Chapter 98: A Less Than Respectful Welcome (Thanks to the divine pen donation from the big-shot of Shooter Shoe Business)

Upon learning that a grandmaster had emerged in the Northwest Province, the leading figures of the martial world were shocked, but even more so, they were filled with joy. Previously, the entire Northwest had only Lin Xiao as a master, which paled in comparison to other provinces and offered no real advantage. But now, with the rise of a grandmaster, everything had changed.

Throughout China, no grandmaster had yet appeared. It could now be said that the Northwest had become the strongest region in the martial world, a leader among provinces, the very sanctuary of the martial arts world. Any martial artist who came to the Northwest would have to bow their head, and when they ventured out, their peers would look upon them with newfound respect.

Moreover, with the presence of this grandmaster, not only would they enjoy his protection, but if fortunate enough to receive his guidance, it would be an immense blessing. From the words of Lin Xiao and Wang Shixin, they had learned that this grandmaster was not only unmatched in martial prowess but also possessed profound wisdom, with abilities akin to the legendary spells and supernatural powers—a realm mysterious and unfathomable.

At this moment, everyone waited eagerly, desperate to meet the grandmaster so highly esteemed by Lin Xiao and Wang Shixin, longing to know what kind of person he truly was.

Just then, as Lin Xiao grew anxious with waiting, he noticed a small commotion below the martial stage. He glanced over, and that single look nearly frightened his soul away. To his shock, he saw several of his own juniors surrounding Lu Ming and a few others, seemingly embroiled in an argument.

Lin Xiao was instantly alarmed, muttering inwardly that this was bad. He hurriedly rose and rushed downstairs in a panic. Who was Lu Ming? If his juniors offended him, even if it cost the entire Lin family, they could not bear the consequences.

Lin Xiao wished he could break the legs of these useless troublemakers, his face stormy as he charged down.

The other martial leaders present looked on in confusion at Lin Xiao's hurried descent. As a master, Lin Xiao had long cultivated an air of composure; his actions were usually calm and measured. Never before had anyone seen him so flustered.

Under the astonished gaze of the crowd, Lin Xiao reached Lu Ming's side in record time.

“Mr. Lu, you honor us with your presence. I failed to welcome you properly—please forgive me,” Lin Xiao greeted Lu Ming with a respectful bow.

Lu Ming, seeing Lin Xiao, nodded in acknowledgment.

Only then did Lin Xiao turn to Lin Jin and the others, his face stern. “What’s going on here?”

Lin Xiao had already decided that if these fools dared provoke Mr. Lu, he would cripple them on the spot.

Lin Jin, seeing his patriarch, quickly bowed and answered, “Patriarch, these men got into an argument with my girlfriend, and I came to resolve it.”

As the master of the Lin family, Lin Xiao was an idol admired and revered by Lin Jin and his peers; before him, Lin Jin dared not utter a single lie.

“How dare you! Who is Mr. Lu? How could he possibly be involved in an argument with your girlfriend? Apologize to Mr. Lu at once and await your punishment,” Lin Xiao declared, his face dark.

Lin Xiao, without further investigation, shifted all blame onto Lin Jin and demanded an apology. Though Lin Jin felt aggrieved, he dared not disobey, swallowing his resentment and preparing to apologize to Mr. Lu.

At that moment, Lu Ming interjected, “It was these two who had a conflict with Lin Jin’s girlfriend—it had nothing to do with me.” Lu Ming smiled, pointing to Jing Lingxuan and Shi Jianbo.

“These two are your friends?” Lin Xiao asked cautiously.

Lu Ming shook his head, laughing. “I just met them—not friends.”

Relieved, Lin Xiao finally relaxed.

“Mr. Lu, in that case, please come upstairs. The martial peers are all waiting to witness your presence.”

Since they were not Mr. Lu’s friends, Lin Xiao had no interest in meddling, leaving them to handle their own affairs.

Lu Ming nodded, then turned to Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu. “Weren’t you eager to try the martial cuisine here? Let me take you.”

Lin Xiao’s appearance and his deferential attitude toward Lu Ming stunned everyone. Clearly, Lin Xiao was an elder to Lin Jin, the head of the Lin family, the very important guest hosting tonight’s event. Yet Lu Ming was invited with such respect—could he be the other distinguished guest?

Suddenly, Lin Jin came to his senses. Wasn’t today’s honored guest, the grandmaster, also named Lu? The realization made cold sweat break out all over him. This was someone his patriarch revered above all others, and he had just offended him. Anxiety gnawed at his heart as he furtively watched Lu Ming’s expression.

Meanwhile, Yu Bai, Sheng Siyu, Shi Jianbo, and Jing Lingxuan finally understood that Lu Ming’s earlier promise to take them to Wufeng Tower was no empty boast. The fact that Lu Ming was truly tonight’s honored guest, “Mr. Lu,” left them both shocked and full of complex emotions.

Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu felt it all unbelievable, while Jing Lingxuan and Shi Jianbo were utterly mortified. Moments ago, they had looked down on Lu Ming, whose shabby clothes gave them a sense of superiority, prompting them to speak with barely concealed scorn. Never did they imagine that Lu Ming was the true VIP, making them insignificant in his presence. The drastic shift in their perceptions made them wish they could disappear into the floor out of shame.

Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu took a long moment to recover from Lu Ming’s words, finally nodding in a daze. Lin Xiao gestured welcomingly and led the way. Lu Ming, followed by Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu, left with him.

But after a few steps, Yu Bai tugged at the corner of Lu Ming’s garment and whispered, “Mr. Lu, why not bring them along?”

She glanced at Shi Jianbo and Jing Lingxuan.

Lu Ming sighed, his gaze cold as he looked at the pale, bewildered pair. “You come too,” he said.

Relieved, the two hurried to follow. Had Lu Ming left them behind, it would only make matters worse for them, severing all ties and possibly even making enemies. If they had been Lu Ming’s friends, Lin Jin would not dare touch them, but if they were unrelated—or worse, at odds—Lin Jin might well destroy them.

Lu Ming had considered this, which was why he agreed to Yu Bai’s request and brought them along.

With Lu Ming’s consent, Lin Jin dared not obstruct them, watching as they left.

Led by Lin Xiao, Lu Ming and his party ascended to the second floor of Wufeng Tower. As soon as they reached the landing, Lin Xiao called out loudly, “Mr. Lu has arrived!”

The dozen martial leaders immediately stood up.

“Welcome, Mr. Lu!”

They all bowed deeply to Lu Ming, hands clasped in salute.

Lu Ming waved his hand dismissively. “No need for formalities.”

Lin Xiao led Lu Ming to the central table, seating him, and only then did the others take their seats.

This scene left Jing Lingxuan and Shi Jianbo pale-faced, and Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu equally stunned. Everyone present was calm and composed, exuding an extraordinary aura with every gesture. Yet they all showed utmost respect to the young Lu Ming, who greeted them with merely a wave, his dominance radiating effortlessly.

Shi Jianbo and Jing Lingxuan sat nervously, heads bowed, staring at their toes, their hearts in turmoil. Though Lin Jin’s trouble was resolved, the thought of having offended this mighty figure made them wish they could slap themselves.

Yu Bai and Sheng Siyu exchanged a glance, quietly sticking out their tongues. Deeply shaken by the scene, they savored the feeling of being respected while walking alongside Lu Ming.

Once everyone was seated, Zhu Jianbin, who had been waiting nearby, quickly ordered the food. Everything had already been prepared, and in moments, a dozen waiters efficiently filled the tables on the second floor.

The dishes were simple and bold, featuring various secret-marinated meats: chicken, fish, elephant trunk, and more, all cut into large pieces and served in sea bowls. Each table held eighteen dishes—eighteen sea bowls—famed as the “Eighteen Martial Bowls” of Drunken Rivers, exuberant and hearty.

With the food served, Lin Xiao opened a jar of the house-brewed Drunken Rivers wine, filling a thin porcelain bowl before Lu Ming. He then filled his own bowl, stood, and raised it.

“Today, we are fortunate to have invited Mr. Lu. Let us drink this cup in honor of his arrival.”