Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Hou Yuxiao's thoughts were unknown, but his expression was one of bafflement. Though he had sheathed his Blood Shadow Sword, his demeanor remained alert as he said, "What do you mean to say?"

Seeing Hou Yuxiao retract his weapon, Shen Gufan breathed a sigh of relief and with a smile on his face, he clasped his hands together and said, "It is well known that Master of Hou Family is proficient with the staff. Today, it's Mr. Shen who has won dishonorably. How about we call it a draw this time?"

Before Hou Yuxiao could respond, Shen Gufan continued, "Mr. Shen has not set foot in Hexi for many years. Although I had heard of the Hou Family's name, to be honest, I didn't take it seriously. Today, having witnessed the strength of Master of Hou Family, I realize that I was too narrow-minded. The Lord of Hexi title rightfully belongs to Master of Hou Family, and the Hou Family indeed deserves it!"

As his words fell, everyone in the vicinity looked stunned, but before they could react, Wan Renjue also spoke up.

"Hahaha, Brother Shen indeed has a keen eye for talent. It's just a pity that Mr. Wan is half a step too late; I've known for a long time that Master of Hou Family is no ordinary man. The throne of Lord of Hexi undoubtedly belongs to him. At the Fifth Young Master's grand wedding, I instructed Xingyun to bring a generous gift. Seeing the power of Master of Hou Family today, I know that the gift was well warranted!"

Wan Renjue's face was full of smiles, as if the earlier tension with Hou Yuxiao had never occurred. Considering that his son was still in the hands of Hou Yuduan, life or death unknown, he approached Hou Yuxiao as if nothing was amiss, hands clasped in front of him with an entirely amiable expression.

Even after his flattering remarks, he seemed to think it insufficient and continued gravely, "Since Hexi has established itself as a prefecture, it cannot be without a leader. The position of Lord of Hexi must belong to the Hou Family. Mr. Wan here congratulates Master of Hou Family on defending the Hexi title, and hopes for more interactions with Xiong Yun Gang!"

"Mr. Yuan congratulates Master of Hou Family on defending Hexi, Zhao Tong Prefecture's Money Gang wishes to forge good relations with the Hou Family."

"Ying also congratulates Master of Hou Family, Pingjin Prefecture's Moling Sect also wishes to forge good relations with the Hou Family."

"Master Duan congratulates Master of Hou Family on ascending to the revered position of Hexi, Pingtian Gate of Jianye Prefecture also wishes to forge good relations with the Hou Family."

...

Many leaders of first-class powers who had attended today were confused by the sudden turn of events. They didn't understand why people who had just been fighting fiercely were suddenly making overtures of goodwill toward the Hou Family.

But there were also those savvy enough to understand what was happening.

"Wen Clan of Yuzhao County congratulates Master of Hou Family on ascending to the revered position of Hexi!"

"Iron Palm Gang of Jiujun County congratulates Master of Hou Family."

"Yangmen Sect of Songshan County congratulates the Hou Family on defending Hexi."

"Qingshan Gate of Zhaoye County congratulates Master of Hou Family."

...

Congratulations poured in, and more and more people began to understand the rationale. The strength of Hou Yuxiao had obviously been recognized by Shen Gufan, Wan Renjue, and the heads of three other first-class powers. Accordingly, the title of Lord of Hexi had now officially landed on the Hou Family.

Those who came today, mostly onlookers initially, couldn't keep up with the pace of change. However, as they were all heads of their respective families and accustomed to high status, they mastered the art of changing their stances exceptionally well. As soon as the four first-class powers and the enigmatic Shen Clan acknowledged the status of the Hou Family as Lord of Hexi, they quickly and justifiably accepted it.

Even if a few were still unclear about the details, they knew enough to follow the crowd in offering their congratulations. When over a hundred first-class powers each spent a few moments congratulating, it took a total of about three hundred moments before all the congratulations had been given.

Hou Yuxiao's expression remained bewildered throughout. He seemed caught off guard by the situation and hesitated a long while before bowing to Wan Renjue and Shen Gufan and saying, "Thank you both. Mr. Hou has caused much offense previously, I hope you will be magnanimous!"

After finishing, he immediately turned to the rest of the crowd, bowed with a modest expression, and sincerely said, "Mr. Hou thanks everyone present today. Anyone who encounters difficulty in Hexi in the future, feel free to seek the Hou Family. If it is within my power, Mr. Hou will certainly not refuse."

The crowd immediately responded favorably, showering Hou Yuxiao and the Hou Family with thoughtful praise.

Both Wan Renjue and Shen Gufan, seeing how agreeable Hou Yuxiao was at that moment, almost simultaneously had a flash of coldness in their eyes, but both maintained smiling faces, excellently disguised.

Hou Yuxiao hesitated on the spot for a moment, as if realizing something, suddenly turned his head and summoned Hou Yuduan with a wave. Understanding his intent, Hou Yuduan immediately handed over Wan Xingyun, who he held in his hands, to him.

With a flicker of dark light in his hand, he took over Wan Xingyun, approached Wan Renjue with an apologetic look, and said, "Master Wan, the Young Gang Leader is severely injured, but he should be fine with timely medical treatment. My younger brother was reckless, please be magnanimous, Master Wan!"

Wan Renjue was not surprised and gently shook his head, saying, "Xingyun has had too smooth a path in his growth. This intervention by the Second Young Master is a good lesson for him, showing him there are always higher skies and greater people. It is to his benefit. Mr. Wan is more grateful than anything and would not think of blaming anyone."

Not just Hou Yuxiao, nearby Duan Hong and three others, including Shen Gufan, had slightly stiff expressions on their faces at the moment, probably cursing Wan Renjue internally for his shamelessness. Hou Yuxiao had no choice but to thank him again with a bow.

"Family Head, Shen Gu Yun has been brought here!"

Just then, Hou Fei came from afar, holding Shen Gu Yun, who had been captured by Hou Yujie in Yangping County. He bore no injuries, but his eyes were closed, and his face was pale.