The crowd turned towards the source of the sound and saw a man in lavish robes approaching, an adolescent girl nestled in his arm, surrounded by an entourage. His appearance was handsome, radiating an aura of inherent nobility…

The girl in his embrace looked distinctly uncomfortable, and upon hearing the man’s words, her face turned ashen. Her slightly purplish lips moved as if to speak, but no sound emerged.

Everyone present recognized this young woman: she was Ling Xueran, the jewel of the Ling family. The man beside her was none other than Fang Jiuyan, Ye Jingyu's intended target this time.

To utter words about taking a concubine in front of the woman he was betrothed to marry—surely no one could endure that? If not for his esteemed identity, Ling Xueran would have already slapped him across the face and walked away in disdain. But he was the young master of the Fang family; what recourse did she have? Was her future truly doomed to such misery?

Setting aside Ling Xueran’s turmoil, upon seeing Fang Jiuyan, all the assembled guests instantly recognized him. Only the young master of the Fang family would dare to speak such things while openly embracing the Ling family’s daughter.

Almost everyone adopted an expression of deference, whether sincere or feigned. In the presence of the Fang family’s young master, they all bowed in respect, much like a hundred beasts paying homage to the lion, the king of beasts.

Beyond reverence, there was also a glimmer of pity in their eyes. With the Fang family’s young master taking the reins, this fiery woman was surely walking into a tiger’s maw. No one here dared to contend with the young master of the Fang family over a woman.

However, two individuals remained unaffected: one was Xi Yang, who had just sent Zhao Ziyi flying with a single slap, and the other was Ye Jingyu standing beside her.

The moment Fang Jiuyan appeared, a strange, subtle smile curled the corner of Ye Jingyu’s lips. Based on the intelligence provided by Fang Zhuguo, Fang Jiuyan had arrived accompanied by four experts at the Fifth Heaven realm and one at the Sixth Heaven realm, along with a horde of other attendants. This force was more than sufficient to guarantee Fang Jiuyan’s safety. After all, these guards were fiercely loyal, men prepared to sacrifice their lives to protect him.

Even a master at the Seventh or Eighth Heaven realm would struggle to withstand the self-detonation of a Fifth Heaven expert. Thus, Ye Jingyu had never considered making a move en route. Now, within the Ling residence, although the guards were still nearby, they were not pressing close to him. Killing him here would be far easier.

After all, who would ever conceive that someone would dare slay the young master of the Fang family on this very ground?

The smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by an expression of utter blankness, as if he hadn't grasped what was happening. He looked like a child, unfamiliar with the world, stepping onto a stage for the very first time—lost and unsure of what to do.

“Why should I marry you?” It was Xi Yang, linked arm-in-arm with Ye Jingyu, who was the first to recover. She stared coldly at Fang Jiuyan, her eyes blazing with fury.

“Heh, I am Fang Jiuyan of the Fang family. Marrying me grants you glory, wealth, and eternal life. That is infinitely better than staying with this unsightly brute…” Fang Jiuyan declared triumphantly. He didn't even deign to glance at Ye Jingyu, whose aura, as perceived by Fang Jiuyan’s divine sense, suggested a mere novice who had barely scraped into the Profound level—a Martial Saint. To him, such a person was an insect, beneath his notice. As for his identity? Preposterous. Who here possessed a nobler status than he? He disdained even bothering to inquire about Ye Jingyu’s background.

“Can one truly achieve eternal life?” Hearing Fang Jiuyan’s claim, a look of feigned surprise, yet underlying disdain, crossed Xi Yang’s face. Eternal life? Was there anyone in this world whose lifespan could surpass her own?

“Hah, naturally! You are so beautiful; I could never bear to see you die. Come here, my treasure. By my side, I will cherish you dearly!” Fang Jiuyan laughed heartily, feeling a surge of pride. With his family’s might, if he couldn't even secure a mere woman, what was the point?

“But I am already married to him. Even if Young Master Fang fancies me, shouldn't you at least ask his opinion!” Xi Yang replied with a charming smile, affectionately linking her arm around Ye Jingyu’s wrist.

“Oh?” Fang Jiuyan was slightly taken aback. Did this little girl not grasp the significance of his status? Still, judging by her demeanor, she must be some provincial girl from a backwater place, perhaps picked up by this nouveau riche fellow. But how could such a parvenu dare to steal a woman from him?

“Heh, ugly thing, I desire this woman now. I demand you hand her over to me immediately!” Fang Jiuyan stated this directly in front of the assembled crowd. Such words were deeply humiliating, but in his view, this unsightly brute wouldn't dare object. The others watched, anticipating a spectacle—but unlike before, they were now waiting to see how the young master of the Fang family would crush this upstart.

“Heh, if Young Master Fang likes her, he may take her…” The moment Ye Jingyu spoke, a wave of contempt washed over the onlookers. Though this was the outcome they had half-expected, to see a man willingly surrender his woman was utterly pathetic. Even Xi Yang’s expression shifted slightly, and she cast a reproachful glance at Ye Jingyu.

Just as Fang Jiuyan was about to burst into laughter, Ye Jingyu’s voice cut in again: “However, I do have one question, which I hope Young Master Fang can clarify for me!”

“Heh, given your prudence, ask whatever you wish,” Fang Jiuyan laughed, basking in his triumph. To make a man surrender such a beautiful woman in front of so many people brought him immense pleasure.

“Young Master Fang just called me an ugly brute. I merely wish to ask: Am I truly that ugly?” Ye Jingyu pointed to his own face and asked with genuine confusion.

Fang Jiuyan froze. The entire assembly was stunned. They had expected him to pose some profound question, not to ask something so utterly idiotic. Seeing his attire, wasn't this just inviting public humiliation?

“Hahaha… Are you not ugly? Adorned in gaudy jewels, looking like a crass plutocrat, and sporting such a repulsive countenance—you are simply the ugliest man I have ever seen. What else are you but an ugly brute?” After his initial shock, Fang Jiuyan erupted in laughter. To him, Ye Jingyu now resembled nothing more than a buffoon.

“Then, Young Master Fang, perhaps you could look closer? Am I really that ugly?” Ye Jingyu swept the disguise from his face, taking a deliberate step forward, and repeated his question with grave seriousness.