Ink panel: Hunting the sun and surveying the sky from the bow.

Chapter 272: The Zhou Family's Test
The atmosphere in the lobby became increasingly depressing.

Bai Mu, who was sitting at the chief seat, looked at the many family heads of the Thirteen Banks in front of him, his expression gradually becoming gloomier.

He had heard that during the time when he was in seclusion to recuperate, the Thirteenth Line had made many small moves.

Taking advantage of his lack of time, they gradually eroded his rights and influence.

In his eyes, these people were like vicious wolves, surrounding him and staring at him.

After noticing that he was weak, they all straightened up and moved closer to him.

For some reason, Bai Mu suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart.

Although the imperial court of the Great Zhou was powerful, it was dispersed and decentralized. When faced with the local tyrants who had been entrenched for many years, it could only bow its head and submit.

Shen Qing sat at the last seat, and looking at Bai Mu's frustrated expression, he couldn't help but feel emotional.

The officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty seem to be in a good position on the surface, but behind the scenes they are not so carefree, and it can even be said that they are surrounded by crises.

No one said a word.

The family lords and nobles in the hall were breathing in and out spiritual energy, revealing their strong aura wantonly, and they did not give in to Bai Mu at all.

Seeing that Bai Mu was almost cornered, Zhou Xu's face changed, and he smiled and said, "Don't worry, Lord County Governor. We are all citizens of Yongzhou, and it is our duty to kill the demons. Once the Lord County Governor draws up a charter, we will definitely assist you with all our strength."

Seeing that the other party had handed over a step, Bai Mu naturally accepted it. He said dejectedly with a fake smile: "Then I will rely on you more in the future."

"Okay, now that we've eaten and discussed things, how about some shows to liven up the atmosphere?" At this time, the patriarch of the Dong family stood up and said.

Zhou Xu smiled and said, "What show does Brother Dong want to perform?"

Dong Pengfei, the head of the Dong family, raised his glass and looked around, saying, "I have heard for a long time that the martial arts masters of the imperial court are all outstanding and have superb martial arts skills. We martial artists walking around the world admire them, just like looking up at the stars. Today is a grand event, why not take this opportunity to have a martial arts competition, which will not only add to the fun, but also promote exchanges. What do you think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone thrown into a lake, causing ripples.

The dignitaries in Yongzhou were whispering to each other, all with expressions of enjoying a good show on their faces.

County Magistrate Bai Mu frowned and said, "Fists and feet have no eyes. If you get really angry and hurt the harmony, it will be bad. Let's change someone."

A middle-aged man with a resolute face and sharp eyes said, "The way of martial arts is to communicate and practice. How can things in the world go as planned? Only by honing in challenges can the true meaning be revealed. We will watch, as long as you stop at the right time, nothing will go wrong."

"That's right, martial arts can only be improved through competition."

The rest of the people in the hall echoed.

Seeing everyone like this, even if County Magistrate Bai Mu was reluctant in his heart, it was of no avail and he had to agree reluctantly.

Dong Pengfei, the head of the Dong family, raised a meaningful smile. He stood up slowly, looked at Shen Qing, and said with a smile: "I heard that Shen Qing, the Shen Chasi, is very powerful. In just one year, he killed countless monsters and was promoted from the Chasi to the Chief of the Weiwu Division. Why don't we take this opportunity to learn from each other today?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes in the hall were focused on Shen Qing.

Shen Qing's face suddenly darkened.

He knew clearly in his heart that the exchange with General An and Dong Pengfei was fake, and that they wanted to pick him up and deal with him.

Although Dong Jing is the illegitimate son of the Dong family, he still represents a bit of the Dong family's reputation.

It was impossible for Dong Pengfei to ignore the fact that such an "enemy" was standing openly in front of him.

If they were to fight, Dong Pengfei would definitely kill him.

But Shen Qing was not afraid.

As far as he knew, Dong Pengfei was in the late stage of Danren realm.

With his current level of cultivation, if he utilized the power of the Nine Revolutions Profound Art and tried his best, he would be able to kill the enemy.

The only problem is that it is not easy to end in front of everyone.
When Shen Qing was thinking about countermeasures, Huangfu Rou stood up and interrupted, "Master Dong, wait a minute. There is always a generation difference between you two. If you wait to personally take action, it will be a bit inappropriate to bully the weak. I think it is a bit inappropriate."

After Huangfu Rou finished speaking, Huangfu Chuang, the head of the Huangfu family, followed up and said, "That's true."

Dong Pengfei glanced at Shen Qing meaningfully, then turned to Huangfu Chuang and his daughter and said with displeasure: "Since Huangfu Niece is so protective of her subordinates, then I will give you two a favor. Mr. Shen, we will have a chance to learn from each other in the future."

Dong Pengfei sat down expressionlessly, and glanced at Shen Qing meaningfully. Shen Qing looked at Huangfu Rou with gratitude, his eyes slightly narrowed.

At this time, Zhou Xu, the head of the Zhou family, immediately spoke up: "What Huangfu Zongchao said just now is indeed reasonable. In my opinion, why not take this opportunity to let the younger generations come down and compete with each other? This will not only add color to the banquet, but also not hurt our harmony. What do you think?"

After saying this, his eyes quickly swept across the table and landed on the chief seat.

Bai Mu didn't know what Zhou Xu's purpose was, so he asked, "Master Zhou, what you said makes sense. In this case, let's do as you say and let the younger generation show their talents. Let us old bones open our eyes and see how formidable the young are. However, I wonder which young talents we should look for at the banquet?"

Zhou Xu heard this, his eyes flashed with a gleam, and he smiled casually, "It's fate that my useless old fifth son happened to come with me to the county government today. I never thought that he would catch up with such an elegant event. Although he likes to play on weekdays, he is quite talented in martial arts. He has always admired the eldest son of the county magistrate. Why not let him join in the fun and learn from the eldest son, and let County Magistrate Bai and the others appreciate him and see if he is worthy of your attention."

When Bai Mu heard this, he suddenly felt a little funny.

His eldest son is his Qilin son, who has now reached the Danren realm and is a leader among the younger generation.

If he let his eldest son compete, he would feel more at ease.

Bai Mu said meaningfully: "Oh? What a coincidence. Then please invite Master Ling to come in, so that we old guys can also get some of the youthful vigor and see the extraordinary style of the Zhou family."

Bai Mu turned around and told his servants, "Come here, go call An Long."

"Yes!"

A servant from the county government quickly responded and hurried out of the hall.

A moment later, footsteps were heard outside the hall.

The door was pushed open.

A young man walked in from outside the door.

On his head he lightly wore a white jade crown that was as smooth as jade, and the beautiful jade hanging from his waist swayed gently with his light steps, making a subtle and pleasant sound.

"Junior Zhou Xintong greets all the seniors."

Zhou Xu, the head of the Zhou family, laughed loudly and stepped forward to introduce: "This is my son Xintong, the fifth child in the family. Compared with his brothers, he is a little behind. However, he has always regarded Master Anlong as his goal to catch up with. Now that we have the opportunity, it is just right for us to learn from each other and communicate with each other."

No one present was a fool, and it was clear that Zhou Xu had made these arrangements in advance.

For a moment, they were curious and didn't know what Zhou Xu was planning.

Just as everyone was guessing wildly, the same young man, led by a servant, walked into the hall from the back door.

Everyone present recognized that the young man was Bai Anlong, the eldest son of County Magistrate Bai Mu.

Bai Anlong walked to the main seat and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, father. I wonder why you asked me to come here?"

Bai Mu smiled slightly. He raised his hand to signal Bai Anlong to excuse himself. He then turned to Zhou Xu and said, "Anlong, your uncle Zhou came to visit with his son today. He specifically mentioned that you young people should communicate more and make progress together. I heard that the fifth son of the Zhou family has always regarded you as a role model and is eager to learn from you. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Bai Anlong turned his gaze to Zhou Xintong standing beside him. He was a little confused about the current situation, but he remained humble: "I, Bai Anlong, am just a playboy in the county. I am famous today because of the favor of my father and the seniors. If the fifth young master really has this intention, Anlong will accompany him. Let's make friends through martial arts and stop there."

Zhou Xu smiled faintly upon hearing this. He patted Zhou Xintong on the shoulder and said, "Xintong, did you hear that? Master Bai is very broad-minded. You must seize this opportunity, okay?"

Zhou Xintong nodded heavily, took a step forward, and bowed to Bai Anlong: "Master Bai, Xintong has long heard of your great name. I will definitely do my best to get this opportunity today. I hope Master Bai will be generous with his advice!"

Bai Anlong returned the salute, and a sense of confrontation instantly spread between the two of them.

The nobles and family heads around all waited with bated breath.

At this point they all came to their senses.

This competition is not just a simple contest of cultivation between two young talents, but also a subtle test of the power of the county and the court.

"In that case, let's get started." Bai Mu spoke at the right time, breaking the brief silence: "The competition should end when it is enough. Don't hurt the harmony, and don't make trouble for no reason."

"Yes, Father!"

Bai Anlong and Zhou Xintong said in unison, then each took a few steps back and took their positions.

(End of this chapter)