(At the request of some book friends, Wang Yu has decided, starting tomorrow, to combine three chapters into two, each containing three thousand characters. Let's see how it looks—will it feel more natural and pleasant to read?) Shen Zhongshan is in a particularly good mood today, as he's currently seated in a private room at Xiao Xiang Pavilion, embracing a remarkably beautiful woman, his large hands roughly caressing and exploring her body. Perhaps due to Shen Zhongshan's eagerness, the graceful and alluring woman can't help but chuckle softly, her laughter continuous. "Jin Madam," he says, "I think it's time you joined our master! He's never been so devoted to a woman before—having barely finished handling the affairs of the hall, he's rushed right over here." The speaker is a stout black man dressed in a slightly loose gray robe. His waist is as thick as a barrel, nearly twice the circumference of an ordinary person. As he finishes speaking, he immediately begins to catch his breath. "Exactly, Jin Zhi Madam! Our master has come to see you every afternoon for five consecutive days, spending quite a bit of silver in the process!" Yet here you are, only allowing our master to be held and embraced a few times, and refusing even a single night's rest! This is most unreasonable! This remark came from a middle-aged scholar with a black mole on his face, whose eyes betrayed a sharp, calculating demeanor—clearly a man of keen strategy. Among the guests in this room, besides Shen Zhongshan, there were three others, the three chief protectors of the Si Ping Guild. The stout man, known as "The Frenzied Pugilist" Qian Jin, though remarkably corpulent, has mastered his "Frenzied Eighteen Strikes" with great precision, having defeated several renowned masters. The scholar, known as "The Poisoned Scholar" Fan Ju, though skilled in the sharp "Snow Wind Sword Technique," is primarily known for his cold, ruthless nature. The one standing quietly in the corner, silent throughout, is the highest-ranked protector in martial skill, "The Flying Dagger" Shen San. This master's unparalleled technique of launching eighteen flying daggers in succession had eliminated numerous renowned masters and elite guests who had come to avenge their grievances against Shen Zhongshan. Moreover, as he was also a distant relative of Shen Zhongshan, he was especially favored and trusted by him within the association. The three of them, like Shen Zhongshan himself, each had a beautiful woman seated beside them in their inner chambers—though none of these women matched the elegance, fullness, and grace of the one in Shen Zhongshan's arms. At this moment, the petite Jin Zhi, laughing merrily, became misty-eyed upon hearing the praise from Fan Ju ("the Wild Pug") and Qian Ju ("the Poisoned Scholar"). Her eyes glistened with tears, as if they would fall at any moment. "How could Fan Grandmaster and Qian Grandmaster possibly be so unfair to Jin Zhi? When I first laid eyes on Lord Shen, I immediately knew he was a true hero and a man of noble character. To share a life with Lord Shen—dual companionship, side by side—would be the very thing I had longed for all along!" "Yet neither of you could be unaware that my body belongs to this Xiaojiang Pavilion. Should Jinzhi attempt to keep guests overnight without the explicit consent of the Lady Wang, the nursing matron, she would be literally killed on the spot. Why not ask Lady Wang directly? If she agrees to allow Jinzhi to entertain guests, I am certain she will treat you most attentively tonight." The head attraction of the Pavilion, delicate and graceful, spoke with heartfelt sincerity, conveying a deep, enduring affection for Shen Zhongshan. Her words, seemingly genuine yet subtly veiled, painted a picture of profound devotion. This Xiaojiang Pavilion is a property of the Tianba Gate, one of the three major guilds in Jiyuan City. How could they possibly escape death by stirring up trouble here? The two gentlemen who were firmly pushed aside by this prominent guest found themselves venting their frustration onto the young ladies of the Xiaojiang Pavilion. Only after giving them several firm, thorough strokes did they finally relent. "Hehe! Thank you both for your concern regarding Shen's matter. However, it doesn't matter—Shen has just closed a major deal recently. This little sum is nothing compared to that. As for you, my lady—don't forget your promise! When the time comes, treat me well!" While embracing Xiao Jinzhi and enjoying his moment of passion, Shen Zhongshan suddenly bit down hard on the delicate cheek of the beautiful woman in his arms, then said with a sense of pride. Shen Zhongshan himself is a large man with thick black hair covering his arms and chest. His arms are notably longer than those of ordinary people, giving him the appearance of a hairy, clothed beast—rather unattractive and intimidating. Yet, just such an awkward, unattractive man, a few years ago, had mastered the flawless "Wrist-Arm Fist" technique, defeating both the former head of the Siping Clan, "Golden Pen" Guo Tianpo, and his four key lieutenants—the Four Giants—thereby securing the position of clan head. Thus, in the world of the Jiangyuan city's martial circles, he stands as a first-rate master, unquestionably esteemed and never to be underestimated. "Master Shen!" Young Jinzhi, deeply flustered by Shen Zhongshan's sudden attack, nestled into his arms and cooed affectionately, prompting Shen to burst into delighted laughter. "Knock! Knock!" At that moment, someone knocked at the door. "Who is it?" asked the black-bearded, stout man, "Kuang Quan" Qian Jin, who was currently in a bad mood, and spoke with irritation. "Delivering wine and refreshments for several esteemed guests," came a young man's voice from outside. "Then hurry up and bring them in!" Qian Jin exclaimed immediately, clearly eager for more drinks. As soon as Qian Jin said this, a young man dressed as a servant entered. The ordinary-looking youth carried a tray in both hands, on which were several dishes and two bottles of wine. "Bring the wine over quickly! Let me taste it first, sir!" Qian Jin, a typical wine enthusiast, immediately brightened up at sight of the two bottles, bustling excitedly. "Yes, sir, I'll bring it right over!" The young man in servant's attire hurried forward and placed the wine bottles on the table. As soon as he saw the bottles, Qian Jin grabbed one and immediately poured a mouthful into his mouth, eager to sample the flavor. "Wait a moment, Qian!" Suddenly, the usually quiet black-robed man Shen San stopped Qian Jin mid-way, as he was about to pour the wine into his mouth.