More and more people gathered at the city gate. Watching a spectacle was in most people's nature, especially when it seemed something interesting might happen before their eyes.
Many in the crowd had already recognized the faction represented by the emblems on those burly men's chests. At once, they looked at Yang Chen and Zi Yan with traces of pity in their eyes.
"Make way! Make way!"
Suddenly, a series of shouted reprimands rang out, and the crowd once again parted to open a path. A group of people escorted a broad-shouldered, powerfully built middle-aged man dressed in luxurious robes toward Yang Chen and Zi Yan.
The man possessed an extraordinary bearing. Every time his eyes opened and closed, they carried an imposing force that struck fear into people's hearts. At the same time, a faint pressure descended upon Yang Chen as the man approached.
Seeing that Yang Chen remained completely unaffected, the burly man was secretly startled. He glanced at Zi Yan, whom Yang Chen had been holding in his arms, then clasped his fists and bowed to Yang Chen.
"May I ask your honored name? I am Yuan Yi of the Eight Fan Sect."
"'Honored' is too much. My surname is Yang, given name Chen."
Yang Chen released Zi Yan, whose tears had already stopped. With a soft smile, he stroked her dirty, messy hair. Holding her little hand with his left hand, he rose to his feet and turned to face Yuan Yi, speaking in an even tone.
As he spoke, Yang Chen casually swept his gaze across both sides, contempt flashing through his eyes. His face cold, he looked at Yuan Yi and the members of the Eight Fan Sect behind him as an imposing aura suddenly swept outward in all directions.
"Your men were the