Chapter 577

: Come, Come, Let Us Be Friends!
Translator: 
EndlessFantasy Translation 
 Editor: 
EndlessFantasy Translation
What?
Ling Xiaozui’s hands twitched, itching to fly up and cover his face once he heard the word.
‘Brother, what are you asking? You’re crowing too much!’
Among the other three people standing around, Dugu Chou was still indifferent, while Feng Xiange glared daggers at the uninvited youth; the skeletal person wore a meaningful look instead. His gaze on Yun Yang was nonchalant, but deep where no one could see, excitement and ecstasy flickered, like he had found an amazing treasure trove.

Brother Ling… Is everything alright?
Yun Yang scratched his head and glanced at Ling Xiaozui who was looking at him. He began to get a hint of the situation from the latter’s reaction then.
Ling Xiaozui was silently gazing at Yun Yang in exasperation.
An uninvited presence and some carefree words had caused the four pinnacle experts to entertain all kinds of thoughts. Being able to do just this was an undeniable sign of skill.
Initially, when the four of them had been drinking together, regardless of the initial atmosphere, the pleasant aura the four of them eventually formed was unusually jovial. However, when someone suddenly barged in and commanded the attention of one of their number, the other three people would inevitably be offended.
‘Who are you and what are you doing here? Even if you claim to know the people here, do you know me? You barged in, took a swig and started talking incessantly the moment you sauntered in as if this was your own home… just who do you think you are?’
Then, they watched as this uninvited scoundrel sat down without considering himself as an outsider and gulped down an entire pot of wine. That was the God of Wine, Feng Xiange’s, exquisite wine; there was only a handful of them now left in this world. Yet, he had drunk all of it without a care. Just who did he think he was?
Yet when the group heard his mindless words, it was hard to maintain a serious demeanor as the foolishness was as amusing as it was infuriating.
The youth had drunk a pot of the God of Wine, Feng Xiange’s, wine right in front of him without batting an eye, then he rambled about not having Feng Xiange’s wine and could only replace it with some other wine… The wine he was drinking was obviously Feng Xiange’s wine!

And who might this young brother be?
Feng Xiange’s eyes were shrunk to slits as he asked in a low voice, looking at the uninvited youth, his tone laced with dislike.
At a gathering of the century, the participants were actual pinnacle masters of the world. For a youth who did not look astounding nor overwhelmingly skilled – even if his looks were surprisingly outstanding and his cultivation base could garner considerable approval – he was still not qualified to interfere. As the main host of this gathering, Feng Xiange immediately disapproved of this uninvited guest.
‘My request was rejected without hesitation, my wine was wasted, and now there’s a fool present as well.’
Ling Xiaozui coughed and said,
This young brother is my friend. Previously, I would meet up with this young friend every time I came to Tiantang City. Cough… we’re… friends beyond the generations.

Under the disbelieving gaze of the other three men, Ling Xiaozui unconsciously added the last line. It was this last line that escalated the uninvited guest’s status at once. Although he was yet to be on par with those seated, it was not an absolute impossibility that he could be seen together with them one day.
Just the claim of being Ling Xiaozui’s friend beyond the generations carried such status, value, and right!
If one were to bear the identity of being the Unrivaled Expert’s friend beyond the ages, one would have such a qualification as well!

Oh… a friend… beyond the ages…
The skeletal man drawled meaningfully, his tone carrying an undertone of understanding.

Cough… this young brother of mine is straightforward and passionate. He is full of justice, courageous and bold, but also softhearted and tender. He is generous and easygoing. With this opportunity, it is his chance and also everyone else’s’ chance to meet. Come, come, get to know each other and be friends…
Ling Xiaozui’s grin was closer to being a grimace.
Despite his compliments and high praise for Yun Yang, what he wanted to do the most right now was to beat Yun Yang up! Unfortunately, he had to hold the ground for him; after all, Yun Yang had previously done him a huge favor. If Yun Yang had not helped him back then, he would not have lived to this day nor enjoy his achievements to date.
Ling Xiaozui honestly felt that this rascal was unabashedly clinging on to him! He was sure that Ling Xiaozui would vouch for him, even when he barged into the scene. Indeed, Ling Xiaozui would help him; he owed him anyway…

Brother Ling, not at all! Brother Ling’s friends are my friends, your brothers are my brothers!

Yun Yang said amicably,
This young brother, Yun Yang, is pleased to meet you three elder brothers. I have not asked your names. I dare not comment about other places, but your timing of arrival in Tiantang City is excellent! This place is my territory. There will be no problems at all, as you have me for whatever it is you wish to do!

Ling Xiaozui stayed quiet, with dark thunderclouds hovering about his head. His intention to slap this fellow and send him flying grew deeper.
‘Yun Yang, your words are indeed the truth, you are undoubtedly a local snake – probably a dragon, in Tiantang City. Still, do you have the right and ability to boast this way? Your luck causes jealousy as well, but do you know who these three people in front of you are? If they wanted to do anything, would they actually need you?’
‘No, of course, you know who these three people are. If you didn’t, you won’t come, even if you were to be beaten to death!’
The skeletal person seemed to be holding in full-blown laughter as he chuckled and pulled Feng Xiange over, introducing him formally,
I see that this is the son of Yutang’s King Xiaoyao, Young Master Yun Yang. I’ve long heard about Young Master Yun’s name. I will have to depend on Young Master Yun during my stay. Come, come, let me introduce the rest to Young Master Yun. This one here is the God of Wine, Feng Xiange.

Once the person spoke, not only did the faces of Ling Xiaozui and group turn blank, even Yun Yang suddenly felt his expression freezing up.
Who was this?
Yun Yang was acutely aware of the identities of three among the four men seated. The only one he did not know was this skeletal person, neither his background nor his capability.
However, his unexpected words were indeed awkward.
‘What I said earlier… Uh, I said that just now for comedic relief, to soothe the awkwardness. Why did you take it as it is and even go along with it? I, of a younger generation, was supposed to use that trick, and it would still have been appropriate. Isn’t it below you to snatch that opportunity from me?’
‘I don’t know who you are, but I know that you’re an expert, drinking and sitting with Feng Xiange, Ling Xiaozui, and Dugu Chou. Can you have some shame?’

Er… I’ve heard so much about you… Uh… I’m sorry about what happened just now…

Yun Yang was rather stumped. He truly had not expected such a senior martial expert to act so abnormally. For a moment, he was thoroughly embarrassed, which explained the stuttering, an uncommon occurrence.
Feng Xiange looked at the skeletal person oddly as well and chuckled dryly.
No worries and never mind… Young Master Yun, you need not be so courteous. Young Master Yun’s name is indeed known far and wide; what a pleasure it is to meet you.

Yun Yang coughed and raised his goblet.
I have only drunk senior’s brewed wine once before and it was eternally memorable! Having met Brother Ling after such a long parting, I was overwrought and moved earlier, and have actually wasted senior’s wine. I apologize. This junior will borrow the wine and propose a toast to seniors, as a sign of my sincere sentiment.

He spoke genuinely,
Senior, you may not know this, but you are my idol. I’ve… grown up listening to legends about you.

Yun Yang, who had moved past the awkward moment, recovered his award-winning acting skills, performing with a remarkably contrite voice and expression as well as thoroughly believable feeling.
Feng Xiange was tongue-tied by his praise and replied,
Well now, I must say then that Young Brother Yun is a handsome and talented heroic youth…

He was speechless then, turning to look at Ling XIaozui.

You’ve gone senile. Did you not hear that Young Brother Yun is the son of Yutang’s King Xiaoyao?
Ling Xiaozui added.

Young Brother Yun is noble and brilliant…
Feng Xiange shut himself up suddenly as he rambled on. He questioned the strength of his abilities, which allowed him to be so easily distracted and outmaneuvered.
‘Why am I being courteous to this young man? You Ling Xiaozui takes him as a young friend, but what does that have to do with me? Will I need to use your connections in future?’
He then put on a straight face and fell into a sullen silence.

Did you really mean that?
Yun Yang was prepared mentally, so he did not feel the awkwardness at all. He turned to look at Dugu Chou, only to find the man gazing at him as well.
In truth, Yun Yang couldn’t care less about his image or impression. What he wanted was to become a familiar face. The addition of Ling Xiaozui being present was a natural advantage, as he could not be harmed anyway.
This would be an immense boon to his future plan. Otherwise, why would he have rushed all the way here? No matter how amazing they were, there was no point of him feigning enthusiasm; it was exactly because they were useful… Still, the drinking session had to go on.
‘I won’t leave even if you aren’t happy. I won’t leave even if you chase me away. If you try to kill me… well, my big brother, Ling Xiaozui is here! Who do I have to be afraid of?’