"You're courting death!" With a slight step, Shao Qi's figure shimmered back to its original spot. To the onlookers, it was but a brief blur, and then the challenging man was on the ground, clutching his throat as blood pooled, staining the freshly cleaned floor.

"That was fast! Did you catch his move?"

"No, it was too quick. Impressive skills! No wonder they could travel from Jiangnan Base to Yangcheng Base with just a few people and even rescue young master Wang. They truly are competent."

"You..." Some guests who were close to the fallen man charged forward. One knelt to check his injuries, but it was immediately evident that the man had taken his last breath.

"Shh... He's dead... How dare you?!" The man leaped high with incredible speed, lunging at Shao Qi. However, before Shao Qi could react, Wang Mang stood in front, taking the blow. The attacker was repelled by the force of his own punch.

Wang Mang spoke sternly, "Brother Li, you're here as a guest, not to cause a scene. These are my friends; I ask that you show some respect."

"Master Wang, you saw it too. They killed him! Will you protect them?"

"But everyone saw he provoked my friend first. He got what he deserved!"

Zhou Huajin also stepped forward, "I witnessed everything today. To slander my son before me, do you consider me dead?"

The man surnamed Li, holding back his anger because of Wang Mang and Zhou Huajin, glanced at the body on the floor, took a deep breath and said, "Fine! We were in the wrong today. I've no face to stay at this banquet. We'll take our leave."

Carrying his friend's body, the man left, but the hostile glance he cast towards Zhou You's group made it clear this matter wasn't over. Yet, nobody seemed to care.

Zhou You hadn't expected Shao Qi to act so decisively. When attention shifted elsewhere, he whispered, "Why the sudden aggression?"

Storing his bloodied dagger, Shao Qi replied, "I have my reasons to kill. Don't worry about it."

From Shao Qi's words, Zhou You inferred that the deceased must have committed other wrongs. Although Shao Qi was known for his unpredictable temper, he rarely harmed the innocent. Given the deceased's offensive remarks, Zhou You figured that the worst Shao Qi would have done was to break a leg or so.

The banquet had just begun, and there was already one dead and another injured. The guests' expressions were understandably sour. While Wang Mang's group was untouchable, the outsiders seemed to have no regard for the base's laws.

Now, with the protection of Wang Mang and Zhou Huajin, they couldn't do anything. But he couldn't always rely on others; they'd teach him a lesson eventually.

Zhou You, adept at reading the room, didn't miss the murderous glares. He announced, "Recently, I've noticed spies sneaking around my villa. Honorable guests like you wouldn't stoop to such deceit, but if anyone dares intrude again, I'll treat them as home invaders. I hope there won't be any unintended casualties for which you'd blame me."

Zhou You's stern words clashed with their initial impression of him. They had thought him a pushover, especially given the protection around him earlier, but his strong stance surprised them.

Many speculated quietly. Zhou You might look scholarly and frail, but with the backing of Wang Mang and Zhou Huajin, he might soon hold significant influence in Yangcheng.

Yet, some challenged him, "By what right? While the villa is yours, the areas outside are communal. You can't just decide to kill at will. The base's laws state that anyone who kills without cause within the city, regardless of status, will face consequences. Do you think you're an exception because you're the son of a judge?"

Zhou Huajin retorted with a cold face, "Are you trying to frame and slander me? There's no need. As my son just pointed out, the warning was for those thieves sneaking around the villa. That place is in the outskirts. There's a kilometer of wasteland outside the villa. Who would walk up to the villa's entrance?"

Su Ting'er calmly stepped forward and said, "Previously, the area outside did not belong to Litchi Villa. However, when we made the recent purchase, my master specifically acquired the rights to that road. We have the official property rights documentation. If anyone doubts, they can verify."

At the time, Zhou You bought the road outside to prevent the white tiger cub from being discovered. He planned to install another gate and surveillance system a hundred meters out, to prevent anyone from approaching.

"Alright, today is the birthday of the Wang family's young master. Let's end this irrelevant matter. If anyone has grievances, you can approach me later. But we've never had issues before, so I believe there's nothing more to be said." Zhou You shrugged, retreated to the side to eat, and the rest, like Shao Qi, didn't comment further. Despite their aggressive conversations, they could still enjoy their meal. Truly remarkable individuals.

Wang Mang took the lead, urging everyone to eat and drink well. He then escorted his son to greet several influential guests.

Many were eager to befriend Zhou You and his group. Shao Qi demonstrated his prowess, which awed most of the attendees. Observing those constantly at his side, who seemed to protect him, it was evident that their relationship wasn’t just simple friendship but of hierarchy. So, what might their identities be?

Zhou Huajin noticed how swiftly Shao Qi acted. Thinking about how he effortlessly saved Zhou Yichen, he realized that Shao Qi was a master. Having such a person around his son should have put him at ease. However, considering the unclear relationship between him and Zhou You, he worried about his son being ensnared, leaving him feeling conflicted.

Among today's guests were women. Wang Shengqian was 20 years old. Although many disapproved of his abilities and character, allying with the Wang family through marriage would provide strong support for their own families. Only the Wang family had the luxury of being choosy.

Several families that Zhou Huajin favored also attended. He had hoped to introduce them to Zhou You. The girls close in age were excellent candidates, and it would be perfect if he took a liking to one.