While Hu Xiaotian was racking his brains, six riders came galloping toward him. He looked up and saw that every one of them was Black Miao. Among them was Teng Zidan from Blackstone Stockade. When she reached the Wild Goose Tower, she swung down from her horse and greeted him with a bright smile. "Lord Hu, is this where the Charity Auction banquet is being held?"
Hu Xiaotian was both surprised and delighted. At this point, he no longer cared how much power or influence his guests possessed. Having anyone turn up to support him was more than he could have hoped for. He hurried forward, beaming. "Miss Teng, you're here! Haha, please, come inside!"
Beside Teng Zidan stood a middle-aged Black Miao man with a burly build, imposing features, a purplish complexion, and a drooping mustache. Though he stood there without saying a word, he radiated the commanding presence of a leader. One glance was enough to tell that he headed this group.
Teng Zidan introduced him to Hu Xiaotian. "My father!"
The middle-aged man cupped his hands in greeting. Hu Xiaotian greeted him with a smile and ushered the party into the Wild Goose Tower. Hu Xiaotian did not recognize him, but the moment he entered the main hall, Guo Shouguang hastily rose to his feet. This was Teng Tianqi, chief of Blackstone Stockade, a man of immense prestige among the local Black Miao. Even County Magistrate Xu Qinglian had to treat him with courtesy.
Guo Shouguang simply could not understand it. When had Hu Xiaotian established ties with Blackstone Stockade? Teng Tianqi was rigid by nature and seldom associated with Azure Cloud's officials. Guo Shouguang could not recall him ever attending a public event here, yet today he had brought his daughter of his own accord to