As they were in panic, a light 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 cordoned off the entire hall.
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 wayward son has offended you, Miss Lin. It is my failure to discipline him properly. I have come here specifically to beg for forgiveness!"
"This..."
Lin Yalan was astonished. It turned out to be a false alarm.
"This matter is all the fault of the Shen family. If Miss Lin is unhappy, our Shen family will not shield anyone!"
The Shen family head said solemnly, "Bring that unfilial son here at once!"
Young Master Shen was carried over by a few people, his breathing faint, and his eyes filled with helplessness.
As the saying goes, even a tiger does not eat its cubs. He had suffered such severe injuries at the hands of his own father, which made him feel even more aggrieved.
"Cough, cough, I think this matter should end here!" Lin Yalan said softly, "I don't want to escalate things!"
"Thank you, Miss Lin!"
The Shen family head was visibly excited. With Lin Yalan's words, he no longer had to worry.
The entire Shen family was truly safe.
After the Shen family head and his entourage left, Shi Jiu asked in astonishment, "What is going on? The head of the Shen family came to apologize personally. I'm not mistaken, am I?"
"It must be brother-in-law!" Lin Yalan said excitedly, "Brother-in-law must have gone to the Shen family for me!"
Shi Jiu stood by, her expression filled with envy. Such a good brother-in-law was truly hard to find.
After living in the Gu family for a few days, the Gu family was festooned with lanterns and colorful 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大会 about to begin and many martial arts experts in Zhongzhou, coupled with the Gu family head's birthday, there were naturally many guests.
As a family of medicine and martial arts, the Gu family head had many acquaintances. Over a dozen Grandmaster-level experts alone had attended.
The entire Gu family was filled with joy. Even Yang Xing Tian, the City Lord of Zhongzhou, came in person to offer his congratulations.
Lu Fan sat on the side, slowly savoring the osmanthus wine, appearing relaxed and content. Today was the Gu family head's birthday banquet, and many martial arts experts had come.
However, the guests 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 who he is? Could you introduce us?"
Several other Grandmasters quickly nodded. Having reached the Grandmaster realm, they had long heard of Lu Fan's reputation and were extremely impressed. His annihilation of the Jiang family not long ago was a display of immense power and naturally attracted much attention.
"This is Lord Lu!"
The Gu family head introduced him, walking to Lu Fan's side with a solemn expression.
The crowd looked over and saw Lu Fan's true appearance, and they could not help but be a little surprised. They never expected that Lord Lu, who was famous throughout Jiangnan, would be so young.
"We have long heard of Lord Lu. It is truly a blessing to meet you today!" many Grandmasters cupped their fists. "We never expected Lord Lu to be so young. The martial arts of our Dragon Country have hope!"
"You are too kind!" Lu Fan clasped his fists. "I am merely undeservedly famous. You do not need to take it to heart."
"Lord Lu, at such a young age, not only possesses great strength but is also humble," another old man said with a smile.
Many people toasted him. They all wanted to befriend such a formidable figure as Lu Fan, as it would undoubtedly be beneficial to them.
Yang Xing Tian stood by, watching the scene with a sense of helplessness. Lu Fan was not just Lord Lu of Jiangnan, but possibly an important member of the Dragon Country. Only he knew this.
Even members of the Dragon Guard did not possess the Dragon Token, but Lu Fan did. This was a Dragon Token that could command Dragon Country experts, and it was a symbol of the entire Dragon Country.
In fact, even Han Bing did not understand why their leader had given this token to Lu Fan. As for any hidden reasons, they did not dare to inquire further.
"Lord Lu, at such a young age, you were able to kill the ancestor of the Jiang family. I heard that a hundred years ago, Old Ancestor Jiang was already at the Grandmaster realm," one old man said. "If that is true, then the first place on the Heavenly Rankings in this martial arts大会 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大会!"
"Not participating?" Many martial arts experts were astonished.
"With such a reputation, if I were to win first place on the Heavenly Rankings, it might not be a good thing in the future," Lu Fan shrugged. "However, I can go and observe the martial arts大会 in three days."
Everyone present nodded, but they were somewhat shocked. Lu Fan's attitude was likely due to his lack of interest in the martial arts大会, or perhaps no one in the martial arts大会 was his match anymore.
If Lu Fan were to make a move, first place on the Heavenly Rankings would undoubtedly belong to him. There was no doubt about that.
Lu Fan enjoyed himself immensely while drinking and conversing with everyone. Today was the Gu family head's birthday banquet, and Lu Fan had a few extra drinks.
"Lord Lu, let me toast you!" When no one else was around, Yang Xing Tian hurried over, his gaze showing great respect.
"Why is it you!" Lu Fan glanced at him. "The City Lord of Zhongzhou!"
"Not at all, not at all. In front of Lord Lu, I am merely a subordinate," Yang Xing Tian said hurriedly. "If you have any needs in Zhongzhou, Lord Lu, please do not hesitate to tell me. I will absolutely not disappoint you."
"You are quite thoughtful," Lu Fan said with a slight glance. "However, your excessive attentiveness towards me is not normal."
"My Lord's strength is formidable, and he will surely 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. When My Lord grows in the future, I fear I will not even be qualified to show my respect."
"You have foresight indeed!" Lu Fan nodded slightly.
Yang Xing Tian continued to flatter him, not daring to utter a single word of disobedience.
"By the way, why haven't I seen Han Bing and the others recently?" Lu Fan asked. "Didn't they come to Zhongzhou this time to maintain security for the martial arts大会?"
"Lord Han Bing has been in Zhongzhou all along, but he has not made an appearance," Yang Xing Tian said with a smile. "He should be preparing for the security checks for the martial arts大会."
"Security checks?" Lu Fan asked with a hint of surprise. "Does the martial arts大会 require such preparations?"
"My Lord, you may not know this, but every year, the martial arts大会 is the responsibility of the Dragon Guard, and they do not dare to be negligent," Yang Xing Tian said continuously. "After all, those who participate in the martial arts大会 are the pillars of our Dragon Country. Any slight mishap could cause an uproar."
"The martial arts大会 is fought with restraint, and no lives will be harmed," Lu Fan stated.