The Grand Protector's expression further bewildered these individuals, who couldn't fathom his intentions.
At this moment, only Ye Fan remained calm, utterly unconcerned by Feng Xiao's shameless actions.
These were not his worries. Whether these people could pass the selection was the Grand Protector's concern. As for himself, he only needed to do what was within his purview.
However, Ye Fan felt a surge of anger inwardly at Feng Xiao's behavior.
He had initially expected Feng Xiao to withdraw dejectedly. After all, as the eldest young master of the Feng family, he possessed status and standing, unlike those from smaller families.
To his surprise, Feng Xiao proved to be so thick-skinned.
If his efforts were meant to secure benefits for these people, Ye Fan would rather smash his head against a wall.
The Grand Protector's gaze gradually turned icy. "You also wish to pass the selection?"
The Grand Protector's tone was extremely cold.
"Whether you have Ye Fan represent you or not, I will not allow you to pass the selection."
The Grand Protector's tone was resolute, giving them no opportunity for opportunism.
Feng Xiao frowned, staring at the Grand Protector. "May I ask why?"
He had to secure benefits for the Feng family, even if it meant offending the Grand Protector.
"Why? It's because I am the Grand Protector of the Gu family and the primary person in charge of this selection. If I don't let you pass, no one has the right to change it. Do you have a problem with that?"
The Grand Protector was overwhelmingly assertive.
This action was a blatant slap in Feng Xiao's face.
Why? Because my strength surpasses yours, so I can do as I please, and you cannot change it.
Upon hearing the Grand Protector's words, Feng Xiao's eyes blazed with anger, but he was helpless.
As the Grand Protector had said, he called the shots here. He could eliminate anyone he wished. What could one do if they were not satisfied?
Ye Fan was deeply impressed by the Grand Protector's domineering demeanor.
"This is the bearing a Gu family member should possess. The Grand Protector is truly remarkable."
Ye Fan spoke softly, his face and eyes filled with admiration.
There were few people in this world Ye Fan could admire so genuinely, but the Grand Protector was now one of them.
Jiang Zhong nodded heavily beside him. "Indeed, the Grand Protector's dominance is so satisfying to watch. Look at Feng Xiao, so infuriated but unable to do anything about the Grand Protector. Brother Ye, this is the benefit of strength. As long as you have strength, you can do anything, even if it goes against fairness, others cannot stop you."
Jiang Zhong said to Ye Fan with earnestness.
Ye Fan understood this point even better than him.
"I don't care if you are the eldest young master of the Feng family or from any other family. In front of me, Gu, if anyone dares to be arrogant, I will destroy your entire family. Even if you have powerful backing, I am confident I can destroy that too. Do you all want to try?"
Arrogance, threatening you so openly, yet you dare not resist in the slightest.
Seeing Feng Xiao remain silent, the Grand Protector snorted coldly. "Throw them out. From now on, the Gu family will not cooperate with these families in any business. They will be permanently blacklisted."
As the Grand Protector finished speaking, the First Elder strode over, waved his hand, and summoned the Wang family guards. "Throw them out."
"Yes."
The guards, like wolves and tigers, shoved Feng Xiao and his entourage, expelling them from the Wang family.
Feng Xiao said nothing, only casting a venomous glance back at the First Elder and the Grand Protector.
At that moment, his gaze conveyed everything.
This was a man who would never submit to anyone.
Angering him meant facing endless retribution.
However, would his retribution truly be effective against the Grand Protector and his ilk?
He had hated Ye Fan the same way before, and had tried to retaliate against Ye Fan multiple times. But in the end, he was repeatedly defeated by Ye Fan, to the point that seeing Ye Fan now filled him with dread.
Therefore, in Ye Fan's eyes, Feng Xiao's revenge was nothing more than a joke.
Watching these people being driven out, everyone present was inwardly shocked.
Was this the power of a major family? They could expel someone they disliked simply because they displeasured them?
Although shocked, they still voiced their agreement with the Grand Protector.
"Truly worthy of being the Gu family's Grand Protector. This action is truly gratifying."
"Feng Xiao, that insidious and cunning fellow, should have been expelled long ago."
The Grand Protector's actions have vented our frustrations. I doubt Feng Xiao will dare to be so arrogant in the future."
Ye Fan sighed inwardly at these people, acknowledging that while Feng Xiao and his ilk were indeed shameless, these people were also utterly without principle.
Normally, in Feng Xiao's presence, they would offer smiles, even fawningly ingratiating themselves.
But now, they were kicking someone when they were down.
Was this behavior any different from Feng Xiao's gang?
Seeing the displeasure on Ye Fan's face, Jiang Zhong guessed his thoughts and patted his shoulder.
"Human nature is like this. We are powerless to change it; we can only focus on ourselves."
Jiang Zhong's words clearly carried a sense of helplessness.
After all, all he could do was manage himself. Trying to change others was the job of a savior.
Ye Fan gave a wry smile. "I simply dislike seeing it, yet I am powerless to do anything. I only wish to establish a stable and fair antique world, but alas, this remains a dream, both in the past and now."
Ye Fan smiled self-deprecatingly. In the past, he was fearless in pursuit of his ideals, never even considering giving up.
But the more injustice he witnessed, and the more shameless people he encountered, the colder his heart became.
He was not a savior, nor could he change others. All he could do was manage himself.
As if sensing something, the Grand Protector's gaze slowly shifted to Ye Fan's face. Seeing the profound depth in Ye Fan's eyes, the Grand Protector felt a slight jolt.
It was a look of emptiness and despair.
What was Ye Fan thinking about? Why would he exhibit such a look?
Just as the Grand Protector's mind was filled with unease and questions, Wang Feng hurried in.
"Everything is ready. Can we begin the second round of selection?"
The Grand Protector quickly suppressed his inner doubts, deciding to inquire with Ye Fan later. The selection was more important at the moment.
"Begin the second round of selection."
Everyone moved to the martial arts hall.
As one of the foremost major families in Jiangnan City, the Wang family naturally possessed a martial arts hall.
After all, the Wang family had cultivated many experts and guards.
Ye Fan and the others rose, accompanying Wang Feng and the First Elder and the others outside.
At this moment, only a mere dozen or so people had passed the first round of selection. Most of them were Wang family members. There was only one elder whom Ye Fan did not recognize.