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Chapter 1000: Stirring Winds at the Family Gathering
Chapter 1000: Stirring Winds at the Family Gathering
Cheng Zicheng approached Cheng Zitong and said, "Old Third, this way."
Cheng Zitong glanced at him and replied, "Don't worry, I won't get lost."
He didn't notice that as he walked away, his senior apprentice brother, Qiao Linhu, who was sitting nearby, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when Cheng Zitong didn't look in his direction.
Cheng Zicheng led Xiao Ke and himself to a table where the second generation of the Cheng family was seated. There were also two cousins around Cheng Zitong's age and some other relatives, some close and others distant. The group was lively and relaxed, with no signs of restraint.
Perhaps it was because everyone was in a similar situation, or perhaps they felt a sense of camaraderie. They didn't mind the strange looks from others and eagerly greeted Cheng Zitong, creating a warmer atmosphere than in the main hall.
After Cheng Zitong sat down, he pulled Xiao Ke to sit beside him and said, "Sit, this is how things are done in the Cheng family."
Xiao Ke reluctantly took a seat, saying, "Brother Tong, I thought this time would be an exception."
Cheng Zitong gave a dismissive sound, "Who said it wasn't?"
After Cheng Zitong left, Cheng Zhou instructed someone to bring a plate of purple gold dates, which were placed on each table.
Feng Shoulu, the principal of the Yangzhi Martial Resolve Academy, who was sitting nearby, glanced at the dates and then at his senior apprentice brother, shaking his head slightly.
At that moment, a middle-aged man at the table straightened up, as if receiving a message through a Boundary Record. A look of joy appeared on his face, and he said something to the people outside.
"Oh, they're here?" The elders at the table became animated, their faces filled with excitement.
The middle-aged man approached Cheng Zhou and, with his permission, went outside. Shortly after, several technicians arrived and, under everyone's watchful eyes, carried a circular platform into the hall.
They adjusted the already-prepared Field Domain equipment, and upon activation, a light screen descended, forming a three-dimensional Field Domain screen.
The screen faced all directions, visible from every angle. After a while, it flickered rhythmically, revealing a vast blue ocean.
At first, the guests didn't think much of it, assuming it was a video presentation. But as the camera panned, they realized the perspective was from an extremely high location, offering a view of an expansive island.
Someone immediately recognized it and exclaimed, "That's the High Pavilion Tower in the East Sea Domain! We're in the East Sea Domain!"
"The East Sea Domain? At the Horizon Line?"
"Is this a live feed from the East Sea Domain?"
"I know, the High Pavilion Tower is the highest point in the East Sea Domain."
The High Pavilion Tower in the East Sea Domain stands about 250 meters tall, built on the highest peak of the Weigong Mountains in the Gongying Archipelago. Undoubtedly, it is the tallest building in the entire archipelago, featuring an aerial garden and serving as the most concentrated area for Field Domain creatures and the best signal reception.
At this moment, over a dozen young people appeared on the screen, with the two in front being familiar to many.
"Aren't those the Fifth and Eighth Young Masters? That's right, no wonder we didn't see them today. They're there."
"Did you know? The Cheng family and our families are building a martial arts hall in the East Sea Domain, and these young masters are there to prepare the way."
Both young men were dressed in festive birthday celebration attire, and they smiled as they bowed to the front, saying, "Third Granduncle, we are in the Central City of the East Sea Domain. Using the newly connected Horizon Line, we, along with the younger generations, wish you a long and healthy life, and may you live as long as the pines!" They bowed respectfully.
The younger generation who had gone to participate in the establishment of the martial arts hall also bowed together, offering birthday wishes in unison.
Cheng Zhou nodded in approval, "Well done, very thoughtful."
A woman in her forties at the table spoke through the Boundary Record, "Third Granduncle, they can also celebrate and offer birthday wishes here. Even though they are thousands of miles away, it's as if they are by your side."
Cheng Zhou nodded repeatedly.
He looked at his niece, Cheng Xiaoyun, who was working in the city patrol technology room, and said, "Xiaoyun, was this your arrangement?"
Cheng Xiaoyun quickly stood up and smiled, "Third Granduncle, how dare I take credit? It was all initiated by Great-Granduncle and Second Granduncle. I'm just a small pawn."
Cheng Zhou looked at the screen and sighed, "Technology is very important. We can't cling to old ideas."
Although he was strict about rules, he wasn't old-fashioned in all aspects and was very open to technology, especially implanted weaponry. He was willing to accept implants for the next generation of disciples who lacked talent.
However, for those with talent, he was extremely strict, as most people would lack the self-discipline to train diligently if given an easier path. If that happened, the Cheng family would no longer be the Cheng family.
Most of the guests didn't think as far ahead as Cheng Zhou; they were there for the entertainment and excitement.
However, many could see that the Horizon Line was a high-end technology officially launched by the Government Hall just yesterday. It was only open to the public for one day, and the Cheng family was already using it for a live birthday celebration. How much influence did the Cheng family have to pull this off?
Moreover, the Cheng family was known for its traditional ways and adherence to outdated rules, but now they seemed open to new technology. Not only had they accepted it, but they were also ahead of many others.
At this moment, a middle-aged man in an old martial artist's attire walked out on the screen.
A Cheng family junior introduced him, "Third Granduncle, this is Mr. Sancheng Huang. He was a great help in making this birthday celebration possible."
San Cheng Huang bowed towards the screen, addressing the person on the other side. "Greetings, Elder Cheng. I am San Cheng Huang, a disciple of Lang Tao Pavilion and currently employed by Fusion Boundary Company. I've heard that you are celebrating your eightieth birthday, so I bring greetings and birthday wishes from Lang Tao Pavilion and Fusion Boundary Company."
Lang Tao Pavilion...
Those who knew of it were surprised, for it was one of the three major pavilions in the overseas regions, and it was home to a renowned Sword Master. It was said that the current Martial Arts Guardian of Haidong Province resided there.
Cheng Zhou was also taken aback. He raised his hand and solemnly clasped his fists, "Mr. San Cheng, thank you for the kind wishes from your esteemed pavilion and company. I am humbled by your gesture."
San Cheng Huang bowed deeply, speaking earnestly, "Elder Cheng, you deserve such respect."
At that moment, a screen on the Boundary Token suddenly split, revealing a middle-aged man with an impressive demeanor. Those who recognized him immediately identified him as Cai Zhao Yin, the newly appointed vice-principal of the Martial Resolve Academy. Cai Zhao Yin smiled and bowed, saying, "Elder Cheng, I bring birthday greetings on behalf of the Martial Resolve Academy and Principal Yao."
"I am unworthy," Cheng Zhou replied.
Cheng Zhou's expression turned solemn, and he returned the gesture.
Without a single mistake, a song, a move, an inner, and a look, all in one, six, nine, one, and a glance!
Cheng Zhou felt he deserved the birthday wishes from the Martial Resolve Academy, as he had once instructed some of its students, and even now, some of the teachers there were his disciples.
However, he had never met Yao Zhiyi, who was stationed in the Confluence Land and rarely appeared in Central City. They had no real connection, and martial artists typically did not seek relationships with those beneath them, as they were not of the same standing.
Cai Zhao Yin chuckled, "You deserve it, Elder Cheng."
Cheng Zhou wanted to say something more, but suddenly, a message appeared on the Boundary Token, causing him to pause. Not only him, but many others in the room who were on patrol or worked for the Administration Bureau, including Ni Qianqi and Liu Yin, received the same message on their Boundary Tokens. They were all startled, and soon, they stood up from their seats.
Cheng Shang and Fan Shou Lu looked at Cheng Zhou, awaiting his decision. Cheng Zhou took a deep breath, glanced outside, and said in a loud voice, "Open the main gate. All Cheng family members, follow me to greet our guests!"
After speaking, he and the other Cheng family members quickly walked outside. When they reached Cheng Zitong's table, they paused for a moment before Cheng Zhou said, "Little Tong, come with us." He then continued walking forward.
Cheng Zitong and the others followed, and only then did Xiao Ke slowly stand up. He gestured to Xiao Ke, "Xiao Ke, let's go." Xiao Ke understood and threw the chicken leg he was chewing onto the table. He hastily wiped his hands and, trying to contain his excitement, said, "Okay, Brother Tong!"
Xiao Jing, sitting at a nearby table, saw the elders walking outside and Liu Yin standing up. She quickly stood up as well, her eyes wide with curiosity, and asked, "Brother Liu Yin, what's going on?"
Liu Yin, breathing a little faster, said, "Don't ask, just follow me." He hurried outside, and although the others didn't understand the situation, they followed him out. Most of the guests, upon noticing the commotion, also left their seats.
Soon, about five or six hundred people gathered outside.
Fortunately, the spacious area in front of the mansion was large enough to accommodate them, and they only occupied a corner near the entrance.
They then saw that the parking lot and the road, which were usually empty, were now lined with rows of fully armed guards and security personnel. Among them was Xu Chan, the investigation supervisor from the Administration Bureau, standing at the forefront in his uniform, talking to a few people.
The people he was speaking to were also in uniform, and the Defense Department personnel could easily recognize them as the deputy directors of the Defense Department. They were all staring at their wristwatches, occasionally glancing at the sky.
The scene was startling, and after a while, everyone heard the sound of helicopter blades. Cheng Zhou and the others looked up and saw a blimp approaching from the distance amidst the dazzling night lights of Central City. As the blimp came into view, the guards below snapped to attention, all facing the same direction with solemn respect.
The guests present all had keen eyesight, and they could clearly see the emblem of the Martial Arts Council on the blimp. This was a specialized blimp belonging to the martial artists. In Central City, aside from the rarely seen Yao Zhiyi, there was only one other person who owned such a blimp, and most of the guests' hearts began to pound with anticipation.
The blimp flew swiftly, and in no time, it arrived nearby. A figure appeared on the high terrace, a flash of light, and then the person descended to the ground, walking towards them from the far end of the road.
The person wore a wide-brimmed hat and a Defense Department uniform. The brass buttons and shoulder insignia on the overcoat glinted in the blimp's radiant light. As he walked, the overcoat fluttered in the night breeze, and a bright red scarf billowed like flames in the wind.
The guards and armed personnel on the road snapped to attention, saluting in unison.
Investigation Supervisor Xu Chan and the deputy directors of the Defense Department saluted as the person approached, addressing him, "Director!"
Chen Chuan nodded and returned the salute. Then, he walked forward along the spacious road, under the watchful eyes of the crowd. He did not head straight to the front but instead stopped in front of Cheng Zitong. With a slight bend of his heels and a modest bow, he said, "Master, I hope I'm not too late?"
Cheng Zitong's round face, hidden behind dark glasses, showed a suppressed excitement as he smiled and said, "How could that be, Little Chuan? Your master knows you are always punctual."
Chen Chuan raised his head, looking at the mansion and the people below, and said, "Then today, I will accompany you in giving birthday greetings to Elder Cheng."
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(End of Chapter)
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