"We’ll take our leave. We’re not getting involved in this matter anymore. We can’t afford to provoke Ye Feng!" Wang Hai and Yan Feng turned and left.

Watching their retreating figures, Tang Wenqiang grew even more infuriated. "Bastards! Bastards! Two useless wastes! Ye Feng! Kong Tianjian! Jingnan Prefecture Martial Arts Association! Kong Family! You all just wait. I swear I won’t let you off!"

He couldn’t swallow this humiliation. He absolutely couldn’t.

"Tang Chuan, of all people, why did you have to provoke Ye Feng? Now word has gotten out, and our meeting is tomorrow. What will the Zhao Family think of us? Will they think our Sea City Tang Family has no shame?" Tang Wenqiang was furious, but he couldn’t bring himself to hit his own son. After all, he couldn’t defeat him, as Tang Chuan was much stronger than his father.

"Father, you don’t need to worry about it. So what if they know? They wouldn’t dare mock us. If anyone dares to laugh, I’ll wipe them out. I can’t provoke Ye Feng, but I can certainly handle the insignificant Zhao Family," Tang Chuan said coldly.

"That’s true. Go and get some rest. Tomorrow’s business is also crucial. Don’t be late," Tang Wenqiang said, waving his hand.

This was the only option. Things had reached this point, and he had no solution. He could only try to cover it up and hope the news didn’t spread to Sea City.

Early the next morning, the news was filled with stories about the sons and daughters of minor families and companies being forced to kneel and then beaten so badly they were hospitalized. However, there were no reports about Yan Duo, Wang Teng, or Tang Chuan. It was a testament to how powerful these three families were, having managed to suppress the matter.

After reading the newspaper, Tang Wenqiang calmed down slightly. The Yan and Wang Families had handled this matter well; they were of some use, after all.

Next up was the marriage proposal. The betrothal gifts were already prepared, filling three large carts.

The first cart held valuable calligraphy and paintings.

The second cart was filled with gold, silver, and jewels.

The third cart contained various expensive luxury goods and high-end home appliances.

The items on these three carts were worth at least a hundred million. This was considered a small amount, however, given that the Sea City Tang Family looked down on the Zhao Family. If the families had been social equals, the gifts might have been ten or even a hundred times greater. Nevertheless, the spectacle was still quite grand.

The marriage proposal procession was a dozen vehicles long, more ostentatious than many wedding processions.

"Chuan, are you ready?" Tang Wenqiang asked.

"I’m ready. Once we put all these betrothal gifts on display, the Zhao Family will probably be completely dazzled. That girl, Ye Qianqian, will surely be scrambling to marry me," Tang Chuan grinned. "But Father, after this is over, I plan to return to the Blood Lotus Sect to focus on my cultivation for a time. I will get my revenge on Ye Feng myself!"

"Do as you please. As long as today’s task is completed, we will have accomplished our first step into Jingnan Prefecture. You don’t need to worry about what comes next; someone else will handle it," Tang Wenqiang nodded.

"That’s good!" Tang Chuan replied.

Yesterday’s events had taught him a lesson: no matter how powerful one’s family is, you can still suffer an unexpected defeat if you aren’t strong enough yourself. Therefore, he had to become stronger—the strongest—so that no one would ever dare to bully him again.

Soon, the marriage proposal procession arrived at the Zhao Family’s estate. Wang Junru and Zhao Haishan led the Zhao Family members to greet them outside.

Meanwhile, Ye Qianqian’s family was chatting inside the house, paying them no mind. Ye Qianqian even managed to sneak in a call to Yang Qi to explain the situation. Under no circumstances would she marry that Demon, Tang Chuan. He had fed her mother a Corpse Worm Pill—an act of pure evil. If she married such a man, she couldn’t imagine how much she would suffer in the future.

"Why isn’t that girl here?" Tang Wenqiang was somewhat annoyed. "Is she looking down on our Tang Family?"

"Not at all, not at all! Qianqian’s mother fell ill yesterday, so Qianqian is inside taking care of her. She doesn’t mean any disrespect," Wang Junru hurriedly explained.

The aura of the Tang Family was truly terrifying. A single word from them could lead to the Zhao Family’s eradication, which would be a disaster.

"Then why haven’t you sent someone to call her? Are you expecting us to invite her personally?" Tang Wenqiang said coldly.

"Zhao Bing, go and get that girl out here to meet our guests!" Wang Junru shouted to her granddaughter.

"I know. I’m so jealous. How did such a great match with the Tang Family fall into that bitch’s lap? And on top of that, she doesn’t even appreciate it," Zhao Bing grumbled as she walked away.

Tang Wenqiang waved his hand and said, "My Tang Family does not bully people. The proper gifts will all be presented; not one will be missing. Men, bring in the betrothal gifts!"

At his command, boxes were carried into the courtyard. They were all custom-made from mahogany, and the boxes alone were of considerable value. It looked as though the Tang Family had been quite thoughtful.

Wang Junru and Zhao Haishan exchanged a glance, suddenly feeling tempted. Although Tang Chuan was ruthless, the substantial betrothal gifts from the Tang Family indicated their high regard for Ye Qianqian. If Ye Qianqian were to marry into their family, it would be a joyous occasion for the Zhao Family. It seemed they had no reason to object. Besides, could they even object? With Tang Chuan’s ruthlessness, they would all be killed if they refused.

"Everyone, this way please!" Zhao Haishan gestured invitingly, ushering Tang Wenqiang, Tang Chuan, and their entourage into the main hall.

The two families chatted happily.

After a long while, Ye Qianqian finally emerged, followed by her father, Ye Zuisheng, and her mother, Zhao Huan.

Tang Chuan glanced at Zhao Huan and saw that she was indeed free of the Corpse Worm Pill. He couldn’t help but worry. What kind of expert was the Zhao Family hiding? Or was this just a coincidence?

"Young lady, you have no manners at all! You knew our Sea City Tang Family was coming to propose marriage, yet you delayed coming out," Tang Wenqiang said coldly. "But never mind. I’ll forgive you this once. My son Chuan is very pleased with you and wishes to take you as his wife. The betrothal gifts have already been delivered. Let’s pick an auspicious date and get married. There’s no need for an engagement; we should settle this quickly."

His intention was simple: Ye Qianqian was merely a tool. The marriage was what mattered, not the engagement. Only through this marriage could they use the Zhao Family to accomplish certain things.

"He may be satisfied with me, but I am not satisfied with him. I have no desire to marry Tang Chuan, nor do I wish to join your Tang Family. Please leave," Ye Qianqian declared loudly.

Instantly, the hall fell silent. Many were so scared that they held their breath. They never imagined Ye Qianqian would dare to say such a thing in front of the Tang Family. It was madness!

"Ye Qianqian, are you insane? To look down on the Tang Family... you really don’t know what’s good for you," Zhao Bing scolded.

Tang Wenqiang’s expression turned extremely grim. He thought that with the Tang Family’s standing, any woman would throw herself at them. Moreover, his son, Tang Chuan, was handsome and talented. This direct refusal was a blatant slap in the face to the Sea City Tang Family.