Chapter 353: Apology Comes Too Late

The noble lady's outstretched hand froze instantly.

The smile on her face also turned stiff.

She said, a bit embarrassed.

"Mr. Ding, this is our first meeting, isn't it? You..."

"What's wrong with our first meeting?"

"I just can't stand your dog-eyed, looking-down-on-people attitude!"

"Do you have any objections?"

Ding Biao retorted at her without mercy.

"Someone with a dog-eyed, looking-down-on-people attitude doesn't even deserve to eat with Mr. Lin—I spit!"

Even a clay figure has three parts earthiness.

The noble lady, face dark after being repeatedly retorted, said.

"Mr. Ding, since I married into the Yanjing Marquis household as Nangong Yue, no one has ever spoken to me like this!"

"If you keep being this rude, don't blame me for not giving you face."

Ding Biao, hearing that, said disdainfully.

"What a big show of power—using the Yanjing family that isn't presentable to threaten me!"

"I just cursed you, that dog-eyed, looking-down-on-people guy—what's it to you?"

Hearing that, the noble lady flew into a rage.

"You'll regret it!"

As Nangong Yue was fuming, a knock sounded at the door.

"Please come in."

Nangong Xue said.

The door was pushed open, and an old man accompanied by a youth in white entered.

As soon as the old man entered, his gaze fell on Lin Yang.

He smiled and said, "Really, it's Mr. Lin."

"I never expected to meet you in Jinling."

Seeing the old man, Lin Yang froze for a moment.

He quickly recalled having seen this person at the Heavenly Martial Hall in the southwest.

Back then, they set up a Hongmen banquet to lure him.

Who would have thought that we'd meet again in Jinling today?

He chuckled and said, "I never expected to meet you here."

The old man said, "I just saw you come in and thought you looked somewhat like him."

"After I finish with the social obligations, I'll go ask at the front desk, find my way here, and not disturb you, okay?"

"No disturbance."

Ding Biao looked at the old man, furrowed his brows, and muttered to himself.

This old guy seems awfully familiar with Mr. Lin—could he be trying to cozy up?

I can't let this guy outshine me!

He coughed once and said to the old man.

"Sir, I'm Ding Biao, a core member of the Xuánmén (Mysterious Gate) Association. You are..."

The old man looked at Ding Biao with some surprise.

"I didn't expect you to have such good judgment, knowing to follow Mr. Lin."

"You made no mistake; following Mr. Lin is far better than being in the Xuánmén (Mysterious Gate) Association."

Ding Biao, who originally wanted to need an identity, felt instantly displeased when the old man evaluated him.

However, while displeased, he also felt a bit surprised.

This old guy actually knows how formidable Mr. Lin is.

"Are you also a Xuánmén person?"

The old man laughed heartily and said to Ding Biao.

"I'm not a Xuánmén person."

"Then why did you say that just now?"

Hearing that, the old man replied with a wry smile.

"Because we have witnessed Mr. Lin's formidable power!"

At the sound of that sword, the old man felt he would never forget it for the rest of his life.

Hearing the old man say that, Ding Biao said.

"You still dare to lay hands on Mr. Lin—what courage!"

The old man gave a bitter laugh and said, "Back then, I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai."

Nangong Zhao heard that and gave a cold snort.

"Tch, at his age, it's normal not to be a match for youngsters—no need to keep saying how strong he is."

Hearing that, the old man looked at Nangong Zhao, furrowed his brows, and asked.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Nangong Zhao, the Nangong Zhao of the Nangong family!"

The old man shook his head and said, "I've never heard of it."

Nangong Zhao heard this and grew somewhat angry.

"You haven't even heard of it!"

"Old man, are you muddle‑headed?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the white‑clothed figure behind the old man appeared before him, raised a hand and delivered One Slap—sending Nangong Zhao flying.

Only after the white‑clothed figure finished striking did the old man speak.

"How can you be so impulsive? What if this is a distinguished guest of Mr. Lin?"

Lin Yang smiled and said, "I'm not acquainted with them."

Nangong Yue saw this and spoke in a low voice.

"You dare hit my brother—do you really think the Nangong clan has no one left?"

"Even if the Nangong clan can't handle you, the Hou family of Yanjing behind me can't either?"

The old man looked at Nangong Yue, furrowed his brows, and said.

"Are you trying to show off the power behind you?"

"Listen well—I am Lei Bao, Chief Hall Master of the Jinling Heavenly Martial Hall!"

"I want to see whether the Heavenly Martial Hall can suppress your Hou family!"

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yue's face changed dramatically.

"You... you're the Chief Hall Master of the Heavenly Martial Hall?"

Nangong Zhao, just rising to his feet, shouted.

"Impossible—how could you possibly be the Chief Hall Master?"

"You're so respectful to that Lin Yang fellow; even if you're from the Heavenly Martial Hall, your status can't be that high."

Lei Bao heard this and let out a cold snort.

"No wonder Mr. Ding said you judge people by appearances—he wasn't wrong at all!"

He took out a token from his person.

"The Heavenly Martial Token is here!"

Upon seeing the Heavenly Martial Token, Nangong Zhao's face instantly turned deathly pale.

This is the Heavenly Martial Token—who would dare to counterfeit it?

Anyone who counterfeits it will be exterminated to the ninth degree!

Whether it was Nangong Zhao or Nangong Yue, both were so frightened they plopped back down where they sat.

They trembled, glanced at the old man, then at Lin Yang.

This person can make the Heavenly Martial Hall's transcendent Chief Hall Master willingly call him "Mr. Lin"—he certainly possesses extraordinary ability!

Moreover, even the members of the Xuánmén (Mysterious Gate) Association treat Lin Yang with such respect.

This Lin Yang is certainly no ordinary youngster.

Only then did they realize they had kicked an iron plate.

Nangong Zhao took a deep breath, rose unsteadily, lifted a cup of wine, and said to Lin Yang.

"Mr. Lin, we have prepared this banquet today solely to apologize to you."

"This cup of wine, I offer to you."

Watching Nangong Zhao drain the cup in one gulp, Ding Biao sneered.

"Now you know to apologize—what were you doing earlier?"

"I tell you, it's already too late!"

Nangong Zhao's face turned ashen.

Nangong Yue gazed pleadingly at Nangong Xue.

Seeing his aunt's pleading gaze, Nangong Yue let out a sigh.

There's nothing to be done—this is his aunt and his biological uncle.

She looked at Lin Yang and said, "Mr. Lin..."

Seeing Nangong Xue speak, Lin Yang gave a slight smile and said.

"For Xue'er's sake, I will drink this cup."

Seeing Lin Yang raise his cup and drain it, Nangong Zhao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as a smile appeared on his face, he heard Lin Yang say.

"But I will not forgive you."

"Because you look down on people, making me very uncomfortable."

After Lin Yang set down his cup and rose.

Lei Bao smiled and immediately said to Lin Yang.

"Mr. Lin, I have a private room next door—may I have the honor of inviting you over for a gathering?"

Lin Yang nodded and said, "Good."

Then he left together with Lei Bao.

After they left, Nangong Xue's eyes turned red, tears glimmering.

Nangong Zhao and Nangong Yue sat where they were, faces ashen, silent for a long time.

They knew they had caused a great disaster this time.

Especially Nangong Zhao, who feared being expelled from the clan genealogy!

Finally, Nangong Yue turned his gaze to Nangong Xue, forced a smile, and asked.

"Xue'er, is he your boyfriend?"