As they spoke, almost everyone turned to look at Zhang Yang with curiosity. Young Master Qi stood there, also interested, a strange smile playing on his lips.

Being watched by so many people made even Zhang Yang's face flush slightly. "Zhan Tao, don't talk about me first.

What are you guys doing here?" Zhang Yang said to the young man who first spoke. Long Feng, standing nearby, was clearly struggling to suppress a smile, while Huang Jing looked utterly bewildered.

This young man was none other than Su Zhantao. Zhang Yang was very familiar with the people around him: Wang Chen, Li Ya, as well as Huang Hai and Long Cheng were all present, along with Old Cai and a few others.

Even Young Master Qi—whom Zhang Yang had met once in Shanghai—was here. This group of more than ten people was almost entirely composed of acquaintances.

Su Zhantao chuckled, "We all happened to be free, a rare moment where we were all available. Cheng Ge was talking about going hunting, but none of us wanted to go.

Coincidentally, Old Cai invited us over to hang out in Hangcheng, so here we are. Come on, tell us what’s going on with you!" "Yeah, confess and be lenient!

Hurry up and tell us what happened!" Wang Chen shouted in agreement. They had been feeling a bit disappointed for not managing to contact Zhang Yang since arriving, but they never expected to run into him here, let alone find him fighting with others upon meeting.

"That’s right, Zhang Yang, quickly explain what’s going on! I’ll settle accounts with you later—you’re in my territory and you didn’t even contact your landlord!" Young Master Qi chimed in, his smile growing wider.

Young Master Qi’s name was Qi Heng. He was distantly related to Cai Zheleng, and when inviting the group from Changjing, he had specifically suggested inviting Zhang Yang.

However, since Zhang Yang wasn't around and they couldn't reach him, the matter was dropped. Liang Wan’yi’s face instantly paled.

He finally understood why something felt wrong. He hadn't expected that this young man, whom he was seeing for the first time and who had been brought in by others, actually knew their big boss, and their relationship seemed quite good.

The big boss disliked trouble being made on his premises, but it depended on who was causing it. Other people could certainly not stir up trouble here, but one of their own was different.

In this day and age, everyone protected their own. Liang Wan’yi knew his big boss's temperament perfectly and was filled with apprehension.

Thankfully, he hadn't made a move. If he had started fighting, this whole mess would have been impossible to clean up.

Thinking this, he glared fiercely at Li Hua, who was standing there, stunned and disbelieving. Li Hua was acutely aware of Qi Heng’s status; he was far more powerful than their own family.

In a place like Hangcheng, if Qi Heng told him to go east, he wouldn't dare go west; if told to stand, he absolutely wouldn't dare sit. For such a formidable figure to know that supposed con artist, and to seem on good terms with him—how was that possible?

Li Hua felt like he must be dreaming. Even now, he still believed Zhang Yang was a fraud.

"I came a few days ago to attend a school event, encountered some trouble, and ended up staying," Zhang Yang said helplessly. He knew that if he didn't explain clearly, these troublesome friends wouldn't let the matter drop.

Su Zhantao pressed further, "I won't ask about the rest for now, but what exactly is going on here?" "This? Well, it’s like this..." Zhang Yang briefly recounted the preceding events, explaining how Li Hua had slandered him as a fraud and verbally abused him, leading him to strike the man in retribution.

The real reason Zhang Yang had acted out this time was somewhat connected to his silver needle acupuncture. Stimulating the acupuncture points had awakened his potential, but it also came with significant side effects, one of which was a decrease in strength.

Furthermore, Zhang Yang’s state of mind hadn't been entirely stable lately. It was as if someone accustomed to their current strength, weight, or height was suddenly transformed into a child; it would be strange if they adapted immediately.

Zhang Yang, with his reduced strength, genuinely felt unsettled, and naturally, his mood suffered. When Li Hua provoked him, Zhang Yang merely slapping him was a mild response.

Any other inner-strength cultivator in this state would have left Li Hua severely disabled, if not dead. "This guy insulted you?" Su Zhantao’s eyes widened sharply as he pointed at the bloodied Li Hua.

Wang Cheng and Li Ya also stared, their eyes wide. Zhang Yang hadn't told them about the inner strength aspect, only mentioning a conflict that escalated after being insulted.

But to their ears, it sounded different. These were all young masters from prominent families.

While not habitual troublemakers, they were certainly not the type to be easily bullied. Especially when it involved one of their own.

Remember how they all stepped up when Gu Xiang challenged Long Cheng to a race? They were fearless individuals.

The incident involving Nannan and Xiao Dai further illustrated their protective nature. Hearing that someone had actually insulted Zhang Yang here made them all instantly indignant.

"It’s fine now," Zhang Yang shook his head slightly. He had already dealt with the man, but if Su Zhantao and the others hadn't shown up, this entire courtyard would likely have turned into trouble.

The idea of these security guards being able to arrest Zhang Yang was laughable. "How could it be fine!" Wang Chen suddenly shouted.

Ignoring the crowd around him, he charged forward and kicked Li Hua. Poor Li Hua, still reeling in shock, didn't expect someone to rush him and was immediately sent sprawling to the ground, crying out in agony.

The security guards and Liang Wan’yi stood frozen, glancing at each other. There were rules against fighting here, but it depended on who was fighting.

The person acting now was brought by the big boss himself, and that rule was established by the big boss. Wang Chen was fast, and Zhang Yang was his life-saver.

In his view, Zhang Yang had come to Hangcheng alone only to be insulted and bullied—you simply couldn't let a brother be treated that way. He charged right over.

Li Ya followed closely, and Su Zhantao ran up too. The three of them proceeded to give Li Hua a sound beating.

The poor fellow had just had two front teeth knocked out by Zhang Yang, and now he was being ganged up on. "What are you all standing there for?

Get moving!" Young Master Qi suddenly stated quietly. Liang Wan’yi stiffened, immediately turning to look at him.

Qi Heng frowned slightly and repeated, "Zhang Yang is my friend, and also my benefactor. Being here with him is the same as being here with me.

If someone insulted me, what would you do?" Qi Heng had made his point so clearly that if Liang Wan’yi still didn't understand, he’d be truly foolish. "Take this guy away and beat him severely!" Liang Wan’yi urgently commanded.

Daring to insult their big boss here was tantamount to not knowing how to write the word 'death.' Liang Wan’yi’s cold sweat broke out even more profusely. He hadn't realized Zhang Yang’s status was so crucial that the big boss called him a benefactor.

He was extremely relieved that he hadn't acted rashly earlier, otherwise, he would be the one suffering the same fate as Li Hua right now. Qi Heng saying Zhang Yang was his benefactor wasn't an exaggeration.

Qi Heng was related to Cai Zheleng, and more importantly, he was the biological grandson of Elder Qi. Elder Qi played a vital role for both the Cai and Qi families; for the Qi family, he was the pillar holding up the structure.

Zhang Yang had saved Elder Qi, making him the benefactor of the entire Qi family, and by extension, of Qi Heng as well. When Su Zhantao and the others tired of hitting him, the security guards quickly hauled the wretched Li Hua away.

As they led him off, the man was still screaming like a slaughtered pig. Li Hua knew perfectly well that his ordeal wasn't over; things were about to get much worse for him.

The people who had come with Li Hua were all struck dumb with fear, daring not to utter a sound now. The one who had called and summoned Li Hua buried his head against his chest, not daring to look up, terrified that Zhang Yang might notice him.

Fortunately, Zhang Yang paid him no mind. Seeing Qi Heng step in to discipline Li Hua, Zhang Yang said nothing more.

Meanwhile, Huang Jing had regained her composure, though a deep shock remained in her heart. She finally understood that Zhang Yang was not only a powerful inner-strength cultivator but also held significant status and standing in the secular world.

No wonder he could refuse such substantial shares; if he wanted to make money, he had countless opportunities. This realization only strengthened the Huang family’s desire to foster a good relationship with Zhang Yang.

The higher his status, the greater the benefit to the Huang family. "This is the White Horse of the Wind Chaser I told you about.

What do you think? Isn't it beautiful!" Huang Hai walked over now, pointing at 'Chasing Wind' to the group beside him, his eyes filled with deep admiration.

Long Cheng glanced at him worriedly. He knew Chasing Wind's true capability best.

When they first arrived in Hangcheng, they had discussed horses. They were actually planning to visit a stable today, and it was only because Su Zhantao and the others were passing the golf course that they made this impromptu stop here.

Still, he hadn't expected to run into Zhang Yang here and witness such an incident. "It really is beautiful.

Zhang Yang, where did you buy this horse?" A young man, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, walked directly towards Chasing Wind, intending to stroke its mane. He was fortunately stopped by Zhang Yang.

Letting him continue would have been suicidal; Chasing Wind would never tolerate a stranger touching it like that. Never mind others, even Qu Meilan wouldn't dare casually touch Chasing Wind now.

The young man, held back by Zhang Yang, casually asked where he bought it, appearing eager to acquire one just like it. "Chasing Wind wasn't bought; he is my friend whom I met by chance," Zhang Yang shook his head helplessly.

He recognized this young man; his name was Jin Weiguo, though they weren't particularly close—he had only seen him once at a car show, much like the others, including Young Master Qi. Hangcheng had always maintained a good relationship with Changjing, unlike Jinling, where the relationship between Changjing and Jinling was one of ancient rivalry.

"Met by chance?" Jin Weiguo’s eyes widened, his envy intensifying. He stared at Chasing Wind, swallowing hard again.

"Zhang Yang, I don't know how to describe your luck. I’ve never seen such a beautiful horse in my life.

I actually know a bit about horses. Your friend Chasing Wind, despite his modest size, must be incredibly fast.

Look at his legs—they are in perfect golden proportion. This kind of physique is actually better suited for maximizing speed.

I believe when he runs, his speed must be astonishing!" Jin Weiguo truly did have some expertise regarding horses; he was the co-owner of the club and the manager of another equestrian facility.