate to watch this awe-inspiring ceremony. Outside the South Gate. In an empty clearing, a simple high platform was temporarily erected in the center, with a red carpet rolled out at its base, full of festive spirit. Below stood over 500 official members of the Moon-Lacking Pavilion, standing straight with solemn expressions.

This entire group was uniformly dressed in black martial attire. On their backs, a sharp, silver waning moon emblem was printed, exceptionally eye-catching. This was to be the symbol of the Moon-Lacking Pavilion from now on. Standing on the high platform and looking at everything below, Song Que couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Regardless of his past life or present, he had never achieved such success. But simultaneously, feeling the hundreds of adoring gazes, he also felt a heavy pressure in his heart.

From now on, Song Que was no longer just one person. Every action he took could affect, and even determine, the fates of hundreds of lives. Everything required extreme caution.

"Brothers!" Song Que began in a deep voice.

"We have gathered here from all corners of the world, sharing the same ambition and united in heart and mind to establish our foundation! Today, we have the Heavens as our witness!" He stepped forward to the incense burner, used both hands to receive the incense sticks handed by Xiong Ba, respectfully raised them high, and then planted them firmly. He began to loudly recite the oath.

"After entering the Moon-Lacking Pavilion, your parents are my parents, your brothers are my brothers, your wife is my sister-in-law! If anyone violates this oath, may they be struck down by the five thunders! If parents or brothers live to a hundred years and lack money for burial, we will assist them! Those with money will give money; those without will give strength! If anyone intentionally pretends not to know, may they be struck to death by the five thunders...

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—once entering the Moon-Lacking Pavilion, we must first make friends with brothers from the four seas with loyalty... Swear to be loyal and righteous; brothers of the four seas will put righteousness first..." Slowly reciting the oaths of the Moon-Lacking Pavilion and guiding the gang members to follow suit, Song Que let out a loud shout after finishing:"Behead the Phoenix!" As his words fell, Li Xin brought a large rooster before the incense altar.

Holding a saber in his right hand, Pavilion Master Song swiftly chopped down! Fresh blood spurted out! Li Xin hurriedly dripped it into a long row of wine bowls set on the table, then brought them to the Vice Pavilion Masters, Hall Masters, Vice Hall Masters, and the higher-ups.

"May Heaven and Earth bear witness!" Everyone shouted in unison, raising their bowls and draining them, officially signifying their initiation into the sect!... After a hearty military parade to display the Moon-Lacking Pavilion's might, conveniently intimidating their neighbor, Chu Tianqiu of the Lingjiang Gang, Boss Song led the hundreds of people, brimming with awe-inspiring momentum, valiantly back to the city!

On the city wall, Xu Qing and Wu Tian, who had come to observe, found it inconvenient to greet him due to taboos. They merely nodded perfunctorily and quickly returned. Wu Yi and Guan Yu didn't have such reservations. They straightforwardly stepped forward to accompany Song Que and the others back to the Moon-Lacking Pavilion to attend the celebratory banquet. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there....

At the new Headquarters of the Moon-Lacking Pavilion today, both inside and out, an entire street was filled with nearly 200 banquet tables! Guests bustled back and forth in a joyous, festive scene. As the Pavilion Master, Boss Song still had to go table by table to closely greet the guests and the brothers below. Therefore, it wasn't until the very end of the banquet that he found some free time to return to the table with his close friends and family.

"Young Master Song, wishing your Moon-Lacking Pavilion vigorous development!"

"A'Que, congratulations." Sitting with Li Xin and Xiong Ba, Guan Yu and Wu Yi saw him return and finally had the chance to raise their cups in congratulation.

"Thank you, Brother Yi, Brother Guan!" Casually picking up a wine jug and filling everyone's cups, Boss Song joyfully raised his own to toast everyone.

"Also celebrating our enduring friendship! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Although he had been walking around earlier, sharp-eyed Song Que had noticed a hint of gloom on Wu Yi's face. Therefore, he took this opportunity to ask curiously:"Brother Yi, is something wrong at home?"

"It's nothing." Wu Yi forced a smile, continuing to fill his cup to congratulate him. Raising his hand to stop him, seeing his evasive demeanor, Song Que would have to be blind not to realize this brother had a problem. So, with a serious face, he looked at him and asked in a deep voice:"Brother Yi, there's no need to hide things between us brothers! If there's a problem, just say it! As long as it can be done, this little brother will resolve it for you!"

Looking at Song Que's sincere eyes and unquestionable tone, Wu Yi smiled wryly:"Is my worry that obvious on my face?" The others didn't say anything, merely nodding continuously. At this point, Guan Yu couldn't help but step forward and speak:"Young Master Song, Young Master Yi is worrying about Lord Wu's situation."

"Uncle? What's wrong with him?" Song Que's eyes flashed with a brilliant light. This time, Wu Yi didn't hide it anymore, smiling wryly as he explained to everyone:"Actually, it's not a major issue. It's just that the higher-ups at the Six Doors Headquarters are extremely dissatisfied with us in Qinghe and Lingjiang Commandery! My uncle will likely not be able to keep his position as Chief Constable this time, so he is a bit worried in his heart. I've affected everyone's joyful mood."

"What are you saying, Brother Yi? It's just a meal; what's so important about it?" Boss Song hurriedly comforted him.

"You also don't need to worry too much. At worst, he just won't be an official anymore; what does it matter? As long as this little brother is here, your Wu family will still be a top-tier family in this place! Who would be so blind as to offend you? Furthermore, if Uncle has free time, this little brother will respectfully offer the position of Vice Pavilion Master! Our families can jointly manage and develop the Moon-Lacking Pavilion!"

"Haha, thank you, A'Que!" Perhaps speaking out lightened his heart, or perhaps Song Que's guarantees reassured him, but Wu Yi felt much better! Only then did the group truly and joyously raise their cups to drink and converse, heartily enjoying this rare gathering.... The Pavilion Master's Villa. Having seen off all the guests, Boss Song was leisurely resting and drinking a cup of tea to cool down, conveniently giving Nie Feng some instructions.

"Old Nie, the Scripture Pavilion matter can take its time. The most important thing right now is to build up the intelligence network! Closely monitor any movements at the South Docks for me! Fan Yiwang is a local who grew up here; you can ask for his advice often."

"Yes, Young Master!" Nie Feng answered seriously.

"Another thing: gather a group of orphans for me, roughly between the ages of 11 and 13. I, Boss Song, also need to cultivate a group of loyal personnel for the future." Hearing his Young Master bring this up, Nie Feng's eyes lit up:"Young Master, I wonder what number would be appropriate?" Pondering for a moment, Song Que gave a number suitable for the Tesseract's current cultivation capacity:"Let's tentatively set it at 50 for now. Select boys.

Their root bone aptitude only needs to pass the line, but their personalities absolutely must be honest, courageous, and hardworking! Have the people below pay close attention to this."

"Rest assured, Young Master, I will personally supervise this matter."

"Mhm, then I am relieved." For the next few days, Song Que had nothing else to do but concentrate on studying martial arts in the courtyard. The Scripture Pavilion had just acquired a batch of martial arts, but the ones that could truly catch his eye were only a scattered few. The most prominent among them were none other than Cao Lang's Seven-Star Linked Flying Knives and Tie Feilong's Golden Snake Swordplay.

The flying knives needed no explanation; they naturally suited Boss Song, who had already mastered the flying rocks hidden weapons to perfection! The Golden Snake Swordplay surprisingly also encompassed body movement and sword techniques! It gave him a lot of inspiration. Currently, dozens of wooden stakes were planted in the courtyard to form a wooden dummy array, placed less than a zhang apart. Holding an ordinary iron sword, Song Que's entire body seemed boneless!

His feet almost glued to the ground as he moved, his footwork twisting bizarrely! Like a nimble snake, he slipped through the gaps! The sword in his hand occasionally thrust out lightly, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue! It was ghostly, unpredictable, and impossible to guard against! A moment later, darting out of the wooden dummy array, he leaped high into the air! While in mid-air, he twisted his body and flicked his wrist!

Several flying knives flashed past, and when they reappeared, they were already deeply embedded in the bullseyes of several stakes! Only upon closer inspection would one notice several red marks painted on each stake. Currently, a sword wound or an embedded flying knife had shockingly appeared on every single mark! All of this was done by Song Que in just the span of a few breaths! The speed and precision were enough to make anyone click their tongues in amazement!

Learning from the Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Grandee Song also had someone catch a snake. He used his separated soul to attach to it and observe how it hunted. This method was indeed effective! In just a few short days, his Golden Snake Swordplay—especially the Golden Snake Body Movement—had progressed at lightning speed, already reaching a considerable level of proficiency! Sheathing his sword and sensing his progress, Boss Song couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

This accelerated learning method using a separated soul was truly monstrous! Right at this moment, Zhong Hong happily approached from outside the door:"A'Que, Chu Zhong just sent me a message! The work at your Plum Manor is completely finished today! He said to go over and inspect it whenever you have time!"