By the banks of the Lingjin River, snowflakes drifted down like cotton, fluttering in the air. After buying an umbrella by the roadside, Chen Yang held it in one hand and wrapped his other around Qin Qiu's waist. "Honey, how are things with your grandfather?"

"My grandfather found an old friend who is now an elder in the Qin Family, a man of high status and influence. He's already agreed to help my grandfather return to the family." Qin Qiu snuggled into Chen Yang's embrace like a lazy kitten, a faint smile on her face. "We should have some definite news in a few days."

"No matter the outcome, you have to tell me immediately."

Qin Qiu nodded vigorously, glancing at Chen Yang with a hint of concern. "Chen Yang, the Qin Family's power is truly formidable." If he were to get involved, it was a real cause for concern.

"I'm no pushover, either," Chen Yang said, ruffling her hair gently as he looked toward the dark shadows on the river's surface. One hundred thousand Martial Guards have entered Qiyun Road. Soon, you will witness with your own eyes a man leading a Martial Department, coming for you.

Qin Qiu burrowed her head deeper into Chen Yang's embrace, reluctant to leave. "We... we should go back."

"Let's walk a little longer."

Qin Qiu nodded. Of course, she was willing. She wished they could keep walking like this forever.

「In the main hall of the Qin Family.」

Dressed in a green robe, Qin Lie was energetic and beaming with pride. As the sounds of the bustling festivities outside reached his ears, a slight smile touched his lips. He clasped his hands behind his back, the very picture of confidence and vigor.

"My lord, the Martial Association's Protector Qi Yin has arrived. Shouldn't you go out to meet him?" an old butler asked respectfully.

Qin Lie nodded, but before he could respond, a young man strode into the room. The young man, about thirty-one or thirty-two, was made to look tall and imposing by his gray robe. His handsome face, however, was shrouded in a cold fury.

"Qin Yan, what's wrong?" Qin Lie inquired.

The young man named Qin Yan bowed respectfully to Qin Lie before reporting, "That bitch Qin Qiu ran off. The disciples watching her were knocked out and tossed into a flowerbed."

Qin Lie's brow arched. "Was it that Sixth Grade Martial General named Chen Yang?"

"It must be him!"

Throughout the vast Qin household, only one housekeeper had ever seen Chen Yang, back when he came to pick up Qin Qiu on New Year's Eve. Therefore, unless that housekeeper was present, they wouldn't recognize Chen Yang even if he were standing right in front of them.

"Hmph!" Qin Lie snorted heavily. "What an audacious little brat, daring to show up at my Qin Family's door today of all days?"

"That bastard only dares to sneak in today because my family is busy with the grand celebration," Qin Yan spat, his eyes cold and filled with murderous intent. "Otherwise, I'd have beheaded him myself!"

"When Qin Qiu returns, have her come see me!" Qin Lie said, furious. To repeatedly break into the Qin Family and take Qin Qiu away, as if it were an unguarded place—what did they take his family for?

"Also, tell everyone to be on the lookout. If they find him, they must capture him alive!"

"Alright, I'll see to it right away." Just as Qin Yan was about to leave, he remembered something and turned back. "Grandfather, the guest registrar just reported a 'Lord Yang' on the gift list. He was wondering if this could be the same Lord Yang who tops the Dragon Brilliance List?"

This wasn't a stretch. After the name 'Lord Yang' topped the Dragon Brilliance List, it wasn't one that people dared to use lightly, especially on an occasion like this.

"I have no connection to this Lord Yang," Qin Lie frowned, then asked with growing interest, "Does the person who recorded the gift list remember what he looked like?"

"I asked. They only vaguely recall that he might have been a young man," Qin Yan replied. "After all, the number of guests today is enormous."

Qin Lie nodded, saying nothing more. If it truly was the Lord Yang from the Dragon Brilliance List, he would surely reveal himself later since he had already arrived. Uncharacteristically, Qin Lie, a man who was always composed and whose heart was seldom stirred, felt a flicker of anticipation. After all, Lord Yang's stature was no lower than that of the Martial Association's Protector Qi Yin. He had single-handedly torn through the entire Dragon Brilliance List. Having such a major figure offer congratulations was a matter of great pride for him.

「In the Qin Family square.」

Protector Qi Yin became the center of attention, with countless people fawning over him. His expression was indifferent as he ignored the vast majority of them, offering only a slight nod to the more influential figures. Only when approached by a few acquaintances would he exchange a few words. So aloof. In Yang Hu's opinion, this was all an act!

"Protector Qi Yin, the last time we met was at the Cangyun City Martial Association Headquarters. You look more spirited than ever," a middle-aged man not far from Yang Hu said, standing up with a smile as Qi Yin approached. It was clear the two were well acquainted.

RUSTLE. As Qi Yin drew closer, everyone else stood up, their eyes gleaming as they clutched their wine glasses, waiting for a chance to offer a toast. Only Yang Hu remained seated with his legs crossed. Not only did he show no sign of getting up, but he also grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and began to crack them leisurely.

His behavior made him stick out. Sure enough, many people nearby frowned, shooting him strange looks. Was this guy completely clueless?

"Young man, why are you still sitting? Get up," someone who couldn't stand it any longer chided him.

Yang Hu remained oblivious, seemingly lost in the simple pleasure of cracking seeds. This prompted looks of open displeasure on everyone's faces.

The middle-aged man familiar with Qi Yin—Lin Yunshan—spoke coldly, "You little rascal, do you have any manners? Why aren't you standing for Protector Qi Yin?"

PFFT! Yang Hu spat out a seed shell and finally turned his head. "Oh? Were you talking to me?"

Lin Yunshan was left speechless. So was everyone else. What a character, deliberately putting on airs?

Losing face, Lin Yunshan snapped, "You uncultured whelp, stand up at once!"

"Are you cursing at me?" Yang Hu leaned back against the table, looking Lin Yunshan straight in the eye. "Who do you think you are, ordering me around? If you had any manners yourself, you wouldn't be here spewing insults and bossing people around for no reason, would you?"

"My upbringing taught me to treat those deserving of respect with courtesy. But this person…" Yang Hu glanced at Qi Yin. "I don't know him from Adam. This is the first time I've ever seen him. Why should I stand up?"

"You…" Lin Yunshan's face turned a visible shade of livid.

"Besides, if you want to grovel, that's your business. What right do you have to order others to do the same?"

Faced with Yang Hu's sound reasoning, Lin Yunshan was struck dumb, his expression twisting.

Qi Yin glanced at Yang Hu, his gaze profound.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.