The moment Wang Zihao spoke, those around him all nodded in tacit agreement.
His elder brother, Wang Ziteng, the eldest son of the Wang family, was not only gifted in commerce but also exceptionally talented in martial arts.
He was one of Jiangdu's brightest young luminaries.
Among Jiang Junyao's many suitors, none were more fitting than him.
Whether in family heritage or personal ability, the two were perfectly matched.
At the time, countless eyes favored their union.
Even the upper echelons of the Jiang and Wang families shared this intent.
Alas, fate intervened—Jiang Junyao met with misfortune, while Wang Ziteng departed overseas.
Now that she has awakened, his return is certain.
Should Wang Ziteng move against Ye Chu, the latter would stand utterly powerless.
All eyes turned toward Ye Chu, eager to witness his reaction.
Ye Chu arched a brow. "Are you attempting to teach me how to act?"
A collective chill swept through the crowd; surprise gleamed in their eyes.
Wang Zihao stiffened, then his face darkened. "Not to teach—but to command."
"Divorce Miss Jiang and you may yet live. Refuse, and not only you, but the entire Ye family shall be annihilated."
His gaze brimmed with disdain, as though Ye Chu were beneath notice—an ant to be crushed at leisure.
Jiang Junlan sneered in chorus, "Trash, you had best obey. Should Brother Zihao lose his temper, you'll find yourself without even the bones to bury."
Ye Chu said nothing. Instead, he raised his middle finger, his eyes rife with provocation.
The gesture was clear: What can you possibly do to me?
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Few had expected Ye Chu's audacity—to openly defy Wang Zihao.
Some whispered in doubt, wondering if he possessed some hidden confidence; others dismissed him as a brainless fool, deluded by his position as Jiang family's son-in-law.
They forgot that even the Jiang family tread carefully before the Wang clan.
Among the three ancient houses, the Wang reigned supreme—for theirs was a martial lineage.
Within their ranks sat a Pulse-Opening Grandmaster.
And in all of Jiangdu, only four great powers could boast such guardians—one sect, two associations, and the Wang family among the three clans.
"Ignorant of life and death," Jiang Junlan spat coldly, her eyes like those of a coroner gazing upon a corpse.
Wang Zihao's lips curved into a mirthless smile. "It has been long indeed since I've met one so arrogantly brazen. Very well—allow me to see from whence your bravado springs."
As he spoke, he gestured toward the captain of the guards maintaining order nearby.
The man hastened forward with deference. "Young Master Wang, what are your orders?"
Wang Zihao pointed at Ye Chu. "I suspect this fellow slipped in unlawfully. Investigate him thoroughly."
The captain turned his gaze to Ye Chu, already guessing the latter had offended Wang Zihao. Yet to be cautious, he asked, "Young Master Wang, may I ask who this man is?"
Zihao sneered. "This wretch is Ye Chu—Jiangdu's infamous son-in-law of the Jiang family."
The captain had heard of the scandal surrounding the Jiang family's unwanted son-in-law. Realizing Ye Chu lacked any formidable background, his wariness melted away. His expression hardened as he stepped forward.
"Show me your invitation."
Though this was an underground auction, entry was strictly guarded; only those with a formal invitation were permitted.
Ye Chu spread his hands. "I have none. I came with someone else."
The captain blinked. He had only meant to find a pretext to rough Ye Chu up, never expecting the man truly lacked an invitation.
"Nonsense! Entry requires an invitation for each guest." The captain barked, "Speak! How did you sneak inside?"
In truth, martial masters or those of great standing were allowed to bring guests. Yet the captain could not fathom Ye Chu belonging to such company. Even Wang Zihao himself could not bend the rules.
Ye Chu's voice remained calm. "I already told you—I was brought in."
"Still daring to quibble? If you will not yield to reason, perhaps pain will teach you."
The captain's eyes glinted with menace as he strode toward Ye Chu. Around them, the crowd's eyes glittered with anticipation, eager to see if the defiant Ye Chu would still hold his ground.
Ye Chu's face darkened. "I advise you not to touch me—or the consequences will be severe."
The captain sneered. "Oh? Then let us see just how severe."
His hand shot out toward Ye Chu. Without his command, many other guards were already rushing forward.
Zihao burst into laughter. "Worthless fool! You truly court death by causing a scene here."
Jiang Junlan's lips curled in disdain. "Exactly—he's nothing but a brainless idiot."
Just as the guards closed in, a thunderous voice split the air:
"Let me see who dares lay a hand on him!"
All heads turned toward the sound. Their eyes lit up at the sight of two graceful figures striding closer.
One was breathtakingly beautiful, her voluptuous form radiating allure—a peerless beauty.
It was none other than Huangfu Shiyue and Dongmei.
As they drew near, Huangfu Shiyue's voice rang cold and clear: "Stand aside."
An unseen aura swept forth. The guards, feeling its crushing weight, instinctively parted to either side.
Huangfu Shiyue came to Ye Chu's side. Her icy countenance softened into concern. "Brother, what has happened?"
Gasps of shock erupted. That worthless son-in-law—how could he know such an extraordinary beauty?
Ye Chu gave a brief account.
Upon hearing it, Huangfu Shiyue's face turned cold.
The guard captain frowned but, seeing her uncommon bearing, chose to reason. "My lady, this man has caused trouble here. I urge you not to meddle."
Her lips curved faintly. "And what if I insist on meddling?"
His face soured.
Wang Zihao chuckled slyly. "My beauty, to offend the master of this place over a useless son-in-law—is that truly wise?"
Shiyue turned, her voice like frost. "Are you attempting to teach me how to act?"
Zihao faltered, his expression sinking.
Jiang Junlan shrieked, "Slut! How dare you speak so to Brother Zihao—you must be begging for death!"
Smack!
Dongmei's figure flashed forward. Her palm cracked across Jiang Junlan's face, blood instantly staining nose and lips.
"You… you dare strike me?" Junlan stammered in disbelief.
Smack! Another slap resounded. Dongmei's gaze was like ice. "Disrespect my lady, and you deserve far worse."
Junlan shrieked hysterically. "You little bitch, I'll kill you!"
She lunged, claws outstretched—but within moments was battered by several more strikes.
"One more word of nonsense, and I will kill you." Dongmei's eyes glimmered with deadly promise.
Junlan quailed, cowed into silence, then turned tearful eyes to Zihao. "Brother Zihao, you must avenge me… please…"
Zihao's face had already grown stormy. His gaze locked coldly on Dongmei. "Girl, Junlan is a Jiang family heiress. Do you not fear their wrath for daring to strike her?"