The Wang family held a high position in Jiangnan City, and especially since this delegation was from Hangcheng, the entire Jiangnan City was thrown into a frenzy. Not only did the major families send their core members, but even City Lord Li from the City Lord's Mansion and the Deputy Mansion Lord from the Heavenly King's Mansion personally attended.
The Antique Association was also led by Elder Lei himself, with Jiang Zhong and others present, indicating the great importance placed on the Gu family members.
The Gu family was not only renowned in the southern province for holding the secret of a mysterious treasure. As a family of the southern province, the Gu family was ancient and mysterious, with a lineage spanning over a thousand years. They had weathered numerous storms yet remained standing, demonstrating their profound heritage.
Moreover, the Gu family had strict ancestral precepts. Descendants of the family were never allowed to act recklessly or commit evil deeds that would tarnish the family's reputation. Anyone who violated these family rules was expelled without exception.
It was precisely because of these stringent family rules that the Gu family had been able to remain a prominent force in the southern province, becoming one of the most powerful families.
Hangcheng was the Gu family's stronghold, where they could wield absolute power.
Therefore, when the Gu family arrived, numerous powers in Jiangnan City flocked to them. Even if they couldn't capture the Gu family's attention, merely making a favorable impression was a great gain.
These individuals were all dressed in fine attire. Upon seeing Ye Fan dressed so ordinarily, they cast sideways glances, pointing and whispering about Ye Fan and Dong Ge.
Ye Fan was unfazed by these strange looks, but Dong Ge couldn't help but frown repeatedly.
"These bastards look down on us," Dong Ge gritted his teeth and whispered into Ye Fan's ear, his eyes filled with fierce resentment.
Ye Fan, however, shrugged dismissively. "They're just superficial fools. Why bother with them?"
It wasn't that Ye Fan was magnanimous, but he genuinely didn't want to engage with such people.
In this world, there was no shortage of idiots and fools. If one were to bicker with them constantly, Ye Fan would surely be exhausted to death.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Dong Ge couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle. "You're absolutely right. But if they go too far, I'll definitely teach them a lesson."
Dong Ge knew Ye Fan's relationship with the Wang family well. Ye Fan was a distinguished guest of the Wang family. Not to mention dealing with these people, even if he had crossed the core disciples of the Wang family, the Great Elder would never say a word.
At this moment, at the entrance, the Great Elder of the Wang family was personally welcoming guests. The people of Jiangnan City, seeing the Great Elder standing at the entrance, all stepped forward to greet him. However, the Great Elder merely nodded slightly, saying little, his gaze constantly drifting outside as if awaiting someone.
This scene stunned the dignitaries of Jiangnan City. The Great Elder of the Wang family was one of the most influential figures in Jiangnan City. Who could it be that he was personally receiving?
Ye Fan, of course, was unaware that the Great Elder was waiting for him.
The Wang family had gone to great lengths for Ye Fan.
Not only had they mentioned Ye Fan multiple times in front of the Gu family members, but the Great Elder was also personally receiving him to build his reputation.
Ye Fan and Dong Zi walked slowly towards the entrance. From a distance, they spotted the Great Elder.
However, Ye Fan didn't think much of it, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Just then, several young men in opulent clothing hurried over from behind.
"Hey kid, get out of the way! Who do you think you are, blocking my path?" a young man with gleaming hair and a well-fitting white suit, surrounded by others, yelled angrily.
Ye Fan paused and turned his head, meeting the young man's gaze.
Beside him, Dong Ge was already furious. "Who are you talking to?"
He strode forward, intending to confront the young man.
But two black-suited bodyguards from behind the young man quickly stepped forward, blocking Dong Ge.
"Oh, I didn't expect beggars to have such spirit these days, daring to talk back to me. The times have truly changed." The young man, unfazed by Dong Ge's anger, sneered at him.
The young masters accompanying him burst into laughter.
"Young Master Qiao, in Jiangnan City, someone actually dares to speak to you like this. This is unprecedented! We must have a good time tonight to celebrate." The surrounding young masters egged him on.
The one called Young Master Qiao nodded with a smile. "Then let's teach these two beggars a lesson first, and then we brothers will have a few drinks at the banquet."
Saying that, he instructed the bodyguards in front of him, "Crippled them, and then dump them in the mountains to feed the dogs."
Young Master Qiao spoke with great ease, as if human lives held no importance in his eyes. Especially for someone as insignificant as Ye Fan, he cared even less about life and death.
Upon hearing Young Master Qiao's words, even Ye Fan couldn't help but frown.
Indeed, the times had changed. Nowadays, anyone dared to call themselves a young master. In Ye Fan's eyes, this Young Master Qiao was nothing but a joke.
Not to mention this Young Master Qiao, whom Ye Fan had never heard of, even the young masters of the two most powerful families in Jiangnan City, the Feng family and the Wang family, would not dare to be so presumptuous in front of Ye Fan. Feng Xiao, arrogant as he was, had been disciplined by Ye Fan multiple times and now dared not be arrogant towards Ye Fan. As for Young Master Wang Feng of the Wang family, he was extremely respectful of Ye Fan.
The two bodyguards heard their young master's words and rushed forward, intending to attack Dong Zi.
But the moment they made their move, Dong Zi abruptly raised his hand and strode forward, instantly weaving through the gap between the two bodyguards, and then slapped Young Master Qiao hard across the face.
*Slap*
This scene shocked everyone. No one expected that Young Master Qiao, protected by his bodyguards, could still be slapped. What did this mean? Was the burly man in front of them a phantom?
The two bodyguards abruptly turned around, unable to comprehend how Dong Ge had moved.
Young Master Qiao, meanwhile, clutched his face, his expression furious, flames seemingly about to erupt from his eyes.
"You damn scoundrel, you're looking for death." Young Master Qiao roared in anger, wishing he could tear Dong Ge apart right then and there.
But Dong Ge was completely unbothered. He grabbed Young Master Qiao by the collar. "Apologize."
Behind him, the two bodyguards stood frozen, not daring to advance, fearing that Dong Ge would lose control and harm Young Master Qiao.
"What did you say? Make me apologize? Who do you think you are?" Young Master Qiao shouted indignantly.
*Slap*
Another slap landed, sending Young Master Qiao sprawling onto the ground. Two bright red handprints appeared on his cheek.
"I'll say it one last time: apologize, or I will cripple you today." Dong Zi said coldly, a terrifying chill emanating from him, causing the surrounding young masters to retreat in fear. These people were accustomed to a life of indulgence and had never encountered someone so formidable. Dong Ge, on the other hand, having experienced life and death, possessed a terrifying aura that could instill fear in others.