nycdaug Chapter 1603 - 1908: The Reason for Their Support
Chapter 1603 - 1908: The Reason for Their Support
After a while, Golden Dragon and Wang Teng came out of the bedroom, with Yu Hao following behind carrying two large suitcases. Ling Chen rushed over to greet them, taking the luggage, and led the four out of the hotel.
Two hours later, the group of five settled into the first class of a flight heading to East Sea City.
Looking at Golden Dragon and Wang Teng beside him, Ling Chen attempted several times to initiate a conversation but didn’t know what topic to use. Moreover, these two elder veterans had their eyes closed as if resting, showing no interest in chatting.
At this moment, Golden Dragon slowly opened his eyes and glanced at Ling Chen beside him, meeting his gaze. Ling Chen quickly smiled and asked, "Elder Huang, would you like something to drink? I’ll ask the stewardess to get it for you."
"There’s no need." Golden Dragon smiled and asked, "Do you have something you want to ask me?"
"I..." Ling Chen opened his mouth but wasn’t sure how to begin. Would it be too rude to directly ask why they were coming to make peace with Dragon Tiger Hall? They were here to support Dragon Tiger Hall after all; if his offense caused them to leave in anger, he’d be the villain. Furthermore, Tong Zhentian had repeatedly instructed him to treat these distinguished guests well and avoid any neglect.
As thoughts raced through his mind, Golden Dragon seemed to see through Ling Chen’s thoughts and said with a smile, "Actually, even if you don’t say it, I can guess what you’re thinking."
Surprised by these words, Ling Chen asked, "Elder Huang, really?"
"You must be wondering why I came to find you, to make peace, as anyone would be suspicious of our motives. But I want to assure you, there’s no ill intent as we’re truly trying to contribute something to the Martial Arts alliance by supporting Dragon Tiger Hall."
After pausing, Golden Dragon continued, "At our age, there’s nothing much to seek, just hoping to exert some leftover energy before we die. Back then, Wang Teng and I chose to retire because the entire Martial Arts alliance had deteriorated, no longer filled with the passion of the past. Now, with the emergence of Dragon Tiger Hall, the status quo is finally disrupted, and Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is no longer dominating. Seeing this Martial Arts Tournament, I believe it won’t be long before the Martial Arts alliance will present a flourishing scene. It is because there’s hope for Martial Arts that we choose to return."
Speaking of this, Golden Dragon suddenly looked at Ling Chen and asked, "Do you know why we chose Dragon Tiger Hall instead of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?"
Ling Chen shook his head and said, "I’m not sure."
"Although we withdrew to the mountains and forests, we’ve actually kept in contact with each other—the old men. Recently, I spoke with Master Hui Yun and Dan Xuzi about the current state of Martial Arts. They believe the responsibility for Martial Arts’ development still lies with Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion due to its rich heritage built over hundreds of years, despite the problems in recent years. They feel these issues are understandable, and with guidance and correction, Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion can still lead Martial Arts to glory."
"However, Wang Teng and I disagree with their view. The decline of Martial Arts to its current state places significant responsibility on Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Therefore, we don’t really want to support them. Comparatively, we are more inclined to support Dragon Tiger Hall. The initial intention of Dragon Tiger Hall is commendable, turning Martial Arts into a nationwide sport, making it widely accepted, and achieving both fitness results and promoting Huaxia Martial Arts, preserving its essence—in this aspect, I truly admire your approach. Hence, Wang Teng and I reached a consensus that since Dan Xuzi and others are supporting Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, we will support Dragon Tiger Hall; otherwise, if everyone supports Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, your Dragon Tiger Hall won’t stand a chance and will eventually be oppressed."
"I see." Ling Chen said earnestly, "Thank you, two elder veterans."
"No need for thanks; we’re all striving for the Huaxia Martial Arts community with common goals. As long as the entire Martial Arts alliance can rise again, we’re willing to accept any cost."
"By the way," Ling Chen curiously asked, "Elder Huang, during the Martial Arts Tournament, aside from Master Hui Yun and Dan Xuzi, there seemed to be quite a few others with Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Do you know them?"
"I know some, and others I’ve only heard of. They are reclusive experts in Martial Arts who seldom appear, yet Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion managed to invite them. But you don’t need to worry; with us supporting you, they won’t dare act recklessly."
"Golden Dragon is right." Wang Teng joined in, "On the surface, Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion appears strengthened with so many experts assisting, but in reality, their situation isn’t as good as it once was."
Hearing this, Ling Chen asked puzzled, "Why?"
"Simply because, what kind of people do you think Master Hui Yun and Dan Xuzi are? A monk and a Taoist, both compassionate beings. If Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion intends to do something outrageous, Master Hui Yun and Dan Xuzi would be the first to object. I’ve interacted with them for years; they are both straightforward, with right and wrong clearly differentiated, not tolerating any evil, so Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s days will not be as good as they were."
Ling Chen chuckled and said, "Then it seems, our Dragon Tiger Hall has gained a great advantage."
"Don’t be too quick to celebrate." Golden Dragon said, "For now, Dragon Tiger Hall must stabilize its position, preserve its strength, and avoid conflict with other factions in the short term."
"Why?" Ling Chen was somewhat puzzled.
"Currently, the Martial Arts alliance is in a recovery phase, and many family powers will gradually rise. Just watch; it won’t be long before those concealed Martial Arts families and forces will emerge. Although Martial Arts will usher in a prosperous period of flourishing diversity, likewise, conflicts will increase. As one of the Martial Arts powers, Dragon Tiger Hall is bound to be drawn into this. Therefore, you must be vigilant, preparing early for Dragon Tiger Hall’s future."
"Elder Wang, it’s unlikely to become so chaotic, isn’t there still the Martial Arts Association..."
Before Ling Chen’s words were finished, Wang Teng waved his hand and said, "Very soon, the Martial Arts Association will become a mere formality. Think about it, now the Martial Arts Association consists of your three powers, yet the emerging forces in Martial Arts far exceed your three. Do you think they will respect you and follow your arrangements?"
Golden Dragon nodded and said, "Wang Teng and I have discussed this issue. For a long time, the entire Martial Arts alliance will definitely become chaotic—the territories, the interests—these are things everyone desires to seize. Dragon Tiger Hall and Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion possess considerable resources and hold many interests, inevitably attracting jealousy from other forces. Therefore, your two groups might very likely become the target of public criticism."