https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-64-Familiar-Faces-Keep-Appearing/12536035/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-66-The-First-Appearance-of-the-Gold-and-Silver-Guild/12536037/
Chapter 65: Yang Dahuzi, the Bearded One
Chapter 65: Yang Dahuzi, the Bearded One
"Yang Dahuzi!"
In his mind, You Longsheng silently added, "A character from the original background of the story, a miserable cuckold whose wife eloped with another man."
However, in the true underworld, Yang Dahuzi's influence was not to be underestimated.
The waterways of the Jiangnan region were intricate, with numerous docks and thriving gangs. Inevitably, there were struggles for power, bloody clashes, and rising and falling factions. No single group could maintain dominance for long, and newly emerging powers often took advantage, rising to trample over the weakened ones.
Thus, the various gangs sat down and formed the Jiangnan Seventy-Two Water and Land Dock Alliance, electing a highly skilled and impartial master to be their leader, with the other gangs working together to oversee the alliance.
And this leader was none other than the head of the Fei Jing Gang, Yang Tingfeng, also known as Yang Dahuzi!
Although the alliance was made up of gangs from the lower rungs of society, with few true experts among them, they had no shortage of foot soldiers, and their collective influence was considerable. Even the Beggar's Sect would think twice before causing trouble in their territory.
Of course, the lack of experts didn't mean there were none at all. After all, how could one survive in the martial arts world without some level of skill?
Yang Tingfeng himself was a formidable opponent. Despite his stout build, he had cultivated a delicate and precise set of martial arts. His skill with the 'Emei Piercing Technique' was rarely matched in the underworld.
But what he was most famous for was his generosity and love for making friends.
Unlike the righteous and chivalrous Weng Tianjie, Yang Tingfeng controlled the seventy-two water and land docks, and while the money he made was hard-earned, the sheer volume ensured he never lacked for silver.
...
As the saying goes, there are no wrong names, only wrong nicknames.
Yang Tingfeng indeed sported a dense and impressive beard, and even though he was over fifty now, with gray and white hairs mingling in his beard, he still exuded an air of might.
And after sitting firmly in the leader's position for nearly thirty years, he had cultivated an aura of dominance.
You Longsheng recognized the famous Yang Dahuzi as soon as he entered, and he couldn't help but think to himself that no wonder Sun Kui and Madame Rose hadn't dared to show their faces for twenty years. How could small-time players like them dare to go against someone like Yang Tingfeng?
"Hahahaha!"
Before speaking, Yang Tingfeng burst into laughter. Releasing the two women he had been embracing, he stood up to greet them in person. "With each generation comes new talent, and the old are surpassed. Seeing the rising stars of the martial world, I know that I am growing old.
I've heard that this young lady drew and sheathed her sword on the third floor, a feat that most people couldn't even see. You must be no ordinary person. May I ask your names?"
"Ding Chengfeng (Ding Baiyun)
greets the leader of the Yang Gang," said one.
"You Longsheng greets the leader of the Yang Gang," said another.
"So it's the famous Chasing Wind Swordmaster, You Long Swordmaster, and Baiyun Fairy whose heroic presence has reached far and wide, gracing us here in Yangzhou. Please forgive my rudeness!" Yang Tingfeng clasped his hands together in a respectful gesture.
You Longsheng wore a confused expression, "Since when did I get the nickname 'You Long Swordmaster'?"
"Young Hero You's feat of slaying Qingmo Yiku and defeating Yin Wuji with the Blood Sword has spread throughout the martial world. Your mastery of the 'Divine Dragon Nine-Fold Sword Technique' is extraordinary, and the name 'You Long Swordmaster' is well-deserved!"
"Indeed! Indeed!"
"We've admired you from afar for a long time!"
Yang Tingfeng took You Longsheng's hand and turned to face the others in the room. "Allow me to introduce you to everyone. This is Qi Bangzu, the leader of the Flowing Sand Gang, this is Tian Tangzu, the head of the Flying Fish Hall, this is Li, the Double Knife Breaks Water, and this is Wei, the One-Rod Crossing the River."
You Longsheng and the other two politely cupped their hands in greeting, and the others hurriedly returned the gesture, feeling honored.
Ding Chengfeng smiled faintly, "Brother Yang is too kind. It was just that my little sister couldn't see clearly and was speaking nonsense. There was no intention to target Hua Xiake and Du Xiake."
Ding Chengfeng always presented himself as a modest gentleman in front of others, and although Ding Baiyun had a proud personality, she knew how to behave appropriately. Even if she didn't speak, she wouldn't say anything inappropriate. So she just nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.
You Longsheng remained silent by her side, appearing to be completely deferential to Ding Chengfeng.
Immediately, Yang Tingfeng understood their characters and relationship and subtly praised the Ding family of Hebei and the Hidden Sword Villa, making them feel as if they were basking in a warm spring breeze. You Longsheng was left in awe of his skill with words.
Yang Tingfeng's ability to maintain his position as the leader of the seventy-two water and land docks was not solely due to his martial arts prowess. If he were in modern times, he would undoubtedly be successful in business or politics.
"The three of you travel the jianghu, performing heroic deeds, helping the weak and punishing the strong. It's truly admirable, and it makes me, Yang, envious." Yang Tingfeng said, "But I, Yang, have my family and a group of brothers relying on me for their meals, so I can only stay confined to this small corner of Jiangnan."
Ding Chengfeng raised his cup and said, "Brother Yang, you are a capable and hardworking man. For thirty years, you have kept the seventy-two water and land docks of Jiangnan peaceful and stable. I am truly impressed."
"Young Master Ding is too kind. I, Yang, do not dare to take such praise. Haha. But for the sake of ensuring that the brothers of the water and land docks of Jiangnan have full stomachs and live good lives, I, Yang, would even risk this old life of mine!"
Yang Tingfeng raised his cup to salute Ding Chengfeng and then sighed, shaking his head helplessly, "What a pity. I'm afraid this peaceful situation won't last much longer."
Ding Chengfeng's eyebrows rose slightly, and just as he was about to ask a question, there was a "ding" as You Longsheng knocked over his cup.
"Cough, cough, my apologies!" You Longsheng righted his cup. "The wine here is truly excellent, Brother Yang. I'm a little drunk. By the way, Brother Yang, I've heard that the girls of Yanzhou's Lianhong Tower are the best. Is that true?"
Yang Tingfeng's eyes widened slightly as he looked deeply at You Longsheng and laughed, "Who would've thought that Young Master You is also a man of such tastes. Xue Ying of Lianhong Tower is indeed famous throughout Yanzhou!"
Mr. Wei, sitting beside him, joined in, "It's not easy for ordinary people to see her, but for someone as renowned as Young Master You, it would be a different story."
You Longsheng cupped his hands and smiled, "I've heard that the girls of Jiangnan are talented and skilled in the arts, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Since I have some knowledge in these areas myself, I wanted to exchange insights with them."
Mr. Wei's expression froze, but he quickly followed You Longsheng's lead and praised him, "So Young Master You is talented in both literary and military arts. I am impressed!"
"You're too kind. I only know a little," You Longsheng smiled. "Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do—as simple as the moonlight before my bed. Haha!"
"Hahaha..."
Ding Chengfeng couldn't help but chuckle, and Ding Baiyun raised her hand to her forehead, but both of them quickly caught on.
The topic then shifted to more leisurely subjects, and after a while, You Longsheng decided to pay a visit to Lianhong Tower, bidding farewell to Ding Chengfeng and leaving with him.
(End of Chapter)
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