"That goes without saying!" Dragon Manor Lord said righteously. "The Incense-Passing Cult cares so much about its reputation—how could it possibly go back on its word? Even if someone were to wipe out Hui Chun Valley right now, the Incense-Passing Cult would never say a thing!"
At those words, several people in the gathering showed strange expressions. Yet none spoke; they merely exchanged glances. One of them smiled. "Hui Chun Valley has worked with the Incense-Passing Cult for so many years. There is still some incense-burning friendship between them, after all. Who would truly go looking for trouble with Hui Chun Valley?"
"That is not so," Dragon Manor Lord said, shaking his head. "It is merely a cooperative relationship. If Valley Master Peng's Cold Ice Garden could establish ties with the Incense-Passing Cult, it could likewise replace Hui Chun Valley. Can your Cold Ice Garden not cultivate herbs as well? Can it not select medicine children as well? And not only Valley Master Peng—even Valley Master Yan, Sect Leader Zhang, and the rest all have such an opportunity..."
"Of course... all this must be under the circumstance that Hui Chun Valley can no longer cooperate with the Incense-Passing Cult..." Dragon Manor Lord's voice lowered somewhat. Then he raised his cup. "Come, enough of that. It was not easy for us all to gather together. Let us drink!"
"Hehe, come, let us toast Dragon Manor Lord!"
Though everyone harbored their own thoughts, they all wore smiling faces as they raised their cups in toast.
After several more rounds of wine, they spoke of amusing matters from the martial world. Before they knew it, the topic had once again turned to Hui Chun Valley, and then to the martial contest for marriage held before the New Year. At that point, Flying Fish