As they were filled with dread, a faint knock on the door made them jump like startled birds.
As soon as she stepped out of the room, Lin Yalan saw the Shen family members, who had even surrounded the hall tightly.
Many people in the hotel were watching, preparing to enjoy the show. With so many experts from the Shen family present, it was clear they were not here with good intentions.
"You must be Miss Lin, right?"
The Shen family head said with a smile, "I am the head of the Shen family. My rebellious son offended Miss Lin, and it is my fault for not disciplining him properly. I have specifically come to apologize!"
"This..."
Lin Yalan was stunned; it turned out to be a false alarm.
"This is all the Shen family's fault. If Miss Lin is unhappy, our Shen family will not shield anyone!"
The Shen family head said solemnly, "Bring that rebellious son here!"
Young Master Shen was carried over by several people, already on the verge of death, with helplessness in his eyes.
As the saying goes, even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs. To suffer such severe injuries at the hands of his own father left him feeling even more wronged.
"Cough, cough, I think we should let this matter rest here!" Lin Yalan said softly, "I don't want to make a big deal out of it!"
"Thank you, Miss Lin!"
The Shen family head was visibly relieved. With Miss Lin's words, he had no more worries.
The entire Shen family was now truly safe.
After the Shen family head and his entourage left, Shi Jiu exclaimed in astonishment, "What's going on? The head of the Shen family came to apologize in person, I'm not mistaken, am I!"
"It must be my brother-in-law!" Lin Yalan said excitedly, "Brother-in-law must have gone to the Shen family for me!"
Shi Jiu stood by, filled with envy. Such a good brother-in-law was truly hard to find.
After staying at the Gu family for a few days, the Gu family was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and even the ground was covered with a red carpet.
Today was the Gu family head's birthday, which had caused quite a stir.
With the Martial Arts Tournament about to begin and many martial arts experts gathered in Zhongzhou, coupled with the Gu family head's birthday, there were naturally many guests.
As a family of physicians and martial artists, the Gu family head had made many acquaintances. More than ten Grandmasters alone had come to attend.
The entire Gu family was filled with joy, and even the City Lord of Zhongzhou, Yang Xingtian, personally came to offer his congratulations.
Lu Fan sat aside, slowly savoring the osmanthus wine, appearing at ease. Today was the Gu family head's birthday banquet, and many martial arts experts were present.
However, most people did not recognize Lu Fan, so they did not greet him.
Nevertheless, many martial arts experts present knew of Lu Fan's reputation and were looking around, seemingly searching for something.
"Old Master Gu, I heard that Lord Lu from Jiangnan is also in the mansion," an old man said with a smile. "May I ask which one he is? Could you introduce us?"
The other Grandmasters nodded eagerly. Having reached the Grandmaster realm, they had long heard of Lu Fan's name and admired him greatly. His recent annihilation of the Jiang family showed incredible spirit, naturally drawing much attention.
"This is Lord Lu!"
The Gu family head introduced him, walking to Lu Fan's side with a solemn expression.
Everyone looked over and saw Lu Fan's true appearance, to their surprise. They never expected that the renowned Lord Lu of Jiangnan would be so young.
"We have long heard of Lord Lu. It is truly a blessing to meet you today!" the many Grandmasters said, cupping their fists. "We never imagined that Lord Lu would be so young. The martial arts of our Dragon Country have hope!"
"You flatter me!" Lu Fan cupped his fists. "I am merely a name without substance; you need not take it too seriously."
"Lord Lu, at such a young age, not only is his strength formidable, but he is also humble," another old man said with a smile.
Many people offered him toasts. They all wanted to befriend such a formidable figure as Lu Fan, as it would undoubtedly benefit them.
Yang Xingtian stood by, watching the scene unfold with a sense of helplessness. Lu Fan was not just Lord Lu of Jiangnan, but possibly an important member of the Dragon Country, a fact only he was privy to.
Even members of the Dragon Group did not possess a Dragon Token, yet Lu Fan did. This was a Dragon Token capable of mobilizing the Dragon Country's experts and the symbol of the entire Dragon Country.
In fact, even Han Bing was unaware of why their leader had given this token to Lu Fan. As for any hidden reasons, they dared not inquire further.
"Lord Lu, at such a young age, to be able to kill the Old Ancestor of the Jiang family. I heard that a hundred years ago, Old Ancestor Jiang was already at the Grandmaster realm," one elder remarked. "If that is true, then the first place on the Heavenly Ranking in this Martial Arts Tournament will surely belong to Lord Lu."
"I am not interested in first place," Lu Fan shrugged. "I may not even participate in this Martial Arts Tournament!"
"Not participating?" Many martial arts experts were astonished.
"With my reputation, it might not be a good thing to win first place on the Heavenly Ranking," Lu Fan shrugged. "However, I might go to observe the Martial Arts Tournament in three days."
Everyone present nodded, feeling a sense of awe. Lu Fan's indifference was likely due to his lack of interest in the Martial Arts Tournament, or perhaps, he believed no one at the tournament could match him.
If Lu Fan were to truly compete, the first place on the Heavenly Ranking would undoubtedly be his. There was no room for doubt on this matter.
Lu Fan enjoyed the revelry, drinking with everyone. Today was the Gu family head's birthday banquet, and Lu Fan had indulged in a few extra cups.
"Lord Lu, allow me to toast you!" When no one else was around, Yang Xingtian quickly approached, his gaze filled with respect.
"Why is it you!" Lu Fan glanced at him. "The City Lord of Zhongzhou!"
"I dare not, I dare not. Before Lord Lu, I am merely a subordinate," Yang Xingtian said quickly. "If Lord Lu requires anything in Zhongzhou, please do not hesitate to tell me. I will never disappoint you."
"You are quite thoughtful," Lu Fan replied with a glance. "However, your excessive eagerness to please me is rather unusual."
"Your Lordship's strength is immense, and you will undoubtedly become a dragon among men in the future," the City Lord of Zhongzhou said with a smile. "Now is the best time to show my respect. By the time you grow, I may not even have the qualifications to do so."
"You have foresight!" Lu Fan nodded slightly.
Yang Xingtian continued to flatter him, not daring to utter a word of defiance.
"By the way, why haven't I seen Han Bing and the others recently?" Lu Fan asked. "Didn't they come to Zhongzhou to maintain order for the Martial Arts Tournament?"
"Lord Han Bing has been in Zhongzhou all along, but he has not shown himself," Yang Xingtian replied with a smile. "He is likely preparing for the security checks for the Martial Arts Tournament."
"Security checks?" Lu Fan asked with a hint of surprise. "Does the Martial Arts Tournament require such preparations?"
"Your Lordship may not know, but the Dragon Group is responsible for the Martial Arts Tournament every year, and they dare not be negligent," Yang Xingtian said earnestly. "After all, those who participate in the Martial Arts Tournament are the pillars of the Dragon Country. Any slight oversight could cause significant repercussions."
"The Martial Arts Tournament is meant to be a contest of skill, not life and death," Lu Fan stated.