Sun Yong and Yang Jing crossed the Martial Training Ground. Just as they reached the inside of the gate, they heard a clamor of voices, horses, and carriages outside.
At the gate, they found the alley outside the Martial Arts Hall packed so tightly with carriages that not even water could seep through. Each carriage bore a different family's crest.
"Master Sun! Young Hero Yang!"
Seeing Sun Yong and Yang Jing appear, the stewards waiting outside immediately stirred, crowding forward to speak with them, gilded invitations held in their hands.
Yang Jing swept his gaze over them and said clearly, "I appreciate everyone's kindness. However, the County Magistrate has already arranged a banquet tonight, so I must decline your other invitations for now. I will visit another day."
Disappointment appeared on their faces.
But since Yang Jing had already accepted the County Magistrate's invitation, they could say little more, however eager they were to win him over.
Just then, a lavishly decorated carriage slowly approached. Its curtain lifted, and Li Haitao stepped out.
Dressed in a brocade robe, his expression was calm, without the gloom he had worn earlier. Under countless watching eyes, he walked unhurriedly toward Sun Yong and Yang Jing.
The crowd instinctively parted for him, their gazes following the Li Family patriarch who had just lost the fist bout.
No one had expected him not only to deliver the stakes personally, but to arrive so quickly.
Behind Li Haitao followed a steward in blue, carrying a heavy rosewood box with both hands. A red silk ribbon was tied around it.
Stopping before the Martial Arts Hall's gate, Li Haitao cupped his hands toward Sun Yong and Yang Jing with a smile. His tone was mild. "Master Sun, Young Hero Yang. I have come uninvited. Might I come