Chapter 551 - 244: Suhe Zhen
Chapter 551: Chapter 244: Suhe Zhen
Luo Shuqing surreptitiously glanced around, confirming the positions of the Tingtiao Pavilion disciples.
Last time on Black Island, her movements had been too obvious. This time, it seemed she had learned her lesson. She leaned close to Fang Shuwen’s ear and whispered:
"There... there are!
"Look at those Tingtiao Pavilion disciples! Every one of them is fierce... like a terrifying Evil God!
"When they saw us disembark, they... they shouted so loudly!
"It’s... it’s obvious they’re trying... trying to intimidate us!!"
Fang Shuwen turned his head to look at Luo Shuqing.
He didn’t see her face, but rather the slightly ugly mask and the pair of large eyes peering out from its eyeholes.
Their eyes met. Perhaps because the distance was a little too close, Luo Shuqing subconsciously shuffled back a bit.
Fang Shuwen, however, just smiled.
"Alright, I’ll be careful."
Luo Shuqing nodded, flustered.
Zuo Xuan and Zuo Hong exchanged a glance. ’This conversation is a bit ridiculous...’
’Now that Fang Shuwen has come to Tingtiao Pavilion, shouldn’t Tingtiao Pavilion be the ones who need to be careful?’
’It seems Miss Luo’s understanding of this Demon Evil God is still somewhat lacking.’
The wait was not long. Soon, the sound of footsteps came from within the hall.
"Hero Fang has graced the East Sea with his presence, and this old man was somehow unaware.
"I failed to welcome you from afar. I hope you will forgive my transgression!"
As he spoke, a kind-faced, middle-aged man emerged from the inner hall.
Following behind him were, naturally, Suhe Chen and Suhe Lan.
Fang Shuwen stood up.
"How could I dare trouble Pavilion Master Suhe to welcome me personally?
"This junior, Fang Shuwen, pays his respects to Senior Suhe."
It was only on the way to Tingtiao Pavilion that Fang Shuwen had learned "Suhe" was a compound surname...
He had always assumed that for Suhe Chen and Suhe Lan, their surname was Su, and their given names were Hechen and Helan.
So when he later heard Zuo Xuan mention that the Tingtiao Pavilion Master was named Suhe Zhen, he was perplexed.
How could the three of them—a father and his children—seemingly belong to the same generation by their names?
Upon asking, he finally learned that there was a compound surname, Suhe.
It had served to broaden his horizons, if only a little.
Suhe Zhen glanced at Fang Shuwen with a beaming smile, then extended an arm in a guiding gesture.
"Hero Fang, you are young and accomplished, and your great reputation is so widespread that even an old man like myself, who rarely leaves home, has heard it thunder in my ears.
"Please, have a seat."
After exchanging a few polite words, Fang Shuwen sat down.
"Speaking of which, this old man has long admired the Eastern Domain. I have heard that the Seven Great Sect Leaders of the Eastern Domain each possess unique ultimate skills. Most importantly, they have always been of one heart and mind, forging the Eastern Domain into an iron plate.
"In this turbulent Jianghu, to stand firm and unafraid of enemies from all four corners is truly something to be envied."
Only after seeing Fang Shuwen seated did Suhe Zhen take the host’s seat.
But in their father’s presence, neither Young Pavilion Master Suhe Chen nor the second young miss, Suhe Lan, had the liberty to sit.
The two of them stood to Suhe Zhen’s left and right.
Fang Shuwen said with a smile:
"The Seven Great Sects hold sway over the Eastern Domain Martial World. They are the standard-bearers for our Eastern Domain Martial World and are indeed worthy of admiration."
"Oh?"
Suhe Zhen said with a smile:
"Nowadays, Hero Fang’s reputation has faintly overshadowed that of the Seven Great Sects. Have you never thought of... replacing them?"
Fang Shuwen laughed heartily.
"If I had, would Senior be planning to help me?"
Although both men were smiling as they spoke, the moment Fang Shuwen’s words fell, the entire hall suddenly grew somewhat quiet.
Luo Shuqing once again reached out to pinch the hem of her skirt, as if feeling a little uneasy.
"Hahaha, Hero Fang jests. This old man was merely making a small joke."
Suhe Zhen waved his hands repeatedly.
"Let’s put these jokes aside. Hero Fang, for what purpose have you come to the East Sea this time?"
Fang Shuwen retracted his gaze. He picked up his teacup, gently scraped the lid against the rim, and took a sip before finally speaking:
"This humble one opened a small establishment in the Eastern Domain called One Square House, specializing in the modest business of protecting people.
"Miss Luo was in the Eastern Domain at the time and happened to take a liking to my little shop. She insisted on hiring me for a trip to the East Sea to escort her back to Qingxiao Pavilion.
"And that is how I came to enter the East Sea."
"I see."
Suhe Zhen glanced at Luo Shuqing and shook his head gently.
"The situation within Qingxiao Pavilion is still unclear. Returning now may not necessarily be a good thing."
"Oh?"
Fang Shuwen chuckled.
"Others may not know, but could it be that Senior Suhe also knows nothing at all?"
"Well..."
Suhe Zhen hesitated slightly. After another glance at Luo Shuqing, he finally said in a low voice:
"Miss Luo’s younger brother, Luo Shuyang, may not be old, but he is not one to be underestimated.
"Right now, it is true that no one can force their way into Qingxiao Pavilion.
"Even those of us from the other Forbidden Lands of the East Sea would not dare to force entry while Qingxiao Pavilion has its doors closed to guests.
"However... there are some rumors floating around, but it’s hard to say how much of them can be believed."
Luo Shuqing subconsciously took a step forward, then quickly retreated to Fang Shuwen’s side and said:
"Shu... Shuyang is just young.
"He was probably tricked by someone. You... you shouldn’t think the worst of him.
"If... if you know anything, please tell me. I... I’ll definitely be grateful to you."
It was as if those words had used up all her courage. After speaking, she immediately hid behind Fang Shuwen.
Suhe Zhen gave a wry smile.
"Your personality really hasn’t changed one bit.
"Fine... Since you want to know, I’ll tell you.
"I’ve heard that a Demon from the Dark Sea, at his invitation, has now arrived at Qingxiao Pavilion.
"But whether this is true or false, no one knows for certain.
"Some people have also seen Qingxiao Pavilion disciples throwing corpses into the sea along the island’s edge... and not just a few."