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"Oh—so you're Master Winston Yuan's prized disciple! No wonder that Gate Guardian lost fair and square! I was lucky enough to witness Master Yuan's brilliance more than twenty years ago, and now, to meet his disciple here—makes you realize how time flies!" Martin Yang sighed, shaking his head.
"Uh—you, you know Master Winston Yuan?! So, what's your real background?" Now it was Shawn Young's turn to ask Martin Yang curiously.
Martin Yang raised his eyebrows, curled his pinky and thumb, extended the middle three fingers, and pressed them to his chest. The moment Shawn saw this, his eyes lit up and he blurted out, "Ah! You're with the Hung Society!?"
"Yes, I am Martin Yang, the Hall Master of Hong Kong's Red Fire Hall—Hung Society!" Martin Yang replied loudly.
"Oh, oh! Hung Society!! That means we're basically on the same side! Heh heh—" Shawn Young said, feeling a spark in his heart. He hadn't expected Martin Yang to be part of the Hung Society, the biggest Chinese gang.
"Hmm? Same side? Are you also with the Hung Society, little brother? Which hall are you from? How come I've never heard of you?" Martin Yang paused and quickly asked.
"Oh! I'm not actually a member of the Hung Society, but I do have some connections with you guys!" Shawn Young hurriedly explained.
"Oh?! So who are you, then?" Martin Yang and Zhou Ye exchanged glances, still unable to figure out Shawn Young's true background.
Shawn Young thought for a moment, then pulled out a Hung Society Badge from his inner pocket—the one Grandmaster Tyler Xuan had given him. It was a yellow jade waist token, inscribed with the Hung Society Emblem, and he handed it to Martin Yang.
Martin Yang took the yellow jade Grand Chancellor's Medallion, studied it closely, and his face instantly changed—he trembled, looking at Shawn Young in terror. Then, with utmost respect, he performed the Hung Society junior's salute and stammered, "I—Martin Yang of Red Fire Hall—didn't know the Grand Chancellor himself was visiting! Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly, honored elder! I beg your pardon!"
As he spoke, Martin Yang respectfully returned the yellow jade medallion to Shawn Young, performing the Hung Society's special ritual. He looked ready to kneel in a formal salute. Shawn was stunned—he hadn't expected such a strong reaction. Clearly, Grandmaster Tyler Xuan's gift was no ordinary badge!
Shawn Young carefully took back the Grand Chancellor's Medallion and tucked it away, then gently stopped Martin Yang from performing the full junior's salute. "Uh—Mr. Yang, I'm way younger than you, you really don't need to go that far! I can't accept such a big gesture!"
Martin Yang answered solemnly, "Elder, this is Hung Society tradition. Seeing the Grand Chancellor's Medallion is as if the Grand Chancellor himself were here. Any disrespect means facing the Three Blades and Six Holes punishment! This ritual is absolutely necessary! Earlier, I was blind and offended you—please forgive me!"
As he spoke, Martin Yang knelt before Shawn Young and knocked his head three times on the floor—"Thud, thud, thud!"
"Uh—" Shawn Young felt a bit awkward. Zach Chow, the Ghost-Hand Gambling Sage, also stared at him in shock. Though Zach wasn't a Hung Society member, he knew their strict rules—any disrespect from juniors to elders meant harsh punishment, no exceptions.
That's exactly why Hung Society has survived over three centuries! Ever since the late Ming dynasty, they've produced countless talents and had a profound impact on Chinese history—though most people don't know it. (Note: Hung Society's influence on Chinese history is immense. Their motto was to restore the Han dynasty after the Manchu conquest, and they resisted the Qing for centuries. They even cooperated with the Taiping Army, but broke ties when Hong Xiuquan became decadent and corrupt. After the Taiping collapse, Hung Society helped Sun Yat-sen overthrow the Qing, and members fought bravely in the war against Japan. Today, Hung Society is mainly active overseas, in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.)
Even Simon Bai and his daughter, standing nearby, stared at Shawn Young in shock. Simon knew Martin Yang was practically a local emperor in Mai Zayan, and it was unbelievable to see such a powerful figure show Shawn so much respect—all because of a simple jade medallion!
There was no way out—Shawn Young had to accept Martin Yang's three kowtows. When Martin finally got up, Shawn explained, "Uh—Mr. Yang, I'm really not a Hung Society member! I got this medallion by chance, from Grandmaster Tyler Xuan!"
But Martin Yang still looked terrified. "I know, but that's our rule—the yellow jade medallion is the Grand Chancellor's symbol of authority. Seeing it is like meeting the Grand Chancellor himself. Grandmaster Tyler Xuan is one of our last great elders, almost as important as the Dragon Head. There's no way I'd dare slack off in front of you!"
"Wow! I had no idea Grandmaster Tyler Xuan was that amazing! Why would he just give me his medallion so easily?" Shawn Young finally realized how serious this was.
Martin Yang hesitated, not daring to speak out of turn. Zach Chow chimed in, "Uh—Mr. Shawn, Grandmaster Tyler Xuan is a true master, and he does things his own way. If he gave you such an important badge, he must have his reasons. Since he values you, it's only right for us juniors to follow his lead."
"Oh—alright!" Shawn Young didn't know what else to say, but he knew one thing for sure—having Martin Yang on his side was a huge win. With his support, Shawn's mission would be a lot smoother!