Chapter 56: A Shift in Power

"Young Master Meng!"

"Wow, I did not expect him to come personally!"

"I have to say, the Yuan family is so powerful that even the Meng family has come personally to congratulate them!"

As soon as the guests heard the voice from outside, their attention shifted, and they excitedly murmured among themselves.

Meng Yang, the genius of the Meng family, was now an internal disciple of the Tianyuan Sect!

Once he became a core disciple, he would be addressed with even greater respect as Young Master Meng.

"Shall we go welcome him as well?"

Many guests were tempted and began walking out of the hall one after another.

Yuan Ye's expression darkened. He turned to Xiao Chen and snapped, "Xiao Chen, do you still refuse to repent? Young Master Meng is already outside the door! If you don't admit your mistake, our Yuan family will not protect you!"

"Yuan Ye is right. Since Young Master Meng has come personally, we can't afford to be rude."

"Xiao Chen, I don't care what you think. Today, you must apologize to Young Master Meng!"

"That's right! You offended Young Master Meng—how dare you drag the Yuan family into this!"

The Yuan family members could no longer sit still. They hurled accusations at Xiao Chen one after another.

From their perspective, Meng Yang's presence was not only to celebrate Master Yuan's birthday but also to hold Xiao Chen accountable for his actions.

After all, Xiao Chen had acted recklessly and offended him.

Yet, Xiao Chen remained indifferent. He remained seated and said calmly, "Apologize to him? You can ask him yourself if he dares to demand an apology from me. Stop wasting my time."

"How arrogant! How dare you! Why do I have such a cousin like you!"

Yuan Ye shouted in anger, feeling that Xiao Chen was being completely unreasonable.

How could he still act so defiantly after offending someone of Meng Yang's stature?

"Once Young Master Meng arrives, he will expose your lies! What's the point of pretending now?"

"Exactly! If you admit your mistakes before Young Master Meng, it won't be shameful. I really don't understand why you're so stubborn."

The Yuan family members shook their heads, thinking Xiao Chen had lost his mind.

"In that case, don't expect us to help you when Young Master Meng comes for you later. We won't intervene."

An elder of the Yuan family declared resolutely.

Xiao Chen smirked and closed his eyes, ignoring their words entirely.

"Hmph!"

The Yuan family members shot him hateful glances before hurriedly going out to welcome Meng Yang.

Meanwhile, on the way to the Yuan estate, Li Huan, the head of the Li family, paused as he heard the commotion at the door. Smiling lightly, he said, "Oh? Meng Yang is here? What a rare guest. Let's wait for him."

"Very well."

Yuan Liuhe hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Though Meng Yang was a rising star, he was still a junior. It would be inappropriate for an elder like him to personally greet the younger generation. However, since Li Huan suggested it, he went along with the idea.

"This is good. I can speak with Meng Yang directly. Perhaps it will ease the tension between him and Yuan Ye."

Yuan Liuhe thought to himself.

Soon, a young man dressed in black strode in confidently.

"Meng Yang, it's been years since we last met. Your strength has improved tremendously."

Li Huan smiled and took the initiative to greet him.

Meng Yang raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Mr. Li, of course, my strength has improved. But your cultivation hasn't progressed much over the years."

"You even dare to mock me!"

Li Huan feigned anger.

"Haha, why wouldn't I?"

Meng Yang responded naturally. He showed no fear, even in front of the Li family head, speaking with ease.

There was even an unshakable confidence in his tone, as if he were in complete control of the situation.

This left Yuan Liuhe surprised. Meng Yang had grown far beyond his expectations.

Li Huan simply shook his head and smiled. "Come, let's go pay our respects to Master Yuan."

"Indeed!"

Meng Yang smiled and walked into the hall alongside Li Huan.

Inside, with the exception of Master Yuan, Xiao Chen, and the direct elders of the Yuan family, nearly everyone had gone outside to welcome Meng Yang. Even those who remained in the hall had risen from their seats.

As a result, Xiao Chen, who remained seated, stood out prominently.

"Sigh, why does this guy look so smug? How can he sit there so calmly?"

"Does he think he holds a higher status than Young Master Meng?"

"That's ridiculous. Master Yuan and the elders remained seated because it would be improper for them to greet a junior. But what right does Xiao Chen have to stay seated?"

Many guests whispered among themselves, their disapproval of Xiao Chen growing.

However, since this was the Yuan family's territory and Master Yuan was present, they did not dare to stir trouble.

Just then, Feng Yang arrived at the door, and everyone's attention shifted toward him.

"Young Master Meng, Mr. Li!"

People greeted them enthusiastically as they made their way into the hall.

"Mr. Li, we are honored by your presence."

"Young Master Meng, it is our Yuan family's honor to have you here."

Smiling at the praise, they walked toward the center of the hall.

"Let's pay our respects to Master Yuan," Li Huan said softly.

Unexpectedly, Meng Yang shook his head and said lightly, "Wait a moment."

With that, he strode directly toward Xiao Chen's direction.

His every move attracted attention, and soon, all eyes landed on Xiao Chen, still seated calmly.

Yuan Liuhe's face darkened with rage.

"How dare he remain seated when Young Master Meng is standing?"

"Hey, Young Master Meng, what are you doing?"

Some guests, confused, couldn't help but ask.

"Haha, this man is so arrogant he doesn't even acknowledge Young Master Meng."

"Yes, I heard from the Yuan family. This kid actually claimed that Young Master Meng would be afraid of him!"

Excitement filled the crowd.

"Xiao Chen, you said earlier that Young Master Meng wouldn't dare to offend you, and that he would even apologize to you."

"Do you dare to repeat that now?" Yuan Ye sneered mockingly.

He was certain that Xiao Chen would be terrified now that Young Master Meng was here.

Unfortunately for him, he was about to be greatly disappointed.

"Why should I be afraid?"

Xiao Chen's voice was calm as he opened his eyes, meeting Meng Yang's gaze directly. "Meng Yang, I dare you to attack me. But do you dare?"

A dead silence fell over the banquet.

No one could believe Xiao Chen was being so arrogant in front of Young Master Meng.

"This fool is courting death."

Just as that thought crossed everyone's minds, something even more shocking happened.

"I wouldn't dare."

Meng Yang bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Greetings, Young Master Xiao Chen. I am Meng Yang from the Meng family."