The next day, the midday sun shone through the red gates of Pengyang County, illuminating the entire scene like a lively painting.
Beneath the red gate, two rows of banquet tables on either side were laden with sumptuous dishes, and the aroma of wine filled the air.
All the bandit forces in Pengyang County gathered here, each wearing a bamboo hat, yet unable to conceal their unruly and arrogant aura.
Each bandit leader was accompanied by more than ten men, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere, even with an undercurrent of tension.
Chen Zhennan sat next to Wang Dejun, his brows slightly furrowed, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding bandits like a hawk.
He desperately wanted to wipe out all these scoundrels who were causing trouble in the area right now and eliminate this scourge.
Seeing this, Wang Dejun raised his chin in Liu Guancai's direction and whispered, "That's Liu Guancai, the magistrate of Pengyang County. He's no different from us bandits."
His words were tinged with disdain and filled with sarcasm.
Chen Zhennan gave an "oh" and nodded slightly without speaking, but in his heart he thought to himself that being able to collude so closely with these bandits was truly a case of officials and bandits working together, utterly shameless.
Just then, Magistrate Liu Guancai slowly stood up, holding a wine cup, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"You are all heroes of Pengyang County. Today, we are gathered here under the red gate to discuss how to improve the lives of the people."
His words sounded grand and righteous, but Chen Zhennan wanted to laugh inwardly. Everyone knew that the bandits in Pengyang County were sponsored by the government, and the so-called "rest and recuperation for the people" was nothing but a self-deceiving lie.
Liu Guancai continued, "I have received news that the second son of the Prince of Ning will be arriving in our Pengyang County tomorrow. From now on, we must all work together in good faith. The second son has a very bad temper, so you must all be more restrained in your actions."
The bandits' expressions varied; some looked solemn, while others showed disdain, completely ignoring Liu Guancai's words and even curling up a contemptuous smile, especially Wang Dejun.
“Magistrate Liu is right,” a bandit leader stood up, raised his wine cup high, and said in a hoarse but imposing voice, “We have made our way in the world thanks to the protection of Prince Ning. Don’t worry, Magistrate Liu, we will not cause you any trouble.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Guancai's smile turned sarcastic as he turned to Wang Dejun, his tone clearly provocative: "Boss Wang, what do you think? You were the one who proposed this banquet today, and I've spent quite a bit of money on it."
Upon hearing this, Wang Dejun smiled and said, "Magistrate Liu, rest assured, as the most powerful force in Pengyang County, I will naturally set an example and behave myself."
At this point, Wang Dejun suddenly paused, his expression turning somewhat cold.
"However, the day before yesterday, when I left the city, someone ambushed and tried to assassinate me."
As Wang Dejun spoke, he glanced at Lin Zhiming, clearly implying something was amiss.
Although his movements were subtle, everyone present sensed his hint.
Upon seeing this, Liu Guancai hurriedly frowned and asked, "Boss Wang, what do you mean by that?"
Wang Dejun said "Oh" and explained, "I didn't mean anything. I just wanted to introduce someone to you all, this is the person next to me, Chen Zijun. The day before yesterday, it was my second-in-command who, along with his guards, helped me escape from death."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan's heart stirred slightly. He stood up, nodded to the people around him, and wore a humble smile.
"I am but a humble fellow, with only a little knowledge of boxing and martial arts. I was fortunate enough to encounter you in danger the other day when I was out of town, and I came to your rescue. It is nothing to boast about."
Wang Dejun smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes, and continued, "In the future, I, the second-in-command, will be doing some business in Pengyang County, and I hope all of you brothers will take good care of me. Tomorrow, the Second Young Master will be coming to Pengyang County. Today's banquet is to unite us all, so how about this, let me, the second-in-command, perform a sword dance to entertain everyone here!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Magistrate Liu Guancai finally breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled and nodded, saying, "Good, our Pengyang County has gained another hero. Everyone, please welcome the second-in-command of Black Dragon Village to perform a sword dance to add to the festivities!"
As Liu Guancai spoke, enthusiastic cheers erupted from all around. As the most powerful bandit, Wang Dejun naturally had to be given face.
Chen Zhennan smiled slightly, revealing a somewhat embarrassed expression.
With Yan Shiyu beside him, the two slowly walked to the open space between the two rows of banquet tables. All eyes around them were focused on them, and the air was filled with anticipation.
Yan Shiyu drew two swords he had prepared beforehand from behind his back. The blades gleamed coldly in the blazing sun, exuding unparalleled sharpness.
He handed one of the swords to Chen Zhennan, and the two exchanged a knowing glance and nodded.
"Come on, let the brothers here see your swordsmanship!" Wang Dejun's voice echoed through the banquet, carrying a hint of arrogance.
Chen Zhennan grunted, gripped his sword tightly, took a deep breath, pointed the sword tip at the sky, and then, like a tiger descending a mountain, his sword momentum suddenly surged forward.
The sword light was like a rainbow, cutting through the air and bringing with it gusts of wind, as if a dragon was swimming in the sky.
Yan Shiyu followed closely behind, the two working in perfect harmony, their swordsmanship as harmonious as a symphony.
Chen Zhennan's swordsmanship is steady yet agile, flowing smoothly like a clear mountain stream.
Yan Shiyu's swordsmanship was fierce and powerful, like a raging storm, unstoppable.
The two swords clashed in mid-air, the sound of their collision like thunder, shaking the hearts of everyone present.
The bandits present initially had doubts about Chen Zhennan's abilities, but as the two demonstrated their swordsmanship, their expressions gradually turned to shock, their mouths slightly agape, and their eyes gleaming with disbelief.
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