C11 Seeking Revenge

That evening, Ye Mansion was abuzz with high-spirited guests, adorned with bright and colorful decorations that set the scene for a lively gathering.

Relatives and neighbors of the Ye family had flocked to the event, with the Ye family alone numbering over a hundred attendees, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Ye Han offered a wry smile in response to the assessing glances cast his way, yet he displayed not a hint of intimidation.

Once the banquet was underway, Ye Han, alongside his father, made their rounds, toasting at each table, ensuring not a single relative or neighbor was overlooked. The process, though intricate, was filled with enjoyment.

The elders couldn't stop singing Ye Han's praises, lauding his intelligence, exceptional demeanor, and innate talent with every compliment they could find.

While Ye Han remained indifferent to the flattery, Ye Yuvdao reveled in it, becoming merrier with each toast.

At the height of the banquet, as guests were thoroughly enjoying themselves, a group barged in, and a voice thundered, "Ye Yuvdao, take a look at the mess your son has made!"

The newcomers were seething with anger, especially the middle-aged leader, a stout man in his forties with a vicious scar across his face.

"So it's Zhang Batian. The Ye and Zhang families have always kept to themselves. What brings him here to stir up trouble at the Ye residence?"

"You see, Tiger Zhang's men are all armed. It seems we're on the cusp of a serious incident."

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, realizing that everyone was equally perplexed and at a loss.

Zhang Batian, a formidable practitioner of the Spirit Martial Stage Level Six, also known as Tiger Zhang, was notorious for his ruthlessness, a man said to devour his enemies whole.

Ye Yuvdao's expression darkened at the sight of the intruders. He slammed his palm onto the table and barked, "Impudence! Old Zhang, you have no right to run wild here."

At Ye Yuvdao's command, dozens of well-trained guards, armed with gleaming blades, swiftly encircled Zhang Batian and his entourage. These guards were meticulously prepared by Ye Yuvdao for such urgent situations.

Being one of the prominent families in Ridge South Town, it was only natural for the Ye family to be a target of envy and contention.

He alone couldn't possibly manage such a vast family estate.

Unexpectedly, someone actually showed up tonight, looking for a confrontation.

The crowd was taken aback; Ye Yuvdao didn't seem to regard Zhang Batian with any concern. To openly call him Old Zhang to his face was one thing.

The display of his presence was on par with that of the Zhang family.

Their surprise was understandable.

The Ye family typically kept a low profile, concealing their capabilities.

In contrast, the Zhang family was notoriously domineering, bullying their way through the town without restraint.

As a result, many believed the Ye family to be the weaker of the two.

Seeing Ye Yuvdao's unwavering confidence now left everyone in shock, their gazes filled with newfound respect.

Zhang Batian gave a dismissive glance at the encircling crowd, his lips twisted in a smug sneer. "You know exactly why I'm here, better than anyone. Hand over your son immediately."

Ye Yuvdao responded coolly, "The more you speak, the more baffled I become. What am I supposed to be aware of? My son has just returned from the Cloud Facing Pavilion; he has no quarrel with your Zhang family."

Zhang Batian's fury intensified at the perceived feigned ignorance.

With a sweep of his hand, two men stepped forward, carrying the bandaged figure of Zhang Hu.

The guests inhaled sharply; they had heard rumors, but the reality was stark.

They scrutinized Ye Han, finding it hard to reconcile the young man's handsome and benign appearance with the severity of his actions.

Confronted by the menacing Zhang Batian, the young man remained eerily composed, his gaze devoid of fear and tinged with a subtle hint of menace.

In Rigde South Town, people typically steered clear of the Zhang family.

Yet this young man had the audacity to leave Zhang Batian's son in such a state.

Ye Yuvdao cast a brief glance at Zhang Hu, his expression unaltered, clearly already informed of the incident's details.

"What more is there to say? Your son brutally injured mine, and he's been left unable to rise. With so many witnesses on the street, do you still intend to deny it?" Zhang Batian accused furiously.

Observing the group before him, Ye Han could tell what was going on with about seventy to eighty percent certainty. Once he caught sight of Zhang Hu, the pieces fell into place.

With a mocking smile, Ye Han greeted with a cupped fist, "Uncle Zhang, you ought to be thanking me for handling this matter. Why are you pointing fingers at me instead?"

Zhang Batian glared at Ye Han as he stepped forward, seething with a desire to shatter him into a thousand pieces. But, wary of Ye Yuvdao, he spat out bitterly, "Absurd! You harm my son, and I'm supposed to thank you? There's no logic in that anywhere in the world."

"Zhang Hu was causing trouble in the streets. Considering you're tied up with your affairs, I took it upon myself to discipline Zhang Miao for you, to ensure he didn't tarnish your good name." Ye Han said with a slight smile, "Now, don't you think you owe me some gratitude?"

At a loss for words, Zhang Batian's eyes widened. His son had indeed acted shamefully, inciting public anger.

For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Ye Yuvdao cast an approving look at Ye Han and stated sternly, "Old cat Zhang, this whole debacle started with Zhang Hu's brutality and arrogance. He's finally facing the bitter fruits of his actions. What more is there to say?"

"Humph! My son Zhang Hu doesn't need outsiders to handle his problems. You've injured my son, and today, you must provide an explanation. Otherwise, don't fault me for my lack of courtesy."

Zhang Batian was no ordinary man. He understood that without a leg to stand on, he'd let his power do the talking. With absolute power came the power to dictate terms.

"Mr. Zhang, do you think the Ye family is without defenders? Expecting me to give you an explanation is pure folly," Ye Yuvdao declared indignantly.

Zhang Batian continued his threats, "If my men were to go on a rampage, I fear most of the people in this courtyard would suffer greatly."

"To shield your son, would you, the head of the Ye family, really disregard the safety of your kin? They too have families and children to consider."

Indeed, Zhang Batian was a formidable and unscrupulous figure, striking at Ye Yuvdao's vulnerabilities with just a few pointed remarks.

If Ye Yuvdao insisted on resisting, he would be disregarding the safety of his own people, potentially inciting public outrage.

Should Ye Yuvdao prioritize the safety of his guests, he would play right into Zhang Batian's hands and be forced to surrender Ye Han.

After these words were spoken, an uneasy silence fell over the room.

"Zhang Batian, don't push us too far. The Ye family has been patient with you, but that doesn't mean we're afraid of the Zhang family."

"Exactly. I've been fed up with the Zhang family for a while now. If they want a fight, we'll give it to them!"

"They've bullied us to our doorstep, and they're still so damn arrogant. Let's take them down."

...

During the banquet, numerous fiery men stood up, their faces etched with anger.

With just a command from Ye Yuvdao, they would rush into action without a second thought.

Ye Yuvdao gestured with his hand, quieting the enraged clansmen, and shot a cold look at Zhang Batian, "Old cat Zhang, you think I'm scared of you? I've been sick of your antics for years. How about we settle this with a spar and see who's really tougher?"

As the crowd closed in, Zhang Batian's smugness faded significantly. He had anticipated this reaction and, now flustered, said, "Ye, don't think I'm afraid of you. Your favoritism today won't be forgotten. The Zhang family will have its revenge, and the Ye family will pay dearly."

In Ridge South Town, the Zhang family's influence certainly overshadowed that of the Ye family, which emboldened Zhang Batian.

Ye Yuvdao replied coldly, "Whether you can even leave Ye Mansion today remains to be seen. What makes you think you can talk about the future with me?"

"You... You wouldn't dare lay a hand on me. If I suffer the slightest harm, the Zhang and Ye families will be at war until the end." Zhang Batian, realizing he was outnumbered, involuntarily stepped back.

Ye Yuvdao felt a pang of regret. The prospect of the Zhang and Ye families locked in conflict was the last thing he wanted.

"Get the hell out of here! All of you, out!" Ye Yuvdao pointed towards the door and bellowed.

"Ye Yuvdao, you'll regret this."

With those words, Zhang Batian glanced at Ye Han, his rage churning within. He lifted his hand and struck out at Ye Han with a palm infused with a massive amount of Spiritual Energy, a blow that could maim or kill upon contact.

"You're asking for it, you cur!" Ye Yuvdao was taken aback, never expecting Zhang Batian to be so brazen. He quickly moved to intercept the attack.

Ye Yuvdao's response was rushed and lacked his full power.

Bang!

The collision of their palm strengths sent shockwaves through the air. Ye Han, caught in the crossfire, was buffeted by the tumultuous energy, stumbling back several meters before regaining his footing.

Looking at the two combatants, it was clear that Tiger Zhang had a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth, evidently wounded.

His father's face was a ghastly pale, faring no better.

"Ye... Ye Yuvdao, well done, very well done! We have plenty of time to settle our debts. We're leaving!"

Zhang Batian realized the futility of further confrontation. Provoking the Ye family further could mean no chance of a safe retreat.

Ye Han, seeing Ye Yuvdao's pallid complexion, expressed his concern, "Father, are you okay?"

Only after Zhang Batian and his entourage had departed did Ye Yuvdao's mouth betray a smear of blood, revealing he had been staunchly enduring his injuries. "It's nothing serious, just a minor wound. A few days of rest and I'll be as good as new."

Ye Han watched the direction of Zhang Batian's retreat, his expression darkening with a glint of vengeance. "Zhang, this isn't over. You haven't seen the last of me, Ye Han."

Following the commotion, the guests discreetly took their leave.

With great effort, Ye Yuvdao managed to see them out of Ye Mansion.