Amidst the surprised gazes of the crowd, the helicopter finally landed slowly.
Two robust figures emerged from the cabin, walking with imposing strides and exuding an aura of authority.
"The Jiang family of Qizhou!"
Those with some knowledge in the crowd gasped upon seeing the duo.
"It's none other than the current head of the Jiang family – Jiang Kai."
Upon hearing the discussions, Song Qiao couldn't help but frown. He had heard of the Jiang family of Qizhou's reputation and was surprised to encounter them here today.
Moreover, their demeanor suggested they had come with ill intentions.
"Even if they are from the Jiang family of Qizhou, why would they disrupt Secretary Gao's event at this time?"
Once the identities of the newcomers were revealed, someone in the crowd immediately voiced their confusion.
"Ah, you young folks might not know."
"Back then, Secretary Gao's family and the Jiang family were very close. Their fathers were even said to have been comrades-in-arms."
"But later, when Secretary Gao's generation came to power, they discovered the Qi family was involved in some illegal and corrupt businesses, and the two families immediately severed ties."
"At that time, the Gao family was powerful, and the Qi family lacked substantial backing, so they were driven to Qizhou."
An older businessman in the crowd, seeing the curiosity of many, quietly recounted the past events.
"Then their arrival today must be to seek revenge on Secretary Gao."
After hearing the elder's explanation, everyone in the crowd suddenly understood, and their gazes towards the two men from the Qi family were filled with apprehension.
In the past two years, the Qi family had become incredibly prominent in Qizhou, while the Gao family had somewhat declined. The Qi family, having endured years of suppression, was naturally poised to strike now.
Although it seemed they were currently on Secretary Gao's side, it was best not to intervene.
Even though they were all influential businessmen, facing the colossal powers of the Gao and Jiang families would likely turn them into cannon fodder in an instant.
Thus, everyone chose to remain silent, standing aside to observe how Secretary Gao would handle the situation.
"Gao Liang, Gao Yuan."
"The two of you are still hiding like timid turtles. Our Jiang family has arrived, why aren't you coming out to welcome us?"
Jiang Kai declared as he strode imposingly towards the entrance of the hall, drawing the attention of everyone present.
His arrogant attitude caused everyone to knit their brows.
"Jiang Kai, after all these years, you truly haven't improved one bit."
Secretary Gao could not tolerate such open provocation and emerged from the hall with his brother, Gao Yuan.
"Hmph, at least we're not as ungrateful as you Gao family traitors."
Jiang Kai snorted coldly, spat on the ground, and his tone dripped with disdain.
"Who are you calling traitors?"
Gao Mengmeng, who was already trembling with anger from her birthday banquet being disrupted, couldn't stand by and watch her father be insulted. She immediately retorted.
"Oh, Gao Liang, this must be your daughter? She doesn't look like much."
"To tell you the truth, I'm here to cause trouble today. Everything your Gao family owes our Jiang family from back then, you will repay me one by one today."
After speaking, Jiang Kai waved to the young man standing behind him who had remained silent.
"Didn't your Gao family have many masters back then? Let me see them today."
"This is my subordinate, Hu Peng, a top-tier martial artist in China."
"If you can field someone to defeat him today, I, Jiang Kai, will leave immediately without a word and apologize for my actions."
"Jiang Kai, I see your Jiang family has truly become more arrogant and reckless these past two years."
"You dare to challenge my Gao family in martial arts?"
"Have you forgotten how your family fled in disgrace all those years ago?"
Gao Yuan, Secretary Gao's brother, whose disposition was usually calm, also changed his expression at such blatant provocation.
"Hmph, enough talk. Send out your Gao family's fighter."
Hu Peng snorted and stepped forward, standing in front of Jiang Kai with an arrogant expression.
"Good, you have guts."
Gao Yuan gave a chilling smile and turned to a seemingly unremarkable young man behind him, saying, "Jiang Zhen, teach this brat a lesson for me. Don't hold back. If anything happens, I, Gao Yuan, will take responsibility."
"Yes, Patriarch."
Jiang Zhen responded, then nonchalantly pulled off his shirt, revealing his robust muscles.
Many onlookers gasped in unison.
"Look at those solid muscle groups; he's clearly a seasoned fighter."
"My goodness, I didn't expect my brother-in-law to have invited him today."
Guo Jun, who had been looking worried, breathed a sigh of relief when Jiang Zhen agreed to fight.
He let out a casual exclamation.
"Young Master Guo, who is this Jiang Zhen you're referring to?" Song Qiao asked, frowning in confusion.
"Brother Song, you might not know this, but Jiang Zhen is one of the Gao family's masters. He's always by the Patriarch's side and has resolved many martial arts disputes for the Gao family."
"Now that he's here, the person the Jiang family brought is no match for him."
Guo Jun, clearly in a good mood, spoke with a slight upturn of his lips.
Xia Yuqing, who had been standing beside Song Qiao, stared wide-eyed.
She hadn't realized that the conflicts between these families were so intense in daily life, and that Guo Jun would share such details so openly with her husband. Their relationship seemed extraordinary.
...
Ever since Jiang Zhen agreed to fight, the previously boisterous resort fell silent.
Everyone in the crowd consciously moved back, clearing a space for the two combatants.
"Gao Yuan, if you lose today, you will obediently crawl away from here, and you will taste the humiliation our Qi family suffered back then."
As the confrontation was about to begin, Jiang Kai continued to spew threats.
"Hmph, if winning a martial arts match depended on talk, then our Gao family would indeed be no match for you."
Gao Yuan snorted, refusing to take the bait, and continued to retort to Jiang Kai with a poker face.
"Enough talk, fight!"
As soon as Jiang Kai finished speaking, Hu Peng stomped his foot, staring intently at Jiang Zhen, looking for any openings.
"Young Master Guo, I wonder if the Gao family has brought any other masters with them this time?"
"This Jiang Zhen might not be Hu Peng's match."
"Although his upper body is well-muscled, his footwork looks somewhat unsteady."
"Whereas this Hu Peng has a very stable stance. If they were to fight, Jiang Zhen might not last three rounds against him."
Song Qiao, having assessed the strengths of both sides, couldn't help but warn Guo Jun.
After all, he was a business partner of Secretary Gao, and Guo Jun was his close friend. He couldn't bear to see the Gao family humiliated in public.