Little Prosperity Tower, a private room by the window on the second floor.
When Lu Chen pushed the door open and entered, Chen Chong was already waiting inside.
Several plates of hot dishes and a pot of warmed wine sat on the table.
The moment he saw Lu Chen enter, he rose to his feet.
"Junior Brother Lu."
Lu Chen cupped his fists. "Senior Brother Chen."
The two took their seats.
Lu Chen glanced at Chen Chong and asked, "Senior Brother Chen, what was so urgent that you called me back to the county town?"
He had been cultivating in seclusion at the herb garden these past few days. He had not expected Chen Chong to send someone with a message saying there was an important matter to discuss, so he had hurried back.
Chen Chong poured Lu Chen a cup of wine and said with unconcealed delight, "Junior Brother, you may not know this, but Hidden Dragon Martial Hall has shown great signs of revival lately."
"These days, young people come to the martial hall every day seeking apprenticeship. The outer courtyard is as bustling as a market fair."
"Master has wanted to restore the martial hall for years. At last, he can see hope."
Lu Chen said, "That is a good thing."
"It is."
Chen Chong nodded, lifted his wine cup, took a sip, then continued, "But once the martial hall gained momentum, every faction began watching us."
"Especially the Huang Family."
At the mention of the Huang Family, Lu Chen's eyes shifted slightly.
When he had first become a martial artist, Huang Jue, the Huang Family's second young master, had personally come to recruit him. Later, Lu Chen had chosen Wang's Ginseng Shop instead, slighting Huang Jue.
Chen Chong continued, "After the Gathering of Heroes, Huang Jue