"What if I don't leave?" A mocking smile appeared on Xu Ke's face as he retorted.

"You won't leave? Then we'll have to take action and drive you out!"

Several martial artists with imposing auras stood up behind Xie Jinhua. They were all powerhouses from Sui City's major families.

The fact that Xie Jinhua's bodyguards couldn't handle Xu Ke had become common knowledge within a few hours. Everyone knew Xu Ke was strong, not someone one or two Innate Martial Artists could handle.

Xie Jinhua couldn't summon a master of the Innate Great Perfection realm on short notice, but calling upon several martial artists at the Innate Initial Stage to act as his lackeys was no problem!

Of course, a few martial artists at the Innate Initial Stage might be enough for Xu Ke, but they would likely struggle against Tang Yingchang.

But—

Although Xie Jinhua hadn't planned this in advance, he knew that Shi Hongda and the others present held a grudge against Xu Ke. They couldn't risk being labeled as "bullies of the younger generation" by attacking Xu Ke directly, but if Tang Yingchang dared to make a move, Shi Hongda and the others would have a justifiable reason to intervene!

So, not only was Xie Jinhua unafraid of Tang Yingchang stepping in, he was actually hoping for it. If Tang Yingchang acted, he would be blocked and would also offend the major families, making Xu Ke's situation in Sui City even more miserable.

That was why Xie Jinhua was so confident that Xu Ke would be utterly humiliated today!

"Xu Ke, now that the major families at this banquet don't want you here, are you still not going to leave?" Xie Jinhua looked at Xu Ke with a jeering glance.

Xu Ke simply shook his head, about to speak.

Xie Jinhua's methods are so tedious…

Just then…

"Xie Jinhua, entrusting you with this party was a genuine mistake," a cold voice said. "If you're going to target Xu Ke, could you at least find a smarter way to do it?"

Behind Xu Ke, Bai Qian'er walked over, her expression cold.

All eyes turned to her in unison. At that moment, many were stunned by Bai Qian'er's dazzling appearance, their faces showing their amazement.

Her makeup was exquisite, her skin fair. She had changed out of the beige trench coat she wore that afternoon and was now in a form-fitting, hip-hugging black silk dress. The garment perfectly revealed her long, slender neck and showcased a pair of remarkably straight legs. The sway of her hips as she moved was enough to make one's breath catch with heat.

Many thought to themselves—

As expected of the Bai Family's most outstanding granddaughter.

Bai Qian'er was accustomed to the fervent gazes she received; she had long grown used to the countless admiring eyes that followed her whenever she wore a dress. But when her eyes met Xu Ke's, she found herself gritting her teeth…

That guy glanced at me once and didn't even let his gaze linger. What's that supposed to mean? Do I really have no charm at all?

Following right behind Bai Qian'er were Fang Caizhe and Duan Zhuo'e.

Duan Zhuo'e gave Xu Ke a subtle smile, which vanished in an instant.

As for Fang Caizhe, the jealousy in his eyes was almost palpable. Bai Qian'er, having returned from the Northern Dragon Guard, was meant to be a guest of honor. She should have made her appearance only after the banquet officially started. Yet, because of Xu Ke, she had come down early. How could this not infuriate Fang Caizhe!

"Qian'er, what did you say?" Xie Jinhua's expression changed drastically upon seeing her.

"Don't you have ears?" Bai Qian'er sneered, stopping beside Xu Ke.

Seeing this, everyone's expression shifted. From her stance, even a fool could tell that Bai Qian'er was here to stand up for Xu Ke.

But they didn't understand why. Could the rumors be true? Did Bai Qian'er really like Xu Ke?

At this thought, many of the young scions from the families present felt a murderous urge toward Xu Ke. He had already won Wong Qifu's favor, and now he could even make Bai Qian'er fall for him and publicly defend him on an occasion like this?

Isn't his luck with women a little too good?!

"Qian'er, Xu Ke is the one in the wrong today! He must leave the venue. That's the rule!" Although he was being rebuffed by his crush, Xie Jinhua's face turned ugly. He forced himself to add, "I've done nothing wrong!"

"Oh, please." Bai Qian'er scoffed. "Don't forget, the Deyun Hotel doesn't just belong to the Xie Family. Our Bai Family has a say here too. We won't let you twist the rules and do as you please."

Xie Jinhua's eyes widened. "Qian'er, you can't slander me! When did I ever twist the rules?"

"Wong Ming drove away a guest who held a valid invitation and even injured one of his own subordinates. For those two actions alone, Xu Ke punished him on our behalf. It was completely reasonable and justified. Why should he be thrown out?" Bai Qian'er stated coolly.

Bai Qian'er had specially arranged for Lin Yu to guide Xu Ke precisely to prevent him from being targeted by Xie Jinhua. She had hoped this might allow him to avoid trouble. Who would have thought these people wouldn't listen to reason at all? This infuriated her, leaving her no choice but to come down personally.

A slight smile touched Xu Ke's lips.

"Reasonable and justified?" Xie Jinhua's gaze turned dark. "Qian'er, are you really going to stand up for this freeloader and oppose me?"

"Oppose you? You're thinking too highly of yourself. You aren't worthy of being my opponent." Bai Qian'er's tone was disdainful, filled with undisguised ridicule.

Xie Jinhua's face turned ashen. He felt as if he was being publicly cuckolded.

In his mind, he was the eldest grandson of the Xie Family, and she was the most outstanding granddaughter of the Bai Family. They were a match made in heaven. He had always considered Bai Qian'er his future wife, and most people in Sui City thought so too. After all, powerful families joining forces had always been the way of the world.

And what was the result? Now his "wife" was defending another man and telling him he wasn't worthy?

Humiliation! This is utter humiliation!

He could feel the scorching gazes of all the guests, like needles on his back.

If Bai Qian'er knew what Xie Jinhua was thinking, she would probably kick him even harder than Xu Ke had that afternoon. That toad wants to eat swan meat?

"Good! Good! Good!" Xie Jinhua gritted out, repeating the word three times in a fit of rage. He had completely lost his temper.

"Since you think I'm not worthy of opposing you, then let me make myself perfectly clear!" he snarled. "Xu Ke will absolutely not set foot through this door today!"

Xie Jinhua's face twisted with a savage look, clearly pushed over the edge again. Since Bai Qian'er refused to accept his gesture of goodwill, he would resort to force.

Bai Qian'er remained composed. She was rather curious to see what kind of scene Xie Jinhua could possibly stir up.

"Qian'er, let me tell you something you might not know after being in the North for so long!" Xie Jinhua sneered. "Tonight's banquet is by invitation only. As long as the host refuses to let Xu Ke in, he has no right to enter!"

"The invitation Lin Fang delivered was never personally signed by me, so it was fake from the very beginning!"

"He is not getting in!"

The surrounding crowd showed smug expressions, as if they knew this all along. They had always known Xu Ke's resistance was futile, because he was never meant to get in from the start. They just hadn't expected Bai Qian'er to intervene…

Bai Qian'er's expression changed. "What did you say?"