Hu Xiaotian and Long Xiyue went back with the others to discuss their next move. He told Xia Changming and the warriors to stay behind and rest. They were all injured, which gave them a perfectly adequate excuse. Staying behind would also let them provide support from outside if the situation changed. Xia Changming's Beast Taming could prove useful at a critical moment.
Besides, it seemed he was the main guest at tonight's banquet. Qin Boyan had clearly come prepared. Hu Xiaotian would have preferred Long Xiyue to stay behind as well, but she was too worried about him and insisted on going with him.
Although Long Xiyue wore men's clothes, anyone could tell at a glance that she was a woman. When they reached the Hall of Benevolence and Righteousness, they found it already ablaze with lights. "After you, Young Master Wu!" Long Xiyue said, laughing as she recalled how Yan Nujiao had introduced him earlier.
"How should I introduce this handsome young gentleman, whose looks rival Pan An's?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
Long Xiyue smiled. "You're Wu Neng, so I'll be Wu Yong."
Hu Xiaotian laughed. "Anyone can tell you're a girl. You won't fool those old hands of the martial world."
"Are you saying they might already know who we are?" Long Xiyue asked.
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Quite possibly. Qin Boyan is Heavenly Wolf Mountain's master strategist. He doesn't venture out lightly. Since Nujiao introduced me that way, we can only carry on with the mistake. We'll play it by ear tonight."
"It'll be fine. Nujiao will definitely be on our side," Long Xiyue said. She had complete faith in Yan Nujiao. She could tell that Yan Nujiao would sooner sacrifice herself than harm Hu Xiaotian.
Though Hu Xiaotian agreed, Yan Nujiao seemed rather afraid of her father.