Chapter 49: Members of the Zhang Family

“Gentlemen, if there’s anything you need, let’s talk it out,” the driver hurriedly stepped out of the car, bowing and scraping before the large group gathered in front of him. He was still completely bewildered, not knowing whose wrath he had incurred or what offense he had committed.

“Get lost, this has nothing to do with you,” a young man strode over and barked at him. Hearing that he was not involved, the driver abandoned his car without a second thought and fled.

“To the people inside, get out now, or I’ll break your legs!” The young man approached the car window and shouted at Yang Fan.

Realizing he was their target, Yang Fan felt a flicker of doubt, uncertain as to who these people were.

“Master, how should we handle this?” Wang Gang asked calmly. Though they were surrounded by more than thirty men, he showed no sign of worry, simply awaiting Yang Fan’s instructions. If Yang Fan ordered the deaths of everyone present, Wang Gang would not hesitate in the slightest. Ever since he had begun cultivating the techniques Yang Fan had given him, his strength had improved tremendously.

“Let’s go out and see what they want. Don’t act rashly,” Yang Fan replied coolly.

He stepped out of the car, standing with composure before the young man while Wang Gang positioned himself at his side, ready to act at any moment.

“Who are you people?” Yang Fan fixed his gaze on the young man.

“Hmph, the name’s Zhang Jinghui,” the youth sneered, “Yang Fan, hand over the goods now, or I won’t be so polite.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Fan understood the situation. These men had been sent by the Zhang family to deal with him and reclaim the spirit stone. But the stone had already been absorbed by him, reduced now to a mere ordinary rock.

“I have no such spirit stone. You’ve got the wrong person,” Yang Fan replied coldly.

These mortals before him posed no threat whatsoever, so he was utterly unafraid. If it came to violence, he wouldn’t mind killing them all.

“Don’t try to talk your way out of this, Yang Fan. Otherwise, the Zhang family will never let you go,” Zhang Yuyan interjected angrily as she approached.

She was fully convinced Yang Fan had stolen the spirit stone.

Yang Fan shot her a cold glance and snorted, “The Zhang family? I don’t even take you seriously. Push me too far, and I won’t mind making you vanish from River City.”

“Who do you think you are?” Zhang Jinghui’s face darkened instantly. “You’re nothing but a discarded son from the Yang family—what power do you have to destroy the Zhangs?”

To Zhang Jinghui, Yang Fan—cast out by his own family—was beneath notice. Even if he laid hands on Yang Fan now, the Yangs would scarcely care.

Yang Fan’s eyes grew icy as he stared at Zhang Jinghui, an aura of coldness radiating from him.

“Take him away,” Zhang Jinghui barked, no longer willing to waste words.

At his command, the Zhang family’s men swarmed toward Yang Fan. But he remained motionless—for Wang Gang stepped forward to intercept them.

Standing alone before more than thirty men, Wang Gang displayed no fear. With his newfound strength, he made short work of the attackers, knocking them down with ruthless speed. Each punch sent someone flying.

Seeing Wang Gang’s ferocity, Zhang Jinghui was struck with terror.

“All of you, fall back!” A commanding voice sounded from a nearby vehicle, and an elderly man emerged.

“Elder He, I’ll have to trouble you to step in,” Zhang Jinghui said respectfully, approaching the old man.

Elder He was a formidable martial artist. With him present, Zhang Jinghui was certain Yang Fan and Wang Gang could be subdued.

Yang Fan had already sensed Elder He’s presence, but he paid him little mind. Though Elder He was a cultivator, his level had not yet reached the Qi Refining stage—nothing to be feared. Still, it was clear he slightly outmatched Wang Gang.

“Young man,” Elder He fixed his eyes on Yang Fan and Wang Gang, “hand over the spirit stone, and I’ll let you leave unharmed.”

Though Wang Gang was strong, Elder He remained unconcerned; if it came to a fight, he was confident he could subdue him. The only reason he hesitated was because he was unsure of Wang Gang’s true identity.

“Old He, threatening two youngsters—aren’t you ashamed?” came a mocking voice. A middle-aged man approached, trailed by a large group.

Hearing this, Yang Fan glanced over and found that members of the Yang family had arrived. Their presence genuinely surprised him.

“Tang Gui, do you mean to interfere?” Elder He’s expression soured instantly at the sight of Tang Gui. He knew full well why Tang Gui was here—he, too, desired the spirit stone.

“Ha! You dare lay hands on a member of the Yang family? As the Yang family’s protector, of course I must intervene,” Tang Gui replied with a grin.

Elder He fumed, anger flashing in his eyes. If their strengths weren’t so evenly matched, he would have killed Tang Gui then and there.

“Yang Fan, come over here. With us, you’ll be safe,” Yang Tianhong called out.

Glancing indifferently at him, Yang Fan showed no intention of joining them.

“We are already severed. I want nothing more to do with the Yang family,” Yang Fan stated plainly. Before this so-called father, he felt no trace of warmth.

“If you’re willing to return, the Yang family’s doors will always be open to you,” Yang Tianhong insisted.

“I’ve said I want nothing to do with the Yangs. Please, don’t trouble me again,” Yang Fan’s voice was cold.

Yang Tianhong’s face darkened; he had not expected his son to reject him so flatly.

“Yang Fan, are you planning to turn against the family? That’s outrageous!” Yang Wei stepped forward, shouting.

“You’d best not provoke me, or don’t blame me for being merciless,” Yang Fan replied icily, fixing Yang Wei with a cold stare.

Meeting Yang Fan’s frigid gaze, Yang Wei shivered involuntarily, a chill creeping down his spine. He realized that Yang Fan had changed—he now dared to defy the family outright.

“Boy, if you don’t leave with us, no one will be able to protect you,” Tang Gui sneered, his words laced with threat. In his opinion, Yang Fan had no way out.

Tang Gui knew full well Elder He’s strength—even he himself was unsure he could win against him. For Yang Fan to escape now was unthinkable.

“If I want to leave, none of you can stop me,” Yang Fan replied calmly, his tone proud.

To Tang Gui, these words were laughable. In his eyes, Yang Fan’s only support was Wang Gang, yet how could someone of Wang Gang’s caliber possibly contend with Elder He?

“Big words—let’s see if you can back them up,” Elder He sneered. “If you want to keep living, hand over the stone.”

He was determined to obtain the spirit stone, as it was crucial for his cultivation.

“Boy, if you agree to come with us, I’ll guarantee your safety,” Tang Gui tried to persuade him.

“Tang Gui, don’t push your luck!” Elder He retorted angrily. “You’ll never get your hands on what’s mine!”

Tang Gui grinned slyly, “Yours? And where’s your proof?”

Now that the spirit stone was with Yang Fan, Tang Gui cared little for the rest—he just wanted the stone.

“Enough talk. If you want to fight, come at me together,” Yang Fan said, his patience gone.

His words stunned everyone present.