Shangguan Hong taking the initiative to mention Jun Changxiao and even asking him to help with introductions left Ma Yunteng somewhat dumbfounded.

Martial artists from various powers also showed bewildered expressions.

On his birthday, why would Old Master Shangguan bring up this feed-selling sect master out of nowhere?

Didn’t he find it quite dampening?

Jun Changxiao was the first to stand up and cupped his hands, saying, “This junior, Jun Changxiao, greets Senior Shangguan.”

Being older than himself, he deserved to be addressed as ‘Senior.’

Shangguan Hong examined him and praised, “Sect Master Jun truly is a talented individual of distinguished appearance.”

“So-so, so-so,” Jun Changxiao said humbly.

Shangguan Hong said with a smile, “Leading your disciples to defeat the Sacred Spring Sect, Sect Master Jun has truly brought glory to our Qingyang Commandery.”

“Lucky, just lucky,” Jun Changxiao said.

Shangguan Hong said with a smile, “Our Qingyang Commandery is merely a low-grade commandery in the eyes of the world. Today, to see the emergence of a rising star like the Iron Bones Clanging Sect—this old man is extremely gratified.”

Seeing the old master praising Jun Changxiao so much, martial artists from various powers became even more bewildered.

Actually, it was quite normal.

Although Shangguan Hong taught at Heavenly Edict Academy, he could never change the fact that he was a person from Qingyang Commandery.

His hometown having an emerging sect full of potential that defeated the fifth-rate Sacred Spring Sect as a seventh-rate—not praising this would make no sense.

In this world, not everyone was like Qin Haoran, the type whose arms bent outward away from their own people.

“Sect Master Jun.”

Shangguan Hong continued, “After my precious granddaughter heard about the deeds of your Iron Bones Clanging Sect, she admired you tremendously. Now that you’ve come, she’s probably hiding somewhere secretly watching.”

“This…”

Jun Changxiao hurriedly straightened his back, struck a pose he considered very graceful, and thought to himself, “No charge, free viewing!”

Precious granddaughter?

Everyone’s hearts jumped in alarm.

Shangguan Hong had four sons who were all quite successful. The wives and concubines they married had given the Shangguan Family many sons, but there was only one daughter!

Having no sons was distressing.

Having no daughters was also distressing.

Therefore, Shangguan Hong was extremely doting toward his only granddaughter, holding her in his palm for fear she would melt.

From the old master’s words, everyone could easily discern that the young miss treated as the pearl in the palm by the Shangguan Family would admire Jun Changxiao?

The young elites who came with the various powers looked displeased.

Old Master Shangguan’s granddaughter was famously a great beauty.

These young masters who prided themselves on having qualifications and good looks naturally hoped to win the beauty’s heart.

Many power big shots also hoped their sons could marry the Shangguan Family’s young miss, because that would be equivalent to establishing good relations with Old Master Shangguan.

Unfortunately.

The talented men had feelings, but the beauty had no intentions.

Many powers repeatedly probed but received no response.

There were even rumors that the Shangguan Family’s young miss had very high standards and had decision-making power over her own marriage, so she had never planned to choose a spouse.

Jun Changxiao didn’t know that because of Shangguan Hong’s one statement, many young masters of similar age were staring at him full of jealousy, wishing they could immediately initiate a duel fighting for love.

“Family Head Shangguan.”

A power big shot joked, “This Sect Master Jun is not only young and promising but has also established quite a bit of business.”

“Oh?”

Shangguan Hong said curiously, “Sect Master Jun, what businesses do you have?”

Everyone looked over with schadenfreude.

Jun Changxiao said, “This junior recently opened several shops in the eight cities of Qingyang Commandery, named Iron Bones Beast Feed Stores.”

Everyone’s smiles grew even wider.

Young man, you really consider this kind of feed-selling business to be a high-class trade, and you even dare speak of it before Family Head Shangguan—aren’t you embarrassed and ashamed?

Embarrassed and ashamed?

Jun Changxiao didn’t think so.

He hadn’t robbed or stolen, but honestly and properly did business—how was that embarrassing and shameful?

Shangguan Hong’s expression immediately changed.

Seeing this, everyone secretly thought, “Family Head Shangguan is a highly respected instructor—he definitely can’t tolerate someone who sells feed coming to celebrate his birthday.”

“Ha ha ha!”

Suddenly, Shangguan Hong laughed loudly and said, “So the Iron Bones Beast Feed Store that just opened in the city a few days ago is Sect Master Jun’s business!”

Jun Changxiao said awkwardly, “Making Senior Shangguan laugh at me.”

“Laugh?”

Shangguan Hong said, “Does Sect Master Jun think that because you opened a feed store, this old man would look down on you?”

“Uh.”

Jun Changxiao didn’t know how to respond.

Shangguan Hong said with a serious expression, “People have no distinction between noble and lowly, and neither do professions. Even the vegetable vendors outside—this old man would not look down on them.”

Spoken with resounding force, as if an instructor standing on a platform admonishing his students.

Jun Changxiao immediately felt solemn respect.

Although he had never seen this senior teach students, from his words it wasn’t difficult to see that this was definitely an instructor full of righteousness!

“Furthermore.”

Shangguan Hong said, “Sect Master Jun’s feed pills are quite excellent.”

“Eh?”

Jun Changxiao said surprised, “Has Senior Shangguan purchased feed pills from my Iron Bones Beast Feed Store?”

“Naturally.”

Shangguan Hong said, “After this old man retired from Heavenly Edict Academy, my greatest pleasure has been raising some pets.”

“…”

Everyone’s mouths twitched.

They had originally wanted to watch Jun Changxiao make a fool of himself, never expecting that Old Master Shangguan was actually a customer of his shop!

Jun Changxiao said with a smile, “Is Senior Shangguan satisfied with the feed pills sold at my shop?”

“Satisfied.”

Shangguan Hong said, “Extremely satisfied!”

When the Iron Bones Beast Feed Store just opened, he had heard about it and sent someone to buy several feed pills.

At the time, he only held an attitude of trying them out, never expecting that after the several horses he raised ate them, not only were they in a joyful mood, but their speed and stamina also greatly improved.

Look at this.

After the birthday celebration, he still planned to go to the Iron Bones Feed Store to buy more.

Jun Changxiao said, “Our small shop just opened and not many people believe in it. For Senior Shangguan to patronize us is the utmost honor.”

Shangguan Hong said with a smile, “The feed pills Sect Master Jun sells are truly too miraculous. This old man dares to affirm that once you open up the market, business will definitely be booming.”

Hearing him say this, many locals from Qingyang Commandery couldn’t help but secretly think that if it could earn such praise from the old master, the feed pills must be extraordinary.

They should find time to buy a few to try.

Martial artists from other commanderies were considering a different question.

They were considering that Shangguan Hong and Jun Changxiao conversed quite happily—he obviously greatly appreciated him.

“Ahem.”

Shangguan Hong said, “Everyone has come from afar, and this old man is deeply grateful.”

With that, he gave the distant steward a meaningful look.

Before long.

Many maids and servants carried dishes up—obviously, the birthday banquet was about to begin.

With wine and dishes on the table, big shots from various families raised their cups to toast Shangguan Hong, speaking words of blessing, appearing quite attentive.

“Sect Master Jun.”

Just then, Shangguan Hong stood up holding his wine cup and said with a smile, “You and I met too late. I wonder if you could stay a few more days at the manor?”

Everyone was immediately dumbfounded.

They had come to celebrate birthdays more than once or twice and always left after eating the birthday banquet. When had the old master ever politely asked them to stay!

Sitting in the distance, Qin Haoran was extremely annoyed in his heart.

What great fortune had this guy walked into? He had the Ai Family’s support, the Cangshan Sect’s support, and now he even had the favor of the highly respected Old Master Shangguan!

If one had to give an explanation.

It would be—he’s (the protagonist) too (has protagonist) handsome (halo)!

“This…”

After brief consideration, Jun Changxiao said, “I would be disrespectful to decline.”

“Come.”

The two drained the wine in their cups in one gulp.

The birthday banquet continued for over half a shichen. Many power big shots left with their subordinates to take their leave.

Ma Yunteng also departed.

However, before leaving, he said in a low voice, “Sect Master Jun, Old Master Shangguan greatly appreciates you. This is an opportunity—you must grasp it well.”

Jun Changxiao was muttering to himself.

If Senior Shangguan asked whether he had a betrothal, whether he was married, whether he would be happy to marry his granddaughter who was beautiful as an immortal and possessed unparalleled beauty.

Should he refuse or agree?

No good.

I still need to develop the sect—how can I engage in romance?

The system was speechless.

This guy was clearly indulging in self-delusion, forcibly imagining someone’s granddaughter as beautiful as an immortal and possessing unparalleled beauty.

I’ve never seen such a shameless person in my damn life!