The gang members in the hall bowed to Elder Xu, showing utmost respect.
Even Teng Haibo was no exception.
He didn't want to be seen as disrespectful or incur Elder Xu's displeasure.
After all, this old man was not known for his broad-mindedness.
Elder Xu casually waved off the greetings from his disciples and turned his attention to Tang Wen.
He nodded slightly at the agitated Tang Wen, but his expression remained arrogant.
Gao Meng's heart tightened upon seeing Elder Xu.
She was very familiar with this Elder Xu from the Tongmen. She knew that not only was he personally powerful, but he also had deep connections. This was true within the Tongmen, and his own family's influence was equally formidable.
She knew she had to take him seriously.
She whispered to Song Qiao, "This is one of the elders of the local Tongmen, Xu Yongnian. He is the oldest and most senior member of the sect. His personal strength has reached an unfathomable level. More importantly, he comes from the Xu family of the imperial capital."
The Xu family of the imperial capital was one of the founding families of the nation.
Just those few words were enough to make ordinary strong figures feel inferior.
To this day, their influence spanned across politics, government, military, and business.
Moreover, they had allied with the Fu family, gaining even greater room for development.
However, their members had always maintained a low profile. Outsiders generally only heard of them, rarely saw them.
She hadn't expected to actually meet him.
It could even be said that because of their family's immense power, they wouldn't typically bother with petty gains.
Yet, it was unexpected that such a person would become involved in the local Tongmen dispute.
Heh, it seemed their low profile was just for show.
Or perhaps, the Xu family had become too arrogant.
Song Qiao, after hearing Gao Meng's explanation, remained unfazed. He nodded and said, "So, this is Tang Wen's backing. He does have some capabilities. But well, heh, being so old, why isn't he staying home? Roaming around, truly audacious..."
He looked calmly at Elder Xu, showing no fear, merely appraising him from head to toe.
Meanwhile, after Elder Xu nodded, someone stepped forward to help Tang Wen up.
Tang Wen, once standing, bowed and knelt, his expression extremely respectful.
Suddenly, Elder Xu turned his head, his sharp gaze fixed directly on Song Qiao.
It seemed this old man's martial prowess was indeed high, as he could clearly sense Song Qiao's gaze.
Before Song Qiao could react, he spoke coldly, "Young man, was it you who just said you would call Sun Tengfei here? Heh, then I, an old man, will see if you have the ability."
"Esteemed elder, please wait a moment. You will not be disappointed," Song Qiao replied, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, as calm as still water.
Elder Xu was taken aback by his words, his face showing interest for the first time.
He hadn't expected this person to remain so calm in his presence. He indeed had some skills.
"Heh, that's not certain. Who knows if you're here to cause trouble, or to swindle people using the name of the general association?"
As he spoke, he approached the table where Song Qiao and his companions were, his gaze falling on the jade pendant on the table.
A quick glance confirmed it was genuine.
But he couldn't believe that this young man, Song Qiao, could possess such a token. "Where did you get this jade pendant? Did you steal it, cheat for it, or pick it up? Confess truthfully, and I will spare your life!"
He took another step forward, his voice suddenly rising, like a divine being descending from the heavens.
The ground rumbled, and the tables, chairs, cups, and plates clattered as if an earthquake had struck.
Everyone, except Song Qiao, staggered, and those with lesser martial arts skill directly fell to the ground, dumbfounded.
They were truly astonished by the immense power Elder Xu possessed.
Gao Meng was also affected, her body swaying precariously.
However, her recent diligent training paid off. She gathered her spirit and adjusted her posture, sighing inwardly, "What a fierce aura and powerful force!"
She didn't forget to protect Song Qiao, darting to his side, and vigilantly facing Elder Xu.
After that display of power, Elder Xu's gaze towards Song Qiao finally shifted, showing disbelief. "You are not simple. You managed to withstand my attack. Tell me, where did you get this token? Answer me to my satisfaction, and I will let you leave whole!"
Song Qiao didn't get up, merely lifting his eyelids slightly. "Do I have to answer just because you ask? Who do you think you are?"
Tang Wen, who stood beside Elder Xu, immediately became enraged. Before anyone else could speak, he stepped forward and berated, "Song Qiao, how dare you disrespect your elders like this! Even if you are the leader of the Modu Tongmen, you cannot speak to Elder Xu in such a manner. To defy your superiors, fifty strokes of the cane!"
He was essentially using Song Qiao's earlier actions against Xia Haibin against him.
The people around Elder Xu also glared at Song Qiao as if their eyes were aflame, ready to strike at any moment.
As for the other members of the Tongmen, they looked at Song Qiao in shock, wondering if he had lost his mind and was courting death.
However, Elder Xu raised his hand, silencing everyone.
He meticulously examined Song Qiao.
He wondered, was this Song Qiao trying to provoke him? What was his purpose? Who was behind him? Who wanted to deal with him?
Suppressing his doubts, he narrowed his eyes and chuckled, "Who do I think I am? Heh, it's been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like this."
Song Qiao's face was grim. "Since you've pledged allegiance to the Fu family and become their dogs, there's no need to say more. The Xu family is not exactly virtuous. What do you have to be proud of? I'm just afraid I might accidentally kill you."
Hearing this, Elder Xu flew into a rage. Pointing a finger at Song Qiao, he repeated, "Good, good," and gritted his teeth before adding, "Today, you will not leave this hall alive!"
Everyone around him echoed his sentiments, their tone condescending, viewing Song Qiao as a reckless dead man.
If Elder Xu made a move, Song Qiao would have no chance to escape.
Gao Meng looked at Song Qiao with concern.
She had already decided that if a conflict broke out, she would risk her own life to protect Song Qiao.
She wouldn't hesitate to pay with her life.
Teng Haibo was also worried. This Song Qiao was truly as bold as the heavens. He feared he was doomed.
But now that it had come to this, what else could he do?
Even if he switched sides now, it would be too late. Neither Tang Wen nor Elder Xu would spare him.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly spoke, "Tang Wen, you are speaking nonsense here and trying to sow discord. Do you want to split the Tongmen?"
Tang Wen scoffed at his words and retorted angrily, "You are no longer a member of the Tongmen. To conspire with this surnamed Song to swindle and break the sect's rules is a crime punishable by death! Guards, seize this traitor and deal with him according to sect rules as a warning to others!"
At this moment, someone gloated, "Haha, don't you have the support of the Grand Elder? Call him out, haha, let's see how you turn things around!"
Teng Haibo was extremely tense, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. "Mr. Song..."
Song Qiao merely raised his hand and checked his watch, smiling at Teng Haibo. "Don't worry, it's time."
Time for what?
Teng Haibo's mind went blank. It was over, time was up, he was going to die...
The others were also confused. Had this Song person lost his mind from fear?
Suddenly, a door panel flew in, smashing onto the ground with a loud crash.
Two more people were flung in, landing on the ground.
Everyone turned to look and saw an old man entering.
"I heard someone doesn't respect me and insists on seeing me?"