Time seemed to freeze, their gazes locked, the oppressive presence of two massive heads dominating the scene until the entire atmosphere subtly shifted under their silent confrontation.

“Is that the Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang?” a middle-aged man asked Fang Kai.

Fang Kai nodded. “Father, are you interested in him?”

“Haha, just asking casually,” the middle-aged man chuckled, glancing at the two Corps Commanders from the other major military regions beside him. “Ye Han has some connection to us, one way or another. We should at least show support for him tonight, shouldn’t we?”

“Commander Fang, you are being too serious.”

“The Heavenly Ghost lineage is indeed proving difficult. Even if our major military regions join forces, we might not be able to eradicate them!” Commander Ling, father of Ling Feng and one of the four major military region commanders, stated.

“But Commander Ling, surely he doesn’t harbor such vast ambitions? If…”

“Commander Fang, you underestimate him. However, the Chief is present tonight, so I believe everything will start to become clearer.”

“Perhaps,” the two responded noncommittally after hearing Commander Ling’s words.

“Young Master!”

“Let’s go over and exchange greetings.” Ye Han paid little heed to Tian San’s call, instead walking toward Yang Yi with an expression of utterly false pleasantry plastered across his face.

“Brother Yi!” Fatty Lin grew anxious. He felt a dangerous aura emanating from Ye Han—a primal sense of peril that, to his shock, even surpassed the danger he perceived from Yang Yi. Furthermore, while he and Yang Yi had long known that Ye Han and Ye Xiaohou were twin brothers, preparing for a surprise, the actual sight of Ye Han was far beyond any expected measure of astonishment.

The two men behind Ye Han were clearly not simple either; his initial mental estimate placed them both as masters on the Dragon Ranking. Yang Yi’s lips curled upward into a roguish smile. “Don’t panic. Even though he bears a striking resemblance to Fourth Brother, I can tell at a glance that he is Ye Han.”

Seeing Yang Yi’s smile, a sharp gleam flashed in Ye Han’s eyes. He thought to himself, He truly is something else. Ye Han stepped forward, extending a hand with exaggerated politeness. “Greetings, Lord Dragon of the Black God Gang, Mr. Yang!”

“Greetings, Mysterious Man, Mr. Ye!” Yang Yi returned the gesture.

“I never thought we would finally meet.”

“Indeed. This meeting is rather… nuanced.”

Both men shook hands with polite smiles. Yang Yi continued, “It seems the rumors weren't wrong. The three top masters of the Dragon Ranking are your subordinates. I wonder about the two behind you…?”

“Oh, these are my third and fourth brothers, the ones they call the Heavenly generation of the so-called Dragon Ranking,” Ye Han stated casually.

“Heh, so it’s Tian San and Tian Si. Tian San has changed his disguise so much, I almost didn't recognize him,” Yang Yi maintained his smile. “It is a pleasure to have friends arriving from afar. Although this isn't my territory, I must borrow the scenery to offer hospitality—please forgive any inadequacy.”

“Not at all.” Ye Han smiled faintly and, without ceremony, took a seat at the table surrounding Yang Yi.

Before long, the banquet seemed to officially commence. An announcer took the stage, handing the microphone to the evening’s chairman. Among the Eight Great Families, only the Shangguan family was considered qualified to speak, given that the Dongfang, Xuanyuan, and Ye families were absent from this particular lineup.

“Good evening, everyone. I am Shangguan Qingyun, and I extend a warm welcome to all our friends from various places attending this banquet hosted by the Eight Great Families. I trust that everyone present holds significant status, and that your capabilities are hardly weak, otherwise, you would not be here.”

While Shangguan Qingyun’s statement carried a touch of arrogance, it instantly elevated the perceived worth of everyone present. After a brief pause, he continued, “For generations, our Eight Great Families have served as the central pillar of Huaxia. But due to the changing times, our families have evolved. These changes have caused tremors across Huaxia. In recent years, Huaxia’s economic development has shifted considerably, enduring many trials—I need not elaborate on other aspects, as I’m sure you are all aware. Therefore… to align with the nation’s development, we have entered into a cooperation agreement!”

“To align with the nation’s development?” That phrasing struck many as highly ironic, even utterly hypocritical. Those present were intelligent enough to understand the subtext without comment. Take the people at Yang Yi’s table, for instance. Both Yang Yi and Ye Han exchanged subtle smiles, said nothing, raised their glasses for a brief toast, and took a drink.

“The Shangguan, Nangong, Gongsun, Ximen, and Tang families have formally joined the national cooperation agreement. Now, I invite Vice Chairman Qin to address us!”

As Shangguan Qingyun finished speaking, applause broke out. However, a cold glint flashed in Yang Yi’s eyes. He had long wanted the opportunity to meet this man face-to-face but had never managed to. He hadn't expected to see him at this moment; it unfolded exactly as he had anticipated.

Dressed impeccably in a sharp suit and sporting short hair, Qin Feng—followed by several members of the Dragon Group—stepped up to take the microphone. “Five thousand years of Huaxia—I believe those words are familiar to all of you. The world is one family, let alone a single nation? The cooperation between the major families of Huaxia and the nation is, in essence, merely a return home. We seek nothing else but that under our collective effort, this home can achieve an era of innovation, allowing Huaxia to prosper further.”

“Truly worthy of his position as the nation’s Vice Head. Even his rhetoric is polished, wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Yang?” Ye Han’s faint, cold sneer made many at the tables deeply uncomfortable.

Yet, when addressed, Yang Yi merely offered an inscrutable smile. “There are too many hypocrites in the world. Without such individuals, a nation is destined for ruin. As for what the Head of State said, I dare not offer an opinion, nor is it appropriate for me to dabble in politics!”

With that single statement, he neutralized all responsibility and deflected the sharp edge of the innuendo into nothingness. This move caused Ye Han to regard Yang Yi with renewed, deeper interest. “Truly worthy of being the Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang.”

“Hardly, hardly.” Yang Yi did not feel this was praise from Ye Han; rather, it carried a flavor of subtle mockery.

After Qin Feng concluded his speech, the main part of the banquet immediately began. Members of various families toasted guests and engaged in conversation. Sometimes, one shouldn't overcomplicate a banquet, but it was impossible to ignore the underlying danger—this was a carefully laid trap.

However, it remained unclear tonight which party would be playing the lead role in this potential ‘Hongmen Banquet.’ At that moment, a member of the Dragon Group approached Yang Yi. “Mr. Yang, our Chief requests your presence.”

“Hmm?” Yang Yi frowned. While he hadn't expected an invitation from Qin Feng so soon, he realized this was an opportune moment to inquire about certain matters. With that thought, he nodded with a slight smile. “Very well.”

“Since Mr. Yang has an invitation, you need not concern yourself with me. I also have matters to attend to, so I will take my leave for now.” Ye Han nodded, then departed with Tian San and Tian Si.

After acknowledging Ye Han, Yang Yi followed the Dragon Group member toward the second floor. Fatty Lin stayed by his side, but just as they were about to ascend the stairs, Yang Yi leaned close to Fatty Lin and whispered a few cryptic words. Fatty Lin appeared to grasp the meaning immediately, nodded, and walked away from Yang Yi, destination unknown.

Meanwhile, the escort, Dragon Three, felt a peculiar energy radiating from Yang Yi behind him, instantly sparking a surge of ingrained caution. His innate sense of abnormality kept him perpetually wary. After a short walk, Yang Yi arrived before the door of a private room on the second floor.

“Chief, the person has been brought,” Dragon Three called out toward the room.

“Send him in,” Qin Feng replied.

“Yes!” Dragon Three opened the door and gestured. “Mr. Yang, please enter.”

As Yang Yi stepped into the room, he was met by Qin Feng alone. The latter offered a faint smile upon seeing him. “Sit.”

“Thank you.” Yang Yi accepted the invitation without formality, nor did he offer a greeting, simply seating himself naturally on the sofa.

“I hear you enjoy red wine?” Qin Feng busied himself with a decanter, pouring red wine, clearly mixing a drink.

“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fond of it. I simply sip a bit when I feel bored.”

“Heh, I can tell you were eager to meet me, but upon seeing me, you show none of the expected nervousness. Well done. Compared to three years ago, you’ve matured considerably.”

Yang Yi smiled faintly. “You flatter me. You saw me three years ago, but I never saw you. And even if I had been desperate to meet you, I wouldn't necessarily act nervous like others.”

“Hahaha, good, you are interesting. You certainly live up to being Old Yang’s grandson—no, more accurately, his maternal grandson!” Qin Feng laughed heartily.

“Maternal grandson?” Yang Yi’s brow furrowed upon hearing this. “What do you mean by that?”

“It seems you still don’t know? That’s understandable; that old man Yang Xuan hasn't officially confirmed your identity yet, but he should be contacting you soon.” Qin Feng finished pouring the wine and smiled. “Come, try this wine I blended. This mixing method is completely unique in the world.”