"Gao Xuan, you should leave quickly."

Qi Yan held Gao Xuan tightly, her face full of sorrow and reluctance.

The time they had spent together wasn’t long, but she had really grown fond of this man. As for how much was desire and how much was affection, even she couldn’t tell.

The Wang Family was aggressively overbearing, wanting not only to take her property but also her person.

Qi Yan had actually guessed that Wang Quan might take the opportunity to coerce her. The problem was, she couldn’t even speak to Zang Tiejun, let alone negotiate any terms.

The outside world was abuzz with rumors, claiming she had wiped out the Red Knife Gang.

It sounded impressive, but those who knew the truth were aware that Qi Yan’s situation was dire.

The Qi Family had been active on many fronts these days but had gained very little.

Facing the malignant force of Zang Tiejun in Golden City, no one was willing to step forward. The internal situation of the officials was complex, and no one was willing to speak up for the Qi Family.

Although everyone was extremely disgusted with Zang Tiejun, he had been operating in Golden City for decades and had countless allies.

The Qi Family might have called for action, but they didn’t have the capability to gather all kinds of support.

Everyone had decided to just watch the spectacle.

Of course, Qi Yan wasn’t willing to give up without a fight, but after days of seeking help to no avail, she was filled with despair.

Gao Xuan gently wiped away Qi Yan’s tears. "Even if I leave, I need to eat my fill first. Let me have a hearty meal."

Tears still lingered in Qi Yan’s eyes, but she couldn’t help but laugh: "I’ll prepare two whole roasted cows for you. Eat to your heart’s content. Even as a ghost, you’ll be a well-fed ghost!"

"You feed me, and I’ll feed you."

Gao Xuan mounted his horse and galloped away at full speed, enjoying the ride immensely.

When Qi Yan was exhausted and fell deeply asleep, Gao Xuan got up and went to the kitchen. The two roasted cows were nearly ready.

Gao Xuan sliced off the meat with a sharp knife and began eating. In two hours, he had devoured both cows.

The two assisting cooks were dumbfounded. To make sure Gao Xuan was satisfied, they had chosen the biggest cows. The cooked beef weighed over four hundred kilograms. Two whole roasted cows added up to nearly a ton...

Gao Xuan consumed a ton of meat without even flinching, as if nothing had happened. It was truly terrifying, almost like a demon.

Having eaten his fill, Gao Xuan returned to his room to focus on transforming his energy and blood.

Bones, muscles, skin, and organs, all had been trained to the extreme. Gao Xuan’s binge eating over the last few days had accumulated enough energy.

New blood began to form in his bone marrow. Every drop of this new blood carried his strong personal will.

Once the blood was fully transformed, Gao Xuan’s Thirteen Grand Protectors’ Cross Training would reach perfection. At least in this world, there would be no possibility of further advancement.

Gao Xuan found this world somewhat dull, but the experience of mastering ultimate power through an ordinary body was still valuable.

The next day, when Qi Yan woke up, she was informed that Gao Xuan had already left.

Although Qi Yan wanted Gao Xuan to escape and save his life, his silent departure still left her feeling a bit desolate.

On the other hand, with Gao Xuan gone and unable to meet Zang Tiejun’s conditions, she would have to marry Wang Quan for the Qi Family to have a future.

Wang Quan was thrilled to receive Qi Yan’s response. The next day, he invited various distinguished guests to a banquet at his home.

The Wang Family was wealthier than the Qi and Li Families, and their estate outside the city was large enough, especially the impressive hall, spanning over two thousand square meters.

To add to the grandeur, Wang Quan hired a band. Announcing the good news needed the atmosphere a band could provide. He also planned to dance with Qi Yan in front of everyone to declare his claim on her.

Though Wang Quan was over sixty, with white hair and a white beard, his face was still rosy, and he was in relatively good health.

Wearing a dark red robe with dragon patterns, his white hair neatly combed, Wang Quan looked rejuvenated, brimming with joy.

Wang Hao stood by Wang Quan’s side, dressed in a suit, yet his face showed dejection.

He couldn’t understand, with his father being so old, how he could still have such desires and even wanted to marry Qi Yan. Just by her seductive looks, he’d bet the old man would be quickly drained of everything if she became his wife.

Filled with resentment towards his father, Wang Hao silently cursed: Let’s see how long you can last. It’d be best if the old man kicks the bucket, then all the family assets would be mine.

Having a young stepmother might actually be more exciting!

Wang Quan naturally wasn’t aware of his son’s thoughts. He was in an exceptionally good mood today, and his whole spirit was utterly transformed.

Since he had personally sent out the invitations, all the major figures from various sectors had arrived. The city governor, commanders of the garrison, police department officials, presidents of the major chambers of commerce...

It could be said that half of the elite and influential figures of Golden City were here tonight.

The event was quite grand. With such distinguished guests, the old man decided to personally stand at the door to welcome them.

If the arriving guests were of high enough status, Wang Quan would proactively greet them with polite exchanges.

In fact, the news of Wang Quan and Qi Yan’s engagement had already spread.

Many guests were well aware of the situation, and regardless of their inner thoughts, they wore cheerful smiles and exchanged congratulatory words.

By nine in the evening, most of the esteemed guests had arrived, and so had Qi Yan.

Wang Quan, holding a glass of wine, walked to the microphone in the dimmed lighting, a spotlight solely illuminating him.

With the lighting adjusted, Wang Quan naturally became the center of attention. He proudly tapped the microphone lightly and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening..."

He paused before continuing, "I took the liberty of inviting you here today because I have something to announce."

While speaking, he glanced at Qi Yan standing beside him, but Qi Yan maintained a cold demeanor and did not interact with Wang Quan.