Chapter Seventeen: The Banquet of Eight Delicacies

Han Yugong accompanied Fang Guohuan for tea for a while, but his fingers were itching for a game, so he ordered the chessboard to be brought and invited Fang Guohuan to play with him. Fang Guohuan began with the “Six Stars of the Scales” opening, establishing his position in the center. Han Yugong noticed Fang Guohuan’s style had changed completely, no longer following conventional play, which left him greatly puzzled.

After dozens of moves, Han Yugong saw his own pieces solidly controlling the sides and corners, with a strong and thick formation, while Fang Guohuan’s pieces were scattered in the center, appearing weak and thin, yet displaying a commanding view of the entire board. Han Yugong was amazed. After another dozen moves, he could not help but remark, “Three years ago, playing against you, I could still follow your train of thought. But today, it’s as if I’m wandering in clouds and mist, unable to grasp the edges of your strategy. Unimaginable! I never thought your skill would become unfathomable in just three years, reaching the legendary realm of transcendence—truly marvelous!”

Fang Guohuan smiled, “Your own skill has greatly improved since three years ago. If you had played like this back then, I would not have been able to win.” At the 156th move, Han Yugong suddenly shook his head, “No more! No more! Your strategy commands heaven to subdue earth. Even though you are deliberately yielding, it is as hard as climbing to the sky—I cannot follow. Your skill has reached such heights it is sublime.” With that, he conceded, deeply impressed.

Just then, a servant entered to announce, “Young Master and Miss are ready, and invite Master and Mr. Fang to the Hall of Immortal Delicacies for the Banquet of Eight Rarities.” Han Yugong was delighted, “Today, you must taste the finest flavor among the Eight Rarities.” With that, he took Fang Guohuan from the sitting room, through the moon gate, and into the rear garden. This garden was another world entirely: fishponds, artificial hills, flourishing trees, and vibrant flowers—a tranquil haven.

Passing through a thicket of blooms, they came to a two-story pavilion. Han Yugong said, “This is the Gourmet Tower. The first floor is the kitchen, called the ‘Refined Cuisine Room,’ with a cellar below for storing rare ingredients from all over the land; upstairs is the ‘Hall of Immortal Delicacies,’ where we savor fine dishes. To delight Miss Xing’er, Young Master Mingfeng has truly put in effort.” Fang Guohuan shook his head and laughed, “Brother Zhao is a true gourmet—such a level of devotion to food, none in history can match!”

Still twenty paces from the Gourmet Tower, an extraordinary aroma drifted from the kitchen, and Fang Guohuan could not help but inhale deeply, exclaiming, “How fragrant! Wonderful!” Han Yugong closed his eyes to savor the scent, then nodded, “Xing’er’s preparation of the ape lips is authentic—the aroma is perfect.” As they entered, they heard loud sniffs; several servants, busy at their tasks, were inhaling the fragrance greedily, as if fearing to miss even a breath.

Fang Guohuan, too, could not help but breathe in, feeling the aroma penetrate his very soul and his appetite surge. Zhao Sheng came to greet them, leading Han Yugong and Fang Guohuan upstairs to the Hall of Immortal Delicacies, then withdrew.

The Hall was spacious and bright, three windows thrown wide to the garden. Though it could seat dozens, only one redwood Eight Immortals Table stood at the center, flanked by four antique chairs. Several smaller, elegant tables with tea sets stood to one side, ready for the banquet. Each corner held a flower stand with a hanging orchid, and famous calligraphies and paintings hung in orderly rows on the walls. Most striking, at the central screen, was a great painting of a flat peach, plump and pink with two green leaves, lifelike and enticing, surely the work of a master. Beside it, a couplet read: “In heaven, the Queen Mother’s peach banquet, for the immortals alone; On earth, my family’s feast of delicacies, for me alone.” The horizontal inscription: “Life is but this.”

Fang Guohuan, seeing this, shook his head in admiration, “If one could live as Zhao Mingfeng does—that would be enough!”

At that moment, Zhao Mingfeng came up the stairs, chanting, “Eight Rarities wrought by fair hands, wondrous fragrance fills the tower; only by savoring such drifting aromas, is life not lived in vain.” As his voice faded, he entered, beaming with joy.

Fang Guohuan greeted him, laughing, “Brother Zhao, what refined taste!” Zhao Mingfeng cheerfully clapped Fang Guohuan’s shoulder, “My brother, today you are truly in for a treat!” Then, bowing to Han Yugong, he said, “Miss Xing’er asks the master chef to prepare the ape lips from the Eight Rarities.” Han Yugong smiled, “After the ape lips are cooked, only a master chef can open the pot at the right moment to preserve the true flavor—Xing’er remembers every detail.” With that, he went downstairs, delighted.

Fang Guohuan laughed, “Brother Zhao, you are surely the world’s foremost connoisseur.” Zhao Mingfeng grinned proudly, then drew Fang Guohuan to sit, speaking softly, “You have come at just the right time. There’s an important matter I hope you can help me with.” Fang Guohuan, already guessing his intent, replied, “If I can help, say the word.”

Zhao Mingfeng smiled, “Miss Xing’er is not only the finest chef in the world, turning the ordinary into the divine, but she is also cheerful and kind-hearted. If I could marry her, I would have no regrets in this life. My father blames me for lingering away from home, urging my return to Suzhou, so I wish to settle matters with Xing’er and bring her home. We have been together for over three years, inseparable in the kitchen, and over time, feelings have grown. But she is shy and will not speak, though Master Han supports us. Moreover, Xing’er has now, by family tradition, truly prepared the rarest ape lips from the Eight Rarities, fulfilling my father’s wish. Brother, your arrival today is fate—please help us.”

Fang Guohuan laughed, “You wish me to speak plainly—excellent! Master Han has just mentioned this to me. You and Miss Han are a perfect match, both in talent and in taste. Today, I shall play the matchmaker and see you wed.” Zhao Mingfeng was overjoyed, bowing deeply in thanks.

Just then, Han Xing’er’s voice came from outside: “Slowly—slower still, hold steady, don’t let it shake!” She appeared at the door with a servant, who carefully bore a large silver tray with a cover. Zhao Mingfeng hurried over, gently taking the tray and placing it solemnly on the table, as if it were a treasure. Another servant brought a clay pot, also covered, which Zhao Mingfeng set beside the tray; the servants then withdrew.

Han Yugong came up with a jar of wine, showing it to Fang Guohuan, “This is my own Hundred Flowers Wine. Three years ago, you tasted the seven-year vintage; now it is ten years old, with a new flavor.” The four of them—Han Yugong, Fang Guohuan, Zhao Mingfeng, and Han Xing’er—sat down. Zhao Mingfeng filled their cups, sitting now as master of the house, and announced, “Today, I offer everyone braised camel’s hump from the Eight Rarities.” He gently lifted the clay pot’s lid, releasing a rich, unique aroma. The hump, the size of a suckling pig, sat alone in the pot, its fragrance mouthwatering.

Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “I have heard that the camel’s hump stores water for the desert, but never that it is a delicacy!” Han Xing’er smiled, “You may not know: this is the single hump of a young wild camel, unlike the common double-humped breed. In the Eight Rarities, ‘camel’s hump’ refers to this single hump, prepared in six ways, prized for its water content; braising brings out its richest flavor.”

Han Yugong said, “Now, let me show you another rare item from the Eight Rarities.” Rising, he swept the lid from the large silver tray. At once, an extraordinary fragrance filled the room—the same tantalizing aroma that had drifted outside, now even stronger, enveloping them.

Fang Guohuan looked and was startled: upon the tray lay a huge, grotesque ape’s face, skin and features intact, as lifeless as a mask. The so-called “ape lips” were not merely the lips, but the entire face, skinned from brow to chin, mouth, nose, eyes, brows—all still present. The sight was fearsome.

Fang Guohuan recoiled in horror, “How could anyone eat such a thing?” Han Yugong quickly reassured him, “No need to fear—this is merely a dish, a food. The ‘ape lips’ of the Eight Rarities is the face of the great ape. Few know it, for apes are strong as oxen, hard to catch, and found only in distant lands; thus a single ape lips is worth a fortune. To eat it may seem cruel, but just as humans eat cattle and sheep, or tigers eat people, so it is with nature. Although we might feel pity, it was given by heaven as a delicacy; as long as it is not taken to excess, there is no harm. Birds and beasts bear no grudge—it is just a chef’s dish.”

Han Xing’er added, “It does look terrifying, but ape lips are the first among the Eight Rarities, the greatest flavor under heaven. Without secret techniques, it is nearly impossible to bring out the true taste; if improperly cooked, it is little better than other rare dishes. This specimen was brought from Suzhou just yesterday, preserved in wax for freshness. I began preparing it yesterday and only now, at last, is it complete. Such an opportunity will not come again, so you must taste it.” With that, she took a piece of the thick lower lip and placed it in Fang Guohuan’s bowl.

Seeing the lip removed made the ape’s face look even more ghastly, and Fang Guohuan, terrified, waved his hands in refusal, “Such a ‘delicacy’ I cannot eat!” The other three could not help but laugh at his distress.

Zhao Mingfeng said, “You are not a true gourmet—you haven’t seen many strange dishes. Even a celestial delicacy fails to tempt you. Today’s is but a strange ‘dead dish’; if you saw some of the ‘live dishes,’ you would be truly sick. In Guangdong, there is a dish called ‘Three Screams.’ It uses newborn mice, eyes still closed. When picked up with chopsticks, they squeak in pain—the first scream; dipped in hot sauce, the pain makes them shriek—the second; and when chewed alive, their final cry is the third. Thus, the ‘Three Screams’ dish—famous and unique, but not for the faint-hearted.”

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan broke out in goosebumps, his skin crawling, nearly retching, but he clenched his teeth and endured. Zhao Mingfeng, amused, continued, “We southerners have another dish called ‘Meat Sprouts.’ Fresh meat is hung under the eaves in hot weather to breed maggots; the fat grubs are the ‘meat sprouts.’ Some eat them cooked, others raw—it is an acquired taste.” At this, Fang Guohuan could bear no more and rushed to the window to retch, thoroughly disgusted.

Zhao Mingfeng realized he had gone too far and, mortified, hurried over to support Fang Guohuan, apologizing, “Are you all right, brother? I spoke without thinking—please forgive me.” Fang Guohuan, breathing in the scent of the garden, felt a little better and sighed, “Are there really such dishes and diners in the world?” Zhao Mingfeng smiled, “I’ve only heard of them; even if they are special, I wouldn’t dare try them.” Glancing at Han Xing’er and seeing her eyes wide with anger, Zhao Mingfeng regretted his words and dared not look at her again.

Fang Guohuan shook his head, “I may not understand fine food, but I cannot imagine eating such things.” Han Yugong, disapproving of Zhao Mingfeng’s behavior, handed Fang Guohuan a cup, “Here, drink some wine to settle your nerves.” Fang Guohuan thanked him and drank it all, feeling much comforted.

Han Xing’er, now angry, scolded Zhao Mingfeng, “You call yourself a gourmet, yet do not know that to appreciate rare flavors, one must be calm and undisturbed in spirit. Your thoughtless teasing has spoiled our guest’s appetite. Remember, I have never prepared ‘live dishes’ in my life, and your indiscreet talk not only violates the art of cuisine but offends our honored guest. If not for Mr. Fang’s victory over my grandfather, which allowed you three years of bliss here, who would have served you so kindly? Had I known you were so frivolous, I would not have bothered to make such efforts. Dealing with a shallow diner like you would be easy!” Her words left Zhao Mingfeng deeply embarrassed, and he stood to bow in apology, “I was ignorant and offended you, Miss Han. I will never do so again.” Han Xing’er turned away, ignoring him.

Fang Guohuan, amused by Zhao Mingfeng’s plight, intervened, “It’s not Brother Zhao’s fault—I simply was unprepared for such odd dishes and have learned something new. Since we have such rare delicacies before us, how can I not try them?” He picked up the piece of ape lips, closed his eyes, and forced himself to eat. Instantly, a unique fragrance filled his mouth and reached his stomach, exquisite beyond compare, washing away all prior discomfort. Before he could finish chewing, he had swallowed it, the aroma filling his entire being. Joyfully, he exclaimed, “So this magical flavor is to scare off the unworthy! I never imagined anything so delicious existed. To taste this once is worth a lifetime.” With that, he took another piece. The ape lips, though whole, separated instantly with chopsticks, tender and elastic.

Seeing Fang Guohuan eat, Han Xing’er was pleased, “The first taste goes to you. Even two gourmets cannot match your precedence.” She then served him a piece of camel’s hump, “And the first taste of the hump as well, to punish someone’s loose tongue.” Zhao Mingfeng quickly added, “Quite right! Brother, just leave me a sip of the broth, and I’ll be satisfied.” The others laughed, and the four set to eating and drinking, Zhao Mingfeng and Fang Guohuan lavishing praise. Fang Guohuan sighed, “Life is truly just this! Now I understand why you are so devoted to fine food.” Zhao Mingfeng smiled, “The taste of the Eight Rarities is unique, different from all other cuisine.” Fang Guohuan replied, “But only a true master can bring out the real flavor—otherwise, the ingredients alone are wasted.” Zhao Mingfeng nodded in agreement, while Han Xing’er smiled quietly.

Suddenly, Han Yugong stood and excused himself. Fang Guohuan saluted, “Please take your time.” When Han Yugong had gone, Fang Guohuan toasted Han Xing’er and Zhao Mingfeng, “Every time I visit, I am treated to Miss Han’s culinary artistry and experience the true realm of gourmet life.” After a pause, he continued, “Miss Han, forgive my boldness. Young Master Mingfeng has spent three years here as your close companion. Surely this is fate—a perfect match. Why not marry soon, so we may drink the wedding wine? What do you say?” Han Xing’er blushed, glancing nervously at Zhao Mingfeng, and replied with a smile, “I was raised by my grandfather; such matters I leave to him.”

Just then, Han Yugong returned and, hearing this, burst out laughing, “At last, the window-paper is pierced! Mingfeng is not only an exceptional diner but also bound by fate to our family—a true soulmate. Since he is devoted and Xing’er is willing, let it be so.” Zhao Mingfeng was overjoyed, fell to his knees, and thanked him, Han Yugong quickly helping him up, “For three years we have been as family; now we are truly united. You must both thank Mr. Fang, your greatest matchmaker.” Zhao Mingfeng and Han Xing’er bowed to Fang Guohuan, who accepted with hearty laughter.

When they were seated once more, Han Yugong said with satisfaction, “Now that all is settled, in a few days Mingfeng and Xing’er will return to Suzhou and marry—my wish fulfilled.” Zhao Mingfeng said, “I hope you will come with us to Suzhou, to share our fortune and enjoy your old age.” Han Yugong shook his head, “Now Xing’er has found happiness, my heart is content. I am weary of the world’s bustle and wish to remain in this tranquil spot. You should go on.” Zhao Mingfeng protested, “How can we leave you alone?” Han Yugong smiled, “You have made this place a paradise—I shall stay to watch over it.”

Zhao Mingfeng wanted to insist, but Han Xing’er, moved, said softly, “Grandfather is not one to be forced. Let him stay here; if ever you neglect me in Suzhou, I will always have a home to return to.” Tears welled in her eyes. Zhao Mingfeng, flustered, knelt with a vow, “Heaven above, if I ever prove unfaithful, may I be struck down and reborn a beggar, never to know fine food again.” Han Xing’er, moved and amused, pulled him up, “You really are a young master; have you no shame?” Fang Guohuan laughed, “Don’t forget your matchmaker here! When we meet again, prepare something rare for me to taste.” Han Xing’er smiled, “If only you stayed, I’d make something new every day—enough for you to taste all the world’s flavors.” Fang Guohuan replied, “Let’s make it a promise.”

Zhao Mingfeng said, “I hope, brother, you will return with us to Suzhou in a few days.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I must visit some old friends and attend to important matters first, but when I have the chance, I will come to Suzhou for sure.” Zhao Mingfeng said, “In any case, you must come to our wedding in six months. My father has set the date, and if I have not found a bride by then, he will choose one for me. Heaven has blessed me with a fairy wife.” Han Xing’er teased, “You do think highly of yourself!”

With Zhao Mingfeng and Han Xing’er now betrothed, all were happy. After two days, Fang Guohuan took his leave of the Han family and Zhao Mingfeng. Zhao Mingfeng reminded him to come to Suzhou for the wedding in six months and promised to introduce him to Tian Yangwu, the Chess King of Jiangnan. Fang Guohuan gladly agreed. Before he left, Zhao Mingfeng gave him a jade token, “When you come to Suzhou, visit the largest Gold Coin Bank in the city and show this token—they will escort you to our Biyou Villa.” He also offered a banknote for a thousand taels, which Fang Guohuan at first refused, but Zhao Mingfeng insisted, so he accepted with thanks and departed.

Not long after, a letter from Suzhou urged Zhao Mingfeng’s return, so he took Han Xing’er and Zhao Sheng and others, bade farewell to Han Yugong, and returned to Suzhou. Han Xing’er, sorrowful, wept in her grandfather’s embrace before leaving. Before departing, Zhao Mingfeng left his trusted servant Zhao Xiang and several others to care for Han Yugong, regularly sending money from Suzhou. Han Yugong enjoyed his peace, often preparing delicacies for Zhao Xiang and the others, who were so well-fed they refused to leave.

Fang Guohuan left Shiyan Village, traveling for many days until he reached the Yellow River. Gazing at the surging waters, he knew that once across, he would be close to Liu Family Village in Hebei, and felt glad at heart. Along the way, he often heard talk of the capital’s chess tournament, where a champion named Qu Liangyi had emerged, now the leader of all chess players in the land. Fang mused, “He is now the foremost player in the world; I must one day visit the capital and experience his style.”

Walking along the riverbank, looking for a ferry, he saw a small boat coming from the far shore, rowed by two men, who looked around nervously. Sensing these were not good men, Fang Guohuan concealed himself in the reeds to watch.

Soon the boat landed. One man carried a cloth sack ashore, while the other steadied the boat. They hid the boat in the reeds, then whispered together. As they were close by, Fang Guohuan overheard one say, “It’s too conspicuous; let’s hide it by the shore and report to Master before coming back for it.” The other replied, “Good idea. Anyway, the pressure points are sealed, and the ropes are tight—there’s no way to escape.” Fang thought, “Is someone inside the sack? These two look villainous—surely kidnappers.” The first said, “We got lucky this time, but will Master dare to go through with it? This is dangerous—it could cost us our lives.” The second replied fiercely, “We are making a stir in the martial world; now that it’s done, we must go through with it. With this person in our hands, who can stop us?” They hid the sack in the grass, covered it with more grass, and left, glancing back once to make sure it was safe.

When they were gone, Fang Guohuan emerged, found the sack, and, opening it, saw strands of black hair—inside was a young woman, bound and glaring angrily at him. He quickly undid her ropes, but she slumped, unable to move. Fang realized, “Her pressure points are sealed, as the villain said.” He said, “Miss, those men sealed your points. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to undo it—what should we do?”

The young woman, understanding she had been rescued, looked at Fang Guohuan with gratitude and blinked as if trying to communicate. He said, “If you don’t speak, I can’t understand.” She glanced at her left hand. “Do you want me to lift your left hand?” Her eyes brightened and she blinked rapidly. He smiled, “I must be right,” and lifted her left arm, but did not know what to do next. She looked toward her right shoulder. “Should I place your left hand on your right shoulder?” She blinked again with joy.

He laughed, “Your ‘eye language’ is not hard to understand.” He placed her left hand on her right shoulder. Her eyes turned anxious, blinking rapidly again. Fang was worried, “What now? If the villains return, we’re in trouble. What do you want me to do?” She blinked again, indicating her right shoulder. “Is the position wrong?” He pressed her left hand’s fingers along her right shoulder. When her left middle finger pressed the Jianjing acupoint, her finger twitched and seemed to stick there, and she blinked rapidly—he knew he’d found the spot. He let go, and she closed her eyes, concentrating on her internal energy.

Only then did Fang Guohuan study her features—a young woman of twenty-four or twenty-five, dignified and beautiful, with a noble air and a touch of authority not seen in ordinary women. She seemed vaguely familiar. Suddenly, he remembered: years ago, following Bu Yuan to seek the monk Zhishan for a chess match, they passed through a small town; as he stood by the road, a group of riders passed by, and a young woman mistook him for a beggar and gave him two flatbreads. Bu Yuan had laughed at him for this—it was a vivid memory. Fang Guohuan was delighted, “So it’s the sister who gave me bread back then—what fate, to meet here again!” The woman, eyes closed, was focused on breaking the seal, but on hearing his words, she opened her eyes and looked at him, puzzled and uncomprehending.

He said, “Sister, do you remember, three years ago, in a small town, you gave me two flatbreads as you passed on horseback?” She furrowed her brow, searching her memory, but her expression remained blank, and she closed her eyes to focus on her energy.

Fang Guohuan sighed, “Of course—three years ago, you thought me a beggar and gave me bread out of kindness. You’d not recall it now.” Then he smiled, “But fate has repaid your kindness—I have now repaid the debt.”

After a moment, the woman’s left arm trembled, her shoulders moved, and she let out a long breath, leaping to her feet. Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “You have great skill, sister, to undo the seal yourself!” Revived, she showed a hint of heroism, cupped her fist in thanks, “Thank you for saving me—this place is dangerous, we must go.” Fang said, “The villains hid their boat here—let’s cross the river quickly for safety.” She agreed, and together they found the boat. The woman rowed skillfully, and soon they reached the far shore.

Once ashore, Fang Guohuan breathed a sigh of relief, “We’re safe now—they can’t catch up.” The woman, also relieved, bowed deeply, “I am Lian Qiying. Thank you for saving my life—may I ask your name?” Fang replied happily, “So it is Sister Lian! I am Fang Guohuan; we have met before.” She shook her head, “You say we’ve met and that I once gave you bread, but I cannot recall. Still, you seem familiar—perhaps we met once before.” Fang asked, “How did you fall into those villains’ hands?” Lian Qiying said angrily, “Earlier today, I was waiting for friends in a nearby town when I was drugged and kidnapped. Without your help, I would have been in real trouble.” She smiled at Fang in gratitude.

Just then, more than thirty riders came galloping up. Fang Guohuan was alarmed, but Lian Qiying, after a moment’s scrutiny, smiled, “Do not fear, brother—they are our own people.” The riders arrived like a whirlwind. Three elders led the group, the rest stalwart men, all armed. Seeing Lian Qiying, they dismounted and knelt, one elder saying, “Forgive us for being late, Chief.”

Lian Qiying waved them up, “Rise, all of you.” Fang Guohuan, astonished, thought, “Who is this sister, to command such respect?” The men stood at attention, faces solemn, clearly in awe of Lian Qiying. She said, “You arrived just in time—I was nearly harmed by Old Dragon Society’s villains.” The men were shocked. One elder said urgently, “No wonder we could not find you, Chief—you were taken by Old Dragon Society. They are daring indeed.”

Another elder, furious, said, “Because Old Dragon Society had some history with our Six Harmonies Hall twenty years ago, we had let them be, but now they have struck first and dared offend the chief. Please give the order, and we will wipe them out.” Lian Qiying’s expression hardened, “So be it—Liu and Qi, you two take men five li down the river, cross by boat, and cut off their retreat. They will soon come searching the grass on the far shore. Leave none alive or at large.” The two elders replied, “Yes, Chief,” and took most of the men away.

She then said to another elder, “Master Ma, go and alert our Six Harmonies branches nearby. Send reinforcements to Liu and Qi, and dispatch others to destroy Old Dragon Society’s lair. Do this thoroughly to avoid trouble with the authorities.” Master Ma bowed, “Yes, Chief.” Then, to the remaining guards, “You must protect the Chief well—no mistakes.” With that, he rode off with several men.

Lian Qiying turned to Fang Guohuan, smiling, “All is taken care of—they will handle it. Come, let us go.” Fang, having seen her command troops with kingly authority and severity, was filled with awe and admiration. Two horses were brought; Lian Qiying and Fang Guohuan mounted and, guarded by a dozen warriors, rode north.

Fang marvelled, “Sister Lian, you are so impressive! At first, I thought you were some wealthy family’s daughter, kidnapped for ransom.” Lian Qiying laughed, “To tell the truth, I am the Chief of Six Harmonies Hall, the largest society in the martial world.” “Six Harmonies?” Fang Guohuan asked, “Does that mean east, west, south, north, heaven, and earth?” Lian Qiying was surprised, “Exactly—Six Harmonies signifies the vastness of the world. Had those outlaws not recognized me, they would not have dared act. But finding me alone, they drugged me, hoping to use me against Six Harmonies Hall. No one dares oppose us lightly; today they have doomed themselves.” Fang Guohuan was inwardly amazed.

Just then, more than twenty riders approached from the opposite direction. Recognizing Lian Qiying, they cheered loudly. She smiled, “Brother Hong and the other Hall Masters have arrived.”