Chapter 2093 — The Scheme Behind It All (Part Two)
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
Originally, according to the Hidden Zhao Family's intention, even if the Hidden Han Family moved in, their disciples were to give them the cold shoulder. But with Wei Zhao joining them, Elder Bi did not go looking for trouble. Wei Zhao was a complete thorn in the side—let the old master figure out how to deal with him. Elder Bi had no desire to provoke that madman Wei Zhao.
"These snobs who judge people by their looks!" Han Xiaohu sat in the courtyard of the guest quarters the Zhao Family had prepared, sipping hot tea, and said bitterly, "The moment they saw our leader, their attitude did a complete about-face. If our leader hadn't come this time, I doubt we'd even have gotten this hot tea!"
"Xiaopo, that's just how the cultivation world works—the one with the hardest fist has the say," Han Tianba said, not particularly angry. He shook his head, seeming to have long since made his peace with it. "The Hidden Han Family is in decline now, so it's only natural they bully us! And with Mr. Lin joining us, they fear his strength, so it's only natural they've turned respectful!"
"Hmph, once we win a few matches, let's see if they dare treat the Hidden Han Family like this again!" Han Xiaohu snorted.
"Winning matches is secondary. The main thing is that you've taken on a formidable leader!" Han Tianba said with a faint smile.
"Oh?" Han Xiaohu was taken aback, but then he understood what Han Tianba meant! Han Tianba wanted him to use this Hidden Family Summit to spread the word that he had taken Wei Zhao as his leader. Yet though Han Xiaohu understood, he still looked to Wei Zhao for his opinion.
Wei Zhao naturally understood Han Tianba's meaning, but he did not mind. Han Xiaohu, this underling, was quite loyal—especially since he was still seeking his opinion now, which pleased Wei Zhao all the more. He nodded and said, "I'll tell them myself during the doubles tournament."
"Thank you, leader!" Han Xiaohu was overjoyed and hurried to express his thanks.
The three of them rested briefly in the courtyard when a disciple of the Hidden Zhao Family came running over. He wore a badge around his neck reading "Hidden Family Summit Staff," so it was clear he had some notice for the Hidden Han Family.
"Is the old master of the Han Family present?" The disciple ran up and asked respectfully. He had clearly been instructed by Elder Bi, for his manner was exceedingly polite.
Now that Old Master Zhao had made his decision—to have the Qianshan Sect tamper with the final hidden match and do away with Wei Zhao—there was naturally no more provoking Wei Zhao beforehand.
"I am Han Tianba of the Hidden Han Family. What business does the messenger have?" Han Tianba rose to his feet and asked.
The staff at the Hidden Family Summit were all respectfully addressed as summit messengers; this had been the custom for years.
"Old Master Han, please proceed to the council hall to discuss arrangements for the first match of the summit!" the disciple said.
"Very well, lead the way!" Han Tianba nodded and gestured for him to go ahead.
The disciple led Han Tianba to the entrance of the Hidden Zhao Family's council hall, then said, "Please enter, Old Master Han!"
Han Tianba stepped into the council hall and saw the family heads, old masters, and sect leaders seated around the conference table. His heart sank slightly. It seemed the situation was exactly as he had guessed and as the reports had said—these hidden families and sects had banded together precisely to move against the Hidden Han Family!
Otherwise, these people had come from all corners of the land yet arrived ahead of him, while his Hidden Han Family, being locals, were the last to arrive. That in itself said something.