115 The Conclusion 1 (1/2)
Chapter 115: The Conclusion 1
Remembering these, Garen could not help but be reminded of Andrela.
”As for me, at that age, Andrela had already entered into the rank of Grandmaster of Combat. I don’t know how much he has had to sacrifice, how much he has experienced. No wonder his spirit feels a bit abnormal. Perhaps it’s only because of such focus and extremism that has allowed him to entered into such a high level at such a young age. Compared to me, I can be said to have cheated my way in…” He was very aware that he was not some gifted being.
Reminiscing all the young masters that he had met, only Andrela had gone into the Grandmaster of Combat level. Even the performance of Beo from the Crimson Sand Sword was only close to the Grandmaster of Combat level. It was clear that he lacked the bravery. His martial arts cultivation might have been perfected, but his soul cultivation had not yet been achieved.
Tucking away his thoughts, Garen straightened up the suit he was wearing, and walked out in great strides from the wing towards the main entrance of the great hall. Uncle Anjer had already been standing by the door, coming to greet him.
”There might be a bit of trouble later. On the surface, for my sake, they will not cause you any trouble, but as for any issues with the juniors, I have no reason to interfere, so it is up to you. I have also arranged for Venia and the others to follow you. Take care of your own safety, do not rely on the fact that you’ve trained in the martial arts to pick a fight with them. Do you understand?” His uncle exhorted in a low voice.
”I understand, uncle.” Garen nodded helplessly in response.
Only then was Anjer satisfied, and he reached out to pat his head, ”It’s been a while since we’ve met, you’ve become taller again. It’s only been a little over a year, and you have grown so strong. That bean sprout in the past has totally vanished. Not bad, not bad.”
He caressed Garen’s hair, laughing loudly. Garen, helpless, could only let him pat as much as he pleased.
”Alright, follow me in. Make sure to be a bit more polite, everyone inside is a dignitary, much stronger than your background as a master. Establishing good connections will be beneficial for you in the future.”
”Okay.” Garen could only nod and agree.
Just as they walked in through the doors, he saw the local governor of Huaishan City, Boravil, in the corner, who was laughingly chatting away with two middle-aged, goateed men, completely in character as an accompaniment.
”It looks like they are really not typical people.” Garen was momentarily curious about his uncle’s hidden societal influence.
The strongest force he had encountered in the martial arts world were the Celestial Circle Gate and Sun Lin’s clan. Only, he did not know which level the ten or more people in this great hall belonged to in comparison.
However, these all remained mere thoughts; he still obediently followed after his uncle, putting on the polite and demure look of a junior.
Not far away, two middle-aged people, a man and a woman, were watching Garen and Anjer walk through the doors attentively.
”That is the future heir Anjer has chosen?” The woman was wearing a red, sleeveless dress, body-fitting and had a high collar; with a neat, golden ponytail tied to the side, and long, narrow blue eyes, she gave off a sharp and noble allure.
”Anjer has been working hard for a huge chunk of his lifetime. This time, he has more or less decided to retire after all the success he has achieved. However, his industry is neither here nor there. It won’t be easy for him to retire completely.” The man had his arms crossed. There was a little blonde goatee on his chin, and his short hair was combed to the right; he looked unusually mild mannered.
”Actually, after the banquet this time, all cards would be on the table, yes? Then I’m guessing that there will be news tomorrow.”
”Let’s wait and see.” The woman laughed lightly. ”Compared to this Garen, I am more inclined towards the Delai Xima and Vaeneris there.”
”With just the support of Anjer, even if this Garen is of no use, he is still a formidable contender. A bit more time can still be stalled. Oh, right. Between Delai Xima and Vaeneris, who do you support?” The man asked in a low voice.
”Depends on the situation. Both are young leaders of the next generation, with authoritative support behind them.” The woman said very nonchalantly, ”Are you thinking of pulling me over to support Delai Xima again? He might be very outstanding, but he is not the type that I admire. I don’t have to say much more.”
”So you have noticed.” The man smiled bitterly. ”Cheers.”
”Cheers.” The woman smiled, pretending to raise up her wine glass and clink it against the man’s.
Garen followed after his uncle, politely answering the questions from the elders all the way. Various appraising eyes continuously focused on him.
As he smiled and hurried forward to the thirty-plus year old man in front of his uncle, nodding in response, he swept his gaze quickly over uncle Anjer’s face.
He did not know just how much of uncle’s help he had received as he was growing up. Even his sister and himself were enrolled into the academy simply because of his connections here. Although his uncle’s sexist opinions were rather bad, but it was really nothing for him to complain about. Only, what was causing him confusion now was this sudden desire to pass on the business to him.
This was so unexpected.
Last time, he had fought for it to the utmost of his ability, but his uncle’s attitude had remained firm. However, even if Lombarth was not trying hard enough, he still would not be so willing to pass all the assets to Garen.
And uncle was only about forty years old this year…
Thinking about uncle’s age, there was an increase of profoundness in Garen’s eyes.
”Brother...”
Suddenly, a weak voice sounded from behind him.
Garen was slightly startled, and turned his head to see his sister Ying Er standing behind him.
”Why are you alone? Where is mum and dad?”
”They did not want to come, so they rejected the invitation.” Ying Er was wearing a black dress with a drawstring waist; the skirt reached her knees, and there was a black hairband tying up her long, waist-length hair. Her lips were pink, and her eyes glistened with brightness. It was obvious that she had been dolled up by professionals.
”Rejected?” Garen was stunned. Although he had known since he was young that his parents and his uncle were not on good terms, he had not imagined it to be this bad.
Ying Er walked over to Garen’s side and stood next to him, greeting uncle Anjer.
Anjer smilingly nodded in response.
”It’s been a long time since you siblings have met. Have a good chat between yourselves.” He patted Garen’s shoulder. ”In a while, when I ask for you, come over immediately. Don’t dawdle.”
”Okay.”
Garen could vaguely feel the predicament that his uncle was facing now. He nodded resolutely.
”Brother, what is going on?!” The moment their uncle left, Ying Er immediately spoke and asked; her eye were filled with doubt and a bit of concern, as well as a sliver of confusion and unfamiliarity. ”How could you came back and did not even check up at home for a bit? And how is uncle able to have such great influence?”
Garen led her to a corner and found two quiet seats. The two of them sat down.
”To be honest, I am also not clear about the situation here. Uncle suddenly wants me to take over his business. I am completely unprepared.” Garen himself was in doubt, ”However...” He had a vague guess, but did not speak it aloud. ”Forget it. Let’s hope that I can get through tonight. Don’t you bother with these things. It’ll be alright as long as I’m here.”
”But why didn’t mum and dad come over? I heard that you were here, brother, that’s why I hurried over. Otherwise they wouldn’t have let me.” Ying Er could not understand. She suddenly felt as though her parents and the brother who was just right in front of her had all become strangers now.
”They did not come here. Is it because they were unwilling?” Garen was thoughtful. ”In a while I’ll go back and take a look. I’ve also just returned, the dojo the master was heavily ill, so I had no time.” What he said was the truth; originally, before he had settled everything completely, he had not been planning to go home. He did not expect to meet his sister here.
”Then come get me in a while, don’t slip off by yourself!” Ying Er felt totally uneasy at such a banquet, and unconsciously stuck closer to her big brother.
”I know.” Garen laughed, and leaned on the sofa casually.
At the cocktail party, some wealthy dignitaries were complimenting each other; there was a struggle amidst their words, both openly and covertly. They had hidden agendas. It all looked to be the same old thing, but in reality, the danger was real. Being the slightest bit careless at the cocktail party could mean offending some narrow-minded people, and getting oneself into trouble. If caught just a bit unaware, one could leak out some vital information about oneself. So everyone was extremely reserved and polite; every sentence was carefully worded.