《Super War God in the City》


 Chapter 1: Target of All Arrows

    <h4>Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Target of All Arrows</h4>


    Binzhou City, Xiao Family Vi!


    "Xiao Bing, sign here, you must divorce Ling Fan today; that loser is not worthy of you.


    Your father doesn''t want you to be pointed at for the rest of your life because of that loser; even if you can bear it, I can''t face anyone when I go out," Xiao Zhengping snorted coldly and tapped hard on the divorce papers.


    Xiao Chubing''s face turned iron blue, she had dreamed of getting a divorce, but her family wanted her to marry Li Guohao from the Li Family after her divorce. However, that yboy had a terrible reputation and countless women outside.


    So, she would rather spend her life with her current pathetic husband than marry that scumbag.


    Xiao Chubing''s emotions were mixed. Two years ago, she didn''t understand why her grandfather had gone mad demanding she marry Ling Fan and even made him a live-in son-inw.


    What puzzled her more was that, before her grandfather died, he held her hand again and again, advising her never to look down on Ling Fan, and especially not to divorce him.


    In the past two years, she hadn''t seen anything in this loser that her grandfather would have valued so highly.


    "I won''t sign it, wait until Ling Fan arrives!" Xiao Chubing said with a tight face, looking very ugly.


    Xiao Zhengping frowned, "Xiao Bing, stop messing around. Young Master Li is a young talent. How is he not ten thousand times better than that loser? Moreover, he doesn''t mind that you''ve been married."


    He was the least satisfied with this marriage, but he didn''t dare to say anything while the old patriarch was alive.


    But more than a year after the old patriarch had passed away, he couldn''t bear it any longer, especially after Li Mei expressed the Li Family''s intentions towards Xiao Chubing, he had no more hesitation.


    "Dad, even if you force Ling Fan to divorce me, I will not marry someone like Li Guohao," Xiao Chubing eximed in desperation.


    Li Mei, the Family Head Xiao Zheng''s prospective daughter-inw, said coldly from the side, "Xiao Chubing, don''t push your luck. My brother doesn''t mind that you''ve been married and that''s already giving you enough face. And you darepare that loser to my brother? Are you insulting the Li Family?"


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Xiao Bing, how can you talk like that? Young Master Li is such a brilliant young man, it''s your honor that he fancies you, and you should apologize immediately!" Xiao Zhengping scolded coldly.


    Facing the aggressive pressure from Xiao Zhengping and Li Mei, Xiao Chubing''s face changed and turned pale. In this noble family, kinship is the coldest, which was fully demonstrated at this moment.


    Since her grandfather passed away, her status at home had plummeted, and anyone could step on her.


    Xiao Chubing was trembling all over, her hands and feet cold, tears swirling in her eyes.


    "Who does Li Guohao think he is? Daring to covet a woman of Ling Beiming''s, believe it or not, I can annihte your Li Family!" a cold snort suddenly exploded in the hall.


    Li Mei turned in shock and anger, looking at none other than Xiao Zhengping''s useless live-in son-inw.


    But after the shock, came extreme degrage and disbelief, doubting what she had just heard.


    Xiao Zhengping also looked as if he had seen a ghost, that loser actually dared to talk back, who gave him the courage?


    "What did you just say? Believe it or not, today I won''t let you step out of this door?" Li Mei said furiously, as if she had received a great insult.


    That loser must pay for what he just said, pointing at Ling Fan with a vehement tone:


    "You, a live-in son-inw worthless, really think you are something, daring to insult the reputation of the Li Family, do you think the Li Family dares not touch you?"


    Ling Fan ignored Li Mei''s anger, contempt on his face, "A worm ridden with venereal disease, even my wife''s dog would disdain being near you, I want to see how you dare touch me!"


    Two years ago, after being severely injured, the old man, before passing away, worried that he would be a cripple with no one to care for him, had him married into the Xiao family.


    Because of himself, Xiao Chubing had endured much ridicule over these two years, but had it reallye to forcing a marriage today?


    Having lost his memory and relegated to a status lower than a dog within the Xiao family, his backbone had beenpletely crushed, but that was before he regained his memory. Now he had remembered everything.


    "Youngest uncle, you deal with the mess your son-inw caused," another cold voice soon followed from the doorway.


    Head of the Xiao Family, Xiao Zheng walked into the hall, his face grave, followed by Xiao Jianhua from the second branch and his daughter Xiao Jingjing, who at the moment were wearing a look of schadenfreude.


    Xiao Zhengping''s face turned the color of a liver, and he exploded with anger, "Ling Fan, do you know what you just did? Kneel down and apologize to Miss Li right away!"


    Xiao Chubing clenched her fists tightly, her expressionplex as she looked at Ling Fan, who had always been a loser in her eyes.


    Today, for her sake, he had dared to confront the Li Family directly, especially with what he had just said, she felt immensely relieved.


    At this moment, she realized that this was the first time in two years that Ling Fan had seemed like a man, but more than being touched, she was worried.


    Now that her grandfather was no longer there to protect her, she had little influence at home, harshly put, not even a fart could make a sound, she couldn''t protect Ling Fan at all.


    "I''m sorry, it wasn''t Ling Fan''s intention," Xiao Chubing took a deep breath and apologized.


    Although it wasn''t her fault, the situation was stronger than the people; Ling Fan had stood up for her, so even though she had to swallow her pride, she could only apologize.


    "Xiao Chubing, don''t think that apologizing for him settles everything, out of respect for uncle Xiao, I won''t hold it against you, but your face can''t save him, don''t provoke the Li Family," Li Wen suppressed the anger in her heart, looking at Ling Fan as if looking at a dead man.


    Xiao Chubing was a member of the Xiao family, she couldn''t be too harsh, once she was in the Li Family, there would naturally be a way to deal with her.


    But as for Ling Fan, this live-in son-inw, she had no qualms in dealing with him.


    Xiao Chubing''s face was tight, "Dad, he is still your son-inw..."


    "Shut up, if it weren''t for your grandfather''s senility, would I have acknowledged such a thing? It''s none of your business, step aside!" Xiao Zhengping felt his heart condition acting up.


    "What is going on with you today? Defending this useless person at every turn? Did you take the wrong medicine?"


    "I didn''t take any wrong medicine. Even if he is a useless person, he is still my husband. I can scold him, but in my eyes, he is better than some people." Xiao Chubing did not give an inch as she confronted Xiao Zhengping.


    Xiao Chubing was not of a mild temperament and was thoroughly enraged.


    Ling Fan saw Xiao Chubing bowing and scraping for his sake, even confronting Xiao Zhengping to defend him, and a touch of emotion stirred within him.


    Even though she usually looked down on him at home, she still sided with him in public.


    Just then, a harsh mockingugh rang out.


    "Younger sister, I never thought you''d sink this low, shamelessly proud of such a useless person. It''s a colossal disgrace to our Xiao family.


    I really don''t know how you can delude yourself with such words. He''s stronger than some people in your heart? Are you indirectly insulting Young Master Li?"


    Li Mei''s face turned livid, her teeth nearly shattering in anger, but just as she was about to explode, Xiao Jingjing continued:


    "Worse than a dog, not worth mentioningpared to Young Master Li, not even fit to carry the shoes for our family''s Zhang Xu. And you dare say he is stronger than others?"


    Xiao Jingjing''s face was full of scorn, feeling extremely satisfied; she had always been intensely jealous of Xiao Chubing.


    First, Xiao Chubing was much more beautiful than her, recognized as one of the top four beauties of Binzhou, unbeatable in looks.


    Second, from childhood, Xiao Chubing had been the old man''s cherished darling, adored and doted on by everyone.


    Third, Xiao Chubing was exceptionallypetent, not only beautiful but also a well-known startup goddess, running her own business with countless admirers.


    Xiao Jingjing''s greatest wish was to surpass Xiao Chubing one day.


    Even if only in one aspect.


    But she knew it was nearly unrealistic.


    However, two years ago, that scandalous wedding in the Xiao family made everything seem possible.


    No matter how talented, beautiful, or cherished you were, what could you do?


    Your fate is lowly, still married to apletely worthless man.


    Because of Ling Fan, Xiao Chubing had be theughingstock of Binzhou. If she divorced, she would be thoroughly marked as a disgraced woman.


    To put it bluntly, just a tainted woman, no matter how excellent you were in the past, you''d be reduced to trash, neglected even if married into the Li family. She wouldpletely trample her down.


    "Jingjing, what are you saying? Although Zhang Xu isn''t a big shot, he is at least the vice-president of Zhou Dafu Jewelry in the Zhou Group. How could hepare to this waste?" Xiao Jianhua, Xiao Jingjing''s father, said unhappily.


    "I''m sorry, Dad, I was wrong topare this trash to Zhang Xu!" Xiao Jingjing apologized, bowing her head as if she hadmitted a grave error.


    Xiao Jianhua nodded, pleased, his expression revealing undisguised satisfaction. Today, Zhang Xu was not at thepany due to business, and he was quite satisfied with this son-inw of his.


    Although he didn''te from a wealthy family, he was ambitious. Having climbed to the position of vice-president at Zhou Group''s Zhou Dafu Jewelry just a few years after graduation, his future was boundless.


    Xiao Zhengping''s face fluctuated between blue and white, wishing he had a hole to crawl into; having such a worthless son-inw was deeply humiliating.


    Xiao Chubing clenched her teeth, feeling as if she were a monkey surrounded and stared at in a park, vulnerable to attacks and helpless.


    Ling Fan''s face was remarkablyposed, but a frosty chill shed deep in his eyes; he had be such a well-known worthless son-inw in Binzhourgely due to her significant contribution.


    "Hehe, younger sister, Young Master Li taking a liking to you is a blessing you''ve cultivated over eight lifetimes. You should treasure it and shouldn''t be ungrateful..."


    Xiao Jingjing had not finished speaking when Ling Fan suddenly moved.


    "p!"


    A crisp sound, and Xiao Jingjing was flipped to the ground, her face quickly swelling.


    "Stop the noise!" Ling Fan scoffed coldly.


    This p caught everyone off guard, resounding through the venue like a thunderp.


    Xiao Chubing was stunned!


    Li Mei was shocked!


    The members of the Xiao family were dazed!


    Xiao Jingjing sat on the ground, clutching her face,pletely dumbfounded!

 Chapter 2 - 2 Stay Tuned

    <h4>Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Stay Tuned</h4>


    "How dare you!"


    The first to react, Xiao Jianhua pointed at Ling Fan like an enraged King Kong, wishing he could tear this ignorant fool to pieces.


    Xiao Zhengping''s face kept changing colors; he couldn''t understand what had gotten into this good-for-nothing today, repeatedly surpassing everyone''s expectations. Could it be that the divorce had driven him mad?


    "Ling Fan, have you lost your mind? Who do you think you are?


    In the eyes of the Xiao Family, you''re nothing more than a dog. Why don''t you kneel down and beg for forgiveness right now?" Xiao Zhengping almost roared.


    "You dare to hit me? You trash, I want you dead!" Xiao Jingjing''s voice was hoarse, like a ferocious wild cat hissing.


    "Someone, seize him!" Before Xiao Zheng could speak, Xiao Jianhua directed the door''s bodyguards with an angry shout.


    A vignt bodyguard approached, believing that one person was enough to deal with a useless waste like Ling Fan.


    "Break his legs for me, I want to make him regret being born into this world, I want this trash to wish he was dead!" Xiao Jingjing''s face was twisted with malice.


    Xiao Chubing''s expression changed suddenly, and she stepped forward to stand in front of Ling Fan, confronting the approaching muscr bodyguard, "He''s my husband, the son-inw of the Xiao Family, who dares to touch him?"


    But her scolding was so weak and ineffective; what deterrent could a son-inw, who was regarded as less than a servant, really have? It only added to the mockery.


    The bodyguard ignored Xiao Chubing''s scolding, sidestepped swiftly, and struck decisively, aiming to dislocate Ling Fan''s shoulders.


    Xiao Chubing''s expression turned to panic, "Be careful!"


    As soon as her words fell, a blur darted past, and with a ''bang,'' the bodyguard was sent flying backward, tumbling over a tea table and shattering the debris on the floor, unable to get up for the moment.


    This sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.


    Even Xiao Jingjing momentarily forgot to continue her tirade.


    Xiao Zhengping stared at Ling Fan, wondering if this was really his good-for-nothing son-inw?


    Xiao Zheng and Xiao Jianhua looked at each other, puzzled. Since when were the bodyguards they hired so worthless? Incapable of handling even a worthless person? Were they even more worthless than trash?


    A glint of surprise shed in Xiao Chubing''s eyes. Could it be that her useless husband was truly extraordinary? In two years, she had never known Ling Fan to possess such skills.


    Ling Fan looked around indifferently, his gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Li Mei.


    Feeling Ling Fan''s piercing gaze, she felt a chill, though she wasn''t overly panicked, just filled with repressed rage.


    She admitted that Ling Fan, the good-for-nothing, had brought her quite a few surprises today; at least he had decent fighting skills, something she had not anticipated.


    So this was his confidence, she realized, and a look of disdain shed in Li Wen''s eyes. He was just a little better at fighting, did this good-for-nothing really think he could make waves against the Li Family?


    Ling Fan''s tone was indifferent, "The Li Family is not to be trifled with? Merely ants in my view!"


    The Li Family was connected to his enemies, the Feng Family; just for that reason alone, they were worth his attention. Now that Li Guohao, that piece of trash, dared to covet his woman was simply courting death.


    Faced with Ling Fan''s scorn, Li Mei''s eyes shed with shame and anger, "You can''t seriously think that just because you can fight a little better than a regr bodyguard, you can defy me and be arrogant towards the Li Family?"


    People ten times better at fighting than Ling Fan weremon in her experience. In this world, it''s power and influence that count, not fists.


    "What do you think, then? The Li Family is nothing but a house of cards to me, easily knocked down. This world is not as simple as you imagine," Ling Fan said calmly.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Li Mei, with her graceful and distinguished beauty, trembled slightly, furious to the extreme. This Good-for-nothing had repeatedly, time and again, defied the majesty of the Li Family, pushing her to the brink of tolerance.


    "You now have two choices: kneel and break both of your arms to live, or die," Li Mei squeezed the words through clenched teeth.


    "Heh, is that so? You are the first person to threaten me since I regained my memory. Good!


    The world does not know ''War Emperor'' Beiming; let me show you today what it means to be in awe!" Ling Fan said as he looked at Li Mei in front of him, his eyes revealing utter indifference.


    Li Mei looked at Ling Fan as if he were a fool; she knew nothing of any ''War Emperor'' or Beiming and thought this guy must be crazy today!


    Before she could voice her scorn, she saw Ling Fan move like a sh, striking with the speed of lightning.


    "Crack!"


    Her arm hung helplessly at her side, broken.


    "Ahh..."


    A bted scream pierced the hall, snapping the stunned crowd out of their trance.


    Xiao Jingjing''s face was a picture of panic as she finally came to her senses, seeing Ling Fan as nothing short of a madman.


    She had wanted to vent more, but the words she was about to spew seemed to be suffocated in her throat by an invisible hand, and she couldn''t utter even half a word.


    In her eyes, the madman before her dared to break Li Mei''s arm; what wouldn''t he dare to do? Byparison, she felt rather fortunate for having received only a p.


    Xiao Zhengping''s lips quivered with terror and fury; this worthless son-inw had be unrecognizable to him.


    Xiao Jianhua swallowed hard, realizing things had escted severely.


    Xiao Zheng''s face was ashen, both shocked and enraged, fully aware that the situation was a catastrophe.


    Li Mei, as his daughter-inw, had her arm broken in the Xiao Family''s house; if the Xiao Family didn''t provide a satisfactory exnation to the Li Family, it wasn''t just the marriage that might be called off¡ªwhether the Li Family would let this pass at all was also in question.


    Xiao Chubing stood to the side,pletely petrified. Was this really the worthless husband she knew?


    "You waste, I swear, if I don''t kill you today, my name isn''t Li. The Li Family will make you wish for death," Li Mei said, pale-faced, pain bringing tears to the edge of her eyes.


    "Tramp, tramp, tramp"


    Ling Fan walked step by step towards Li Mei,pletely ignoring her threats.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Li Mei staggered back instinctively, her pallid face filled with terror.


    "Ling Fan, stop right there!" Xiao Chubing finally snapped out of it, her heart fraught with worry.


    Xiao Zhengping, choked with rage, bellowed, "Do you have a death wish? Dare to take another step, and your fate will be none of the Xiao Family''s concern."


    "Humph, you think being able to fight gives you the right to run amok? To think you crippled Sister Mei''s arm, wait until the Li Family deals with you!" Xiao Jingjing''s face still throbbed with pain from the p as she seethed with resentment.


    If not for the fear that Ling Fan would go berserk, she would have long since started taunting him.


    Ling Fan stopped a meter away from Li Mei, "The two options you gave me earlier, I can''t satisfy either of them.


    Now, I''m giving you two choices. Within three days, bring the Patriarch of the Li Family to kneel before me and apologize, or I will erase the Li Family from Binzhou!"


    Li Mei could hardly believe her ears. Within three days? Erase her Li Family? It was utter madness!


    Xiao Zheng seethed with rage, feeling his decades of authority as Family Head ground into dust.


    If they didn''t take down this wretch today, it wouldn''t quench the Li Family''s fury.


    "Men, seize this audacious madman at once!" shouted Xiao Zheng, his voice thundering like a startling p of thunder.


    The four bodyguards by the door, hearing their master''s furiousmand, hesitated not a fraction of a second before rushing towards Ling Fan.


    The entire room looked at Ling Fan as if he were a dead man, except for Xiao Chubing, whose face was wrought with concern, utterly anxious.


    In the blink of an eye, three bodyguards lunged at him. No one dared to take it lightly; they had all seen what had be of their colleague, who was still unable to get up.


    A flicker in Ling Fan''s eyes was followed by a sudden flurry of movement. The two sides collided, and the hall was filled with dull grunts and the sight of people being hurled through the air.


    In just a few breaths, the four formidable meny on the ground unable to rise, either with broken arms or broken legs, emitting pained moans.


    Xiao Zheng and the others were incredulous. Xiao Chubing watched the defiant figure, her heart in tumult. Was this the same husband who had been at her beck and call for the past two years?


    Ling Fan appeared unfazed, as if he had merely swatted a few flies, his indifferent gaze sweeping over everyone.


    He scoffed, "Elder Xiao, with all your lifelong reputation, to think you''ve raised three such fools."


    Being ridiculed by whom they deemed a waste threw Xiao Zheng and the others into an unprecedented humiliation.


    "Ling Fan, do you think being able to fight puts you above thew? Believe it or not, one phone call from me could have you rotting in a cell," Xiao Zheng said with a fluctuating expression, his voice grave.


    "And do you believe that if you keep yapping, I''ll let you end up like them?"


    Ling Fan pointed at the five men on the ground, writhing in agony, and snorted coldly.


    He then spoke deliberately, "From now on, I have no connection whatsoever with the Xiao Family. If you wish for vengeance, I, Ling Beiming, await it."

 Chapter 3 - 3 Regret Inevitably

    <h4>Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Regret Inevitably</h4>


    Everyone in the hall watched as Ling Fan slowly disappeared at the door, with solemn expressions, not a single person dared to stop him.


    Xiao Chubing was torn, but finally made up her mind and stepped forward to follow.


    "Stop right there, if you dare to step out of this door, you are no longer my daughter," Xiao Zhengping said harshly.


    Xiao Chubing stopped in her tracks, and her face instantly darkened.


    She had always been puzzled why she was so unwee in this family until Elder Xiao, on his deathbed, finally told her the truth.


    It turned out she wasn''t the biological child of the Xiao Family, her mother came to the Xiao Family pregnant, gave Elder Xiao a sum of money, and after giving birth to her, left.


    It was with this sum of money that the Xiao Family evolved from an insignificant n into an empire with assets worth tens of billions.


    Within the entire Xiao Family, only Elder Xiao remembered that act of kindness and treated her as his own, unlike Xiao Zhengping, this so-called father... ha!


    Xiao Chubing sneered, "You say that as if you ever treated me like your daughter!"


    With that, she moved her shapely legs, her high heels nked rhythmically against the marble floor, resolutely vanishing at the doorway.


    Xiao Zhengping trembled with anger, falling back onto the sofa, his face the epitome of ugliness, never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a simple divorce could escte to this extent.


    ...


    Outside the Xiao Family Vi!


    "Ling Fan, wait for me!" Xiao Chubing called out from behind.


    "If you''re insistent on the divorce, I''ll sign the papers when I return home," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Did I ever say I wanted a divorce?" Xiao Chubing pursed her lips, ring at him.


    "Uh..." Ling Fan was taken aback.


    "Get in the car!"


    Xiao Chubing slipped into the white BMW 5 series parked at the side, and once Ling Fan was in the car, she floored the elerator and sped away.


    "You should leave Binzhou and hide for a while, the Li Family won''t dare to do anything to me," she said, handing Ling Fan a bank card.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Keep it, I won''t be going anywhere!" Ling Fan said, touched.


    Xiao Chubing became frustrated, "Can''t you just give me a break, do you really think a few moves will make the Li Family wary of you?"


    "My moves really can make them wary," Ling Fan nodded lightly.


    "You..." Xiao Chubing''s face turned pale with anger.


    At that moment, her phone rang.


    "Hello!"


    "President Xiao, our partners have suddenly breached the contract and are not supplying us with raw materials anymore, and one of the suppliers upstream has also stopped our orders," an anxious female voice came through the phone, her assistant.


    "Okay, I know, I''ll be right back at the office," Xiao Chubing''s face turned ugly instantly.


    "They''re quick to act, you should go handle things at thepany first. Stop the car on the side of the road, I have some things to take care of too," Ling Fan, with his exceptional hearing, naturally hadn''t missed a word from the call.


    Xiao Chubing pursed her lips, "Can you please take my advice for once!"


    "I''ve followed your advice in every way for the past two years, but not this time," Ling Fan said calmly, his tone resolute.


    "Screech¡ª"


    A sound of the brake pads grinding, and the car abruptly stopped at the roadside.


    Xiao Chubing, her chest heaving with anger and face showing her frustration, snapped, "Get lost, get out!"


    "Take care of yourself, call me if you need anything!" Ling Fan cautioned before getting out of the car.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chubing, with a face ashen with rage, didn''t bother to argue with him, pressed the gas pedal, and left Ling Fan in a trail of exhaust.


    Ling Fan gave a bitter smile and muttered softly to himself, "Don''t worry, from now on, no one in the whole world can bully you!"


    After a short while, a Hummer stopped in front of him.


    A strikingly beautiful woman in military attire stepped out of the car, her well-defined figure both sexy and voluptuous.


    "Have you gathered all the information I asked for?" Ling Fan frowned in thought.


    This time, regaining his memories, he intended to resolve each and every one of the emotional knots he left behind in Huaxia.


    "It''s been prepared, in the car!" the woman respectfully replied.


    "Hmm, thank you for your hard work. Keep an eye on the Li Family''s activities today, as well as Tian Yun''s situation," Ling Fan instructed.


    The woman''s real name was Li Wei, the deputymander of the Northern Canglong Army in Huaxia, codenamed Vermilion Bird.


    She was currently looking up at the young man before her with admiration and respect.


    Nobody could have imagined that this god-like man had not fallen in that battle two years ago and was now miraculously appearing in this little Binzhou.


    Ling Fan had Vermilion Bird park the car in a spot, and he spent the entire afternoon inside the vehicle poring over the documents.


    The amount of information was vast, covering not only his own background but also his enemies, as well as the dynamics of the major forces in Huaxia and the Martial Arts World.


    In the Li Family Mansion, within a private club,


    "Young Master Hao, I didn''t see iting. That piece of trash had the guts to break Sister Mei''s arm!" a buzz-cut fellow with dyed yellow hair scoffed.


    "Boss, should I take some guys and take care of that kid?" another young man with a sinister look spoke up.


    "Hmph, fuck, there''s no rush. Almost all the suppliers to Tian Yun have been cut off, including those in official circles.


    Thepany is currently pausing for restructuring. That lousypany of Xiao Chubing is going to suffer heavily in a couple of days and will go bankrupt within a month.


    I''m not just blowing hot air, I guarantee you that before nightfall, Xiao Chubing wille knocking on my door, begging on her knees!" the leader said with arrogant viciousness.


    This guy was Li Guohao, the young master of the Li Family, and the other two were his cringingckeys, with the yellow-haired one named Wang Chuang, and the other named Zhao Bin, both hooligans from the streets.


    Aside from the three men, the room was filled with a bevy of cooing women, each dressed in provocative clothing.


    "Young Master Hao, the third young mistress has set up a banquet at Tian Hao, and she''s let the word out that before night falls, she wants Ling Fan toe over and apologize to regain face for us!" Wang Chuang said.


    "Heh, just a spineless wimp daring to challenge me. Once I''ve had Xiao Chubing on my bed, I''ll send him a few intimate photos to appreciate, hahaha!" as Li Guohao spoke, he burst outughing.


    "Boss, I''m just worried that the kid might be a coward and might have already run away," Zhao Bin interjected with hesitation.


    "Hmm? Is that guy such a coward?" Li Guohao sneered.


    "Can''t say for sure. It''s been half a day, and there''s no sign of the kid. Maybe he''s found a ce to hide!" Zhao Bin said uncertainly.


    "Right, doesn''t that guy have an older foster sister? He might be hiding out with her!" Li Guohao said with a sly smile.


    He had already thoroughly investigated Xiao Chubing''s good-for-nothing husband.


    "Hmm, that kid is really freaky. Despite being a loser, he''s extremely lucky with women. Not only did he marry Xiao Chubing, one of the top four beauties of Binzhou,


    but working as a lousy security guard in a bar, he even managed to form a connection with the bossdy, getting himself an older foster sister!" Wang Chuang couldn''t help but snicker.


    The bar where Ling Fan was working was located near a school, and it happened to be under his protection.


    "Heh, isn''t the bossdy named Xia Ying? Not bad in looks, and she seems like quite the sly woman. An older foster sister? More like you have to split the first word to get the meaning!" Li Guohaoughed darkly, his face revealing his lewdness.


    "Screw..." Wang Chuang mumbled.


    "Hahaha... Young Master Hao, I didn''t see iting, this kid''s ying quite the thrilling game. Looks like he finds the wild flowers more fragrant than the home blossoms!" Wang Chuang burst intoughter.


    "Haha, damn it, you make me quite curious now. Let''s go meet this ''older sister.'' I want to see what makes her different from Xiao Chubing and why this loser would ignore the beauty in his home to chase after this wild peony.


    Fucking hell, he''ll regret crossing me, home or wild, I''ll have them all, hahaha!" Li Guohaoughed uproariously, then stood up with determination.

 Chapter 4 - 4 A Piece of Trash, Not Worth Mentioning!

    <h4>Chapter 4: Chapter 4 A Piece of Trash, Not Worth Mentioning!</h4>


    In a Hummer by the roadside.


    "Is there any situation?" Ling Fan put down the materials and spoke indifferently.


    Vermilion Bird''s face slightly tensed, and he immediately reported on Tian Yun''s situation and the Li Family''s movements.


    "The Li Family has set up a banquet at Tian Hao Hotel, releasing a message that if they were to forgive Tian Yun and Xiao Chubing, you would have toe and apologize today.


    Otherwise, they will first destroy Tian Yun, then throw you into prison, and after that, marry Xiao Chubing, and also..." Vermilion Bird hesitated.


    "And what else?" A trace of icy coldness shed in Ling Fan''s eyes.


    Vermilion Bird whispered oddly, "Sending you two provocative photos of Xiao Chubing every day..."


    "Heh, so damn arrogant. Isn''t Li Mengying from the Li Family one of the four great beauties of Binzhou? I find her provocative photos quite appealing," Ling Fan scoffed with augh.


    Vermilion Bird coughed dryly and observed a three-second silence for the Li Family.


    "Beiming, let me handle this trivial matter; they aren''t qualified to warrant your personal action."


    "It''s no problem, give them a glorious opportunity, but please make a call on official grounds, and send me to the Tian Hao Hotel!" Ling Fan''s gaze was icy, he stated lightly.


    Vermilion Bird appeared indifferent, actually worried that Ling Fan might escte the situation beyond control, as this was still Huaxia, unlike abroad.


    But she also knew that no one could stop this man once he made up his mind.


    The concern was that this guy might lose control and put a hole in the sky of Huaxia; that''s why she had been sent to keep an eye on things.


    Ten minutester.


    At the only five-star hotel in Binzhou, Ling Fan stood at the entrance, his gaze sharp, and an undeniable chill at the bottom of his eyes.


    "Ling Fan, I didn''t expect you to reallye, hurry up and leave this ce!" A pleasant voice carried a bit of agitation.


    Turning his head, he saw a woman as delicate as a newly bloomed lotus, briskly walking towards him.


    Ling Fan furrowed his brow slightly, then rxed it.


    Liu Yuqiong, also one of the four great beauties of the upper echelons in Binzhou, and a close friend of Xiao Chubing, whom he had had the fortune to meet once at home.


    "What are you looking for me for?" Ling Fan asked curiously; he and Liu Yuqiong were not familiar.


    "Xiao Bing sent me here. She''s tied up at herpany and worried you''d impulsivelye here to meet your end, so she asked me to stop you. I didn''t expect you to really show up, you fool.


    "What are you thinking? Hurry up and leave, if the Li family members see youter, you won''t be able to leave even if you want to," Liu Yuqiong said while pulling Ling Fan towards the side.


    Though Xiao Chubing was severely frustrated with him, they were still husband and wife, and there were feelings involved.


    Angry as she was, having calmed down, she ultimately couldn''t set her mind at ease and had her close friend Liu Yuqionge to stop him.


    Hearing this, Ling Fan''s heart warmed slightly; though Xiao Chubing always verbally disparaged him, she still cared about him.


    "Step aside, I must enter this door. Those who dare touch my woman will pay the price!" Ling Fan''s gaze was icy cold.


    "Ling Fan, Chu Bing asked me to take you away, don''t make this hard for me.


    Chu Bing''spany is about to go bankrupt; is the Li Family someone you can provoke?


    Moreover, it''s not just the Li Family here today, there are also many followers, all ardent admirers of Li Mengying, do you think you wille out unscathed if you go in?" Liu Yuqiong red, her face showing disappointment.


    Ling Fan inwardly smiled bitterly, paying no heed to Liu Yuqiong''s agitation; he simply bypassed her and walked towards the main door.


    Seeing this, Liu Yuqiong, frantic, stomped her feet, "Why do you not appreciate what''s good for you? How would I exin to Chu Bing if something happens to you?"


    "Don''t worry, I will be fine!" Ling Fan spoke lightly.


    Liu Yuqiong felt like she was about to explode with frustration, feeling like it was a case of a schr meeting a soldier; left with no choice, she could only reluctantly follow him.


    Inside the hotel lobby, which covered thousands of square meters, the opulence was to the max.


    At that moment, the lobby had no less than a hundred people; the Li Family had really gone all out this time to establish their dominance.


    At the sight of Li Mengying in a violet evening gown, she resembled a noble princess, surrounded by seven or eight people, like stars orbiting the moon, seemingly as dazzling as a brilliant pearl.


    It had to be admitted, her beauty was stunning, truly making her one of the four great beauties of Binzhou, not just in name alone.


    At that moment, she wasughing and chatting intimately with a dashing young man dressed in a suit and leather shoes.


    "Meng Ying, he''s just a useless man who married into the Xiao Family, and now he''s even been kicked out of the house.


    If he really dares toe, leave it to me to handle it; don''t dirty your hands," Shicheng said earnestly.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The young men around them all looked on with envy, harboring desires for Li Mengying themselves and wishing for such an opportunity to show off.


    But, Shicheng''s family background was much stronger than theirs.


    Moreover, they were essentially Shicheng''s followers, knowing that with him around, there was no role for them to y but to stand aside.


    "Young Master Ding, you shouldn''t underestimate that Ling Fan, that guy''s martial skills are not bad; even my family''s bodyguards are no match for him," Xiao Jingjing said with a frown.


    She and Li Mengying were best friends. She already disliked Xiao Chubing, and today, having been pped by Ling Fan, she harbored resentment and was eager to see their tragic downfall.


    "Oh? Is that so?" Liu Jian eximed in surprise.


    His family was in textiles, modestly wealthy with assets in the tens of millions, barely able to mingle in this circle of second-generation wealth.


    "But it''s just defeating a few bodyguards, what''s so special about that?


    I''ve seen a Qi Refinement Martial Arts Master who could kill a cow with one punch. That Ling Fan has probably just learned some superficial martial arts!


    Moreover, you don''t know this, but Young Master Ding has learned Qi Refinement and Body Tempering from a Martial Arts Master. Those so-called bodyguards you hired are not even a match for one of Young Master Ding''s hands," Fang Junmented indifferently.


    His family was in demolition, with assets over a hundred million.


    Xiao Jingjing suddenly realized this and looked at Young Master Ding with astonishment.


    If Ling, that worthless guy, could be so formidable just having learned a bit, then wouldn''t Young Master Ding, who had undergone professional training, be even more formidable?


    Li Mengying''s eyes sparkled unexpectedly, she had not anticipated that Ding Shicheng was actually a hidden master.


    Seeing the surprised expressions on everyone''s faces, Shicheng felt ted.


    Especially upon seeing Li Mengying repeatedly ncing at him with an unusual look, he felt very gratified, and he was quite pleased with Fang Jun''spliments.


    He disdainfully said, "Such trash is hardly worth mentioning!"


    "Relying on Young Master Ding, once you deal with that loser, I''ll treat you to a drink!" Li Mengying smiled and nodded, her attitude toward Ding Shicheng immediately changed.


    If this guy could really impress her sufficiently, it wasn''t out of the question to give him a chance to pursue her, especially since the Ding family had a strong background.


    Additionally, just to be safe, she had also made official preparations, for no matter how strong in a fight, against official forces it amounted to nothing.


    Seeing Li Mengying''s changed attitude towards him, Ding Shicheng felt as exhrating as if he were injected with adrenaline, yet his outward demeanor remained calm and debonair.


    "Don''t worry, if he doesn''te today, so be it. But if he dares toe courting death, I guarantee he will break his own arms and kneel to beg for mercy, regretting ever offending the Li family!" Ding Shicheng said lightly, as though discussing something trivial.


    "Is that so? I can''t wait to see how you make me break my own arms and kneel to beg for mercy!" A mocking voice coldly drifted in from the entrance.


    With this abrupt voice, the previously lively atmosphere instantly quieted down.


    Everyone turned their heads, especially Ding Shicheng, who looked over coldly, his face full of anger.


    A tall figure appeared at the doorway of the hall, watching indifferently the people at the center of attention.


    "Haha, I didn''t expect you, this useless person, to actually have the courage, I give you a chance to repent, crawl on your knees to Miss Li and beg for her forgiveness," Ding Shicheng said contemptuously, issuing a directmand.


    "Haha, I also give you a chance, if you can crawl over here like a dog and take back what you just said, I might consider not stooping to your level!" Ling Fan sneered.


    Liu Yuqiong, who had just caught up, almost lost her bnce and fell upon hearing this.


    The once noisy hall suddenly fell into utter silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, only the distinct sound of Ling Fan entering the hall echoing sharply.

 Chapter 5 - 5 Kneel Down and Repent!

    <h4>Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Kneel Down and Repent!</h4>


    Ding Shicheng was stunned for a moment, then his eyes turned blood-red as he red at Ling Fan approaching him like a bloodthirsty wild beast.


    Humiliation and provocation, it had been so long since anyone dared to challenge him like this.


    In Binzhou, no matter what rich young master he was, they had to show Ding Shicheng polite deference.


    And now, someone who, in his eyes, was less than an ant, had openly challenged him, which was a great disgrace.


    "Kid, have the guts to repeat what you just said," Ding Shicheng had a murderous look in his eyes and a gloomy face, truly infuriated.


    The onlookers looked at Ling Fan with a veiled excitement, "So this is the Xiao family''s good-for-nothing son-inw? I thought he had been scared off a long time ago, but he actually dared to show up, and it looks like he''s here to cause trouble, quite interesting!"


    "Heh, a waste thrown out of the family, I really don''t know where you get the nerve to be so arrogant, thinking you''re a good fighter? If you kneel down and apologize to Young Master Ding now, maybe you can save your pathetic life," Fang Jun sneered coldly.


    At the sight of Ling Fan, Xiao Jingjing felt somewhat fearful in her heart, mainly because of the domineering presence Ling Fan had left her with at the Xiao family.


    However, she quickly came to her senses and, thinking of the many people present and that she had shown weakness, became annoyed and spoke mockingly:


    "Hmph, ignorance breeds fearlessness. You even dare to offend Young Master Ding, I don''t know whether to praise your courage or call it utter stupidity, do you really think no one can handle you?"


    Li Mengying felt full of contempt, confident as if holding all the aces, quietly watching from the side, eagerly anticipating how Ding Shicheng would torture this waste.


    Just then, Liu Yuqiong, who had caught up from behind, said anxiously, "Ling Fan, have you lost your mind? Now''s not the time for you to be putting on a brave front. If you still care about Chu Bing, then listen to me."


    She was confident she could take Ling Fan away, but by doing so, she would be offending both the Li Family and the Ding family.


    By this time, Ding Shicheng had regained hisposure, but the chill deep in his eyes was icy cold.


    Liu Yuqiong''s support of Ling Fan surprised him, but today he was determined not to save face for anyone.


    "Damn it, if you can''t earn my forgiveness today, nobody''s face will mean a thing!" Ding Shicheng''s tone was chillingly cold, fueled by anger from Ling Fan''s earlier arrogance.


    The crowd, having just heard Liu Yuqiong''s words, realized that this fool hade to y the hero, thinking he had some backing.


    Ling Fan arrived in front of the group, pausing in his steps, and everyone thought he was about to back down.


    "Ah, young people nowadays are prone to impulsiveness, brimming with youth and vigor, but arrogance requires capital. However, with such a disgraced reputation, to have this much courage is an aplishment in itself; he has already outdone himself."


    "Heh, thought he was so tough, probably just had a brain cramp earlier, now it''s toote to regret it, a waste will always be a waste, how could he possibly turn things upside down?"


    Liu Yuqiong remained silent on the side, one canck strength but should notck brains.


    Seeking momentary thrill only to pay a greater price and suffer greater humiliation, that''s foolishness.


    Out of respect for Chu Bing, she had done her utmost. If Ling Fan stubbornly pursued his own humiliation, she couldn''t be med.


    In everyone''s eyes, Ling Fan''s silence was him backing down, after posturing so boldly earlier, he would now have to act like much more of a scaredy-cat, he was pure fool.


    All present wore expressions of schadenfreude, waiting for the scene that was about to unfold.


    But then Ling Fan''s lips curved into a smile, and he suddenly snorted coldly, "Didn''t hear clearly, huh? I said lie down like a dog at my feet, motherf****r, did you get that clear this time?"


    If Ling Fan''s earlier words had stunned the crowd, now they werepletely dumbfounded.


    "Wasn''t he supposed to kneel and beg, wailing for forgiveness?" some in the crowd widened their eyes.


    "Arrogant, way too arrogant," Liu Jian''s eyes widened.


    "Courting death, does he really think Young Master Ding wouldn''t dare to kill him?" anticipation shined in Xiao Jingjing''s eyes.


    "Seen brainless folks before, but never one so unafraid of dying," Fang Jun had a look of watching a dead man.


    Li Mengying''s brows furrowed, her gaze fixed intently on Ling Fan.


    Ding Shicheng was taken aback, then burst outughing with rage, "Good, very good, you f***ing provoked me sessfully."


    Ling Fan sneered, "Heh, I look forward to your anger!"


    Ding Shicheng''s eyes narrowed, his face turned ashen, and his fists creaked.


    "What, ready to make a move?" Ling Fan scoffed, his face full of disdain.


    "F*** it, die!" Ding Shicheng roared in anger, utterly unleashed.


    His feet moved as swift as the wind, raising his fist that had been ready for a long time and aiming it straight for Ling Fan''s face.


    Seeing this scene, Liu Jian, Xiao Jingjing, and others allughed.


    Everyone already knew about Ding Shicheng''s fierceness, especially Fang Jun and Li Mengying, who were brimming with confidence.


    As Ding Shicheng''s punch was about to descend upon Ling Fan, the crowd seemed to foresee Ling Fan''s skull cracking the next second, his face covered in blood, begging for mercy in pain.


    Xiao Jingjing and others watched indifferently. Whether it was the speed or the power, Ding Shicheng''s punch had reached a terrifying level.


    The moment before the punch fell, Ling Fan calmly raised his hand and threw a punch of his own.


    In his eyes, Ding Shicheng''s speed was too slow, and his power, too weak.


    Xiao Jingjing and the rest sneered at this, seeing Ling Fan''s action as a death wish.


    Liu Yuqiong''s heart had reached its extreme tension, hardly bearing to watch. She even began to imagine the miserable state Ling Fan would soon be in.


    Ding Shicheng did not expect Ling Fan to resist, and sneered with malice, "Seeking death!"


    In the blink of an eye, fist met fist.


    "Bang!"


    "Crack!"


    Xiao Jingjing and the rest took the sound for granted, but in the next second, as if they had witnessed something unbelievable, they were petrified.


    They saw Ding Shicheng flying back like a broken rag doll, his arm twisted at a horrifying angle, flipping through the air for five or six meters before crashing to the ground.


    Hisplexion was as pale as a corpse''s, his face so distorted and contorted it had changed shape, and his eyes looking at Ling Fan seemed like they could devour him.


    In the exchange, the one lying on the ground turned out to be Young Master Ding?


    Xiao Jingjing and the others were momentarily unable to ept this reality. Wasn''t Young Master Ding professionally trained by a Martial Arts Master?


    "Damn it, I am the heir to the Ding Corporation, you''re dead meat!" Ding Shicheng shouted miserably. The pain was so intense he wished he could pass out.


    "How... how... can this be?" Xiao Jingjing and others felt as if they had been struck by lightning, their minds reeling.


    Someone in the crowd was the first to regain their senses and couldn''t help but sigh, "Ding Wanchang finally had a son in hister years and doted on him excessively. The Ding Corporation is one of the top conglomerates in Binzhou.


    Almost no one disrespects them. This loser son-inw of the Xiao Family is finished. To have hurt Ding Wanchang''s son, just wait for his terrifying wrath."


    "Step! Step! Step!"


    Ling Fan walked towards Ding Shicheng step by step, showing no peculiarity, still as calm as ever.


    To this point, Ding Shicheng was still in a dazed state. Although he had not stepped into the realm of a martial artist, he was still a high-level practitioner in the mid-stage of body tempering; his punch carried at least three to five hundred pounds of force. Had he really been defeated just like that?


    And by that waste? Especially in front of Li Mengying, which was a total humiliation¡ªthis he couldn''t ept.


    Watching Ling Fan draw closer, he couldn''t help but say in terror, "What are you trying to do?"


    Liu Yuqiong, as if awoken from a dream, waspletely dumbfounded. Ling Fan had already offended the Li Family, and now the Ding family as well. Did he no longer wish to live?


    "Ling Fan, you''ve gone mad. Do you know what you''re doing? You can''t afford to offend Young Master Ding; stop right now," Liu Yuqiong urged anxiously.


    Xiao Jingjing and others finally came back to their senses, and with shock and anger, shouted, "Ling Fan, apologize to Young Master Ding right away. There might still be a chance for you. Otherwise, even Xiao Chubing could be dragged down by you."


    But even though they said this, their hearts were bursting with joy, thinking about how the Ding family would deal with him and put an end to his arrogance.


    "Do you know how powerful the Ding Corporation is? If you don''t get Young Master Ding''s forgiveness, you won''t even know how you died in Binzhou," Liu Jian also rebuked coldly.


    "Ling Fan, don''t let your emotions get the better of you. Just lower your head, and I can plead on your behalf," Liu Yuqiong said, her face pale as she urged again.


    Ling Fan, as if deaf to the surrounding voices, walked straight up to Ding Shicheng, crouched down next to him.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Was it you who asked me to kneel and apologize just now? Do you think that Ding Wanchang will definitely protect you, that the Ding Corporation is so amazing?"


    Ding Shicheng, meeting Ling Fan''s cold gaze, inexplicably felt a shiver in his heart!


    "Now, I''ll give you a chance. Call the most powerful person you can find. I want to see who dares toe to your rescue!


    But before that, you must kneel before me and repent wholeheartedly!" Ling Fan''s voice was like that from theherworld¡ªcold, indifferent, unquestionable.


    Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Ling Fan as if he were a madman, and even Xiao Jingjing and the rest opened their mouths wide, filled with disbelief.

 Chapter 6 - 6 A Bolt from the Blue

    <h4>Chapter 6: Chapter 6 A Bolt from the Blue</h4>


    Ding Shicheng''s chest heaved, his breathing rough, and he gnashed his teeth as he red at Ling Fan, seemingly forgetting even the heart-wrenching pain in the face of overwhelming humiliation and rage.


    Ling Fan stood up, his voice still cold, "It seems you are quite angry, quite unwilling. I am a man of my word, I''m giving you a chance for revenge.


    But right now, you must kneel and apologize. You have three seconds to consider, otherwise, I''ll break one of your legs."


    Ding Shicheng''s eyes were bloodshot. If he knelt now, how would he ever hold his head high again? He was weighing whether this madman would really dare to hurt him again, whether he really dared to break his limbs once more?


    Li Mengying finally recovered some rity from her shock, a rare uneasiness rising in her heart, alongside a hint of relief.


    As such, she only needed to sit back and watch; without having to take action herself, the Ding family would take care of this trash.


    However, since this incident arose because of her, if the Ding family really got angry, it might end badly with them holding a grudge against her, considering Ding Shicheng''s arm was crippled. But she did not take it to heart.


    Ling Fan''s cold and arrogant gaze turned to Ding Shicheng, revealing a hint of amusement, "Time''s up."


    "If you dare touch me again, you will understand what it means to ''beg for life but be unable to beg for death,''" Ding Shicheng squeezed out the words through clenched teeth.


    Ling Fan ignored his threat and instead pointed to Fang Jun, Liu Jian, Li Mengying, and the others, "They are your friends, right? You now have a chance, before I break your ''dog leg'', you can ask them for help."


    Upon being pointed out by Ling Fan, Fang Jun and the others trembled. They had greatly overestimated the friendship between them. If there was no trouble, that would be one thing, but who would foolishly step up when facing a tough nut to crack?


    It wasn''t that they were too scared of Ling Fan, but as the saying goes, a wise man does not court danger. Could they not see the guy was like a madman right now?


    He would bite anyone he encountered, and even if there was retaliation afterwards, so what? If things went wrong at this moment, it could mean broken arms and legs, and no one could bear that punishment for them.


    The so-called wise man not courting danger means exactly this, and before, when they knew that the son-inw of the Xiao Family was weak and easy to bully, they naturally didn''t mind stepping on him, giving him a p.


    But now things were different, even Ding Shicheng had his arm broken, so what right did they have to pretend to be heroes of Liangshan?


    "Heh, Young Master Ding, your poprity is just so-so, look, even your friends disdain to help you. You were standing up for Li Mengying, right? Guess whether she''ll stand up for you now or not?


    You pitiful fool, you say you don''t even have friends, yet you act all haughty and puffed up, you''re not impressive at all.


    Now, you have to lie here like a dog, while your so-called friends watch you kneel in front of me like they''re looking at a dog," Ling Fan sneered.


    Li Mengying''s face changed again and again, not expecting Ling Fan to take his final moments to disgust her onest time.


    By now, Ding Shicheng''s face had turned the color of a pig''s liver, his eyes too bloodshot to describe the horror.


    With a fierce look toward Fang Jun and the others, his threatening voice enunciated each word clearly, "Help me kill this bastard."


    Fang Jun and the others had fire in their eyes, wishing they could tear Ling Fan apart. It was too cruel; he was intent onpletely destroying them.


    If they stepped in now, they would certainly share the same fate as Young Master Ding. If they didn''t help, from the look in Ding Shicheng''s eyes just now, it was clear they would be resentedter.


    This move was too decisive. Fang Jun''s scalp numbed, Li Mengying''s face grew pale, Liu Jian almost crushed his steel teeth, and Xiao Jingjing felt a chill.


    With the situation having escted this far, as the hostess of the venue, Li Mengying could not just stand by and do nothing.


    Just as she was about to speak up, amotion came from the entrance.


    Fang Jun''s expression changed and he immediately burst with joy. Pointing at Ling Fan, he bellowed, "Security, security, there''s been a murder, hurry up and take this son of a bitch down, or your Tian Hao Hotel won''t be able to handle the fallout."


    With such a majormotion here, it would be strange if it didn''t attract the attention of the security. Upon receiving the message, the security captain rushed over with a dozen subordinates.


    Seeing the security guards arriving, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how formidable, no matter how good at fighting Ling Fan was, how could he fend off so many hands alone?


    Next, the look in his eyes toward Ling Fan changed to a cold sneer filled with annoyance and hatred.


    The crowd parted to form a pathway, and the head of security, a burly figure with dark skin, was a retired special forces soldier, not to bepared with the Xiao Family''s bodyguards.


    He strode into the center of the venue like a tiger riding the winds and his face changed dramatically when he saw Ding Shicheng lying on the ground.


    As the son of Ding Wanchang, he recognized him, and moreover, seeing that his arm was already destroyed, he, the head of security, couldn''t escape responsibility for the trouble that had urred at Tian Hao Hotel.


    "Brother Biao, help me kill this kid." Ding Shicheng finally saw hope and his face lit up with joy.


    The man''s name was Chen Biao, a master hired by Tian Hao Hotel for a hefty sum, and the captain of the Tian Hao security team with a special forces background.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Chen Biao responded, and without a second word, he issued orders to a dozen security guards behind him holding rubber batons, "Take down this troublemaker for me."


    "With a swoosh,"


    a dozen burly security guards holding rubber batons charged toward Ling Fan, their fierce appearances intimidating.


    "Snap!"


    "Aaah..."


    "I gave you three seconds to consider, otherwise you''re losing a dog''s leg, you think I''m making empty threats?" Ling Fan scoffed coldly, his foot swiftly and cleanly breaking one of Ding Shicheng''s legs.


    Instant silence fell over the entire hall, only Ding Shicheng''s piercing screams sent shivers down everyone''s spine, even the charging security guards froze in ce.


    Xiao Jingjing, Li Mengying, and others were utterly stunned.


    Chen Biao''s fist clenched tightly as his face went from one change to another, and he suddenly shouted fiercely, "Take him down!"


    Just then, a shrill roar came from the entrance, "Who''s the bastard in such a hurry to be reborn, daring toy a hand on my son?"


    With words striking like thunder, everyone in the venue froze, feeling a chilling dread sweep over the hall, enveloping every body.


    Hearing this exceedingly arrogant voice, Ding Shicheng, like a drowning person clutching at a lifeline, wailed tearfully, "Mom, save me, I want this bastard to die a horrible death, I want him to suffer in all eighteen levels of Hell..."


    Ding Shicheng''s mother, Han Fang, was infamous for her overprotectiveness. When Ding Shicheng had a conflict with someone at school, it involved a young man with a minor background who was unaware of the Ding family''s fearsome reputation. The matter, which could have been settled with an apology,


    was escted by Han Fang when she had someone break the boy''s limbs. That wasn''t enough; she forced the boy to drop out of school and used tough measures both openly and secretly to topple his family''s business to bankruptcy. The extent of her tyranny was now evident to all.


    Now that Ling Fan had broken Ding Shicheng''s limbs, the consequences he was about to face were far more severe than mere death.


    Everyone looking at Ling Fan no longer saw him as a dead man, but rather as someone who would endure thousands of cuts and yet be denied the release of death.


    Even Li Mengying felt a tightness in her heart, knowing that no matter the oue, she would be remembered with hostility by the Ding family.


    At the same time, she felt an immense sense of relief. The situation had unfolded to a point where she no longer needed to lift a finger; the Ding family would be the first to bury this waste, and all she had to do now was enjoy the show.


    Ling Fan''s brows furrowed slightly, he stood with his hands behind his back, and turned to look toward the entrance.


    "Tap tap tap..."


    A plump middle-aged woman with a sullen face hurried into the hall. When she saw Ding Shicheng lying on the ground wailing in pain, her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, radiating a towering rage from her gaze.


    The sound of her high heels striking the ground with cold rhythm, she quickly walked toward Ding Shicheng.

 Chapter 7: Wife Doting Demon

    <h4>Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Wife Doting Demon</h4>


    "Mom, save me!" Ding Shicheng wailed.


    Seeing Ding Shicheng''s miserable state, Han Fang''s eyes were about to split with fury, "Who was it? Who did this?"


    "It was him, this bastard. Mom, get revenge for me!" Ding Shicheng cried, his only intact arm trembling as he pointed at Ling Fan.


    Ling Fan nced disdainfully, "It was me who did it. What, you have a problem with that?"


    Han Fang, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, exploded from the inside out. Her face contorted ferociously as she roared at the security guards standing stupefied nearby.


    "Are you fucking useless? If you don''t kill this little bastard today, I guarantee I''ll kill you useless lot first."


    The group of security guards, frightened, braced themselves. This tigress was not someone they could afford to provoke. Without any further hesitation, they charged at Ling Fan as if facing a life-and-death enemy, hoping to take down the man in front and quell Han Fang''s terrifying rage.


    Liu Jian and others, who had just been tricked by Ling Fan, now wished to see him drop dead on the spot.


    "Hmph, you were so arrogant just now. Now let me see what you have to be arrogant about, you piece of shit trying to stir up waves." Xiao Jingjing said bitterly.


    Fang Jun and the others felt the same. Recalling how they had been yed by a mere ant just moments ago, it was as disgusting as stepping on dog poop or eating a fly, and they couldn''t wait for Ling Fan to be beaten to death with a stick.


    Liu Yuqiong looked worried. She hadn''t expected Ling Fan to remain so proud even now, not bowing his head at all¡ªperhaps knowing that bowing wouldn''t help.


    Suddenly, she felt a bit of admiration for him, admiring his unyielding spirit, that pride radiating from his very marrow.


    "Is this still the Xiao family''s worthless son-inw that she knew? Facing a life-and-death crisis, still calm, indifferent, putting life and death aside," Liu Yuqiong muttered to herself.


    "Unfortunately, in the face of absolute power, your calm and indifference are worthless. This is reality."


    Faced with the security guards charging at him like wolves and tigers, Ling Fan''s gaze turned cold, his figure moved rapidly, turning into a blur as he dodged back and forth.


    In a blink of an eye, sounds of muffled groans erupted, as if heavy hammers were striking at the hearts of the crowd.


    One could see the previously formidable team of security guards flying backward one after another, crashing into tables and chairs, causing a panic among the onlookers.


    In just a few breaths, everyone was lying on the ground, groaning in pain, each one with either a broken arm or a leg.


    The scene fell silent; when Ling Fan had knocked down Ding Shicheng with a punch earlier, people only thought he was skilled, not feeling how formidable he was.


    Even Xiao Jingjing, though surprised, wasn''t very fearful.


    But now, with Ling Fan taking down a group of well-trained security guards in just a few breaths, the visual impact was too shocking. It wasn''t just about being able to fight; it was damn good fighting.


    Li Mengying looked at him seriously for the first time, disbelief deep in her eyes.


    Fang Jun and the others were like ducks whose necks had been caught, unable to utter a sound.


    Liu Yuqiong''s eyes sparkled lightly, "Is this your trump card? Indeed, it is very surprising, but the Ding family is not just some entity that can be dealt with by fighting; their energy far exceeds your imagination."


    Ling Fan shed in one swift movement, arriving right in front of Han Fang, "Do you have a problem with that?"


    Han Fang snapped out of her reverie, stepping back involuntarily. She was a madwoman, but not a fool; she knew she had hit a hard rock today.


    The few bodyguards behind her were no match. She had been ying cards upstairs with friends and had rushed down in a hurry after receiving the news, unprepared.


    Yet, she wasn''t scared. Yes, to her, Ling Fan was at most a rock. Not to mention a rock, even if it were a sheet of iron, she was confident she could melt it into iron water.


    "Young man, you really surprise people. No wonder you dare to be so arrogant, but it seems you still don''t know whom you''re dealing with," Han Fang sneered, her voice as chilling as a bone-scraping cold wind.


    "Zhong Qiang, please the old master."


    Behind her, a man in his thirties in a suit looked gravely at Ling Fan, weighing his options and deeming himself no match, thus he respectfully said:


    "Madam, I have already notified the chairman, he should be arriving soon."


    Han Fang, assessing the situation, also knew the current circumstances, so she didn''t lose her reason and let her personal bodyguard Zhong Qiang go and get himself killed. Knowing he was outmatched and still fighting would just be humiliating herself.


    "It seems you are much smarter than your foolish son. You understand that a wise man does not eat the losses before his eyes, otherwise you wouldn''t have had your leg broken by me," Ling Fan said lightly.


    Just when Han Fang''s anger had settled, it abruptly surged up to her Niwan Pce, her face turning an iron blue as she stared at the arrogantly calm Ling Fan.


    Yes, calmness is a form of arrogance, and an extreme one at that. At this moment, Ling Fan''sposure greatly irritated her. Shouldn''t he be panicked, uneasy, fearful?


    Han Fang couldn''t figure it out. Did he truly have some powerful backing?


    Xiao Jingjing, standing nearby, seemed to detect Han Fang''s hesitation. Her eyes shed as she spoke in a voice neither loud nor soft, "He is our Xiao Family''s useless son-inw, but now he has no rtions with the Xiao Family anymore."


    Ling Fan, eyes downcast, thought that the lesson he had given this womanst time was still too light; she hadn''t learned her lesson at all.


    At the moment, with her eyes slightly narrowed and a hint of murderous intent passing through them, Han Fang realized he was Xiao Zhengping''s worthless son-inw and thought there was some backing behind him.


    Challenged by a worthless man, if she didn''tpletely annihte him, others might think the Ding family was nothing but a paper tiger.


    Soon any Tom, Dick, or Harry might jump out and bark a few times. In her mind, Han Fang had already sentenced him to death.


    Ling Fan felt the murderous intent emanating from Han Fang, lifted his head to meet her cold eyes, and snorted lightly, "Madam Ding, I advise you to best drop those little schemes. If I were you, I would have your son kneel before me to apologize and seek my forgiveness.


    Then admit your failure in teaching your son, who identally offended me, say a few good words to me, and I might forgive you and let you and your son leave."


    From the information gathered by Vermilion Bird, he had learned some of Han Fang''s secrets, so he really did not put this arrogant woman in his eyes.


    "p!"


    Someone''s cup identally fell and shattered on the marble floor.


    "Mad,pletely mad." Xiao Jingjing''s thoughts hade to a halt.


    Li Mengying''s expression changed; she found that she had underestimated this useless man''s level of arrogance again and again. Did this guy truly have the strength, or was he really out of his mind?


    The onlookers all inhaled sharply.


    Fang Jun and Liu Jian among others were nearly popping their eyes out; they knew the Xiao Family''s useless son-inw was outrageously arrogant, but they had never expected it to this extent¡ªit was beyond describing him as courting death.


    Although their families had some assets,paring them with the Ding family was likeparing a husky with a Tibetan mastiff¡ªnot at all on the same level.


    And Ling Fan was like an ant; they couldn''t figure out where this ant got the courage and confidence to be so arrogant?


    Ding Wanchang, a legendary Wife Doting Demon; Ling Fan was the first to have dared to threaten Han Fang like this.


    One should say he was the first still alive because those who had crossed this woman before had all been sent by Ding Wanchang to Hell for repentance.


    Ding Wanchang had only had this precious son at the age of forty and truly dotes on this woman and their son to the skies.


    In Binzhou, anyone who knew Han Fang andcked power would walk around them, afraid of unknowingly offending them and not knowing how they died.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    And here was this young man, daring to bully his woman and son. It was simply courting death.


    "Bastard, I''m going to tear you apart." Han Fang had lost all reason. She was already not far from Ling Fan and with three steps taken in two, she reached him and swung her hand¡ªwith sharp nails aimed to hit.


    If she caught him, it would surely leave a fleshly mess¡ªnever underestimate a woman''s Nine Yin White Bone w.


    Han Fang waspletely blinded by rage, it was an uncontroble instinctual reaction, and even the bodyguards hadn''t reacted yet.


    Ling Fan, unafraid, casually grabbed her wrist.


    He sneered, "Are youfortable living at 178 Qi Yuan Road?"


    "What?" Han Fang was as if struck by lightning, suddenly freezing, her pupils shrinking to the extreme. Even her surging rage copsed and she showed a rare look of horror.


    Ling Fan snorted coldly, shook his wrist, and released Han Fang''s arm.


    Unable to withstand Ling Fan''s strength, Han Fang''s body swayed. Stumbling backwards, she ''pped'' to the ground butpletely forgot the pain as her eyes fixated on Ling Fan.


    This scene was just seen by a middle-aged man entering the hall, who instantly roared, furious as thunder, "Insolent! How dare you touch my woman and son! I will tear you to pieces and throw your remains to the wilderness for the dogs."


    The bystanders, terrified by the roar, turned pale, silent as cicadas in winter, hurriedly retreating. The Wife Doting Demon, Ding Wanchang, had arrived.

 Chapter 8 - 8 Are you calling me?

    <h4>Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Are you calling me?</h4>


    Ding Wanchang, who was already sixty-one this year, was well preserved; he looked to be in his early fifties, while Han Fang was a whole fifteen years younger than him.


    "Xiao Fang, how are you feeling, are you hurt?" Ding Wanchang asked with a face full of tense concern.


    "Shicheng''s arms and legs are broken. If you don''t kill this bastard today, I will die right in front of you," Han Fang said, enunciating each word clearly.


    The words Ling Fan had just uttered startled her, or more urately, scared her; she wasn''t sure what the other party actually knew.


    However, this man must die today.


    Hearing Han Fang''s words, the authoritative aura of Ding Wanchang, who had climbed his way to the top over the years, burst forthpletely¡ªhe had started his career in the underworld and was responsible for countless lives.


    His gaze was as sharp as a de as he nced at Ding Shicheng, his pupils constricting slightly¡ªbroken arms and legs meant the attacker was ruthless.


    "You did this!" Ding Wanchang looked at Ling Fan and said in a deep voice.


    It wasn''t a question, but rather a confirmation.


    "Indeed," Ling Fan replied, as unperturbed as ever.


    The spectators around them didn''t dare make a sound, and Xiao Jingjing, Liu Yuqiong, and others stared fixedly at Ling Fan.


    Li Mengying''s lips curled into a cold smirk. Considering the situation, how could he still be soposed?


    "Old Chen, cripple him, but don''t kill him¡ªI want him alive," Ding Wanchang ordered without giving Ling Fan another nce.


    At this moment, Ding Wanchang seemed calm, but those who knew him were aware that he was extremely angry.


    "Yes!" an elder behind him responded.


    Ling Fan nced over; he had noticed this person when he entered, dressed in a ck robe, sprightly despite looking over sixty, his real age likely even greater.


    "Not bad, having a martial artist as a personal bodyguard. It must have not been easy to find someone like him. Out of respect for Xiao Chubing, I''ll give you a chance to talk privately," Ling Fan said, ignoring the elder and staring at Ding Wanchang.


    "Hm?" Ding Wanchang was taken aback, puzzled.


    He still didn''t know Ling Fan''s identity; after all, the wastrel was too infamous¡ªmany had heard of him but hadn''t seen him in person.


    "I''ll say this once only; considering that you were the only one among the few families who didn''t kick Tian Yun when it was down, I''m giving you a chance," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Wanchang, he is just a worthless son-inw of the Xiao Family; even the Xiao Family has left him to fend for himself. What are you hesitating for?" Han Fang said furiously.


    Ding Wanchang was stunned. So it was that waste from the Xiao Family. He stared at Ling Fan, punctuating each word, "Did you just threaten me?"


    He had business dealings with Xiao Chubing and found her forthright nature quite agreeable; the two were personally on good terms.


    "It seems you''ve misunderstood. There''s only one chance¡ªweigh it for yourself," Ling Fan said without even the slightest concern for Ding Wanchang.


    Everyone around was utterly shocked. What the hell was happening?


    Xiao Jingjing, Liu Jian, and others felt like their heads were going to explode; this plot twist wasn''t what they had expected.


    Li Mengying''s expression grew serious as she silently watched the unfolding situation.


    Indeed, Ling Fan didn''t fear Ding Wanchang. With his memory restored, he was no longer the useless person ridiculed by everyone but Ling Beiming, War Emperor Beiming. Even if he truly annihted the Ding family, so what?


    He was the one with the real power now; he couldn''t care less about appeasing anyone. Annoyed? Tough luck.


    Ding Wanchang''s expression changed again and again. He hade over as soon as he got the message, totally unaware of what exactly was happening.


    But seeing the other party''s confident demeanor, it seemed that he was no simpleton and certainly not the waste people spoke of. Moreover, at a nce, he could tell that Old Chen was a martial artist.


    It should be noted that apart from Ding Wanchang himself, no one knew of Old Chen''s identity as a martial artist¡ªnot even his wife and children.


    In a moment''s time, his thoughts raced. "Let''s speak a step aside. If you can''t give me a satisfactory answer, you know the consequences. I, Ding Wanchang, didn''t get to where I am today by being easily fooled."


    Upon Ding Wanchang''s words, everyone''s expression turned as if they had seen a ghost. That was Ding Wanchang, for heaven''s sake. Was he actually...promising?


    "Wanchang, if you''re not willing to kill this son of a bitch, do you still have the mood to listen to his nonsense?" Han Fang was angry, or more precisely, terrified.


    "I have my own considerations and will surely give you a satisfactory answer," Ding Wanchang waved his hand, curious about what Ling Fan had to say.


    Han Fang knew further talk was pointless. Although Ding Wanchang doted on her, when it came to serious matters, he was firm in his decisions.


    Ling Fan whispered rapidly into Ding Wanchang''s ear, without a single pause, providing no time for Ding Wanchang to deliberate, and finished saying everything in less than two minutes.


    Han Fang, observing the two standing side by side, clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her long nails digging into her flesh, yet she felt nothing.


    "Boss Ding, if you insist on seeking revenge, I won''t stop you, but let me remind you onest time, relying on Old Chen to deal with me is still not enough," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Everyone''s minds were swirling with stars and question marks, unsure of what Ling Fan had said to Ding Wanchang, who stood motionless for a long time, his shoulders asionally trembling, his hands clutching his hair, seemingly in great pain and conflict.


    "Could it be that this good-for-nothing brought out some powerful backer, making Ding Wanchang extremely wary and unable to contemte revenge?" The crowd conjured up a ridiculous idea.


    "Did Ding Wanchang really let this bastard off just like that?" Xiao Jingjing looked as though she had seen a ghost, hardly believing it.


    If Ding Wanchang could swallow this insult, it would be akin to Mars colliding with Earth.


    Han Fang hesitated briefly, then approached Ding Wanchang, and the two conversed face to face, though no one knew about what.


    Fang Jun, Liu Jian, and others exchanged puzzled looks. That''s it? The good-for-nothing subdued Ding Wanchang with just a few words?


    Li Mengying also watched Ling Fan withplex eyes, feeling uncertain. Today''s events had overturned everything she had imagined.


    "Could this worthless son-inw of the Xiao Family be hiding something?" Li Mengying silently wondered.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Just then, an astonishing turn of events urred.


    "p!"


    A crisp p echoed unexpectedly in the hall.


    The crowd''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as they processed what they had seen¡ªMars colliding with Earth.


    They saw the Wife Doting Demon, Ding Wanchang, actually pping Han Fang across the face. Due to the excessive force, Han Fang was sent flying to the ground, her face quickly swelling up.


    "Hiss..."


    The hall filled with the sound of sharp intakes of breath as everyone''s gaze immediately fixed on Ling Fan''s location.


    Was it this young man who said something to Ding Wanchang, prompting the man known as the "Wife Doting Demon" to strike his own wife? Could this universally despised good-for-nothing possess some heaven-defying background?


    Fang Jun and others naturally considered this possibility as it was the only exnation that made sense.


    What kind of person was Ding Wanchang, to be so frightened that he hit his own wife? If it had been an ordinary man, it would be one thing, but this was the legendary "Wife Doting Demon."


    Furthermore, he had struck his wife in public. Noter than tomorrow, this news would likely spread throughout the upper circles of Binhai.


    Contemting the various possibilities, Fang Jun, Liu Jian, and others who had previously mocked and ridiculed Ling Fan turned pale and weak at the knees. This was trouble with a capital T.


    In the midst of the shocked and puzzled crowd, Ding Wanchang was seen leaving with a dark expression on his face. His bodyguards carried the already unconscious Ding Shicheng to receive medical attention, while Han Fang followed behind, looking utterly despondent and drained.


    Just then, a group of people poured in from the entrance. Upon seeing Ding Wanchang, one of them, panic-stricken, said, "Boss Ding, I heard your son was injured. I will definitely give you a satisfactory exnation and severely penalize..."


    "Get lost!" Ding Wanchang burst out furiously and stormed off.


    The man immediately lost his fire, but still wore a smile full of apologies. He was none other than Shen Zhengyang, the manager of the five-star Tian Hao Hotel.


    He had received a call from Chen Biao the moment the incident urred and, after a brief understanding of the situation, had hurried over as if his backside was on fire.


    He had heard that the Li Family was hosting a banquet here today to resolve grievances with that waste son-inw from the Xiao Family. But how did it somehow be involved with Ding Shicheng being beaten and crippled?


    Standing beside Shen Zhengyang was a young man, his master, Zhou Tai, the heir to the Zhou Group, who had just returned from studying business management abroad to take over the family business.


    This Tian Hao Hotel is one of Zhou Family''s properties. Only a few days after taking over, he was informed that someone hade to make trouble and mess up the ce. This was nothing less than a p to his face, and he heard the troublemaker was a notorious waste son-inw from Binzhou.


    Especially after seeing Ding Wanchang''splexion, he had not been back long and had not yet managed towork; he had already offended someone.


    Anger boiling over, he cursed, "Damn it, who dares to cause trouble on my turf,e forward immediately and amputate your own arms."


    Witnessing this, everyone was thrown into a state of shock as the Zhou Family in Binhai was a top-tier power, surpassing the Ding Family and considered on par with the Feng Family, both having significant backgrounds.


    Liu Yuqiong''splexion drastically changed the moment Zhou Tai appeared, knowing well that he was interested in Li Mengying.


    He may well use this opportunity to capture her heart. If Ling Fan shed with Zhou Family, his fate would be sealed.


    "Are you calling for me?" Ling Fan had, at some point, appeared right in front of Zhou Tai.

 Chapter 9: Give Me an Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Give Me an Exnation</h4>


    Zhou Tai looked disdainful, "Beat it, what are you supposed to be? I''m asking who''s causing trouble on my turf. Is it you?"


    In his eyes, anyone who could make Ding Wanchang back down had to be at least in their mid-thirties, an extraordinary figure of some sort.


    And the young man in his twenties before him looked like nothing special, had hee to make a joke? Or was he just some clown who had bounced in from nowhere?


    The onlookers wore peculiar expressions as Young Master Zhou had just returned to the country, so it wasn''t strange that he didn''t recognize Ling Fan.


    However, upon seeing Zhou Tai, a flicker of interest passed through Li Mengying''s eyes. Ding Wanchang''s submission had caught her off guard, and she was unsure whether she could handle this trash herself.


    Fang Jun and the others were so excited their faces turned red. Ling Fan was a scourge they had deeply offended, and naturally, they were thrilled to see someone formidablee to deal with him.


    "This idiot actually bumped into Young Master Zhou, just wait for him to die," Xiao Jingjing''s face, previously pale with fright, finally regained its color.


    A man she had always seen as worthless had suddenly be someone she looked up to¡ªthe disparity was too much for her toe to terms with.


    Li Mengying also harbored some expectations, hoping this Young Master Zhou wouldn''t disappoint her, not embarrassing himself like that trash Ding Shicheng.


    A trash she despised had suddenly be someone even the Li Family feared; this was something she couldn''t ept.


    So, she hoped that Zhou Tai could squash Ling Fan like an ant.


    Liu Yuqiong felt anxious behind Ling Fan, knowing that the Zhou Family''s energy couldn''tpare to Ding Wanchang''s. The Ding family was terrifying enough, but they stillgged a few levels behind the Zhou Family.


    She had no idea how Ling Fan managed to get Ding Wanchang to give up on revenge, but that didn''t mean he could handle Zhou Tai as well.


    Right now, all she could do was worry. Even if she wanted to help, it was out of the question¡ªthe Liu Family might be a powerful n in Binzhou, but they were still vastly inferior to the Zhou Family.


    "I am the one you''re looking for. So, do you want to end up like that guy they carried out just now?" Ling Fan said, his face half-smile, half-mockery.


    "Hm?" Zhou Tai''s expression darkened, finally taking a serious look at the young man before him.


    "It''s you causing trouble here? That famous waste son-inw from the Xiao Family?" Zhou Tai now recalled that his men had mentioned something about the troublemaker being a waste son-inw from the Xiao Family.


    "Young Master Zhou, he''s here to cause trouble for my Li Family. Just earlier, Young Master Ding spoke on my behalf, and he broke Ding''s arms and legs.


    I think it''s better for you not to get involved, Young Master Zhou. If something happens to you too, I wouldn''t want to be distrusted and resented by the Zhou Family," Li Mengying said with a loaded implication.


    Ling Fan cast a meaningful look at Li Mengying, finding this woman rather interesting. The reputation of the Li Family''s social butterfly was indeed well-earned; with just a sentence, she had pushed Zhou Tai to the front line.


    In truth, the Li Family was only seemingly strong, relying solely on Li Mengying, the socialite, and her maniptive tactics to leverage power.


    There were even rumors that the Li Family''s heir wasn''t the sole male, Li Guohao, but Li Mengying herself, which showed how capable she was.


    Zhou Tai''s eyes lit up upon seeing Li Mengying, a glint of greed passing through. He was familiar with the four great beauties of Binzhou.


    But he fancied Li Mengying the most as she always had a charm that could trigger thunder and fire.


    However, he felt slightly displeased upon hearing Li Mengying''s words, "Xiao Ying, that''s not very fun of you to equate that trash Ding Shicheng with me. We had a deal¡ªif I take care of this trash for you, how about you be my girlfriend?"


    Zhou Tai wasn''t stupid; he was looking for an opportunity to win over Li Mengying. After all, even Ding Wanchang had shown weakness, indicating that this trash before him must have some tricks up his sleeve.


    The Li Family would probably lose a couple of teeth trying to deal with him, but to him, Zhou Tai, it was no big deal. In Binzhou, the Zhou Family truly feared no one.


    "Hehe, Young Master Zhou, you are quite confident? Is this a letter of allegiance you''re offering, or a betrothal gift? If you want to pursue me, you''ll need to show some sincerity, and handling this kid might not be enough!" Li Mengying said with a coquettish smile.


    Zhou Tai, hearing Li Mengying''s response, immediately felt reassured, as if she had implied agreement, "Hehe, you will definitely see my sincerity!"


    A trace of smugness crossed Li Mengying''s heart. This was her tactic, maneuvering amongst the scions of noble houses, making them willingly do her bidding.


    However, she was also somewhat moved by Zhou Tai. After all, the Zhou Family''s influence was clear for anyone to see. If she could hook up with him, the Li Family would surely ascend several ranks.


    Mainly, she had other ns. She couldn''t quite see through Ling Fan, this waste, and withoutplete certainty, she didn''t mind drawing disaster to someone else. Letting Zhou Tai deal with him was the best choice.


    "Kid, I don''t know how you did it, beating up Young Master Ding Wanchang and he let you off, but I''m not him. Maybe you have some background.


    But it''s useless against me. Causing trouble here, daring to bother Miss Li, if you can''t give me a satisfactory exnation, the consequences are not something you can afford," Zhou Tai said with ease, not taking Ling Fan seriously at all.


    "Hehe, how would you like me to exin?" Ling Fan asked, amused, another pawn with an overinted sense of self-worth.


    Zhou Tai showed impatience, "Didn''t you hear me clearly? Break your own arms and kneel to beg for mercy, that would be your exnation. Do you need my help?"


    "Hmm, your suggestion isn''t bad, I''m just curious where your confidencees from."


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "By being the heir of the Zhou Family, is that enough?"


    "Zhou Family?" Ling Fan mused.


    Seeing Ling Fan''s hesitant expression, Zhou Tai felt a surge of pleasure and was very satisfied with his reaction. The reputation of the Zhou Family was indeed formidable enough to cow others.


    Seems like his family''s influence had grown even greater during the years he had spent abroad, and he was proud of his family''s strength.


    Li Mengying secretly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart, it seemed her judgment was correct. Zhou Tai could indeed handle this ''waste'', much better than Ding Shicheng.


    "Hmm, that''s enough!" Ling Fan nodded slightly as if after serious consideration.


    Zhou Tai lifted his proud chin, like a victorious general, and shed a smug smile at Li Mengying.


    But in the next second, an abrupt change urred.


    Ling Fan moved as fast as lightning, pping Zhou Tai''s face with a palm infused with Inner Strength.


    Zhou Tai felt a great force hit him, sending his body flying into the air.


    But Ling Fan didn''t let him fly away. He grabbed Zhou Tai''s arm and shook it violently while pressing down on his shoulder, forcefully smashing him to the ground.


    "Crack!"


    "Thud!"


    A series of bone-cracking sounds filled the hall, sending shivers down the onlookers'' spines.


    The marble floor tiles cracked, Zhou Tai''s arms hung limply, he knelt on the ground with his knee bones shattered, his face as pale as a dead man.


    The surrounding crowd waspletely numb. They had witnessed Ling Fan''s audacity along the way and now realized that this guy truly feared neither heaven nor earth, having directly crippled Young Master Zhou. He had punctured a hole in the Binzhou''s sky.


    "Your suggestion was very good; I''ve helped you break your arms and kneel to beg for mercy. Now you can inform the Patriarch Zhou and ask if he dares to demand an exnation from me?" Ling Fan spoke chillingly, as if an Arctic breeze swept through the hall, making everyone''s color change in fright.

 Chapter 10 - 10 The Young Master Seeks Forgiveness

    <h4>Chapter 10: Chapter 10 The Young Master Seeks Forgiveness</h4>


    Xiao Jingjing, Li Mengying, Fang Jun, and others experienced aplete mental short-circuit, feeling as if their understanding of the world was repeatedly being reconstructed and then shattered again, teetering on the brink of copse.


    The onlookers had long lost theirposure¡ªthis was Zhou Tai, the heir to the Zhou Family, who didn''t even blink as he dered someone''s downfall as though it were nothing?


    Everyone''s minds went nk.


    Zhou Tai''s whole body twitched, intense pain spreading through his head, his brain feeling like a helicopter was roaring inside, and his vision turned dark and dull.


    More than the physical pain was the trauma of a spirit on the verge of copse.


    Zhou Tai''s eyes were empty, devoid of life, unable to ept the reality before him, feeling as if all his dignity had shattered like ss in an instant, leaving nothing but fragments strewn about.


    In the hall, people gradually collected their thoughts, the previous scene having unfolded too quickly and swiftly.


    For a moment, everyone''s gaze was focused on Ling Fan as if they had seen a ghost.


    At that moment, Zhou Tai was as miserable as one could be, not only with both arms broken and knee shattered but also with his jaw dislocated and nasal bones broken, his mouth filled with fresh blood and broken teeth.


    Despite the excruciating pain that almost caused him to spasm, he couldn''t utter a single word because the blood had blocked his throat and mouth.


    Ling Fan showed no mercy, his calm presence causing the temperature in the already silent hall to drop further.


    "Next time, remember, before you show off, wipe your eyes clean and don''t talk so much." With that, Ling Fan turned to look at the pale Li Mengying.


    Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from the entrance.


    "Who is Ling Fan?"


    Hearing the voice, Zhou Tai''s muddled thoughts regained a sliver of rity, and his body trembled violently.


    His father, Patriarch Zhou Zhenxiong of the Zhou Family, had arrived.


    "Dad, save me!" Zhou Tai knelt on the ground, shouting as loudly as he could.


    In the silent hall, his voice was exceptionally clear, filled with pain, agitation, and grievance.


    Suddenly, everyone''s attention shifted to the entrance.


    One of Binzhou City''s true bigshots, Patriarch Zhou Zhenxiong.


    Ling Fan looked in the direction of the voice and saw a middle-aged man with a square face wearing a Sun Yat-sen suit, appearing to be in his fifties, with small but piercing and wise eyes full of experience.


    He was apanied by only one elderly man, but no one present dared to ignore him.


    Patriarch Zhou stood there, an ordinary man, yet exuding an intense aura of authority that made it hard for others to breathe.


    In fact, many people quickly averted their gaze after looking at Patriarch Zhou,cking the courage to look any longer.


    This was a giant who could make the whole Binzhou City quake with a single stamp of his foot!


    Li Mengying''splexion changed slightly¡ªwhile she was able to handle second-generation heirs like Zhou Tai with ease, facing a major figure like Patriarch Zhou Zhenxiong pressured her significantly.


    "Dad, kill him, kill him!" Zhou Tai''s face flushed with excitement, believing in his heart that his father was omnipotent.


    Patriarch Zhou nced at Zhou Tai and then at Ling Fan. Despite decades of Qi cultivation skill, he couldn''t keep his heart from trembling at that moment.


    Immediately, with a stern face, he walked step by step toward Ling Fan.


    Instantly, life returned to Zhou Tai''s eyes, and his blood boiled with anticipation of his father avenging him.


    The others in the hall turned their gaze to Ling Fan, their expressions one of silent mourning.


    Patriarch Zhou''s pace was unhurried, but each step seemed heavy on the hearts of the onlookers, suffocating them.


    Soon, Patriarch Zhou came face to face with Ling Fan.


    In the hall, the atmosphere reached its peak of tension.


    "You''re the one who injured my son? What audacity! Uncle Lu, take action!" Patriarch Zhou ordered coldly, his voice barely concealing his murderous intent.


    Just then, amidst the oppressive and heavy atmosphere of the hall, a series of heavy ''tap tap tap'' footsteps suddenly echoed.


    The crowd couldn''t help but turn their heads to look, seeing a man in a suit and leather shoes with an air of distinction, who rushed in with a panicked expression!


    The people in the hall looked at each other in confusion, unsure of the neer''s identity.


    "Cao Jinghui?" The elder beside Patriarch Zhou was startled and muttered to himself.


    This man was the powerhouse behind the Zhou Family in Jiangbei, and it was unexpected for him to appear here so suddenly.


    Ling Fan raised an eyebrow at the sight; this guy was from the Li Family managing affairs in Jiangbei and was, in a way, a subordinate of Vermilion Bird.


    He hade to Binzhou City specifically to pay his respects to Vermilion Bird, who had arrived.


    Because Vermilion Bird had some business to take care of, Cao Jinghui had been caught on short notice by Vermilion Bird and was secretly following by his side, ready to serve at a moment''s notice.


    With Cao Jinghui''s appearance in the hall, dripping with cold sweat, the Zhou Family had collided with the mysterious Young Master Ling, and without mentioning the impending misfortune of the Zhou Family, he would be in big trouble himself.


    This fellow''s reputation in Jiangbei was thunderous; no one was unaware of him.


    However, he had always been low-key and seldom appeared in public, making him almost unrecognizable to most people.


    When Zhou Zhenxiong saw the person who had walked in, his body trembled violently, and his face filled with shock.


    When had Cao Jinghuie to Binzhou City? And how could he appear here suddenly without even a greeting?


    All of a sudden, as if he had realized something, he heard that a very important figure had recently arrived in Binzhou, someone behind the scenes who backed the Zhou Family.


    "Could it be..."


    Having thought up to this point, Zhou Zhenxiong immediatelyposed himself, abandoned Ling Fan, and hurried over to Cao Jinghui.


    "Big Brother Cao, you...." Zhou Zhenxiong greeted him excitedly.


    Cao Jinghui approached him without a sideways nce, pushed him away with a single motion, and walked past him straight towards Ling Fan.


    "Young Master Ling, I''m sorry, how do you wish to deal with the Zhou Family?" Cao Jinghui arrived in front of Ling Fan and said with fear and trepidation.


    As soon as these words were spoken, Zhou Zhenxiong felt as if he had been struck by Five Thunders and nearly fell to the ground!


    There was dead silence in the hall; no one knew who this neer was, with such a haughty tone.


    Amidst this silence, under everyone''s stupefied gaze, Zhou Zhenxiong ''thump'' fell to his knees.


    "Ling... Young Master Ling, Zhou Mou has been blind; please, Young Master, forgive me!" Zhou Zhenxiong pleaded, his face deathly pale with fear.


    This... this... how could this be?


    In that moment, inside the hall, it was as if there were no living souls left, not even the sound of a heartbeat or breath could be heard.


    Xiao Jingjing''s face turned ashen, Fang Jun and others looked as if they had been struck by a cmity, and Li Mengying had the expression of someone who had been utterly screwed over.


    Only Liu Yuqiong felt like she was riding a roller coaster¡ªnervous yet excited to an extreme, and with her hand over her mouth and eyes wide open, she was full of disbelief.


    "Dad, dad, what''s wrong with you? Just kill him!" After several breaths, Zhou Tai let out a miserable scream; he was going mad.


    Who was this person? In the whole of Binzhou, there was nobody that his father would kneel to.


    This guy had just returned from overseas, and although he was the heir to the Zhou Family, he had heard of Cao Jinghui but had never had the chance to meet him before.


    "Shut your mouth, and if you spout nonsense again, I''ll cripple you myself," Zhou Zhenxiong shouted angrily.


    At this moment, his heart was full of turmoil and nerves. Just who had Zhou Tai offended to bring about such a dreadful situation?


    Zhou Zhenxiong was furious, angry at Zhou Tai; the Zhou Family was facing an existential crisis.


    Kneeling on the ground, Zhou Taipletely forgot the pain his body was experiencing, his heart filled with endless fear.


    He wasn''t stupid; someone before whom even his father wouldn''t dare to offend, someone who would prostrate¡ªhow terrifying must that person be?


    Initially, he had no need to provoke the other party, but because of a woman, he had been irrational and cmity had befallen him. Now he was filled with regret.


    On the other hand, Li Mengying, who had been looking forward to this, felt a chill through her body, as though her heart had been frozen.


    Who was this person? How could the Xiao Family''s worthless son-inw possess such power?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It''s over!


    All is over!


    The Li Family is finished!


    Xiao Jingjing had a pale face, with a vacant look in her eyes.


    "How could this happen?"


    "What, what, what is going on?"


    "Isn''t he just a useless son-inw? How could he have such connections?"


    Looking at Fang Jun, Liu Jian, and others, they were ashen-faced, full of regret.


    The thought of how they had struck and mocked Ling Fan before made them terrified now.


    Someone who even Zhou Zhenxiong wouldn''t dare to offend, with a background so frightening¡ªif Ling Fan wished, they couldn''t even begin to imagine their own fates.


    Ling Fan''s gaze shifted, a bit surprised to discover that the Zhou Family had some connection with the Vermilion Bird.


    "Enough, I won''t make things difficult for the Zhou Family, but from now on, he can''t be the Family Head!" Ling Fan said indifferently as he pointed at Zhou Tai.


    Upon hearing these words, Zhou Zhenxiong felt a tremor in his heart, and at the same time, he let out a silent sigh of relief.


    "What?"


    Everyone was dumbstruck, looking at Ling Fan in disbelief, and the hall was engulfed in dead silence once again.

 Chapter 11: Everyone Trembles at the Hongmen Banquet!

    <h4>Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Everyone Trembles at the Hongmen Banquet!</h4>


    The onlookers immediately lost their ability to think; just one sentence was about to ruin the heir of the Zhou Family?


    Upon hearing this, Zhou Tai felt as if struck by lightning, his eyes turning blood red.


    If he lost his position as the heir, he would be nothing but trash, a fate more painful than death.


    His gaze fixed steadfastly on his father, at this moment, heaven and hell seemed just a thought away for him, the extreme mental tension made him forget even the physical pain.


    Zhou Zhenxiong''s face stiffened, and after taking a deep breath, he respectfully said to Ling Fan, "I will follow Young Master''s arrangements!"


    ''Pff.....''


    Zhou Tai could not withstand the shock, extreme anger overwhelmed him, and he violently spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Agreed... agreed?" The onlookers were dumbstruck.


    Li Mengying trembled, her face turned pale, an indescribable feeling in her heart; realizing matters had escted, she began to ponder various possible countermeasures.


    Xiao Jingjing''s face drained of color, suddenly feeling the whole world had gone mad!


    Ling Fan looked meaningfully at Zhou Zhenxiong, not expecting this man to also be a formidable figure, truly capable of abandoning his son.


    Actually, for Zhou Zhenxiong, there was nothing to hesitate about, between the entire family and Zhou Tai, he would definitely choose the former!


    After all, it was just a change of heir, he didn''t only have this one son, it was just that Zhou Tai was more outstanding.


    "From tomorrow, I don''t want to hear the name ''Li Family'' in Binzhou!" said Ling Fan, pointing towards Li Mengying.


    "Your son was just being used by her as a pawn, here''s your chance for revenge."


    Li Mengying shivered, barely keeping her bnce, Ling Fan had not given her a straight look from the beginning, crushing all her pride.


    Zhou Zhenxiong nced resentfully at Li Mengying, "Rest assured, Young Master Ling, I will ensure a satisfactory oue."


    The Li Family, in their Zhou Family''s eyes, really wasn''t much, the only slight concern was their rtion with the Feng Family.


    But daring to use his son, even the Feng Family would be useless, everyone has their own backing and connections, he wasn''t afraid, especially when assisting Ling Fan.


    "By the way, I heard that there''s a new vice chairman in Zhou Dafu under the Zhou Family, I find that person quite ufortable!" Ling Fan said casually.


    Zhou Zhenxiong''s heart shuddered, he quickly responded, "Rest assured, Young Master Ling, I know what to do!"


    Xiao Jingjing was dumbfounded, almost copsing to the ground, wasn''t the vice chairman of Zhou Dafu Zhang Xu?


    She immediately regretted offending Ling Fan, murmuring to herself, "How could this guy have so much power?"


    "I leave this to you, take special care of these twods." Ling Fan ordered, pointing at Liu Jian and Fang Jun.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Seeing Ling Fan pointing at them, both men''s legs went weak, copsing to the ground, faces ashen.


    Leaving these words, he walked out of the hall under the fearful gazes of the crowd.


    Zhou Tai watched Ling Fan walk towards the door, eyes filled with resentful poison.


    Liu Yuqiong hesitated for a moment, suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart, and followed him out.


    Ling Fan had just reached the door when his phone rang.


    Pulling it out, he saw a call from his colleague, Xu Miaotong; he was supposed to be at work today but had taken a leave suddenly!


    Probably the bosses were worried and sent someone to check on him!


    "Hello!" Ling Fan answered the call.


    "Brother Fan, there''s trouble at the store, a guy named Li Guohao came with people looking for you by name, Sister Ying asked me to secretly notify you, suggesting you avoiding to work these days!" Xu Miaotong said nervously on the phone.


    "Hmm?" Ling Fan''s expression suddenly turned cold.


    "Don''t worry, I''m on my way!"


    "Brother Fan, don''t act rashly, be careful, I need to get back now!" Xu Miaotong cautioned, then hurriedly hung up the phone.


    Ling Fan, listening to the dial tone, his face instantly darkened.


    "Take me to the ''Night''s End'' bar near Binzhou University!" Ling Fan ordered Cao Jinghui with a stern voice.


    Upon hearing this, Cao Jinghui didn''t hesitate, hurriedly got into the car, and sped away with a m on the elerator.


    Liu Yuqiong, who had followed him outside, was just about to shout to Ling Fan when he saw him jump into the car and speed away.


    At that moment, her curiosity about Ling Fan multiplied, she quickly dove into a nearby Audi A4, and followed with a press of the gas.


    In Cao Jinghui''s Mercedes.


    "Young Master Ling, someone is following us, it''s that girl who stopped you earlier!" Cao Jinghui nced in the rear-view mirror and reported.


    "Ignore her!" Ling Fan frowned and instructed.


    At this time, he had no intention of dealing with Liu Yuqiong, that clumsy girl, his mind was entirely on Xia Ying at the bar.


    During these two years of amnesia, finding work wasn''t easy, and one night while looking for work near the university town, he had identally stumbled upon Xia Ying being dragged into a small grove to be robbed.


    Instinctively, he intervened and saved her,ter learning that she was the owner of a local bar.


    Knowing about Ling Fan''s situation, she helped him get a job at the bar, andter insisted on him being her sworn brother.


    Ling Fan had no objections and went along with it.


    Over the year at work, Xia Ying took great care of him, and their rtionship was good!


    Now, that Li Guohao had recklessly gone to the bar to cause trouble, literally courting disaster.

 Chapter 12: Trouble Brewing!

    <h4>Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Trouble Brewing!</h4>


    ''Night''s End'' bar, surrounded by bustling crowds of dozens.


    "Wang Chuang, the person you''re looking for is not here. If Ling Fan ever returns, I''ll inform you," a crisp, pleasant voice rang out in the midst of the crowd.


    There stood a beautiful woman dressed in professional attire, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, her delicate features and appealing eyes exuding an ethereal beauty, indescribably charming and lovely.


    "Hehe, it doesn''t matter if he''s not here. Our boss has taken a liking to you. Come with us," Wang Chuang sneered, his gaze momentarily pausing on the fair-skinned legs below the woman''s skirt suit as he spoke nonchntly.


    "Heh, you must be joking. I already have a boyfriend, so please show some respect!" the woman''s face changed slightly as she responded coldly.


    She quickly nced at a quiet young man sitting nearby, named Li Guohao.


    She was a bit puzzled as to how Ling Fan could have offended such people for no apparent reason.


    "Miss Xia, do you really think I''m joking?" Wang Chuang coldly huffed right away.


    Xia Ying took a deep breath inwardly, "Wang Chuang, causing trouble unreasonably won''t solve anything.


    I don''t know what grudge you have with Ling Fan, so name your price and let''s settle this."


    "Hehe, still the same tough big sister, willing to fork out money to smooth things over!


    However, this dispute can''t be resolved with money. Go out with Young Master Li for one night, serve him well, and if he''s happy, all will be well," Li Guohao raised his head and chuckled ominously.


    His eyes moved brazenly up and down Xia Ying''s attractive figure as he felt utterly baffled that a fine "vegetable" like her had been snagged by a "pig" like Ling Fan.


    Upon hearing this, Xia Ying''s face instantly turned pale, her chest heaving with suppressed anger.


    "Li Chenggang, please show them out!" Xia Ying gritted her teeth andmanded coldly.


    This Wang Chuang was merely a local hoodlum extorting protection fees; she really thought she''d be scared of this guy?


    As Xia Ying finished speaking, a tall, big man dressed in a security guard uniform, followed by a group of security personnel, emerged.


    "Wang Chuang, you''ve received your protection money, so if you know what''s good for you, leave quickly and stop causing trouble here!" Li Chenggang red coldly and spoke sternly.


    He was an ex-soldier and had little tolerance for street thugs or acts of injustice against women.


    "Fuck, who the hell are you to meddle in my business?" Wang Chuang was thoroughly enraged.


    After all, he was the boss of this area and had recently climbed the ranks by connecting with Li Guohao through Zhao Bin.


    Feeling ignored now, his pride was injured, embarrassing him in front of Young Master Hao.


    "I''m the head of the security here, any objections?


    You have a feud with Ling Fan, if you''re capable, go find him. But what kind of a man are you, harassing a woman and refusing to let her go?" Li Chenggang scoffed coldly, sparing him no mercy in his retort.


    "You......" Wang Chuang was boiling with rage, about to explode.


    "Hehe, interesting. Ling Fan that waste has the guts to act tough, probably all learned from you, huh!" Zhao Bin chuckled coldly as he stepped forward.


    Li Chenggang gave him a brief nce, his fists tightening.


    "Fuck, listen up everyone. Do you not recognize Young Master Li Guohao of the Binzhou Li Family?


    One of Binzhou''s four great beauties, Li Mengying, Brother Hao''s sister, fuck, get it? Ok?" Zhao Bin pointed arrogantly at Li Guohao, boasting loudly.


    At these words, the surrounding spectators were all startled into an uproar.


    Even Xia Ying''splexion changed, her gaze towards Li Guohao filled with wariness, her heart sinking instantly.


    No wonder the name sounded somewhat familiar just now, it turns out to be that yboy Eldest Young Master Li from the Li Family.


    Li Chenggang''s expression also changed slightly. He never expected him to be one of the Li family members, truly a giant tree he couldn''t afford to offend easily.


    However, as a military man, his sense of justice made it impossible for him to ignore the situation.


    "Damn, it''s someone from the Li family, this bar is in trouble today!" a spectator among the crowd couldn''t help but whisper.


    Even the bar''s waitstaff all changed expressions. Everyone had initially wanted to stand up and condemn the other party, but upon learning his identity, they immediately backed down.


    "Right, didn''t Li Guohaoe here to find that Ling Fan?


    Quickly notify him toe over, what kind of man is he, causing trouble and then just hiding behind, letting a woman take the bullets for him?" someone suddenly became indignant.


    Many in the surrounding crowd became emotionally agitated, and while they dared not offend this Eldest Young Master Li,


    they couldn''t stand to see Xia Ying, such a gorgeous woman, being insulted. Thus, everyone started to point their fingers at Ling Fan, who was hiding and not daring to show himself.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Fuck, exactly, he really is a coward, what kind of shit is this if he can''t even show his face!" someone grumbled righteously indignant.


    In an instant, the simmering anger among the spectators at the bar all directed towards Ling Fan, with insults being thrown around, basicallybeling him a coward and a weakling!


    Li Guohao and his group listened to the whispers and discussions around them, their faces filled with smug, arrogant sneers.


    Xia Ying''s face turned pale, utterly distressed.


    Li Chenggang stood rooted to the spot, caught between a rock and a hard ce, hardly daring to take action against Li Guohao.


    If he touched him today, he was sure to be beaten upter.


    "Young Master Li, if Ling Fan has offended you in any way, I apologize here on his behalf and hope you could be magnanimous and let him off!" Xia Ying took a deep breath internally, forced to step forward and face him.


    "Haha, it''s not that hard to solve, let that kide over here, kneel down in front of me, and grovel like a dog at my feet, then we''ll call it even!" Li Guohao sneered.


    "You...." Xia Ying, hearing this, began to seethe with anger.


    This guy had no intention of resolving the issue; he was tantly humiliating Ling Fan.


    "Haha, can''t bear to, right? Fine, I''m quite interested in you, make mefortable, and I might let it slide, since that kid has such a nice sister!" Li Guohao sneered viciously.


    "Miss Xia, don''t be ungrateful. Our boss taking a liking to you is your good fortune, aren''t you happy about it?" Zhao Bin sneered from the side.


    "Haha, exactly, what''s with your attitude, are you saying our Brother Hao isn''t good enough for you?" Wang Chuang also sneered.


    Xia Ying stood rooted to the spot, her face pale with anger, her arms trembling slightly.


    "Li Guohao, please have some dignity. Even though your Li family has some power in Binzhou, it doesn''t cover the sky. I hope you can show some restraint!" Xia Ying gritted her teeth and uttered each word deliberately.


    She didn''t believe that Li Guohao would dare to kidnap her in broad daylight!


    At her words, Li Guohao''s face suddenly darkened, his patience having run out.


    "Damn it, giving face but not taking it, acting both like a prostitute and a saint, what virtuous woman act are you trying to pull?


    Isn''t your so-called elder sister act just being that coward''s lover?


    Who cares who you sleep with, am I not better than that loser?" Li Guohao pointed at Xia Ying, his face full of malice.


    As soon as these words came out, the whole ce was in an uproar, and everyone''s gaze towards Xia Ying was filled with a strange light!

 Chapter 13 - 13 How daring of the dog!

    <h4>Chapter 13: Chapter 13 How daring of the dog!</h4>


    "The owner of Night''s End is that kind of person?" someone in the crowd suddenly murmured in disbelief.


    "Heh, who would have thought, she''s actually a woman of loose morals!" another person sneered.


    "Heh, what''s so surprising about that? Any woman who looks halfway decent is bound to be wild, let alone one this good-looking!" someone else said with a suggestive tone.


    "But really, I''m so curious. They say that guy is just a bouncer at the bar, no idea what he''s got that could make the bossdy so infatuated!"


    By now, even the bar staff showed a look of realization.


    "No wonder they call each other brother and sister and even leave work together sometimes. So that''s what''s been going on!" a bartender muttered under their breath.


    "Damn, I never would''ve guessed. Ling Fan usually keeps such a low profile, but he actually scored the bossdy. Shit, I really misjudged him!" a security guard at the bar widened his eyes, his face full of envy and resentment.


    Xia Ying, having heard the whispers around her, was already pale with anger, her shoulders shaking.


    "Li Guo, don''t you dare nder me and tarnish my reputation, you lowlife scum!" Xia Ying said, nearly bursting into tears.


    "Heh heh, I''m the lowlife scum?


    You damn well don''t say how you dare to do things but can''t face them. I just really don''t fucking get it, in what way is that piece of trash better than me!" Li Guohao''s face turned cold.


    Right now, he felt an intense jealousy and irritation toward Ling Fan, especially since he had heard that Ling Fan had previously called him a syphilitic waste at the Xiao Family.


    "Ling, I swear, if I don''t conquer all the women close to you, I might as well write my name backwards!" Li Guohao thought hatefully.


    At this moment, Xu Miaotong, who had just finished calling Ling Fan, sneaked back.


    Standing at the back of the crowd, she witnessed the scene unfolding before her and couldn''t help but feel angry, her pretty face turning frosty.


    "I advise you not to go too far. Leave now; I''ve already called the police!" Xu Miaotong stepped forward from the back of the crowd, her face a warm yet angry expression.


    Hearing this, everyone immediately turned to look in the direction of the voice, curious.


    Who would dare, at this moment, to provoke Li Guohao?


    Li Guohao''s eyebrows raised, and he turned around coldly, but upon seeing who it was, his eyes lit up.


    He saw a beautiful young woman, about eighteen or neen, with skin fairer than snow, iparably delicate and lovely, with a clear and breathtakingly beautifulplexion.


    "Fuck, this bar is like a den of beauties. That son of a bitch Ling Fan sure knows how to live it up!" Li Guohao cursed inwardly.


    At this, everyone around showed a look of concern on their faces.


    "Damn it!" Li Chenggang, standing on the side, inwardly cursed.


    Xia Ying turned her head and, upon seeing that it was Xu Miaotong, couldn''t help feeling a touch of gratitude, her face also showing concern.


    As expected, the expression on Wang Chuang''s face darkened, and he stepped forward.


    "Shit, I thought it was someone else. It was you who called the cops, huh? Tired of living, are you!" Wang Chuang stood in front of Xu Miaotong, his face dark as he spoke.


    He had just received a message from the station that someone had reported the incident, urging him to wrap things up quickly to avoid any major trouble.


    Feeling irritated, this brazen woman had just popped up.


    Xu Miaotong, facing the menacing thug in front of her, felt slightly nervous but tried to maintain herposure as she met his gaze.


    "The police will be here soon; you still have time to leave!" Xu Miaotong warned, somewhat nervously.


    She had called the police a while ago but saw no oneing, feeling not very reassured.


    "Damn, you''re really asking for it!" Wang Chuang felt his face being lost repeatedly in front of Young Master Hao today.


    How could Li Guohao not think he was just a piece of trash that bluffs with his mouth?


    "Men, break this woman''s legs and throw her out!" Wang Chuang immediately shouted coldly to the underlings he had brought with him.


    At these words, Xu Miaotong was immediately terrified, her limbs turned ice-cold, and her face lost all color.


    "If you dare, in broad daylight, I''d like to see who has the guts to touch her!" Seeing this, Xia Ying quickly stood up and pulled Xu Miaotong behind her.


    Li Chenggang sighed softly to the side and also stood up.


    "Young Master Hao, it seems a bit much toy a hand on a girl!" Li Chenggang said, steeling himself.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Motherf*cker, who the hell do you think you are to speak here? If you don''t want to die, get the hell out of the way!" Zhao Bin shouted coldly.


    "Heh, why waste words? If someone dares to y the hero to save the beauty, then they must be prepared to face the consequences. Break his legs for me!" Li Guohao sneered.


    He had seen enough. If he didn''t take serious action today, they would think Li Guohao was a pushover.


    With Li Guohao''s order, Wang Chuang didn''t say another word, but made a grand gesture to the dozen or so underlings behind him.


    At once, over ten people rushed out whooping, armed with weapons, ferociously charging straight for Li Chenggang.


    The onlookers, seeing this, were immediately shocked and scattered, knocking over tables and chairs in fear of being caught in the crossfire and suffering an undeserved plight.


    Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong, standing to the side, were also pale-faced.


    But in the blink of an eye, the dozen men had shed with Li Chenggang.


    "ng, bang, thud"


    After all, Li Chenggang had served in the military; he could fight, and in a moment, three or four men were lying on the ground.


    But as the saying goes, two fists are no match for four hands, and in the end, he was overpowered. One of the men took up a baseball bat and, with a ''snap,'' broke his leg!


    Li Chenggangy on the ground, drenched in cold sweat from the pain, but not uttering a single sound.


    "Pah, damn it, take that for showing off!" Wang Chuang spat viciously.


    Immediately, the entire bar fell silent, with no one daring to speak.


    "Chuangzi, what this guy said earlier made sense. How can you be so rough with a beauty?" Li Guohao immediately turned to Wang Chuang and chided him.


    "Uh... Young Master Hao''s lesson is..." Wang Chuang stammered.


    "What I mean is, this chick is not bad. Tie both of them up and bring them back; I''ll reward you two tonight," Li Guohao said with a light smile, giving themand.


    Wang Chuang and Zhao Bin were stunned and then hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you so much for your reward, Young Master Hao!"


    "That dumbass isn''t going to show up, get on with it. I don''t have time to waste here!" Li Guohao spoke indifferently.


    "Yes, Young Master Hao!" Wang Chuang hurriedly responded.


    "Men, take these two women away!"


    Following themand, a few underlings stepped forward, heading straight for the two women.


    "What are you doing, let go..." Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong cried out in rm.


    No matter how much they struggled, it was useless; they were promptly hoisted up, one on each side.


    "Li Guohao, you''ve got some nerve, who gave you the courage?" A sharp voice, cutting like a knife, suddenly swept in from outside the door.


    Upon hearing these words, everyone in the hall was startled and turned to look at the doorway.


    They saw a young man with his hands behind his back, walking in with an icy demeanour.


    Li Guohao''s pupils shrank as he focused on the neer. He hadn''t expected this nobody would dare toe!

 Chapter 14: A Stunning Step, Trembling the Entire Arena!

    <h4>Chapter 14: Chapter 14: A Stunning Step, Trembling the Entire Arena!</h4>


    The onlookers in the bar turned their attention to the young man appearing at the doorway, exchanging puzzled nces.


    "What kind of background does this guy have? So bold? He dares to challenge Young Master Li?" Someone in the crowd immediately eximed in surprise.


    "Sigh! Someoneing to the rescue is a good thing at least!" A voice tinged with sympathy muttered quietly.


    "Now there''s something exciting to watch. Since he dares to challenge Li Guohao, he must not be some nobody. Wonder which family''s son he is!" someone on the sidemented indifferently.


    Everyone hadn''t expected the bar''s proprietress to know such a person; they all began to specte -- could he be her boyfriend?


    Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong were both shocked and delighted when they suddenly saw Ling Fan.


    In this moment of peril, seeing Ling Fan appear brought them a sense of calm, as if they now had a backbone, though they were also filled with worry about Ling Fan''s situation.


    Xu Miaotong gaped for a moment, feeling a touch of emotion; she had already warned him off, and yet he''d stille running over, fearless of death!


    Xia Ying took a deep breath and quickly shouted out loud, "Ling Fan, run! You can''t handle these people!"


    Thinking of how ruthless these people were, with even Li Chenggang having his leg broken, what good could possiblye from Ling Fan showing up now?


    Li Chenggang sat on the ground, his face deathly pale, sweating profusely.


    On seeing Ling Fan appear, he felt a slight shock followed by a measure of admiration.


    At least this guy had the courage to stand up; indeed, he could be considered a real man.


    But after all, this guy was just a small-time security guard in the bar; could he truly turn the tide?


    Considering for a moment, he reckoned the guy must havee out of sheer stubbornness, unable to avoid being humiliated.


    Thinking this, he couldn''t help but take another look at Ling Fan!


    The waitstaff in the bar, having regained their wits, all wore strange expressions, not only astonished that Ling Fan dared to stand up.


    They were even more puzzled as to how this guy managed to offend Li Guohao, the Demon Lord of Mayhem ¡ª truly bad luck incarnate. They reckoned even being able to walk out of this door horizontally today would be a stroke of luck.


    "Damn, he''s that Ling Fan?" The surrounding onlookers couldn''t help but gasp again upon learning the identity of the neer.


    Everyone''s gaze was curiously trained on the entering Ling Fan, eager to properly appraise this security guard who reportedly got the bossdy into bed ¡ª curious about what exceptional qualities he might possess.


    At this moment, the twockeys at Li Guohao''s side also snapped into action.


    Without waiting for Li Guohao to speak, Wang Chuang stepped forward with a grim face.


    "Motherfucker, you''ve got some nerve. I''ll give you another chance to organize your words. Kneel and crawl to Young Master Hao''s feet and repeat what you just said to me!" Wang Chuang red at Ling Fan, barking angrily.


    "Sigh~"


    Hearing this, the onlookers couldn''t help but shiver, ncing at Li Chenggang lying on the ground with his leg broken, sensing that Ling Fan was doomed today.


    Zhao Bin also sneered, "For fuck''s sake, you had a path to heaven but chose not to take it, and dared to break Second Miss Li''s arm.


    Today, if you can''t beg for Young Master Hao''s forgiveness, I will break your limbs and take your life!"


    "Hiss~"


    Upon Zhao Bin''s deration, the entire ce was filled with the sound of everyone gasping, their faces turning to shock.


    "What? He broke Second Miss Li''s arm?" someone in the crowd said in shock.


    The rest of the people also exchanged nces, full of extreme horror, no wonder Eldest Young Master Li was so desperately seeking trouble; so this was the reason!


    At this point, everyone looked at Ling Fan with a sense of incredulity.


    Just now, this guy told Li Guohao he had quite the nerve, but damn it, it''s this kid who seemingly must have eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard.


    Xia Ying, held by two people, suddenly rounded her eyes, her heart a tsunami of shock and terror!


    "It''s over, did I actually break the Second Miss Li''s arm?" Xia Ying trembled as she muttered to herself.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    No wonder Li Guohao was looking for trouble; this matter was simply irreconcble!


    Xu Miaotong also gaped in astonishment, nearly eximing out loud¡ªwas this really the same Ling Fan she knew? The one who''d had the audacity to break Second Miss Li''s arm?


    To even think about breaking the arm of the Second Miss Li sent chills down her spine!


    Li Chenggangy on the ground, his eyes nk, his throat gurgling, finding himself at a loss for words for a moment.


    "This guy isn''t just gutsy, he''s too damn gutsy; is he insane?" Li Chenggang gasped for air.


    Ling Fan walked into the center of the hall, surveying his surroundings, besides the two people being held.


    He then saw Li Chenggang lying on the ground with a broken leg and his eyes immediately narrowed, a cold gleam shing in them.


    "Fuck, are you deaf? I ordered you to crawl on your knees to Young Master Hao''s feet...." Wang Chuang, seeing himself ignored once again, felt a raging me surging within him.


    However, before he could finish, he caught Ling Fan''s icy gaze sweeping over him.


    "Who did this!" Ling Fan pointed at Li Chenggang on the ground and coldly spat out three words.


    Wang Chuang hadn''t finished speaking when he met Ling Fan''s piercing gaze, and involuntarily a shiver went through him, choking back the rest of his sentence.


    Reacting, Wang Chuang instantly became furiously embarrassed¡ªhad he just shown weakness in front of this loser?


    "Fuck, I did it, what the hell can you do about it?" Wang Chuang''s face was grim, he scoffed coldly, full of challenge.


    Li Guohao stood by, watching with cold eyes, sneering internally¡ªthis fool still dared to strut around at this point?


    "Damn it, today I''ll open my eyes wide and see just how long you can keep up this act!


    For now, let you hop around; the more you hop, the more satisfying it will be when I crush you beneath my footter!" Li Guohao sneered in his heart.


    In fact, the onlookers around them were also not optimistic about Ling Fan, thinking he was just being stubborn out of pretense, just putting on a show.


    But as everyone looked down on him, they suddenly saw Ling Fan''s figure sh dramatically in the middle of the room.


    "Bang!"


    A muffled groan echoed alongside the cringe-inducing sound of breaking bones.


    Wang Chuang''s body was suddenly kicked seven or eight meters away by Ling Fan; his ribs were broken, and the crowd gasped in shock, scattering.


    Wang Chuangy on the ground like a dead dog, his face bewildered, momentarily forgetting even the pain.


    "An ant, thinking you''re something, daring to act tough before me, ignorant of life and death!" Ling Fan snorted coldly.


    He then turned his head and looked indifferently towards Li Guohao, his eyes filled with murderous intent.


    In the blink of an eye, the dramatic change in the room left everyone unable to process what had happened, trembling in shock, their faces nk as they looked towards Ling Fan.


    Xia Ying''s heart lurched, her face drained of color¡ªthis was big trouble!


    Xu Miaotong''s throat made a gurgling sound, her mouth open, feeling a dryness in her mouth and throat.


    Li Chenggangy on the ground, his eyeballs nearly popping out, utterly stunned!


    Li Guohao, looking at the scene before him, his face stiffened, his mind in chaos, feeling as if he''d just been pped in the face by a beggar!


    Instantly humiliated, his face turned red...

 Chapter 15: I’m the Executioner, You’re the Fish on the Chopping Block!

    <h4>Chapter 15: Chapter 15: I''m the Executioner, You''re the Fish on the Chopping Block!</h4>


    Zhao Bin was also caught off guard by everything happening before his eyes and was still in a state of shock.


    As his thoughts recovered, his eyes zed with intense rage.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ling Fan, you''re damn arrogant!" Zhao Bin squinted his eyes fiercely.


    "Hmph, just a dog, do you even have the right to speak here?" Ling Fan nced at Zhao Bin indifferently and snorted coldly.


    "Damn it, let''s see if you can still be so arrogantter! Guys, break his limbs for me," Zhao Bin roared ferociously.


    The several stunned subordinates nearby immediately snapped out of it and took out daggers from their bodies.


    They were all Wang Chuang''s men; their boss had been taken down right under their watch, which was utterly outrageous.


    Facing the imminent dangerous situation on the scene, the onlookers panicked and retreated, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.


    "Stop, how much money do you want? I''ll give you this bar aspensation," Xia Ying eximed in terror.


    She had no doubt about their ruthlessness; if Ling Fan''s limbs were crippled, he would be disabled.


    "Ling Fan, apologize to Young Master Li now!" Xia Ying was almost crying with urgency.


    Miaotong, cold and shaky, also hurriedly advised, "Ling Fan, back down a bit. Young Master Hao is generous and probably won''t stoop to your level!"


    "Heh, back down? Dammit, it''s toote!


    "Ling, do as I say. Kneel down for me right now, or not only will you not see tomorrow''s sun,


    but also, these two women will be stripped tonight on my bed!" Just regaining his senses, Li Guohao pointed at Ling Fan, his face savage.


    As the saying goes, consider the owner before beating the dog. This guyid Wang Chuang low right in front of him, clearly provoking him.


    Today, he had to first humiliate this idiot severely, then cripple him thoroughly, making him regret crossing him.


    "Dammit, I''m giving you a chance too. Kneel and break your arms, and I might consider sparing your life!" Ling Fan swept his gaze across with icy eyes.


    "What?" Onlookers exchanged nces, doubting their ears.


    The situation was getting out of control. It was one thing to attack Li Guohao''s men, but now to confront Eldest Young Master Li himself?


    Upon hearing this, Xia Ying felt her heart plummet into the abyss, her face filled with despair.


    She hadn''t expected Ling Fan''s temperament to suddenly change like this, turning the situation extremely unmanageable from the start. From her impression, he wasn''t like this at all.


    But it was toote for anything, as Ling Fan had crippled Wang Chuang in front of everyone, damaging Li Guohao''s face. Even if he wanted to stop, it was impossible.


    If the word got out, the prestigious son of the Li Family had backed down in front of a nobody security guard. How would he face anyone in the future?


    "What''s the matter with this guy, can''t he turn big issues into small ones, small ones into nothing?" Xia Ying felt utterly powerless.


    "Fuck your ancestors, cripple him!" Li Guohaopletely lost hisposure and roared furiously.


    Following Li Guohao''s enraged roar, the dozen or so subordinates dared not hesitate, rushing towards Ling Fan recklessly.


    With daggers in their hands, they furiously stabbed towards Ling Fan''s arms and legs, aiming to disable him.


    The faint-hearted girls among the onlookers had already covered their eyes, unable to bear witnessing the bloody scene that was about to unfold.


    Miaotong and Xia Ying both turned as pale as death, their hearts pounding like drums, too panicked to even breathe loudly.


    "Hmph, unaware of impending death!"


    Suddenly, Ling Fan snorted coldly and his figure darted forward, instantly appearing in front of Li Guohao with two beer bottles now in his hands.


    Without a word, he smashed them on Li Guohao''s head.


    ''Bang! Bang!'' followed by a scream, blood immediately gushed from Li Guohao''s forehead.


    The entire crowd was stunned.


    Li Guohao, clenching his head in agony, crouched on the ground and shouted hoarsely, "Fuck your mother, kill him."


    The subordinates, who dared not loiter, snapped out of their daze after a moment and charged at Ling Fan again with ferocity.


    "Crack!"


    "Ah~~~"


    "Who dares move again, believe it or not, I''ll kill you first!" Ling Fan kicked and broke Li Guohao''s thigh.


    The subordinates instantly froze in ce, exchanging nces, not daring to make any rash moves.


    "Daring to covet my woman, who gave you the courage?" Ling Fan looked indifferently at Li Guohao writhing on the ground.


    Upon hearing this, shock crossed Xia Ying''s face, which quickly turned a shade of crimson as she muttered, "Since when did I be your woman?"


    For a moment, she experienced an unprecedented feeling of security, the kind a vulnerable woman most desires to rely on.


    Ling Fan, unaware that his words had led Xia Ying to misunderstand, was referring to the Li Family forcing Xiao Chubing to divorce.


    This bastard dared to covet his own wife and came here to make trouble, truly fucking sick of living.


    "Motherfucker, Ling Fan, I curse your ancestors, I fucking swear, I''ll make your life worse than death!" Li Guohao wailed like a ughtered pig.


    "Damn it, I''m the butcher, and you''re the fish on the chopping block. Now that you''re in my hands, you still fucking dare to talk tough!" Ling Fan''s eyes turned cold as he stepped on the broken leg again.


    "Ah~~~"


    "Ling Fan, I fucking swear we are irreconcble...." Li Guohao howled ferociously, his face contorted with rage.

 Chapter 16 - 16 Where Does the Confidence Come From to Make Such Outrageous Claims?

    <h4>Chapter 16: Chapter 16 Where Does the Confidence Come From to Make Such Outrageous ims?</h4>


    The scene before everyone was so shocking that the whole ce fell deathly silent, as if petrified.


    Zhao Bin swallowed hard, his entire being stunned.


    Fuck, he''d seen arrogant people before, but never someone as arrogant as Ling Fan.


    Just one kick had broken Li Guohao''s leg; was this a deration of a fight to the death with the Li Family?


    Xia Ying had lost her ability to think, if there had been a sliver of room for maneuver before.


    But the moment Ling Fan broke Li Guohao''s leg, an unresolvable vendetta was born between him and the Li Family.


    What he couldn''t fathom was Ling Fan''s attitude, it seemed he never intended topromise with Li Guohao, or else he wouldn''t have struck with such ferocity.


    Xu Miaotong was so shocked she couldn''t speak; Ling Fan''s actions today werepletely unlike the person she knew before.


    Li Chenggangy on the ground, too scared to move. Was this really the same Ling Fan he knew?


    Wang Chuang had regained some of his senses from his dazed state. That instant felt like being hit by arge truck at the waist, his bones nearly scattering.


    The severe pain in his chest made it impossible for him to get up, hurting so much he felt like his heart was being torn apart, his hatred for Ling Fan reaching its peak.


    Seeing Ling Fan sh with Li Guohao, his face trembled with excitement.


    "You fucking idiot, now let''s see how you die," Wang Chuang cursed through clenched teeth.


    "He''s screwed, the kid is done for," some onlookers whispered among themselves.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Not necessarily, maybe he has a special background or something," someone retorted.


    "How could that be? If he was really that powerful, would hee here to work as a security guard? I think he''s just gone nuts, he''ll know what regret is in a moment," another person chimed in.


    Ling Fan ignored the surrounding whispers, looked down at Li Guohao, who was continuously wailing in agony, "You reap what you sow, now humble yourself and I might let them carry you away."


    To Ling Fan, such trash wasn''t worth his attention, just ants to be squashed absentmindedly.


    "You mongrel, I swear I''ll make you regret it, and not just you, but your woman won''t get away with it either," Li Guohao squeezed out a sentence from between clenched teeth, his face twisted with rage.


    Ling Fan''s expression turned icy; nothing infuriated him more than threats against his loved ones.


    "Kill him, you bunch of idiots, what are you waiting for? If this bastard doesn''t die today, I fucking swear I''ll kill you," Li Guohao howled in frenzy, having lost all reason.


    Hearing hismand, the dozen or so flunkies hesitated no further, went in with renewed viciousness to attack Ling Fan.


    "A swarm of ants," Ling Fan scoffed, his figure darting forward.


    Before everyone''s eyes, after a few strange afterimages, those snarling flunkies were left broken and defeated.


    Everyone looked on as though they had seen a ghost, no wonder he was so bold ¨C his formidable skills were the backbone of his arrogance.


    But was it not overly reckless to offend the Li Family to death just because he knew how to fight?


    Zhao Bin saw the ground littered with moaning men and his eyes bulged, a chill running down his spine.


    Seeing this, Li Guohao couldn''t help but feel a twinge of rm in his heart, never expecting this nobody to possess such skills!


    Ling Fan''s cold gaze turned to the only opponent still standing, Zhao Bin.


    At the touch of Ling Fan''s icy stare, Zhao Bin shivered as if he had fallen into an abyss, and ''thump,'' he knelt on the ground.


    "Ling Fan, this has nothing to do with me," Zhao Bin was scared.


    Not scared? Li Guohao was lying on the ground like a dead dog, what was hepared to Li Guohao?


    Going up against him would be a death wish. Today was a defeat; a wise man knows when to back down, so cowering wasn''t a big deal.


    Ling Fan nced at Zhao Bin, truly a case of a paper tiger, no spine at all.


    "Come here!"


    Zhao Bin didn''t dare dy, crawled towards Ling Fan, begging for mercy.


    "Go, beat him until I''m satisfied and you can get lost. Otherwise, I guarantee your end will be worse than his," Ling Fan said, pointing at the stupefied Li Guohao on the ground.


    Even more bewildered was Zhao Bin, "Big brother, you must be joking, isn''t this just asking me to court death?"


    He wouldn''t dare to p Li Guohao; doing so was no different from seeking death. Despite Ling Fan daring to break the other''s leg, he wouldn''t dare to snatch food from a tiger''s mouth.


    "You have three seconds to decide, either spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair, or p him," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    As a scumbag, Li Guohao had touched Ling Fan''s inverse scales, but dealing with such trash himself was just dirtying his hands.


    Zhao Bin, acting as aplicit tool for the tyrant, was hardly any better. Let these two dogs bite each otherter on.


    Zhao Bin''s heart trembled; both choices led to death, merely a difference between dying sooner orter. But, dyingter still offered a chance at life. Hardening his heart, he nced at Li Guohao.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Li Guohao red at Zhao Bin furiously, wondering if he had lost his mind.


    "Brother Hao, I''m sorry."


    "You..."


    "p p!"


    With gritted teeth, Zhao Bin delivered two ps that left Li Guohao seeing stars.


    "Big Brother, does this satisfy you?" Zhao Bin looked to Ling Fan for approval.


    "That''s not enough; you need to vent," Ling Fan shook his head.


    The onlookers werepletely dumbfounded, realizing that Zhao Bin really was a spineless coward, daring to hit his own boss under threat.


    However, each person must fend for themselves, and while the crowd might despise him, they couldn''t really say much.


    Zhao Bin felt like crying; after today, he feared there would no longer be a ce for him in Binzhou. His mind was already considering how to flee to avoid the Li Family''s revenge.


    Yet having been treated like a dog by Li Guohao for years and not seldom humiliated, Zhao Binshed out while cursing, releasing all the pent-up frustration within him.


    The crowd watched, agape, surmising that the boss, Li Guohao, had long been resented by his subordinates andcked their support.


    Indeed, things are not always what they seem on the surface. No wonder Zhao Bin showed no loyalty, making his own choice at the moment of crisis.


    "Get lost!" Ling Fan waved his hand dismissively.


    "Yes, yes, thank you, Young Master Ling, for sparing my life," Zhao Bin was immensely relieved.


    Immediately after, he ran out of the bar like a fugitive, leaving Li Guohao in shock¡ªnot from the beating but from sheer fury.


    "Young man, isn''t this too much?"


    Just then, a white-haired elderly man in his sixties walked into the bar. Seeing Li Guohao unconscious on the ground, he frowned slightly.


    He had been assigned by the Patriarch of the Li Family, Li Taihe, to supervise and covertly protect Li Guohao, who was prone to causing trouble; Li Taihe simply couldn''t rest easy about him.


    However, the elder held the same disdain for Li Guohao''s actions and character. He wouldn''t lift a finger unless Li Guohao''s life was at stake because he didn''t deserve it.


    He had already informed the Li Family of the situation here, but now, unable to stand by any longer for fear of any mishap, the elder decided to step forward.


    Ling Fan''s gaze intensified. He hadn''t expected the Li Family to have a martial artist in their midst. However, he did not regard a martial artist of this level seriously.


    "Old fool, you can take this trash away now," Ling Fan sneered.


    "I''m not here to carry him. Someone will do that in a moment. My purpose is to ensure you don''ty another hand on him, and also, to make sure you don''t escape," the elder said arrogantly.


    "Heh, interesting. What if I doy a hand on him?"


    "Then I assure you that your fate will be worse than his," the elder said calmly.


    "Really?"


    Ling Fan smiled faintly and suddenly stomped on Li Guohao''s other leg.


    "Crack!" The sound of snapping like dry wood made everyone''s scalp tingle.


    "Ahh~~~"


    Li Guohao, who had been unconscious, was jolted awake by the intense pain and let out a heart-wrenching scream.


    Realizing that his other leg was also broken, he nearly went insane. The day''s events pushed his psyche to the verge of copse.


    The elder''s face turned ashen as he stared at Ling Fan with death in his eyes.


    "I''m very curious, you low-grade piece of trash martial artist, where do you get the confidence to make such bold statements?" Ling Fan took an aggressive step forward.

 Chapter 17 - 17 Shocking Everyone

    <h4>Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Shocking Everyone</h4>


    The elder, with his hands sped tightly behind his back, clenched his fists and his face alternated between light and dark, as Ling Fanpletely ignited the fury within him.


    In today''s world, the status of martial artists is highly revered, and even the lowest grade martial artist cannot be insulted by amon person.


    Before entering the martial artist realm, many are stuck in thete stages of body tempering and cannot advance. Stepping out of the body tempering realm is to truly enter the martial artist realm.


    A first-grade martial artist can split stone tablets and crack rocks with a wave of the hand, iparable to ordinary people. This realm is at the stage of hard qigong, having already entered the threshold of cultivating martial arts.


    The elder''s name was Jiang Hua. In his early years, he had been apprenticed to a martial artist, and although he could notpare to those from noble houses, it was still a tremendous opportunity.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But to put it bluntly, he was nothing more than a loose cultivator. Reaching this stage was already indicative of his considerable talent, and he was quite content. The identity of a martial artist had already brought him considerable honor.


    "Young man, I hope your strength is as tough as your mouth," Jiang Hua said with an angry sneer.


    "Heh, whether my strength is tough is none of your concern, but dealing with you is more than enough," Ling Fan stared at the elder, his face full of disdain.


    The onlookers, faces full of astonishment, watched the elder with graying hair. This old man was actually a martial artist?


    They had heard of martial artists, but most had never actually seen one. Most of those present were students, and the school had clubs like the Martial Arts Pavilion where only those exceptional in martial arts could qualify to enter.


    These people, ording to ssifications, were mostly in the early and middle stages of body tempering, with a few in thete stages. It was said that the realm above body tempering was the martial artist realm, which was also the goal and pursuit of these Martial Arts Pavilion students.


    The elder who had shown up, whom Ling Fan imed was a first-grade martial artist, not only did he not regard the old man highly, but dared to look down upon him. Could this security guard be an expert even greater than a first-grade martial artist? How could that be possible?


    The crowd was eager and full of anticipation, while Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong seemed to be seeing Ling Fan for the first time and were at a loss for words.


    They could only stand aside, shocked, watching the situation unfold, realizing they had no right to be involved at this moment.


    "Young man, boasting requires capital; try to take a punch from this old man," the elder said as he concentrated his energy into his palm and made a fist.


    Just then, amotion came from the doorway as seven or eight people walked in, with three men quickly striding forward, the middle one dressed in a Zhongshan suit, appearing to be in his early fifties, with a hanging brow and short hair, exuding a bit of amanding presence.


    "Old Hua, what exactly happened, has this miscreant caused trouble again?" the man asked in a deep voice.


    Ling Fan nced up, a hint of amusement in his gaze. He didn''t recognize the others, but the woman next to the middle-aged man was all too familiar, having just parted ways at Tian Hao Hotel shortly before¡ªLi Mengying.


    "Old Master Li, I''m truly sorry, letting Guohao get injured. What would you like done with this one? This time, I can handle it personally," Jiang Hua said apologetically, pointing at Ling Fan.


    Li Guohao, looking lifeless, lit up with a touch of vigor in his eyes seeing his father''s arrival.


    "Dad, avenge me. I want him dead," Li Guohao''s voice was hoarse, filled with pleading.


    The neer was the Patriarch of the Li Family, Li Taihe. Hearing this, he quickly turned his head, and seeing Li Guohao lying miserably on the ground, his heart felt as if it had been violently squeezed.


    Despite his irresponsible son, he still felt much self-reproach; he had been neglectful since the boy''s mother died early.


    After he remarried, this kid became even more rebellious and ended up being nothing more than a debaucher.


    But after all, he was his own son. Although this unworthy son was disappointing, Li Taihe still had hopes he would carry on the family line.


    Seeing Li Guohao in such a pitiful state now, Li Taihe''s rage surged up instantly, like a volcano erupting.


    "Was it you? Old Hua, kill him," Li Taihe eximed in rage.


    Faced with Li Taihe''s fury, everyone fell silent, as if chilled by the cold, recognizing the reputation of the Li Family in Binzhou as a known power yer. The onlookers being mere students, how could they not feel fearful?


    Looking at Ling Fan, their eyes filled with sympathy. With Li Taihe personally present, the oue of Li Guohao having his legs broken was self-evident.


    Wang Chuang, lying on the ground, managed to sit up slightly, his broken ribs causing him such pain that cold sweat streamed down his face, his gaze at Ling Fan filled with deep malice.


    Xia Ying bit her lip, her palms sweaty. Faced with this tense situation, she truly felt powerless and secretly resented this as the sorrow of the powerless.


    Xu Miaotong''s face was pale as paper; at such a gathering, she was even more insignificant, barely catching the attention of the influential figures present.


    Amid such a tense atmosphere, everyone was stunned to find that Ling Fan remained indifferent, even having a hint of a smirk on his lips.


    "Was this guy scared silly?" someone whispered.


    Li Mengying was stunned the moment she saw Ling Fan; it was indeed a narrow path for enemies.


    She never expected that in just a blink of an eye, Li Guohao would have troubled this formidable threat, the Li Family and Xiao Family''s useless son-inw truly had a peculiar fate.


    The moment Ling Fan left Tian Hao Hotel, she notified her father, Li Taihe, detailing the life and death crisis the family was facing.


    Li Taihe was immensely shocked, and he immediately sought Feng Wenshan, the third child of the Feng Family, and, at the same time, found out about the person who made Zhou Zhenxiong kneel and beg for mercy, a big shot from Jiangbei Province, Cao Jinghui.


    If the Li Family were to face the Zhou Family alone, it would be like using an egg to smash a rock, utterly powerless.


    Yet, Feng Wenshan''s wife was the sister of Li Taihe''s current wife, who was also Li Mengying''s aunt. With this rtionship, the Li Family had some confidence.


    However, the trio had just met and hadn''t had the chance to talk in detail when they were notified by Jiang Hua that Li Guohao had caused trouble.


    Regarding Li Guohao, Li Mengying had absolutely no respect, and Li Taihe was also very furious. Anytime could have been for causing trouble but not at this critical juncture.


    Only when he arrived at the scene and saw the actual situation did all of Li Taihe''s fury pour out onto the culprit who hurt his son.


    He was already irritable because of the life and death crisis facing the Li Family, and now his son had been crippled by an unknown bar security guard.


    Since when had the Li Family be so vulnerable? He could not afford to offend the Zhou Family, and he had overlooked the useless son-inw of the Xiao Family, but what the hell was this self-important bar security guard?


    Li Taihe now just wanted to vent his anger, not killing this trash security guard in front of him would not quell the hatred in his heart.


    Upon receiving the instructions from Li Taihe, Jiang Hua immediately closed in with a body movement, not dragging it out, and threw a punch creating a terrifying st of air, heading straight for Ling Fan''s face.


    The humiliation Ling Fan had just caused made him truly enraged, so his strike was without the slightest hesitation, aimed to give Ling Fan a lesson he would never forget.


    Seeing Old Hua taking action, Li Guohao finally became excited, his heart screaming madly, "Kill him, kill him, he must be killed."


    Li Mengying who had juste to her senses hurriedly cried out, "Uncle Hua, stop!"


    But it was already toote. Jiang Hua''s fist was only three inches away from Ling Fan, even if he wanted to withdraw, it was toote now, if the punchnded, Ling Fan would either die or be a vegetable.


    Witnessing this scene, Li Taihe snorted coldly, "Daring to challenge the dignity of my Li Family, you must pay with blood."


    Xia Ying''s tears came tumbling down as she urged loudly, "You need to dodge!"


    Xu Miaotong''s pale face was streaked with tears like beads off a string, she closed her eyes and turned her head away, unable to bear the sight of Ling Fan''s brain stter.


    Wang Chuang felt an endless excitement and anticipation rise within him, "Die, he must die!"


    In everyone''s eyes, Ling Fan was as if scared silly, for he stood motionless in ce facing this terrifying punch, death seemed certain.


    Li Mengying was conflicted in her heart. If this useless man, who had brought a life and death crisis upon the Li Family, could die here, perhaps it would be a good thing; she was well aware of Uncle Hua''s abilities.


    But could she really get her wish? Her heart was in turmoil, feeling she couldn''t see through this useless son-inw of the Xiao Family.


    When the fist was only an inch away from striking, Ling Fan could clearly feel the force of the punch, not pulling back at all, a tant attempt on his life.


    "Since it''se to this, then you''re looking for your own death," Ling Fan''s eyes narrowed.


    His body suddenly moved, dodging the lethal punch with incredible speed and angle, and at the same time, his left fist shot out like lightning.


    A loud ''bang'' resounded.


    Jiang Hua only felt a blur before his eyes, as if hit by a cannonball on the face, his mind roaring, then he lost consciousness.


    The imposing Jiang Hua was sent flying seven or eight meters back, crashing into the bar, overturning numerous bottles and jars.


    His entire body sprawled on top of the bar counter, limbs hanging limply, unmoving; he had been killed instantly by Ling Fan''s explosive punch.


    In the face of such a drastic turn of events, the entire venue fell into dead silence, not a sound to be heard.

 Chapter 18 There’s Room for Discussion

    Ling Taihe¡¯s pupils shrank, and his heart convulsed fiercely. Old Hua had followed him for over a decade, blocking countless dangers for him, his amulet, just like that, dead?


    For a while, he found it difficult to ept, and indeed couldn¡¯t ept it. His thoughts were in chaos and he couldn¡¯t think. At this moment, he finally understood why his daughter had just yelled to stop.


    Li Guohao waspletely petrified on the spot, having lost the basic ability to think.


    Li Mengying¡¯s exquisite face turned extremely pale. Too strong¡ªwhat exactly was the background of this seemingly useless son-inw from the Xiao Family?


    And such an impressive figure, had always been treated as a useless person by the Xiao Family?


    Wang Chuang¡¯s eyeballs bulged out, his heart nearly stopped in shock, and he almost fainted. Was this the Ling Fan they had always looked down upon?


    Xia Ying covered her mouth, barely holding back a scream.


    Xu Miaotong wasn¡¯t doing much better. She had thought that Ling Fan was the one who had fallen, but when she opened her eyes again, it was aplete and shocking turnaround.


    "A person has died..." the onlookers trembled. This little security guard at the bar had exceeded everyone¡¯s limits of thought.


    The gaze of the crowd involuntarily turned toward Ling Taihe, unsure how the Patriarch of the Li Family would deal with this madman next.


    After the shock, Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong felt endless worry; the situation hadpletely spiraled out of control.


    "Good, very good, kid, I want to see if your skills are indeed sharper than bullets," Ling Taihe gritted out from between his teeth.


    The middle-aged man next to Ling Taihe, who was of simr age, looked gravely at Ling Fan. It was Feng Wenshan, Li Mengying¡¯s uncle, whose shock was no less than anyone else present.


    As Ling Taihe¡¯s words fell, the four bodyguards behind him immediately pulled out their pistols.


    The onlooking crowd was dumbfounded. Damn, they all had weapons on them, and they were just bystanders¡ªbullets do not have eyes, and if there was an idental discharge that led to injury, where would they even cry?


    The risk of rubbernecking was too high; the crowd dispersed all at once, and had the door not been blocked, many would likely have bolted for it.


    "Dad," Li Mengying took a deep breath.


    "What is it, do you know him?" Ling Taihe recalled his daughter¡¯s earlier intervention.


    "He... he is that son-inw from the Xiao Family." Li Mengying¡¯s expression was extremelyplicated.


    "What?" Ling Taihe eximed in anger.


    "How could this be, the Xiao Family¡¯s waste..."


    Ling Taihe stopped midsentence as he finally realized, his face shocked as he looked toward Li Mengying.


    "You mean him? He is Ling Fan, that useless son-inw from the Xiao Family?"


    Li Mengying bitterly nodded.


    Ling Fan ignored the armed bodyguards, disregarding Ling Taihe, "It seems like you, the Li Family, cannot wait to be reincarnated sooner. I don¡¯t mind going through a bit of trouble to help you along."


    Ling Taihe was startled, staring aghast at Ling Fan who had been utterly calm from the beginning to end.


    Even after killing Old Hua, facing four handguns pointed at him, the man did not show a flicker of disturbance.


    And this incredibly calm young man was that useless son-inw from the Xiao Family who had plunged the Li Family into a life or death crisis?


    "You are Ling Fan, Xiao Zhengping¡¯s son-inw?" Ling Taihe suppressed the shock in his heart.


    "Heh, how could someone like me, a waste, be worthy of being the Xiao Family¡¯s son-inw? Anyst words you¡¯d like to leave behind?" Ling Fan sneered.


    The onlookers were dumbfounded again. What the hell was going on here? Was there an extra episode?


    The most unsettling thing for everyone was what Ling Fan had just said.


    "Did he just tell the Patriarch of the Li Family to leave hisst words? Did I hear that wrong?" one person said in astonishment to theirpanion nearby.


    "I think I heard that too..." another person swallowed.


    With theirpanion¡¯s confirmation, everyone was in disbelief.


    ording to the Li Family, this arrogant young man was not just a simple security guard, but what, a Xiao Family son-inw? And he¡¯s considered a waste?


    What exactly is the Xiao Family? They certainly aren¡¯t from Binzhou. If a waste could be so domineering, what about those who aren¡¯t wastes? Curiosity arose in everyone¡¯s mind.


    As for the identity of Ling Fan, the useless son-inw, not many were clear on it.


    Ling Fan¡¯s fame was only within the upper echelons, and among the general public, he wasn¡¯t that well-known.


    Even Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong were not aware of Ling Fan¡¯s exact circumstances; they never expected he¡¯d turn out to be a son-inw of some family.


    Xia Ying suddenly felt somewhat disheartened. Had this guy actually gotten married already?


    Li Taihe was stunned, absolutely unable to reconcile the crisis of the Li Family with the young man before him.


    But the reality was undeniable, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.


    "You crippled my son, killed Old Hua, and you still want to fight to the death with my Li Family?" Li Taihe said, his face ashen.


    "Oh? Are you threatening me or pleading with me?" Ling Fan asked, with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ling Fan, what will it take for you to let it go? My Li Family was wrong before, and I apologize to you," Li Mengying said, forced to humble herself.


    Some matters required her personal involvement as the authority of the Family Head still needed to be upheld.


    Ling Fan had injured his second sister, crippled Li Guohao, and killed Old Hua. Li Taihe had not exploded on the spot which was already him swallowing his anger.


    There was indeed hatred between Ling Fan and the Li Family, but it hadn¡¯t reached the point of no return where nopromise was possible. If the Li Family knew their ce, their death sentence might still be avoided.


    "Can you make decisions on behalf of the Li Family?"


    Li Mengying¡¯s eyes lit up, "What are your demands?"


    Li Taihe remained silent. It would be best if Li Mengying could handle it. Although they had the Feng Family as their backing, a direct confrontation would damage both sides.


    Unexpectedly, this worthless son-inw of the Xiao Family actually had Cao Jinghui as his backing, and behind Cao Jinghui, it was said there was an even higher power.


    Li Taihe was uncertain andcked the courage to risk the consequences of a direct confrontation.


    "It¡¯s not that there¡¯s no room for negotiation. I¡¯ve said before, if the Patriarch of the Li Family kneels before me and admits his wrong, I would let it go.


    But now, I have an additional condition. From now on, the Li Family will listen to me. Can you ept that?" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Ling Beiming always kept his word. To spare the Li Family, they mustpletely submit to him; otherwise, he could see no reason to pardon them.


    Li Mengying was shocked and stood frozen. She really couldn¡¯t make a decision on this condition and found it hard to ept immediately.


    Li Taihe almost spat out blood in frustration, his lungs nearly bursting. Was this really a negotiation? It was clearly humiliation.


    Feng Wenshan could no longer stand by and watch. Not waiting for the Li family father and daughter to speak, he feltpelled to step forward.


    "Young man, moderation is key. Don¡¯t you think your demands are a bit excessive? You can name a price, and as long as it¡¯s not too exorbitant, the Li Family will agree," he said.


    The people present could not keep up with Ling Fan¡¯s thoughts until they heard Feng Wenshan¡¯s words, snapping them back to reality.


    Ling Fan¡¯s demands were not just excessive; they were utterly outrageous. The guy had gonepletely mad with power.


    If the Li Family had any backbone at all, they would never agree to this. Even if it were them in the same situation, they absolutely would not consent.


    From the initial shock, Wang Chuang and others had shifted to scoffing. This kid was not just mad but utterly delusional, likely bound to crash hard.


    "Hmm?" Ling Fan¡¯s expression turned slightly cold.


    "I am Feng Wenshan, Vice Chairman of the Feng Corporation. May I ask if you could give me some face and downy this issue between you and the Li Family?" Feng Wenshan introduced himself.


    In his view, if Ling Fan were smart, he would not dismiss his request out of respect.


    After all, the energy of the Feng Family was not to be underestimated.


    If not for considering the background behind Cao Jinghui, he would not be speaking so diplomatically, especially since the Li Family had sought his help.


    Following Feng Wenshan¡¯s introduction, a gasp swept through the hall.


    Compared to the Li Family, anyone in Binzhou with a bit ofmon sense knew of the Feng Corporation. The Feng Family was the wealthiest in Binzhou, second only to the Zhou Family.


    "My God, he¡¯s the Vice Chairman of the Feng Corporation, Feng Wenshan?" The crowd was astounded, not expecting such a major figure to be present.


    Everyone looked again at Ling Fan, shaking their heads secretly. The guy was unlucky, encountering such an obstacle as the Feng Family, which might just thwart his arrogant disy.


    Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong also thought to themselves, "It¡¯s about time to back off while ahead."


    They were thoroughly intimidated by Ling Fan¡¯s overbearing presence that day; he simply did not understand the concept ofpromise.


    The Feng Family in Binzhou was like a tyrannical dragon; there was no need to escte things to a disastrous end.


    But this thought was merely wishful thinking on their part.


    "As I¡¯m talking to the Li Family, who the hell are you to butt in? Is the Feng Family so impressive? Do you even deserve to ask for my respect?" Ling Fan retorted coldly.


    The entire assembly was petrified.

 Chapter 19 Parting on Bad Terms

    Wang Chuang, whoy on the ground, had already fainted. He couldn¡¯t ept the reality before his eyes.


    Xia Ying, Xu Miaotong, and the surrounding spectators werepletely numb.


    The father and daughter of the Li Family were experiencing a mental short-circuit. In this day and age, you aren¡¯t afraid of offending people; you¡¯re afraid of offending madmen, and Ling Fan was practically a fighter jet among madmen.


    Feng Wenshan¡¯s face was so dark it seemed it could drip water; not to mention in Binzhou, even in other provinces, no one had ever dared to humiliate him like this.


    As the saying goes, if you don¡¯t respect the monk, respect the Buddha. The Feng Family was backed by the Long Family from the Imperial Capital.


    Feng Wenshan considered himself to be no super big shot in the vast Jiangbei, but if he really encountered trouble, he was not afraid of anyone.


    Yet this young brat dared to be so arrogant in front of him? Did he really think the Feng Family would be afraid of Cao Jinghui?


    "Kid, I don¡¯t care what kind of background you have, but you¡¯ve angered me now," Feng Wenshan said darkly.


    At his level, it was rare for anything to anger him, but today Ling Fan¡¯s actions were equivalent to pping him publicly, leaving him unable to salvage his dignity.


    "Feng, I couldn¡¯t give a damn whether you¡¯re angry or not. Believe it or not, I can make you lie here like a dog right now!" Ling Fan was also enraged.


    The Feng Family had participated in hunting him and his foster mother down in the past. If it weren¡¯t for the old neighbor who had stepped in to save his life, he would have been in the Underworld by now, but unfortunately, his foster mother hadn¡¯t escaped that cmity.


    This time, having regained his memory, he intended to settle the blood debts left in Huaxia. He hadn¡¯t had the time to cause trouble for the Feng Family yet, and they had the nerve to show up on his doorstep. The fact that he didn¡¯t burst them with a punch earlier was already a show of immense restraint.


    Feng Wenshan, unaware of all this, was so furious that his skin trembled, his blood pressure rocketed, and the Three Corpse Gods jumped with rage.


    "Good! Good! Good!" Feng Wenshan repeated ¡¯good¡¯ three times.


    "You want to eradicate the Li Family, right? The Feng Family will take on this challenge. I¡¯d like to see whether the Zhou Family truly has the capability. I¡¯m even more curious to see if you have the ability to eradicate my Feng Family as well!"


    With these words from Feng Wenshan, the entire ce was in uproar, all disbelieving that the Feng Family, such a supergiant, would actually dere war on this young man?


    At this moment, no one in the crowd dared to look down on this security guard anymore. They all turned sideways, their eyes full of seriousness. Who would think lightly of someone even the Feng Family took seriously?


    Only at this moment did everyonee to a realization; apparently, this kid was a tiger in sheep¡¯s clothing.


    "My goodness, this security guard is so handsome, howe I never noticed him before when I came here often?" Some girls had started swooning over him, regretting their oversight.


    "Are you stupid? Didn¡¯t you hear he¡¯s already married?" someone said sourly.


    "Pssh, you¡¯re the stupid one. Didn¡¯t they say he¡¯s a good-for-nothing son-inw? That means he¡¯s very unpopr. Maybe they¡¯re already divorced," the girl argued.


    As Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong heard the whispers around them, they exchanged nces.


    The father and daughter of the Li Family were shocked, but secretly overjoyed. With the strong support of the Feng Family, they no longer had concerns. Even if this guy was skilled, could he possibly ascend to heaven?


    The Feng Family was not just any local n; they were backed by the Long Family from the Imperial Capital, one of Huaxia¡¯s top families.


    "Heh, such a magnificent spirit. You think your Feng Family has deep roots and luxuriant leaves?


    I, Young Master, will fulfill your desire and let you watch with your own eyes how the Feng Family pine tree turns into a dead trunk," Ling Fan sneered.


    He then turned to look at the father and daughter of the Li Family, "What, you really think the Feng Family can protect you? You only have one chance, think it over."


    At this point, everyone in the crowd, as well as Xia Ying and others on Ling Fan¡¯s side, were all dumbfounded. How could he remain so calm andposed with the situation having escted to this point?


    Even Feng Wenshan and the father and daughter of the Li Family were under the illusion that perhaps they had oversimplified things.


    They immediately dismissed the unrealistic whims in their minds. This guy was definitely putting on an act.


    Although he had the backing of Cao Jinghui, this son-inw of the Xiao Family could not possibly be omnipotent.


    If he were really that formidable, how could he have been a good-for-nothing for two years, only revealing his strength now?


    In their eyes, his feignedposure was nothing more than an empty show of strength; they resolved to investigate thoroughlyter to see if there was any other hidden background.


    "Kid, you¡¯re too arrogant. This world is not as simple as you think. Do you really believe that with Cao Jinghui backing you up, you can do whatever you want? It¡¯s not toote to regret and apologize now," Li Taihe thundered with arrogance. It couldn¡¯t be helped; having someone to back him up gave him confidence.


    "Haha, fine, since you¡¯re so confident, let¡¯s y this slowly. If you don¡¯t want to die, you can get lost now," Ling Fan sneered.


    Given his nature, he could have killed all of these people to end it all, but unfortunately, this was Huaxia, where he couldn¡¯t act entirely on impulse.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He had to consider Vermilion Bird. Exterminating an entire n and causing a massacre would put Vermilion Bird in a difficult position. Besides, although he was vengeful, he was not a bloodthirsty person.


    At this moment, the Li father and daughter, as well as the others, were looking to Feng Wenshan as their leader, waiting to see his reaction.


    Feng Wenshan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, "Kid, I¡¯ll be watching with keen interest, and I hope you don¡¯t disappoint me. You know what the consequences will be if you do. Let¡¯s go."


    Feng Wenshan snorted coldly and turned away in indignation, sentencing Ling Fan to death in his heart.


    The bodyguards he had brought with him today were no match at all; otherwise, they would have already taken care of this bastard.


    Within moments, the Li family had disappeared from the bar, carrying the unconscious Li Guohao and the body of Old Hua.


    Before leaving, Li Mengying couldn¡¯t help but look back at Ling Fan, feeling an indescribable sensation, a woman¡¯s intuition.


    Xia Ying, seeing the bar in shambles, told the onlookers that the bar was not open for business today and that all expenses were on the house.


    The crowd looked at Ling Fan with awe and didn¡¯t dare to linger any longer; damn it, that guy wasn¡¯t afraid to kill.


    Xia Ying felt like she was dreaming; her back was drenched with cold sweat; today¡¯s scene had been truly shocking.


    Although they had parted on bad terms, even though Ling Fan had killed someone, the other party didn¡¯t dare to go too far.


    Only then did she and Xu Miaotong truly understand that there are some people in this world who are not bound by certain rules.


    Xia Ying¡¯s expression wasplex; she had never dreamed that this unassuming guy in the bar was actually a hidden powerhouse.


    "Don¡¯t worry; no one wille looking for trouble again," Ling Fan said calmly.


    "But you¡¯ve offended the Feng family, you....," Xia Ying bit her lip, her face full of worry.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t even take the Feng family seriously!" Ling Fan chuckled lightly.


    Xu Miaotong¡¯s emotions today had been like a roller coaster, fluctuating wildly.


    Now, unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into Ling Fan¡¯s arms, crying torrents of tears.


    "I was so scared just now; I thought you were going to get beaten to death, wuwu..."


    Ling Fan, caught off guard, gave a wry smile, hesitated for a moment, but still embraced Xu Miaotong, gently patting her back.


    "It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s over now," Ling Fanforted.


    Xia Ying managed to hold back a little better, but still turned her face away to secretly wipe her eyes; wasn¡¯t she just as affected as Xu Miaotong?


    "Ling Fan!" At that moment, a cold voice echoed in the hall.


    Ling Fan was startled and turned his head to look; who else could it be but Xiao Chubing?


    Looking at Xu Miaotong with her tear-streaked face in his arms, his head began to throb, his face filled with a bitter expression; things were really getting out of hand.

 Chapter 20 The Negligent Wife

    Xiao Chubing stood at the door, her eyes full of suspicion and astonishment at the scene before her.


    A green but beautiful young woman was crying desperately in Ling Fan¡¯s arms, with another elegantdy standing beside her, her eyes red.


    What was this situation? A battle between two women over a man? Or was the guy two-timing? But she was his legitimate partner!


    Liu Yuqiong had hurriedlye to report that Ling Fan had left Tian Hao Hotel, and rushed to this bar as if something was about to happen!


    She had just finished with her work at thepany and couldn¡¯t stop worrying about Ling Fan, so she drove over to check on him.


    She hadn¡¯t nned to intervene, but upon arriving, she stumbled upon quite the scene!


    Xu Miaotong calmed her agitated emotions and looked toward the door with Xia Ying. Seeing Xiao Chubing, both were struck by her stunning appearance.


    A beautifully polished woman stood there, her figure entuated by a hip-hugging skirt, looking sexy and fashionable. Her bright eyes and graceful gestures emitted a strong presence, making them feel inferior.


    Xia Ying was the first to react, looking at Ling Fan with questioning eyes.


    Xu Miaotong managed to calm down a bit, standing to the side with a blushing face, equally curious.


    Ling Fan cleared his throat, about to introduce them, when Xiao Chubing spoke icily, "Wait for me in the car."


    After she had spoken, she turned and left. Ling Fan chuckled nervously, thinking to himself that this was bad.


    He gave Xia Ying and the other woman an apologetic smile, "If there¡¯s anything, call me anytime. I have something to attend to and must leave now!"


    Women are sensitive creatures. "Sister Ying, was that woman just now Brother Fan¡¯s wife?"


    "Probably!" Xia Ying responded.


    She had distinctly felt a hint of hostility from Xiao Chubing, the kind only detectable between women.


    "I never imagined Brother Fan¡¯s wife could be so beautiful," Xu Miaotong eximed before suddenly screaming.


    "Ah! Did she misunderstand something just now?"


    "You only realize that now?" Xia Ying sighed.


    Xu Miaotong¡¯s face turned red as she said anxiously, "I have to exin it to her."


    Recalling her earlier actions, she felt incredibly embarrassed, her face as red as a monkey¡¯s butt.


    "Are you crazy? Why exin when there¡¯s nothing between you? Wouldn¡¯t talking about it only make things worse? Brother Fan can rify it himself," Xia Ying said irritably.


    "I never saw any good in this guy before, but thinking about it now, he seems quite handsome. Why didn¡¯t I notice it before?" Xia Ying muttered to herself, feeling inexplicably irritated.


    Xu Miaotong thought about it and felt a bit conflicted.


    After ncing at the broken furniture near the bar, Xia Ying decided not to bother cleaning up today; Li Chenggang had already been sent to the hospital.


    "Come on, let¡¯s lock up and go upstairs to rest," Xia Ying said, pulling along a dazed Xu Miaotong.


    ....


    Inside the BMW, Xiao Chubing drove in silence, the atmosphere somewhat tense.


    Ling Fan chuckled nervously, "You misunderstood what just happened, it was just..."


    "No need for exnations. Quit your job tomorrow, no, quit now, ande work at mypany. We need a head security guard, and you¡¯re perfect for it," Xiao Chubing said coldly.


    "Uh¡­" Ling Fan was at a loss for words.


    Xiao Chubing was incredibly frustrated, thinking to herself how this fellow seemed to enjoy his job, no wonder he didn¡¯t leave his position as a security guard¡ªalways surrounded by people, indeed.


    She didn¡¯t know what Ling Fan was thinking, but as a woman, she intuitively felt that those two women¡¯s feelings for Ling Fan were not simple.


    Today¡¯s incident was fortuitous as itpletely changed everyone¡¯s perception of him.


    Especially the assertiveness, theforting and dependable feeling he projected¡ªit deeply impacted Xia Ying and Xu Miaotong.


    How could their hearts not be shaken? It was like a stormy sea; not just for those two women.


    Even many of the spectating girls were infatuated. Xiao Chubing waste to the scene and only saw two emotionally stirred women.


    But seeing these two was indeed lethal, she never dreamt that this good-for-nothing, who was always despised at home, could attract so much attention outside, she really had misjudged him.


    Ling Fan didn¡¯t bother exining either, knowing it was pointless to reason with a woman, especially since he indeed nned to resign these days, having regained his memory, it wasn¡¯t possible to keep working as a bouncer at the bar forever.


    As for joining his wife¡¯s Tianyun Company, that was also a good idea, it was just the opportunity he needed to deal with the Feng Family while helping Tian Yun grow stronger.


    "Oh, speaking of Tian Hao Hotel, I heard about it from Yu Qiong. Who was that person who made the Zhou Family bow their heads?" Xiao Chubing remembered Liu Yuqiong¡¯s description and still couldn¡¯t believe it.


    How much a good-for-nothing husband weighed, she knew perfectly well. Liu Yuqiong had practically praised him to the skies, and she didn¡¯t believe it at all, but her best friend had no reason to lie to her.


    Especially since Liu Yuqiong kept pestering her with endless questions, almost driving her insane, because she couldn¡¯t answer a single one.


    If it weren¡¯t for being suddenly called back home by her family, she might have ended up staying at her ce today.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Oh, I think his name is Cao Jinghui!" Ling Fan said casually.


    "Cao Jinghui? The low-key paragon of Jiangbei Province, Cao Jinghui?" Xiao Chubing was instantly shocked.


    About Cao Jinghui¡¯s true identity and background, she knew very little, but she had heard of the title Jiangbei Paragon.


    Moreover, this man was low-key and mysterious, and there were many rumors about him; she couldn¡¯t believe that Ling Fan actually knew such a person?


    "Right, I¡¯m not so sure myself!" Ling Fan replied.


    "What are you joking about, he helped you and you don¡¯t even know his details clearly? Let¡¯s arrange a dinner to thank him!" Xiao Chubing suggested, thinking of Cao Jinghui¡¯s reputation, she couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous.


    "There¡¯s no need, I¡¯m not close with him, it was just my friend who arranged it, you don¡¯t need to worry about it!" Ling Fan stated indifferently.


    Hearing this, Xiao Chubing took a deep breath, clearly dissatisfied with Ling Fan¡¯s evasiveness.


    Today, in front of her best friend, she suddenly discovered that she was truly a negligent wife, as she had never really taken the time to understand Ling Fan.


    She didn¡¯t even know who his friends were, let alone his remarkable abilities.


    She was even more clueless about whether he had other women outside; recalling the scene she had stumbled upon at the bar earlier, her heart felt congested.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the matter of divorce, she wouldn¡¯t have known how long she¡¯d be kept in the dark; did he n to hide it from her forever? Or did he not like her at all? Otherwise, why hadn¡¯t he ever been honest with her in their two years of marriage?


    There¡¯s a saying, "Don¡¯t guess a woman¡¯s thoughts," and at this moment, Xiao Chubing had plunged into a whirlwind of confusion, tormenting herself mentally.


    "What else are you hiding from me? Aren¡¯t you going to exin?" Xiao Chubing was upset now.


    She suddenly felt that she might not even know him as well as those two women she¡¯d encountered in the bar; it was a bitter feeling.


    Ling Fan knew he couldn¡¯t sidestep anymore, that sooner orter they would find out if they continued to stay together, but this matter wasn¡¯t something he could simply exin in a few words.


    "Cao Jinghui owes a favor to my friend, which is why he helped," Ling Fan chose his words cautiously.


    Xiao Chubing couldn¡¯t help but tremble internally; it must be a huge favor to have moved Cao Jinghui to take action.


    Ling Fan actually knew such a person? Most importantly, she knew nothing about it.


    "But I also owe someone a favor that I will have to repayter," Ling Fan added.


    His statement wasn¡¯t wrong; although he wasn¡¯t afraid of any power in Huaxia, he still kept the silent support of the Vermilion Bird in his heart.


    Xiao Chubing took a deep breath, feeling somewhat moved.


    She believed that if it weren¡¯t for her, Ling Fan wouldn¡¯t have gotten into a conflict with the other party, nor would he have used this favor.


    "What¡¯s the deal with Ding Wanchang? Although I have business dealings with him, I understand his character; he wouldn¡¯t let you off just for my sake."


    Obviously, just understanding the Zhou Family¡¯s situation didn¡¯t satisfy her; she was determined to get to the bottom of things, as she felt her knowledge of Ling Fan was embarrassingly scant, so scant it made her feel inferior.


    At this time, the car had stopped in front of the vi, their home, and Xiao Chubing¡¯s startup assets were also approaching a hundred million, amon vi was still affordable.


    "That¡¯s a long story, let¡¯s talk inside but keep it between us," Ling Fan gave a wry smile, because the matter with Ding Wanchang was a bit special.


    Just then, a ck Mercedes S600 pulled up behind them; turning to see who was getting out of the car, Xiao Chubing and Ling Fan looked at each other.


    Speak of the devil, and he shall appear; it wasn¡¯t anyone else, it was the very Ding Wanchang they had just mentioned.

 Chapter 21 Ding Wanchang’s Secret

    Xiao Chubing¡¯s expression changed instantly upon seeing the state of things. Was Ding Wanchang¡¯s visit today to seek an exnation?


    She stole a nce at Ling Fan beside her and noted that he appeared calm and unaffected, so she had no choice but to steel herself and go to greet the visitor.


    "CEO Ding, I just heard about today¡¯s incident, and I apologize on his behalf," Xiao Chubing said.


    That was just her personality; she wouldn¡¯t pretend or feign politeness, and she had set the tone from the start¡ªisn¡¯t it said that no one is offended by excessive courtesy?


    Ding Wanchang came alone, with a somewhat troubled expression, and he quickly responded politely, "President Xiao, you¡¯re too kind. I should be thanking Mr. Ling. Sorry for intruding without an invitation."


    Xiao Chubing felt puzzled. The man¡¯s son had been crippled, and yet he came over to offer thanks¡ªwhat kind of reasoning was that?


    "Please, CEO Ding,e in and sit for a while!" Xiao Chubing was growing more curious, but she did not let it show.


    "No need, I just came specially to remind Mr. Ling. Given today¡¯s events, I¡¯m afraid Han Fang won¡¯t let it go easily; she might find people to deal with you. You should be careful," Ding Wanchang earnestly warned.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s puzzlement deepened. It was a strange act¡ªone wanting revenge, and the othering specifically to warn¡ªbut she couldn¡¯t help being more curious about Ling Fan. Now, however, it was really not convenient to inquire further.


    Ling Fan, on the other hand, had a clearer idea, but he was surprised that Ding Wanchang had taken the trouble toe and warn him.


    "I won¡¯t disturb you two any further. I¡¯ll host you another day," Ding Wanchang offered a forced smile, which could not hide his sorrow.


    As he turned to leave, Ling Fan hesitated and then said, "Wait, sit down for a bit. Actually, I have something to tell you."


    Ding Wanchang was startled, unsure of what Ling Fan wanted to discuss, but after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he nodded.


    Once inside the vi¡¯s hall, the rarely proactive Xiao Chubing personally brewed a pot of tea and then sat down beside Ling Fan.


    The house did not have a maid, since all these chores, like serving tea and water, had been Ling Fan¡¯s household duties for two years.


    This was Ding Wanchang¡¯s first visit, but noticing Xiao Chubing¡¯s behavior and attitude, he realized that the rumors were somewhat biased.


    He had heard about the incident that urred after leaving Tian Hao today; Xiao Chubing¡¯s husband was certainly no simple man.


    "Boss Ding, you can rest assured that we as a couple will not reveal your matters to others," Ling Fan reassured him.


    Listened from the side, Xiao Chubing waspletely confused, feeling as if there was a cat scratching at her heart, yet it was awkward for her to ask further, so she just listened quietly, pretending to be calm and as though she already knew.


    Upon hearing this, Ding Wanchang¡¯s face darkened¡ªhe had been hit with a bolt from the blue at Tian Hao when Ling Fan revealed that Ding Shicheng was not his biological son.


    Such news was a shock; Ding Shicheng did not resemble him, and with rumors about his young wife¡¯s infidelity, this had always been a thorn in his side.


    It was only after Han Fang proactively suggested a paternity test that his worries were alleviated.


    He did not believe Ling Fan¡¯s words in the hotel at first, but Ling Fan spoke with such certainty and provided solid reasoning, iming he could prove it on the spot.


    Even if it were true, for the sake of his pride and dignity, he couldn¡¯t justply there and then, letting himself be humiliated.


    What truly made him unable to bear it and verify on the spot was that Han Fang¡¯s lover turned out to be none other than thepany¡¯s Finance Manager Du Tao, supposedly her cousin, who was always around him.


    If it had been just a rumor of Han Fang¡¯s immorality from the past, he could have endured it, but being cuckolded so tantly for over twenty years made him explode on the spot.


    Thinking of these distressing matters made Ding Wanchang¡¯s mood even worse, "Sigh, living for so long only to have thingse to this. I¡¯ve be aughingstock."


    "What do you n to do with them?" Ling Fan asked curiously.


    With Old Ding¡¯s temperament, those two adulterers were bound to end up at the bottom of the river. Du Tao was just a social hooligan with no background.


    He had happened upon the knowledge of Ding Wanchang¡¯s desperate situation years ago¡ªchanging women daily¡ªand so had schemed his way into the inner circle, eventually arranging for Han Fang to get pregnant by Ding Wanchang, with the intent of usurping his family wealth and securing a life of ease once and for all.


    Ding Wanchang at Tian Hao couldn¡¯t simply take Ling Fan¡¯s word for it, but with some mild prompting from Ling Fan, anyst hope that Ding Wanchang had was easily shattered through deceit.


    At Ding Wanchang¡¯s level, he naturally knew how to extract information. He inquired about Han Fang¡¯s whereabouts the day before, and Han Fang and Du Tao couldn¡¯t have coordinated their stories for their every outing.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The main reason they were caught was that, after twenty years without slip-ups, their guard had lowered, and it was easy to trick the truth out of Han Fang.


    Therefore, in a rage, Ding Wanchang pped Han Fang, and when she returned home, she confessed everything. Eventually, the truth couldn¡¯t be concealed, and it wasn¡¯t difficult to get to the root of the matter.


    Ding Wanchang gave a bitter smile as though he¡¯d suddenly aged a lot, "That¡¯s what¡¯s infuriating me. All I did was force her to leave without her belongings. You might not know, but these two had already made their ns."


    "Du Tao has a cousin who is a direct disciple of Lu Jinglun, the head of the Weisheng Martial Arts School, and rumour has it that the school has connections with a martial arts family. So, for now, I can only swallow my anger."


    "I came to remind you for this reason, be careful of them making a desperate move since you¡¯ve disrupted their little arrangement,"


    Xiao Chubing felt a suffocating difort in her heart, but she vaguely understood a bit, it seemed like Ding Wanchang¡¯s wife had an affair, which greatly shocked her.


    "Oh! So there¡¯s also this matter, quite interesting," Ling Fan nodded.


    The rtionship between Du Tao and Weisheng Martial Arts Hall wasn¡¯t really clear, not because it couldn¡¯t be found out, but because it was impossible to investigate the background of everyone in Binzhou for no reason.


    "There¡¯s plenty of time for settling ounts in the future, and CEO Ding doesn¡¯t need to be disheartened. I¡¯ve got some good news for you. Remember Luo Juan?" Ling Fan mentioned another name.


    Ding Wanchang was immediately astonished; apart from himself, nobody knew this name. If it hadn¡¯t been for Ling Fan bringing it up today, he had almost forgotten this name over the past thirty years.


    Luo Juan was his first love. Back when he hadn¡¯t made his fortune and was just a gangster on the streets, poor and destitute, Luo Juan was deeply disappointed in Ding Wanchang, who was not conducting himself properly, and thus left him.


    However, such a closely guarded secret, how did Ling Fan know? Even based on age it didn¡¯t make sense as Ling Fan had not even been born when these events took ce.


    Ling Fan saw the confusion in Ding Wanchang¡¯s eyes, a feat that was extremely difficult for others, but too simple for him.


    The power behind Vermilion Bird was beyond imagination, and he had Vermilion Bird investigate the detailed power structure of Binzhou as soon as he regained his memory.


    For martial artists, investigating the secrets of an ordinary person is as easy as turning one¡¯s hand over, a mentalist skilled in hypnotism can make you spill your entire family history with little effort.


    However, some of the information was purely due to Vermilion Bird¡¯s excessive curiosity, so it took the liberty to learn a bit more on the side.


    "Don¡¯t think too much, I did not specifically investigate you, it was just a coincidence. For me, wanting to know something isn¡¯t difficult.


    What I wanted to say is, Luo Juan has a son who is your biological child, and not only is he outstanding, but he is also a young entrepreneur, apparently about to get married," Ling Fan spoke leisurely.


    Ding Wanchang felt like he had received an adrenaline shot, suddenly standing up, uncontrobly excited and looking incredulously at Ling Fan.


    "You... you¡¯re not lying to me? Where are they now?" Ding Wanchang eyed Ling Fan intensely, his heart had been in ashes, never expecting a light at the end of the tunnel.


    After so many years, he had no idea where to look for Luo Juan, and even less so that when she left him she was already pregnant, and moreover, had given birth to the child and raised him to be so outstanding.


    Thinking of this, he couldn¡¯t help his eyes reddening, without thinking one could tell that mother and son must have suffered a great deal.


    Only at this moment did Xiao Chubing confirm her suspicions from the conversation between the two men, her heart overwhelmed as if hit by a tsunami. But such a secret matter, unknown even to the parties involved, how did Ling Fan know?


    Xiao Chubing found that her doubts were only increasing.


    "I¡¯ll give you an address, you can go look for them yourself!" Saying so, Ling Fan took out paper and pen, wrote down an address, and handed it to Ding Wanchang.


    Ding Wanchang¡¯s hands trembled as he received the slip of paper, nced at it, and carefully tucked it away.


    "Mr. Ling, I¡¯ll remember your kindness!" Ding Wanchang sped his hands and bowed respectfully.


    Ling Fan waved his hand dismissively, "I only helped you incidentally because of my wife. Besides, you came over to warn me kindly, which shows you are not a bad person."


    Frankly speaking, in Ling Fan¡¯s eyes, Ding Wanchang really wasn¡¯t worth much, to put it rudely, he didn¡¯t even qualify to be his underling.


    Ding Wanchang¡¯s respect for Ling Fan grew internally, as the Zhou Family was willing to discard their heir to win over Ling Fan, revealing just a glimpse of the underlying dynamics.


    He must handle this rtionship delicately; seeing Ling Fan¡¯s attitude, it seemed he didn¡¯t think highly of himself, so it looked like he had to interact more with Xiao Chubing.


    Xiao Chubing, listening on the side, was thoroughly bewildered. Her worthless husband seemed to have transformed overnight into someone she didn¡¯t recognize, now a mystery to her.


    Right then, Ding Wanchang was preupied with Luo Juan¡¯s matter, eager to go, but then he heard a roar from outside the vi, followed bymotion.


    "Xiao Family¡¯s worthless son-inw,e out and face your death right now, I heard you¡¯re quite the fighter, so I came to meet you myself," a bellow travelled into the hall from outside.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s brows furrowed; trouble had indeede to their doorstep.


    Ding Wanchang¡¯s expression changed slightly as he recognized the identity of the person outside.


    Ling Fan¡¯s demeanor was indifferent, but a chill shed in the depths of his eyes. Standing up, he said, "Let¡¯s go and have a look!"


    PS: Dear readers, I am the author of this book, ¡¯zing Starfire¡¯, taking the liberty to ramble a bit here.


    In the past, whenunching a book, my heart was full of acknowledgments, and I could write one or two thousand heartfelt words, but today I am speechless. The few books I wrote before did not achieve satisfactory results.


    Writing is a career filled with gratitude and reverence, never forgetting why you started! Don¡¯t forget to add this book to your favorites if you support it. It took three years from conception to signing the contract for this book.


    If possible, this time I would like to prove myself with this book! Thank you to every friend for your support. I believe I can write apelling story and gain your recognition and liking!

 Chapter 22: A Close Escape from Death

    Ling Fan was the first to reach the door, where he saw a ck off-road jeep parked askew in the middle of the courtyard, two of the pottedndscapes in the yard had been smashed.


    Four people stood in the courtyard, all with a fierce and menacing appearance, the one in the lead had a crew cut and a square face.


    "Hm? Are you that good-for-nothing son-inw from the Xiao Family?" another short, fat man snapped coldly.


    Ling Fan scanned the group, sneering inwardly, "A few mangy cats and dogs sure do make an impressive show, to actually dare strut around on my doorstep."


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Are you deaf or what? Are you that good-for-nothing son-inw from the Xiao Family?" the square-faced man took a step forward.


    Just then, Ding Wanchang followed out from the vi. Seeing the group, his expression shifted slightly, showing both annoyance and wariness.


    His annoyance was because the short, fat man was none other than Du Tao, whom he dearly wished he could shoot dead that very moment.


    His wariness was of the square-faced man, Du Shiwei, Lu Jinglun¡¯s direct disciple, whose martial arts skills were said to be exceptional, such that ordinary people could hardly hurt him with a handgun.


    To be precise, Ding Wanchang¡¯s wariness was not of Du Shiwei but the power behind Lu Jinglun. At his level, he had heard of certain secret forces.


    For instance, the Martial Arts Families were not something that his self-made secr family could contend with.


    The other two tall, thin men, judging by their attire, were clearly from a martial arts hall, presumably brought along by Du Shiwei to strengthen their side.


    Seeing Ding Wanchang, Du Tao was visibly taken aback, not at all expecting him to be there, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward. Du Tao quickly regained hisposure.


    "Old Ding, I don¡¯t want any trouble with you today. We can talk about our issuester," Du Tao reminded.


    When enemies meet, they are especially eye-catching; even the most patient Ding Wanchang could not hold back.


    "Du Tao, do you really think I¡¯m afraid toy a finger on you?" A chilling coldness emanated from Ding Wanchang¡¯s eyes.


    Feeling somewhat intimidated, Du Tao had always been a bit weaker in front of Ding Wanchang. Without Du Shiwei as backup, he could not handle this tiger.


    "Old Ding, are you going to oppose Weisheng Martial Arts School? You should have heard about the energy behind my master. Believe it or not, if I take action against you now, I won¡¯t have to face any consequences?" Du Shiwei turned and threatened.


    "You can try and see if killing me, Ding Wanchang, will let you live in peace. I¡¯m not afraid of taking risks, and I hope you and your brother can live a little longer," Ding Wanchang¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    If he hadn¡¯t just learned that he still had a son, what would he care about Martial Arts Families as a lone wolf? What would it matter if he killed them? Taking down one breaks even, taking down two turns a profit.


    Moreover, he hadn¡¯t risen to where he was over the years for nothing. Even if he died, there would be a group of brothers to avenge him.


    The Du brothers exchanged nces, having their own fears of Ding Wanchang. Both parties hesitated, caught in a stalemate.


    "Do you have to get involved today?" Du Shiwei¡¯s expression darkened.


    Ding Wanchang was a man who valued favors deeply; Ling Fan had done him a great favor. Even if it meant facing danger head-on today, what would it matter? If he wasn¡¯t concerned about Luo Juan and his child, he would dare to draw a gun and blow Du Tao¡¯s head off right now.


    "If you know what¡¯s good for you, you¡¯ll scram right now. This isn¡¯t your yground," Xiao Chubing suddenly stepped forward from behind Ling Fan, her face set in a cold re.


    When Du Shiwei saw the stunning Xiao Chubing, a trace of amazement shed in his eyes, and he tantly sized her up.


    "Damn, such good cabbage has rolled into a pig¡¯s mouth. Marrying such a loser, why not consider being with me in the future?" This was the first time Du Shiwei had seen Xiao Chubing, and he was instantly captivated.


    He had heard that Xiao Chubing¡¯s rtions with her family weren¡¯t great, yet she supported such a useless husband. He couldn¡¯t understand what she was thinking¡ªwas it because he was skilled in certain ways?


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s face turned angrily red, not expecting him to be so shameless.


    "Zhang Ping, Wang Sheng, each of you deal with one. Leave this waste to me," Du Shiwei ordered the two martial arts school disciples he had brought with him.


    Both men answered and stepped out, one targeting Ding Wanchang, the other targeting Xiao Chubing.


    ring at Ling Fan with resentment, Du Tao gritted his teeth and said, "You goddamn meddler, today you¡¯ll learn your lesson."


    Du Shiwei calmly approached a hundred-pound stone, snorted with augh, uttered a deep voice filled with breath, and pped the stone with his palm.


    In an instant, cracks appeared on the stone, and in a moment, it shattered into several pieces.


    Ding Wanchang inhaled sharply; his underling, Old Chen, could aplish the same feat, but there was a significant age difference between them. Comparatively, Du Shiwei seemed stronger.


    Especially since he had heard from Old Chen that true martial artists could even withstand fire and not be burnt, or enter water and not drown¡ªit was truly inconceivable.


    It was said that Lu Jinglun had reached the middle stage of the Second Grade Samurais realm, able to snap steel and bend iron with his bare hands, already possessing a hint of Inner Strength.


    Xiao Chubing had never heard of such astonishing techniques, let alone witnessed them; thus, she was thoroughly intimidated by Du Shiwei¡¯s disy and was so shocked she couldn¡¯t speak a word.


    Du Shiwei was extremely pleased with everyone¡¯s reaction and disdainfully looked towards Ling Fan, "Have you seen this, you waste? This is the power of a martial artist. I¡¯m just at the Late Body Tempering Stage, yet my palm has the force of a thousand pounds. Just think about what would happen if itnded on your body?


    Today, I am in a good mood, so I¡¯ll give you a way out: be my dog, then hand over your wife to me, and I might spare your life."


    Throughout, Ling Fan had not said a word, standing with his hands behind his back, quietly watching Du Shiwei and the others perform their clownish act.


    Du Tao and the others looked at the silent Ling Fan, all revealing a mocking smile. By their judgment, he probably had been scared stupid.


    "That old dog Lu Jinglun probably shares your ipetence; otherwise, he couldn¡¯t have taught you such idiocy," Ling Fan said calmly.


    The First Grade martial artist from the Li Family was taken down by his fist in a second, and here was this trash at the Late Body Tempering Stage daring to show off¡ªtruly oblivious to death.


    "Motherfucker, did you just curse my master?" Du Shiwei couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    Upon hearing Ling Fan, Du Tao and the other two were astonished as if they had heard an illusion. This waste had the nerve to talk back?


    "Heh, I almost forgot. I heard you can take down several bodyguards by yourself. Do you really think you can live on such pathetic skills?" Du Shiwei said angrily.


    "Damn it, will you ever shut up with your endless bbering? Is that what your master taught you, to fight with your lips? Babbling nonsense," Ling Fan retorted impatiently.


    "If you¡¯re not capable, then you can break your own arms and get lost."


    "Motherfucker, you¡¯ve got some nerve; watch me kill you," Du Shiwei waspletely enraged.


    With a swift move, he turned into a fierce gust of wind and charged towards Ling Fan with a terrifying momentum.


    Excitement flickered across the faces of Du Tao and the others, cold sneers on their lips as they mocked Ling Fan. They thought to themselves, let¡¯s see how you will beg for mercy next.


    Xiao Chubing and Ding Wanchang both turned to look, anxious but utterly unable to help.


    "Get out of the way!" Xiao Chubing eximed.


    She knew Ling Fan was skilled, but she had lost all confidence in him against a so-called martial artist like Du Shiwei.


    "To dare covet my woman, you¡¯re no more than an ant," Ling Fan¡¯s heart brimmed with killing intent.


    If this guy knew that Ling Fan had once taken down a First Grade martial artist in a second, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to cause trouble even if he had the guts¡ªthough it was toote for that now.


    His eyes, still filled with pride, were quickly overtaken by terror.


    Suddenly, Ling Fan advanced,nding a punch directly on Du Shiwei¡¯s Dantian. With a ¡¯bang,¡¯ Du Shiwei was sent flying back at an even greater speed than he arrived.


    With a ¡¯boom¡¯, he crashed into the windshield of an SUV and, following that, smashed through the windshield into the vehicle.


    Du Tao and the others were utterly stunned.


    "You have half an hour to bring that old man Lu Jinglun to collect the body; a minutete, and you three can discuss amongst yourselves who will be the next corpse," Ling Fan said with an icy tone as sharp as a knife, truly enraged.


    At his words, their heads buzzed, their scalps tingled. Faced with a life-or-death situation, none of them wanted to be the first to die!

 Chapter 23: Master Saves My Life

    Du Tao and two other disciples of the martial arts school were scared out of their wits, nearly wetting themselves.


    Ding Wanchang¡¯s mind jolted, he sucked in a cold breath, and his gaze toward Ling Fan changed repeatedly, truly striking awe into his heart.


    Xiao Chubing was so startled she almost cried out, her beautiful eyes sparkling repeatedly. Was this the husband who had been mocked for two years since their marriage?


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s eyes became a bit red as she recalled her deceased grandfather. It seemed her grandfather hadn¡¯t lied to her, perhaps she really misunderstood him.


    With such skills, even if Ling Fan was a failure, he was probably not a simple failure.


    "Can¡¯t you understand human speech? A minute has already passed!" Ling Fan snorted coldly.


    The three, including Du Tao, were like waking from a dream, still in a daze, especially Du Tao. How had things turned out like this? Du Shiwei was dead?


    Without support, he was nothing, and couldn¡¯t help stealing a nce at Ding Wanchang, his heart growing more and more panic-stricken. He had already lost any leverage against Ding Wanchang and was thinking about how to flee.


    The other two¡¯s faces looked worse than if their father had died, panicking as they pulled out their phones, shaking as they dialed a number, calling their master, Lu Jinglun.


    ...


    Weisheng Martial Arts School.


    "Brother Lu, after this matter, Feng will definitely not let you down. That vi in Yuhu Bay is just a small token of my appreciation!" Feng Wenshan said enthusiastically.


    After separating from Ling Fan at the bar, Feng Wenshan grew more and more unable to swallow his anger. But Ling Fan¡¯sbat power was too fierce for normal people to deal with; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have swallowed his pride on the spot.


    After long consideration, he decided to seek help from Lu Jinglun. The two shared a deep rtionship and he believed that as long as he showed enough sincerity, Lu Jinglun would not refuse him.


    "Younger brother Feng, we have many years of friendship, no need for formalities. That Li Family member is just an early-stage First Grade martial artist. In the Martial Arts World, he¡¯s nothing. I can kill him with one finger.


    However, that waste son-inw of the Xiao Family, he must be in thete stages of First Grade. I really didn¡¯t expect that kid to be a martial arts genius," Lu Jinglun nodded, appearing somewhat surprised.


    Feng Wenshan was shocked. "I never expected the Xiao Family¡¯s waste son-inw to be a martial artist, hiding so deep. Probably even the Xiao Family doesn¡¯t know, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have been mocked as a waste for two years. Brother Jinglun, are you confident?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, what you don¡¯t know is that the difference between First Grade and Second Grade is like that between a baby and a giant, not on the same level. To cripple him, three moves are enough," Lu Jinglun said with a slight smile.


    As he spoke, he gently pressed his palm on a solid wood round table. When he lifted it, a startlingly clear, inch-deep palm imprint was visible on the table.


    Feng Wenshan gasped in astonishment, his face showing shock. "This..."


    The two had known each other for many years, yet this was the first time Lu Jinglun had demonstrated such immortal methods before him.


    "Although a First Grade martial artist has entered the threshold of cultivating martial arts, he only knows how to use the strength of muscles and bones. But at the Second Grade realm, like me, one starts to harness Inner Strength, understanding thebination of Inner Strength and muscles to exert greater power," Lu Jinglun exined.


    Today, Feng Wenshan¡¯s horizons were greatly broadened; previously, he only knew the martial artist¡¯s skills were formidable, but he hadn¡¯t realized there was so much knowledge involved.


    After chatting for a while, Feng Wenshan left the Weisheng Martial Arts School feeling satisfied.


    After seeing off Feng Wenshan and just getting back to his room, Lu Jinglun¡¯s phone suddenly rang. It was a call from a disciple of the hall, and he answered immediately.


    "Master... Master... Big Brother is dead!" The voice on the other end conveyed fear and panic.


    "What did you say? What happened?" Lu Jinglun eximed in shock, bellowing angrily.


    Du Shiwei was his direct disciple, his proud pupil. In Binzhou, anyone with even a slight status who knew his background wouldn¡¯t dare to touch Du Shiwei.


    "Xiao... Xiao Family¡¯s son-inw..." The voice on the other end trembled with fear.


    Before Lu Jinglun could interrogate, he heard a phrase from the other side that nearly made him explode.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Master,e quickly to save us... Xiao¡¯s son-inw said, within thirty minutes you muste to collect the elder apprentice¡¯s body, and if you¡¯re one minutete, one of us will die, and you¡¯ll have one more body to collect, Master, your disciple doesn¡¯t want to die!"


    Lu Jinglun, fuming, his beard bristling, his eyes round with fury, asked, "Where are you?"


    "At his house, Master, five minutes have already passed...." The voice on the other side added, filled with fear.


    "Snap!"


    Lu Jinglun, shaking all over with anger, mmed his cellphone onto the ground. The poor cellphone instantly shattered into pieces,pletely destroyed.


    "Insolent child, this is too much bullying."


    At that moment, Lu Jinglun was like a dormant volcano suddenly ignited. He had indeed promised Feng Wenshan and still didn¡¯t know what excuse to find, but he didn¡¯t expect Ling Fan to provoke him actively, giving him a justified reason to act.


    "Someone!" Lu Jinglun shouted loudly, hurrying outside; he had to save them.


    In the vi courtyard of Xiao Chubing¡¯s residing ce.


    After finishing the call, Zhang Ping was soaked in cold sweat. He exchanged looks with Wang Sheng and secretly made a decision.


    If the time really passed, they would first push Du Tao out to die; they both had little to do with Du Tao. Now that Du Shiwei was dead, what was Du Tao¡¯s worth?


    Du Tao was not a fool either. Feeling the atmosphere turn strange, his limbs turned icy. This world was too realistic, truly a moment in time changes everything.


    "You three, kneel properly and wait for your Master to arrive." Ling Fan said indifferently.


    How could the three dare to dy? Knowing the man before them truly dared to make blood spill within five steps, they hurriedly knelt on the ground.


    Ling Fan looked at Ding Wanchang, instructing lightly, "Keep an urate count of time, after one minute, eliminate one. Whom you eliminate is up to you; any consequences will be on me."


    Ding Wanchang took a deep breath. Ling Fan had taken care of the biggest trouble, Du Shiwei, and left the other two out of the equation for now. Dealing with the bastard Du Tao, he had absolutely no hesitations¡ªan unintended favor from Ling Fan.


    Hearing this, Du Tao¡¯s face turned as pale as y, his heart filled with despair. It was over.


    The other two men secretly breathed a sigh of relief; finally, they were not the first to die.


    Xiao Chubing, standing aside, didn¡¯t utter a word; the shock in her heart was beyond words. Since her early days, this was the first time she felt something called a sense of security.


    Just then, a series of braking sounds came from outside the vi.


    "The Master has arrived, so quickly?" Zhang Ping and Wang Sheng, kneeling on the ground, felt a surge of excitement.


    Du Tao¡¯s eyes regained a bit of spirit, his body somewhat weak. If Lu Jinglun coulde in time to save the day, he could possibly gain some advantage, at least temporarily safe.


    The arrival was indeed swift. As Ling Fan was about to turn and enter the house, he suddenly stopped in his steps and looked toward the front gate.


    Soon, three figures appeared in everyone¡¯s line of sight. Ling Fan raised his eyebrows.


    The three kneeling on the ground were instantly dumbfounded; damn it, wasn¡¯t it the expected savior?


    The few who had juste in were also stunned, looking at the scene in the courtyard, they exchanged nces, unsure of what drama was unfolding here.


    Seeing the people who had entered, Xiao Chubing¡¯s expression turned cold. It was indeed members of the Xiao family.


    "What are you doing here? You¡¯re not wee here!" Xiao Chubing¡¯s voice was icy cold.

 Chapter 24: Your coffin is a bit small

    Entering the room were none other than Xiao Jianhua and his daughter and son-inw, who had just arrived only to be given the order to leave, immediately causing embarrassment to appear on their faces.


    However, upon seeing the three people kneeling in the courtyard, Xiao Jianhua was greatly surprised. How did they also end up in conflict with the people from Weisheng Martial Arts School?


    Because of the angle, he hadn¡¯t seen the condition of the front windshield of the SUV. If he knew that Du Shiwei had been beaten by Ling Fan to the brink of life and death, he would probably be scared half to death.


    He couldn¡¯t help but shift his gaze toward Ling Fan. Could it be that the entire Xiao Family had misjudged this man in the past two years?


    "Xiao Bing, I¡¯m here today on behalf of the family to apologize to you. The incident today was our fault, and I hope you can forgive us. Your father was too ashamed toe, so I¡¯m bringing him here to apologize to you!" Xiao Jianhua struggled internally before saying these words.


    Zhang Xu felt bitter in his heart. He had inexplicably lost his job today, and his superiors were unable to help, saying he had offended someone.


    He waspletely baffled and only learned from Xiao Jingjing that it had something to do with Ling Fan. But how could this rotten fish possibly have such ability? He was still utterly confused.


    Especially Xiao Jingjing, who was pale as a ghost, felt as if a hundred knives were stabbing at her heart. She never expected that fortunes could reverse after thirty years.


    "An apology is unnecessary, I can¡¯t ept it!" Xiao Chubing sneered coldly.


    She wasn¡¯t a fool. The family¡¯s sudden one hundred and eighty-degree change in attitude was nothing but an attempt to ingratiate with Ling Fan now that they had realized he was out of the ordinary. Such an opportunistic facade was truly nauseating.


    Xiao Jianhua felt dejected, his old face turning red. He hadn¡¯t wanted toe today. Beforeing, the family had held a meeting hoping to smooth things over with Xiao Chubing and her husband.


    Xiao Zheng couldn¡¯t lower his Family Head¡¯s dignity, and Xiao Zhengping couldn¡¯t swallow his pride. In the end, it fell to Xiao Jianhua to make the visit. The family wasn¡¯t very optimistic about the oue of this trip because rtions had be too strained.


    Showing up now was tantamount to humiliating oneself, but such is a parent¡¯s tender heart. For his son-inw Zhang Xu¡¯s future, he still decided to give it a try.


    "Xiao Jing, apologize!" Xiao Jianhua felt indescribable inside.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingjing¡¯s body trembled, and she even bit her lips until they bled. Zhang Xu¡¯s job loss wasrgely her fault.


    "I¡¯m... I¡¯m sorry!" After saying this, Xiao Jingjing¡¯s face felt scorchingly hot.


    Xiao Jianhua hastily said, "Xiao Bing, your second sister already knows her mistake. Please forgive her this once. After all, we are all family, and it¡¯s better to resolve conflicts than to let them linger!"


    Xiao Chubing was silent and didn¡¯t answer, instead turning her gaze to Ling Fan.


    "You don¡¯t need to apologize to me. The one who needs your forgiveness is my husband!" Xiao Chubing, for the first time in public, centered Ling Fan in the situation.


    Xiao Jianhua took a deep breath. He spoke to Xiao Chubing first upon entering because he thought she¡¯d be easier to break through than Ling Fan.


    In the two years since Ling Fan married into the Xiao Family, they had treated him like a dog. The resentment he must have felt probably couldn¡¯t be washed away by all the water in the Three Rivers and Five Lakes. Asking for his forgiveness would be extremely difficult.


    Xiao Jianhua braced himself and said to Ling Fan, "The Xiao Family has wronged you before. I don¡¯t know how we can earn your forgiveness!"


    Ding Wanchang stood silently next to Ling Fan; it wasn¡¯t his ce to get involved in family affairs, but he watched the three kneeling people as if each second was an eternity, just waiting for the time to take care of Du Tao.


    Ling Fan looked at Xiao Jianhua with a bit of amusement. Although he had no real rtionship with the Xiao Family, out of respect for the older generation, he didn¡¯t purposely target the Xiao Family.


    "Heh, do you even know where you went wrong?" Ling Fan didn¡¯t pay attention to Xiao Jianhua but looked interestedly at Xiao Jingjing.


    "I..."


    "Don¡¯t know?"


    "I... I should not have been arrogant..."


    "What else?"


    "I... I shouldn¡¯t have been power-seeking and shouldn¡¯t have been jealous of Xiao Bing..."


    Watching his wife apologize so humbly to someone else, Zhang Xu¡¯s eyes were red with rage.


    "Damn it, Ling Fan, who the hell do you think you are? Don¡¯t think you¡¯re something special just because you¡¯re having a bit of luck! A poor loser like you will show his true colors soon enough, and we¡¯ll see who has thestugh.


    Xiao Jingjing, Dad, let¡¯s go. If the job¡¯s gone, I¡¯ll just find another. With my abilities, am I afraid I won¡¯t find work?" Zhang Xu, unable to restrain himself any longer, pointed at Ling Fan and cursed loudly.


    He absolutely didn¡¯t believe that Ling Fan, this dead fish, could really turn things around¡ªthere had to be a catch.


    Xiao Jingjing pursed her lips, feeling a touch of emotion. Zhang Xu had lost his job because of her, and yet he didn¡¯t me her at all and still defended her at every turn, suddenly feeling she hadn¡¯t married the wrong person.


    "Shut up!" Xiao Jianhua scolded.


    He sighed in his heart, "Ling Fan, is there really no room for reconciliation?"


    Ling Fan¡¯s gaze swept over the few people, "Go back and tell Xiao Zheng, considering the affection of the older generation, I won¡¯t target the Xiao Family, but the affection has ended, please leave!"


    Xiao Jianhua¡¯s expression wasplex. In the end, he looked at Xiao Chubing, "Your father is full of regret. He hopes you can forgive him!"


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiao Jianhua hoped to retain something by bringing up Xiao Zhengping. After saying this, he led his daughter and son-inw outside.


    Before leaving, Zhang Xu gave Ling Fan a resentful nce. He never could understand what went wrong, but he was sure there was a problem.


    "Ling,e out and face your death immediately! If a single hair on my disciple¡¯s head is harmed, I¡¯ll make your life a living hell!" An explosive shout, like thunder, echoed in the courtyard.


    Xiao Jianhua and the others exchanged looks, understanding suddenly dawning on them as they nced at the three people kneeling on the ground. Zhang Xu¡¯s eyes brimmed with mockery, and he didn¡¯t rush to leave.


    Zhang Ping and Wang Sheng, hearing this domineering voice, were overjoyed to the point of tears, while Du Tao simply copsed on the ground, gasping for breath.


    With only a minute remaining, Ding Wanchang was poised to act. If Lu Jinglun had arrived even a momentter, he might have been off to meet King Yan.


    Then, a shadow shed through the air and with a loud thud, an objectnded in the courtyard.


    All eyes turned to see what it was¡ªshockingly, it was a ck wooden coffin.


    Ling Fan was unperturbed, Xiao Chubing felt a heavy heart, and Ding Wanchang was terror-stricken. The weight of this ck coffin must be at least seven to eight hundred pounds. To throw it more than ten meters across the air and into here, how strong must one be?


    Xiao Jianhua and his party took three steps back in fright, all in disbelief, while only Zhang Ping and Wang Sheng were filled with excitement.


    Soon after, a slightly overweight man dressed in a ck long robe hurried over, followed by two disciples.


    This man was none other than Lu Jinglun from the Weisheng Martial Arts School. When he saw his two disciples prostrate on the ground, he was livid with anger.


    "You fools! Get up now!" Lu Jinglun bellowed, feeling as if his dignity had been trampled upon.


    The two trembled in their hearts, attempting to rise quickly but finding it difficult, as they had been kneeling for too long and their legs had gone numb.


    Lu Jinglun¡¯s face turned ashen as he turned his head towards Ling Fan, "Kid, let me tell you something. If my disciple suffers the slightest harm today, this coffin will be for you. Hand over Du Shiwei!"


    Aside from the three people from the Xiao Family who looked confused, everyone else secretly sweated at the scene. Du Shiwei was probably dead by now, motionless for so long.


    Most importantly, Lu Jinglun was famously overprotective, and with the backing of a Martial Arts Family, Ling Fan was in danger.


    "Old man, this coffin is a bit small for you. It might be cramped with you and your disciple inside. Why don¡¯t you go find a bigger one?" Ling Fan snorted with augh.


    As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere changed, and everyone¡¯splexion shifted!


    PS: Just popping in toin a bit. The updates from Starfire are very timely every day, it¡¯s just that the backend synchronization is often dyed... For example, the one that was just released is still showing the synchronization time from noon the day before yesterday. Starfire actually can¡¯t do anything about it, so it¡¯s not a case of Starfire beingzy ^v^.


    Thanks to all the supportive friends!

 Chapter 25: The Stunning Vermilion Bird

    Master Lu¡¯s face darkened, he stepped forward, "Kid, say that again!"


    As his voice fell, Xiao Jingjing, who was the closest, eximed, "Look quickly!"


    Following the direction Xiao Jingjing pointed, they could clearly see that where Master Lu had just stepped forward, he had left a deep footprint on the bluestone floor.


    "This..." Zhang Xu¡¯s eyes widened.


    Xiao Jianhua¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he gasped, having heard that Master Lu had mastered both internal and external hardening skills. He had always thought it was an exaggerated rumor, but seeing is believing, and indeed his reputation was well deserved.


    Looking at Ling Fan again, his gaze was meaningful. As the saying goes, there is always someone better out there, and it seemed like today was going to be tough for you, kid.


    Zhang Xu, still in shock, had a faint look of excitement; he was eagerly hoping that Ling Fan would have bad luck. Compared to Zhang Xu¡¯s excitement, Xiao Jingjing was more rational.


    She was honestly terrified by Ling Fan, who always seemed to turn everyone¡¯s thinking upside down unexpectedly.


    "Looking for your disciple, huh? Your disciple dared to show off at my house and even had designs on my wife. I took it upon myself to teach him a lesson, and now he¡¯s in the car trying to repent," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Huh?" Master Lu turned and looked towards the off-road vehicle, quickly covering the distance in a few strides.


    At that moment, Chu Bing looked worried and quietly tugged at Ling Fan¡¯s sleeve, "What should we do? Let¡¯s call the police, or you better run!"


    The move Master Lu had casually shown was many times more refined than Du Shiwei¡¯s. Filled with apprehension, Chu Bing thought, Master Lu had been renowned for many years, how could Ling Fan possibly stand a chance against him?


    Ding Wanchang was also deeply concerned, "I¡¯ll risk my old life to cover for you; that might buy you some time!"


    Zhang Ping and Wang Sheng, who had just gotten up and had exceptional hearing due to their martial arts training, burst outughing upon hearing this.


    "Thinking of running? Weren¡¯t you acting all tough just now? Damn, watch how the master deals with you, dare to hurt the big brother, you all will be buried with him!" The two wore mocking expressions, feeling a burst of triumph.


    At that moment, Vermilion Bird stood outside the vi, dressed in vibrant sportswear, looking like the girl next door with her hair tied back into a ponytail.


    Master Lu was not a top expert, but he had genuine skill and was connected to a Martial Arts Noble House and even Zhongnan Mountain. She was a bit worried, unsure how much Ling Fan had recovered from his injuries.


    After hesitating for a moment, she still walked towards the courtyard. Her most important duty was to ensure that nothing happened to Ling Fan.


    "Ah!!!!"


    A roar towards the sky.


    "Unreasonable rascal, this is too much!"


    Master Lu bellowed, his eyes bloodshot.


    "Bang!"


    The off-road vehicle¡¯s door, as if made of paper, was sent flying by Master Lu¡¯s punch, spiraling through the courtyard at high speed.


    With a ¡¯boom¡¯, it copsed part of a wall, the impact terrifyingly powerful!


    Zhang Ping and Wang Sheng trembled with excitement; how strong their master was! When could they reach such a level?


    The other two who hade along, Gu Shan and Songfeng, also showed looks of admiration.


    Master Lu was like an enraged lion. Du Shiwei was barely breathing, even if he were saved, he was done for; not only was his future in Martial Arts cut off, but he had also lost all his virility, leaving no hope for intimacy.


    Without wasting a word, his form flickered, moving like a swift tornado, straight towards Ling Fan.


    Du Tao watched the dramatic scene with set eyes, "You little bastard, if I can kill you today, I¡¯d dly shorten my life by ten years, no, twenty!"


    Zhang Xu gritted his teeth, "What goes aroundes around, let¡¯s see if you die today!"


    Xiao Jingjing¡¯s eyes sparkled as she silently prayed, "May heaven help Master Lu achieve a swift and decisive victory, undefeated in all battles!"


    The four people from the Martial Arts Hall remainedposed; with the master striking in anger, this man was undoubtedly doomed.


    Of all the people present, aside from Chu Bing and Ding Wanchang who were genuinely anxious, everyone else was fervently hoping Ling Fan would meet his demise soon.


    "Give up your life!"


    Lu Jinglun¡¯s aura was boundless, and with all his might, his punch descended like Mount Tai, overwhelming and striking directly at Ling Fan¡¯s head.


    He wanted to smash Ling Fan¡¯s head into mush like a watermelon to relieve his heart of hatred.


    Although they were three feet apart, Ling Fan could still feel the strong wind on his face, his eyes slightly narrowed. His right hand, which had been ready to strike, rxed because he no longer needed to make a move.


    The few onlookers, holding their breath, only saw a blur before a fragrant breeze swept by, and a figure dashed like lightning towards the two who were about to sh.


    At the same time, a dark figure streaked through the air, striking fiercely like thunder at Lu Jinglun¡¯s back.


    As the fist was two feet from Ling Fan, Lu Jinglun burst intoughter, "The Feng Family asked me to make a move. I originally nned to spare your life, but you dared to harm my disciple and insult my student. Today, you shall not be spared!"


    "Huh? The Feng Family?" Ling Fan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly.


    Lu Jinglun couldn¡¯tprehend, facing death yet not fighting back, and still having the mind to be distracted?


    Was this a disdain for himself? Then reflect in hell! As the fist got within a foot of Ling Fan, a strong sense of rm soared in his heart, and all 36,000 pores on his body stood on end.


    With the Mysterious Iron Gloves almost about tond a blow, relying on his sharp instinct, he suddenly blocked behind him.


    "Boom!"


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A thunderous explosion sounded, and Lu Jinglun¡¯s body was propelled towards Ling Fan like a cannonball due to the force of inertia.


    Just as Lu Jinglun¡¯s body was about to collide with Ling Fan, there was another ¡¯boom.¡¯


    A dark shadow mysteriously appeared beside Ling Fan, directly knocking Lu Jinglun sideways, rolling him out about ten meters before he stopped.


    All this happened in a sh, leaving the onlookers stupefied.


    Focusing their eyes, they saw a vibrant young woman standing there silently, like the girl next door, calm and solemn.


    "Beiming! Spare his life, he has some connections to Zhongnan Mountain," Vermilion Bird whispered softly.


    Ling Fan remained silent, standing there like a pine, unmoving from start to finish.


    "He just said he was requested by the Feng Family!"


    Vermilion Bird sighed and stood silently to the side.


    Xiao Chubing, standing not far away, waspletely stunned. Another beautiful woman? And one with an off-the-chartsbat power. How many women did Ling Fan know?


    Ding Wanchang secretly swallowed his saliva, feeling like most of his life was lived in vain, truly a hero from the youths. Compared to them, he was nothing but tulence.


    Not to mention him, the three from the Xiao family below felt as if they were falling through clouds and mist, feeling that what just happened was an illusion.


    Xiao Jingjing was slightly better off, having been impacted too much before and had a bit of mental preparation.


    But Zhang Xu¡¯s mentalitypletely copsed, as if he had lost his soul.


    Looking at the four disciples of the Martial Arts Hall, they wore faces of death. Their teacher, who was like a god in their eyes, had just been defeated?


    "Cough cough..."


    Lu Jinglun felt a tsunami sweeping through his heart, his right hand bloody and dripping, the Mysterious Iron Gloves already shattered into pieces.


    The hidden weapon that injured him was just a pebble. Without the protection of the Mysterious Iron Gloves, that hand would have beenpletely ruined.


    "Controlling Qi to Form Gan, Hundred Pace Pierce Yang, is that girl a Fifth Grade Grandmaster?" Lu Jinglun¡¯s heart thundered, and he struggled to rise, thest collision causing him significant internal injuries.


    But just as he steadied himself, he was terrified by what Ling Fan said next.


    "Though you may escape the death penalty, you won¡¯t escape punishment. Vermilion Bird, cripple his cultivation!" Ling Fan contemted for a moment, then ordered indifferently.

 Chapter 26 No More Chance!

    ```


    Lu Jinglun¡¯s beard and hair were all bristling, his fury unmatched, "You dare!"


    "Don¡¯t I dare?" Ling Fan let out a cold snort.


    Lu Jinglun shuddered, his thoughts whirling rapidly. That young girl looked to be just over twenty, yet she possessed the strength of a Fifth Grade Grandmaster, her background was certainly not simple.


    And this Grandmaster Realm girl actually deferred to Ling Fan as her leader. Finally, a few rational thoughts started to clear Lu Jinglun¡¯s mind.


    "You can¡¯t touch me, I have ties to the Zhongnan n!" Lu Jinglun hurriedly spoke out.


    Recalling Vermilion Bird¡¯s words, who seemed to have some trepidation towards Zhongnan, he immediately grabbed at this lifeline, invoking the background of his backing.


    Zhongnan with its one hundred and eight Noble Houses, thirty-six Heavenly Veins, and seventy-two Earth Veins, is a Holy Land of the Huaxia Martial Cultivation World, where countless Loose Cultivators and Noble Families yearn to carve out a ce for themselves.


    Ling Fan looked on with disdain, "Zhongnan, is it? I¡¯d really like to see how itpares to the hidden Noble Houses of the Five Peaks."


    "I¡¯ve changed my mind now, Vermilion Bird, kill him!"


    The three from the Xiao Family and Du Tao were as if in a fog, having vaguely heard of Zhongnan, which was a primeval forest protected by the nation, teeming with venomous snakes and fierce beasts, a forbidden area.


    They had never imagined that a Martial Arts Family could exist in such a ce, no wonder people from the Secr World rarely saw these legendary figures.


    But they understood one thing, Lu Jinglun was connected to the legendary Zhongnan Martial Family, and Ling Fan actually wanted to kill Lu Jinglun?


    "Go ahead and kill, this idiot, daring to provoke the legendary Martial Family, let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll sign your own death warrant!" Zhang Xu screamed inwardly.


    The four disciples from the Martial Arts Hall also found it unbelievable. Where did this guy get the audacity to provoke the Zhongnan n?


    It was sheer folly. They had also picked up on Vermilion Bird¡¯s cautious tone about Zhongnan, instinctively believing that Ling Fan would surely not push things to the brink.


    Xiao Chubing stood to the side, staring nkly at the scene unfolding before her, her mind inplete disarray!


    For ordinary people who had note into contact with or understood the Martial Families, this was aplete overturning of their worldview.


    Vermilion Bird hesitated for a moment. "Yes!"


    Seeing Vermilion Bird move, Lu Jinglun felt his soul fleeing, a single thought kept repeating in his mind, "He, he¡¯s connected to the reclusive Noble Houses?"


    People only knew of the Zhongnan n, but he was fortunate to know more. Above Zhongnan, there were the hidden Noble Houses of the Five Peaks.


    At the critical juncture, Lu Jinglun thunked to his knees without hesitation, startling everyone wide-eyed and ck-jawed.


    "Young Master Ling, spare my life. I am willing to be at your beck and call, to go through fire and water!" Having said that, cold sweat dripped down Lu Jinglun¡¯s forehead.


    Ordinary people might not understand his behavior, but every martial artist knows one thing.


    In the life and death struggles among martial artists, thews of the Secr World do not apply, meaning if he did not bow his head today, his death would be in vain.


    Vermilion Bird stopped in her tracks, looking towards Ling Fan.


    "Forget it, although you are not yet worthy to be my subordinate, I do need a dog. Did the Feng Familye to you to deal with me?" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Yes, yes, yes, Lu has been blind to the true greatness before him, many thanks to Young Master Ling for your mercy." Lu Jinglun wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, responding anxiously.


    The Martial Arts World is different from the Secr World, where life is as cheap as grass. He felt as if he had picked up a life at the Ghost Gate, feeling endlessly fortunate.


    "What is your rtionship with the Feng Family?" Ling Fan pursued.


    Lu Jinglun shuddered, "To reply to Young Master Ling, it¡¯s just some superficial social interaction, without any deep connections!"


    "Hmm, get lost. Clean up my house thoroughly, that coffin of yours looks quite nice, it seems rather fitting for you!" Ling Fan let out a disdainful snicker.


    "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Lu Jinglun was thoroughly scared.


    Hurriedly scrambling up, under the stunned gaze of everyone present, he opened the coffin and dove straight in.


    "What are you several waiting for? Do you not wish to live, or what? Why aren¡¯t you hurrying up and carrying me away?" Despite Lu Jinglun¡¯s subservience in front of Ling Fan, he did not hesitate to assert his intimidation over his subordinates, his authority still intact.


    And so, the four disciples, with befuddled faces, lifted the coffin and quickly made their way out of the vi, their faces too ashamed to stay any longer, wishing only to flee quickly.


    ```


    At the front door, Lu Jinglun was still sticking his head out of the coffin, nodding and bowing to Ling Fan.


    Seeing this, the three from the Xiao Family, Ding Wanchang, and Xiao Chubing looked at each other in dismay, while only Vermilion Bird couldn¡¯t help butugh and cry at the sight.


    Outside the vi...


    "Master, do we really need to be so afraid of him? Could he possibly be more formidable than the Zhongnan n?" Four disciples said with flushed faces.


    Having moved a distance away from the vi, Lu Jinglun finally flipped out of the coffin with a bounce.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You guys know shit. This guy could very well be from the Five Peaks¡¯ hidden noble houses. Otherwise, do you think he would dare to make a move on my senior brother?


    Moreover, Old Ghost Qi is only at the Fourth Grade Martial King Realm, and back then I was nothing more than a menial outer court disciple of an academy.


    Do you really think the academy would offend someone with a grandmaster as a subordinate over a peripheral disciple like me?" Lu Jinglun chastised his disciples.


    "But, isn¡¯t Old Qi powerful? His background seems to be quite extraordinary, right?" Gu Shan said, somewhat unwilling to give up.


    "Nonsense, although Old Qi and I are very close friends, and the Qi Family is one of the eight families above the Earth Vein, even so, only the Qi Family Head is at the Grandmaster Realm.


    Do you think the Qi Family Head is my father? Would he bring on a grandmaster-level enemy for the sake of me?"


    Gu Shan, rebuked, dared not utter a word, not expecting the Xiao Family¡¯s worthless son-inw to have such an impressive background.


    "Right, master, the trouble my senior brother caused was all because of his cousin Du Tao¡¯s instigation; we can¡¯t let this person off." As he spoke, he quickly turned to search for Du Tao¡¯s whereabouts.


    "Enough, enough, your senior brother brought it upon himself. I¡¯ve heard about that Du Tao; we don¡¯t need to deal with him. You guys better buck up and not be as reckless as your senior brother when you face trouble.


    Also, go clean up the viter and send your senior brother to the hospital," Lu Jinglun instructed.


    In the courtyard of the vi.


    "Young Master Ling, I also take a step back and will visit another day to express my deep gratitude for your great kindness!" Ding Wanchang took a deep breath, also changing how he addressed him.


    He had caught a glimpse of Du Tao sneaking away, and now that he had no worries left, how could he let this little shit get away?


    "Hmm, go ahead!" Ling Fan nodded.


    "Beiming, I won¡¯t disturb you and sister-inw any longer!" Vermilion Bird looked at Xiao Chubing, showing a bright smile as a greeting.


    To be Ling Beiming¡¯s woman, what a fortune that must¡¯ve been umted over several lifetimes, Vermilion Bird thought enviously!


    Xiao Chubing, with a puzzled face, mechanically returned a smile.


    After Ding Wanchang and Vermilion Bird left one after another, only Xiao Jianhua and the other two withplex expressions remained, hesitating in ce before finally letting out a sigh and leaving.


    Zhang Xu, with a dazed and horrified face, followed behind, "How could this happen? How could this happen? Isn¡¯t he just a defeated man who joined through marriage?"


    Having regained herposure, Xiao Chubing asked with pursed lips, "That Vermilion Bird just now, is she your friend? And has she been the one helping you with recent events?"


    "Yeah, she owed me a favor in the past, and promised to help me out twice at critical moments!" Ling Fan made up a reason, as his true identity was not something he wished to reveal so soon.


    "Once at the hotel, and just now, doesn¡¯t that mean you have no more chances?" Xiao Chubing whispered.


    "Yeah, I guess so!" Ling Fan, a little astonished, nodded slightly, surprised that Xiao Chubing had kept such careful count.


    Just as they reached the main entrance, Zhang Xu, who was at the very back, came to a halt, a fierce light shing in his eyes.


    "So that¡¯s it, I knew it; how could a dead fish like you turn over a new leaf?


    No more chances, huh? Ling, you just wait, I refuse to believe no one can deal with you!" Zhang Xu thought fiercely, stepping out and disappearing at the front door.


    "Tonight, sleep in my room!" Xiao Chubing said suddenly with pursed lips, then turned and walked back to her room with a flushed face.


    "Uh..." Ling Fan was taken aback, feeling unexpectedly ttered.


    After two years of marriage, this was the first time he¡¯d been offered such a treat, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little anticipation rising in his heart.

 Chapter 27: Show of Force!

    Xiao Chubing¡¯s bedroom!


    Ling Fan felt quite emotional in his heart. In the two years of marriage, he had slept in every room of this vi, except for this one.


    "You sleep on the left side, I sleep on the right side, and you are not allowed to cross the line!" Xiao Chubing instructed with a blush on her face.


    After everything that had happened that day, she had gained a different understanding of Ling Fan.


    Therefore, she wanted to give herself a chance to try to understand the man beside her.


    Ling Fan didn¡¯t put on an act and promptly took off his jacket.


    Xiao Chubing caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye and eximed unconsciously, "What are you doing?"


    "Sleeping, ah! Don¡¯t you have to take off clothes to sleep?" Ling Fan was at a loss for words.


    "You..." Xiao Chubing¡¯s ears turned red and she turned her head away from Ling Fan and went straight into the bathroom.


    Xiao Chubing felt as if her heart was kicking like a little deer, thumping wildly, thinking that it was perfectly normal for a married couple to share a bed and for something to happen.


    "This bastard must be overjoyed inside!" Xiao Chubing muttered to herself, both nervous and looking forward.


    Ling Fan had only taken off his jacket, wearing a T-shirt on top and shorts on the bottom, and didn¡¯t dare enter deep sleep.


    Laying on the soft andfortable bed, the faint virgin fragrance lingered in his nostrils, causing his mind to wander and his spirit to rx greatly.


    After a while, Xiao Chubing came out in a pink nightgown, her cheeks blushing like a ripe peach.


    "Ah, if it weren¡¯t for my remarkable self-control from sleeping in piles of corpses, I definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to contain myself!" Ling Fan focused on his breath and silently recited the Calming Incantation.


    Xiao Chubing slipped into the bed like a mermaid, her body stiff and daring not to move. Between her and Ling Fan was a clear boundary, like the Chu River and Han Border.


    "Do you have anything you want to ask?" Ling Fan broke the silence.


    At this moment, he too was in great turmoil, having not touched a woman in two years, it was hard to endure. He thought about crossing the line but felt apprehensive.


    Just as their marital rtionship was making progress, if he couldn¡¯t control himself because of his desires and upset Xiao Chubing, it wouldn¡¯t be worth the loss.


    So, for now, he could only distract himself by talking.


    "When you want to say it, you¡¯ll naturally tell me. What¡¯s the point of asking if you don¡¯t want to talk?" Xiao Chubing¡¯s eyes were expressive as she spoke.


    With a man, sometimes you can¡¯t hold on too tightly; you have to know when to give and take, and without realizing it, she had already started using the art of managing a husband.


    Ling Fan had no idea about Xiao Chubing¡¯s girlish thoughts, "Hmm, thank you. You just need to trust me. Some things can¡¯t be exined in a sentence or two, but I¡¯ll tell you gradually."


    "Hmm, right, don¡¯t be too impulsive in the future. You don¡¯t have chances anymore. It¡¯s not good to owe someone again, and you will have to repay it!" Xiao Chubing expressed her concern with a hint of sourness.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I know my limits. Are you jealous?" Ling Fan asked with augh.


    "Pah, where do you get your confidence from? Shameless, let¡¯s sleep!" Xiao Chubing spat out.


    She indeed felt a bit jealous and didn¡¯t want Ling Fan to have close dealings with Vermilion Bird. As a woman, she could sense the admiration and even love in Vermilion Bird¡¯s eyes for Ling Fan.


    A silent night passed, and both of them fell asleep...


    The next day, as Ling Fan opened his eyes and was about to get out of bed, he suddenly froze.


    He saw that Xiao Chubing, at some point, had crossed the Chu River and Han Border, her head resting on his arm, a jade arm draped over his upper body, and not just that¡ªa leg was also ced on top of him.


    Looking at the sleeping beauty in his arms, he didn¡¯t dare to move. Seeing that it was still early for work, he wasn¡¯t in a rush to wake her up.


    Half an hourter, Xiao Chubing opened her sleepy eyes. She had tossed and turned all night before falling asleep and would have already been awake under normal circumstances.


    But as soon as she opened her eyes, she locked gazes with Ling Fan. After three seconds of stillness, a high-decibel dolphin-like shriek followed.


    Ling Fan, unable to endure the shrill sound, closed his eyes and turned his head away.


    "Smack!"


    "Pervert!"


    With a p, Xiao Chubingpletely flustered Ling Fan¡ªan unjust usation!


    This p had also jolted Xiao Chubing awake. She was used to sleeping alone on a big bed and had a habit of being restless in her sleep. Looking at the scene of the incident, it wasn¡¯t Ling Fan¡¯s fault.


    "You¡¯re the first woman in the world who dares to p me!" Ling Fan teased helplessly.


    "I¡¯m sorry! I thought..." Xiao Chubing was somewhat at a loss, indeed having misunderstood.


    "Forget it, considering you¡¯re my wife, I won¡¯t hold it against you!" Ling Fan rubbed his burning cheek.


    "Smack!" Ling Fan pped Xiao Chubing¡¯s perky bottom.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s body tensed reflexively, ring at Ling Fan just as she was about to explode.


    "Hurry up and change your clothes, or you¡¯ll bete for work!"


    Xiao Chubing pursed her lips and, with a flushed face, headed for the bathroom.


    Ling Fan was in a great mood. After two years, things were finally starting to resemble a normal marital rtionship. He savored the memory of the p, appreciating the excellent feel!


    Before long, Xiao Chubing was ready, dressed in a sharp, off-white business suit, with a tight skirt that hugged her hips, stockings high heels, exuding a queen-like aura.


    Ling Fan had to admit, the old man¡¯s taste was quite impable; the wife he had found for him was beyond reproach.


    "What are you looking at? You¡¯ve been staring for two years. Hurry up, or we¡¯ll bete!" Xiao Chubing chided, her heart, however, filled with pleasure.


    Once they were out the door, the courtyard had already been neatly restored. Ling Fan nodded approvingly, seeing that Lu Jinglun¡¯s work was quite efficient.


    Twenty minutester, at the front of Tianyun Company.


    It was his first time visiting his wife¡¯spany. Located between the second and third rings, the spot was decent enough. The business rented a three-story building.


    "Thepany is currently in a developmental phase, so it¡¯s not very big. We happen to need a head of security, and that¡¯s where youe in. Your sry will be three times what you used to make," Xiao Chubing said with her usual efficiency and seriousness upon arriving at the office.


    Ling Fan nodded. Around eight hundred square meters per floor, quite impressive for a startup built from scratch.


    Following Xiao Chubing into thepany, a strikingly beautiful woman hurried over, "Good morning, General Manager!"


    "Mm, is everything okay with thepany?"


    "President Xiao, you¡¯re amazing, everything¡¯s back to normal!" The beauty¡¯s eyes shone with admiration.


    "Let me introduce you. This is my secretary, Chen Ling."


    "He¡¯s the new head of security starting today. Later, you can show him the ropes," Xiao Chubing instructed Chen Ling.


    "Oh, alright!"


    Chen Ling acknowledged and cast a strange look at Ling Fan. She had seen him get out of the car with the general manager and thought he might be an important client or a special friend. Turns out he was just a newly hired security guard.


    "Come with me and fill in the employment application," Chen Ling said, her attitude immediately shifting to strictly business.


    Ling Fan honestly filled in his employment application. The process had to be followed, and, more importantly, his wife¡¯s face had to be given consideration.


    "Our sry is higher than the outside, five thousand a month, with benefits including five insurances and one housing fund, legal holidays, and triple pay for overtime!" Chen Ling added.


    "Heh, quite formal!"


    "Of course, thepany is starting up. As long as you work hard, there¡¯s definitely room for advancement!" Chen Ling encouraged him.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But, my previous sry was three thousand and five hundred. President Xiao said my sry would be three times that.


    So, my sry should be ten thousand and five hundred per month!" Ling Fan corrected with a grin.


    However, as soon as Ling Fan finished speaking, a chilling voice interjected.


    "Secretary Chen, my sry is only five thousand, and this neer is making more than ten thousand. That¡¯s not fair to thepany¡¯s old-timers, is it? Don¡¯t you think we deserve an exnation?" A man dressed in a security uniform, his cap tucked under his arm, approached with a frosty expression.


    Seeing this, Chen Ling frowned, her expression changing slightly. Though this guy was just a security team leader, he had significant backing, and even the general manager wouldn¡¯t want to offend him too much.


    "Kid, you¡¯re the newbie, right? Know who I am?


    Ask around thepanyter. From now on, take half your monthly sry and treat everyone to dinner, got it?" the man sneered, issuing hismand.


    Ling Fan put down his pen and watched the scene before him with interest. Right off the bat, he was weed with an attempt to cut him down. There were indeed some serious issues in his wife¡¯spany!

 Chapter 28: You Can’t Live With Your Own Evil Doings!

    Chen Ling took a deep breath to herself and said sternly, "Huang Shanhe, you¡¯ve been demoted to deputy team leader now. Do you have any objections to the general manager¡¯s personnel move? Thispany isn¡¯t owned by your family, is it?"


    "Heh, fine, I concede. I¡¯ll see how long hests!" Huang Shanhe sneered.


    "Huang Shanhe, are you threatening someone?" Chen Ling¡¯s expression was ugly.


    "Heh, no no, kid, take care from now on!" Huang Shanhe turned to look at Ling Fan, greeting him with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    Ling Fan nced at Huang Shanhe indifferently and chuckled lightly, "Secretary Chen, please tell President Xiao that I¡¯ll be the deputy team leader, and he remains the team leader!"


    This guy in front of him wasn¡¯t even worth considering. Being a team leader was boring; as a deputy, making this guy bow down to him would really show his capabilities.


    "This... then wait a moment, I¡¯ll go ask President Xiao!" With that, Chen Ling left the office.


    "Kid, smart of you. How should I address you!" Huang Shanhe saw that the guy backed down and immediately showed some approval.


    Ling Fan merely smiled nomittally, "Ling Fan!"


    "Heh, not bad, a wise man knows his circumstances. For your attitude just now, I¡¯ve got your back from now on!" Huang Shanhe said with his mouth, but his eyes revealed a look of disdain.


    He thought to himself: "Really a damn coward. President Xiao picked such a wimp to challenge me?


    One worse than the next, not as tough as the previous ones."


    Soon, Chen Ling returned, throwing a disdainful nce at Ling Fan, her face filled with disappointment. She clearly despised Ling Fan¡¯s cowardly behavior!


    "President Xiao agreed. Follow Huang Shanhe to get familiar with the work environment!" Chen Ling dropped the sentence coldly and walked away.


    Seeing this, Ling Fan chuckled bitterly to himself. He was definitely being scorned!


    Huang Shanhe chuckled internally and pretended to console him, "Kid, don¡¯t mind it. Chen the beauty is just like that. Come on, let me show you around!"


    The security monitoring room was on the second floor, roughly a hundred square meters, manned by two security guards.


    "Li, tell the brothers downstairs toe up for a meeting, leave Qian Dayong on the ground floor," Huang Shanhe instructed a junior security guard in the monitoring room.


    In less than two minutes, four people arrived. Ling Fan took a look around, counting himself and the guard downstairs, that made nine people total.


    "Come, let me introduce you. This is the new deputy team leader. Let¡¯s give him a warm wee!" Huang Shanhe started the introduction and led the apuse.


    But the apuse was half-hearted, and a few security members looked at Ling Fan with odd expressions before dispersing after brief introductions.


    "I bet this kid won¡¯tst three days before he bolts!" a guard whispered as he exited the door.


    "Hard to say, though. It¡¯s not the first time the general manager has brought someone in this way, but Brother Huang¡¯s brother-inw is the deputy head of the Health Bureau. He¡¯s got ourpany tightly in his grasp.


    Heard that thepany offended some big shot, and just yesterday the health department came down for an inspection, led by Brother Huang¡¯s brother-inw, right?" another shook his head.


    "Forget it, let¡¯s just mind our own business. Fights between deities aren¡¯t something we can get involved in." The two muttered and then went to their posts.


    In the monitoring room, Ling Fan looked around and, finding it boring, was about to leave when he suddenly saw a Mercedes S600 stopping in a parking spot on the surveince screen.


    At the same time, a dapper young man in a white suit, holding arge bouquet of red roses, entered thepany.


    Just then, Huang Shanhe walked in from outside, apparently just having finished a call and pocketing his phone.


    "Ourpany is quite romantic. Wonder which employee¡¯s boyfriend is here to deliver flowers!" Ling Fan said curiously.


    He pondered silently, wondering whether he should go out and buy a bouquet for Xiao Chubingter.


    Huang Shanhe nced at the surveince screen andughed, "You mean Young Master Xu? Who else in ourpany deserves Young Master Xu to make a personal visit, if not the general manager?"


    "You mean Xiao Chubing?" Ling Fan frowned slightly.


    "Bro, even though we¡¯re not some bigpany, calling the general manager by her name like that isn¡¯t polite. Don¡¯t do that outside!" Huang Shanhe smiled as he reminded him, his mood still quite good.


    "Does hee here often?" Ling Fan turned around, and silently watched the young man who entered on the screen.


    "Heh, Young Master Xu is truly devoted to President Xiao. He has been sending flowers to the general manager for three consecutive months; sometimes he even has someone else deliver them when he¡¯s too busy!" Huang Shanhe said with a click of his tongue.


    He then said enviously, "Being rich is nice. If I had half of Young Master Xu¡¯s wealth, I¡¯d pursue the general manager, too."


    "I seem to have heard that your President Xiao is already married!" Ling Fan said indifferently, watching the figure on the screen as a cold glint shed in his eyes.


    "You know quite a lot, hearing even this? Yes, President Xiao indeed has a husband, but that guy is a good-for-nothing!" Huang Shanhe scoffed.


    Ling Fan could not help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Was he that famous?


    "You seem well-informed. You wouldn¡¯t even know whether the couple has consummated their marriage, would you?" Ling Fan teased.


    "Hehe, little brother, you really asked the right person. I actually do know!" Huang Shanhe said with a sly smile.


    The two security guards nearby turned their heads, faces full of gossip.


    Ling Fan rubbed his chin, "Have I really lived without any privacy for these past two years?"


    "Brother Huang, is it true or not?" Li Fu couldn¡¯t help but ask eagerly.


    "It¡¯s not!" Huang Shanhe asserted confidently.


    "Yeah right! Who believes that!" Li Fu shook his head.


    Even Wu Kangan¡¯s face spelled disbelief in capital letters.


    Only Ling Fan looked distressed, "Damn, even thepany¡¯s security team leader knows my wife¡¯s secrets?"


    "You don¡¯t believe it, huh? Let me tell you, my brother-inw is the deputy director of the health bureau, you know! This matter isn¡¯t a secret among the upper echelons. Otherwise, why do you think Young Master Xu would chase after a ruined flower like her?" Huang Shanhe said with an air of ¡¯believe it or not¡¯.


    "Damn, I believe it now. So it¡¯s true, he really is useless, guarding such a beauty and yet able to restrain himself?" Li Fu was astonished.


    "Heh, why else would I call him useless? He¡¯s useless from head to toe; none of his legs work. Not only that, he¡¯s rumored to have never even touched President Xiao¡¯s hand," Huang Shanhe said, smacking his lips and showing utter disdain.


    Wu Kangan sat silently on the side, feeling that these two were talking nonsense, but he couldn¡¯t find any reason to argue, so he just treated it as gossip.


    "If you ask me, Young Master Xu and President Xiao are a match made in heaven, truly a handsome man and a beautiful woman.


    As for that useless husband, it¡¯s only a matter of time before they divorce. It all depends on whether Young Master Xu steps up!" Huang Shanhe chuckled.


    Ling Fan stood silently on the side, expressionless, and gave this guy a nce, his anger rising within.


    "I didn¡¯t realize until I got here, but thispany has more than just a few problems; it¡¯s utterly unbearable!" The cold light flickered in Ling Fan¡¯s eyes as he turned his head to look at the screen.


    He then picked up the walkie-talkie and coldly told Qian Dayong at the gate, "Stop that Mr. Xu for me, or you can just get lost!"


    Ling Fan¡¯s sudden outburst startled the three people in the surveince room as they looked at each other in confusion.


    Wu Kangan opened his mouth wide, staring at Ling Fan, unsure of what got into this neer.


    Li Fu was also stunned; with Young Master Xu¡¯s significant background, was this guy looking for trouble?


    Huang Shanhe was also confused, not understanding the act this newfound coward was putting on. Even if he was infatuated with President Xiao, this was too irrational!


    Immediately, Huang Shanhe¡¯s thoughts returned, and he couldn¡¯t help but sneer to himself.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Fuck, this dumbass must be brain-dead. Bringing trouble upon himself by offending Young Master Xu, he can just sit back and watch the drama unfold!" Huang Shanhe sneered inwardly.


    Figuring this guy wouldn¡¯tst five minutes in thepany, he¡¯d soon be fired!

 Chapter 29: Establishing Authority

    At this moment, Qian Dayong, who was on guard duty, was dumbfounded. Was Young Master Xu someone he could stop?


    In a situation like this, nobody else would dare, but Qian Dayong was different¡ªstubborn and a bit of a tiger. His colleagues in thepany had even given him a nickname, Qian Dahui.


    Qian Dayong was incredibly conflicted at this moment. He was very satisfied with his job and cherished it greatly. With a monthly sry of four thousand yuan, plusprehensive social insurance and housing fund, suchpensation was definitely not found just anywhere.


    There were several mouths at home waiting to be fed, and his child¡¯s milk powder money depended entirely on him. He didn¡¯t know what the consequences of stopping Young Master Xu would be, but he was clear about the consequences of getting fired.


    "Damn it, only mothers with milk matter," Qian Dayong quickly weighed the pros and cons and, without saying another word, hurried into the lobby to catch up with Young Master Xu.


    "Stop right there!" A loud shout startled everyone at the front desk.


    The three people in the monitoring room saw this scene and werepletely dumbfounded. By the time they snapped out of it, Ling Fan had already left the building.


    "Shit, where did the general manager find this loose cannon? Is he tired of living?" Huang Shanhe cursed as he rushed out in a hurry.


    Li Fu and Wu Kangan looked at each other and said, "Let¡¯s go check it out!"


    The two also ran downstairs.


    Front desk in the first-floor lobby.


    Xu Sicong, baffled, turned to the obstructing Qian Dayong, "Are you sure you¡¯re calling for me?"


    Qian Dayong¡¯s face turned red with effort, but he nodded, "Uh-huh!"


    "What¡¯s the matter?" Xu Sicong asked oddly.


    "You can¡¯t go in there!" Qian Dayong remembered the instructions from the walkie-talkie and firmly expressed his stance.


    Realizing what was happening, Xu Sicong became infuriated, "You fucking don¡¯t want this job anymore, do you? Know who I am? Get lost!"


    Qian Dayong was tall and strong; when Xu Sicong pushed him, he didn¡¯t budge.


    At that moment, the female staff at the front desk¡¯s mouths fell open, "Qian Dahui has gone mad!"


    Other security guards also hurried over, "Qian Dahui, oh Qian Dahui, are you really that tough? Move aside already, is Young Master Xu someone you can sh with?"


    "I¡¯m sorry, Young Master Xu, please calm down. This Qian Dayong has a screw loose, we all call him Qian Dahui. Please don¡¯t stoop to his level!" A security guard who was on good terms with Qian Dayong quickly apologized.


    "Fuck off, you¡¯re a bunch of fucking lunatics. Get this idiot out of here, I don¡¯t want to see him again next time, really fucking bad luck," Xu Sicong cursed vehemently, exploding with anger.


    Just then, Ling Fan happened toe downstairs. He had been momentarily irritated and hadn¡¯t expected Qian Dayong to actually dare to stop Young Master Xu.


    "Hmm, a real talent!" Ling Fan nodded in approval.


    As Qian Dayong was feeling uncertain, Ling Fan came over and patted his shoulder, "Good performance, you can stand down now!"


    Qian Dayong breathed a sigh of relief, but felt the voice was a bit unfamiliar. When he turned around and saw Ling Fan, he waspletely bewildered.


    "Was it you who asked me to stop him just now?"


    "Uh-huh, I¡¯m your new deputy team leader, you didn¡¯te up for the meeting just now!" Ling Fan exined.


    This exnation did little to ease Qian Dayong¡¯s concerns. He had thought it was Huang Shanhe¡¯s order. If he had known it was Ling Fan, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t have been so rash, but talking about it now was useless.


    Even though Xu Sicong was usually suave, he was incensed at this point, "Is this what Xiao Chubing wants?"


    He suddenly realized that without orders from above, these security guards normally wouldn¡¯t have the guts. He¡¯d beening and going for more than a day or two, and who at thepany didn¡¯t recognize him as Young Master Xu? It didn¡¯t make sense!


    "My idea, you have a problem?" Ling Fan smirked coldly.


    Xu Sicong¡¯s face grew dark, "You¡¯re tired of living, are you? Believe it or not, I can destroy you in minutes!"


    Right at that moment, Huang Shanhe arrived, sweating profusely.


    "Ling Fan, have you lost your mind? Step aside! Young Master Xu is from the Fengyang Xu Family, do you have a death wish?" Huang Shanhe¡¯s heart pounded. Offending Young Master Xu, even he would be in deep trouble.


    Xu Sicong turned to Huang Shanhe, furious, "One of your men? He has a grudge against me?"


    Huang Shanhe was about to faint. How was he to know what Ling Fan was thinking?


    "No, no, he was just hired by President Xiao today, and was supposed to be appointed as the team leader," Huang Shanhe quickly disassociated himself.


    Ling Fan, this idiot, offended Young Master Xu and was definitely not going to have a good ending, so he wasn¡¯t afraid to upset him.


    Xu Sicong nodded, figuring the guy wouldn¡¯t have the guts to oppose him anyway, and besides, this kid was essentially one of his own; he had bought him over a long time ago to irregrly report Xiao Chubing¡¯s whereabouts to him!


    "If you know what¡¯s good for you, get the hell out of here now, and I can pretend you never showed up! And from now on, be smart, Xiao Chubing is not someone you can think about," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Thepany¡¯s security guards and the front desk beauties were all stunned. Who was this guy who even dared to confront Young Master Xu?


    Li Fu and Wu Kangan, who had just chased after him from behind, didn¡¯t even dare to breathe heavily, silently standing to the side with their eyes wide open.


    "Could this neer be some pretty boy kept by the General Manager? Otherwise, why would he go crazy the moment he learned Young Master Xu was pursuing President Xiao?" Li Fu, with wild imagination, made a bold guess.


    "Huang Shanhe, have your men break this kid¡¯s legs for me, if anything happens it¡¯s on me!" Xu Sicong said angrily.


    He came alone today, without anyone he could rely on; it seemed he would need to bring bodyguards in the future.


    Huang Shanhe clenched his teeth, "Ling Fan, if you don¡¯t want your legs broken, kneel and apologize to Young Master Xu. He¡¯s the kind of person who can kill someone without facing any consequences, so think it over for yourself."


    "What¡¯s going on? Why is everyone gathered here?" Chen Ling heard the noise from upstairs.


    "Secretary Chen, does Tian Yun have such a high threshold that I can¡¯t even enter?" Xu Sicong huffed.


    Chen Ling frowned, "Can someone tell me what happened?"


    The onlookers had a strange look on their faces as Xu Sicong looked at Ling Fan with sneeringughter, "This is your new security team leader, right? He just called me a bastard, and he even threatened me to nevere after your President Xiao again!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Chen Ling didn¡¯t understand what the guy¡¯s rtionship with President Xiao was, but a security guard, no matter how special, how far could he really go?


    Young Master Xu, whom even President Xiao couldn¡¯t afford to offend, this guy thought he could?


    After realizing all these connections, Chen Ling said coldly with a straight face, "Ling Fan, don¡¯t cause trouble for President Xiao. Since she introduced you, you should know the rules.


    You might not be very familiar with Young Master Xu, but you must know of the Xu Corporation in Fengyang, Xu Xiaotian is Young Master Xu¡¯s father."


    Thepany¡¯s onlooking employees all sweated for this newbie.


    "Such a shrewd person, President Xiao, where did she find this bumpkin? If things go wrong, even she might get implicated," someone muttered softly.


    No sooner had these words fallen, than Xu Sicong spoke insistently, "This kid¡¯s apology isn¡¯t the end of it, it will depend on President Xiao¡¯s sincerity and attitude, or else I might just ruin his hands and feet."


    Xu Sicong¡¯s words immediately changed everyone¡¯s expression. They were all ordinary people, unustomed to such spectacles. Ruin his hands and feet?


    Even Chen Ling¡¯s face turned deathly pale; she believed Young Master Xu had such power.


    "Are you deaf? Apologize now! Young Master Xu is President Xiao¡¯s boyfriend, what are you going insane for?


    You might have some family ties with President Xiao, but in front of Young Master Xu, you are less than nothing. If you anger Young Master Xu, not even President Xiao can protect you!" Chen Ling stamped her feet in panic, with cold sweat pouring down.


    Ling Fan, listening to Chen Ling¡¯s reprimands, felt an unexinable irritation. What kind of people surrounded Xiao Chubing?


    Even Chen Ling, a close confidant who should be reliable, was turning things outward, keeping such people around his wife was something he could not feel at ease with.


    He was unaware that Xu Sicong, in his pursuit of Xiao Chubing, had also bought over Chen Ling.


    Ling Fan frowned, "Are you done yapping? Isn¡¯t it my turn to speak yet?"


    Saying that, he looked at Chen Ling, "Right now, I find you very unpleasant. You might want to pack up your stuff and get lostter!"


    Having finished, Ling Fan paid no mind to the dumbfounded Chen Ling.


    He turned towards Huang Shanhe, "Your brother-inw works at the health bureau, right? Don¡¯t tell me he was the one who came for the sanitation inspection yesterday, or else I¡¯ll break your damn legs and you can get lost too!"


    Huang Shanhe was also stunned, looking at Ling Fan as if he was looking at an idiot, cursing inwardly, "Lunatic!"


    In the end, Ling Fan stared at Xu Sicong, who was smirking, and with a backhand p sent him flying.


    "Laughing? Laugh at your fucking self. Your dad is Xu Xiaotian? You think you¡¯re something special? Fuck that, if you¡¯re so tough, let your old man¡¯s barks-at-heaven dog bite me right now!" With one roar from Ling Fan, the room fell dead silent.

 Chapter 30: 30 chapters Choice

    Xu Sicong, lying on the ground, was mind-nk. Had he actually been hit?


    Chen Ling was also stunned, "It¡¯s over, this idiot, even President Xiao is going to be dragged down by you!"


    Thinking back to Ling Fan¡¯s arrogance, and how he had just threatened to make her get lost, a cold sneer came over her heart, "Country bumpkin, you wanted me to get lost, but I want to see how you get lost. No, how you die!"


    Huang Shanhe was dumbfounded, "With this kind of intelligence, he dares to oppose me? And even had the audacity to say he¡¯d break my legs? Fuck, I want to see how Young Master Xu breaks your legs first!"


    Qian Dayong was bbergasted, "How is this guy fiercer than me?"


    The receptionist was so scared her body went weak, and Li Fu along with the other security guards nearly sat down on the ground.


    "It¡¯s over, the sky of thepany is about to fall!" someone trembled.


    "Motherfucker, you¡¯re done for!" Xu Sicong red at Ling Fan like a bloodthirsty lone wolf.


    With such amotion in thepany, it was hard for Xiao Chubing upstairs not to notice. As she looked down from above and saw the scene in the lobby, her head began to throb.


    "Crap, I forgot about Xu Sicong; the guy hasn¡¯t shown up for days, why did he pop up today?" Xiao Chubing adjusted her clothes and hurried downstairs.


    But just as she arrived at the lobby, she saw Ling Fan p Xu Sicong, which almost made her lose her footing from shock.


    Even though she knew Ling Fan wasn¡¯t a simple character, Xu Xiaotian¡¯s status was still a notch higher than the Zhou and Feng families in Binzhou.


    At that moment, Xu Sicong jumped three feet high, swinging his fist as he moved to attack Ling Fan.


    Xiao Chubing was immediately rmed. She knew well the skills of Ling Fan; how could Young Master Xu be a match for her husband? If they really started fighting, the sky would truly fall.


    She braced herself and stepped forward, "What¡¯s going on here!"


    When Xu Sicong saw Xiao Chubing, he suppressed his rage and said word by word, "President Xiao, your Tian Yun is full of hidden talents. I don¡¯t care what his rtionship with you is, but today, you can¡¯t protect this kid!"


    Seeing the general managere, employees stepped aside, their hearts pounding, unsure how President Xiao would handle the trouble.


    Xiao Chubing nced at Ling Fan and took a deep breath, "This guy doesn¡¯t make things easy for me at all, why is his temper so explosive? In the past two years at home, despite being bossed around, I¡¯ve never seen him lose his temper like this!"


    "Young Master Xu, there might be some misunderstanding. I apologize on his behalf. How can I appease your anger? Maybe I can buy you a drink?" Xiao Chubing said calmly, as if she hadn¡¯t seen him just get hit.


    Xu Sicong¡¯s thoughts turned, and the anger in his heart soared instead of subsiding. He had been chasing Xiao Chubing for so long without a nce from her, and today, for this little nobody, she was willing topromise?


    "What if I insist on crippling him?" Xu Sicong said darkly.


    Xiao Chubing was torn, knowing it would not be easy to resolve, "Young Master Xu, please state your terms, and I will try my best to fulfill them."


    "Heh, alright, I¡¯ll give you face!" Xu Sicong¡¯s eyes shifted.


    "First, he needs to apologize to me!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Second, you agree to be my girlfriend, and we¡¯ll call it even!"


    Xiao Chubing fell silent. She truly couldn¡¯t afford to offend Xu Sicong, and although Ling Fan might have connections, they were not her own strength and could run out eventually.


    "The Li Family¡¯s trouble hasn¡¯t been solved yet, and now there¡¯s trouble with the Xu Family, why can¡¯t he show some restraint!" Xiao Chubing inwardlyined.


    As for agreeing to the second condition of the other party? Ling Fan was right there!


    After weighing her options for a long time, "Ling Fan, Young Master Xu has a prestigious identity and is an important client to thepany. You just started working and there are many things you don¡¯t understand. Society is a deep pool, it¡¯s not as simple as acting on your whims. Apologize to Young Master Xu!"


    Xiao Chubing pleaded earnestly, hoping Ling Fan would prioritize the greater good, bow his head when necessary, and not put her in a difficult situation.


    Ling Fan was silent. He understood Xiao Chubing¡¯s words, but the rules of this world did not apply to him.


    "Xiao Bing, where did you find this country bumpkin? I think he seems to like you," Xu Sicong sneered, looking disdainfully at Ling Fan who was dressed in cheap market clothes.


    Chen Ling, standing to the side, seemed to have figured it out and sneered, "Ling Fan, if I¡¯m not mistaken, you must be harboring a secret crush on President Xiao, right?


    But one must have self-awareness. A goddess like President Xiao is not something a loser like you can covet. Not to mention in thispany, even in Binzhou, there are plenty of people secretly in love with President Xiao. What do you count for?


    You even had the audacity to tell me to get lost. If you had the ability, I¡¯d call you ¡¯Dad¡¯!"


    Chen Ling certainly hadn¡¯t forgotten the grudge from just a moment ago, and now that she had the chance, how could she not kick a man when he¡¯s down?


    Huang Shanhe alsoughed with disdain, "Kid, you should be low-key. Do you think that just because President Xiao has your back you can do whatever you want? It¡¯s one thing for you to strut in front of me, but how dare you brazenly threaten Young Master Xu? Do you think you¡¯re the Crown Prince of the Capital or something?"


    "Old Zhang, just now I bet he couldn¡¯tst three days, and look, he¡¯s finished in less than half a day. You owe me a pack of cigarettes, don¡¯t try to weasel out of it!" a security guard nudged his colleague next to him.


    Xu Sicong¡¯s face was full of cold sneers, giving this idiot a couple more minutes of life for Xiao Chubing¡¯s sake. As soon as he walked out of this door, he¡¯d find someone to take this moron down.


    Xiao Chubing gritted her teeth, listening to the whispers around her. Ling Fan had been here for less than a day. Was he really this disliked? She should never have let hime to thepany.


    "What if I don¡¯t apologize?" Ling Fan gazed at Xiao Chubing.


    "You..." Xiao Chubing was furious.


    "Xiao Bing, what exactly is your rtionship with him? He even dares to not listen to you. I¡¯ve never seen an employee act more arrogant than a boss," Xu Sicong observed Ling Fan with discontent.


    "Xiao Bing is also what you call her? Keep barking, and I¡¯ll break your damn legs," Ling Fan snapped back angrily.


    "Enough, you¡¯re fired. You can go now!" Xiao Chubing, seeing the situation getting out of control, had no choice but to say that. She¡¯d have to exin itter at home.


    "Young Master Xu, do me a favor, he¡¯s my cousin. Don¡¯t stoop to his level. Let¡¯s go upstairs!"


    "Tsk, damn, I¡¯m putting up with you for thest time. Don¡¯t think that just because you¡¯re Chu Bing¡¯s cousin, I wouldn¡¯t dare touch you!" A sinister gleam shed in Xu Sicong¡¯s eyes.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Chen Ling mocked, "Useless as mud that won¡¯t stick to the wall!"


    Xu Sicong rudely blocked Xiao Chubing¡¯s waist, challenging Ling Fan with a confronting stare, "Kid, remember, a goddess like her isn¡¯t for trash like you to even think about, you poor loser."


    Ling Fan¡¯s fist clenched tight. It had been two years since he hadst done so.


    Xiao Chubing frowned slightly, annoyance shing in her eyes, but there was nothing she could do. It was all Ling Fan¡¯s fault, and she had to quell Xu Sicong¡¯s anger. Being taken advantage of a little bit was something she just had to endure.


    Ling Fan stood in the lobby like a clown, watched by a crowd casting strange nces and pointing fingers.


    Yet, all the mockery couldn¡¯tpare to the distress Xiao Chubing¡¯s attitude caused in his heart.


    "You need something, I can give it to you, but to sell yourself for what you call a career, only proves my ipetence as Ling Beiming.


    ¡¯The king¡¯s woman¡¯ should not be desecrated by others. I won¡¯t tolerate a speck of dust in my eyes, but I respect your choice!" Ling Fan¡¯s eyes were indifferent, yet his tone was tinged with an imposing air that seemed to defy the world.


    The onlookers exchanged nces, unsure what this guy was spouting his nonsensical ravings about. President Xiao¡¯s cousin seemed to be out of his mind!


    Xiao Chubing felt a deep sense of injustice, "You give? What can you give me? Relying on that onest connection?"


    With that, she went upstairs with Xu Sicong.


    Ling Fan took a deep breath. Perhaps the two of them were just not meant to be from the same world. Silently, he pulled an ornament from his pocket and tossed it lightly.


    "tter!"


    "It¡¯s better to forget each other in the world of martial arts than to suffer together!"


    "Vermilion Bird,e pick me up!" Ling Fan said into the phone and then walked towards the exit with a heavy heart.


    Xiao Chubing felt as if struck by lightning, her body stiffening on the spot, looking down at the pair of interlocked rings rolling on the ground, tears on the verge of falling.


    Was this their wedding rings that he had kept with him all this time? Now he¡¯s returning them to her. Was this his way of making a clean break?


    For a moment, her heart was inexplicably wracked with pain, sharp as a needle¡¯s prick!

 Chapter 31 My Woman

    "Fuck, your cousin is a nutcase, he even prepared a proposal ring?" Xu Sicong was furious, and he lifted his foot, ready to kick the ring away.


    Xiao Chubing went crazy, suddenly shoving Xu Sicong away, "Get lost!"


    Xu Sicong was caught off guard, stumbled back, and stared nkly at the crazed Xiao Chubing.


    It wasn¡¯t just Xu Sicong; dozens ofpany employees were all dumbfounded. What was happening with President Xiao today?


    Xiao Chubing picked up the ring from the floor, her face pale and her eyes misty with tears, full of grievance, "Ling Fan, stop right there. Have you ever considered my feelings? Do you know how hard it is for a woman to start a business?"


    Ling Fan paused in his steps. He understood, but he was Ling Beiming, and his woman didn¡¯t need to endure these things. Why couldn¡¯t this foolish woman, Xiao Chubing, truly trust him just once?


    In the surprised faces of the crowd, Xiao Chubing no longer cared about maintaining her leader¡¯s dignity; she quickly approached Ling Fan.


    Holding back her tears, "If you dare to draw a clear line with me today, I won¡¯t let you go even as a ghost¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Ling Fan pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips directly against hers.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s body stiffened dramatically, her watery eyes suddenly widened. She felt the warmth and wetness on her lips, her mind seemed to invert the sun and moon, feeling dizzy as if the whole world had vanished.


    "Bang!"


    Li Fu, unsteady on his feet, fell straight to the ground. "Has the world gone mad?"


    Chen Ling¡¯s eyeballs nearly fell out; ¡¯tter¡¯, the documents in her hands fell directly and scattered all over the floor.


    "This must be an illusion," Chen Ling murmured to herself.


    Qian Dayong wiped the sweat off his forehead, "They say I¡¯m fierce, but this brother here is the real deal!"


    Huang Shanhe swallowed hard. Such a scene he only dared to dream of, but this real-life one was even more audacious. Did he dare to actually do it?


    The receptionists and numerouspany employees were dumbstruck, their thoughtspletely in disarray. What kind of plot was this?


    Xu Sicong¡¯s eyes were bulging with blood. Was his beloved goddess being forcibly kissed right before his eyes?


    "Motherfucker, let go of Xiao Chubing!" Xu Sicongpletely lost it, his mind exploded, and his mentality shattered even further.


    His furious shout made everyone involuntarily shiver. Xu Sicong¡¯s temper was no joke; disrespecting President Xiao, that guy was dead for sure.


    The stunned crowd didn¡¯t dare to make a single sound.


    Ling Fan broke away from the kiss with Xiao Chubing, "Can I handle this? Yourpany needs some serious housekeeping!"


    Xiao Chubing, still dazed, blushed at her neck and upon hearing Ling Fan¡¯s words, she cooed and nodded, looking just like an obedient little woman.


    Everyone on-site felt the hairs on their heads stand, was this the same aloof President Xiao?


    "Listen up, Xu. Xiao Chubing is my woman. Whichever hand you used to touch her, chop it off yourself." Ling Fan, with one arm around Xiao Chubing, disyed his kingly dominance.


    "I¡¯ll fuck you up, Huang Shanhe, kill him for me right now, or I swear I¡¯ll kill you!" Xu Sicongpletely flew off the handle.


    As he flew into a rage, but being pampered and not good at fighting, he regretted not bringing his bodyguards along. He could onlytch onto Huang Shanhe, the enforcer, unwilling to let go.


    Huang Shanhe took a deep breath. He dared not kill someone, but giving Ling Fan a good thrashing was no problem.


    "You country bumpkin, you sought your own death by offending Young Master Xu. Don¡¯t me me for this." With that, he charged forward, swinging a rubber baton.


    Ling Fan simply lifted his hand lightly and caught the iing rubber baton.


    "Does your brother-inw from the Health Bureau oftene to cause trouble?" Ling Fan asked Xiao Chubing.


    By this time, Xiao Chubing had recovered somewhat from her daze, obediently nodded her head, "Mmm, I¡¯ve already given him quite a lot of benefits. I¡¯ve tried to fire this Huang Shanhe several times, but without sess."


    "Hmm," Ling Fan nodded.


    The next second, he kicked out like a bolt of lightning.


    "Crack!"


    "Ah! My leg?"


    Huang Shanhe screamed as hey on the ground, rolling around in pain.


    "Call your brother-inw right now. Spit out ten times what you swallowed, or I¡¯ll break your limbs," Ling Fan coldly snorted.


    He turned to Xu Sicong, "Now it¡¯s your turn, don¡¯t ignore my words."


    Xu Sicong, watching Huang Shanhe rolling on the ground, finally regained some rity, his face growing dark. Today, alone and unaided, he was bound to be at a disadvantage.


    Just then, someone hurried in through the door. Ling Fan turned to look and, to his surprise, it was Zhou Zhenxiong.


    Seeing him, Xu Sicong¡¯s eyes lit up. Just as he was dozing off, a pillow hade his way, and he quickly walked up to meet him.


    "Uncle Zhou, why are you here? Are you looking for me? I need your help with something!" Xu Sicong suddenly straightened up.


    "Ah, it¡¯s you, Little Xu. What¡¯s up? We can talk about your issueter, I¡¯m in a bit of a hurry!" Zhou Zhenxiong said, pushing him aside.


    In Xu Sicong¡¯s stunned gaze, Zhou Zhenxiong walked briskly to Ling Fan, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.


    He respectfully said, "Young Master Ling, the Li Family¡¯s matter has the full involvement of the Feng Family. They are taking a firm stand, and it¡¯s a bit tricky, I came especially to ask for instructions."


    Zhou Zhenxiong stood by, not daring to breathe, knowing Ling Fan had made it clear that he wanted the Li Family gone today. With the Feng Family fully intervening, even if full-scale war broke out, it would take months to determine a winner.


    "Hmm, I¡¯m aware of it. You don¡¯t need to handle this for now. I¡¯ll tell you what needs to be done," Ling Fan responded; he hade for this matter.


    "Uncle Zhou, what are you doing? This *idiot* just hit me. You have to stand up for me; kill this son of a bitch!" Xu Sicong pointed at Ling Fan, his face filled with outrage.


    Zhou Zhenxiong, nearly kneeling from fright, pped him, "I¡¯m teaching you a lesson on behalf of your father today. Do you think Young Master Ling is someone you can afford to offend?"


    "Brother Xu, I¡¯m actually saving your son here. Tangling with Young Master Ling will be the end of the Xu Family," Zhou Zhenxiong silently prayed.


    "Young Master Ling, this kid is a close friend¡¯s son, he didn¡¯t know any better and has offended you. Please, be magnanimous and let him off this one time!" Zhou Zhenxiong pleaded, his face stiff.


    Xu Sicong was struck dumb, his face a picture of disbelief as he watched Zhou Zhenxiong bowing and scraping to Ling Fan.


    "What¡¯s the deal with this crappy loser, even Uncle Zhou is afraid of him?" Xu Sicong waspletely baffled.


    "So it is, but he just touched my wife. How should we settle this matter?" Ling Fan asked, expressionless.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hiss!"


    Zhou Zhenxiong¡¯s eyes bulged, "This animal..."


    "What? He¡¯s Xiao Chubing¡¯s husband? That loser?" Xu Sicong felt his brain wasn¡¯t catching up.


    With Ling Fan¡¯s words, everyone in thepany was dumbfounded.


    "Get out of my sight immediately, and if you show up again, I¡¯ll break your arms and legs!" Ling Fan said coldly.


    Zhou Zhenxiong breathed a sigh of relief, kicked the dazed Xu Sicong in the side, "Get the hell out of here now!"


    Xu Sicong took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and ran off like he was escaping, extremely embarrassed by today¡¯s events.


    "Remember, if you dare to disrupt Tian Yun¡¯s normal operations, I will bankrupt the Xu Family," Ling Fan threw out these words at Xu Sicong, who was about to run out the door.


    Xu Sicong paused, then disappeared outside the door.


    "Young Master Ling, if there¡¯s anything, justmand, I¡¯ll take my leave now!" Zhou Zhenxiong felt pressured in front of Ling Fan, not daring to stay longer.


    "Go ahead!"


    Just then, an enraged voice from outside burst in, "Which son of a bitch broke my brother-inw¡¯s leg? Get your President Xiao out here. Does yourpany not want to do business anymore, what the fuck, don¡¯t you know who¡¯s covering Huang Shanhe?"

 Chapter 32 What do you want to call me?

    The hall was eerily quiet, and Huang Shanhe had long since passed out,pletely unaware of his surroundings.


    Everyone¡¯s expressions varied as they turned their gazes toward the entrance, only to see a middle-aged, slightly portly man in a short-sleeved white shirt, breathless as he barged in.


    His face changed dramatically when he saw Huang Shanhe lying unconscious on the ground.


    "Don¡¯t get excited, he won¡¯t die. Tell me how much money you swindled from my wife, and cough up ten times that amount, or you¡¯re not leaving today," Ling Fan said directly.


    "Swindle your ass, do you know who I am?" Yang Ke red with his bulging eyes, exuding an air of bureaucratic authority.


    Xiao Chubing shouted angrily, "President Xiao, it seems like you don¡¯t want to stay in business anymore, hand over the murderer. It appears the lessons from yesterday¡¯s inspection weren¡¯t enough, and now I dere yourpany must cease operations immediately for rectification."


    "Old Zhou, I find this fatso annoying. Can we make him jobless now and maybe let him eat prison food for a few years? Would that be difficult?" Ling Fan casually ordered Zhou Zhenxiong, dismissing the man as a mere shrimp unworthy of further fuss.


    "Young Master Ling, don¡¯t worry, Zhou Mou can handle this little matter," Zhou Zhenxiong responded confidently.


    Security guard Li Fu kept pinching his thigh. Wasn¡¯t President Xiao¡¯s husband supposed to be useless? How did he be so impressive all of a sudden?


    Not just him, everyone in thepany was still trying to wrap their heads around what was happening.


    They only knew that this imposing man, who even required Young Master Xu to respectfully call Zhou Mou "Uncle Zhou," was exceedingly deferential to Ling Fan.


    Could it be that even the deputy director of the sanitation bureau, who had popped up to use them, could be dismissed with a single sentence?


    Upon hearing this, Yang Ke became furious, "Hmph, what an arrogant im. Let¡¯s see who dares to be so powerful."


    This guy was a four-eyes with severe myopia, the type who can¡¯t see a watermelon clearly without his thick sses. He had initially focused all his attention on Xiao Chubing and hadn¡¯t noticed Zhou Zhenxiong standing nearby.


    When his gaze met Zhou Zhenxiong¡¯s cold smirk, he shuddered involuntarily and felt a chill run through his forehead.


    He squeezed out a smile, "Zhou... Family Head Zhou? What are you doing here?"


    "Heh, you¡¯ve had your time in the spotlight, it¡¯s time to give new people a chance," Zhou Zhenxiong said with natural authority.


    Sweat broke out on Yang Ke¡¯s forehead. The Zhou Family¡¯s influence in Binzhou sprawled across political and business circles, making dealing with him, barely a third-rate yer, ridiculously easy.


    He forced a smile, "Family Head Zhou, I don¡¯t believe I have offended you!"


    "Hmm, but you¡¯ve offended Young Master Ling!" Zhou Zhenxiong replied with a half-smile.


    "Young Master Ling?" That was when Yang Ke finally took notice of Ling Fan.


    "The legs of your brother-inw were broken by me. I¡¯ll give you a chance for revenge. Call all the bigwigs you know at once; I like to avoid hassle and prefer to settle things in one go," said Ling Fan calmly.


    Yet, it was precisely this calm statement that made everyone at the scene turn their heads in surprise, too domineering and arrogant!


    "Xiao Mei, did you notice how handsome President Xiao¡¯s man is?" Xiao Xin from the front desk was already starry-eyed.


    "So... like... very... manly!" Xiao Mei¡¯s heart raced with excitement.


    They watched idol dramas online every day, filled with pretty boys and effeminate styles¡ªnone of them had ever seen a man as rugged as Ling Fan.


    They immediately lost their immunity, their hearts beating like drums, instantly captivated by Ling Fan¡¯s masculine pheromones.


    Sweat poured off Yang Ke¡¯s forehead. Where did this Young Master Linge from,manding Zhou Zhenxiong¡¯s respect? Did Tian Yun have such a powerful backer?


    "Could it be someone Xiao Chubing has recently hooked up with?" He couldn¡¯t ponder further, only certain that Tian Yun was no longer a force he could afford to provoke.


    "Young Master Ling must be joking; there must be some misunderstanding! Please, in your great magnanimity, do not stoop to my level," Yang Ke repeatedly bowed.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing Yang Ke, who showed off and acted like a big shot every time he came to thepany, now fawning over Ling Fan like a groveling dog, Xiao Chubing felt a mix of emotions. Her gaze at Ling Fan softened.


    "I¡¯m petty and my heart is smaller than the tip of a needle, how can I be magnanimous? I heard from your nephew that you¡¯re very interested in President Xiao¡¯s private life, you even know a lot about this trash?" Ling Fan sneered.


    Yang Ke¡¯s smile was uglier than crying, "Heh... Young Master Ling is truly humorous and witty. How can you believe that idiot¡¯s words? Just consider me as nothing and let it go!"


    "First, spit out ten times what you swallowed. Second, if Tian Yun has sanitary problems again, I¡¯ll kill you. Get lost!" Ling Fan waved his hand impatiently.


    Yang Ke felt like he was dying inside. He had skimmed nearly two million from Tian Yun, and ten times that amount was twenty million. He would have to empty out all the savings he had umted over the years.


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Yang Ke trembled in agreement, not daring to let out a fart.


    "Have someone take Huang Shanhe to the hospital!" Ling Fanmanded.


    Xiao Chubing signaled two security guards to help take him to the hospital, and Yang Ke kept thanking them incessantly.


    "Yang you bastard, get the hell out here. Did youe here to hook up with that Xiao vixen again? I¡¯ll tear you apart!" a shrill and harsh voice resounded from the entrance.


    Xiao Chubing frowned, the employees looked at each other, and Yang Ke¡¯s face turned bright red.


    Ling Fan was furious, "Damn it, is this a vegetable market?"


    "Sorry, it¡¯s my wife, it¡¯s my wife. I¡¯ll take her and leave immediately!" Yang Ke apologized profusely.


    A plump woman with big wavy hair and an aggressive demeanor stormed in.


    It was none other than Huang Shanhe¡¯s sister, Huang Ying. Recently, Yang Ke had been visiting Tian Yun every other day, either to cause trouble for Xiao Chubing or to seek advantages.


    This was something Huang Shanhe had already secretly reported, and Huang Ying, upon learning about it, secretly installed a tracker in Yang Ke¡¯s car.


    Today, seeing the tracker move towards Tian Yun, she was immediately enraged and stormed over.


    Yang Ke was not stupid. He had just arrived at Tian Yun, and his wife followed right behind. He guessed it must have been that nephew gossiping behind his back. Thinking of that idiot bringing disaster upon him, he was instantly furious.


    Just about to explode, he heard Huang Ying cursing loudly, "Right, no wonder you run here everyday. It must be because you are charmed by a vixen.


    Humph, I heard someone¡¯s husband is useless, not only as a person but even the third leg is useless. Can¡¯t you hold back and have to seduce someone else¡¯s husband?"


    Xiao Chubing, though foolish, could tell that this indirect cursing was directed at her, and her face immediately darkened. She had never been humiliated over her conduct before.


    The onlooking crowd looked at Huang Ying with pity.


    Ling Fanughed, and Yang Ke was scared out of his wits.


    He immediately dashed in front of Huang Ying and gave her a hefty p on the face.


    Huang Ying was dumbstruck, her gold tooth even flew out.


    "You... you dare to hit me? I thought you were wronged, but it turns out there really was something going on, damn it, I¡¯ll tear that vixen apart first, then castrate you..."


    "You¡¯re crazy, go home, don¡¯t embarrass yourself here..."


    Yang Ke¡¯s face was scratched up, and he dared not let go, pulling Huang Ying as they scuffled out the door, leaving everyone watching in shock.


    Zhou Zhenxiong also didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, greeted Ling Fan, and then left.


    The hall suddenly quieted down, and Ling Fan turned to Chen Ling with a smile that was not quite a smile, "You can get lost now, but before you do, what was it that you said you were going to call me?"

 Chapter 33: Don’t Judge People by Their Appearance

    Chen Ling¡¯s face turned ashen, her lips even bitten until they bled. Just now, it seemed she had said that if Ling Fan could make her leave, she would call him "Daddy"!


    She never dreamed that the situation would take such a dramatic turn; the odds were so slim she could have bought a lottery ticket.


    Dozens of eyes in thepany were watching; how could she face calling him that? How was she supposed to get by in thepany after this?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fan let out a light chuckle. Chen Ling had a figure that was striking from every angle, a real beauty for sure, but he certainly didn¡¯t have the habit of pitying and cherishing jade.


    "You¡¯d better pack your things and get out," Ling Fan snorted coldly, though he didn¡¯t seem too harsh on her.


    Xiao Chubing stood by, wondering how Chen Ling had managed to offend her husband. She had strong business capabilities and had followed her for over a year.


    But now she was listening entirely to Ling Fan. If her husband wanted to fire her, there must be a good reason.


    Shepletely ignored Chen Ling¡¯s pleading gaze. In less than two days, she had developed a blind trust in Ling Fan.


    "Wife, go ahead if you¡¯re busy. I¡¯ve got some other things to take care of. Don¡¯t worry about the secretary; I¡¯ll arrange someone right away, guaranteeing bothpetence and loyalty," Ling Fan instructed.


    Xiao Chubing nodded. She was indeed busy with a pile ofpany matters waiting for her attention.


    "Thene find me upstairster!"


    "Hmm, go on!"


    At this moment, dozens ofpany employees looked at Ling Fan with infinite awe!


    Ling Fan cleared his throat and stood up to address the security staff: "All security personnel, follow me upstairs for a meeting!"


    Li Fu¡¯s legs trembled like sifting chaff; he felt like death was imminent. Previously, he had run his mouth off, mocking Ling Fan as a good-for-nothing in the surveince room.


    Hadn¡¯t secretary Chen Ling been fired just for talking back a few times? Huang Shanhe had ended up with a broken leg, Deputy Director Yang was as meek as a dog, not daring to utter a peep. Who was he inparison? Wouldn¡¯t it be the end of him if he were to be dealt with?


    The security monitoring room on the second floor.


    Seven security guards lined up side by side, standing as straight as pens, chests thrust out as if they were at attention.


    Just as Ling Fan was about to speak, a sudden ¡¯thump¡¯ gave everyone a start.


    It turned out Li Fu couldn¡¯t bear the pressure and had knelt down.


    "What are you doing?" Ling Fan asked, annoyed.


    "Young Master Ling, I was wrong... I resign voluntarily..." Li Fu said, his entire being drained.


    "Did I say you could leave? Stand up straight!"


    Qian Dayong, quick on his feet, hurried to pull him up.


    "Alright, ourpany has quite a few problems, especially in the security department. From now on, the security department will be renamed the Security Department!


    If you guys work hard, thepany will soon face rapid development, and we will urgently need talent. I am now making some adjustments to the appointments in the Security Department," Ling Fan admonished.


    "Qian Dayong!"


    "Here!"


    "From now on, you are the Head of the Security Department, in charge of the entire department. I will be the deputy head, and we will have team captains and squad captains below us.


    The personnel structure in the Security Department will eventually exceed a hundred people. You need to progress and grow quickly; do you understand?"


    Qian Dayong was stunned; this sudden good fortune was overwhelming. Once it sank in, excitement surged through him like a shot of adrenaline.


    "Snap!"


    Qian Dayong snapped to attention, full of fighting spirit, "Young Master Ling, rest assured, I will not disappoint the leadership¡¯s expectations!"


    "Hmm, there¡¯s one more very important task, ensuring the safety of every female colleague in thepany. Under no circumstances should any ruffian get in and harass them, especially the general manager, got it?"


    A few security guards looked at each other in disbelief. Was this really a function of the Security Department? Nheless, they all thoroughly understood now, an unspoken agreement between them.


    "For the personnel arrangements below, you handle the promotions. I¡¯ll be observing you over this period. You¡¯re dismissed!" Ling Fan instructed Qian Dayong.


    The nearby security guards were almost green with envy. Envy got them nowhere; fools might have fool¡¯s luck. If it had been them, they certainly wouldn¡¯t have dared to stop Young Master Xu.


    Once outside, Qian Dayong took a deep breath, "Seek wealth and honor in the face of danger, the ancients truly did not deceive me!"


    "Da Yong, are you free tonight? I¡¯ll treat you to a spa! " a colleague teased Qian Dayong with a wink and a nudge.


    There was no helping it; Qian Dayong was now the Head of the Security Department, wielding the power of life and death over the entire department. Although they couldn¡¯t curry favor directly, Young Master Ling mentioned that there were still positions like squadron leaders avable¡ªdefinitely worth vying for.


    "Stop bothering with these frivolous things. I, Qian Dayong, am as pure as the wind, treating everyone fairly, only judging by ability. As long as you perform well, there¡¯s a chance for everyone!


    Besides, my wife is as beautiful as a flower; how could I be tempted by women of ill-repute? You should go less often, too¡ªwatch out for diseases and get back to your post," Qian Dayong admonished, straightening his cap.


    The security guard slunk away, cursing under his breath, "Damn it, what a pretentious ass... puts on airs so quickly."


    "Hmph, who says being a security guard has no prospects? Sooner orter, you¡¯ll be looking at me with newfound respect!" Qian Dayong¡¯s gaze was resolute.


    There was always one thing that bothered him deeply¡ªhis mother-inw looked down on him with disdain, constantly scolding him as a good-for-nothing. Now, finally, his luck was changing.


    After Qian Dayong left, Chen Ling sneaked out from a corner and appeared at the door to the Security Department¡¯s monitoring room, hesitating deeply within herself.


    She¡¯d been working here for over a year, earning over ten thousand a month. She really didn¡¯t want to lose this job, mainly because she had high hopes for thepany¡¯s future.


    Just now, she had gone to Xiao Chubing. The general manager didn¡¯t ask much, only saying, "As long as Ling Fan agrees, I have no objections!"


    "Creak!"


    Ling Fan opened the door and came out of the monitoring room.


    Chen Ling¡¯s face turned pale, but she braced herself and went to meet him.


    "Huh? You haven¡¯t left yet?" Ling Fan said with a chuckle.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I know I was wrong. Can you give me another chance? Just don¡¯t let me go, I¡¯ll do anything!" Chen Ling was desperate, ready to face mockery, this job was really important to her.


    "Oh? What did you do wrong?" Ling Fan suddenly became interested, not in a rush to send her away.


    Chen Ling gritted her teeth, "Previously, Young Master Xu bribed me to report President Xiao¡¯s whereabouts. I shouldn¡¯t have done that. I swear, I won¡¯t ever do it again!"


    "Then how can I trust you again!"


    "I swear, if anyone dares to target President Xiao, I guarantee I¡¯ll kick them out!" Chen Ling said determinedly.


    "Is that so? Even if you face someone like Young Master Xu, you dare to kick them out?"


    "I..."


    Ling Fan waved his hand dismissively, "Forget it, if you can¡¯t handle it, notify Qian Dayong. If even he can¡¯t handle it, then let me know."


    Although Chen Ling didn¡¯t quite understand what this had to do with Qian Dayong, she nodded, "Mm-hm, has Young Master Ling forgiven me?"


    "Oh, right, you haven¡¯t called me anything yet!" Ling Fan teased.


    Chen Ling¡¯s face immediately turned a deep red, "Can... can I not call you anything?"


    "What do you think?" Ling Fan said, with a smile that wasn¡¯t quite a smile.


    Chen Ling wished she could p herself¡ªshe¡¯d never underestimate anyone again.


    Looking around nervously to make sure no one was watching, she then whispered with a flushed face, "Dad... Daddy..."

 Chapter 34: It Turns Out to Be a Paper Tiger

    Teasing such a great beauty, Ling Fan felt a bit odd inside, but he was just trying to teach her a lesson not to belittle others through keyholes.


    "Go back now, and remember, not everything can be said recklessly!"


    "Mhm!" Chen Ling lowered her head, her earlobes turning red.


    In the midst of talking, Ling Fan saw Vermilion Bird who had just entered on the first floor through the ss balustrade.


    "Vermilion Bird, over here!" Ling Fan called out from the second floor to the one below.


    Vermilion Bird came to the second floor and stood in front of Ling Fan, still in the lively casual outfit fromst night.


    "I got held up by something earlier, where are we headed?"


    "Isn¡¯t there an auction at the Feng Family today?" Ling Fan asked.


    "Yes, the Feng Family is recently transitioning to light assets. A local century-old brand ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯, due to mismanagement, is being put up for auction by the decedents today this afternoon!"


    "Good, let¡¯s head upstairs first!"


    Third Floor, Xiao Chubing¡¯s office.


    "You haven¡¯t torn down mypany, have you!" Xiao Chubing didn¡¯t even lift her head, focusing on organizing documents.


    Ling Fan sighed. The real top tycoons of the world, who had people running their businesses well-organized beneath them, spent their days leisurely and never got so tired.


    They needed only to give directions on the bigger picture.


    "Keep Chen Ling employed, Qian Dayong as the Head of the Security Department..." Ling Fan ryed somepany personnel changes.


    Xiao Chubing stopped writing but didn¡¯t ask further, "Xu Sicong has broken the contract and discontinued coboration with thepany. Hiswyer called just now, willing to pay the penalty!"


    "Is the loss big?"


    "It has some impact on thepany!"


    "Vermilion Bird!" Ling Fan called out towards the door.


    Xiao Chubing gave Vermilion Bird a startled look, always feeling a sense of threat from this woman.


    Ling Fan scratched his head; he was not insensitive, "Let me formally introduce her, Vermilion Bird is my friend; don¡¯t get any wrong ideas, I¡¯ve known her even longer than you!"


    "So sister-inw is jealous of me? Then you¡¯ve got to keep an eye on him, sister-inw. There are enough women who admire Beiming to circle the equator!" Vermilion Bird winked yfully.


    "Pff, if he could get a line to thepany¡¯s front door, that would be something." She couldn¡¯t believe Vermilion Bird¡¯s words and took it as a joke meant to lighten the mood.


    Ling Fan felt a bit of a toothache. This was the real nature of Vermilion Bird, but teasing him like this wasn¡¯t too kind; luckily, Xiao Chubing didn¡¯t seem to believe it at all.


    Xiao Chubing had her own ns. The closer she got to Ling Fan, the more of an enigma he seemed, harder and harder to see through, as if he was the starry sea.


    Therefore, she nned to get on good terms with Vermilion Bird, using this as a breakthrough point.


    "Making the Xu Family of Fengyang go bankrupt, would that be difficult?" Ling Fan¡¯s abruptment made Xiao Chubing tense up.


    "Are you serious, husband?" She looked towards Vermilion Bird.


    Vermilion Bird hesitated for a moment, "No big problem, I¡¯ll arrange it now!"


    "Just what is Vermilion Bird¡¯s background? Isn¡¯t her power too terrifying?" No wonder she felt threatened.


    In the past, she had thought herself quite outstanding, but after meeting Vermilion Bird, her advantages seemed to vanish.


    "Uncle Jiang, make arrangements to bankrupt the Xu Family of Fengyang," Vermilion Bird instructed on the phone.


    On the other end was a spirited elderly man, "Miss, are you talking about Xu Xiaotian?"


    "Yes, any problems?"


    "Xu Xiaotian¡¯s father-inw was once a general in the military. Although he¡¯s retired now, he still has many former subordinates and acquaintances. But if the miss insists, our Li Family doesn¡¯t really care!" Old Jiang exined.


    Li Wei held a very high position within the family. Her opinions needed to be carefully considered by the Family Head.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Alright, go ahead then!" Vermilion Bird hung up the phone.


    Xiao Chubing was already stunned.


    "I owe you a favor," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Don¡¯t mention it, just be nice to your sister-inw," Vermilion Bird sighed in his heart.


    He feared that this sister-inw wouldn¡¯t be the only one in the future, because Ling Beiming was too outstanding¡ªhe was a legend. And it seemed that this current sister-inw didn¡¯t know anything about her own husband!


    Xiao Chubing pursed her lips, making up her mind that she must take Vermilion Bird out for a meal alone!


    "Xiao Bing, are you free this afternoon?" Ling Fan inquired.


    "Hmm, what¡¯s up?"


    "If you¡¯re free,e with me in the afternoon to an auction," Ling Fan said.


    Xiao Chubing quickly nodded, "I¡¯m free!"


    Right now, she couldn¡¯t wait to stick to Ling Fan to see how many secrets he had; even if she wasn¡¯t free, she would make time.


    "Okay then, it¡¯s settled. Let¡¯s go after we finish eating," Ling Fan nodded.


    ...


    In Binzhou, at a top-tier private club.


    "Get lost, get lost! I¡¯m in a bad mood," Xu Sicong shoved away the sexy woman clinging to him.


    "Young Master Xu, what¡¯s got you so fired up? Let Xiao Man ease your temperter!" A man across from him chuckled, ncing at the woman who was pushed away.


    "Not in the mood!" Xu Sicong downed the red wine in his ss and sat there brooding.


    "Look, brother, you rush me over here in such a hurry, you don¡¯t say anything, and you do nothing. I can¡¯t even help you de-stress," the man said.


    There were three men in the room, aside from Xu Sicong. The one who just spoke was Feng Qiang, a scion of the Feng Family, while the other was Zhang Xu who was currently enjoying thepany of a woman on each arm.


    Xu Sicong took a deep breath, "Brother Feng, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to tell you. Even if I did, you couldn¡¯t help. It would just make things worse."


    "Oh? Who did you piss off? In Binzhou, there¡¯s someone even I, Feng Qiang, can¡¯t handle?" Feng Qiang got interested.


    Xu Sicong took a gulp of wine, "You should know, I¡¯ve been pursuing Xiao Chubing recently."


    "Haha, so you¡¯ve been given the cold shoulder!" Feng Qiang chuckled knowingly as he was aware of the situation.


    "Bullshit, that bitch has hooked up with some Young Master Ling, who seems to have quite the background. I nearly had an ident because of it. Even Zhou Zhenxiong is scared to death of him," Xu Sicong said frustratedly.


    "Young Master Ling? Xiao Chubing¡¯s loser husband?" Feng Qiang looked at Zhang Xu meaningfully.


    "A loser? I think he¡¯s far from being a loser. Why don¡¯t you try it?" Xu Sicong, feeling belittled by Feng Qiang, was very displeased.


    Feng Qiang quickly exined, "Heh, I thought it was someone else. Don¡¯t rush, this guy probably knows more than you!"


    "Huh? What do you mean?" Xu Sicong sat up straight, looking at Zhang Xu.


    After leaving Ling Fan the night before, Zhang Xu had been seething with anger.


    Knowing that Ling Fan was out of chances made him let go of his concerns, seeing the opportunity for revenge.


    He had tossed and turned all night, and early this morning, he went to find Feng Qiang.


    He knew that Ling Fan was currently at odds with the Li and Feng Families, and the enemy of an enemy is a friend. That¡¯s what brought about the current gathering.


    "Xiao Chubing is my wife¡¯s cousin, and the Ling Fan that Young Master Xu mentioned is indeed Xiao Chubing¡¯s loser husband, but..." Zhang Xu recounted the secret he heardst night before leaving, without leaving anything out.


    "Fuck, so he¡¯s just a paper tiger! I knew it, how could that famous loser suddenly be so tough?" Xu Sicong pped his thigh forcefully.


    "Not frustrated anymore, Young Master Xu? Let me tell you some news, that kid won¡¯t live long. He offended my Feng Family and even dered he would wipe out my Feng Family!" Feng Qiang sneered.


    "Haha, damn it, I must take back what I lost. Brother Feng, before you kill him, let me have my fun and see how I y with this idiot!" Xu Sicong suddenly saw the light.


    Feng Qiang checked the time, "There¡¯s an auction this afternoon that I need to attend. Young Master Xu, interested in joining for a look?"


    "Haha, there¡¯s plenty of time. I¡¯ll have a chat with Xiao Man first..." Xu Sicong, in great spirits, pulled the woman he had pushed away earlier and headed to the room inside.


    A cold light flickered in Zhang Xu¡¯s eyes, and he sneered inwardly, "Ling Fan, oh Ling Fan, you just can¡¯t keep ying it safe as a loser. You had to brag and make enemies everywhere. I want to see how you die this time!"

 Chapter 35: Young Master Zhou, here’s something amusing for you

    In the afternoon, Ling Fan, with Xiao Chubing and Chen Ling, appeared at the entrance of Yun Xuan Auction Co., Ltd.


    Vermilion Bird had other arrangements, so he did note along.


    "Ling Fan, are we really going to participate in the auction?" Xiao Chubing was somewhat fidgety.


    Chen Ling alsocked confidence. Today¡¯s auction of the century-old brand ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯ was a major event. Although the ancient firm had faded from the market, its signboard still held some value.


    Without ten billion, they couldn¡¯t hope to win the auction, and even selling off the entire Tianyun Company wouldn¡¯t cover a fraction of that amount.


    "What¡¯s there to fear with me here!" Ling Fan sighed silently in his heart.


    These two womencked confidence. It seemed he would need to bring them out to bigger scenes more often in the future.


    As Ling Fan walked towards the entrance, Xiao Chubing and Chen Ling exchanged nces and had no choice but to steel themselves and follow.


    "Sorry, but could the three of you show your invitations?" Two polite security guards stopped them at the door.


    Ling Fan¡¯s brows furrowed slightly; he had forgotten about this detail. Yun Xuan Auction Co., Ltd. had very strict and official entry protocols, which indeed required an invitation. Even without an invitation, one¡¯s worth had to be over ten billion to gain entry.


    Seeing Ling Fan¡¯s difort, Chen Ling immediately stepped forward and said, "We are from Tianyun Company, and we¡¯re here to participate in the auction as well. Can¡¯t we go in?"


    The guards¡¯ response only increased the embarrassment of the two women, "I¡¯m sorry, but thepany¡¯s valuation must exceed ten billion to enter, and registration is required!"


    "Yo! Am I seeing things, isn¡¯t that Xiao Ling?" A woman¡¯s voice full of arrogance drifted over from afar.


    Ling Fan turned his head and saw a heavily made-up and morous woman, untingly apanied by a man.


    Chen Ling¡¯s expression changed instantly; upon seeing the woman and the man beside her, she couldn¡¯t help but demand, "Who is he, where is Lu Mingxu?"


    "Tsk, you really thought I would like that poor loser? I was just ying around with him and dumped him long ago. If you¡¯re still hung up on him, feel free to take him back!" The woman looked at Chen Ling with a face full of mockery.


    Chen Ling¡¯s face turned sour; the woman in front of her was her best friend, He Shanshan, and Lu Mingxu was her ex-boyfriend.


    As the saying goes, beware of fire, theft, and best friends; she never dreamed that such a soap-opera scenario would actually happen to her.


    Indeed, her ex-boyfriend had cheated on her with her best friend, turning them into enemies. Now that Lu Mingxu had been dumped by He Shanshan as well, it was nothing but his just deserts.


    "Let me introduce him; this is my new boyfriend, Young Master Zhai from Fuli Group, with assets of over twenty billion!" He Shanshan boasted with the arrogance of a swan by daylight.


    "Oh my, is this your new boyfriend?" He Shanshan eximed as if she had discovered a new world.


    Looking at Ling Fan, who was d in low-end street clothes, her eyes filled with ridicule, "Tsk tsk tsk, I thought you would have improved your taste. Do you have a thing for losers? Can¡¯t you find someone with better prospects?"


    Zhai Yuanliang, whose family business was in real estate¡ªnot terriblyrge, but definitely third-tier wealthy¡ªfelt puffed up by He Shanshan¡¯s ttery.


    Buoyed by her praises, he stood tall and looked at Ling Fan with a confrontational stance.


    He did not know Ling Fan at all, but upon seeing the two beauties beside him, whose looks utterly eclipsed He Shanshan, Chen Ling, needless to mention, and especially Xiao Chubing, who was absolutely mesmerizing at a single nce, he became irritated.


    Zhai Yuanliang felt irked inside. Why should such an ordinary guymand the attention of two such beauties?


    "He Shanshan, watch your mouth!" Chen Ling¡¯s face changed color.


    Ling Fan¡¯s official girlfriend was right there, and she was also her boss; what the hell was this idiot He Shanshan bbering about? Wasn¡¯t she just making things awkward for her?


    He Shanshan, oblivious to all this, also noticed Xiao Chubing. After a sh of amazement in her eyes, she became even more convinced that such a loser like Ling Fan could not possibly be rted to such a goddess. He must be Chen Ling¡¯s boyfriend.


    And judging by how they could not get in just now, they must be less wealthy than her own boyfriend without any doubt.


    "Oh wow, what a loving couple! Can¡¯t handle a few words? That protective, aren¡¯t we?" He Shanshan mocked with a sneering tone.


    Chen Ling was so angry her face turned white, just as a stunning woman in a sky-blue floor-length dress, with high-pinned hair and a provocatively low neckline showing off a snow-white expanse of skin, stepped out from the entrance. She was breathlessly beautiful.


    The beauty stood at the door, her gaze sweeping over everyone before she looked away, here to greet a special guest.


    She frowned slightly, "It¡¯s about time, why haven¡¯t they arrived?"


    Ling Fan¡¯s eyes flickered slightly; Yun Fei, he had seen her information in the files Vermilion Bird had investigated.


    With no scandals, an orphan, and a business prodigy, she founded Yun Xuan Company single-handedly, primarily because she came from a clean background.


    "Xiao Bing, if I wanted to increase Tianyun¡¯s scale to over a billion, ten billion, or even a hundred billion in a short time, could you handle it?" Ling Fan whispered.


    "Ah?" Xiao Chubing was startled.


    "You... are you joking?" Xiao Chubing¡¯s heart thudded wildly.


    How to handle it? That would require talent, and talent isn¡¯t so easily obtained. Even if she was capable, she couldn¡¯t possibly do the work of a hundred people all by herself.


    Ling Fan considered quietly that it was time to build his own power base. Undoubtedly, Xiao Chubing was the most reassuring choice for him, so he wanted to help Tianyun rise.


    "Yun Fei is very capable. She could help you. What do you think?" Ling Fan asked.


    "You... do you have a way?" Xiao Chubing grew a bit nervous.


    "Yun Xuan is a listedpany, you want to recruit people to join Tianyun to work?"


    "How will you know it won¡¯t work if you don¡¯t try!" Ling Fan reassured.


    Just then, a luxurious Mercedes stopped at the entrance, and a well-built young man with a neat short haircut and dressed in a sleek suit got out.


    Yun Fei¡¯s eyes lit up immediately. This was the Zhou Family¡¯s new sessor, Zhou Tianlu, and she hurriedly went to greet him.


    Zhai Yuanliang, who was nearest, perked up. "Young Master Zhou, you¡¯ve arrived?"


    Zhou Tianlu frowned slightly. "You are?"


    "I¡¯m Zhai Yuanliang from Fuli Group. My father is Zhai Zhonghai." Zhai Yuanliang hastily introduced himself.


    "Oh, right, I remember now. You¡¯re Old Zhai¡¯s son!" Zhou Tianlu nodded, the Zhai Family was a small force attached to the Zhou Family.


    Seeing Zhou Tianlu actually remember him, Zhai Yuanliang¡¯s face flushed with excitement.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Young Master Zhou, let me tell you something funny. See that idiot over there? Some loser is pretending to be rich to trick two beauties but got barred at the door, and he¡¯s shamelessly refusing to leave." Zhai Yuanliang said disdainfully, pointing at Ling Fan.


    He had just seen Ling Fan being affectionate with Xiao Chubing, even whispering in her ear, which made him wildly jealous. Now, instinctively, he wanted to mock this nobody¡ªto alleviate the frustration boiling inside him.


    "Hmm?" Zhou Tianlu was puzzled and curiously looked over.


    Upon locking eyes with Ling Fan, Zhou Tianlu felt a tremor in his heart, and after a second nce, he recognized him.


    This so-called loser was none other than the man who had effortlessly ruined his older brother Zhou Tai¡¯s reputation, giving him the opportunity to take the position as the Zhou Family¡¯s sessor.


    Zhou Tianlu had etched Ling Fan¡¯s information into his mind, nning to pay a visit at some point. He hadn¡¯t expected to run into him here.


    "You... you¡¯re talking about him?" Zhou Tianlu¡¯s hand trembled as he pointed at Ling Fan.


    "Yeah, that¡¯s the loser..."


    Zhou Tianlu was scared out of his wits.


    "p!"


    "It¡¯s you, dammit! Are you trying to get my father killed, fuck!"


    Yun Fei, who had just walked over, was stunned, not understanding what had happened.


    Zhai Yuanliang was lying on the ground,pletely confused, and almost in tears, "Zhou... Young Master Zhou, why are you hitting me..."


    "Motherfucker, hitting you? I¡¯m going to kill youter!"


    The next second, Zhou Tianlu, sweating profusely, ran to Ling Fan. "Young Master Ling, this has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t know that asshole. However you want him dead, I will make sure it¡¯s done!"


    Zhai Yuanliang on the ground was utterly defeated.


    He Shanshan waspletely dumbfounded.


    Even Yun Fei standing aside was bbergasted!

 Chapter 36 Are you interested in following me

    Ling Fan¡¯s expression was strange. "We haven¡¯t met before, have we?"


    "No, no, Zhou Zhenxiong is my father, my name is Zhou Tianlu. I am fortunate to have inherited the position of the next Family Head. I was actually nning to visit these few days, but I didn¡¯t expect to encounter Young Master Ling here!" Zhou Tianlu said respectfully.


    Xiao Chubing was somewhat ustomed to this. Zhou Zhenxiong was always extremely respectful in front of Ling Fan, let alone his son.


    Chen Ling felt a little excited inside, realizing that Ling Fan was bing more and more charming. Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t someone she could think about, which made her feel a bit disappointed.


    "Oh, so you are now the heir of the Zhou Family, well done!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Thank you, Young Master Ling, I will definitely work hard!" Zhou Tianlu was extremely humble, to the extent that anyone who didn¡¯t know better might think Ling Fan was the Patriarch of the Zhou Family.


    "Who is this?" Yun Fei came over and cautiously asked about Zhou Tianlu.


    She had nced at Ling Fan when she came out, not taking him seriously at all, and was utterly surprised that someone as ordinary-looking as this young man couldmand such respect from Zhou Tianlu.


    Honestly, Zhou Tianlu didn¡¯t know exactly who Ling Fan was, but he knew he was incredibly formidable.


    Xiao Chubing was focused, hoping to glean some information about Ling Fan from Zhou Tianlu¡¯s words.


    "Young Master Ling¡¯s status is beyond your understanding. You only need to know that Young Master Ling is exceedingly noble. In all of Binzhou, if Young Master Ling ims second ce, no one dares to im first!" Zhou Tianlu cautioned.


    After speaking, he stealthily nced at Ling Fan¡¯s expression, seeing that Ling Fan was not displeased, he then rxed, knowing he had said nothing wrong.


    Yun Fei was secretly shocked. "It seems he¡¯s a crown prince from the province!"


    "Young Master Ling, I apologize for any earlier discourtesy. Please forgive me!" Yun Fei quickly apologized.


    "By the way, Young Master Ling, how should that idiot be dealt with?" Zhou Tianlu pointed at Zhai Yuanliang.


    Zhai Yuanliang was so frightened by Zhou Tianlu¡¯s pointing that he almost wet himself.


    "Young Master Ling, I¡¯m sorry, I was blind, please spare me. It was all provoked by that damned bitch, I know I was wrong..." Zhai Yuanliang kowtowed incessantly.


    He Shanshan was utterly terrified, feeling as if the sky had copsed, and suddenly turned to Chen Ling, "Chen Ling, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m shameless, please plead with Young Master Ling on my behalf, I¡¯m kneeling before you!"


    Chen Ling¡¯s face was cold, she said nothing and did not plead for mercy. Did He Shanshan show any respect when she was insulting Ling Fan? Had she thought of their past affection when cheating on her boyfriend?


    "Seems like you and she have some grievances. How would you like to handle her?" Ling Fan asked indifferently.


    Chen Ling had aplex expression; she had indeed never thought about what to do to He Shanshan.


    Ling Fan nced at Chen Ling and understood clearly; he had no interest in bothering with such small fry.


    "I don¡¯t want to see them, make them go away!" Ling Fan instructed Zhou Tianlu.


    Zhou Tianluplied, pointing at Zhai Yuanliang and shouting, "Aren¡¯t you going to thank Young Master Ling!"


    "Thank you, Young Master Ling! Thank you, Young Master Ling!" Zhai Yuanliang quickly kowtowed.


    "Go, go, go! Idiotic thing!" Zhou Tianlu waved his hand impatiently.


    The two ran off disgracefully; from a distance, Zhai Yuanliang¡¯s cursing could still be heard, "You wretched woman, you almost got me killed just now, I¡¯ll beat you to death..."


    Ling Fan had no interest in dealing with their mess and turned to look at Yun Fei, pondering, "Yun Fei, are you interested in following me?"


    This question from Ling Fan left Yun Fei shocked.


    "I... this..." Yun Fei was dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.


    Zhou Tianlu was also startled, stealthily ncing at Xiao Chubing. Noticing nothing unusual, he couldn¡¯t help thinking inwardly, "Young Master Ling is a true master, collecting other women right in front of her, and his wife isn¡¯t even jealous. Impressive, indeed!"


    Chen Ling¡¯s expression showed slight surprise, and she too stealthily nced at Xiao Chubing. Seeing no reaction, she quietly started wondering, "If Young Master Ling can take other women, maybe I also have a chance..."


    At that thought, her face flushed red, and she cursed herself inwardly, "Chen Ling, oh Chen Ling, when did you be so shameless! What sort of man is Young Master Ling, and how could he possibly set his eyes on you?"


    Ling Fan had discussed things with Xiao Chubing beforehand and naturally hadn¡¯t thought about it in any other way, but who knew these people would misunderstand?


    It was mostly because Yun Fei herself had misunderstood, standing there uncertain.


    "President Yun, it¡¯s your luck that Young Master Ling fancies you, what are you hesitating for? The sis-inw has no objections, what are you worrying about?" Zhou Tianlu said, advising her from the side.


    Yun Fei really felt like fainting, immediately looking at Xiao Chubing and stammering, "You... you don¡¯t mind?"


    Xiao Chubing nced at Yun Fei. She really had no objections; her husband probably had big ns, recruiting for himself, how could she object?


    Considering that aspect, she had never thought about it, as she had already seen Vermilion Bird¡¯s excellence. Even in the face of Vermilion Bird, Ling Fan had kept his conduct; there was nothing to worry about.


    Thus, she didn¡¯t think Yun Fei was anything special. If she had to point out something special, it was indeed her business capability, which was quite exceptional. As for looks and temperament, Xiao Chubing had absolute confidence in herself, not losing to any woman.


    "I have no objections, I¡¯m more than happy!" Xiao Chubing said earnestly.


    Yun Fei took a deep breath, her chest heaving, "Can... can you give me some time? I¡¯m not ready yet!"


    She had always prized her purity, never considering finding a boyfriend, let alone thinking about that aspect. For Ling Fan to take her was already hard enough to wrap her head around, especially to share one husband?


    Zhou Tianlu inwardly sighed, "Young Master Ling truly is an extraordinary man. Messing around outside is nothing; the ability to keep peace in the harem is what makes a true hero!"


    Ling Fan, unaware of their misunderstandings, would probably have a stroke if he knew what these people were thinking.


    "Ling Fan, give Yun Fei some time. We¡¯re not ready on this side either, and Yun Xuan probably has a lot to handle too!" Xiao Chubing spoke up.


    Yun Fei breathed a sigh of relief, but inside she was filled with helplessness. After dodging countless overt and covert attacks throughout the years, she couldn¡¯t dodge this encounter.


    But in the past, the people she faced were nowhere near as strong as Young Master Ling. Faced with absolute power, she still had no choice.


    "Yes, that¡¯s it then!"


    Ling Fan looked at Yun Fei, "You see, this should be fine, but you¡¯ll need to arrange things soon, as I might call for you at any time!"


    Ling Fan was in high spirits, weing a capable addition to his wife¡¯s ranks. But everything had just begun. Yun Fei alone was far from enough¡ªit was a good start, wasn¡¯t it?


    Yun Fei mustered her spirit, epting the situation as there was no turning back.


    "Let¡¯s go inside; I¡¯ve saved the best seats!" Yun Fei squeezed out a forced, beautiful smile.


    "Congrattions, Young Master Ling!" Zhou Tianlu ttered with a smile.


    Ling Fan led the group inside when suddenly a voice thundered from behind.


    "Stop right there! Youe to my turf to steal people, and you asked my permission?" A burly man strode forward with a stern voice.


    Ling Fan frowned slightly and immediately turned around.


    Yun Fei showed a slight smile, "Young Master He, what brings you here!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hmph, if I didn¡¯te now, the corner of the wall would have almost beenpletely dug out. Kid, what are you, daring to covet Yun Fei? Crawl over here now and kneel to apologize, and I might forgive your ignorance!" He Feichen pointed at Ling Fan and coldly shouted.


    As the thirty-sixth strongest member of Heavenly Vein, ranked thirty-seventh on the Zhongnan Star Plucking List, he had the confidence and arrogance to disdain all ordinary mortals.

 Chapter 37: Submit or Die

    Zhou Tianlu¡¯s face changed slightly; he had heard that Yun Fei had some backing, could it be this guy in front of him?


    He couldn¡¯t figure out the other party¡¯s depth, but he thought it absolutely impossible for him to be stronger than Ling Fan, "I am the new sessor of the Zhou Family. Do you know what Young Master Ling¡¯s status is? And yet you dare to speak such madness?"


    "Pah, you think you, a damn Zhou Family sessor, can disrespect me? Ask your father if he dares to fart in front of me!" He Feichen scorned with a spit.


    Zhou Tianlu¡¯s face changed again; was the Zhou Family this weak now? How could someone just pop up and not give the Zhou Family any regard?


    Yun Fei¡¯s eyes shed with a different light; indeed, He Feichen was backing Yun Xuan, thepany had his shares, and all this time she didn¡¯t know the true identity of Young Master He, only vaguely aware it seemed to rte to the mysterious Zhongnan, apparently not simple.


    Now that Young Master He had stepped in, if he could drive back Young Master Ling, she might have a hope of escaping from hell.


    She really detested the idea of bing Ling Fan¡¯s woman, not even clear about who he was or what his character was.


    "Are you a martial artist? Did youe from the Noble House of Zhongnan?" Ling Fan asked indifferently.


    "Hmm? You know of Zhongnan?" He Feichen squinted slightly.


    Ling Fan could sense the fluctuations of the origin force in the other¡¯s physique; his presence was not weak, and he could not think of anyone with such a spirit at such a young age, apart from someone from the Noble House of Zhongnan.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s face changed slightly; this was not the first time she had heard of this ce called Zhongnan, previously spoken of by Vermilion Bird during a conflict with Lu Jinglun.


    "Ling Fan, be careful, you¡¯ve stirred up quite a bit of trouble recently, don¡¯t go overboard!" Xiao Chubing warned.


    She didn¡¯t know what the Noble House of Zhongnan was about, but seemed fierce, yet she also knew that Ling Fan didn¡¯t care about this Zhongnan at all; justst night aiming to kill Lu Jinglun was a good example.


    Her well-intentioned warning, however, infuriated He Feichen.


    "Beauty, I¡¯m not deaf, am I? What did you just say? Asking him not to be too harsh on me?" He Feichen had his eyes wide, pointing incredulously at his own nose.


    Chen Ling stood by, totally clueless as she listened to their conversation, feeling like there was going to be a fight.


    Xiao Chubing hesitantly nodded, genuinely hoping no further conflict would arise; the past few days had been relentless.


    She earnestly reminded, "My husband is very formidable. Let¡¯s both step back and let it go!"


    "Damn, what the fuck, it¡¯s like ying the expert in front of Guan Gong; your husband is formidable? Haven¡¯t you seen the wider world, alright, alright, today I¡¯ll open your eyes!


    Beauty, how about we make a bet? If I beat your husband down like a dead dog, then you follow me from now on!" He Feichen waspletely fuming.


    Xiao Chubing was too beautiful; he was captivated the moment he saw her, and this beautiful woman seemed so sure of that fool, which annoyed him greatly.


    "Kid, you talk too much. Thest one who fancied my wife is still lying in the hospital!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    "Fuck, you¡¯re bold, today you¡¯ll widen your experiences, don¡¯t you know Zhongnan?"


    "Hmm, I know a bit, Earth Vein? Heavenly Vein?" Ling Fan scoffed disdainfully.


    "You know quite a bit, listen well, I¡¯m the sessor of the thirty-sixth family of the Heavenly Vein, the thirty-seventh ranked on the Star Plucking List of Zhongnan, now kneel down, hand over your woman to me, and I might spare your miserable life!" He Feichen stepped forward, his aura surging.


    As He Feichen released his aura, everyone around felt an invisible oppression sweep over, involuntarily stepping back, all showing fear.


    The things He Feichen had just said, they didn¡¯t understand, but they felt very powerful, seemingly not to be messed with.


    At that moment, Ling Fan alone remained unmoved, calmly looking at He Feichen, "Excuse me, what is your strength?"


    Seeing that Ling Fan could withstand his pressure, He Feichen lightly eximed, "Hmph, Fourth Grade Martial King, mid-stages, are you scared?"


    "Oh!" Ling Fan nodded slightly.


    "Thirty-seventh on the Star Plucking List and only mid-stage Fourth Grade? What strength is the first?"


    "Fuck, you fool, what does the first have to do with you? Think about how you¡¯re going to get past me first!" He Feichen went crazy.


    Without a word, he bowed and bent his arms, and his bones instantly made a series of crackling sounds, like beans being fried, causing the expressions of the people around him to change dramatically.


    At the Middle Stage of Fourth Grade, he could exert the force of thirty-six elephants, each elephant representing a thousand pounds of force, totaling thirty-six thousand pounds.


    All eyes were on He Feichen as he threw a punch like thunder rolling, striking directly at Ling Fan.


    "Fuck your mother, watch how I st you to smithereens!" He Feichen sneered viciously.


    Facing this earth-shattering punch, Ling Fan remained expressionless; he harbored a secret, a secret unknown to anyone.


    Years ago, while exploring Maya relics, he had unexpectedly inherited the mysterious "Limitless Secret Tome" in a life-threatening situation, which was also why he had narrowly escaped death in that battle two years ago.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s face turned slightly pale, but this time, she was unwavering in her belief in Ling Fan.


    Chen Ling was extremely nervous, having never seen such a terrifying punch before.


    Zhou Tianlu was also inwardly panicked, feeling the terrifying power of that punch even from a distance.


    Only Yun Fei had aplex expression, feeling conflicted. She hoped He Feichen would defeat Ling Fan but also looked forward to seeing Ling Fan do something different.


    At the critical moment, only to see Ling Fan let out a light shout.


    "Heaven-Cutting Fist!"


    An ordinary punch, extremely in, yet it struck first despite beingter.


    "Go to hell!"


    He Feichen roared, and in the blink of an eye, their fists collided.


    "Bang!"


    A booming sound filled the air, followed by a muffled groan.


    He Feichen¡¯s heart immediately stirred up a storm, and he gasped, "How is this possible?"


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The moment their fists touched, he felt his thirty-six thousand pounds of force hit something as soft as cotton, followed by an even stronger force rolling back at him like waves.


    In a sh, he rapidly retreated thirteen steps before he could stop himself, his right arm that threw the punch drooping down powerlessly.


    He looked down at his arm and noticed his back was drenched in cold sweat. He was a hair¡¯s breadth away frompletely ruining his arm.


    In contrast, Ling Fan was unmoved, calmly withdrawing his fist.


    "s, I need to find an opportunity to enhance my strength soon. ¡¯Heaven-Cutting Fist¡¯ can only unleash thirty percent of its power, barely managing to stack three punches," Ling Fan secretly sighed, dissatisfied with the punch he had just thrown.


    The "Heaven-Cutting Fist" is the first of the "Holy Martial Nine Forms," and at its highest realm, it canyer up to nine punches. Each additional punch doubles the power.


    After the severe injury two years ago, his strength had fallen below the Grandmaster Realm, remaining at the Late Stages of Fourth Grade. Facing He Feichen today had prompted Ling Fan to feel an urgency to enhance his strength.


    Yun Fei, standing to one side, was no longerposed. Her face was pale, and her heart pounded uncontrobly.


    Not just her, Zhou Tianlu, Xiao Chubing, and Chen Ling were all shocked!


    Because they had witnessed an unbelievable scene. In front of He Feichen, the hard asphalt road had thirteen inch-deep footprints, especially the ones at the forefront, which were three inches deep.


    "You..." He Feichen¡¯s left hand trembled as he pointed at Ling Fan.


    He had fought with the eleventh-ranked on the Star Plucking List and had never felt terror like that from Ling Fan. Could this young man possibly have the strength of the top ten?


    But he had seen all the top ten fighters, and none were like Ling Fan. Where exactly did hee from?


    "Two options, either submit or die!" Ling Fan nced at He Feichen and spoke indifferently.

 Chapter 38: No Chance Left, Still Acting Tough!

    He Feichen took a deep breath. He came from the Martial Arts World and understood better than those from the Secr World that power was respected.


    He gritted his teeth and knelt on one knee, "Feichen is willing to follow Young Master Ling from now on. You are my leader!"


    "Alright, stand up," Ling Fan nodded.


    "Thank you, boss!"


    "However, you¡¯re not yet qualified to be my subordinate. Start off as an honorary little brother!" Ling Fan shook his head.


    He Feichen¡¯s talent was mediocre, not enough to catch his eye even for a minor role.


    "What?" He Feichen was stunned. He didn¡¯t even qualify to be Ling Fan¡¯s minion?


    This guy instantly felt depressed. The 37th ranked expert on the Star Plucking List was being despised?


    Zhou Tianlu, Yun Fei, and Chen Ling were all bewildered, their eyes on Ling Fan filled withplexity.


    "My god, Young Master He, who hailed from Zhongnan Mountain, isn¡¯t qualified to be Young Master Ling¡¯s little brother? Then what am I, not even worth a fart?" Zhou Tianlu was even more disheartened.


    Yun Fei looked at Ling Fan, a hint of admiration in her eyes, "It seems... following Young Master Ling wouldn¡¯t be so bad, but I wonder what kind of person he is!"


    Chen Ling was dumbfounded, feeling that the world she knew had changed. She suddenly realized that the circles Ling Fan moved in werepletely different.


    Suddenly, she felt that calling him ¡¯daddy¡¯ that morning wasn¡¯t in vain; calling him that a hundred more times would still be worth it!


    In her excitement, Xiao Chubing¡¯s eyes moistened slightly. "Grandpa, I misunderstood you. The husband you found for me is so outstanding!"


    "The auction is about to start; let¡¯s go in!" Yun Fei stabilized her emotions and reminded everyone.


    Ling Fan led the way, with Yun Fei guiding him in front, nked by Xiao Chubing and Chen Ling, and Zhou Tianlu and He Feichen following, they entered the hall in single file.


    As they just walked into the auction hall, Yun Fei about to lead Ling Fan to their seats, her expression suddenly changed, bing tense.


    Ling Fan nced around the hall, which was packed with hundreds of people. It wasn¡¯t just the Huang Laoji brand being auctioned today but also some pawned items, many were there looking for bargains.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Ling Fan asked curiously.


    "I apologize, Young Master Ling, we arrived a bitte and I didn¡¯t reserve enough seats, so the front row only has two seats left!" Yun Fei said self-reproachfully.


    Then, Chen Ling spoke up, "Young Master Ling, you and President Xiao take the front seats, we can find seats anywhere else!"


    "Yes, Miss Chen is right. Young Master Ling, you and your sister-inw go ahead," Zhou Tianlu and He Feichen chimed in from the side.


    Ling Fan waved his hand, "It¡¯s not that troublesome. Yun Fei, you go ahead with your duties. You two take those seats, and the three of us will find some other ce."


    Ling Fan found a secluded spot nearby with the two women, as he couldn¡¯t possibly leave Chen Ling alone.


    After a moment of hesitation, Yun Fei, who had to go on stage, said, "Let¡¯s listen to Young Master Ling, you two go on ahead!"


    Zhou Tianlu nodded, pulling He Feichen with him.


    "The boss seems quite approachable!" He Feichen noted with curiosity, something he himself would never do.


    "Hehe, Young Master Ling is a great hermit in the marketce!" Zhou Tianlu said mysteriously.


    From a distance, Xu Sicong stared over.


    "Damn, am I seeing things? Look, who is that?"


    "Hmm? Xiao Chubing, and isn¡¯t that the legendary loser son-inw of the Xiao family?" Feng Qiang frowned, having not seen Ling Fan before.


    Zhang Xu was surprised, "How did he get here? Yes, he is the loser who married into our family, apparently personally attended by President Yun?"


    Xu Sicong sneered, "Look, they separated!"


    "Haha, Zhang Xu, you¡¯re right. That loser certainly seems like a paper tiger. The Zhou Family isn¡¯t even frightened by him.


    Why else would Zhou Tianlu sit in the VIP seats, while that idiot sits with two beauties in a corner?" Feng Qiang snickered.


    "Brother Feng, you¡¯re exactly right. Watch how I deal with this idiotter. Damn, I¡¯m going to knock his teeth out!" Xu Sicong gritted his teeth ferociously, still furious from the p he received in the morning at the sight of Ling Fan.


    At that moment, Yun Fei took to the stage, now dressed in a pale purple sequined evening gown, shimmering under the lights like a major star.


    "Yun Fei really is beautiful, damn, I would live a few years less to spend a night with her," Xu Sicong licked his lips.


    "Easy, kid. Don¡¯t start what you can¡¯t finish. President Yun¡¯s connections aren¡¯t simple; my dad mentioned there might be some link to Zhongnan Mountain," Feng Qiang joked.


    "Cough cough...you don¡¯t need to remind me!" Xu Sicong¡¯s gaze never left Yun Fei.


    "Today¡¯s first auction item is the centuries-old brand ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯..." Yun Fei began introducing from the stage.


    The bidding for ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯ was originally set to best, but she didn¡¯t want to dy Ling Fan¡¯s time, so she changed the rules temporarily.


    As soon as the auction started, Zhang Xu immediately raised his paddle, "One billion!"


    One billion was the starting bid, and the Feng Family was determined to win today¡¯s bid; this task was assigned to Feng Qiang.


    Yun Fei unconsciously looked in Ling Fan¡¯s direction on the stage, "Any other bids?"


    The auction was basically pre-determined, and everyone tacitly understood; no one would cross the Feng Family, so not a single person spoke up.


    "Chen Ling, raise the bid, until we win it!" Ling Fan instructed.


    "What?" Chen Ling looked towards Xiao Chubing, somewhat panicked.


    "Ling Fan, I don¡¯t have that much funds avable!"


    "Just keep bidding; I have it!" Ling Fan said with a slight smile.


    Xiao Chubing had no choice but to agree and nodded at Chen Ling.


    "Second call, any other bids?" Yun Fei wondered to herself, "Did I guess wrong?"


    Chen Ling gritted her teeth, her voice trembling a bit, "Eleven billion!"


    "Hmm?" Feng Qiang raised his eyebrow and turned to look.


    Not just Feng Qiang, everyone in the hall turned their heads towards the source of the voice.


    "Damn, there¡¯s a show to watch today, who is this, daring to challenge the Feng Family?" someone muttered.


    Xu Sicong smirked, "Brother Feng, looks like this kid came here today to challenge you. Is he really that rich?"


    Zhang Xu¡¯s eyes brightened, "I¡¯m not sure how much money he has in his pocket? Even selling Xiao Chubing¡¯s Tian Yun isn¡¯t worth a billion, I know what¡¯s going on, he must have used hisst chance, the money isn¡¯t his."


    "Hehe, I just said, but Brother Feng, this might be tough for you, today¡¯s bidding might not go as smoothly," Xu Sicong chuckled.


    A dark sh crossed Feng Qiang¡¯s eyes, "Don¡¯t speak ill of fortune, I don¡¯t believe hisst favor is that valuable? Would someone really smash tens of billions out?"


    "Zhang Xu, follow!"


    Zhang Xuplied and then shouted twelve billion.


    The two parties then engaged back and forth, directly escting the bid to twenty-one billion!


    Ling Fan¡¯s side was determined to get ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯.


    Everyone present was stunned, this was seriously a battle, who was this with such an iron head, not afraid at all of offending the Feng Family!


    Zhang Xu wiped a cold sweat, this idiot has gone mad, can he really bring out so much money?


    "Young Master Feng, still following?"


    Just then, Ling Fan looked over disdainfully, his face provocative, and even shed his middle finger.


    Feng Qiang exploded immediately, "F*ck his mother, raise it to thirty!"


    Ling Fan continued to add another billion and shed his middle finger again.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Zhang Xu, raise it to forty, and if he raises again, just let it be!" Feng Qiang gritted his teeth, having money doesn¡¯t mean wasting it like this.


    "Young Master Ling, still raising?" Chen Ling was now numb.


    "Stop raising, screw that!"


    "What?"


    "What what, buying it for ten billion is a gain, at fifteen billion it¡¯s not a loss, twenty billion is already the limit, now it¡¯s forty billion, still bidding for what?


    You could buy a decentpany directly with that, this moron spending forty billion on a declining trademark, won¡¯t he get his legs broken when he gets home?" Ling Fan scoffed.


    Xiao Chubing and Chen Ling looked at each other, realizing Ling Fan was just causing trouble.


    "Brother Feng... it seems like they aren¡¯t bidding anymore!" Zhang Xu was a bit dizzy.


    "What did you say?" Feng Qiang snapped to attention, his eyes immediately turning red.


    Jumping up, he pointed at Ling Fan and cursed, "F*ck your grandmother, you don¡¯t even have a chance left, still acting tough, watch me kill you!"


    Then he angrily looked at Yun Fei, "I suspect he¡¯s deliberately causing trouble, I request Yun Xuan to verify his funds!"

 Chapter 39 He Touched My Wife With His Hand

    Following Feng Qiang¡¯s loud shout, everyone at the scene was dumbfounded.


    "That kid is done for, Young Master Feng is furious," someone muttered under their breath.


    Yun Fei on the stage had already noticed the problem and did not expect Ling Fan to be so damaging. After driving up the price, he halted and straight-out enraged Feng Qiang.


    However, since Feng Qiang demanded to verify the funds, she had no reason to refuse; the other party had that right. But how could she dare to verify Young Master Ling¡¯s funds?


    Ling Fan, having prepared himself, would surely have anticipated this move; he carried a world-ss ck Gold Purple Diamond Card.


    It contained assets he had amassed before a severe injury, the exact amount of money even he was unclear of, but he definitely had at least forty billion.


    Just as he was about to take it out, he heard Yun Fei say, "Young Master Feng, there¡¯s no need to verify, I, Yun Xuan, can guarantee it!"


    Feng Qiang was immediately dumbstruck, "What? President Yun, you¡¯d better investigate thoroughly, don¡¯t be deceived by this kid. Just a freeloader, where would he get forty billion from, rob it? Even selling Tian Yun wouldn¡¯t be worth a billion!"


    "Young Master Feng, Young Master Ling is a shareholder of Yun Xuan, do you think he wouldn¡¯t be able toe up with the money?" Yun Fei coldly said.


    She was just covering for Ling Fan. Now that she was Ling Fan¡¯s woman, how could she bear to see her man being despised and humiliated?


    Zhou Tianlu and He Feichen¡¯s expressions changed slightly; they had been discontent with the disrespect towards their boss for a while.


    "Feng Qiang, this is not the ce for you to run wild. Do you really think nobody here can handle you?" Zhou Tianlu snorted coldly.


    Feng Qiang turned his head, saw it was Zhou Tianlu, and smirked with contained anger, "Just became an heir and lost your way? You¡¯re just a dog, do you even have a say?"


    Zhou Tianlu¡¯s face turned steel blue, He Feichen pulled him back, "Don¡¯t get agitated, leave it to meter!"


    Xu Sicong saw the tense atmosphere and immediately perked up, "Brother Feng, calm down for a moment, let me handle that idiot!"


    Suddenly, Xu Sicong walked towards Ling Fan step by step under everyone¡¯s astonished gaze.


    Ling Fan remained seated, watching Xu Sicong with interest, "I remember saying not so long ago, ¡¯if you bump into me again, I¡¯ll break your limbs.¡¯ Are you here to apologize?"


    "Hehe, apologize? Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know your little secrets. Three chances to make a move, right? Now you¡¯ve used them up, right? Come on, act tough for me," Xu Sicong sneered repeatedly, convinced that Yun Fei¡¯s intervention was the third chance.


    Although unclear about how this loser got involved with Yun Fei, it didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that he thought he hadpletely figured it out, and today he was determined to humiliate Ling Fan and reim the face he had lost many times over.


    "Hmm?" Ling Fan looked puzzled; he had given Chu Bing perfunctory responses, how did this guy know about them?


    Suddenly, he remembered Zhang Xu, who was with Feng Qiang. So, it was him.


    Having figured out the cause, Ling Fan smiled meaningfully, "Oh, you seem to know quite a bit. So what do you want to do?"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What do I want to do?" Xu Sicong pointed proudly at the two bodyguards behind him.


    "Today I brought people. I¡¯ll give you a chance. Kneel down and call me ¡¯grandpa¡¯, and take Chu Bing away tonight, and I will spare your dog life! Otherwise, I¡¯ll break your dog legs," Xu Sicong scoffed.


    Chu Bing¡¯s expression turned extraordinarily ugly; she had never realized how disgusting this guy was, a shameless scoundrel.


    The onlookers were curious, not knowing who this young master was who popped up from nowhere. Seeing earlier that he was with Young Master Feng, his status must not be simple.


    What surprised everyone most was the unperturbed Ling Fan. How was it that all these young masters had a grudge against him?


    Yun Fei was shocked internally; had this young man gone mad? How dare he offend Young Master Ling this way?


    "Hehe, then let them break my legs then. I¡¯ve never had a broken leg before, I¡¯d love to experience what it feels like!" Ling Fan said calmly.


    The onlookers inhaled sharply. What is arrogance? What is madness? This was true arrogance and madness, yet it somehow did not provoke disdain.


    "Does anyone know what this young man¡¯s background is?" someone turned to ask apanion.


    "The one sitting, I¡¯m not sure, but the one standing, I¡¯ve seen before, he¡¯s Young Master Xu from Fengyang!" someone informed.


    "Young Master Xu? Which Young Master Xu?"


    "Which other Young Master Xu in Fengyang? Of course, Xu Xiaotian¡¯s son!"


    "Fuck, I knew it had to be a big deal. It seems like in Jiangbei, nobody can overpower the Xu Family! That young man is in deep trouble now, isn¡¯t he?"


    Suddenly, someone whispered nearby, "Are you guys really naive, or just pretending to be clueless? Do you really not know who that is?"


    "If you know him, just say it!"


    "Who else could be sitting next to Chu Bing? It¡¯s all over the upper circlestely. Her worthless husband has had a falling out with the Li Family at Tian Hao."


    At that time, even the Zhou Family had bowed their heads, and recently, I heard that the Feng Family was also involved, it might just be this person, but I am not sure how they ended up shing with the Xu Family!" the person who just chimed in whispered gossiped.


    The discussions around instantly spread throughout the entire hall.


    "A¡¯Biao! A¡¯Hu! Break this kid¡¯s legs for me." Xu Sicongmanded fiercely to the two robust bodyguards behind him.


    Just then, amotion erupted at the entrance, and a middle-aged man with a remarkable presence rushed in, looking panicked.


    "Xu Sicong, you little scoundrel, get out here!" the man shouted as soon as he appeared in the hall.


    Those in the hall who recognized him immediately shivered, "He¡¯s here like this?"


    Xu Sicong shuddered, looking at the middle-aged man, "Dad? What brings you here?"


    Indeed, it was none other than Xu Xiaotian, who was practically going insane now, as a few hours ago, thepany¡¯s stocks had plummeted, losing tens of billions in less than half a day, and it was still dropping, almost reaching a loss of a hundred billion.


    If it continued to drop like this, bankruptcy was imminent. Despite using all kinds of connections, he couldn¡¯t figure out where the problemy, and in the end, it was only through his father-inw that he came to know about the situation.


    It turned out that Xu Sicong, this damned son, had offended a mysterious young master, and even his father-inw could not handle it; he must find this person and obtain their forgiveness.


    "You damn welle over here, whom have you offended recently?" Xu Xiaotian was rarely unsettled.


    "Dad, we can talk about itter, I need to teach this idiot a lesson first, damn it, Ling Fan, I¡¯m telling you, even the Heavenly King couldn¡¯t save you today!" Xu Sicong cursed angrily.


    Xu Xiaotian jolted, "Ling Fan? He remembered his father-inw mentioning this name, apparently, that damn son of his had offended this man."


    With that thought, Xu Xiaotian was utterly petrified, so frantic that he removed a leather shoe from his foot and ran towards Xu Sicong withrge strides.


    "You stop right now, how could I have birthed such a disgrace!" The onlookers dared not interfere, scattering instead, opening up a passage.


    "Smack!"


    Rushing in front of Xu Sicong, Xu Xiaotian raised his hand and gave him a smack with the sole of his shoe on his head, knocking him down to the ground.


    That still wasn¡¯t enough to ease his anger; pulling on his leather shoe in a flurry, he started kicking Xu Sicong ferociously.


    Kicked by the attacks, Xu Sicong wailed, "Dad, stop, stop, why are you hitting me? You should be hitting that bastard!"


    "Shut your mouth, I¡¯ll beat you to death!"


    Xu Sicong felt like he was going to die, having absolutely no idea what he had done wrong, seriously suspecting if his father had lost his mind!


    After kicking Xu Sicong fiercely, Xu Xiaotian wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and turned to Ling Fan cautiously asking, "You... are you Young Master Ling?"


    The scene left everyone present dumbfounded,pletely frozen.


    "Xu Xiaotian is bowing to that waste? And in such a humble manner?" Everyone¡¯s eyes were bulging out.


    Even Feng Qiang was dumbstruck, hardly believing what was happening; that was Xu Xiaotian, stronger than the Feng Family.


    Xiao Chubing was slightly surprised but knew the situation well, as she was present when the Vermilion Bird had called.


    Chen Ling felt like her values were being shattered and rebuilt over and over, what she had experienced today could fuel her stories for years.


    Conversely, He Feichen, Zhou Tianlu, Yun Fei, and others felt it was only natural, already aware that Ling Fan was no ordinary person, the scene before them was somewhat expected.


    "Do you need something from me?" Ling Fan looked towards Xu Xiaotian indifferently.


    Seeing Ling Fan¡¯s reaction, Xu Xiaotian knew he hadn¡¯t approached the wrong person.


    Immediately apologizing, "Young Master Ling, I beg you to be magnanimous and spare us, my son was blind, I will ensure he is severely punished!"


    "Hmph, spare you? Give me a reason!" Ling Fan said emotionlessly.


    Xu Xiaotian, sweating profusely, "Young Master Ling, whatever your demands, I am willing to sincerely apologize!"


    "Hmm, really? Your son touched my wife with one of his hands, I¡¯ve saved that hand for you!" Ling Fan stated ndly.


    "Hiss..."


    Xu Xiaotian¡¯s spine chilled, his soul seemed to leave his body, Ling Fan¡¯s implication was clear; he wanted him to personally break Xu Sicong¡¯s arm!


    Everyone silently watched the Xu father and son, the hall was deathly silent!

 Chapter 40 The Matter is Settled

    Xu Xiaotian wore a conflicted expression; after all, it was his son and he found it hard to proceed.


    "Dad..." Xu Sicong panicked.


    "This morning, in consideration of Zhou Zhenxiong¡¯s face, I gave him one opportunity, but your son didn¡¯t cherish it. First, he broke a contract with my wife¡¯spany, and just now, he even tried to break my leg!" Ling Fan narrated calmly.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaotian¡¯s heart raced. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that this scourge had not just offended Ling Fan once, but repeatedly.


    Knowing that today if he couldn¡¯t satisfy Ling Fan, not to mention the Xu Family going bankrupt, it was also uncertain whether this scourge could even save his life.


    He made a decisive decision, hardening his heart.


    "Snap!"


    "Ah!"


    Xu Xiaotian mercilessly stepped on Xu Sicong¡¯s arm, breaking it. An arm could be reattached, and given that he was somewhat measured in his action, with the Xu Family¡¯s financial resources, there would likely be no longsting consequences.


    The onlookers swallowed hard, feeling a chill at the bottom of their hearts, and looked at Ling Fan with a renewed sense of dread.


    "Young Master Ling, what do you think?" Xu Xiaotian asked cautiously.


    Ling Fan nced sideways at Xu Sicong. With his keen eyesight, how could he not see that Xu Xiaotian had been merciful?


    "You stepped on the wrong one just now¡ªit¡¯s the other one!" Ling Fan scoffed.


    Xu Xiaotian: "..."


    The onlookers: "..."


    Even Xiao Chubing, Yun Fei, and others felt as if a flock of crows had just flown past.


    Xu Sicong was almost in tears, "Dad, don¡¯t listen to him, you didn¡¯t step on the wrong one, it¡¯s this hand..."


    "Oh, that might be, I must have remembered it wrong, sorry!" Ling Fan smiled.


    Xu Xiaotian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh of relief, realizing that Ling Fan was reminding him of his earlier leniency.


    "Young Master Ling, my son has greatly offended you, I¡¯m willing topensate, five billion, what do you think?" Xu Xiaotian said, his heart bleeding, just wanting to be let off the hook.


    Ling Fan didn¡¯t nod, but added, "Your son has been harassing my wife for a while now!"


    Xu Xiaotian stiffly said, "Young Master Ling, I forgot to calcte the emotional damages to President Xiao just now. Ten billion, how about that?"


    "Chen Ling, give your ount number to President Xu!" Ling Fan ordered.


    Chen Ling had already been stunned, but upon Ling Fan¡¯s prompt, she hurriedly responded, "Oh, oh..."


    It wasn¡¯t long before Xu Xiaotian had someoneplete the transfer.


    "It... it¡¯s transferred!" Chen Ling verified the string of zeros several times.


    Ling Fan also kept his promise and sent a message to Vermilion Bird immediately.


    Xu Xiaotian felt a huge relief, "Thank you, Young Master Ling!"


    "Take your son and get out. If you and your son ever feel strong enough, you cane at any time for revenge!" Ling Fan said indifferently, ncing at Xu Xiaotian.


    Xu Xiaotian bowed deeply, "Rest assured, Young Master Ling, from now on, the Xu Family will regard seeing Young Master Ling as if they were seeing me!"


    After Xu Xiaotian and the others left, everyone in the hall focused their attention on Feng Qiang, who had previously imed he would kill Ling Fan.


    Zhang Xu¡¯s mindset broke down again, copsing on the floor, muttering repeatedly, "How could this happen? How could this happen?"


    Feeling the intense scrutiny, Feng Qiang felt an overwhelming pressure. He hadn¡¯t felt much previously, but now he had seen Xu Sicong¡¯s fate.


    He immediately looked at the copsed Zhang Xu, a hint of resentment in his eyes. Clearly, the current situation was nothing like Zhang Xu had described before; that so-calledst opportunity was utter nonsense.


    If it wasn¡¯t for seeing Zhang Xu¡¯s terrified, nearly lifeless appearance, he might even suspect that Ling Fan had deliberately set him up using this man.


    Just then, He Feichen walked out and stepped up to Feng Qiang.


    "Who are you? What do you want?" Feng Qiang wondered, puzzled.


    "You just insulted me!"


    Feng Qiang frowned, "Is there something wrong with your brain? I don¡¯t even know you, when did I insult you?"


    He Feichen pointed at Ling Fan, "The one you provoked just now, he¡¯s my boss!"


    Speaking of which, he pointed at Zhou Tianlu, "And the one you just insulted, he¡¯s my brother!"


    "ording to what you just said, doesn¡¯t that make me a dog too?" He Feichen pointed to his own nose.


    Feng Qiang was going crazy, "What kind of logic is that? But it seems like there are no faults to pick!"


    The onlookers were also exchanging nces, even Ling Fan found it somewhat absurd yet amusing.


    "Are you sick? Are you trying to oppose the Feng Family?" He couldn¡¯t figure out who this man was, and in a critical moment, he could only pull out the Feng Family as his amulet.


    "Heh, oppose? Go to hell!"


    "Bang!"


    He Feichen kicked Feng Qiang in the chest, sending him flying, though he did not take his life!


    Feng Qiang waspletely stunned, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood midair, feeling as though a giant rock had struck his chest, not knowing how many ribs were broken.


    "Damn it, dare to offend my boss, listen well, go back and tell your daddy, the one who hit you is He Feichen, want to seek revenge, juste to Zhongnan to find the He Family!" He Feichen snorted coldly, full of disdain.


    After finishing speaking, he then turned around to face Ling Fan, cautiously saying, "Boss, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong just now, did I?"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fan nodded, not knowing what to say, "Fine!"


    "Yun Fei, sorry for disrupting your auction," Ling Fan still felt somewhat apologetic.


    Yun Fei dared not ept Ling Fan¡¯s apology, "Young Master Ling, you¡¯re putting pressure on me!"


    "Heh, let¡¯s not talk about that, once you¡¯re ready, just notify Xiao Chubing!" Ling Fan said with a smile.


    Then, he said to the two women behind him, "Let¡¯s go back!"


    Yun Fei¡¯s face flushed, silently thinking, "Young Master Ling is too hasty!"


    Just then, a few more people rushed into the door frantically.


    "Young Master Feng, Young Master Feng, there has been a problem, the Family Head asks you to give up the auction, transfer the funds to the corporation ount immediately!" A young man rushed in first.


    Upon seeing Feng Qiang lying on the ground, he was startled, "Young master, what happened to you?"


    Feng Qiang, seeing the person was a servant of the family, immediately gathered some energy, "Wang Shun, what happened, take me to the hospital first!"


    "The residential project in West Mountain developed by our family has been reported for quality issues, it has already made a scene, the family urgently needs funds to manage!" Wang Shun said in haste.


    "Is it just about these ten billion?" The lingering effects of He Feichen¡¯s kick were starting to show.


    Feng Qiang felt a piercing pain spreading across his body, sweat breaking out on his forehead.


    "All family funds have their uses, only the cash in your hands can be used for emergencies, the Family Head is already furious.


    By the way, there are still thirty billion in liquid assets in yourpany ount, the Family Head has ordered you to transfer it immediately!" Wang Shun was genuinely anxious.


    "When I came out, the Family Head was furious, he even smashed several of his favorite antique porcin vases, the losses this time are no less than ten billion, possibly even more, it could even cripple the entire family."


    Upon hearing this, Feng Qiang¡¯s eyes nearly popped out, hispany ount was empty? A total of forty billion, all spent on bidding for ¡¯Huang Laoji¡¯.


    At that moment, he gasped for breath and directly spit out a mouthful of blood, fainting.


    "Young master, young master, what¡¯s wrong with you..." Wang Shun was almost crying, hastily calling people to carry Feng Qiang to the hospital.


    The people present were dumbfounded, not understanding what had happened.


    Just then, Ling Fan¡¯s phone rang, and he answered.


    "Beiming, the matter with the Feng Family¡¯s West Mountain property project has been handled!" Vermilion Bird reported.

 Chapter 41 Who did you offend?

    Tian Yun, Ling Fan had taken Xiao Chubing and Chen Ling back to thepany early.


    In Xiao Chubing¡¯s office, a temporary desk was added. At this moment, Ling Fan was sitting in front of the desk, ying Minesweeper on theputer screen. Nowadays, most people are into games like Pesticide and Chicken Eating, but he preferred these retro types of things.


    He was stealing a moment of leisure, actually waiting for Vermilion Bird.


    "Knock knock knock!"


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Vermilion Bird appeared at the door, knocked, and winked at Ling Fan.


    Seeing Vermilion Bird¡¯s expression, he knew that another matter had been handled too. He sighed with relief internally. It was really a relief to have called Vermilion Bird over; it saved him a lot of trouble.


    Xiao Chubing looked at the mysteriously smiling pair, "It¡¯s better to share the joy with everyone than to enjoy it alone, isn¡¯t it time to share with me as well!"


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s high heels tapped on the ground, her toes happily swinging. She had never felt as happy as she did today!


    Ling Fan checked the time. It was almost time to leave work.


    "Wife, let¡¯s call it a day. We¡¯re moving thepany tomorrow!" Ling Fan said with a slight smile.


    "Huh?" Xiao Chubing was perplexed.


    She looked at Ling Fan with a touch of confusion. Just today, Xu Xiaotian had sent ten billion; could it be that Ling Fan thought this ce was too small and remotely located, and had rented a new location?


    "You know about Fanxing Entertainment, right!" Vermilion Bird started speaking with a smile.


    "Yes, one of the top three entertainmentpanies in the country. Not a local family power. Recently, due to rumors of secret rules involving female artists in the upper echelon, its image has suffered, and the stock price has plummeted. Many key members have been leaving.


    It is currently in a PR crisis. I heard that Feng Corporation is seeking a transformation and is taking this opportunity to attempt a takeover of Fanxing. They are negotiating the acquisition aggressively!" Xiao Chubing exined.


    Vermilion Bird nodded, "Yes, sister-inw is right. Under Beiming¡¯s instruction, I have just acquired Fanxing. Now, you are the chairman of Fanxing!"


    "What....." Xiao Chubing was dumbstruck.


    "Hard work, Vermilion Bird!" Ling Fan said as he stood up.


    He then addressed Xiao Chubing, "Although Fanxing¡¯s stock price has dropped to just a few hundred billion, it still has great potential. This time we got it at a bargain. It¡¯s not too difficult to bring it back to a scale of over a hundred billion!"


    "Let¡¯s go home after work. From now on, you¡¯ll be a super-rich woman, and I¡¯ll be depending on you as a kept man!" Ling Fan teased.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s mind was still spinning. Today at Yun Xuan, she thought Ling Fan was just talking casually. Even if there really was action, it would take at least a year or two, right? Who would have thought that it would be realized in less than a day? That was too fast...


    ...


    "Smash!"


    A Ming-Qing official kiln blue and white porcin vase smashed on the floor, shattering into pieces.


    In the Feng family vi¡¯s hall, Feng Jie looked at the shattered porcin pieces on the floor. This was the eighth antique his father had smashed already.


    "Dad, please calm down. There must be a problem somewhere. Let¡¯s think of a way to fix it!" Feng Jie advised.


    Feng Wende stood with his hands behind his back. He was naturally hot-tempered, and at this moment, every cell in his body was seething with rage, his face flushed red, "Someone, clean this up!"


    Two servants, nervous and trembling, started to pick up the fragments.


    "Second Elder, you can¡¯t suppress this either, can you?" Feng Wende looked towards Feng Wenzhi sitting sternly on one side.


    Feng Wenzhi, in politics, had reached the deputy city level in Binzhou. If his career went smoothly, he might advance even further.


    Feng Wenzhi¡¯s face was grave, "I can¡¯t suppress it either. It seems someone above is interfering. Secretary Wang warned me that I better not make any rash moves, or my career would be unpredictable. Somebody is deliberately targeting our Feng family!"


    "That idiot third son, at the auction he spent four times the price for ¡¯Huang Laoji,¡¯ and got beaten up as well. The western hills property went south, and someone just sniped our deal with Fanxing. Three major setbacks in one day, are they trying to destroy the Feng family?" Feng Wende said coldly.


    "There is no hatred without reason. Our Feng family has made many enemies over the years, but we have never had such a formidable rival. There¡¯s something fishy about this whole thing!" Feng Jie furrowed his brows.


    "I seem to have heard something!" Feng Wenzhi¡¯s son, Feng Xiao, hesitated.


    Feng Wende fixed his gaze on Feng Xiao, "Speak!"


    "I heard that the Xiao family¡¯s son-inw had a conflict with the Li family a couple of days ago, and it seems the Li family came off worse. The Li family might have sought help from our third uncle. Could the problem be there?" Feng Xiao carefully chose his words.


    "What about Wen Shan? Why hasn¡¯t he arrived yet?" Feng Wende barked coldly.


    Feng Wenzhi checked the time, "Just got off the phone with him, he should be here soon. The western hills project has always been under the control of the third brother. With this kind of mess, he¡¯s probably got a headache too!"


    "Nonsense, the mess he¡¯s caused, and he has a headache? If he weren¡¯t dirty, could anyone exploit that vulnerability? If it turns out he has been lining his own pockets and harming the family¡¯s interests, see if I don¡¯t enforce family discipline!" Feng Wende barely contained his anger.


    The faces of the three Fengs changed slightly upon hearing this, realizing that Feng Wende was truly furious.


    Just then, Feng Wenshan arrived in the hall, sweating profusely.


    Seeing Feng Wenshan, Feng Wende¡¯s anger surged, barely restraining his fury, "Third brother, what exactly is going on?"


    "Damn, we must have been set up. I¡¯m also investigating it. If I catch whoever did this, see how I deal with the bastard!" Feng Wenshan waspletely frantic.


    Feng Wende mmed the table furiously, "Nonsense! Did you get the Feng family into trouble with someone?"


    Feng Wenshan wiped his cold sweat, "Big brother, am I that foolish? Who can be provoked and who can¡¯t, don¡¯t I know that?"


    "Click, click, click!"


    The distinct sound of high heels cking on the floor echoed through the hall, causing everyone to turn their heads.


    There she was, dressed in a rolled sleeve mesh shirt and a skirt, with a beautiful and delicate appearance, and a curvaceous figure, Feng Shuya walked in.


    Feng Shuya, one of Binzhou¡¯s four great beauties and the daughter of Feng Wenshan.


    "Xiao Ya, how is your brother? Has the assant been caught?" Feng Wenshan quickly asked.


    He had been so busy all day that he hadn¡¯t even had time to visit his injured son in the hospital.


    Feng Shuya looked at her father, her expression quite ugly.


    "Dad, who exactly have you offended?" Feng Shuya asked with a grave face.


    Everyone in the room sensed the tension and looked toward Feng Wenshan.


    Feng Wenshan waspletely baffled, staring at his daughter in disbelief.


    "The one who injured Feng Qiang was He Feichen from the Zhongnan He Family, which is a Zhongnan Heavenly Vein Family," Feng Shuya dropped a bombshell.


    The people in the hall were shocked, and Feng Wende sprang up from the sofa, "What did you say?"


    For noble families like theirs, they were clear about some information unknown to ordinary people.


    Feng Wenshan was utterly dumbfounded, "When did I ever offend such people? I don¡¯t even know who the other party is, what are you talking about!"


    Feng Shuya ignored her father¡¯s questioning and continued, "He Feichen acted because of Ling Fan. Feng Qiang already told me, you stood up for the Li family and shed with Ling Fan!"


    "What? You mean... that loser son-inw of the Xiao family?" Feng Wenshan¡¯s eyes nearly popped out.

 Chapter 42: Apologizing in Person

    Facing the scrutiny of the crowd, and especially the man-eating gaze of Feng Wende, Feng Wenshan said in a trembling voice, "Xiao Ya, are you sure you¡¯re not mistaken? I know that worthless son-inw of the Xiao Family all too well; he definitely couldn¡¯t have such abilities."


    Even if it killed him, Feng Wenshan couldn¡¯t believe Ling Fan truly possessed such tremendous power to strike at the Feng Family.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Dad, just tell the whole truth, I would never make a mistake. Not only the He Family, but the Zhou Family too, even Yun Fei stood with Ling Fan at the auction."


    Although Shu Ya didn¡¯t know why he had married into the Xiao Family and put up with all the humiliation in silence for two years, the man he was now was certainly no simple matter!" Shu Ya frowned deeply, her heart secretly rmed by the news she had gathered.


    "Third brother, if you don¡¯t handle this matter well, I will ask the old man to take charge. The Feng Family is now on the brink of life and death, you¡¯d better exin everything to me clearly!" Feng Wende said through clenched teeth.


    Upon hearing this, Feng Wenshan¡¯s legs gave way, and he copsed to the ground. He remembered Ling Fan¡¯s warning and threats from the day before. Just one day had passed, and the Feng Family had fallen into a desperate situation. What terrifying background could that waste possibly have hidden?


    As Feng Wenshan began to exin the ins and outs of the whole situation, at the Xiao Family Vi, in the bedroom.


    After the events of the past two days, Xiao Chubing¡¯s inner resistance and barriers towards Ling Fan had almost entirely dissolved.


    At that moment, she was lying in bed, snuggling into Ling Fan¡¯s arms like a little woman, her face blushing as she murmured, "Husband, I¡¯m not dreaming, am I?"


    "There are even bigger dreams toe! Only, the dreams are very real!"


    Ling Fan looked at the beautiful woman in his arms and couldn¡¯t help chuckling, "Wife, how about we just never wake up from this dream?"


    With that, he made a motion as if tomence their wedding night consummation.


    Xiao Chubing reacted immediately, her voice as quiet as a mosquito, burying her head shyly, "Hu... Husband, I¡¯m not ready yet, can you give me a bit of time!"


    Ling Fan took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness in his heart as he respected his woman and certainly wouldn¡¯t do such a thing without Xiao Chubing¡¯s willingness.


    "I¡¯m sorry... if you really..."


    "This is fine, let¡¯s sleep. I¡¯ve been rather tiredtely. There is a lot to handle at thepany tomorrow, and you need to get up to speed with Fanxing too!" Ling Fan interrupted,forting her.


    "Mm, husband, you¡¯re really sweet!" Xiao Chubing cuddled in Ling Fan¡¯s arms, her face sweet and warm, a far cry from her usual proud and cold demeanor.


    Ling Fan carefully tucked the bedclothes around Xiao Chubing, holding the soft and warm beauty in his arms, feeling an unprecedented peace in his heart!


    The next morning, Xiao Chubing felt as joyous as a little bird, carefully dressed up and went to thepany with Ling Fan.


    Not long after they arrived at thepany, Feng Wenshan showed up at the entrance to Tianyun Company with a troubled face.


    Last night, after a full night of family discussions, they unanimously decided they must obtain Ling Fan¡¯s forgiveness as the matter was initiated by Feng Wenshan, naturally, it was his responsibility to clean up the mess.


    After hesitating for a moment, he braced himself and walked towards thepany¡¯s main entrance.


    But he hadn¡¯t taken many steps before he was stopped by someone, "What are you doing here?"


    Feng Wenshan focused his gaze and saw it was a security guard.


    He didn¡¯t get angry but politely said, "I¡¯m looking for President Xiao!"


    "Hmm?" The person who stopped Feng Wenshan was none other than Qian Dayong, who hade out to inspect the guard posts.


    As soon as he heard this man was looking for Xiao Chubing, he immediately became vignt, remembering Ling Fan¡¯s words.


    "What¡¯s your name? Wait here for a moment; I need to report this upstairs!" Qian Dayong said unapologetically.


    Feng Wenshan almost cursed, looking up at the grand facade of thepany, "Is the spectacle that grand? It¡¯s run like a publicly-tradedpany!"


    But as he was requesting a favor today, he had to endure, unable to find Ling Fan, he could only make a move indirectly through Xiao Chubing, and at the same time, he wanted to smooth their rtionship through her.


    Qian Dayong took note of the name, called over another security guard, "Li Fu, keep an eye on him; I¡¯ll go upstairs to report!"


    Watching Qian Dayong leave, Feng Wenshan muttered to himself, "The security here is way more impressive than the Feng Corporation¡¯s security team!"


    He turned his head to the security guard beside him, "What position does that person you just mentioned hold in yourpany?"


    "The one just now is our Head of the Security Department. Just a reminder, don¡¯t even think about scheming against President Xiao, regardless of your status, it would be wise to put away those thoughts!" Li Fu said with a cold snort.


    Feng Wenshan: "...."


    Third Floor, Xiao Chubing¡¯s office.


    "Young Master Ling, there¡¯s someone named Feng Wenshan who wants to see the general manager! I stopped him, what do you think, should we meet him?" Qian Dayong reported to Ling Fan.


    Xiao Chubing, who was working, had a perplexed look on her face. Shouldn¡¯t they report directly to her?


    Ling Fan raised his eyebrow, "You did well. Kick him out, tell him to beat it!"


    Qian Dayong snapped to attention, "Yes sir!"


    As he left the room, he wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, "Thank goodness I always keep Young Master Ling¡¯s orders in mind. I nearly made a huge mistake. During the assessment period, it seems better to wrongfully dismiss a thousand than to let even one slip through!"


    After straightening his cor, he headed downstairs to get rid of Feng Wenshan.


    Back in the office, Xiao Chubing realized, "Feng Wenshan must be here for the Feng Family!"


    "Hmm,ing to beg for mercy? He thought he was so tough, there¡¯s no way in."


    Downstairs, Qian Dayong pointed at Feng Wenshan and scolded, "Lucky I¡¯m clever, I nearly messed up big time. Our Deputy Head told you to get lost, scram now!"


    Feng Wenshan was livid. When had he ever been treated so poorly? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to report to Xiao Chubing? Why is there a Deputy Head involved?


    Barely holding back his anger, "May I ask who your Deputy Head is?"


    "Our President Xiao¡¯s man, hurry up and scram, don¡¯t make me get physical!" Qian Dayong was impatient.


    "Ling¡­ Ling Fan?" Feng Wenshan shuddered.


    "Hmph, good that you know. Now get lost!"


    Feng Wenshan walked away, caught in limbo, frantically spinning in circles. Left without an option, he made a phone call.


    Ten minutester...


    Feng Shuya appeared in front of Feng Wenshan, wearing a knee-length dress and sunsses.


    "Let me try then, what¡¯s the highest price we can pay?" asked Feng Shuya.


    "At any cost!" Feng Wenshan gritted his teeth.


    "Even if I am the cost?" Feng Shuya said lightly.


    Feng Wenshan chuckled, "I hope he¡¯s gutsy enough. He thinks Young Master Long is as easy to provoke as the Feng Family?"


    Ignoring her father, Feng Shuya walked straight towards the entrance of the Tianyun Company.


    Qian Dayong kept an eye on Feng Wenshan from a distance, seeing that this guy might not have given up his sinister intentions. He couldn¡¯t afford to be negligent and remained vignt. At that moment, he noticed that crafty old man had actually brought a beautiful woman with him.


    "Please let him know, my name is Feng Shuya, I¡¯m here to see your Young Master Ling!" Feng Shuya took off her sunsses, revealing an extraordinarily beautiful face.


    Qian Dayong¡¯s eyes went wide, and he swallowed hard.


    "You... please wait, I¡¯ll go and ask for instructions!" he said, and hurriedly ran into the building.


    PS: Sorry for thete update today. I didn¡¯t want to pop up because it affects your reading experience, but I thought I should say something!


    The main issue is that Xinghuo Jun fell sick, bedridden, and was dripped with IVs at the clinic during the day. My wife had surgery in September and went for a check-up at the hospital a few days ago; I must have caught something there. Winter viruses are fierce, so everyone take good care of your health!


    Moreover, let me ramble a bit more. I don¡¯t know if you can tell, but Xinghuo Jun¡¯s books are different from others¡¯. There are no deliberate imitations or trends; I¡¯m striving to forge my own path and style, infused with some of my own insights and understanding of creativity!


    Thus, it¡¯s particrly draining. My writing speed isn¡¯t very fast; I basically write the plot from 8:30 AM to 10 PM each day, and every day after finishing, I re-read and revise it multiple times. If I¡¯m not satisfied, I¡¯ll start over. I can only guarantee about three updates per day for now.


    However, with creative growth, it will continue to improve. Watching the slow data growth every day assures me that Xinghuo Jun¡¯s insights are not too misguided. Thank you for your love and support, which gives me more confidence and motivation to keep going. In short, thank you!

 Chapter 43 Xiao Ya Agrees

    "Hmm? Feng Shuya is here?" Ling Fan frowned.


    Xiao Chubingughed out loud, "Feng Shuya is one of the four great beauties of Binzhou, famous just like me. Feng Wenshan met with a cold reception, and now he¡¯s using his own daughter as part of his beauty strategy!"


    "Haha, stop kidding, Feng Shuya has a fianc¨¦!" Ling Fan mused.


    "Hmm? Really? Howe I¡¯ve never heard of it?" Xiao Chubing looked curious but was secretly surprised. How could Ling Fan know such a confidential matter?


    "Do you want to know?"


    "Who?"


    "He has a background so intimidating, it¡¯s terrifying, but first, if shees to Tian Yun to help you, would you agree?" Ling Fan pondered.


    Xiao Chubing strangely said, "You¡¯re not falling for her, are you?"


    Ling Fan shook his head, smiling wryly, "What are you thinking about? Forget I said anything!"


    "Alright, I was just joking with you. Feng Shuya¡¯s abilities are beyond doubt. If she coulde to Tian Yun, that would be perfect. I¡¯m about to take over Fanxing, and I can¡¯t handle it all by myself!" Xiao Chubing spoke earnestly.


    "Only, Feng Shuya¡¯s fianc¨¦ is Long Tianjun of the Imperial Capital Long Family. Are you sure you want to involve her?"


    Ling Fan was shocked. This was a highly confidential matter within the Feng Family, something he had only uncovered through Vermilion Bird¡¯s investigations. How could Xiao Chubing possibly know about it?


    "You¡­"


    "What you? You think I¡¯m oblivious to secrets? You think only you can have them?" Xiao Chubing saw Ling Fan¡¯s stunned expression and felt quite smug.


    "We are like invisible besties, although we seldom meet, there¡¯s nothing we don¡¯t talk about. She told me herself. Our friendship majorly exists because of you!" Xiao Chubing smiled.


    Ling Fan was somewhat puzzled. What did this have to do with him?


    Although Vermilion Bird had gathered a lot of information, due to time constraints, it was impossible to cover everything in great detail. The rtionship between Xiao Chubing and Feng Shuya was indeed beyond his expectations.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Before, everyoneughed at me for marrying you while she was troubled because her fianc¨¦ was too outstanding, too out of reach. She once told me that if possible, she would rather switch ces with me!" Xiao Chubing smiled.


    "How about it, are you tempted now?"


    Facing Xiao Chubing¡¯s teasing, Ling Fan responded unenthusiastically, "I¡¯m just worried about you getting jealous!"


    "Please, if you really had that capability, I promise I won¡¯t be jealous!" Although she said this, there was still a hint of sourness in her heart.


    However, she had her own ns.


    First, Feng Shuya was her best friend, and if Ling Fan genuinely had the capability to rescue her from misery, she would be pleased to see it.


    Second, she also wanted to use this opportunity to see what staggering background and strength Ling Fan was concealing. If he truly was fearless of the Long Family, that would be terrifying. Given Ling Fan¡¯s demonstrated excellence, it was impossible for him to be limited to just one woman in the future.


    She had to admit a truth: when a man¡¯s excellence reaches the pinnacle, an extent that even the naturalw finds hard to amodate, there will be countless women throwing themselves at him like moths to a me.


    Instead of that, better a trusted friend benefit than worrying about others!


    At that moment, Xiao Chubing was beginning to show the powerful stance of the master of the harem!


    So, when a man¡¯s scope determines the size of the stage he can ascend, a woman¡¯s scope decides that, by mastering this man, she masters the entire world!


    Ling Fan had no idea about his wife¡¯s thoughts, but he indeed had his own ns, "Let¡¯s not joke anymore. I¡¯m talking serious now. If you have no objections, I¡¯ll proceed with my n!"


    Xiao Chubing immediately toned down her teasing, "I trust you!"


    "Good,ter I want to talk to her alone!"


    He then instructed Qian Dayong, who was outside the door, "Let her in!"


    Five minutester.


    Ling Fan was sitting in Xiao Chubing¡¯s office chair, looking at the stunning beauty Feng Shuya in front of him; he couldn¡¯t help but reveal a hint of amazement.


    Each of the four beauties of Binzhou had their unique charm. Xiao Chubing had the temperament of a queen with an icy beauty, while the Feng Shuya before him was akin to a cold and morous princess.


    As for Li Mengying, she epitomized ¡¯seductiveness¡¯; Liu Yuqiong was ¡¯elegant¡¯, and Yun Fei, whom he had met yesterday, was ¡¯intelligent¡¯ with a wise and gentle heart.


    "What must I do to forgive the Feng Family?" Feng Shuya got straight to the point.


    After speaking, she curiously scrutinized Ling Fan. He was famously known as ipetent, yet now the Feng Family was plunging into crisis because of him.


    "You¡¯ve hidden your true self deep, haven¡¯t you? Even Xiao Bing doesn¡¯t know, or else you wouldn¡¯t have been mocked for two years!" Feng Shuya sat down across from Ling Fan,pletely at ease.


    "Let¡¯s make a deal," Ling Fan said lightly.


    Feng Shuya straightened up, curious, "Go on."


    "You actually don¡¯t care about the survival of the Feng Family, so my condition is,


    e to Tian Yun, join me, mainly to help Xiao Chubing. I will help you deal with the trouble that Long Tianjun presents!" Ling Fan finished speaking and quietly observed Feng Shuya¡¯s reaction.


    Feng Shuya¡¯s expression changed, "Did Xiao Bing tell you all this about me?"


    She hadn¡¯t expected Xiao Chubing to reveal their secret, instinctively thinking Xiao Chubing had betrayed her.


    "It has nothing to do with her; I¡¯ve known for a long time. I just want to know your attitude!" Ling Fan said.


    Feng Shuya felt torn but intrigued. Ling Fan¡¯s boldness suggested it wasn¡¯t without basis. If he could push the Feng Family into crisis in one day and was rted to Zhongnan, he must be far from simple.


    "Why do you do this, do you like me?" Feng Shuya asked straightforwardly.


    She opposed this arranged marriage because it was an idea solely concocted by Elder Master Feng, well aware that even if she ended up with Long Tianjun, it wouldn¡¯t legitimize her.


    To put it unpleasantly, she was just a concubine, merely a tool for venting desires. The Feng Family was once merely a servant to the Long Family, mismatched in social rank, utterly out of their league.


    Two years ago, it was her misfortune when Long Tianjun passed through Binzhou, spotted her beauty, and so this so-called marriage arrangement arose.


    "No, I just dislike the Long Family. I only just found out the secret between you and Chu Bing," Ling Fan exined.


    "You¡¯re doing all this just because you dislike the Long Family? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too far-fetched?" Feng Shuya shook her head.


    "Moreover, since you know Chu Bing and I are best friends, does she know about what you¡¯re doing?"


    "She knows. She wanted me to do this, hoping very much that you woulde over," Ling Fan stated calmly.


    Feng Shuya was shocked; had the couple gone mad?


    "I want to speak with Xiao Bing," Feng Shuya said, feeling increasingly confused.


    Ling Fan had no objections, "No problem!"


    After calling Xiao Chubing over, he voluntarily stepped aside, leaving them room. He knew Xiao Chubing would surely help convince Feng Shuya.


    Half an hourter. It felt a bit long.


    When Ling Fan reappeared before them, Feng Shuya¡¯s expression was odd, her feelings indescribable, just feeling somewhat insane.


    Xiao Chubing, linking arms with Feng Shuya, asked for meritorious recognition, "Xiao Ya agreed, now tell us your next n!"


    Feng Wenshan never would have dreamed that the aid he had brought in would be so quickly turned.

 Chapter 44 To Be a Slave, to Be a Maid

    Ling Fan had anticipated this and believed she would most likely not refuse, especially with the support of Xiao Chubing.


    "I always keep my promises, you need not have any concerns or worries. I don¡¯t even consider Long Tianjun a threat. Now that we are friends, I hope we can be sincere with each other. There¡¯s nothing I hate more than betrayal and treachery!" Ling Fan suddenly became serious, his tone cold.


    Feng Shuya took a deep breath, "Rest assured, since I¡¯ve agreed, I won¡¯t be two-faced, at least not to you or Chu Bing!"


    "Mm, that¡¯s best!" Ling Fan nodded.


    "For your sake, I won¡¯t touch Feng Wenshan as long as he doesn¡¯t court death himself, this includes your family members. However, I can¡¯t say the same for other members of the Feng Family. I have two conditions. If the Feng Family can meet them, then I¡¯ll let it go!"


    Feng Shuya pondered, "Thank you, what are the two?"


    "Stay out of the remaining matters and deliver a message when you go back. First, have your Feng Family destroy the Li Family. Once that¡¯s handled, we can talk about the second condition," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Feng Shuya hesitated, "The mistress of the Li Family is my aunt. Is there really no room for redemption?"


    Feng Shuya¡¯s mother, Chen Yn, was the biological sister of Li Taihe¡¯s wife, Chen Yue. From her perspective, it was necessary to plead for this favor.


    Ling Fan fell silent, "It depends on the Li Family¡¯s attitude!"


    "Thank you!" Feng Shuya didn¡¯t say anything more.


    She knew that Ling Fan had made the greatest concession for her sake.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ...


    Outside Tianyun Company.


    "Xiao Ya, how did it go?" Feng Wenshan had not left at all and was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot. Seeing Feng Shuyae out, he quickly inquired.


    "Let¡¯s go back and discuss with the family. We can¡¯t decide this alone," Feng Shuya said, ncing at her father before getting into the car.


    At the Feng Family Vi, Feng Wende and several other core family members were waiting for news from Feng Wenshan.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s eager gazes, Feng Shuya conveyed Ling Fan¡¯s first condition.


    "Wende, I know your sister-inw has a deep rtionship with the Li Family, but for the sake of our family, we must be prepared to sacrifice our kin. What do you think?" Feng Wende spoke somberly.


    Feng Wenshan was conflicted; he was henpecked, and if they really had to take action against the Li Family, how would he exin it to his wife?


    Feng Shuya hesitantly said, "I have a thought, to inform the Li Family and let them take the initiative to apologize to Ling Fan. If they can obtain his forgiveness, all will be well. This is the best course of action."


    "Heh, you make it sound so easy. What if we can¡¯t settle the guilt and end up angering Young Master Ling? Wouldn¡¯t the Feng Family be implicated as well?" Feng Jie sneered coldly.


    "Mm, Feng Jie makes a point, we should be more cautious," Feng Wenzhi nodded in agreement.


    Feng Shuya nced at the others, knowing everyone was prioritizing their own interests, and said calmly, "I¡¯ve asked for mercy, and Ling Fan has promised. It depends on the Li Family¡¯s attitude."


    "If that¡¯s the case, you and your father handle it. But let me be clear upfront, if something goes wrong, don¡¯t me me for not being sentimental!" Feng Wende said in a stern voice.


    Feng Wenshan¡¯s face turned grim. With the situation at this point, he immediately contacted Li Taihe.


    After receiving the news, Li Taihe waspletely stunned.


    "Brother-inw, I¡¯ve done all I can; we¡¯ve hit a wall this time. The Feng Family is also in a precarious situation. You better find a way to get Ling Fan¡¯s forgiveness fast, there¡¯s only one chance," Feng Wenshan said helplessly.


    Li Taihe hung up the phone and immediately gathered all the important members of the Li Family, causing total chaos at the Li Family.


    Half an hourter, at the Li Family Vi.


    Li Taihe, his wife Chen Yue, Li Mei with her arm in a cast, and Li Mengying with a solemn expression were all present. Apart from Li Guohao who was hospitalized, the family of five wasplete.


    The entire hall was oppressively tense, and everyone understood the severity of the situation.


    Li Taihe pondered deeply, "It¡¯s my Li Family that was shortsighted, but it¡¯s toote for regrets now. We must obtain Ling Fan¡¯s forgiveness by the end of the day!"


    Having said that, he looked towards Li Mengying, "Xiao Ying, I¡¯ve thought it over again and again, and it has to be you who deals with this matter. The life and death of the Li Family now depends entirely on you."


    Li Mei¡¯s face was as pale as paper, never having imagined the situation would escte to this point. That waste, who she once scorned and looked down upon, was now someone the Li Family had to look up to?


    Li Mengying felt choked up inside, under immense pressure. The feud between the Li Family and Ling Fan was virtually irreconcble, as difficult as reaching the heavens to dissolve.


    Li Taihe was also filled with helplessness, ncing at his two daughters in the hall, he suddenly seemed much older.


    "Xiao Ying, our Li family¡¯s lineage is dwindling, and the only male, Guohao, is unable to hold up our household. You¡¯ve been handling most of the Li Family¡¯s affairs outside, so if we can survive this life-or-death situation, I will hand over all the authority to you!"


    Li Mengying felt a sourness in her heart, "Dad!"


    "Let¡¯s not talk about this right now. We need to get past the current crisis before anything else, otherwise, it¡¯s all meaningless," Li Taihe waved his hand.


    Chen Yue stood silently on the side, filled with self-reproach. If only Li Mengying were a boy, it was just too bad she hadn¡¯t been able to bear a son for Li Taihe.


    "I will definitely find a way to save the Li Family!" Li Mengying silently vowed in her heart.


    ...


    At the entrance of Tianyun Company, Li Mengying had dressed herself with great care, looking like a bewitching fairy, enchanting and captivating. Today, she had made all preparations.


    "Please help me send a message, just say Li Mengying requests to see Young Master Ling!" Li Mengying said politely.


    Beforeing, she had made thorough preparations, knowing that Tianyun¡¯s security guards were particrly tough and not to be offended.


    Qian Dayong, wary of causing trouble because of the Feng Wenshan incident, personally came out to patrol and scrutinize every stranger entering thepany.


    Now seeing another great beauty looking for Young Master Ling, his eyes widened. What kind of day was it, with so many beauties seeking out Young Master Ling?


    Moreover, each beauty had apletely different style, yet all were the finest of the fine, far more beautiful than his own wife at home.


    "Then please wait a moment, I will go up and pass the message!" Qian Dayong collected his thoughts and hurriedly ran off. Anything rted to Young Master Ling was a matter of great importance, not to be dyed.


    A few security guards downstairs were left dumbfounded, "Young Master Ling really has a way with women, huh? Having President Xiao, such a beautiful woman, is already enough, but now there are also these beautiful women taking the initiative toe to him!"


    Ling Fan saw Qian Dayong hurrying in and asked, "Has someone from the Li Familye?"


    "Young Master Ling, you knew already?"


    "Hmm, who is it?"


    Qian Dayong took a breath, "She said her name is Li Mengying! Quite beautiful!"


    "Oh!" Ling Fan frowned slightly, remembering the promise he had previously made to Feng Shuya.


    "Let her in!"


    Seeing this, Xiao Chubing set aside her work and took the initiative to step away, feeling it might be time to give Ling Fan an office of his own.


    Momentster, Li Mengying stood in front of Ling Fan, her heart racing as she faced the young man with an indifferent expression.


    Upon seeing Li Mengying, Ling Fan couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart skip a beat; he had to admit, she was truly a siren capable of causing the downfall of a nation.


    Just as he was about to speak, he saw Li Mengying kneel down with a thud, her voice tinged with grief, "Young Master Ling, it was my Li Family that was blind to your worth. If you, Young Master Ling, could be magnanimous and spare the Li Family, Meng Ying is willing to be your servant, your handmaid!"

 Chapter 45: Bring Me the Head

    Facing Li Mengying¡¯s attitude, Ling Fan wasn¡¯t that surprised. Since the Li Family hade to apologize, they naturally had to assume a very low posture.


    After Li Mengying finished speaking, her heart trembled violently. She didn¡¯t know how Ling Fan would torment her, but for the survival of the Li Family, she had prepared for everything.


    Looking at the pitiful Li Mengying kneeling on the ground, Ling Fan tapped the table and said, "I, Ling Beiming, am a man of my word, never breaking a promise. I said I would destroy your Li Family!"


    Li Mengying¡¯s body shuddered, and she hurriedly said, "Young Master Ling, my Li Family is sincerely apologizing. We are willing to meet any of your conditions, including myself!"


    Li Mengying bit her lip tightly, her face pale.


    Ling Fan¡¯s heart stirred, he looked up and down at Li Mengying, who was kneeling on the ground, and thought to himself, "Tian Yun is definitely going to grow stronger in the future, and Li Mengying¡¯s abilities are quite suitable for the Public Rtions Department."


    Then, looking at the anxious Li Mengying, he nodded and said, "I have no interest in your Li Family, but your abilities are usable. Once you join my camp, you will be one of Ling Beiming¡¯s people. If there¡¯s any betrayal, you know the consequences!"


    Li Mengying felt a weight lifted and immediately knelt to thank him, "Thank you, Young Master Ling!"


    "Get up! Later, have Li Taihe transfer ten billion to Tian Yun¡¯s ount," Ling Fan instructed indifferently.


    Li Mengying carefully stood up. Ten billion was still within the Li Family¡¯s capacity. She stole a nce at Ling Fan, surprised at how smoothly she had gained forgiveness.


    "Don¡¯t think too much. Apart from your attitude, I previously promised Feng Shuya I would give your Li Family a chance," Ling Fan said.


    "So it was Cousin who pleaded on my behalf!" Li Mengying sighed with relief internally while a myriad of doubts sprouted in her mind. Could it be that her cousin was able to speak with Ling Fan?


    Xiao Chubing was in the next room and returned to the office after finding out that Ling Fan had dealt with the Li Family¡¯s matter.


    Li Mengying was slightly startled, not having expected Xiao Chubing to be in the next room. She had once looked down on Xiao Chubing, but times had changed. Recalling how she had knelt before Ling Fan just moments before, her face flushed with shame.


    Summoning her spirit despite the struggle, she dared not neglect to greet Xiao Chubing, "President Xiao!"


    "She¡¯ll be helping out at Tian Yun from now on. Arrange something for her when you get a chance. I think the Public Rtions Department would be quite suitable," Ling Fan instructed Xiao Chubing.


    "Understood," Xiao Chubing nodded.


    Internally she exhaled, thinking how her husband was paving the way for her, digging trenches everywhere.


    Ling Fan then picked up the phone and called Feng Shuya.


    "The matter with the Li Family is settled. Now for the second condition," Ling Fan said through the receiver, his voice detached.


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying stood aside, curious to watch Ling Fan, not daring to interrupt.


    On the other end, Feng Shuya stood up straight, while everyone in the hall also looked on nervously, fixated on Feng Shuya.


    At Feng Wende¡¯s cue, Feng Shuya switched to speakerphone.


    "Immediately transfer thirty billion to Tian Yun¡¯s ount!"


    Ling Fan¡¯s voice echoed through the hall via the phone¡¯s speaker.


    Feng Wende clenched his fist, while everybody exchanged nces and nodded at Feng Shuya.


    "It¡¯s doable. Is there anything else?" Feng Shuya inhaled deeply.


    Ling Fan knew the Feng Family¡¯s limits. Thirty billion was within their capability to provide and wouldn¡¯t make them desperatelysh out.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was excessively greedy, but previously, getting Vermilion Bird to acquire Fanxing had cost a lot. He had to recoup his expenses, didn¡¯t he? One can¡¯t just keep spending without earning; a careful budget was necessary.


    "After the transfer, I will tell you the final condition. Transferring money is only an additional request," Ling Fan said.


    Feng Wende gestured to Feng Shuya, and she understood, saying into the phone, "I just want to confirm, there won¡¯t be any more additional conditions, right?"


    "No more. Transfer the money first," Ling Fan replied calmly.


    As he spoke, he handed the phone to Xiao Chubing, who promptly reported an ount number. Li Mengying took mental note of it as well, as she would also need to have her family transfer money.


    In the Feng Family¡¯s main hall, just as Feng Wende had finished arranging the transfer, a gray-haired elder, leaning on a Dragon Head Cane, strode in, followed by a robust young man in his thirties.


    "What has happened? I heard that there¡¯s been a major incident within the family?" The elder¡¯s steps were steady, his tone full of authority.


    Feng Wende and the others quickly stood up in rm.


    "Dad, how did we disturb you?" Feng Wende said, panicked as he rushed forward to greet him.


    Indeed, the elder who had entered was none other than Feng Xuehai, the Retired Emperor of the Feng Family, who only appeared in times of crisis.


    Feng Xuehai tapped his cane on the floor, his voice grave, "I understand the Feng Family has offended someone we shouldn¡¯t have, and our situation is precarious. If I don¡¯t step in to see for myself, is our family on the brink of copse?"


    Feng Wenshan¡¯s forehead was covered in cold sweat. The old master had umted respect over many years, and there was no one in the family who did not revere him. The disaster was caused by him, and if the old master were to hold him ountable, he would be in deep trouble.


    Feng Shuya looked towards Feng Xuehai, her heart filled with resentment. In truth, she knew that Feng Xuehai could have rejected the marriage to Long Tianjun.


    Although Long Tianjun coveted her beauty, Feng Xuehai had after all served the Long Family for many years, and he could have gotten the favor he needed.


    Long Tianjun was a man who had seen countless women, and his interest in her was only momentary. He wouldn¡¯t truly embarrass the Feng Family and force them into a difficult position just for the sake of it.


    But Feng Xuehai, in an attempt to further ingratiate himself with the Long Family,pletely disregarded her feelings, sacrificing her for the greater benefit of the family.


    Hence, Feng Shuya felt no sense of belonging to the Feng Family or to Feng Xuehai.


    "Dad, it¡¯s not as serious as you say, and the matter is almost resolved! Please, go back and rest," Feng Wende respectfully said.


    Feng Xuehai snorted, "What, is the family¡¯s affair not my concern anymore?"


    Feng Wende was immediately flustered, "Dad, you misunderstand, that¡¯s not what I meant, please, have a seat!"


    Feng Xuehai took the seat of honor, and everyone in the Feng Family hall stood at the side with bowed heads, no one daring to sit.


    "How stand the affairs now?" Feng Xuehai asked in a stern voice.


    Feng Wende hurriedly stepped forward and briefed him on the situation.


    After listening, Feng Xuehai gave Feng Wenshan a cold look, snorted disdainfully, causing Feng Wenshan to nearly kneel in fright.


    Then he said to Feng Wende, "Make the call. Let¡¯s see what his final demand is."


    Feng Wende did not dare dy, and quickly urged Feng Shuya on.


    After dialing and turning on the speakerphone, "Ling Fan, you¡¯ve received the money, right? What¡¯s yourst condition?"


    As Ling Fan held the phone, under the watchful eyes of Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying, he spoke indifferently, "Thest condition... is very simple. By dawn tomorrow, I want that old man Feng Xuehai to show up in front of me with his head!"


    That statement struck like thunder, and the whole room seemed to explode with the shock of a thunderbolt!


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth, almost eximing out loud!


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Li Mengying¡¯s body trembled, and she braced herself on the desk to remain standing!


    In the Feng Family vi, Feng Shuya¡¯s hand trembled violently as she held the phone.


    With a "tter," the phone fell.


    Feng Wende and the others stood frozen, disbelief evident on their faces.


    Feng Xuehai¡¯s gaze became empty, as if he had seen a ghost!


    The entire vi¡¯s hall was deathly silent, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop!

 Chapter 46 Cant Stay

    "Smack!"


    Feng Xuehai''s cane violently shook, striking the floor with an angry tter.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Insolent fool, pushing too far!" Feng Xuehai squeezed the words out between his teeth.


    The hall was filled with rm as everyone''s thoughts were swept back like a retreating tide.


    Feng Wende''s face turned ashen. "How could this be, are they dering war on my Feng Family? Do they really think my family can be easily molded like y?"


    Feng Shuya snapped back to her senses, her heart pounding like a drum, muttering under her breath, "Young Master Ling... is he serious?"


    All eyes in the Feng Family were fixed on Feng Xuehai; no one expected such an outrageous demand. At this moment, everyone was waiting for the Elder Master''s response.


    "Ha ha, you want my head? Quite an audacious request. I''d like to see what divine tricks he has!" A chilling cold gleamed in Feng Xuehai''s eyes.


    Suddenly, Feng Wende turned and furiously berated Feng Wenshan. "Third brother, if not for you, how could our family havended in such trouble?"


    As Feng Wende spoke, others also began casting me, causing Feng Wenshan''s face to pale as he remained silent. Stay updated with empire


    "Enough!" Feng Xuehai shouted, silencing the chaos.


    He looked around and said, "Our Feng Family is not without contingency ns. Do you know why I arranged for Xiao Ya to marry into the Long Family? It''s precisely to prevent situations like today''s!"


    A wise gleam shone in Feng Xuehai''s eyes, his demeanor that of a strategist.


    "Father is wise!" Feng Wendeplimented.


    While speaking, he red harshly at Feng Wenshan, thinking, "If it weren''t for your daughter catching Young Master Long''s eye, you''d be the one suffering today."


    Feng Shuya greatly despised her power-hungry, ruthless grandfather and her elder uncle''s family but couldn''t help but interject, "There might have been a misunderstanding just now; shall I confirm it again?"


    "What''s there to confirm? Wasn''t it clear enough over the phone just now?" Feng Jie said angrily.


    "Ha ha, no problem, if Xiao Ya wants to confirm, then let''s confirm it," Feng Xuehai said with a forced smile, his hands resting on his cane.


    Mainly, he was eager to speak to the other party, curious to see where Ling Fan got such bold confidence.


    "Call!" Feng Xuehaimanded coldly.


    Feng Shuya nervously picked up the phone. "Ling Fan, were you serious just now?"


    "Yes, very serious, just ry the message," Ling Fan responded, still undisturbed andposed.


    "Heh, boy, such arrogant words. I''m sitting right here today, and I want to see what you can do to take this old life of mine!" Feng Xuehai mocked through the phone.


    Upon hearing the voice over the phone, Ling Fan straightened up a bit, "Heh... so you old geezer are there too! Clean your neck nicely, it''d be wise to deliver it yourself willingly. It won''t be so simple once I make my move!"


    "By the way, I''ll let you die understanding, you surely haven''t forgotten about the baby and the dead woman from Taojia Town neen years ago!"


    Feng Xuehai''s face, which had been sneering, suddenly froze; his heart shook violently, prompting him to abruptly stand up.


    "Who are you? From the Su Family?" Feng Xuehai asked harshly.


    Ling Fan sneered, "Who I am doesn''t concern you. Just so you know, I''m here to collect a debt!"


    After speaking, Ling Fan hung up the phone directly.


    Hearing the dial tone, Feng Xuehai''s expression flickered uncertainly.


    "Dad, what... what exactly is going on?" Feng Wende asked softly.


    Everyone looked towards the Elder Master. Even the simplest among them could sense the issue¡ªit was an old grudge with the Feng Family, possibly even involving the previous generation.


    It seemed that even without Feng Wenshan''s provocation, they would have been targeted by the visitor.


    Feng Xuehai''s expression continuously shifted, scanning the crowd, "There are things you shouldn''t ask about. You don''t need to worry about this matter; I''ll handle it myself!"


    Feng Shuya''s curiosity surged. She hadn''t expected Ling Fan to have such a history with the Feng Family; no wonder he was so targeted, and it seemed it might even involve the Long Family?


    She felt she was on the verge of grasping something significant.


    ...


    In the office of Tian Yun, Ling Fan tossed aside the phone, his coldughter unending, "Hmm, you old thing, if the old man hadn''t saved me back then, I would be in the Underworld by now. How could I not twist your head off today to appease the spirit of my foster mother in heaven?"


    Neen years ago, when Ling Fan was three, his biological parents died unexpectedly. His foster mother then took him to live in seclusion in Taojia Town, nestled in the mountains, yet even there, they could not escape.


    One of the executioners from that time was Feng Xuehai; the old man severely injured and killed all the others, only Feng Xuehai escaped because he was far away and saw that things were going south.


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying exchanged nces, never expecting Ling Fan and the Feng Family to have such a hidden feud. They were shocked but felt it inappropriate to ask more.


    "Young Master Ling, the Feng Family is not as simple as it appears on the surface. By threatening them so openly, I''m afraid Elder Master Feng might be driven to desperation. You need to be careful!" Li Mengying, somewhat terrified, hesitated and then softly reminded him.


    "Heh, no worries. I want to see just how high he can jump!" Ling Fan said disdainfully.


    After that, Xiao Chubing made some arrangements for Li Mengying, mainly to prepare her for taking over Fanxing, which surprised Li Mengying as she had not expected Fanxing to be acquired by Ling Fan.


    On a day when there was nothing pressing, at closing time, Ling Fan and his wife Xiao Chubing headed home together.


    The atmosphere in the Feng Family, however, was unusually tense; no one knew from where Feng Xuehai had summoned the manpower, but ck-suited bodyguards were on guard in the front yard, main hall, and rear hall.


    Seeing this setup, the members of the Feng Family became instantly tense.


    In the study.


    "Yuan Hong, you need to go there in person this time. Are you sure you can handle it?" Feng Xuehai asked the young man beside him.


    "Master Feng, rest assured, unless he is a Grandmaster Realm expert, I can handle him 100%. Even the most powerful martial artist can''t withstand modern firearms," Yuan Hong said confidently.


    "ording to the information I''ve got, he may have Fourth Grade strength, but he''s definitely not a Grandmaster Realm expert," Yuan Hong added.


    Feng Xuehai nodded, "It''s going to be tough on you. We can''t spare this man. It''s best if you can extract the reasons from him, but if not, just kill him directly, and go!"


    "Yes! Master Feng, I will wait for the good news!" Yuan Hong responded, then left the study.


    Feng Shuya saw the grave and rigorous atmosphere prepared in the vi and felt slightly dazed, "Will Ling Fan reallye to take my grandfather Feng Xuehai''s life?"


    She stood with everyone else in the rear hall of the vi, taking a deep breath, aware that many matters were beyond her participation.


    Yet, unlike Feng Wende and others, she was not nervous, because Ling Fan had promised not to harm her parents; that was enough for her.


    In Xiao Chubing''s vi bedroom.


    At that moment, Ling Fan approached the window to draw the curtains closed, while Xiao Chubing, just out of the bath in a pink robe, came out from the bathroom. Appearing a bit nervous, she approached Ling Fan.


    Seeing the bashful beauty walking towards him, Ling Fan teased, "What are you doing? My self-control isn''t so good. If I make a mistaketer, don''t me me!"


    Xiao Chubing''s face reddened, and she murmured with her head lowered, "I... I''m ready. If you want to make a mistake... just make it!"


    Upon hearing this, Ling Fan felt a surge of lust, and he was about to continue teasing when he suddenly experienced a heart palpitation and a tingling sensation in his scalp. Ever since he had received his legacy, he had been exceptionally sensitive to danger.


    Without another word, he suddenly pulled Xiao Chubing into his arms.


    Xiao Chubing gasped in shock, not expecting Ling Fan to act so abruptly and eagerly; she collided fully into his embrace, enveloped entirely by his arms.


    Smelling the strong masculine scenting from Ling Fan, Xiao Chubing''s entire body went limp, as if boneless.


    At that moment, Ling Fan, nerves stretched to their limit, quickly rolled on the spot, embracing Xiao Chubing.


    "Bang!"


    Just as they moved away from the window, a bullet prated the window ss and struck the floor.


    Ling Fan looked sharply and saw the floor where the bullet hit exploded into a fist-sized ck hole.


    "Godyer No.1?" Ling Fan''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    This was a modern firearm specifically designed to target martial artists, even capable of injuring a Grandmaster Realm expert, avable only through the military and the worldwide dark web.


    With the Feng Family backed by the Long Family, it was no surprise they possessed such weaponry. He had been careless.

 Chapter 47 Hurry up and die, Im in a hurry!

    Xiao Chubing was lost in thought, her mind racing, when the sudden incident shocked her into a cold sweat, instantly bringing her back to reality.


    "Husband!" Xiao Chubing''s face showed a touch of tension.


    "Don''t be afraid, Vermilion Bird will handle it!" Ling Fanforted.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At that moment, on the roof of a vi 800 meters away from the vi, Yuan Hong, his expression dark, set down the sniper rifle in his hands.


    "Damn, how could he react so quickly?" Yuan Hong cursed. Readtest chapters at empire


    He then put away the sniper rifle and took out two special pistols from the backpack on the ground, strapped them to his back waist, and was about to jump off the roof when suddenly a shadow shed by.


    Yuan Hong was shocked, his body suddenly retreating, and he was about to draw his guns to shoot, but the shadow moved too quickly for him to resist, and he was struck with a punch.


    In the vi bedroom, Ling Fan hugged Xiao Chubing and ducked behind a wall, quietly waiting for two minutes. Finding no anomalies, he then instructed, "Stay here and don''t move!"


    Xiao Chubing nodded calmly, "Okay, be careful!"


    Ling Fan quickly dressed and pulled the curtains aside from the window to look out, noticing that Vermilion Bird had already brought someone down to the bottom of the vi.


    "It''s all right now, I''ll go down for a while!" Ling Fan nodded to Xiao Chubing, looking extremely grim.


    Downstairs in the vi.


    "I''m sorry, Beiming, I failed!" Vermilion Bird also looked quite upset.


    Ling Fan shook his head, "Don''t me yourself, it was my oversight. Did you find out anything?"


    By then, Yuan Hong was already overwhelmed by shock,pletely stupefied.


    "He seems to recognize me!" Vermilion Bird coldly looked at Yuan Hong.


    "Oh? You recognize her?" Ling Fan narrowed his eyes.


    Yuan Hong''s throat gurgled as he said with a trembling voice, "Ver...Vermilion Bird, Vice Marshal of the Northern Canglong Army?"


    At this point, Yuan Hong''s mind was a mess, he couldn''t understand how Vermilion Bird could possibly be here.


    Even more so, he deeply respected the young man in front of him, which made him tremble with fear.


    "Kill him, no need for interrogation. This kind of person has a tough bone, I don''t have the time to waste, definitely sent by Feng Xuehai, and since he recognizes you, he cannot be spared." Ling Fan nced at Yuan Hong and said coldly.


    Yuan Hong waspletely baffled; he thought he might have some use left, that Ling Fan wouldn''t deal with him so directly, but he never anticipated that Ling Fan had absolutely no interest in him.


    "Don''t kill me, don''t kill me, I served in the Canglong Army too..." Even if he was tough, he was still afraid of death, he was just in his early thirties, in the prime of his life!


    At once, he spilled everything. It turned out that he had indeed served in the Canglong Army, had once seen Vermilion Bird from a distance, and then retired to mingle in the underground Martial Arts World.


    But it was too dangerous there, constantly at risk of losing his life, so he returned to his home country and found work with a family in a small city.


    Yuan Hong looked at Ling Fan with hopeful eyes, hoping to be spared.


    "Bang!"


    The next second, without hesitation, Vermilion Bird delivered a strike to the back of Yuan Hong''s neck.


    Yuan Hong''s vision went dark, his face covered with horror and despair, as he copsed wearily to the ground.


    "Scum, having served in the Canglong Army, you should protect the country rather than being apdog for the noble families, engaging in murder and looting!" Vermilion Bird said expressionlessly.


    Ling Fan paid no attention to the lifeless Yuan Hong; the shot fired just moments ago had almost hurt Xiao Chubing. Just for that, he deserved to die.


    By then, Xiao Chubing had also dressed and came out.


    "You stay here to protect Chu Bing, I''ll handle the rest!" Ling Fan instructed lightly.


    Vermilion Bird responded with a nod, knowing that Ling Fan was truly enraged now.


    Ling Fan then took out his phone and dialed a number, calling Lu Jinglun.


    At that time, Lu Jinglun was ying a game of chess with a man at the Martial Arts Hall. This man was none other than Qi He, the instructor in charge of recruitment for Zhongnan in Jiangbei.


    Seeing that it was Ling Fan who had called, Lu Jinglun instantly became alert, and his chess piece fell onto the board as he hurriedly answered the phone.


    Ling Fan said coldly over the phone, "Lu Jinglun, send over the coffin you prepared for me today!"


    Upon hearing this, Lu Jinglun''s hand trembled, nearly bringing him to tears, "Young Master Ling, I realize my mistake now, I won''t dare to do it again..."


    "Enough talk, I need it, send it within ten minutes." Ling Fan interjected, his voice ice-cold. Then, he hung up the phone.


    Lu Jinglun wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, and Qi He, looking puzzled, asked, "Jinglun, what is going on with you?"


    Lu Jinglun forced a smile, "Brother Qi, my apologies, let''s talk about itter."


    "Gu Shan, Songfeng, take the coffin from the storeroom and deliver it to Young Master Ling within ten minutes, hurry!" Lu Jinglun shouted to someone outside the door.


    A voice answered from outside, then hurriedly departed.


    Observing the scene, Qi He was as confused as a monk scratching his head.


    "What on earth is happening here?" Qi He couldn''t help but ask.


    "Ah, Brother Qi, you don''t know the half of it..." Lu Jinglun immediately began to exin the situation to Qi He.


    ...


    Downstairs at Xiao Chubing''s vi, Gu Shan and Songfeng were covered in sweat as they carried over the ck Coffin fromst time.


    Xiao Chubing and Vermilion Bird looked at each other, questioning. Was Ling Fan really that saintly? Caring even about burying those he killed? Was he nning the Eighteen Forms Send-off?


    "Ling Fan, what is this?" Xiao Chubing couldn''t help but inquire.


    "It''s for that old man, Feng Xuehai. I''ll send him off too!" Ling Fan''s face was expressionless.


    He took the ck Coffin, threw Yuan Hong inside, and then with a flick of his foot, the thousand-pound ck Coffin fell effortlessly onto Ling Fan''s shoulder.


    Vermilion Bird was stunned, "Beiming, what are you doing?"


    He was going to the Feng Family to take the life of that old dog.


    Having said that, Ling Fan started to move, stepping out like a swift breeze, covering a distance of dozens of meters with just one step, quickly disappearing in front of the vi.


    In the courtyard, four people looked at each other, Ling Fan had just walked away? Only Vermilion Bird knew to what extent Ling Fan was angered!


    An hourter, Ling Fan stood outside the Feng Family''s main gate, carrying the ck Coffin on his shoulder.


    In the Feng Family''s rear hall vi hall, through the surveince screen, everyone clearly saw this eerie scene.


    Ling Fan, expressionless, looked up at the camera and said deliberately, "Old dog, I have prepared the coffin for you. Top-grade Nanmu, consider yourself lucky. The people you sent, I am sending them back to you too!"


    Having said this, he dropped the ck Coffin, pulled out the lifeless Yuan Hong, and flung him into the yard.


    This spectacle left everyone in the hall chilled to the bone as they turned their eyes to Feng Xuehai sitting at the head. It turned out the old master had sent men to assassinate Ling Fan, and moreover, they had failed!


    Dark figures emerged in the front yard, seventy to eighty in number, all first-ss bodyguards and thugs, each carrying weapons and looking ferocious.


    At this moment, no one cared about the corpse on the ground, but stared ruthlessly at Ling Fan, knowing that if they did not kill this enemy at once, they too might follow in the footsteps of the others.


    "Tap, tap, tap!"


    Ling Fan stepped through the main gate.


    "Thud!"


    The ck Coffin hit the ground, raising a cloud of dust.


    With one hand on the coffin and the other pointing indifferently at the crowd, Ling Fan said, "Those who are here to die, be quick, I''m pressed for time!"

 Chapter 48 48 chapters: On a dark and windy night perfect for a murder

    In the main hall of the back court, Feng Xuehai glimpsed the deceased Yuan Hong through the screen, a trace of hard-to-detect sorrow shing in his eyes.


    "Dad!" It was rare for Feng Wende to show a hint of panic.


    Feng Jie and the other juniors were even more aggrieved, each with a pale face. Despite having no fewer than a hundred bodyguards in the house, they couldn''t find the sense of security they should feel.


    "You panic at the first sign of trouble? How can I trust you to take over the family?" Feng Xuehai stood unshaken, staring at the screen as he coldly admonished.


    Feng Wende''s heart jolted, "Father is right to teach me! I acknowledge my error!"


    As the saying goes, having an elder in the family is like possessing a treasure. With Elder Master Feng as their Seafixing Divine Needle, everyone managed to calm their minds a bit.


    Feng Shuya stared at the screen at the proud figure holding onto the ck Coffin, momentarily losing herself.


    In the front yard, a group of elite bodyguards, with determination in their eyes and not intimidated by Ling Fan''s mockery and disdain, their eyes bloodshot, moved all at once with a whoosh.


    Watching the screen from the main hall, Feng Shuya felt her heart tighten slightly at the shocking scene, akin to the Axe Gang in action, and she started to worry for Ling Fan.


    The hearts of Feng Wende and others were secretly thrilled, their eyes glued to the scene on the screen.


    In the front yard, Ling Fan, faced with the surging crowd, suddenly pped the ck Coffin with his right hand, sending it flying like a shooting star chasing the moon, smashing into the oing crowd.


    Immediately after, Ling Fan moved, chasing after the ck Coffin.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    The ck Coffin kept toppling people, and as Ling Fan caught up with it, he wielded it like Jingu Bang, leaving anyone it touched with broken bones and torn ligaments.


    The heavy ck Coffin, made of solid wood, became a mobile fortress, using force to break through cunning, bing the strongest weapon, and this most straightforward and crude method was also the most effective.


    In a moment, quite a few people had been smashed by the ck Coffin, their brains sttered all over. Inparison, their machetes were like toys against the simple and clumsy ck Coffin.


    Ling Fan, like a Devil God descending to earth, made the ck Coffin whirlwind, and the fierce ck-d bodyguards ended up either dead or injured when they encountered it.


    The people in the back court main hall of the Feng Family werepletely stunned. Is this even a human? Feng Shuya trembled slightly, "Is this the man I''m going to be with in the future?"


    After half of theirrades had fallen in the front yard, the remaining bodyguards all stopped, circling Ling Fan at a distance, their faces showing fear.


    It wasn''t that they feared death, but a meaningless sacrifice was different.


    By that time, Ling Fan was already stained red with blood, none of which was his own. He stood holding the ck Coffin, like a Devil God who had crawled out of Hell, coldly sweeping his gaze over the surrounding enemies.


    "Either die or kneel!" Ling Fan''s voice was cold and detached.


    The remaining nearly forty people were silent for a moment before dropping to their knees, one after the other. They could face life and death, but they could not bravely face a senseless death!


    With all the bodyguards kneeling, the people in the main hall of the Feng Family shook violently, their faces pale, quietly looking at Feng Xuehai.


    Feng Xuehai was slightly moved but did not lose hisposure, and just looked indifferently at the proud figure on the screen.


    "Step! Step! Step!"


    Ling Fan, shouldering the ck Coffin, stepped over the corpses on the ground and through the kneeling crowd, heading straight to the middle hall.


    Compared to the front yard, the middle hall had only ten people standing in Ling Fan''s way, all dressed in old-fashioned attire, each carrying a Three-Foot Green de on their back.


    Upon entering, Ling Fan put down the ck Coffin with a ''thud'', and the next second, his figure vanished from the spot. Two bullet holes promptly appeared where he had been standing.


    Momentster, several gunshots rang out in the middle hall, then all fell silent.


    The ten people blocking the middle hall hadn''t even seen how Ling Fan left or returned, but they knew that the snipers lying in ambush had all been dealt with, and their hearts grew heavy.


    Ling Fan returned to his original spot like a phantom, having used Gui Xu Dance, the Ninth Style of the Holy Martial Nine Forms passed down in his lineage. It was said that once mastered, one could make thirty million changes in a single step, making them unpredictable like ghosts and gods.


    With his current strength, he was nowhere near achieving three hundred changes with a single step.


    Gently lifting the ck Coffin, Ling Fan disregarded the ten people before him and spoke calmly, "Do you also wish to stop me?"


    In the main hall of the back court, Feng Xuehai''s cloudy eyes narrowed slightly, Ling Fan''s strength had somewhat exceeded his expectations!


    Feng Jie and Feng Xiao of the Feng Family''s younger generation had lost their earlier calm and indifference. Feng Wenshan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, suddenly awoken as if from a dream, recalling the fright he felt when initially provoking Ling Fan.


    Feng Wende and Feng Wenzhi grew serious, barely managing to maintain theirposure.


    Only Feng Shuya''s beautiful eyes shed with surprise, "Is Ling Fan really that strong?"


    The ten people in the main hall were silent; they were Feng Xuehai''s greatest reliance, all martial artists, with the strongest at Third Grade and the weakest at First Grade. These ten were adept at a Combined Sword Formation, capable of trapping a Grandmaster Realm expert for a short duration.


    The ten brothers exchanged nces and saw determination in one another''s eyes.


    Without further ado, they took up a surrounding stance and leapt forward with their swords drawn; in an instant, chilling gleams flickered, and sword qi was oppressive.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fan did not swing the ck Coffin again. Against these martial artists, the ck Coffin would be smashed to pieces upon contact.


    Thebined attack technique of the ten was indeed formidable and not to be underestimated. The mere momentum and the sword qi it released whipped up dust and pebbles in the main hall.


    The Feng Family members in the rear hall were moved by this spectacle, revealing expressions of pleasant surprise, never expecting that the Feng Family had such terrifying experts hidden away.


    They immediately felt relieved, their faces showing satisfaction.


    But in the next second, Ling Fan, faced with the overwhelming radiance of the swords, made a move, his body flowing like a dragon.


    "Holy Martial Nine Forms, Ninth Style¡ªSevering Divine Finger!" Ling Fan uttered softly.


    "Ding ding ding!"


    A series of metallic shing sounds resounded as the ten assants came to a halt just one meter away from Ling Fan, looking at the broken halves of their Mysterious Iron swords in disbelief.


    With just one finger, he broke ten swords! Discover stories at empire


    Ling Fan gently tossed the ten broken swords he was cradling in his arms, and they nged as they fell to the ground.


    He shook his head slightly; ording to the inheritance, once the ''Severing Divine Finger'' was cultivated to perfection, it could span the heavens with a single finger, severing both divine life and death! Currently, he was not able to unleash even one ten-thousandth of its power.


    Yet, even just this sliver of power had already caused the ten men''s spirits to crumble and their courage to shatter.


    "Life or death?" Ling Fan asked indifferently.


    A few breathster.


    "Bang!"


    "Bang!"


    "Bang..."


    One after another, the ten men knelt down, bowing their heads, daring not to look directly at Ling Fan!


    Inside the rear hall, Feng Xuehai, who had been sitting unperturbed as if he were Mount Tai, finally stood up!


    Feng Wende and the others were ashen-faced, terrified.


    At this moment, there were still over a dozen bodyguards in the rear hall, but everyone was even more panicked¡ªwhat could these few do if so many before them had failed to stop him?


    "Dad!" Feng Wende couldn''t help but call out.


    "Are you afraid?" Feng Xuehai asked lightly.


    Although Feng Wende and the others said nothing, the expressions on their faces said it all¡ªthey were beyond afraid, they felt like they were at death''s door!


    "Let this be a lesson to you today, remember, those who aspire to great things should remain unfazed even if Mount Tai copses before them!" Feng Xuehai remained calm and instructed the Feng Family descendants.


    "Bang!"


    Suddenly, a ck Coffin flew into the hall and smashed onto the floor, making a resounding boom that startled Feng Wende and the others into retreating.


    "Old man, the coffin has been delivered. Will you climb in yourself, or shall I assist you?" Ling Fan appeared at the entrance of the hall, his body covered in blood, like a Devil God.

 Chapter 49 Who Do You Think You Are?

    The crowd in the hall turned their eyes to Ling Fan, who hade bathed in blood, their hearts filled with terror but even more with anger and humiliation.


    The preeminent Binzhou First Family actually allowed a young man to ughter his way in and out thrice, single-handedly.


    And now, standing before the entire Feng Family, he wanted to force the old master to lie in that coffin?


    Humiliation, frustration, and rage frothed in the depths of the Feng Family members'' hearts!


    "Ling Fan, even though you possess astonishing martial might and none in my Feng Family are your match, the consequences of moving against my Feng Family are not something you can bear, I hope you''ll think thrice!" Feng Wende stepped forward and said with a somber voice.


    As the contemporary Family Head of the Feng Family, he had to uphold his authority in times of crisis; constant fear and concession wouldn''t solve anything.


    Feng Xuehai nodded in agreement. Feng Wende''s performance had not disappointed him; as the Family Head, that''s the kind of mettle he should disy.


    "Heh, consequences? Don''t trouble yourself about my consequences. The Feng Family better start thinking about how to face my wrath and the consequences that will follow!" Ling Fan''s lips curled into a cold sneer.


    The blood still wet on his face made his smile appear particrly ferocious, like a Soul Reaper that had emerged from Hell.


    In the face of Ling Fan''s aggressive pressure, everyone besides Feng Wende was too angry yet too afraid to speak.


    "Kid, you''ve surprised me, but do you really think you''ve got my Feng Family cornered today?" Feng Xuehai remained calm andposed.


    Upon hearing these words, the Feng Family members were once again rmed, their eyes turning towards Feng Xuehai in unison. Did the old master still have an ace up his sleeve?


    Just then, a vigorous voice resounded at the entrance.


    "Young friend, might I ask for a favor and suggest you stop here; how does that sound?" A middle-aged man wearing practice clothes, appearing to be just over fifty, stood at the doorway.


    Seeing the neer, Feng Xuehai felt greatly relieved and respectfully bowed, "Old Qi gracing us with your presence, my Feng Family has nothing to fear!"


    While the visitor appeared to be just over fifty, he was actually well beyond seventy but hid the ravages of time through his profound cultivation.


    Indeed, this man was Qi He, the one who had recently been ying a game of strategy with Lu Jinglun. He was also the Martial Arts Instructor responsible for recruiting students from Jiangbei for Zhongnan Academy.


    His sudden appearance in Binzhou was due to an invitation from Feng Xuehai, with whom he shared a considerable rapport.


    However, that wasn''t the reason Feng Xuehai was able to invite him; it was the consideration of the Long Family behind the Feng Family that made Qi He grant this favor.


    Ling Fan may not have known who Qi He was, but it was different for the members of the Feng Family; each one of them was excited, their faces flushed with emotion, especially those led by Feng Wende.


    "Old Qi, greetings!" The Feng Family members bowed respectfully, one after another.


    Qi He, however, did not acknowledge the crowd but looked seriously at Ling Fan.


    Had it not been for the information he had obtained from Lu Jinglun just before, Qi He would definitely not be acting so courteous, particrly since he was startled to learn that Ling Fan had demanded a coffin from Lu Jinglun with the intention of using it for the Feng Family.


    "Have you understood anything today?" Feng Xuehai surveyed the Feng Family members, ignoring Ling Fan to the side.


    He wanted to take this opportunity to impart the most meaningful lesson of their lives to the younger generation.


    Feng Jie pondered for a moment before respectfully saying, "Grandfather, your grandson has understood one thing: under any circumstance, we should remain calm in the face of danger!"


    Feng Xuehai nodded his head.


    Feng Xiao, not wanting to be outdone, also spoke up, "Grandson too has understood something: one should have strategies and a broad mind like grandfather, to maneuver through all situations!"


    Continue reading at empire


    Feng Wende also reflected with shame, "Today, the most in need of reflection is myself. Faced with a formidable enemy''s attack, I actually felt fear and panic, far from father''s demeanor andposure that everything is under control!"


    "Hmm, not bad, I am quite heartened that you understand these lessons!" Feng Xuehai nodded with satisfaction.


    "Ling Fan, kneel down and beg for mercy. With Old Qi here today, you won''t be able to make a move!" Now with backing, Feng Wende turned and berated Ling Fan.


    Feng Jie stepped forward, eager to leave a good impression on his grandfather and to make a disy, "Ling Fan, there''s always someone stronger; if you refuse to repent, you''ll surely regret it dearly. Why not kneel down and beg for my grandfather''s mercy?"


    Feng Xiao also refused to show weakness, sneering, "Kid, don''t say I didn''t give you a chance, get down on your knees and repent now, and maybe there''ll be a sliver of a chance for you to live!"


    Feng Wenzhi also issued a warning, the only one who did not speak was Feng Wenshan, who had been cautioned by his daughter beforehand to stay out of whatever happened. He had learned his lesson and, surprisingly, did not utter a word to mock Ling Fan.


    At this moment, everyone seemed to have no interest in Feng Wenshan and his daughter.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing this, Feng Shuya couldn''t help but feel anxious for Ling Fan and couldn''t resist raising her voice to remind him, "Ling Fan, think thrice before you act!"


    To the Feng family, her words did not seem odd, but Ling Fan understood and slightly nodded.


    This scene was instantly noticed by all members of the Feng family. How could they know the rtionship between Ling Fan and Feng Shuya?


    They all thought that Ling Fan was going to concede, immediately feeling relieved as if they had taken a turn at the gates of Hell and came back to life.


    Now looking at Ling Fan, where was there any trace of fear?


    "Kid, I am very curious, what exactly is your connection to the incident neen years ago?" Feng Xuehai said gravely.


    He had a guess in his mind, but since he hadn''t heard an answer from Ling Fan himself, he couldn''t be sure. However, if it was as he suspected, then even without lifting a finger, someone would take Ling Fan''s life.


    All eyes in the room were curiously fixed on Ling Fan, especially Feng Shuya, who was now particrly concerned about every secret Ling Fan held and was eager to understand this man better.


    Ling Fan let out a coldugh, "Old fool, didn''t you guess already?"


    "How daring!" Feng Jie burst out yelling.


    "Kid, are you still going to act tough now? You dare to curse my grandfather, do you not want to live? Kneel down quickly and beg my grandfather''s forgiveness!"


    Feng Jie was pumped up to show his worth in front of his grandfather. Now that Ling Fan was no longer a threat, where was the fear for him?


    Feng Xuehai nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Feng Jie''s performance. This was the spirit expected from a member of a great family like the Fengs, unlike earlier, when everyone was as frightened as quails!


    Seeing the expression on his grandfather, Feng Jie secretly felt pleased with himself, believing he had caught his grandfather''s attention with his good performance.


    Feng Shuya was anxious on the side; she had misunderstood Ling Fan''s nod from earlier, thinking he could not stand up to Old Qi. In fact, Ling Fan had meant only to assure her.


    She had already decided, if Ling Fan were to face real dangerter, she must find a way to protect him.


    "Are you deaf? Why aren''t you kneeling? Are you seeking death?" Feng Jie got increasingly carried away as he pointed and yelled at Ling Fan.


    A fierce look shed in Ling Fan''s eyes and in a sh, he disappeared from his spot.


    "You..." Feng Jie''s eyes widened as he took a step back abruptly.


    "Old Qi!" Feng Xuehai was also shocked, having not expected Ling Fan to act recklessly with Old Qi present.


    "Young friend, please stop! Won''t you give some face to Old Qi?" Qi He gasped too. If Ling Fan injured Feng Jie before him, where would that leave his dignity?


    The next second.


    "Crack!"


    "Bang!"


    Ling Fan''s movements were like a Ghost Fiend; his w twisted, breaking Feng Jie''s neck, and then he flung the body away.


    "Silence!"


    He then turned around, his expression icy cold, pointing at Qi He and yelling, "And who the hell are you? Daring to meddle in my business, do you think you''re special?"


    The entire hall was shocked, their expressions changing drastically!

 Chapter 50 The Long Family is a Trivial Matter

    So everyone looked at Ling Fan as if they were looking at a madman, yet no one dared to ridicule him anymore.


    Feng Wende''s mind still hadn''t recovered, staring dumbfoundedly at Feng Jie, who Ling Fan had thrown far away, his mind a total nk.


    Feng Xuehai''s hands trembled slightly, and his eyes were full of bloodshot veins, utterly disbelieving everything that had just happened!


    Feng Xiao gurgled in his throat, swallowing his saliva with difficulty. Just a moment ago, he was envious of Feng Jie showing off in front of their grandfather; but in the blink of an eye, Feng Jie had met King Yan. He felt a surge of fear and was d that he hadn''t stood out to show off.


    "Old Qi, please uphold justice for my Feng Family!" Feng Xuehai said with a trembling voice, showing emotional fluctuations for the first time, though he had always been as steady as Mount Tai.


    Qi He''s expression turned cold, Ling Fan''s actions had severely pped his face.


    "Ling Fan, do you know who I am? Do you really want to oppose me?" Qi He said furiously.


    "Damn it, I hate all this pointless chatter. Let our moves show the truth, let''s spar if you don''t agree, and the loser leaves their life behind!" Ling Fan said with disdain.


    Qi He''s facial muscles twitched, "Kid, Lu Jinglun told me about you, and I know you''ve got some background, but do you really think I''m afraid of you?"


    Ling Fan''s eyes narrowed slightly, "You know and still talk so much nonsense? Make your move!"


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    "Listen well, I am in charge of martial arts recruitment in Jiangbei for the Zhongnan Academy, and I am also a member of the Qi Family, which ranks sixth among the top eight families of the Zhongnan Seventy-two Meridians. Are you sure you want to be my enemy?" Qi He said, revealing his own background.


    Feng Wende''s face was filled with excitement, and he knelt down towards Qi He with a thump, "Old Qi, I beg you to avenge my son; the Feng Family is willing to pay any price!"


    Feng Xuehai took a deep breath and gave a deep bow, "Old Qi, please make your move!"


    Feng Wenzhi stayed silent, standing there stunned. The situation had spiraled out of control, and who was he to speak out of turn?


    The current situation wasn''t clear-cut, so no one dared say anything more to anger Ling Fan. Feng Xiao had learned his lesson and stayed quiet in the back, having long forgotten the teachings of his grandfather.


    Feng Wenshan nced at his daughter and remained silent; after all, silence is golden.


    Feng Shuya bit her lip, her expressionplex as she looked at Ling Fan. This man was like a fog, always inscrutable.


    The hall fell into a brief silence. After pondering for a moment, Ling Fan ignored Qi He''s expectant gaze, turned towards Feng Xuehai, and spoke indifferently, "Old man, your coffin has arrived. Will you get in yourself, or shall I take out your entire family first before sending you to the afterlife?"


    Feng Xuehai''s face immediately turned the color of a liver, and Qi He became enraged, "Nonsense, I shall teach you a lesson and see what extraordinary methods you have!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As for Ling Fan, he preferred to de-escte the situation if possible. If not, he was no pushover. Backed by the majesty of Zhongnan, he had enough confidence and pride.


    Qi He exhaled loudly and made his move, charging directly towards Ling Fan with his fists clenched, his momentum unstoppable.


    Ling Fan''s expression became slightly solemn, judging from the opponent''s aggressive moves that this man''s cultivation was not much different from his own; both were stuck just before the final step.


    However, there was a difference¡ªQi He had been cultivating for decades, his inner strength profound and far surpassing Ling Fan, who only had a decade or so of cultivation.


    But Ling Fan had an advantage in martial arts techniques, which were extraordinary.


    Ling Fan had already calcted his approach. Competing in a battle of attrition with Qi He was unwise; he needed to end the battle quickly, without giving the opponent a chance to catch his breath.


    His gaze flickered, and he exploded with power from his feet, charging forward to meet his opponent.


    "Old Qi must kill him, he must kill him..." Feng Wende trembled all over, his eyes blood-red.


    Feng Xuehai clenched the cane in his hands, unusually nervous.


    Feng Shuya stood aside, silently praying, "Ling Fan, don''t disappoint me!"


    In an instant, the two shed.


    Ling Fan bellowed, "Holy Martial Nine Forms, first move, Heaven-Cutting Fist!"


    "Second move, Soaring Sky Palm!"


    "Third move, Silk Binding Hand!"


    "The fourth form, Severing Divine Finger..."


    Ling Fan''s assault surged like towering tidal waves, one after another in relentless session¡ªa wave hardly subsided before another rose!


    What further astounded Qi He was that every punch and every palm strike of Ling Fan''s was not as simple as it appeared; each punch was imbued with multipleyers of force, every palmyered with manifold palm powers, sweeping through like Mountains and Seas in a wild rampage.


    Thisbination of moves from Ling Fan directly left him dumbfounded!


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    Within the hall, Qi He retreated frantically, and wherever the two had passed looked as if hit by a typhoon, leaving utter devastation in their wake.


    Who among the audience had seen such a terrifying scene before? They hastily backed away in shock, with Feng Xiao''s legs cramping and his face drained of color.


    Feng Wenshan was dumbstruck, Feng Wenzhi was trembling as he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, Feng Wende was staring nkly, and Feng Xuehai''s forehead pulsed with popping veins.


    Feng Shuya''s eyes widened as her heart pounded wildly; she covered her mouth to stifle an almost-escaped shriek.


    "Boom!"


    A silhouette crashed through the wall of the hall, and the brutal, intense scene finally returned to calm.


    Everyone looked intently to see Ling Fan standing before the broken wall, his posture proud.


    A shiver went through Feng Wende''s heart, a chill spreading within as his eyes widened, "Qi... Old Qi... has lost..."


    Feng Xuehai gripped his cane tightly, barely managing to stand firm.


    "Zhongnan Mountain is great, huh? Your Qi Family is great, huh? Zhongnan Academy is powerful, huh? Don''t believe I could end your dog''s life right now!" Ling Fan said coldly to Qi He who was in a sorry state behind the wall.


    "Cough cough..."


    Qi He spat out a mouthful of blood, his face filled with shock as he gasped, "Qi acknowledges defeat, I beg... I beg the young friend to spare my life!"


    The words of Qi He instantly plunged the Feng family members in the hall into an abyss, enveloping them in an air of death.


    "Hmph, for Lu Jinglun''s sake, today I will spare your life!"


    Having said that, he turned to look at Feng Xuehai, "Old man, when you ruthlessly sought my death all those years ago, did you ever think there would be a day like today? Your entire Feng family deserves to die!"


    Ling Fan''s words struck like a death knell, sending shivers of terror through the Feng family members.


    "Dad!" Feng Wende''s voice was hoarse.


    Feng Xuehai''s backbone remained erect, "Do you truly believe you could annihte my Feng family? Perhaps you don''t know, my Feng family has an alliance with Imperial Capital Long Family. Feng Shuya is the fianc¨¦e of Long Tianjun, the direct sessor of the Long Family!"


    With that, he pointed at Feng Shuya, "Are you sure you want to be irreconcble with my Feng family?"


    That was Feng Xuehai''s final card, the Imperial Capital Long Family¡ªa superfamily of Huaxia, virtually unshakeable and unchallengeable.


    A proud, self-assured smile spread across Feng Xuehai''s face as he silently watched Ling Fan.


    Feng Shuya''splexion turned pale; the Long Family had ultimately been dragged into this. Although Ling Fan had promised her that he would solve this problem, at this moment, her heart was filled with anxiety and restlessness!


    Faces like Feng Wende''s and Feng Wenzhi''s finally regained some life!


    Indeed, with the Long Family as their support, a behemothpared to Old Qi, Ling Fan could surely not afford to make an enemy of the Long Family!


    Just as Feng Xuehai was smug, Feng Wende and others seemed to have let go of a huge burden, and Feng Shuya was fraught with unease!


    Ling Fan raised his eyebrows and said in a deep voice, "The Long Family, huh? I want to ask one thing..."


    "What the hell is the Long Family!?" Ling Fan suddenly bellowed, pointing at Feng Xuehai and cursing loudly.


    The Feng family members were left dumbfounded, petrified.

 Chapter 51 Listen Clearly to the Workers and Capitalists

    Feng Xuehai''s eyelids twitched violently, "Good! Good! Good!"


    He said ''good'' three times, "Boy, you are seeking your own death. I have never heard that in the vast Huaxia, someone dare to challenge the Long Family!"


    "Is that so? That''s because you haven''t met me before. Today, you''ll know!" Ling Fan stepped forward, his coldughter echoing.


    Qi He struggled to rise from the rubble, shocked nearly to the point of falling again by the words Ling Fan had just spoken.


    Facing the Long Family, even he needed to act with great caution, yet this young man seemed to disregard them entirely?


    Feng Wende and the others felt despair deep in their hearts, all of them looking desperately toward the only pir of support, Elder Master Feng.


    Feng Shuya''s hands were tightly intertwined, her eyes misting with excitement, never before had she seen such audacity from Ling Fan, not even Elder Master Feng''s mention of the Long Family had subdued him.


    "Old fool, use whatever tricks you have at your disposal, if that''s all you''ve got, you can die now!" Ling Fan''s face was expressionless.


    Feng Xuehai took a deep breath and suddenly shouted, "Alright, call Young Master Long!"


    Following his shout, all of the Feng family were deeply shocked, staring at Feng Xuehai in horror. The Elder Master had called Young Master Long?


    Feng Shuya''s heart tightened, her gaze shocked as she looked at Feng Xuehai.


    Ling Fan''s eyebrows slightly raised, "Has Tianjun arrived?"


    Your next read awaits at empire


    The next second, the wall at the front of the hall, like a Vian blind, opened up to reveal arge screen behind it; simultaneously, the screen lit up, and a few secondster, a figure appeared on the screen.


    A young man in a white robe with his hair swept back appeared dignified with a trace of Yin Qi.


    "Young Master Long!" Feng Xuehai bowed excitedly.


    The man looked up, "Hmm, is the Feng Family facing a life or death crisis?"


    "Yes, this humble servant respectfully asks Young Master Long to make a move!" Feng Xuehai bowed again.


    Tianjun nodded, turning his head to look at Ling Fan, who was too conspicuous in his blood-stained clothes, as if he had just bathed in blood.


    "Is it him?" Tianjun asked indifferently.


    "Yes!" Feng Xuehai responded respectfully.


    Hope reignited among the Feng family members, none of whom had expected a vast screen was hidden there; Feng Wende secretly nced at the cane in his father''s hand.


    He noticed that the Elder Master had apparently twisted the Dragon Ball on the cane, and the screen had appeared; it was indeed the family''sst resort in a life and death crisis.


    "Young man, no matter what your background is, I can clearly tell you that in Huaxia, no family can defy the Long Family!


    Even the Zhongnan Heavenly Vein Noble House would give face to the Long Family, so I don''t care what issues you have with the Feng Family, from now on, if you don''t want to face the Long Family, consider it settled!" Tianjun instructed indifferently, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    After saying this, without giving Ling Fan another nce, he turned to Feng Xuehai and ordered, "Send Shuya over tomorrow!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Feng Xuehai respectfullyplied, "Yes, Young Master Long, I will send Xiao Ya over tonight!"


    Feng Shuya''s face turned pale, her limbs went cold, and her face drained of blood as she looked woodenly at the figure towering in the screen, her heart filled with despair.


    The authority of the Long Family was too strong, deeply ingrained in the marrow of every member of the Feng Family. In Huaxia, the Long Family was a name that could stop children from crying at night.


    Even though Ling Fan had promised earlier and had just disyed overwhelming dominance, the moment Feng Shuya saw Tianjun, she immediately despaired.


    If Ling Fan was a lion or an elephant, then the Long Family was a tyrannosaur. Her previous agreement with Ling Fan was just a desperate hope, and now, that hope was dashed!


    At this moment, except for Wen Shan, no one cared about her fate; they all knew that the Feng Family was saved the moment Tianjun spoke, and the crisis was already resolved.


    In vast Huaxia, no one could shake the Long Family, let alone face their fury, for the Long Family was the foremost among the three great families of the Imperial Capital!


    Even Qi He, standing aside, kept silent. Even through the screen, he could sense the overwhelming pressure of the Long Family.


    "Long, your pretentious attitude really pisses me off. Did I ever agree with you? Has being ttered so much made you think your farts smell sweet?" Ling Fan said with a cold smile.


    "Snap!"


    Feng Xiao could not contain his shock any longer. He staggered and fell to the ground, his face filled with horror and disbelief.


    The hall instantly fell into dead silence. Everyone''s gaze followed Ling Fan as he moved.


    Ling Fan walked step by step up to Feng Xuehai, turned around to face Long Tianjun on the screen, and scoffed, "What if I want to wipe out the Feng Family today?"


    Faced with Ling Fan''s provocation, Long Tianjun''s expression did not change at all on the screen. He just quietly watched Ling Fan.


    "You have a lot of courage and bravery, which is admirable. I give you onest chance, disappear from my sight!" Long Tianjun spoke only one sentence.


    Feng Shuya was the most nervous. She bit her lips until they bled without even noticing. Her future life, whether it would be heaven or hell, hung by a moment, her only hope resting entirely on Ling Fan!


    Suddenly, Ling Fan struck like lightning, grabbing Feng Xuehai by the neck and indifferently looking toward Long Tianjun on the screen.


    "If I kill him, what can you do?" Ling Fan confronted him through the screen.


    Feng Xuehai felt the pressure on his neck and, unusually panicked, cried out, "Long... Young Master Long save me!"


    The people of the Feng Family were petrified, their thoughtspletely frozen, as cold sweat ran down Qi He''s back, daring not to utter a word.


    Long Tianjun did not respond to Feng Xuehai''s plea for help but continued to look indifferently at Ling Fan, "If you darey a hand on him, you will face the wrath of the Long Family!"


    The next second, Ling Fan''s wrist violently jerked.


    "Crack!"


    Under the incredulous stares of the crowd, amid Feng Xuehai''s horrified gaze as he died without closing his eyes, Ling Fan made his move and broke Feng Xuehai''s neck.


    The people of the Feng Family all copsed to the ground, mentally shattered.


    Qi He made a gulping noise in his throat and leaned lightly against the wall behind him, or else he could not have remained standing.


    From start to finish, the ever-calm Long Tianjun''s eyebrows twitched imperceptibly. He did not care about Feng Xuehai''s life or death, but Ling Fan''s actions had challenged the dignity of the Long Family.


    Dragging Feng Xuehai''s body, Ling Fan walked step by step towards the ck Coffin in the middle of the hall and casually tossed it inside.


    "Old man, I told you this was prepared for you. It was meant for you! Are my words nothing but hot air?" Ling Fan muttered to himself.


    Feng Wende''s face was ashen. His son had died, the elder had died, and the Feng Family was finished!


    Feng Wenshan''s hands trembled, and his scalp tingled, rendering him literally speechless!


    Feng Shuya''s eyes moistened, feeling as if she had regained her lost spirit, and her life finally had meaning!


    "Tap! Tap! Tap!"


    Ling Fan walked step by step to Feng Shuya''s side, looking at her pale face with misty, glistening eyes, and revealed a faint smile.


    The next moment, under the horrified gaze of everyone, he pulled Feng Shuya into his arms and looked indifferently at the screen where Long Tianjun was shown.


    "I am really looking forward to the wrath of the Long Family!"


    "Also, from now on, Feng Shuya is my woman. Did you hear me clearly?" Ling Fan said, each word pointed, as he stared at Long Tianjun through the screen.

 Chapter 52 Why Insist on Climbing

    Ling Fan stood proud and supreme, his gaze piercing as he watched Vermilion Bird on the screen, whose eyes slightly narrowed and whose expression remained eerily calm.


    Everyone in the hall was shocked and pale, facing the naked disdain and provocation toward the dignity of the Long Family.


    Feng Wende had already be dazed, his thoughtspletely disordered.


    Feng Wenzhi was petrified, and Feng Xiaoy prostrate on the ground in shock. Dare to threaten the Long Family and abduct Vermilion Bird''s woman?


    Feng Wenshan was struck as if by lightning, standing rigidly to one side, unable to think!


    Feng Shuya, sensing the distinct male scent between breaths, was profoundly shaken, her blood boiling, unable to contain herself for a moment, she closed her sparkling eyes, tiptoed, and sealed Ling Fan''s lips with hers.


    Taken aback by this sudden turn of events, Ling Fan felt the warm, fragrant taste in his mouth and responded instinctively, as Feng Shuya''s tender body trembled slightly, her hands pulling Ling Fan even closer.


    Watching the scene on the big screen, Vermilion Bird''s temples throbbed slightly, and a momentter, the screen blinked out, the image disappearing.


    In a vi in the Imperial Capital, Vermilion Bird stood with his hands behind his back in front of the turned off monitor, and said in a deep voice, "Someone,e!"


    In the Feng Family vi hall, Feng Shuya''s face flushed with embarrassment as she separated from Ling Fan''s lips, her head lowered shyly against his chest, feeling an unprecedented sense of security.


    Ling Fan nced at the screen turned to static, turned his head to Feng Wende, "From today on, there will be no Feng Family in Binzhou!"


    Qi He stood to the side, hesitating to speak, secretly sighing in his heart.


    The people of the Feng Family looked as if they had fallen into the abyss of Hell, their faces ashen.


    Feng Wende turned to look at the people of the Feng Family, visibly aged in an instant, and then in the shocked gaze of the crowd, he knelt before Feng Shuya.


    "Xiao Ya, the Feng Family owes you a lot. From today, the position of the Family Head will be yours to inherit. I beg you, for the sake of family, to ask Young Master Ling to spare the Feng Family!" Feng Wende said hoarsely.


    He was well aware that the only hope for the Feng Family today rested solely on Feng Shuya, and now only Feng Xiao''s lineage remained; they could not afford to lose it.


    Feng Shuya remained silent. Except for her parents, she had no connection to others. Who had considered her when the n offered her up to please Vermilion Bird?


    Thus, for the people of the Feng Family, to help was a favor; not to help was her right. The so-called position of Family Head, she did not covet.


    Feng Wenshan, after a long hesitation and visibly struggling, finally spoke for the first time!


    "Xiao Ya!" Feng Wenshan called tentatively.


    Feng Shuya pondered, she could not ignore her father''s words, but she also did not want Ling Fan to change anything because of her.


    "Today, for Shu Ya''s sake, it ends here. If there''s disloyalty, not even the dogs and chickens will be spared!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Feng Wende knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly, "Thank you, Young Master Ling, for your immense generosity!"


    Feng Shuya bit her red lips, her heart filled with immense gratitude. Ling Fan had acted this way to keep her from being ced in a difficult situation; otherwise, no one would leave a threat uneradicated, risking future troubles.


    Ling Fan looked at Feng Shuya, "Now that you are the Head of Feng Family, you handle the remaining matters, the Long Family is my concern!"


    The past enmity was solely Feng Xuehai''s fault, already punished; he was not a man fond of killing, and as long as the Feng Family did not court death, it wouldn''t hurt to give them a chance.


    After advising Feng Shuya, Ling Fan floated back home.


    "You have left Feng Family..." Xiao Chubing looked at the blood-stained Ling Fan, her heart somewhat rmed.


    Ling Fan returned home and briefly instructed Vermilion Bird, also asking her to arrange for someone to secretly protect Feng Shuya for the next few days to guard against any tricks Vermilion Bird might try.


    "I had a deep-seated grudge against Feng Xuehai, and I have sent him to Huangquan to atone," said Ling Fan as he hurriedly entered the bathroom. "I''m going to take a shower first!" He didn''t want to frighten Xiao Chubing with his gruesome, bloodstained appearance.


    When he came out again, he had changed out of his blood-soaked clothes. "I didn''t frighten you just now, did I?"


    Xiao Chubing looked at the familiar figure in front of her and shook her head. "No, it''s just that it''s my first time seeing you like this. It''s a bit hard to adapt, but I''ll get used to it gradually!"


    On the bed, Ling Fan tenderly spoke, embracing Xiao Chubing, "My world is full of strife and bloodshed. Can you ept it?"


    Xiao Chubing gently rested her cheek against Ling Fan''s chest. "No matter what your world is like, you must promise me that you will never leave me!"


    A boundless gentleness filled Ling Fan''s eyes. "I''m just afraid that one day you will be bored, weary, and tired, because my worldcks simplicity and truth, at least not for now..."


    Xiao Chubing raised her hand to interrupt Ling Fan, her eyes firm. "As long as you never leave, I will stay with you in life and in death!"


    Ling Fan remained silent, simply tightening his embrace around Xiao Chubing. After the incident at the Feng Family, the two did nothing but quietly snuggle together and drifted into dreams.


    The next morning, bright and early,


    At the entrance to Xiao Chubing''s vi, Xiao Zhengping stood outside, hesitating. He had been standing there for two hours already.


    Xiao Family had learned aboutst night''s incident at the Feng Family. Although the Feng Family had locked down the information, the Xiao Family had gleaned some clues due to their rtionship with the Li Family.


    The Xiao Family regretted their actions from a few days ago. Eventually, Xiao Zheng decided to let Xiao Zhengping personally visit to make the utmost effort to make amends.


    But standing outside the vi, Xiao Zhengping knew better than anyone how much they had scorned Ling Fan in the past, and even if his heart was made of iron, it had already been wounded beyond repair.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What troubled him most was that in just a few days, Ling Fan had suddenly be a figure that the two great ns of Binzhou looked up to. Even now, it felt like a dream to him, utterly surreal.


    "Creak..."


    The vi''s gate opened, and the two figures of Xiao Chubing walked out.


    The sight of Xiao Zhengping instantly surprised them both; they hadn''t expected him to appear here.


    "What are you doing here?" Xiao Chubing frowned. The Xiao Family was nowhere to be seen when in need but always appeared to add glory to their own name.


    Xiao Zhengping took a deep breath, bing somewhat constrained upon seeing Ling Fan, and forced a smile, "Xiao Bing, there were some things Dad did wrong before. Dad is here today to apologize!"


    Ling Fan stood by without interjecting, understanding and epting whatever decision Xiao Chubing made.


    Xiao Chubing pondered, "There''s no need for apologies. Being weak is the original sin. If I were strong enough, the Xiao Family would not have treated me the way they did before, much like your apology today."


    Xiao Zhengping''s old face blushed, as what Xiao Chubing said was true. The Xiao Family''s behavior had certainly been influential, and at this moment, even he could not find a better rebuttal.


    "Xiao Bing, no matter what, we are father and daughter. You bear the Xiao Family''s bloodline. Whatever the family owes you, we will definitely make it up.


    Today, I am here not just on my own behalf but representing the entire Xiao Family!" Xiao Zhengping said sincerely.


    Xiao Chubing, with aplex look on her face, responded, "Don''t you think it''s already toote for all this?"


    "No, as long as you give me, give the Xiao Family a chance, the family will never let you down again!" Seeing Xiao Chubing''s softening stance, Xiao Zhengping immediately pledged.


    Xiao Chubing pondered for a moment and then spoke indifferently under Xiao Zhengping''s eager gaze, "If there is any sentiment left between us, then it was thest straw that broke the camel''s back when you forced the marriage. The bond is broken, the affection is exhausted!


    Furthermore, I am not your biological daughter, nor do I have any blood rtion to the Xiao Family. You never treated me as your daughter before, so why force this rtionship now?"


    Upon hearing the final statement, Xiao Zhengping''s face instantly became stiff, and even Ling Fan who was beside him was shocked!

 Chapter 53: Invitation

    "You....." Xiao Zhengping, having snapped back to reality, wore a look of disbelief.


    "Yes, grandfather told me the truth before he passed away!" Xiao Chubing said calmly.


    Ling Fan was surprised, his gaze sweeping over the father and daughter, thinking to himself, "No wonder the Xiao Family treated Xiao Chubing this way!"


    He had not asked Vermilion Bird to investigate the Xiao Family; he had thought before that Xiao Zhengping simply had a strong preference for sons over daughters. Now he finally understood.


    "I¡¯m sorry, after all, we are father and daughter. Can you give me a chance to make amends?" Xiao Zhengping sighed deeply.


    "For grandfather¡¯s sake, Ling Fan didn¡¯t target the Xiao Family. Our father-daughter bonds are severed; please, take your leave!" Xiao Chubing¡¯s attitude was resolute.


    Toward the Xiao Family, she felt little sense of belonging. That she wasn¡¯t targeting them now was already a concession to past affection.


    Xiao Zhengping hesitated, knowing it was futile to say more. Once people¡¯s hearts have cooled, it¡¯s not so easy to warm them up again.


    "Ling Fan, I know that the Xiao Family¡¯s previous actions have also hurt you, and I don¡¯t expect your forgiveness! But I owe Chu Bing a lot and hope you can treat her well; don¡¯t leave her!" Xiao Zhengping earnestly pleaded.


    Ling Fan nodded indifferently, "Rest assured, she will definitely have a better life than with the Xiao Family!"


    Xiao Zhengping¡¯s expression grew somber; he knew he had no right to speak words of concern here, as speaking more would just seem pretentious.


    "I won¡¯t disturb you further. If you need anything, the Xiao Family will do its utmost to help!" Xiao Zhengping instructed, then left dejectedly.


    As the old saying goes, forge ties before someone rises to prominence. Now that he thought of making amends, it was already toote.


    But whom could he me? Had they possessed half of the old master¡¯s virtue, they would not have ended up where they were.


    After Xiao Zhengping left, Ling Fan gently advised, "Don¡¯t think too much, you still have me!"


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s eyes reddened slightly, and she nodded, "I just want to know where my biological parents are, why they abandoned me back then!"


    Ling Fan put his arm around Xiao Chubing, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll think of a way to help you!"


    "Mhm, thank you!" Xiao Chubing nodded.


    "Let¡¯s go, thepany still has a lot of matters to deal with, everything will be alright!" Ling Fan offered an encouraging smile.


    Just then, an off-road vehicle pulled up in front of them.


    Qi He and Lu Jinglun got out of the car and immediately bowed, "Young Master Ling, we apologize for the intrusion, please forgive us!"


    Ling Fan frowned slightly, wondering what this guy wanted, "Is there something you need from me?"


    Lu Jinglun quickly stepped forward with a conciliatory smile, "Young Master Ling, Brother Qi hase today with an important invitation!"


    "Hmm?" Ling Fan frowned.


    Qi He hastily spoke up, "The thing is, I would like to invite Young Master Ling to join the Martial Arts Pavilion at the academy!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fan was taken aback, then pondered for a moment, feeling a bit surprised and also a bit tempted.


    At Binzhou University there was a daughter of an old friend of his mother. Vermilion Bird had investigated her before, and he was eager to check it out.


    But to take a look didn¡¯t necessarily mean he had to join that what¡¯s-it-called Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Looking at Qi He, who was earnestly waiting for an answer, Ling Fan gently shook his head, "I¡¯m not interested!"


    Seeing Ling Fan¡¯s disinterest, Qi He immediately panicked. He was responsible for Jiangbei¡¯s recruitment in the five major regions of Huaxia and had been at the bottom for nine consecutive sessions. He definitely did not want to add a tenth.


    Having finally met such a talent, he was pinning his hopes on Ling Fan to vindicate himself, so he was not about to let go easily.


    "Young Master Ling, as a martial artist, you must understand the importance of resources. With your talent, you could enter Zhongnan Academy, where the resources are certainly the richest in all of Huaxia. As long as you join Zhongnan, it¡¯s all benefits and no harm. Some resources, even if not used by you, can be enjoyed by your friends and family!" Qi He quickly tried to persuade him.


    Ling Fan was about to decline again when he suddenly looked at Xiao Chubing beside him.


    He thought to himself, "Right, even if I don¡¯t use them, my woman can. In the future, if Xiao Chubing wants to follow me, she must embark on the path of cultivating martial arts. And all of it relies on martial arts resources; Zhongnan is a good choice."


    "Okay," Ling Fan nodded faintly.


    Qi He, seeing that Ling Fan had agreed, heaved a silent sigh of relief.


    "Please wait, Young Master Ling, I will make the arrangements right away!" he said, then stepped aside to make a phone call.


    "Xiao Bing, why don¡¯t you go to thepany first? I¡¯ll visit the academy with Old Qi to take a look," Ling Fan said.


    Xiao Chubing nodded, "That¡¯s fine, then be careful yourself!"


    Lu Jinglun stood by cautiously, filled with reverence. He knew all about what had happened at the Feng Family yesterday.


    Remembering how he had foolishly carried a coffin to cause trouble for Ling Fan, his back broke into a cold sweat. Who would have thought that the coffin would end up being used by Feng Xuehai?


    "Young Master Ling, I¡¯ve contacted the principal. You are temporarily assigned to ss Three, Year Two of the Management Department. You¡¯re just there in name only. As for the Martial Arts Pavilion, which one do you n to choose? I can introduce you," said Qi He, returning from his call, eagerly speaking.


    "Isn¡¯t there a Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion in the school?" Ling Fan asked.


    Qi He nodded, somewhat surprised that Ling Fan already knew about it.


    "Won¡¯t Young Master Ling reconsider? That Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion is at the bottom among the school¡¯s pavilions andcks skilled practitioners!" Qi He hesitated to say.


    "No need, I¡¯ll go with that one. Just arrange it!" Ling Fan replied indifferently.


    "No problem. I¡¯ll notify the school right away!" Qi He agreed.


    An hourter, outside Binzhou University. Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Ling Fan looked at the school motto ¡¯Broad Learning, Aspiring Will¡¯ with some emotion. He had never attended school; it was the old man who taught him to read and write.


    Things like the Hundred Family Surnames, the Three Character ssic, the Tao Te Ching, the Analects, and so on. He thought Qi He should have enrolled him in a Chinese Studies Department or something ¨C the Management Department didn¡¯t seem quite right.


    Walking into the campus, it was clean, fresh, with flower beds andrge expanses ofwns, rows of ginkgo trees lining the roadsides, green being the sole color.


    Watching the hurried students carrying books passing by, Ling Fan felt a wave of emotion. This ce was one of the few purends left in the world.


    "Ling Fan?" A pleasant voice with a hint of hesitation sounded from behind.


    Ling Fan, who was lost in thought, turned around only to see the bright and cheerful face before him. Slightly stunned, he then revealed a faint smile.

 Chapter 54: Halt

    "What a coincidence!" Ling Fan greeted.


    The one who called out to him was none other than Xu Miaotong, who he hadn¡¯t seen for several days.


    "Is it really you?" Xu Miaotong¡¯s surprise was surpassed only by her joy.


    "Brother Fan, why are you at the school? Are you looking for me?"


    Just as Ling Fan was about to speak, he saw a beauty beside them pulling Xu Miaotong with a puzzled face. "Xiao Tong, shouldn¡¯t you introduce me? Who is this?"


    Pressed by her best friend, Xu Miaotong, somewhat shyly, hurriedly introduced him, "His name is Ling Fan. I met him at work, and he¡¯s a really nice guy!"


    At the same time, she introduced her friend to Ling Fan, "This is my bestie, her name is He Jiayi. She¡¯s one of the top ten campus beauties."


    Xu Miaotong introduced them, a look of pride on her face.


    He Jiayi¡¯s eyes went round with shock. Xu Miaotong had always been cold to any male student at school. But here she was, so enthusiastic about a guy who looked so average?


    He Jiayi immediately stepped in front of Xu Miaotong and pointed at Ling Fan,manding, "Kid, Miaotong might be naive, but I¡¯m not that simple. I won¡¯t sit by and watch her get taken advantage of for her wealth or seduced!"


    Ling Fan coughed, amused inwardly, but he didn¡¯t have a bad impression of He Jiayi.


    Xu Miaotong, embarrassed, quickly pulled He Jiayi aside and whispered, "Jiayi, stop talking nonsense. Brother Fan isn¡¯t that kind of person!"


    He Jiayi, with her hands on her hips, her face twitching with anger, chastised Xu Miaotong as if heartbroken, "I wondered why you¡¯ve been acting so strangetely, always lost in thought. It turns out this kid has charmed you.


    The outside world isplicated. Those scumbag men with ulterior motives are eyeing college girls like us, naive and easy to deceive, taking both their money and love. You¡¯d better keep your eyes open!"


    Ling Fan looked at the fuming He Jiayi and muttered to himself, "Do I really look like a bad guy?"


    Xu Miaotong, red-faced and chastised, was about to exin when she heard He Jiayi exim, "Oh no, I¡¯m going to bete for ss. I can¡¯t deal with you guys right now."


    And with that, she hurried off.


    Xu Miaotong let out a sigh of relief, a bit awkwardly. "She¡¯s just like that, outspoken, but she¡¯s really nice. Don¡¯t be mad, okay?"


    Ling Fan smiled. "Hehe, she¡¯s quite a spirited girl. Don¡¯t you have sses today?"


    "I don¡¯t have ss this morning. You haven¡¯t been to Sister Ying¡¯s bar these past few days. You won¡¯t be going there again, will you?" Xu Miaotong asked with a hint of disappointment.


    "Hmm, give her my regards when you go back. If there¡¯s any trouble, you can alwayse to me," Ling Fan nodded.


    "Xu Miaotong, who is he?" At that moment, an icy voice interjected.


    Upon hearing that, Xu Miaotong¡¯s face changed slightly.


    Ling Fan turned toward the voice and saw a bullish-looking male student walking over with an ugly expression.


    "Kid, I don¡¯t care what you do, but stay away from Xu Miaotong, or I¡¯ll break your damn legs," the male student threatened Ling Fan coldly.


    "Zhang Chao, what do you want?" Xu Miaotong stepped in front of Ling Fan and berated him angrily.


    Themotion immediately caught the attention of passing students, who stopped to watch.


    "Isn¡¯t that Zhang Chao? That guy has been chasing Campus Belle Xu for a long time. So Campus Belle Xu already has a boyfriend, no wonder Zhang Chao has been unsessful!" someone in the crowd whispered.


    Seeing the goddess of his dreams defending another man in front of him, Zhang Chao felt like he was about to explode. His eyes seemed like they could shoot out mes.


    "That¡¯s terrible, the poor guy might be in trouble now. Zhang Chao is not someone to mess with. His brother, Zhang Fei, is a master at Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    I rememberst time someone else who was pursuing Xu Miaotong got his arms and legs broken by the people of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion," someone said with rm.


    Zhang Chao¡¯s face turned cold. "If I didn¡¯t hear wrong just now, this guy is supposed to be a dropout who works, right? You¡¯re actually with such trash?"


    "What? That guy isn¡¯t from our school? And he¡¯s a dropout who¡¯s working? Damn, that trash is trying to hit on our Campus Belle Xu?" someone eximed in shock.


    At this, everyone looked at Xu Miaotong with an expression of regret as if a fine piece of jade had fallen into the mud.


    Continue reading stories on empire


    "Ling Fan, let¡¯s go!" Xu Miaotong ignored the odd looks from the crowd.


    Zhang Chao¡¯s face turned ashen as he scoffed, "Damn it, did I say you could go? You can leave, but that runt stays. Damn, am I worse than a working dropout?"


    "You..." Xu Miaotong trembled with anger.


    "Unreasonable. Ling Fan, let¡¯s not bother with him," Xu Miaotong said, pulling Ling Fan to leave.


    Ling Fan, silent, hesitated for a moment but still followed Xu Miaotong and turned to leave.


    "Damn, no way. After such provocation, he actually hides behind a woman and doesn¡¯t even dare to let out a fart. That¡¯s just too cowardly!" someone whispered in disbelief.


    "Damn, such a fresh flower stuck on cow dung!" someonemented, stamping their feet in frustration.


    "Brother Chao, the goddess of our school shouldn¡¯t be cheapened by this garbage. You can¡¯t lose face for Binzhou University!" Seeing Ling Fan being so cowardly, someone immediately jumped out to instigate.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Chao, seeing that Ling Fan hadn¡¯t said a word from beginning to end and even conceded defeat to leave, his contempt grew stronger.


    Not the slightest bit of hesitation remained in his heart now. Even if he couldn¡¯t have Xu Miaotong, to grind this wimp into the ground in front of the goddess would still be a satisfying revenge.


    Fueled by the crowd¡¯s instigating, a fierce look crossed Zhang Chao¡¯s eyes as he shouted at Ling Fan¡¯s retreating figure, "Stop! Have I freaking allowed you to leave?"


    PS: Cough... Starfire has once again bubbled up uninvited. After careful consideration, to thank everyone for their support and affection, Starfire has decided to post additional updates based on the writing progress on top of the current three chapters a day schedule!


    Also, as the story develops, it will be even more exciting. Starfire believes that there will be many more surprises for everyone. Thank you again, and Starfire hopes to continue the journey with all of you, to witness the rise of Ling Fan (Ling Beiming)!

 Chapter 55 Ignorance Is Fearless

    Ling Fan paused, listening to themotion around him. He had just entered the campus today and didn''t want to cause trouble, originally thinking this Ivory Tower was a sanctuary amid the tumultuous world outside.


    He sighed to himself, "Indeed, as the saying goes, where there are people, there is the martial world; no ce is an exception."


    Seeing Ling Fan stop, Xu Miaotong couldn''t help but feel nervous. She knew Ling Fan was skilled, but this was school, not the outside world.


    Moreover, Zhang Chao''s brother was a master at the Martial Arts Pavilion, an entity you simply did not provoke at school. Common students would avoid them, and it wasn''t wise for Ling Fan, a neer, to make enemies with the Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Most importantly, this trouble had started because of her, and she didn''t want to drag Ling Fan into it.


    "Brother Fan, don''t stoop to their level, let''s go!" Xu Miaotong urged as she pulled on Ling Fan.


    Ling Fan''s face remained expressionless; after hesitating for a moment, he started walking away.


    Immediately, a whistle sounded from the crowd, "Fuck, I''ve seen cowards before, but never one like this!"


    Zhang Chao''s face turned ashen. Xu Miaotong''s words just now had really irked him. What did she mean by not stooping to his level?


    "Shit, this wimp didn''t dare to make a peep from start to finish, just because he couldn''t be bothered to stoop to my level?" Zhang Chao was angry, utterly furious.


    Xu Miaotong could never have imagined that her well-intentioned words would end uppletely infuriating Zhang Chao.


    "Brother Chao, let it go. The guy can''t be bothered with you; don''t make a fool of yourself. What if he is tougher than he looks, and it backfires on us!" someone taunted sarcastically.


    Listening to the cold taunts and mockery around her, Xu Miaotong felt a mix of shame and anger. But she knew now was not the time to argue with these people, just wanting to hurry Ling Fan away.


    But the enraged Zhang Chao wasn''t about to let them leave easily. He moved quickly, blocking their path.


    "Sorry, even though you won''t stoop to my level, I''m petty and really want a piece of you!" Zhang Chao pointed at Ling Fan with a mocking face.


    "Wanna leave, huh? Alright, but you''ll have to crawl between my legs first!" he said, pointing down at his crotch.


    The surrounding crowd instantly erupted. A goddess from among the top ten beauties of Binzhou University, caught by an outsider from off-campus¡ªthis incited an instinctual rejection of Ling Fan from the onlookers.


    "Guess whether he''ll crawl under or not. Han Xin ended up being ennobled precisely because he could endure such humiliation!" someone gloated maliciously.


    "Pfft, Han Xin my ass. A coward is a coward, why make excuses? If he does crawl today, let''s see if he can be like Han Xin!" another sneered.


    Unable to bear it any longer, Xu Miaotong pointed at Zhang Chao with a furious face, "Zhang Chao, you''ve crossed the line. What do you want to do? Acting like this will only make you more repulsive!"


    "Shut up, I just don''t understand. How is this coward better than me? If you think he is better, today I''ll let you see how your beloved man crawls under me!" Zhang Chao''s face was fierce.


    "Kid, I''ll tell you the truth, either break up with Xiao Tong right now or crawl under here. Let your woman see for herself how much of a coward her favorite man is!"


    Furious, Xu Miaotong trembled all over, pointing at Zhang Chao, "You...are utterly unreasonable..."


    Ling Fan, who had been silent, shed a hint of coldness in his eyes, though the other party was nothing but an ant in his sight. But if this ant was courting death, he wouldn''t mind crushing it with a lift of his hand.


    Ling Fan moved, stepping past Xu Miaotong toward Zhang Chao.


    "Brother Fan, we''re at school, don''t be too impulsive. His life isn''t worth it!" Xu Miaotong panicked.


    A few days ago at the bar, she still vividly remembered that incident. Ling Fan would kill at the slightest provocation, but this was a school, and a death here would spell big trouble!


    "Don''t worry, I know my limits!" Ling Fan said lightly, trying to offer some reassurance.


    "Shit, you make it sound like I''m really scared! Come on, kid, lose your cool today and let everyone learn something. Let''s see how terrifying you can be when you lose it!" Zhang Chao said with a face full of sarcasm.


    "Hahaha, Brother Chao is so funny, he insults people without even using foulnguage!" someone in the crowd couldn''t help butugh loudly.


    "Look at this guy''s skinny frame. Brother Chao''s arms are thicker than his legs. I bet he''s going to end up kneeling and begging for mercy!" another person snickered.


    Although Zhang Chao wasn''t a member of the Martial Arts Pavilion, he paid close attention to fitness, and on top of his naturallyrge frame and muscr build, he was like a powerhouse, no ordinary person could match him.


    Hearing the surrounding discussions, Zhang Chao felt aloof and proud as he watched Ling Fan approach.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Ling Fan stopped one meter in front of Zhang Chao.


    "Were you serious just now?" Ling Fan asked, looking at Zhang Chao indifferently.


    "Heh, do I look like I''m joking?" Zhang Chao replied with a sneer.


    Xu Miaotong''s face turned pale, her heart extremely anxious, yet she could do nothing to help and could only pray Ling Fan would indeed keep his cool.


    "Do you think he will actually go through with it?" someone in the crowd watched Ling Fan, secretly hopeful.


    "If he really does this, that''d make him the biggest coward ever, the fighter jet among chickens. But, I think he''ll give up on the goddess and choose to break up!" another person muttered to himself analytically.


    Ling Fan sighed deeply, "Truly ignorance without fear!"


    Saying this, he slowly bent down and crouched on the ground.


    "Fuck, fuck, is he really doing it? Damn, this is too embarrassing. Campus Belle Xu actually fell for such a spineless man?" someone said in disbelief.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xu Miaotong clenched her teeth, tears in her eyes. She knew too well what kind of man Ling Fan was; how domineering and proud he had been at the bar against the Li Family, the Feng Family! When had he ever faced such humiliation? And today, it was all because of her!


    "Hahaha, Xu Miaotong, open your eyes wide and see clearly. This is the man you like, and now he''s going to crawl under my crotch like a dog!" Zhang Chaoughed heartily, feeling as refreshed as if he had eaten ice cream on a hot summer day.


    In this world, there was nothing more satisfying than trampling your rival beneath your feet in front of your goddess!


    "Are you done talking?" Ling Fan slowly stood up.


    "Huh? Did I tell you to get up? What, don''t want to go through with it? Having regrets?" Zhang Chao smirked provocatively at Xu Miaotong not too far away.


    It clearly meant that the man she liked was about to voluntarily break up with her!


    "I was just tying my shoces. Was there really a need for all that excitement?" Ling Fan said calmly.


    The next second, a sudden change urred. Ling Fan kicked out fiercely, striking Zhang Chao right in the groin. Nearly two hundred kilograms of weight was shockingly sent flying into the air by Ling Fan.


    In midair, Zhang Chao thought he heard the sound of eggs cracking, his mind going nk.


    The onlookers were dumbfounded, about to utter jeers, but they all seemed as if their necks had been mped like ducks'', unable to utter a sound.


    Xu Miaotong shivered, her mind slightly dizzy. Ling Fan had hit Zhang Chao, and things were about to escte!

 Chapter 56 Can you give me a demonstration?

    "Boom!"


    Zhang Chao flew out seven or eight meters before crashing to the ground, his brain seemingly emptied, even forgetting to scream out in pain.


    The onlookers, with the boom of Zhang Chao''snding, were brought back to reality, involuntarily gasping in shock.


    "How could this happen?"


    "Did I just see things? What exactly happened?"


    Everyone looked at each other, as if in a dream.


    "Gulp!"


    Someone swallowed hard and said with a raspy voice, "It seems we misjudged, this guy actually has some skills! Zhang Chao seems to be quite unlucky, is that thing ruined? I think I just heard the sound of an egg cracking."


    The crowd shivered and subconsciously clenched their legs together, sympathetically looking towards Zhang Chao who was curled up on the ground in the distance.


    Zhang Chao heard the people whispering around him and subconsciously moved his leg, only to realize in horror that he had no feeling in his lower body!


    He turned pale with fear, his heart falling into an abyss, wondering if he would have to spend the rest of his life as a cripple reliant on a wheelchair?


    "Brother Fan, you should get out of here, hurry home, his brother is a master at Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, he will definitely seek revenge on you!" Xu Miaotong pulled Ling Fan urgently.


    She never dreamed that Ling Fan''s first day at school would bring such big trouble because of her, and she felt even more guilty.


    Just then, the crowd witnessing the scene suddenly changed their expressions and began to back away.


    A man, built like a tiger with a bear''s waist, strode forward¡ªit was none other than Zhang Chao''s brother, Zhang Meng!


    His bronze muscles were like those of a steel tower, far beyond what Zhang Chao could achieve with just fitness training.


    "What the hell are you all doing here? Got nothing better to do, gathering around like a circle of candles making a heart-shaped love plea? You lot have too much free time on your hands, always messing with useless things!" Zhang Meng''s voice boomed like a bell, echoing throughout the area.


    Xu Miaotong saw the neer and her face turned pale, "It''s toote, we can''t even get away now!"


    Zhang Meng nced at Ling Fan and Xu Miaotong, who were the center of attention amidst the crowd, realizing it was this little couple that caused such amotion. It looked like their romantic episode had just ended, and he, a passerby, had missed out on the excitement.


    Surrounding them was an eerie silence; not a single person made a sound. Everyone had a strange look on their face as they watched the three people in the center and the Zhang Chao lying on the ground.


    Hearing the neer''s voice, Zhang Chao''s tears started to flow, "Brother..."


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Meng frowned and squinted in the direction of the voice. He was slightly myopic and hadn''t been paying attention to anyone but Ling Fan and Xu Miaotong.


    "Chaozi? What are you doing lying there?" Zhang Meng eximed in surprise.


    "Brother, take revenge for me. He''s a transfer student from outside the school, and I can''t move now. My lower part must have been ruined by that bastard!" Zhang Chao pointed viciously at Ling Fan.


    Zhang Meng''s face changed dramatically. His brother might not be very promising, always causing trouble with Zhang Meng''s name, but he hadn''t really done anything too outrageous.


    Even if he bumped into a young master with some background, they would still give Zhang Meng face and not be so harsh.


    "Kid, you did this?" Zhang Meng red with bulging eyes, as if ready to devour someone.


    Ling Fan gently patted Xu Miaotong''s hand and showed aforting smile.


    Then he stepped forward and said, "It was me, got a problem with that?"


    The onlookers'' expressions shifted subtly. Was this kid seeking death? Didn''t he know that Zhang Meng was from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion?


    "Kid, since you are new here, let me inform you of the rules. Zhang Chao is under my protection. I am Zhang Meng, one of the eight top experts of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    This is one of the few schools in Jiangbei that is different from ordinary universities. Here, martial arts pavilions can engage inbats that may lead to injuries, but not death.


    At the same time, students of the martial arts pavilions may not strike ordinary students. You have vited this taboo, as Zhang Chao is not from a martial arts pavilion.


    Therefore, I will not take your life. To be fair, you, take a knife and castrate yourself!" Zhang Meng''s tone was indifferent,manding even.


    "Brother, I want him dead!" Zhang Chao ground out through clenched teeth.


    Zhang Meng fell silent; no one dared to challenge the school''s authority and rules.


    "Kid, I''m giving you a chance. If I have to do it myself, it won''t be so simple!" Zhang Meng said coldly.


    "Let me remind you again, no matter what status you have outside, it''s useless here. The power behind the martial arts pavilions is beyond your imagination. You''d best put away any sneaky thoughts!"


    The onlookers watched the scene unfold before them quietly, their eyes alight with excitement and agitation. Although they were shocked when Zhang Chao got beaten up, they felt more ashamed; it was a blow to their pride.


    Now that Zhang Meng had taken action, hope flickered once more in their eyes, especially after hearing his words. They had also heard of the mystery surrounding the martial arts pavilions and felt even more confident.


    "Damn, he dares to be so arrogant in the face of the Martial Arts Pavilion, he must be tired of living!" someone muttered under their breath.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Heh, I''ve long heard that there''s more to the Martial Arts Pavilion than meets the eye. I don''t see how this kid can dodge this cmity today!" another sneered.


    Xu Miaotong was tense. As a part of Binzhou University, she''d heard many rumors about the Martial Arts Pavilion over the past two years and was even more worried for Ling Fan.


    "Zhang Meng, it was your brother who insulted someone first. Ling Fan was merely defending himself. Everyone here can bear witness. Are you trying to bully others with your power?" Xu Miaotong couldn''t help but stand up to defend Ling Fan.


    At the same time, she looked around with a pleading expression.


    "Oh? Someone can bear witness?" Zhang Meng unconsciously raised his voice, scanning the surroundings.


    These people were already indifferent to Ling Fan. Now, faced with Zhang Meng and the Martial Arts Pavilion behind him, who would dare be so foolish as to jump out?


    Seeing that no one around was willing to speak out, Xu Miaotong felt an influx of injustice, and her eyes nearly brimmed with tears.


    "Excuse me, am I deaf? Why haven''t I heard anyonee forward to testify?" Zhang Meng swept a nce at Xu Miaotong dismissively.


    Then, turning to Ling Fan, he suddenly exploded, "How dare you injure my brother. No matter the reason, you have to pay a price. Today I''ll bully you with my power, and what can you do about it? These are my rules!"


    Zhang Meng''s voice boomed, causing the onlookers'' eardrums to ache.


    Having said that, he drew a dagger that gleamed with a chilly light from his body. With a flick of his wrist, the dagger traced a bright arc through the air, and as if it had eyes, itnded right by Ling Fan''s feet.


    "Do it yourself. You really don''t want me to do it for you!" Zhang Meng spoke gravely.


    The onlookers dared not even breathe heavily, and upon seeing the gleaming dagger, they all felt a chill below the belt.


    Ling Fan was silent, looking down at the dagger at his feet. He smirked, "Not a bad dagger, but as for taking a knife to castration, I''ve only heard of Dongfang Bubai doing it. I''ve never actually seen it in reality. Why don''t you demonstrate it for me?"


    As Ling Fan''s words fell, the onlookers were all petrified!


    Zhang Meng''s eyes bulged as he froze!


    Zhang Chao, lying on the ground, looked astounded!


    Xu Miaotong''s heart tightened. This was escting rapidly!

 Chapter 57 Ill Go See Whats Happening

    "What the fuck did you just say?" Zhang Meng dug his ear.


    "Take your useless little brother and disappear from my sight immediately. I don''t want to cause trouble today, and besides, you''re too weak, not my match!" Ling Fan shook his head.


    It was his first day here, and he truly didn''t want to stir up trouble. In his eyes, the Martial Arts Pavilion of this school was nothing special. There weren''t any real masters, and to make a move against these people would be a bit of a bully.


    "Damn it, you dare to look down upon me, Zhang Meng? You actually dared to insult me, saying I''m not your match?" Zhang Meng looked at Ling Fan, who appeared nonchnt in front of him.


    In his eyes, he could beat eight of the likes of Ling Fan with just one hand.


    The next second, Zhang Meng bellowed and charged at Ling Fan like a moving fortress. The mere inertial impact of his body could smash through a wall, let alone a person.


    Seeing Zhang Meng make his move, everyone made way, but upon looking at Ling Fan, he remained indifferent, standing still.


    "Has that kid been scared stupid? Zhang Meng is nicknamed ''Iron Bull.'' If he gets hit by that, he won''t die but will end up in the hospital for half a year!" someone couldn''t help but murmur.


    "Ling Fan, dodge quickly!" Xu Miaotong eximed.


    She saw Zhang Meng charge like a moving human-shaped machine and secretly worried for Ling Fan, her heart rising to her throat.


    "That''s it, that kid is dead meat!" one person sighed.


    "Even if he ends upid up in the hospital for half a year, it''s better than castrating himself with a knife!" another shook his head.


    In a sh, Zhang Meng swung his iron-like fists smashing towards Ling Fan.


    "Kid, you dare underestimate me, Zhang Meng? I''ll let you know what regret is!" Zhang Meng roared ferociously.


    In the nick of time, Ling Fan moved gracefully, shaping his fingers into ws, one hand gripping the opponent''s wrist, the other hand clutching his shoulder.


    Then, with a slight twist of his body, he executed the "Four Liang to Move a Thousand Jin" technique, directly throwing Zhang Meng over his head using the opponent''s inertia.


    Zhang Meng had never anticipated this oue. In mid-air, he was like a kite with its string cut, flying more than ten meters before crashing to the ground.


    ''Boom''¡ªit was like a car crash. The concrete flower bed was overturned, leaving Zhang Meng seeing stars, bleeding from his head, and unable to get up for a long time.


    The onlookers looked at each other in disbelief, unable toprehend what had just happened.


    Ling Fan was disinterested; this Zhang Meng hadn''t even crossed the threshold of being a Martial Artist, possessing nothing but brute force.


    Lying on the ground, Zhang Chao''s thoughts were in disarray. That was his most admired older brother, Zhang Meng, invincible in his heart. Had he just been tossed aside like trash?


    As for Xu Miaotong, she breathed a sigh of relief internally; she''d been afraid Ling Fan mightmit murder at the slightest provocation.


    "Step, step, step!"


    Ling Fan walked step by step towards Zhang Meng, twirling the dagger in his hand.


    It took quite a while for Zhang Meng to catch his breath. When he saw Ling Fan standing in front of him, his heart quivered with more shame than fear.


    His strength was his advantage, but his obvious w was hisck of agility.


    In the bout they just had, he keenly felt that Ling Fan had defeated him not through strength, but skill.


    If it were a face-to-face fight, fist against fist, palm against palm, he had enough confidence he could beat Ling Fan down.


    "Victory for the king, defeat for the bandit. We from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion are not to be trifled with either. What do you want to do?" Zhang Mengy on the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood¡ªit was a heavy fall that had broken several of his ribs.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Ding!"


    Ling Fan dropped the dagger at his feet, "If you want revenge, you can find me at the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion. My name is Ling Fan.


    But remember, if you dare to mess with me again, you won''t be so lucky. I can give you a taste of what it''s like to ''castrate oneself with a knife''!


    Remember, don''t treat my words as hot air!"


    After finishing, he left with Xu Miaotong amidst the awed expressions of the onlookers.


    Zhang Meng''s eyes shot with humiliated light as he gritted his teeth and said, "Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion? Just you wait..."


    Ling Fan and Xu Miaotong walked along the secluded gravel path in the school, as if nothing had happened just now.


    "Brother Fan, I''m sorry, it''s my fault for causing you trouble!" Xu Miaotong med herself.


    "It has nothing to do with you. Sometimes, even if you don''t look for trouble, trouble will find you!" Ling Fanughed.


    Xu Miaotong hesitated slightly, "Are you sure it won''t be a problem? I''m worried Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion will cause you trouble!"


    "They''re just a bunch of jesters; I don''t take them seriously. Oh, by the way, this is my student ID, do you know where to go?" Ling Fan didn''t want to dwell on the matter and changed the subject promptly.


    Xu Miaotong took the student ID and saw the academy ss written on it, and said with suspicion, "You transferred into the Management department''s second year, ss 3?"


    "Yes. What''s the issue? It was randomly assigned to me by someone else!" Ling Fan asked curiously, not thinking Qi He would meddle with this detail.


    "Oh, no, it''s just¡­ you actually transferred to He Jiayi''s ss!" Xu Miaotong sounded slightly disappointed.


    She was also in the Management department but in a different ss than Ling Fan.


    "Heh, what a coincidence." Ling Fan thought of the girl He Jiayi and shook his head slightly.


    "Let me give you a tour around, andter I''ll stop by her dorm to give her a heads-up and have Jiayi look out for you!" Xu Miaotong giggled.


    Ling Fan felt moved by Xu Miaotong''s pure and sunny innocence, which was hard to find nowadays, like a clean te full of yearning for the world.


    Xu Miaotong turned into a tour guide, with Ling Fan following beside her, exining the origin of each building and inscription they passed...


    ...


    Campus infirmary.


    "Zhang Meng, what exactly happened? Who did this?" a fair-skinned boy frowned and asked.


    "Brother Li, it''s embarrassing to say, I was bested by a transfer student from outside the school!" Zhang Meng said angrily.


    "He''s that strong? You couldn''t even contend against him?"


    "Pah, strong my ass. He used a trick; we hadn''t even started fighting before I was thrown out.


    The injuries are from the fall, not from being hit. It''s also my fault for underestimating him!" Thinking about it made Zhang Meng fume.


    "Hm, your style is too forceful. You lose your advantage against an opponent who is good at dodging and has fluid movements. Even the strongest force is useless if it hits cotton!" Shen Li nodded in agreement.


    Zhang Meng looked dejected, "Brother Li, you''re absolutely right, but I couldn''t help it!"


    "Don''t be disheartened. If you perfect your style, it can be terrifying. By the way, do you know which ss that guy is in?" Shen Li asked.


    Liu Meng''s eyes lit up, "He mentioned it. He also said that if I''m not convinced, I should look for him at Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion. But next time, he won''t be so lucky. I''ll settle both old and new scores then!"


    "Heh, that''s quite the bold im!" Shen Li sneered.


    "Wait a minute, what did you say? Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion? That Martial Arts Academy one built entirely by women, rankedst?" Shen Li looked astonished.


    "Yes, absolutely sure. He said it himself, and many people were present at the time!" Zhang Meng said, his gaze flickering slightly.


    "Brother Li, I heard that Young Master Su doesn''t get along well with Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion. Could it be that Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion deliberately found a ringer to target us, to teach us a lesson or something?"


    Zhang Meng knew that Su Ziming from the pavilion didn''t get along with Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion''s president, Su Qiong, so he spected.


    He didn''t know if his guess was true, but it would certainly provoke Su Ziming or Brother Li present here to take action.


    "Hmph. It seems Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion has grown some guts, daring to provoke us, the seventh-ranked Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    I''m going to check it out myself. Just focus on your recovery; I''ll get the field back for you!" Shen Li said coldly.

 Chapter 58: Disaster Strikes from the Sky

    The Martial Arts Academy was a special area divided specifically by the school, where ordinary students seldom came.


    The entire Martial Arts Academy wasn¡¯trge, consisting only of two thirteen-story Martial Towers. They were separated by a short distance in the middle, and all the locations of Martial Arts Pavilions within the school were established within these two towers.


    Tower One had a better environment and only the top ten Martial Arts Pavilions in the academy were qualified to enter it.


    At that time, at the base of Tower Two.


    "Su Qiong, your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion had better hand over the murderer to me, or I will tten you today!" Shen Li said fiercely, with a cold expression.


    Su Qiong, one of the top ten beauties of Binzhou University, had be a legendary goddess in the eyes of the male students at Binzhou University due to her founding the school¡¯s only female Martial Arts Pavilion.


    At that moment, Su Qiong was visibly angry, "Shen Li, don¡¯t stir up trouble for no reason. Is it Su Ziming who sent you to make trouble?"


    Su Qiong¡¯s expression was unsightly. Shen Li was Su Ziming¡¯sckey, and Su Ziming was her cousin.


    The Su Family was a renowned noble family in Jincheng. Due to some incidents in the previous generation, her branch of the family was greatly ostracized within the n.


    As for what those incidents were, she had secretly inquired but the family was extremely secretive about it, treating it as a taboo.


    Moreover, aside from the older generation, no one knew what had happened back then.


    She and Su Ziming were enrolled in the same university. Normally, they didn¡¯t have much interaction, but ever since she founded the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, Su Ziming had frequentlye to cause trouble, essentially fearing she would surpass him and overshadow him.


    "Su Qiong, don¡¯t y dumb with me. Zhang Meng is lying in the medical room right now. The person who injured him is from your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion. Dozens of witnesses saw and heard it at the scene. Are you trying to deny it?" Shen Li asserted confidently.


    However, Su Qiong nced at the four timid girls and two boys behind her. Other than the three who hadn¡¯te due to sses today, the only person in the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion qualified to face Zhang Meng was Zhou Siyu.


    Zhang Meng was practicing a Body Refinement technique, and even she wasn¡¯t confident she could defeat him, let alone send that Iron Bull to the hospital. When had the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion ever hidden such an expert?


    Just then, an outstandingly poised beautiful girl approached. Seeing many people gathered below, she looked puzzled, but her expression changed slightly when she saw Shen Li.


    "Sister Su Qiong, has Shen Lie to cause trouble again?" the beauty asked as she arrived beside Su Qiong, eyeing Shen Li warily.


    "Zhou Siyu, this has nothing to do with you. You¡¯d better not meddle!" Shen Li warned.


    Zhou Siyu was the younger daughter of Patriarch Zhou Zhenxiong of the Zhou Family, and was quite spoiled. At school, most people wouldn¡¯t dare to offend this youngdy. If it hadn¡¯t been for Zhou Siyu being in the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, it would have likely disbanded long ago.


    "Shen Li, I warn you, you¡¯d better leave immediately!" Zhou Siyu huffed.


    Shen Li¡¯s face turned red with rage, but he restrained himself from teaching Zhou Siyu a lesson due to his regard for the Zhou Family.


    "Don¡¯t think you can act recklessly just because you are from the Zhou Family. I might tolerate you, but that doesn¡¯t mean Young Master Su is afraid of you!" Shen Li said with an ugly expression.


    Zhou Siyu ignored Shen Li and instead said to Su Qiong with a curious face, "I just received a notification from the teaching affairs leader saying a new member has joined our Martial Arts Pavilion. Have you seen them yet?"


    "A new member?" Su Qiong was puzzled.


    Shen Li was here demanding someone, and Zhou Siyu was talking about a new member in their Martial Arts Pavilion. She felt like she was grasping at something!


    "Shouldn¡¯t a new membere directly to me to report?" Su Qiong wondered internally.


    Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion has always had difficulties in recruiting, and the president herself has to lower her face to personally invite people several times. Now someone has entered through the back door?


    "Oh, this person is a transfer student who specifically contacted the higher-ups. As for why he parachuted into our Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, I¡¯m not sure either, but it seems he chose it himself!" Zhou Siyu exined.


    Su Qiong¡¯s heart stirred; could it be that the one who injured Zhang Meng was this neer? If Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion could have such an expert stationed, their strength could climb to the next level.


    But this guy seems too prone to cause trouble¡ªhaven¡¯t even met him officially yet, and he¡¯s already stirring up problems.


    "Do you know his name?" Su Qiong asked.


    "Ling Fan!" Zhou Siyu uttered the two words.


    Her heart was more curious than anyone¡¯s since the deposed heir of the Zhou Family was because of Ling Fan. For this, Zhou Zhenxiong had held internal family meetings. But was this Ling Fan the same as that Ling Fan?


    Suddenly, Shen Li beside her smacked his thigh fiercely, "Damn, right, the guy who hurt Liu Meng is called Ling Fan. He mentioned, ¡¯If not convinced,e find people at your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion.¡¯


    What, did this kid stir up trouble and then run off, leaving the mess for youdies to clean up?"


    Having said this, the dozen or so students watching burst intoughter.


    Zhou Siyu sneered, "Shen, don¡¯t swagger around here, who knows, maybe when you see Ling Fan, you¡¯ll be begging him for mercy!"


    These words of Zhou Siyu really stirred up a ho¡¯s nest; the few girls and boys under Su Qiong were so frightened they nearly fell to the ground.


    They all secretly groaned, "When could Miss Zhou¡¯s temper change; bragging should also have a limit. We haven¡¯t even met the neer, and you dare talk big. Aren¡¯t you making things ufortable for yourself?"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The onlookers looked at each other; could it be that the one parachuted into the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion is a top-notch boss? Someone who couldpete with the top three experts in the campus rankings?


    Shen Li, stunned for a moment, and as his thoughts returned, said angrily, "Alright, alright, I really want to see how he¡¯s going to make me beg for mercy!


    Damn it, all of you from Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion better kneel down and wait for your new member to arrive!"


    Su Qiong¡¯s expression changed, and she stood in front with Zhou Siyu, "Shen Li, don¡¯t go too far! Whatever the medical expenses, I¡¯llpensate."


    Among the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, only Su Qiong and Zhou Siyu could really hold their own, both being at the mid-stage of body tempering; however, Su Qiong was a bit stronger. The others were all at the early stage of body tempering, and some weren¡¯t even there.


    Shen Li had brought seven people with him, all at the mid-stage of body tempering. If a fight really broke out, it would be aplete rout.


    "Compensation? Damn it, do we look like we¡¯re short of money? Can money solve the issue of face and reputation for our Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion?" Shen Li said with a dark expression.


    He had brought so many masters today to cause a scene; if he left without making a mark, how could he face the higher-ups afterwards? How would his reputation fare?


    Themotion downstairs had attracted all the academy members who hadn¡¯t left the building, now totaling over a hundred people, formingyers inside and out.


    Seeing Shen Li leading the team, everyone shook their heads secretly. The Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion hade to trouble Su Qiong before, but it was the first time they had made such a big move.


    The crowd around Building 2 was silent, the gap between Building 1 and 2 felt like a chasm. Even if all the students of Building 2 were tied together, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against the opposing Martial Arts Pavilion.


    "Sister Qiong, worstes to worst we¡¯ll just fight it out. It¡¯s just a few days in the hospital anyway. With the school¡¯s rules, they won¡¯t dare to actually kill anyone!" a male student from behind Su Qiong stepped forward indignantly.

 Chapter 59 Too Much

    Zi Qiong turned her head and saw that stepping forward was Little Jia, who had just joined them, she felt deeply reassured.


    "Little Jia, step aside, don¡¯t get involved!" Zi Qiong instructed.


    Jia Yan had no foundation in martial arts and was no match for these people; she couldn¡¯t bear to watch her subordinate being humiliated.


    Jia Yan¡¯s face was resolute, "Sister Qiong, though I am not their match, I will absolutely not be a coward!"


    His family was poor and he was often bullied by a few hoodlums. It was because of Zi Qiong¡¯s warm help that, after joining the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, nobody dared to bully him anymore.


    "Fuck, he¡¯s even loyal, how touching! Come on, since you¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll indulge you today!" Shen Li sneered coldly.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhou Siyu stood in front of Jia Yan, "Dare to touch him and see what happens!"


    "We have eight people in total, it takes only four of us to control the two of you, and I could crush the rest with a single finger. You think I won¡¯t dare?" Shen Li sneered viciously.


    As long as Zhou Siyu was controlled without hurting her, the Zhou Family wouldn¡¯t do much; Shen Li was fearless, did he bring these many people just to enjoy the scenery?


    Zi Qiong and Zhou Siyu went silent; what Shen Li said was true, facing these people, they didn¡¯t stand a chance, being humiliated today was inevitable.


    Zhou Siyu silently prayed in her heart, just hoping that this new Ling Fan was indeed that Ling Fan.


    "Are you serious?" Zi Qiong¡¯s expression turned cold.


    Shen Li narrowed his eyes, "Do you think I¡¯m joking?"


    Zi Qiong¡¯s face changed again and again, she gritted her teeth, "Fine, I¡¯ll kneel, please don¡¯t make it hard on them!"


    Shen Li¡¯s eyebrows slightly raised, "Haha, good, your cooperation is most wee. Kneel down!"


    With that, he nced towards the members of Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, "Open your eyes wide and look, your boss is kneeling, why bother sticking around? Disband now, haha....."


    "Sister Qiong, Sister Qiong....."


    Several members of Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion gathered around, their eyes reddening, ring furiously at Shen Li.


    "Shen Li, you will regret this!" Zhou Siyu¡¯s expression was extremely ugly.


    "Regret? Ha, had you not mentioned it, but since you did, I really want to know what regret tastes like!" Shen Li scoffed coldly.


    "But, I dare not let Miss Zhou kneel, just stand aside!"


    Zhou Siyu was furious, her face pale with anger, her fists tightly clenched, but she knew that even charging at them would be futile.


    "Shen, don¡¯t bully others relying on your party, when our Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion grows stronger, you¡¯ll see!" Jia Yan¡¯s face turned red as he cursed angrily.


    "Little Jia!" Zi Qiong¡¯s expression changed.


    "Motherfucker, giving you face!" Shen Li bellowed angrily.


    He moved swiftly towards Jia Yan.


    Zi Qiong and Zhou Siyu were shocked and hurriedly tried to intervene, but two men behind Shen Li stepped forward, blocking their rescue.


    "Crack!"


    A muffled groan, Jia Yan was kicked to the ground by Shen Li, his left arm already broken.


    Zi Qiong and Zhou Siyu¡¯s expressions drastically changed, they both shouted angrily, "Shen Li, how dare you!"


    Shen Li straightened up, huffed coldly, "You little bastard, I¡¯m giving you a lesson today, can¡¯t even stand steady and still dare to act tough, fucking deserves a beating."


    With that, he pointed to the remaining members of the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, "Come on, anyone else wants to y the hero, step forward, let¡¯s solve this all at once, saves troubleter."


    The remaining one man and four women pursed their lips, not daring to say another bold word.


    Shen Li nced at the group, "Pfft, thought you all had backbone, turns out you¡¯re all fucking soft eggs, not even as tough as that kid."


    The members of the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion were overwhelmed with humiliation, facing a loss-loss situation: be humiliated and mocked as cowards for not standing out, or risk getting their limbs broken if they did.


    Inwardly, they cursed Ling Fan and all his ancestors profoundly and thoroughly for causing this trouble.


    The onlookers, however, didn¡¯t add any mockingments. They were somewhat displeased with the show of weakness by several of the members, but since it involved a few girls, they were understanding.


    But what about that trembling boy standing on the side?


    "Damn it, that guy from the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, Ruan Ming, is such a disgrace to men. It¡¯s one thing for the women to keep quiet, but he¡¯s even less spirited than Little Jia who just joined society!" someone angrily remarked.


    "Exactly, I heard this guy joined Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion just for the beautiful girls. Every time there¡¯s trouble in the dojo, he¡¯s absent. Now he¡¯s acting more like a coward than ever, just like his surname, aplete softie!" another added, fuming.


    Hearing the surrounding criticisms, Ruan Ming¡¯s face turned pale. He was only at the early stage of body tempering, and martial arts was just a hobby for him.


    His family had some assets, and he was used to living a pampered life. He indeed came to Zi Qiong for the girls. But facing the threat of broken limbs, he certainlycked Jia Yan¡¯s courage.


    At this moment, seeing the girls from the Martial Arts Pavilion distancing themselves from him made his heart sink, even those he had good rtionships with started to shun him.


    "Hey kid, here¡¯s a chance to redeem yourself. Just act tough, and that¡¯s it. It¡¯s just about breaking limbs, otherwise, you¡¯ll never be able to lift your head in the Martial Arts Academy again!" Shen Liughed heartily.


    The entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion burst intoughter, and Ruan Ming, head down, was sweating profusely, his body shaking intensely.


    "Enough!" Su Qiong couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.


    "Shen Li, they are just at the early stages of body tempering, is it fun bullying them?"


    Although she also looked down on Ruan Ming¡¯s weakness to some extent, she understood him. As president, others might ridicule, but she couldn¡¯t. The Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion already had few people; she needed to protect them.


    "Haha, I find it especially amusing. Don¡¯t you think so? Either you kneel down now, or I will break everyone¡¯s limbs. What do you say?" Shen Li smiled slightly.


    Su Qiong took a deep breath, silent!


    Kneeling was humiliating, but for her members, she had no choice. Weakness was the original sin.


    "Ruan Ming, your president seems very hesitant. Seems like I need to take action to prove that I am not joking!


    Let¡¯s start with you. Choose which hand, I¡¯ll give you the choice!" Shen Li looked at Ruan Ming who was shaking like a quail, feeling extremely pleased.


    At these words, Ruan Ming shuddered violently, filled with terror, feeling suddenly very cold.


    "Look, the softie wet himself, damn, he peed!" Suddenly someone eximed.


    This shout was like a stone stirring up a thousandyers of waves, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. They saw a wet patch on Ruan Ming¡¯s pants.


    "Damn, is this really a man from your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion? I am really looking forward to seeing that Ling Fan who will make me regret!" Shen Li shouted exaggeratedly.


    The entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion burst intoughter, and even the onlookers from Building 2 blushed, Ruan Ming¡¯s cowardice surpassing everyone¡¯s expectations.


    Hearing the surroundingughter, Ruan Ming¡¯s head buzzed and he copsed to the ground, knowing he was finished, humiliated beyond recovery, realizing he could no longer show his face in the Martial Arts Academy, nor stay in the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion from this day forward.


    "I am seriously starting to wonder if all the guys in Building 2 are as cowardly as Ruan Ming!" Shen Li sneered, sweeping his gaze around.


    Being part of the top ten Martial Arts Pavilions in Building 1 naturally endowed a sense of superiority, looking down on the ragtag crowd from Building 2¡¯s Martial Tower.


    Being mocked like this by Shen Li angered everyone there, but no one dared to speak out. They all red angrily at Ruan Ming copsing to the ground, this idiot not only lost face for Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion but for all the dojos in Building 2¡¯s Martial Tower.


    "Coward Ruan Ming, get out of Building 2..." someone in the crowd finally couldn¡¯t help shouting.


    Instantly, the crowd seemed to unify in their chant, "Coward Ruan Ming, get out of Building 2, get out of Building 2...."


    "Hahaha... Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion really opened my eyes today, truly living up to its reputation!" Shen Li mocked unrestrainedly, never having felt so delighted.


    Hearing the overwhelming chant, Su Qiong looked at Ruan Ming with utter disappointment, while Zhou Siyu¡¯s expression darkened.


    "Too much!"


    A faint voice prated the roaring crowd, clearly reaching everyone¡¯s ears.

 Chapter 60 Please Start Your Performance!

    ```


    Although the voice was indifferent, it was clear and powerful, immediately quieting the noisy scene.


    Zhou Siyu¡¯s delicate body trembled, "Could it really be him?"


    She had never seen Ling Fan in person, but she had seen his photo in the family archives. Although now she could only hear his voice through a wall of people, who else could possess such a calm and collected tone apart from him?


    Zhou Siyu¡¯s heart pounded chaotically as she turned and peered through the gaps in the crowd, her face lit with excitement.


    Su Qiong also felt a slight tremor in her heart. That voice had given her an inexplicable sense of stability, and she too turned her head curiously.


    Everyone at the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion looked around in confusion. Could it be that the troublemaker from the legends had appeared?


    The onlookers were even more puzzled. At this moment, who else coulde to relieve the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion of their predicament?


    From outside the crowd, they saw a handsome young man walking with his hands behind his back, approaching at a leisurely pace. The crowd unconsciously opened a path for him.


    The young man ignored the surprised and questioning gazes of the crowd and walked straight up to Su Qiong.


    Zhou Siyu¡¯s eyes widened as her heartbeat quickened upon seeing the neer clearly.


    "Are you Su Qiong?" Ling Fan asked.


    Although he had seen her photo in the materials collected by Vermilion Bird and was fairly certain she was the person before him, there was still a slight difference between a real person and a photo, so he asked an additional question!


    "You are!" Su Qiong had her suspicions but still found it hard to believe.


    "Ling Fan? Is it really you?" Zhou Siyu couldn¡¯t help but speak up.


    "Hmm?" Ling Fan turned his head to look.


    Seeing that Ling Fan¡¯s gaze was on her, Zhou Siyu blushed, shyly lowering her head like a docile kitten, which was a far cry from her usual Hu Sanniang-like demeanor.


    She left the surrounding boys in a daze, and even Su Qiong¡¯s eyes widened.


    "Do you know me?" Ling Fan asked curiously.


    Zhou Siyu nodded cautiously, "Mm, my dad is Zhou Zhenxiong!"


    Ling Fan suddenly understood and smiled, "I see, good!"


    "You know each other?" Su Qiong was a bit confused.


    "Mm, we¡¯ll talk about thatter. Let¡¯s deal with the situation at hand first," Ling Fan said and then turned his head to look at Shen Li.


    "Damn, I thought it was something special. Kid, so you¡¯re Ling Fan? The one who injured Liu Meng from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion?" Shen Li said disdainfully.


    "Your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion is really full of talent. One has a broken arm, another wet his pants. I wonder what this only remaining man can do. Why don¡¯t you also give us a performance of wetting your pants?"


    "Hahaha....," the seven people behind Shen Li burst into another round of roaringughter.


    Ling Fan looked indifferently at Shen Li, "Do you really enjoy watching people wet their pants?"


    "Absolutely, if you could perform that, I¡¯d be very pleased. Of course, if you could surpass that and satisfy me, perhaps I might spare your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion!" Shen Li teased.


    The onlookers felt their faces go purple with the effort to hold inughter, thinking they were about to see some amazing big shot, but all they saw was a new face, resulting in their disappointment.


    Today, if they wanted to fend off these people from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, it would take one of the top three from the campus leaderboard to appear, otherwise, there was no chance whatsoever.


    The people from the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion didn¡¯t have high hopes for this neer either. But having heard that this guy managed to send Liu Meng to the hospital, he must have some ability. It seemed he might even be more formidable than their club president.


    However, even if he was in the Late Body Tempering Stage, he couldn¡¯t withstand the assault of these eight people unless a miracle happened. Everyone didn¡¯t believe the neer could match the strength of the top three on the campus leaderboard.


    "Please begin your performance!" Shen Li made a gentlemanly gesture inviting Ling Fan to start.


    "Before you arrived, Zhou Siyu said you would make me regret it, so I am very much looking forward to you being different from the rest. Don¡¯t disappoint me!"


    "Ling Fan!" Su Qiong said anxiously.


    Although she didn¡¯t know how Ling Fan came to know her and suddenly joined the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, considering he knew Zhou Siyu, he was a friend of hers. She couldn¡¯t bear to see him humiliated.


    ```


    "Sister Qiong, leave it to Ling Fan!" Zhou Siyu grabbed Su Qiong and confidently said.


    The onlookers grew curious when they saw Zhou Siyu¡¯s attitude, wondering whether there was something special about this neer.


    Shen Li also heard Zhou Siyu¡¯s words and snorted coldly, "Fuck, quite confident. Wait and see how you¡¯ll cryter."


    Others might not know Ling Fan¡¯s abilities, but he, Shen Li, knew everything clearly. No one had more right to speak than Liu Meng, who had personally crossed hands with Ling Fan and be the victim.


    Therefore, he wasn¡¯t afraid of Ling Fan, for he knew from Liu Meng that this guy was just a bit more agile than most.


    "Hmm, Zhou Siyu is right. But I have a question for you: Are you causing trouble on Liu Meng¡¯s behalf?" Ling Fan pressed.


    "Heh, you¡¯re quite interesting. Liu Meng said that if we kept troubling you, the consequences would be severe. But I¡¯m a bit of a skeptic, so I came to see you!" Shen Li scoffed.


    Ling Fan nodded, "Good that he knows his ce, otherwise he¡¯d have it rough!"


    "Fuck, saying you¡¯re fat and then you huff. Damn it, I¡¯ll give you a chance... "


    Bored with Shen Li¡¯s incessant chatter, Ling Fan interrupted impatiently, "Less crap. How many of you are there? Juste at me all at once!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was left agape in shock.


    "Did I hear wrong? Who does he think he is? One of the top three on the campus list?" someone couldn¡¯t help but mutter.


    Anxiety surged in Su Qiong¡¯s heart. Being held back by Zhou Siyu, she could only silently pray and hope that this guy was as good as his talk.


    Jia Yan, lying on the ground, was excited by Ling Fan¡¯s domineering attitude, which he aspired to; however, he was unsure about his actual strength!


    "Motherfucker, you try to act cool with me, watch how I kill you!" Shen Li roared furiously.


    He pulled out a glinting dagger and swung it towards Ling Fan, casting countless shadows, truly a terrifying sight.


    Shen Li was one of the top eight fighters of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Society. Although he hadn¡¯t made it onto the campus rankings, his strength was at the peak of the Mid-Stage of Body Tempering, qualifying him to fight with thest few on the list.


    The onlookers fearing that the fight between immortals would affect them, quickly retreated.


    Ling Fan watched as Shen Li made the dagger in his hand dance like rolling waves but didn¡¯t move an inch.


    "Why isn¡¯t he moving?" Su Qiong was getting anxious. Even she would have difficulties against Shen Li armed with a weapon, so maybe Ling Fan was being too overconfident.


    At this moment, Zhou Siyu also started to waver. She knew Ling Fan had a prestigious identity and his martial skills weren¡¯t bad, but had she misjudged? Was his real advantage his background and not his ability?


    Then, in the blink of an eye, Ling Fan actually reached out barehanded to meet the dagger in Shen Li¡¯s grasp.


    "Idiot!" Shen Li¡¯s face twisted ferociously as he shed the dagger down harshly.


    "This guy¡¯s crazy, using his hand to catch a dagger?" someone whispered to themselves.


    Even Zhou Siyu lost her previous calm confidence, her face turning pale.


    "Ding!"


    The next second, as if time stood still, everyone saw Ling Fan lightly trap the de of Shen Li¡¯s dagger between two fingers, and no matter how much force Shen Li exerted, the dagger remained as if rooted,pletely immobile.


    Shen Li¡¯s pupils constricted, and his heart churned like tumultuous waves.


    All the onlookers were shocked and lost theirposure.


    The members of the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion looked at each other in disbelief.


    The seven people behind Shen Li nearly dropped their jaws in astonishment!


    Su Qiong and Zhou Siyu covered their mouths, their eyes wide open!


    "Ding!"


    Another clear sound, and in a swift moment, Ling Fan flicked his wrist and astonishingly snapped the dagger in two with just his fingers, cing the half with the de up against Shen Li¡¯s neck.


    "Didn¡¯t you like seeing people piss themselves? Please, start your performance!" Ling Fan¡¯s voice rang out lightly, like a demonic sound from theherworld, causing the hearts of all present to tremble.

 Chapter 61: Someone disrespects his wife?

    Feeling the icy touch against his neck, Shen Li¡¯s mind went nk.


    "School... school prohibits killing!" Shen Li tried to remain calm, but his voice couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    The onlookers all snapped back to reality, looking incredulously at the scene before them. In their eyes, even the top three experts in the school rankings couldn¡¯t manage such an effortless disy, could they?


    "Put down the weapon, Shen Li is from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion. Do you really want to make an enemy of us at Lei Ming?" The seven people behind Shen Li came to their senses, shouting at Ling Fan with faces full of fright.


    "Hmm, the school does seem to forbid killing!" Ling Fan murmured to himself.


    "Don¡¯t be rash, let¡¯s talk this over properly!" Seeing Ling Fan¡¯s softened attitude, Shen Li felt a slight relief and hurriedly spoke.


    "Then let¡¯s do it another way!" Ling Fan muttered to himself.


    The next second, his wrist twisted.


    "Crack!"


    The half of a dagger was forcefully plunged into Shen Li¡¯s arm.


    "Ah!"


    A piercing scream immediately echoed through the Martial Arts Academy.


    Ling Fan looked up indifferently at the seven frightened people nearby. "You think you at Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion are very impressive, huh?"


    Having said that, he looked down at Shen Li, "I¡¯ll count to three, and if you can¡¯t pee, I¡¯ll break one of your arms, up until all your limbs are broken!"


    The onlookers, upon hearing his words, felt a chill down their spines.


    "One... Two..."


    Shen Li, clutching his arm in pain and grimacing, his face twisted, was in too much pain to even pee.


    "Crunch!"


    "Ah!!! You devil!" Shen Li let out a heart-wrenching scream, nearly fainting.


    "Don¡¯t take my words for mere wind by your ear, thinking I¡¯m just bluffing?" Ling Fan coldly crushed one of Shen Li¡¯s legs.


    "I will count to three again. If you still can¡¯t pee, I¡¯ll break another leg!"


    Shen Li¡¯s scalp went numb, filled with regret; he truly regretted it, wishing he could turn back time.


    The seven people behind him felt a cold shudder and dared not step forward,pletely intimidated by Ling Fan¡¯s seemingly effortless action just now.


    "If you want to save him,e and try!" Ling Fan nced at the few people before looking down at Shen Li again.


    "One..."


    Hearing this curse-like sound, Shen Li was truly close to peeing himself, his scalp exploding.


    "I... I... pee..."


    After uttering these words, Shen Li felt a desire to die. Butpared to having his hands and feet broken, he had to choose the lesser of two evils.


    Su Qiong only snapped back to reality now, still dizzy and staring nkly at everything happening before her, suddenly feeling a bit intimidated by that proud figure.


    Zhou Siyu¡¯s palms grew cold, and she murmured to herself, "Is this... this the Ling Fan who broke Zhou Tai¡¯s limbs and stripped him of his position as family heir? Truly terrifying!"


    Being half-siblings with Zhou Tai, she bore no resentment toward Ling Fan for crippling Zhou Tai; instead, she felt somewhat grateful because if it weren¡¯t for that, her biological brother Zhou Tianlu would not have been able to take the heir¡¯s position.


    The onlookers quietly watched Shen Li lying on the ground, wailing continuously and struggling to hold his urine, feeling like the world had suddenly be unfamiliar, their souls seemingly drifting away from their bodies, floating unrealistically in the sky.


    "I... I peed..." Shen Li, a mess of tears and snot, felt like he was about to pass out.


    Shen Li finally felt his crotch be wet, a stone settling in his heart, experiencing a misguided sense of surviving a catastrophe.


    And the seven people behind him wore an extremely unpleasant expression, as if they had eaten something disgusting.


    "You went too far. We at Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion won¡¯t let this go easily!" The seven people gritted their teeth in anger.


    Su Qiong and others¡¯ faces slightly changed as today seemed to have firmly established them as sworn enemies with the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, causing worry to arise in their hearts.


    Ling Fan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as he looked coldly at the others and said coldly, "Carry him and get lost immediately, and while you¡¯re at it, go tell your boss at Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion that I¡¯ll see you at the Fighting Stage tomorrow, I¡¯m challenging your entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar.


    The seven of them looked at each other, almost doubting their ears!


    "Did you take my words for the wind?" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    A jolt struck the hearts of the seven, reminding them of the time Ling Fan spoke those words when he seemed to have broken Shen Li¡¯s leg.


    Immediately, without another word, they hurriedly lifted Shen Li and fled.


    Su Qiong took a deep breath, forcibly calmed herself, and reminded Ling Fan seriously, "Wasn¡¯t that a bit too much? You¡¯ve seriously offended the people from Lei Ming now¡ªthey are bound to retaliate fiercely!"


    Ling Fan smiled and pointed to Jia Yan on the ground, "They broke his arm, isn¡¯t that excessive? Isn¡¯t mocking you excessive?"


    Su Qiong was at a loss for words, and the people from Zi Qiong Pavilion were excited, especially Jia Yan.


    Ruan Ming hung his head, quietly squeezed out of the crowd, and left despondently without anyone stopping him.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You all, hurry and take Jia Yan to the hospital,e to me for whatever expenses you need reimbursed!" Su Qiong quickly arranged for people to take Jia Yan for treatment.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Sister Qiong, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just a broken arm; I¡¯ll be back in action in no time!" Jia Yan grinned, his mood was surprisingly good despite his injury.


    "Stop kidding around, just get better soon so you can start training again!" Su Qiong admonished him.


    Jia Yan nodded seriously, "Yes, I will definitely try my hardest!"


    ...


    A high-end restaurant outside the campus.


    Ling Fan, Su Qiong, and Zhou Siyu were sitting by the window on the second floor, with the table fullyden with delicious dishes.


    At the same time, Binzhou University was also stunned by breaking news¡ªthest-ranked Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion had weed a neer!


    No sooner had he joined the academy than he injured Liu Meng, one of Lei Ming¡¯s eight great masters, and then crippled Shen Li who hade to challenge him, causing him to wet himself in public; finally, he boldly dered that he would challenge the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion at the Fighting Stage tomorrow!


    In no time, the news spread all around, sweeping through Binzhou University like a swift breeze, even catching the attention of the university administrators.


    However, Ling Fan, sitting in the restaurant with two beautiful women, remained unaware of this development, reflecting admiringly on the courageous and elegant Su Qiong before him.


    "Siyu, was it you who invited Ling Fan to our Martial Arts Pavilion?" Su Qiong pressed Zhou Siyu with the question.


    No wonder she suspected Zhou Siyu; just now, Zhou had behaved as though she had known Ling Fan for a long time.


    "Sister Qiong, don¡¯t talk nonsense, how could I have the power to get Young Master Ling into our Martial Arts Pavilion!" Zhou Siyu said in a low voice, unable to rx in front of Ling Fan.


    Ling Fan took a sip of tea, smiled, and said, "Stop guessing, it really had nothing to do with her. The recruiting tutor of the Martial Arts Academy hoped I would join this year¡¯s recruitment examination, so he arranged for me to enter the academy.


    Since I am quite low-profile, I chose your Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion, but I didn¡¯t expect to cause such a stir right away!"


    Ling Fan didn¡¯t reveal the whole truth because of the awkward position of Su Qiong¡¯s family within their n, which was also rted to his own mother.


    Therefore, he feared that Su Qiong might get the wrong impression of him, or even be repulsed if she knew the truth, so he thought he¡¯d find another opportunity to exin.


    Su Qiong sighed inwardly, realizing that this guy joined their pavilion merely because he was trying to be low-key, all the while her astonishment grew.


    If the recruiting tutor personally invited him to the examination, his skills must be incredibly strong. Previously worried, she felt a renewed confidence about tomorrow¡¯s challenge.


    Just then, Ling Fan¡¯s phone rang; he picked it up and saw it was a call from Meng Ying.


    "Hello!" Ling Fan answered the call.


    "Young Master Ling, you need toe and see this. There¡¯s trouble at Fanxing; someone is brazenly poaching our talents. President Xiao is arguing with them, and I¡¯m worried something might happen, so I had to report to you quickly!" Meng Ying¡¯s voice sounded anxious over the phone.


    Ling Fan¡¯s brow furrowed; today was indeed the day Xiao Chubing was supposed to take over Fanxing Entertainment, damn it, someone dared not to show respect to his wife?


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be right there!" The expression on Ling Fan¡¯s face instantly turned cold.

 Chapter 62: Millennium Sister Flowers

    Ling Fan ended the call and apologized to Su Qiong and Zhou Siyu, "I¡¯m really sorry, but something¡¯se up, so I have to leave first. I¡¯ll make it up to you next time. If you run into any trouble, call me. I¡¯lle over tomorrow!"


    Seeing that Ling Fan had matters to attend to, Su Qiong didn¡¯t try to keep him, nodding and said, "Then you go ahead, we¡¯ll get in touchter!"


    Zhou Siyu didn¡¯t dare to obstruct him either, eagerly saying, "Do you need me to drive you?"


    "Hehe, no need. Enjoy your meal!" Ling Fan thanked them and then left the restaurant.


    As soon as Ling Fan was gone, Su Qiong started gossiping with Zhou Siyu about his affairs, which Zhou Siyu had been aware of, thereby nning to use the excuse of driving Ling Fan to sneak away.


    There were things she wasn¡¯t sure Ling Fan would be pleased to hear about, some involving the private affairs of the Zhou Family.


    Zhou Siyu, with a troubled expression, said, "I can tell you some, but you have to keep it a secret..."


    ...


    Fanxing Entertainment Group, a towering skyscraper 36 stories high, stood in all its grandeur and splendor.


    At this moment, in the president¡¯s meeting room on the top floor, ten people, five on each side, faced each other across the table, in a stalemate.


    Leading the Fanxing side was Xiao Chubing, apanied by the remaining three senior executives still in office, and another was Li Mengying, who had just returned from a phone call with Ling Fan.


    Across the table, the person in charge was a slightly chubby middle-aged man with slicked-back hair and a greasy face, his beady eyes roving over Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying.


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s expression was grim, "Mr. Wang, we do not agree with your proposal. You can drop that idea!"


    The slightly chubby man was Wang Jing, a notable director from Huaxia¡¯s top three entertainmentpanies, Xiangjiang¡¯s Hua Yi Entertainment, and apdog of the "Prince of Hua Yi", Han Tianyu. He was known for his promiscuity and early notorious "Forbidden Delicacy" films from Xiangjiang.


    "President Xiao, you¡¯d better reconsider my proposal. Offending Hua Yi is not a wise move, especially now when Fanxing is no longer in its prime," Wang Jing said, squinting his beady eyes and shaking his head.


    This guy might not seem upstanding, but he wasn¡¯t reckless. In his mind, he rapidly reviewed the information he had investigated prior to the meeting.


    Fanxing Entertainment used to be under theplete control of the Feng Family, and somehow, it ended up in Xiao Chubing¡¯s hands, though the Xiao Family didn¡¯t seem to have the capacity to take over Fanxing.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He thought it through based on the information he had gathered: the wife of the Feng Family¡¯s third son was sisters with the wife of the Patriarch of the Li Family, and Li Mei, the second daughter of the Li Family, was the fianc¨¦e of the eldest son of the Head of the Xiao Family.


    Considering this, the Xiao, Li, and Feng families were all rted by marriage. Recently, there had been bad news from the Feng Family¡ª the old man had a car ident, and the eldest grandson, Feng Jie, also passed away.


    The Family Head, in deep sorrow, resigned from his position, and surprisingly, he passed the leadership not to a male descendant, but to his daughter, Shu Ya, from the third branch Feng Wenshan.


    Wang Jing seized the opportunity when he learned the news, reasoning that the Feng Family was currently in disarray and weak with internal conflicts, reduced to being led by a woman, and thus not to be feared.


    The Xiao and Li Families weren¡¯t a concern either¡ªit was only Xiao Chubing who had some business acumen. It was likely that with the sudden crisis in the Feng Family, they had no choice but to hastily bring in Xiao Chubing, this distant rtive, to keep up appearances.


    Actually, if not for Vermilion Bird¡¯s exceedingly cautious operations in bidding for thepany in Xiao Chubing¡¯s name, it would have been difficult for others to find any discrepancies to scrutinize. If they had discovered the connection with the Li Family, even with several times more courage, this man wouldn¡¯t dare cause trouble.


    "Mr. Wang, am I to understand that you are threatening me?" Xiao Chubing responded coldly.


    She knew Hua Yi was not to be trifled with, but when they pushed her too far, she didn¡¯t see the need to back down. Having been with Ling Fan for only a few days, she learned to be assertive and no longer bore things with intentional forbearance as she used to.


    "Hehe..."


    Wang Jing let out a coldugh, surprised by the tough stance of the new official, Xiao Chubing.


    "President Xiao, you surely know the current state of Fanxing better than anyone else, mired in scandals, facing internal and external troubles, precarious in the storm. Believe me, with just a little effort from Hua Yi, we could make Fanxing utterly incapable of making a move in the industry!"


    Li Mengying and the few Fanxing executives all showed signs of distress; Xiao Chubing had done her homework and was well aware that Fanxing was currently just a mess.


    Female artists being coerced into suicide, former directors arrested, senior executives resigning in droves¡ªthepany was basically gutted, teetering on the brink, with only mid-level and lower staff remaining.


    Many famous female artists whose contracts were expiring were also swaying back and forth, and other small and mid-sized entertainmentpanies were taking advantage to poach talent. Now even Hua Yi was openly trying to headhunt.


    Nowadays, all that was left of Fanxing were two very promising female artists, a pair of newly popr sister celebrities, also facing contract renewals but still undecided whether to stay or go.


    Rumors had it that many were secretly trying to poach the sisters, and today they were nning to negotiate with them, but instead had to contend with Hua Yi¡¯s Wang Jinging to pressure them for the artists.


    "President Xiao, all that¡¯s left of Fanxing now is an empty shell. Executives who should run have run, those that should be caught have been arrested. Popr artists have been poached by others... Surely you wouldn¡¯t miss these two either! Someone prudent knows when to yield. To offend Hua Yi over two artists, do you think it¡¯s worth it?


    Besides, I won¡¯t let you lose out for nothing¡ªI¡¯ll pay double breach of contract fees. Please give it careful thought; it¡¯s best for everyone," Wang Jing smiled with confidence, as if he already held victory.


    He had to sign the sister celebrities today. Before the former director got into trouble, they had already been promised to Young Master Han. But with the current incident, it couldn¡¯t be openly mentioned.


    Xiao Chubing hesitated for a moment, weighed the options, and took a deep breath, "You can try to poach them, but it must be ording to their wishes. If they are willing to choose Huaxia, I won¡¯t stand in the way.


    But if they don¡¯t want to, please don¡¯t coerce them. I, Xiao Chubing, am not someone to be trifled with!"


    Wang Jing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly and he nodded, "Fine, call them over!"


    "Xiao Ying, go and bring them both over!" Xiao Chubing ordered.


    Li Mengying nodded and left the meeting room.


    Soon after, Li Mengying returned to the meeting room with the mixed-race twin sisters. As soon as they appeared, Wang Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. The old fox had seen all types throughout his filming career; what rare beauties hadn¡¯t he encountered?


    But these two were absolutely different. Debuting with the tagline of ¡¯once in a millennium¡¯ beautiful sisters and the advantage of being mixed-race, they possessed both Eastern and Western charms, making them true gems.


    Even Wang Jing, the experienced yer, couldn¡¯t help but swallow his saliva, "No wonder Young Master Han can¡¯t forget them, willing to pay whatever it takes to have them as his forbidden delicacies."


    Even Xiao Chubing couldn¡¯t resist taking a few extra nces. No wonder Hua Yi was so eager to poach them. With a bit of packaging, given the sisters¡¯ good looks, they were bound to be famous. If they could be retained, they would definitely be pirs for Fanxing Entertainment in the future.


    "An Xiyao, An Xixue, this is Director Wang from Hua Yi. You two should be familiar with him. There are two months left on your contract, and Director Wang wishes to poach you to Hua Yi.


    However, I can assure you that if you stay, Fanxing will pour all of its resources into both of you. You will not be treated poorly!"


    "No matter what two of you choose, I will respect it. However, I still hope that you can stay," Xiao Chubing gave his promise and expressed his hope.


    Wang Jingposed himself and smiled, "You should understand Hua Yi well enough, it¡¯s the NO1 in the entertainment circle, so I won¡¯t say much.


    The resources that Fanxing can offer you, I can promise the same, even more. Thepany hopes you two will join us now, and we will do our best to promote you.


    The penalty for breaking the contract can be paid by Hua Yi. Whatever conditions and requests you have, just let us know, and I¡¯ll do my utmost to satisfy both of you!"


    Wang Jing was full of confidence, with the Hua Yi brand behind him, few could resist.


    Xiao Chubing felt a slight tension, but there wasn¡¯t much he could do.


    Then, seeing An Xiyao and An Xixue exchange a nce, they spoke in unison, "We will continue to stay with Fanxing!"


    Xiao Chubing heard this, and a hint of surprise was overtaken by joy.


    Wang Jing¡¯s expression turned ugly, his surprise at their decision was apparent, "Have you thought this through? Now Fanxing is no longer what it once was, staying here is not a good fate!"


    But the two sisters were very firm in their stance, "We are grateful for Director Wang¡¯s appreciation. Fanxing has been fair to us. Although it is going through a negative crisis now, we are willing to face the difficulties with Fanxing!"


    They had already secretly caught wind that the former director, just before his trouble, seemed to have the intention of offering both of them to the Prince of Hua Yi, Han Tianyu.


    Considering the rumors about Han Tianyu and his popr female artists, the sisters were quite worried. Not long ago, the former director was arrested for a scandal, and they were secretly relieved at having dodged a bullet but didn¡¯t expect that Hua Yi¡¯s shadow would continue to loom, eventuallying to their doorstep.


    They were a bit skeptical before, but now it seemed to be true.


    Wang Jing¡¯s face went from one change to another. If he couldn¡¯t secure the two of them today, he would have a hard time exining to Young Master Han when he got back.


    "Think carefully, do you know the consequences of rejecting Hua Yi? Now that Fanxing can hardly protect itself, how long do you think it can shelter you?


    I guarantee that in the future, it will be hard for both of you to find a ce in the entertainment circle!" Wang Jing threatened.


    Xiao Chubing stepped forward, his voice icy, "Are you threatening me?"


    Finally dropping his pretense, Wang Jing mmed the table and sneered, "President Xiao, I¡¯m not afraid to tell you the truth: Young Master Han has taken a liking to these two.


    You, an outsider who should stick to your legitimate business, insist on wading into the muddy waters of the entertainment circle. Today, I am indeed threatening you. Do you realize how deep these waters are? Aren¡¯t you afraid of drowning?"


    Xiao Chubing¡¯s expression was frosty!


    Li Mengying¡¯s face was filled with anger!


    The expressions of the three executives at Fanxing Entertainment changed subtly, and they remained silent!


    An Xiyao and An Xixue looked at each other with pale faces, unable to help stepping back and hiding behind Xiao Chubing!


    The meeting room was filled with an oppressive silence, leaving only Wang Jing¡¯s cold sneer exceptionally ring!

 Chapter 63 How Deep the Water, How High the Mountain

    Xiao Chubing looked indifferently at Wang Jing, who was smirking continuously. "What''s the matter, Director Wang? Do you still want to forcefully take people away from me?"


    "A wise man submits to circumstances. Do you believe I can make your Fanxing unemployable in the entertainment industry?" Wang Jing, confident in his backing.


    With Hua Yi''s energy and connections in the circles, dealing with the now hollow shell of Fanxing is like turning one''s hand over. Just look, how many useful people does Fanxing have left?


    All they''ve taken over are outsiders. Not to mention connections, it''s hard to say they even know a few people within the circle.


    "If you''ve finished threatening, you can leave now!" Xiao Chubing said coldly.


    "President Xiao, you still don''t understand my intention. I can leave, sure, but I must take these people away. I mustplete the tasks entrusted by Young Master Han!" Wang Jing did not put Xiao Chubing in his eyes at all.


    Xi Yao and Xi Xue, the two sisters, suddenly panicked, their faces void of color, nervously saying, "President Xiao!"


    Xiao Chubing crossed her arms over her chest, "I''d actually like to see how you n to take them away today!"


    Wang Jing smiled lightly, havinge prepared just in case. How could such a formidable force like Hua Yi not have contact with martial artists? Naturally, he had brought experts today.


    However, to win without fighting was still his preference. He did not wish to resort to violence. "President Xiao, are you aware of martial artists? Today taking them away with me is as easy as flipping my hand.


    So I hope you can see the situation clearly. It would be good for you, good for me, and good for everyone. The influence of Hua Yi in the circle is enough to be thest straw that breaks Fanxing. You wouldn''t want thepany that just came into your hands to copse!"


    Meng Ying remained silent, having some understanding of the situation inside the entertainment circle. A ce of capital maniption, teeming with dragons and snakes, indeed, Fanxing''s prospects were not encouraging.


    The three beautiful female executives behind Xiao Chubing also felt heavy-hearted. Their positions in thepany weren''t very high, and thepany''s troubles were not much rted to them. They hadn''t left yet because they were waiting to see if the new leadership could effectively manage thepany.


    The scene before them filled them with dim hope.


    Xi Yao and Xi Xue''s hands and feet turned cold. If it truly was Prince of Hua Yi, Han Tianyu, looking after them, the consequences of being taken away were unimaginable.


    Xiao Chubing remained silent, casting a wary nce at the people behind Wang Jing, especially a certain elder. How could she not know the prowess of martial artists? Ling Fan was a martial artist, so was Vermilion Bird, and she had seen them in action more than once.


    "Damn it, a dog barking and causing a ruckus here, who gave you the courage to cause trouble in my ce?" A casual and disdainful voice came from the entrance.


    The conference room instantly quieted down. When Xiao Chubing heard the voice, a flicker of joy appeared in her eyes, while Meng Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    Everyone looked toward the voice, just to see a handsome young man with a calm expression striding in!


    The several beautiful executives from Fanxing looked at each other. They had not met Ling Fan and did not know which "Great God" this was.


    Wang Jing''s expression slightly tensed, "President Xiao, who is this?"


    "The new Deputy Director of the Security Department at Fanxing!" Ling Fan introduced himself.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Upon hearing Ling Fan''s introduction, the conference room went quiet again.


    Wang Jing''s eyes widened, and then he burst intoughter, "President Xiao, am I seeing things? Does Fanxing have no one else? Since when does a deputy head of the security department have the qualifications to get involved inpany business!"


    Although Xiao Chubing and Meng Ying were surprised, they weren''t too taken aback, for Ling Fan had indeed secured a position as the deputy director of the security department for himself.


    The three beautiful female executives behind Xiao Chubing were stunned. Fanxing had a security department, but what was this about a security department? And what was up with this deputy director? However, it wasn''t appropriate to ask too many questions in such a situation; they assumed it was President Xiao''s new personnel move.


    "Ha, funny, are you? You damn well said you were going to take people away, right? I''d like to see how you n to go about that today!


    Also, stop saying Hua Yi this, Hua Yi that in front of me. Is Hua Yi that awesome? Clean your ears out and listen well¡ªHua Yi isn''t even worth a chicken in my eyes; it''s just a feather!" Ling Fan scoffed, his face full of disdain.


    Wang Jing was dumbfounded, and it could be said that aside from Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying, everyone in the conference room was dumbfounded too.


    All eyes were focused on Ling Fan, and everyone simultaneously had the same question in their minds, "Where did this security guarde from, and why is he so badass? He seems even more badass than the chairman by a thousandfold; could he be a madman?"


    "Smack!"


    Wang Jing fiercely pped the table, raging with embarrassment and anger, he burst out a crude curse, "What audacity, I''ve been scrabbling through the industry for so many years, and I''ve never seen anyone as arrogant as you; you truly don''t know how the word ''die'' is written!"


    "Someone, teach this bumpkin a lesson!"


    Immediately, two bodyguards stepped out from behind Wang Jing. Each lightly braced themselves against the table and with a slight push, they leaped several meters high across the wide conference table, almost like a scene from a martial arts movie.


    This scene left the three senior executives of Fanxing and the two sisters utterly shocked. Had they traveled through time? Could someone in today''s world still train their martial arts to such an extent?


    Seeing the reaction of the Fanxing crowd, Wang Jing was very pleased. Young Master Han had also invested heavily; of the four people prepared behind him, three were Second Grade martial artists, including that mysterious elder who had been silent from the start. Even he was unclear about the elder''s identity.


    Ling Fan was unmoved, only surprised that his opponents would utilize martial artists just to poach someone, indicating they were determined to secure the two sisters.


    The next second, Ling Fan raised his hand and produced a pistol.


    "Bang, bang, bang..."


    He fired four shots. Just as the two were about tond, he struck their thighs. With a ''thud'', the two copsed to the ground, wailing in agony.


    This unexpected move shocked the two sisters and the three female executives of Fanxing into covering their ears and screaming. Damn, when had they ever seen such a disy?


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying were slightly better off, but they too turned pale. They hadn''t anticipated Ling Fan would bring a gun, and that he would open fire without hesitation.


    "Hehe, martial artists seem pretty cool, but that''s it? Just a couple of shots and they''re down?" Ling Fan said with a cold sneer.


    He had been sent out into the world by the old man at fifteen. Although he traveled the martial world as a martial artist, why make thingsplicated when simple methods would suffice?


    On his way back, he had Vermilion Bird prepare a pistol for him, just in case. His cultivation had just broken through the Grandmaster Realm, and using a pistol as a supplement would somewhat make things easier!


    Wang Jing''s eyeballs nearly popped out. He had calcted countless oues, but he had never expected such an unconventional yer to emerge, leaving his mind still bewildered.


    "ng, ng, ng!"


    Ling Fan, holding the pistol, knocked heavily on the conference table and smiled, "Come on, that martial disy was pretty sleek. Try flying at me again, let''s see if I can still hit the target!"


    Having regained hisposure, an enraged Wang Jing''s face turned deep red, he gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, you''re so arrogant. Do you know how deep the waters of the martial world are, how vast the energy of Hua Yi is? Oppose Hua Yi, and believe it or not, I''ll drown your ancestors for eighteen generations, exterminate your entire n?"


    Ling Fan, leaning on his gun, didn''t say another word. He aimed at Wang Jing''s head and fired. The color drained from the elder''s face as he quickly pushed Wang Jing aside, but the bullet still grazed his cheek and shattered one of his ears.


    "Babbling nonsense¨Chow deep the waters and how high the mountains are. Today, I''ll use you to test the waters, let''s see just how deep your Hua Yi waters are, and if they can drown this mountain of mine!" Ling Fan roared coldly, his voice echoing throughout the room.


    Wang Jing, terrified out of his wits, let out a wail.


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying were emotionally stirred; Ling Fan was always so domineering at critical moments, providing a sense of stability!


    An Xiyao and An Xixue suddenly realized that even a security guard could be so handsome!


    The three beautiful executives of Fanxing stood aside, nearly dumbstruck!


    The remaining bodyguard by Wang Jing turned pale, while only the elder managed to retain a bit ofposure!

 Chapter 64 In old age, one should not rely on physical strength.

    "Young man, your sharpness is too apparent, and sooner orter it will be your downfall. Although I don''t know who gave you the courage to oppose Hua Yi, today I am definitely taking these two people with me!" The elder, who had been silent for a while, spoke calmly.


    An Xiyao and An Xixue, the two sisters, instantly became tense, and the atmosphere in the meeting grew heavy once again.


    Ling Fan gave the elder a sidelong nce, smiling yet not smiling, "I also don''t know who gave you the gall to speak so insolently in front of me. Is it just because you''re a Law Practitioner?


    I don''t know what rank of Law Practitioner you are. What''s next, are you nning to perform a wind and rain show or conjure a fire?"


    Hearing this, the elder''s expression changed dramatically, "You... recognize me?"


    "Heh, you have the fluctuation of the elements about you, but you seem not yet to have stepped into the Law Cultivation Grandmaster Realm. If we''re talking about a one-on-one fight, I can afford to give you one hand. Want to try?" Ling Fan sneered.


    The elder''s expression changed back and forth, and eventually, he calmed down. His name was Fu Cheng, a descendant of the Xiangjiang School of Law, heavilymissioned by the Prince of Hua Yi.


    If he was to return from this excursion to the ind without sess, where would his face be? After pondering, seeing the several decades of gap between him and Ling Fan, having been immersed in Technique Law for dozens of years, he couldn''t believe he would be inferior to a youth barely in his twenties. Had he really been wasting thest few decades?


    "The gun in your hand can''t threaten me, and besides, do you think a few words can deceive me? I''ve lived a long life and haven''t yet seen a young man who can brag as much as you do." Fu Cheng was confident, as if he had seen through Ling Fan''s bluffing tactics.


    Ling Fan put away his gun, knowing that this old thing must have something to rely on. His gun wasn''t specially made and wouldn''t pose a real threat to such a special individual.


    "Old man, I''m giving you a chance to disy what you can do. If you''re not up to it, break both your arms and roll out of here," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Fu Cheng''s expression subtly changed, "Young man, didn''t your parents teach you to speak politely to your elders? Today, I shall teach you what it means to respect the old and love the young!"


    Wang Jing, with half of his head bloodied, had a ferocious look, "Elder Fu, you must kill him!"


    Suddenly, Fu Cheng flipped his wrist, and a pitch-ck porcin vase appeared in his hand. With a sneer, he said, "Boy, today I will let you witness the prowess of the Xiangjiang School of Law!"


    As he said this, he opened the mouth of the vase, and to the curious gaze of the onlookers, a stream of ck mist floated out, reminiscent of ddin''s Magic Lamp. The ck mist drifted in midair, transforming into countless ghastly faces.


    At the same time, a chilly wind blew through the meeting room, and the temperature dropped sharply. The ghostly faces in the mist issued hideous, eerieughter, conjuring a ghastly breeze that opened its monstrous maw and rushed straight at Ling Fan.


    In the conference room, at the instant that the Yin Ghost appeared, several girls screamed, huddling with their heads in their hands, crouching on the ground. Even Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying stepped back several paces with pale faces.


    Although they were not as visibly distressed, they still felt icy cold all over, with numb hands and feet.


    Looking at Wang Jing and the bodyguards, they were already petrified, trembling on the ground in fear.


    Ling Fan''s gaze sharpened. It was rumored that the Xiangjiang School of Law was skilled in controlling spirits and specialized in the Yin Ghost lineage, and seeing it today confirmed it was indeed so.


    In the inheritance of the Limitless Secret Tome he had obtained, how could there be an absence of crafting Talismans? Before his severe injury and marriage into the Xiao Family, he had crafted a Thunder Law Jade Talisman using the methods outlined in the Secret Tome. Today was the perfect day to show this old man what Technique Law was.


    Fu Cheng saw Ling Fan remain unmoved in the face of the approaching ferocious ghost and thought he was petrified with fear. With a coldugh, he said, "Ignorant youth, today I''ll teach you how to be human!"


    He had nurtured this Yin Ghost for over thirty years; it was full of heavy Yin Qi, and ordinary people would surely die upon contact. Even an average martial artist tainted with this Yin Qi would be seriously ill for months.


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying were tensed to the extreme, having even forgotten to remind Ling Fan to dodge.


    In a critical moment, Ling Fan casually tore off the jade pendant around his neck, held it in his hand, and faced the descending evil ghost as he lightly uttered, "Thundere!"


    As his words fell, the sound of thunder echoed in the otherwise silent room. The hall was surrounded by entwining purple lightning, and everyone felt as though they were in the center of a thunderstorm. The evil ghost screamed in terror, its face portraying fear as it frantically fled.


    Ling Fan''s expression turned cold, and, holding the thunder in his hand, he looked toward the frantically fleeing ghost and pointed, "Go!"


    The lightning filling the room seemed to respond to his summons, converging and attacking the evil ghost.


    The evil ghost was struck by the thunderbolt, letting out a piercing, miserable scream before turning into a trail of ck smoke that dissipated in the air.


    The Yin Vase in Fu Cheng''s hand ''click'' sounded and also shattered into countless pieces,pletely beyond repair.


    "You... you... you..."


    Fu Cheng, with trembling fingers, pointed at Ling Fan, who was surrounded by lightning as if the Thunder God himself had descended, his face full of horror and disbelief.


    Wang Jing and the other bodyguards were mentally frozen, their eyes widened. They had lived in the Secr World; when had they ever witnessed such unbelievable immortal methods?


    An Xiyao and An Xixue, crouching and holding their heads, were dumbfounded, a thought simultaneously rising in their hearts: was this still the world they knew?


    The other three lovely executives sat on the ground,pletely dumbstruck, suddenly feeling that the distance between myths and reality was within reach.


    Xiao Chubing and Li Mengying were breathing heavily, looking at Ling Fan, who stood proudly as if the Thunder God had descended, feeling more excitement and admiration than ever!


    "Old man, the Yin Qi in your body is too heavy. This young master will relieve you of your bad luck, fall!" Ling Fan chuckled, saying indifferently.


    In an instant, a thunderbolt struck, and Fu Cheng''s body trembled violently, with streaks of ck smoke rising from his body.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As the ck smoke cleared, revealing Fu Cheng''s true face, his clothing waspletely destroyed, he looked extremely disheveled, his hair charred, and the next second, ostensibly out of sheer rage, Fu Cheng spewed a mouthful of old blood.


    "You....."


    Fu Cheng felt as if his heart had died, his courage shattered. The Yin Qi he had umted over decades was reduced to almost nothing by one of Ling Fan''s thunderbolts, rendering his cultivation useless.


    "Being old doesn''t mean you rely on your physical strength. Instead of staying at home to enjoy your remaining years, why did youe out and pretend to be something? Do you really think by keeping a ghost you''ve ascended to heaven?" Ling Fan sneered.


    Fu Cheng had never suffered such humiliation. In Xiangjiang, he had a considerable reputation, a guest of honor among many wealthy merchants; he could not believe that his first venture from the mountains had ended in such a debacle, trembling all over and unable to utter a word.


    "All of you, sever one arm, then get lost!" Ling Fan barked.


    Wang Jing and the others were sweating profusely, silently looking towards Fu Cheng, but the old man was now unable to even protect himself, making looking to him pointless.


    "I, I am willing to pay for an arm..." Wang Jing swallowed, trembling as he spoke, preferring to spend money rather than cripple himself.


    "Oh? Heh, okay, ten billion for an arm!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Fanxing needed money, and he didn''t mind making a little extra on the side with such an opportunity.


    Wang Jing almost coughed up blood, "Why don''t you just rob me?"


    "Huh? You say that one more time!" Ling Fan frowned.


    "I... I''ll pay..." Wang Jing gritted his teeth and said.


    Xiao Chubing and others, "..."


    Among those present, only Wang Jing had the financial means. The other three bodyguards resolutely severed one arm, leaving only Fu Cheng.


    Even that old man could afford it. Under the eaves, one had no choice but to bow. Yet this old ghost treasured wealth as dear as life, and he immediately severed one arm without hesitation, surprisingly Ling Fan.


    The few of them supported each other, leaving the conference room in embarrassment. As they reached the door, Ling Fan said indifferently to Fu Cheng''s retreating back: "You''re wee to seek revenge anytime, but if you dare involve the innocent, buddy, I''ll dly march up to Xiangjiang and wipe out your line of Yin Ghosts!"

 Chapter 65 Hong Corporation

    ```


    Fu Cheng dragged his disheveled body, his steps faltered slightly, a hint of resentment shed in his eyes, and then he lifted his foot and disappeared outside the door.


    Now, the conference room was left with only the beauties of Fanxing, with Xiao Chubing radiating happiness and pride, Li Mengying slightly lost in a daze, also drawn in by fascination.


    An Xiyao and An Xixue, the two sisters, were tremendously excited, their eyes sparkling with admiration as they looked at Ling Fan.


    The three other beautiful executives were full of awe; they had beenpletely won over by Ling Fan¡¯s methods just before.


    "What you just saw, don¡¯t go spreading it around outside!" Ling Fan cautioned them sternly.


    The flower sisters and other executives nodded their heads like pecking chickens, as if awakening from a dream.


    He then turned to Xiao Chubing, "What¡¯s the current situation with Fanxing?"


    Xiao Chubing gave a brief introduction. It turned out that now Fanxing was left with only three female executives: Development Department¡¯s Huang Lei, Public Rtions Department¡¯s Mona, and Production Department¡¯s Xu Simin. All other departmental executive positions were vacant.


    As for the artists under thepany, the only noteworthy ones were the sisters An Xiyao and An Xixue. If Ling Fan hadn¡¯t arrived at the crucial moment just before, they might have been taken away by others as well.


    "The safety of thepany is an issue, I can¡¯t alwayse to the rescue myself; there will be times when I am stretched too thin and unexpected urrences happen!" Ling Fan muttered to himself.


    "Merge Tian Yun into this as well, keep the original business as a secondary focus for gradual development. Rename Fanxing to Tian Yun, and overhaul the security system, leave it to Qian Dayong to handle!" Ling Fan pondered, briefly instructing Xiao Chubing.


    Xiao Chubing nodded, "I¡¯ll have them alle over today. The business on that side is being arranged by Chen Ling, and there¡¯s enough space here to carve out a separate area!"


    "Mm! You handle thepany affairs, and leave the troublesome matters to me. Are there any other problems with thepany?" Ling Fan answered and asked.


    Xiao Chubing thought for a moment, "I¡¯ve already made arrangements for the few main departments. Public Rtions is handed over to Xiao Ying, nning is given to Xiao Ya, and Operations to Yun Fei. I¡¯m just not sure when she¡¯ll be able to sort things out on her end! We also need two more people for Human Resources and Finance."


    Ling Fan thought for a moment, "I¡¯ll give you a phone number and address,ter on you can see if you can bring her over. It¡¯s the bar owner Xia Ying; she¡¯s quite reliable. Have a chat with her!"


    Xiao Chubing responded and without further ado regarding work matters, they had a brief exchange in the meeting room before each went on to their busy schedules.


    In the end, Ling Fan nned to visit Yun Xuan personally to check on how Yun Fei was handling the situation there.


    ...


    Hong Corporation.


    Dressed in a smart business suit, Yun Fei exuded a special charm and a unique feminine allure.


    At that moment, she was holding a resignation letter she had written overnight, preparing to submit her resignation.


    Beyond founding Yun Xuan, she also served as a business executive at Hong Corporation. It could be said that the resources she umted during her time at Hong had given her the opportunity and support to establish Yun Xuan.


    Therefore, she was grateful for the help Hong had provided her. Hence, even after sessfully establishing Yun Xuan, she did not leave her old employer right away, but continued to serve.


    However, having now agreed to work for Ling Fan, she was unable to hold multiple positions and found it necessary to resign from her role at Hong Corporation.


    "Knock, knock, knock!"


    Yun Fei knocked on the ss door of the president¡¯s office.


    Inside the office, a slightly plump middle-aged man looked up. His eyes lit up at the sight of Yun Fei, his heart invariably fluttering every time he saw her.


    Yet, he could not touch this woman, because she was the one that Young Master Hong had his eye on.


    "Yun Fei, what brings you here?" Zheng Tianlei asked with a smile.


    Yun Fei felt somewhat apologetic and forced a smile, "President Zheng, I¡¯m here to tender my resignation today due to some personal reasons. This is my letter of resignation!"


    As she spoke, Yun Fei handed over her resignation letter.


    ```


    Zheng Tianlei¡¯s face stiffened, and he let out a dryugh, "President Yun, that¡¯s not a funny joke. If you¡¯re free, I¡¯ll invite you for tea, but you can¡¯t tease me like this!"


    "No, I¡¯m serious," Yun Fei replied with a bitter smile.


    Zheng Tianlei, still skeptical, picked up the resignation letter and frowned slightly, "Is there something about thepany that you¡¯re unhappy with?"


    Yun Fei quickly said, "No, thepany is very good. It¡¯s my own reasons. If it causes any inconvenience to thepany, please forgive me!"


    Zheng Tianlei, holding the resignation letter, said with some difficulty, "Yun Fei, you are aware that I work for the Hong Family too, and at your level of management, I¡¯m not qualified to approve your resignation! I will inform Young Master Hong and see what he thinks."


    Upon hearing this, Yun Fei¡¯s expression changed slightly. Hong Dewei, the heir to Hong Corporation, had harassed her several times, and each time she had cleverly fended him off. She was not very willing to interact with him.


    "President Zheng, other executives at my level didn¡¯t need Young Master Hong¡¯s consent to resign. Why is it that I can¡¯t leave without his permission?" Yun Fei asked.


    Zheng Tianlei cleared his throat, "President Yun, I have no choice. Young Master Hong has instructed that if it¡¯s you resigning, he needs to be informed!"


    Yun Fei, with a clear understanding of the situation, instantly got the message, "Hmm, then please inform Young Master Hong. I¡¯ll wait for him downstairs. If he can¡¯te today, please exin on my behalfter. The resignation letter will stay with you!"


    Zheng Tianlei, seeing Yun Fei¡¯s determined intent to leave, sighed and thought to himself, "How could Young Master Hong let you go so easily!"


    "Just wait a moment, I¡¯ll notify Young Master Hong right away!" Zheng Tianlei picked up the phone and dialed a number.


    At this time, Ling Fan had juste out of Yun Xuan, scratching his head and muttering to himself, "I didn¡¯t expect Yun Fei to also be a project manager for Hong Corporation!"


    After pondering for a moment and having nothing else to do, he decided to go over and see for himself, then hailed a taxi by the roadside.


    In the President¡¯s office of Hong Corporation, "President Yun, Young Master Hong said he will be right over. You can talk to him personallyter!"


    Yun Fei felt a twinge of nervousness. Hong Corporation was rumored to have a significant backing, and Young Master Hong wasn¡¯t someone she could afford to offend, but she hoped her normal resignation wouldn¡¯t provoke him too much!


    "I¡¯ll go downstairs to wait for him!" Yun Fei responded, then turned and left the office.


    She also took precautions, not wanting to be alone with Young Master Hong in the office, in case he acted inappropriately, which would be detrimental to her.


    But waiting in the public downstairs was much safer. Additionally, she didn¡¯t want to get entangled in lengthy discussions. She nned to exin things clearly and leave directly to avoidplications.


    In the first-floor lobby, Yun Fei waited anxiously, ncing toward the entrance from time to time.


    A few momentster, a pale-faced young man with unsteady steps appeared at the door, a hint of malice shing in his eyes, followed by a man and a woman.


    The young man had noticed Yun Fei in the lobby, in her purple high heels, as soon as he appeared at the entrance, and he also knew that she wasn¡¯t wearing stockings; women wear stockings not just for aesthetics but also to conceal ws.


    However, Yun Fei¡¯s legs were long and straight, wless, and he had been captivated by her perfect legs, akin to a work of art, the first time he saw her.


    He had tried to make a move on Yun Fei several times, but this woman was very slick, always managing to dodge his advances. He couldn¡¯t believe the prey that was almost in his mouth now wanted to fly away.


    Yun Fei also spotted the young man at the entrance right away, it was Young Master Hong, Hong Dewei of Hong Corporation.


    Immediately, she steadied her mind, put on a graceful smile, and greeted him, "Young Master Hong!"


    "p!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hong Dewei pped her hard, and caught off guard, Yun Fei staggered and fell to the ground, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.


    "Damn, how do you handle your work? The Xingshun project has been found to have quality issues; that¡¯s a government project. Are you trying to make me go to jail?" Hong Dewei pointed at Yun Fei, who was down on the ground, and bellowed angrily.


    The sudden change in the lobby caught all the employees and passing customers off guard, and they turned to look.


    Yun Fei, lying on the ground covering her face, felt a deep chill in her heart; Hong Dewei was indeed not going to let her go easily!

 Chapter 66: How Could It Be This Kind of Person?

    "What¡¯s going on, isn¡¯t that President Yun?" the receptionist asked, bewildered, in a hushed tone.


    "Not sure, seems like she did something wrong," another guessed.


    "How is that possible? President Yun is an executive of thepany. Even if she made a mistake, she wouldn¡¯t be hit in public like this! Isn¡¯t that a bit too much?


    Besides, who is that person hitting her? He seems quite arrogant!" someone grumbled angrily nearby.


    A colleague quickly covered his mouth, whispering, "Are you tired of living? That¡¯s the young heir of the group. President Yun is just unlucky, having somehow displeased Young Master Hong. She¡¯s probably going to suffer for it!"


    "I¡¯ve heard that Young Master Hong has a violent temper, and sure enough, he can strike even someone as beautiful as President Yun."


    Hong Dewei looked at Yun Fei lying on the ground and sneered inwardly, "I¡¯ve had my eye on you for so long and haven¡¯t felt a thing, you think you can just walk away?"


    "Go to the office and exin the situation clearly, or you know the consequences. You should understand my temper!" Hong Dewei said coldly.


    He had long lost his patience; countless women begged to climb into his bed, but Yun Fei stubbornly refused to y along, acting high and mighty and defying him repeatedly.


    "Haha, I heard that Yun Fei loves yoga. When we get to the office, I¡¯ll have you assume all sorts of positions, see how you kneel and sing ¡¯Conquest¡¯!" Hong Dewei thought to himself.


    Yun Fei pursed her lips and staggered to her feet. She could clearly see the irritated fury in Hong Dewei¡¯s eyes today; he was determined to make trouble for her. She didn¡¯t know what unpredictable things might happen once inside his private office!


    "Young Master Hong, the Xingshun project will definitely not have any issues. I assure you, there must be some misunderstanding. President Zheng should have already discussed my resignation with you. I request your approval, Young Master Hong!" Yun Fei said resolutely.


    Hong Dewei¡¯s expression became grim instantly, "Are you saying I wronged you?"


    "No, I believe there¡¯s definitely some misunderstanding, I will exin everything, please rest assured, Young Master Hong!" Yun Fei said, bowing her head.


    The Xingshun project was her responsibility, and she knew very well there were no issues. Hong Dewei was just using this as an excuse.


    "Alright, you say there¡¯s no issue, right? Thene to the office and exin it properly!" Hong Dewei emphasized the word ¡¯exin¡¯ heavily.


    Upon hearing this, Yun Fei became extremely nervous but asserted, "Whatever the issue, Young Master Hong, let¡¯s discuss it here!"


    At this moment, she dared not go into the office with Hong Dewei.


    "p!"


    "How dare you defy Young Master Hong¡¯s words? Kneel down and beg for forgiveness!" a woman next to Hong Dewei swiftly moved and fiercely pped Yun Fei.


    "Young Master Hong is a scion of the Zhongnan Heavenly Vein n responsible for the secr world affairs. Do you believe he can extinguish your existence as easily as crushing an ant?" the woman berated her again.


    Yun Fei, holding her burning cheek, trembled inwardly. So, the Hong family was the secr business of Zhongnan. No wonder she could never uncover the background of the Hong family.


    The number of people in the hall was increasing; many were clueless about Zhongnan, not understanding what was being discussed, but it seemed to be significant. A few individuals of distinctive status looked at Hong Dewei with a mixture of fear and apprehension.


    "Without the resources of the Hong Corporation, did you think you could have established Yun Xuan? Believe me, I can make Yun Xuan go bankrupt in minutes!" Hong Dewei threatened with a sinister smile.


    Yun Fei felt cold tremors, as her influence in Binzhou was significant, but facing the overwhelming presence of the Zhongnan Martial Family was utterly daunting.


    Suddenly, as if remembering something, "Young Master Hong, Yun Xuan has shares held by He Feichen, please spare us out of respect for Young Master He!"


    She remembered that He Feichen was also from the Zhongnan Heavenly Vein n, hoping this might have some effect.


    Hong Dewei¡¯s expression slightly changed as he sneered, "Damn, trying to press me with He Feichen? It¡¯s uncertain whether the He Family can even preserve theirst ce among the Heavenly Vein, they are nothing but a fart in front of my Hong family, and yet you dare to mention that idiot in front of me? Fuck, today you have only one choice, go to the office and exin until I¡¯m satisfied!"


    Yun Fei¡¯s face turned pale, and she knelt down, biting her teeth, "I¡¯m sorry, Young Master Hong, you can take Yun Xuan, but please spare Yun Fei!"


    Hong Dewei¡¯s face turned livid; it was more than just sinister. He had not expected Yun Fei to be stubborn like a rock and impervious to reason.


    "Good, you are the first woman who hasn¡¯t given face to this young master, fine, keep kneeling!" Hong Dewei said indifferently.


    At the same time, he nced at the woman by his side, who understood and took out her phone, stepping aside.


    At this moment, downstairs at the Hong Corporation building, a taxi stopped outside the main entrance, and Ling Fan got out, looking up at the imposing building that was no less grand than the Fanxing Building. He took out his phone and dialed Yun Fei¡¯s number.


    In the lobby, Yun Fei knelt on the ground, her phone ringing, but she dared not answer.


    Ling Fan hung up the phone, guessing that Yun Fei must be busy, and decided to ask at the front desk instead.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Just as he was about to step up the stairs, suddenly a red Maserati sped toward him, stopping in front of Ling Fan. Three women rushed out of the car in a hurry.


    The leader, a middle-aged woman with distinctive features, much like Sister Feng, was nked by two heavily made-uppanions.


    "Move away!" the leader snapped at Ling Fan, hurrying toward the Hong Corporation lobby.


    Ling Fan frowned slightly, watching the three women rush into the lobby. He said nothing and hesitated before stepping onto the stairs.


    The three women charged into the lobby, saw Yun Fei kneeling on the ground, nced at the woman beside Hong Dewei, and immediately charged toward Yun Fei like wolves.


    "You shameless vixen, I¡¯ve finally found you today. You seduced my man, I won¡¯t let you off today!" The leader, rotund like Sister Feng, reached Yun Fei and began to pull at her clothes and hair.


    Yun Fei, kneeling on the ground, looked astonished, unsure of the role she was supposed to be ying, and even the onlookers were dumbfounded.


    The three women entered, pulling on Yun Fei while cursing with foulnguage, yelling insults about being a shameless mistress and a slut, and others snapped photos on the side.


    Hong Dewei stood aside, with a cold sneer, "Since you do not appreciate kindness, I will make sure you are thoroughly disgraced!"


    Handling a disobedient woman, he had a hundred ways to teach her a lesson.


    Caught in a haze of confusion, Yun Fei suddenly realized something, knowing this was probably a ploy by Hong Dewei. Though despicable, it was indeed wicked.


    At this moment, she truly had no defense, and what was more tragic was the humiliation she was about to suffer, as several women had begun to tear at her bra and panties. Tears of frustration swirled in her eyes as she clenched her teeth, desperately protecting herst line of defense.


    "Damn, no wonder you have the nerve to seduce men, so curvy. Since you like being flirtatious, let¡¯s let everyone take a peek!" The fatdy¡¯s face trembling with her bby cheeks, she had already yanked off the buttons of Yun Fei¡¯s outer jacket.


    The gathered onlookers, even the dimmest among them, understood the situation, "Is President Yun suspected of seducing someone else¡¯s husband?"


    "Oh my, Yun Fei, such a woman, to be a mistress?"


    "Exactly, it¡¯s unbelievable, this is big news!"


    "I really didn¡¯t see iting. President Yun always acts so virtuous, but behind all this, she too is not as pristine!"


    Ignorant of the true circumstances, the gossiping crowd gathered around, speaking in whispers as if they had discovered a new continent, pointing and staring at Yun Fei, who was on the ground, disheveled.


    Hong Dewei watched coldly from the sidelines, indifferent as he observed the spectacle unfold before him.

 Chapter 67 Almost Scared Me to Death

    "If you don¡¯t want to die, break your own hand!" Just as the situation became extremely intense, an icy voice echoed throughout the hall.


    The hall instantly fell silent; even the three women who were attacking stopped their movements.


    Onlookers turned their heads to look over, only to see a handsome young man walking in with a frosty expression, his eyes indifferently fixed on the trio that had caught Yun Fei.


    "Is this... the man Yun Fei seduced?" someone wondered aloud, voicing their thoughts.


    "He looks pretty young, nothing special, huh? Is this the type President Yun likes?" another person felt dissatisfied, thinking their own prospects weren¡¯t bad, wondering why they hadn¡¯t encountered such a good opportunity.


    Hong Dewei¡¯s gaze sharpened as he sized up the young man who had just entered.


    "Could it be that Yun Fei rejected me because her heart already belongs to someone else, and it¡¯s this bumpkin?" A ridiculous idea suddenly popped into Hong Dewei¡¯s mind.


    Ling Fan¡¯s expression grew extremely ugly as he looked at the disheveled Yun Fei on the ground. He had just entered and encountered this unimaginable scene. If he hadn¡¯t happened toe over today, the consequences would have been unthinkable.


    As Ling Fan approached, the crowd parted automatically. When he saw the three women clearly, his expression became even more grim. Weren¡¯t they the same three who had just got out of the Maserati?


    So they came for Yun Fei, and that fatdy, startled by Ling Fan¡¯s scolding for a few seconds, was also quick to react.


    She pointed at Ling Fan and scolded, "You adulterer and whore, you still have the face toe here? Are you here to extricate your little lover?


    I, the olddy, spend money to keep you, this pretty little face, and you turn around and flirt with another woman. Wait until I¡¯ve dealt with this vixen, then I¡¯ll see how I¡¯ll cook your goose!"


    This woman was also skilled, showing greatposure on the spot without any signs of panic.


    Hong Dewei watched from the side, almostughing out loud. This was truly a talent!


    The onlooking crowd instantly showed realization in their faces, looking at Ling Fan with disdain and contempt.


    "Does President Yun have a problem in her head to fancy such trash?"


    "Damn, just as I expected, President Yun¡¯s fresh flower really fell into cow dung!" one personmented with heartfelt pain.


    When Ling Fan heard the fatdy¡¯s shameless words, his forehead instantly darkened, especially when he saw her dirty hand reaching out for Yun Fei again, he exploded with rage.


    He shed and instantly appeared in front of the three women.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    Three screams followed, and the space around Yun Fei was abruptly cleared.


    Ling Fan bent down to embrace Yun Fei, noting her disheveled hair and the scratch marks on her face. Her legs were scratched too, her clothing shredded, leaving only ayer of her bra.


    Her skirt was also torn, and her white panties were nearly exposed. If he had arrived just one minuteter, the unimaginable consequences, the humiliation for a woman like Yun Fei, who thought so highly of herself, would have been a wound difficult to heal.


    As she fell into Ling Fan¡¯s arms, tears silently streamed down Yun Fei¡¯s face. For the first time, she realized howforting and reassuring it was to have a shoulder to rely on.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯ve got this," Ling Fanforted Yun Fei in his embrace.


    "Can you stand on your own?"


    Yun Fei nodded, "I can! Ling Fan, thank you!"


    Ling Fan gently put her down, then turned to face the executioners from before.


    "Step! Step! Step!"


    Ling Fan stepped steadily toward the fatdy who had been kicked away, "Repeat what you just said!"


    "You little bastard, how dare youy a hand on me..."


    "Crack!"


    "Ah!"


    The fatdy screamed in agony as Ling Fan mercilessly broke her arm.


    He then moved on to the second woman, "Come on, you say it!"


    She was just someone the fatdy had called upon for help, unaware of the full story. Besides, what¡¯s there to talk about when a wife catches a mistress?


    "I... I don¡¯t know..."


    "Crack!"


    Ling Fan made a swift move and then quickly approached the third woman.


    Thest woman saw what had happened to the first two and immediately knelt down, "It¡¯s not my fault, I don¡¯t know anything..."


    With another ¡¯snap¡¯, Ling Fan turned back to the fat woman.


    "It seems you¡¯re the only one who knows! I don¡¯t have time for your bullshit," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    The fat woman trembled all over, stealing a nce at the woman beside Hong Dewei. She was very afraid of the madman before her eyes, but the person who had instructed her from behind was even more untouchable.


    "Kid, this is Hong Corporation, not a ce for you to run wild. It¡¯s an in-house matter of the Hong Family, do you dare to interfere? Where is the security, are they all dead?" another young man beside Hong Dewei stepped forward.


    The crowd in the hall was silent as death, struck by Ling Fan¡¯s thunderous methods, leaving even Hong Dewei speechless for a moment.


    Soon after, a dozen security guards rushed into the hall, eyeing Ling Fan with a fierce look.


    Ling Fan slowly turned around, his figure springing into action.


    "Smack!"


    With a crisp sound, the man who had spoken earlier was sent flying with a p from Ling Fan, rolling away and passing out in the distance.


    "Shut up!"


    The few security guards who were about to rush forward suddenly froze. They were just ordinary people, and weighing the situation, none dared to step forward to their demise.


    "This is yourst chance, my patience is limited!" Ling Fan said. He took out a gun, loaded the bullets, and fired two shots at the fat woman¡¯s thigh, then pressed the gun against her forehead.


    The onlookers were all scared stiff, feeling their hearts twitch. No wonder President Yun would cheat with this guy; he really was a tough character! The one who was pped away just now was one of Young Master Hong¡¯s people. Was this young man not afraid of death? Daring to provoke Young Master Hong?


    The fat woman¡¯s psychological defensespletely broke down, pointing at the woman beside Hong Dewei, "It was her, it was all her, she made me do it. Let me go, I won¡¯t dare anymore..."


    Ling Fan put away the gun and turned to look at Hong Dewei and the woman beside him.


    Being stared at by Ling Fan¡¯s icy gaze, the woman felt her scalp tingle and her body turn cold, "Hong... Young Master Hong..."


    "What¡¯s going on?" All the onlookers were baffled.


    "Was this all deliberately arranged? And even instigated by Young Master Hong?" Everyone¡¯s minds struggled toprehend, unsure of what farce was unfolding.


    However, all of them understood one thing, Yun Fei must have crossed Young Master Hong, and Young Master Hong was not someone to be trifled with.


    Could this domineering young man really dare to do something to Young Master Hong for a woman?


    Hong Dewei watched the scene unfold before him, confirming the thoughts in his mind. This young man had a deep connection with Yun Fei, that must be why she refused to interact with any other men!


    That ignited a volcanic fury inside him, surging with boundless jealousy. As a member of the Zhongnan Hong Family, was he inferior to this so-called loser in front of him?


    He could tell at a nce that the clothes on Ling Fan¡¯s body totaled less than a thousand yuan, while a single button on his own clothing could outfit the other man in ten sets of clothes.


    He was eager to see what this young man was capable of, daring to be so bold in his presence.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Kid, you¡¯re meddling too much. You dare to meddle in my affairs, too? Have the guts to state your name!" Hong Dewei stared intently at Ling Fan.


    "Heh, my name is not something for an ant like you to know! Was it you who instigated things against Yun Fei?" Ling Fan spoke calmly.


    Hong Dewei¡¯s face turned sour, as he was used to viewing others as ants. Today, the tables had turned!


    "Young Master Hong, I heard Yun Fei call him Ling Fan just now?" the woman beside Hong Dewei whispered to him.


    "Ling Fan?"


    Hong Dewei frowned and pondered, considering if there was anyone with the surname Ling in the Secr World whom he couldn¡¯t afford to offend. Suddenly, a spark of realization shed through his mind.


    Recently, in the upper circles, there indeed was a name, Ling Fan, that had be the talk of the town, due to the recent misfortunes that befell the Li and Feng families.


    "Are you... the son-inw who married into the Xiao Family, Ling Fan?" Hong Dewei asked with suspicion in his eyes.


    Ling Fan¡¯s brow raised, his reputation had grown sorge?


    "You actually know me?" Ling Fan was curious.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Dewei¡¯s eyes widened, and then he burst intoughter, "Holy shit, I almost died of fright. So it turns out to be the waste son-inw from the Xiao Family. Motherfucker, kneel down and apologize to me, or I will kill your dumb ass!"

 Chapter 68 Yun Fei Pleads for Mercy

    With Hong Dewei¡¯s roar, onlookers were shocked, unclear of the Xiao Family¡¯s good-for-nothing mentioned, but they did understand one thing, the seemingly arrogant young man in front of them was actually a son-inw who had married into a certain family?


    These days, would any man with a bit of skill marry into a woman¡¯s family?


    "Fuck, I was scared to death just now. I thought he had some impressive background, turns out he¡¯s just a reckless brute, relying merely on vicious energy!" someone exhaled a long breath of relief, Ling Fan¡¯s ruthlessness had chilled him to the bone earlier.


    "Hahaha, kid, you look pretty imposing with that gun,e on, recognize me?


    Let me introduce myself, a descendant of the Zhongnan Hong Family, one of the twenty-seven families of the Heavenly Vein, if you dare, shoot me with your gun and see whether the Hong Family won¡¯t wipe out your entire n!" Hong Dewei sneered viciously, pointing his finger like a gun to his own head.


    Ling Fan¡¯s expression remained unchanged, looking at the triumphant and smug Hong Dewei, he remained silent.


    Yun Fei, standing by the side, managed to stabilize her emotions slightly. She knew a bit about Ling Fan¡¯s temperament, which was evident that day at Yun Xuan.


    After much thought, she didn¡¯t want Ling Fan to make enemies with the Zhongnan Hong Family because of her.


    "Ling Fan, don¡¯t be impulsive, let¡¯s go!" Yun Fei urged.


    Hearing Yun Fei¡¯s words, Hong Dewei felt even more confident, snorting arrogantly.


    "Heh, want to leave? Do you think this door is yours toe and go as you please? Fuck that, I¡¯ll tell you today, no one here thinking they can strut around in front of me has managed to catch their breath yet!" Hong Dewei scoffed coldly.


    Ling Fan, observing the arrogant Hong Dewei, chuckled coldly, "An auxiliary member of a n, nothing more than a dog tasked with managing the secr world¡¯s mundane affairs, acting like he¡¯s something, even bing so full of himself that he¡¯s lost his bearings, what a wonder!"


    As soon as these words came out, the hall fell into dead silence, with everyone looking incredulously at Ling Fan.


    Someone¡¯s mouth dropped open, almost toppling over, "This... This guy must be insane, daring to insult Young Master Hong like that?"


    Yun Fei¡¯s heart also skipped a beat, not expecting Ling Fan to dare to insult Young Master Hong, her heart filled with worry.


    Hong Dewei¡¯s mindset exploded, pointing at several security guards and yelling, "Damn it, break his legs for me, a worthless son-inw like you, where do you get the audacity to talk back to me?"


    "Young Master Ling, for my sake, please be merciful!" Yun Fei saw Ling Fan¡¯s silence and knew things might spiral out of control, hurriedly interceding.


    It wasn¡¯t that she was afraid, but she had her own difficulties, not wanting Ling Fan to make a mortal enemy of the Hong Family because of her.


    In the eyes of the Hong Family, even the He Family was nothing, and Zhongnan was a mysterious forbidden area. She would rather sacrifice herself than entangle Ling Fan in trouble.


    Ling Fan took a deep breath, having originally nned to take out this idiot Hong Dewei, but since Yun Fei had spoken up, he felt obliged to show some respect.


    Without further questions, he dealt with a few security guards with a few punches and kicks, then stepped forward towards Hong Dewei.


    Looking at the security guards lying on the ground, their wails echoing, everyone exchanged nces, keeping their distance from where Ling Fan stood.


    Hong Dewei obviously hadn¡¯t anticipated his opponent¡¯s highbat power; more than ten security guards had failed to take down the man.


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing? I¡¯m telling you, if you dare touch me, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it!" Hong Dewei stated, unafraid, ring at Ling Fan with a threat.


    Ling Fan ignored Hong Dewei¡¯s ranting and simply said to Yun Fei, "Yun Fei, I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re pleading for this person, but today I¡¯ll give you face, next time there won¡¯t be such an opportunity!"


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Fuck, he sounds so damn confident, since when do I need someone¡¯s face?" Hong Dewei sneered coldly.


    In his eyes, Yun Fei¡¯s behavior and demeanor were simply out of fear to offend him.


    And as for the guy before him, he had never seen anyone who could put on airs like that, clearly afraid of his background, not daring to do anything to him, yet still trying to appear so arrogant, looking for a way to save face, right?


    But the next second, before his sneer had faded, he saw Ling Fan sh him a look of disdain and thenshed out with a palm strike at his face, swift as lightning.


    With inner strength imbued in the strike, it resounded with a ¡¯smack,¡¯ sending him flying.


    Hong Dewei felt as if his head had been smacked by Princess Iron Fan¡¯s banana palm fan; his brain thundered with a hundred cannons, and stars scattered across his vision.


    Everyone was shocked as they saw Hong Dewei spin seven hundred and twenty degrees in mid-air before rolling onto the ground, motionless for a long while, and then fainting.


    Ling Fan¡¯s gaze swept across the people in the hall one by one, and not a single person dared to meet his eyes, all of them submissively bowing their heads.


    In the end, Ling Fan looked at the only woman standing beside Hong Dewei and said indifferently, "When that idiot wakes up, warn him for me. If he dares to bother Yun Fei again, I will send him directly to King Yan to report, and not even the Hong family will be able to save him!"


    Having said that, he left Hong Corporation amidst the awe-struck gazes, supporting Yun Fei.


    Yun Fei had her own car, but this time Ling Fan was driving. Before his severe injury, let alone driving, there was nothing in the sky or sea he couldn¡¯t pilot¡ªit was only that he didn¡¯t have a license.


    "Are you feeling better?" Ling Fan asked Yun Fei, who was in the passenger seat, with concern.


    "I¡¯m fine. Thank you for today!" Yun Fei said, the memory of the recent events sending a shiver of fear through her.


    "Thank for what? It was lucky I got the whim toe find you today. Why didn¡¯t you notify me when there was trouble!" Ling Fan said with a trace of anger.


    Yun Fei looked down like a small girl who had done something wrong and said softly, "I didn¡¯t expect it to turn out this way. Although Hong Dewei had harassed me before, he had never been so violent."


    "Haha, you don¡¯t understand men, let alone a psychologically twisted evil man. Today, you were leaving; did you think he would still have the patience to y hide and seek with you?" Ling Fan shook his head slightly.


    "You... seem to understand him very well..." Yun Fei said in a weak voice.


    Ling Fan chuckled. "Just as women understand women the best, likewise, men understand men the best!"


    Yun Fei felt indifferent; she thought she knew men very well, but today made her realize she still didn¡¯t understand enough.


    "Come to Tian Yun tomorrow, and notify me the moment he bothers you again. Also, next time, I don¡¯t want to hear you pleading for him!" Ling Fan instructed her.


    A surge of inexplicable emotions welled up in Yun Fei¡¯s heart. She wanted to exin and whispered, "I... wasn¡¯t pleading for him. I didn¡¯t want you to offend the Hong family on my behalf or make enemies with Zhongnan. Even He Feichen is nothing in the eyes of the Hong family; I was worried about you!"


    Yun Fei¡¯s voice grew softer toward the end, and Ling Fan sighed inwardly. It seemed he needed to restore his cultivation as soon as possible, as the opponents he faced were bing increasingly formidable.


    Mulling over this in his heart, once he resolved the current troubles, he would have to make a trip to Zhongnan Mountain. The old man had mentioned that there was a treasure spot in Zhongnan before he left; Ling Fan needed to find some time to explore it.


    "You don¡¯t need to worry about me. I have great abilities. Zhongnan Mountain is nothing in my eyes. To those who dare to harm me, even if the Heavenly King himselfes, I dare to kill him!" Ling Fan spoke leisurely.


    An unusual sentiment surged in the depths of Yun Fei¡¯s heart¡ªmoved and also throbbing with excitement.


    "Do you need to go to the hospital for a check-up?" Ling Fan asked with concern.


    "No need, just take me home, please!" Yun Fei shook her head.


    A few minutester, they arrived at Qinglin Xianting Vi Area, one of the high-end vi districts in Binzhou, in front of Yun Fei¡¯s vi.


    Ling Fan parked the car, and as Yun Fei moved slightly, she said timidly, "Young Master Ling, my ankle¡¯s sprained, and I can¡¯t walk; it seems to be swollen!"


    "I¡¯ll carry you inside," Ling Fan said without a second thought, quickly getting out to open the passenger door.


    Yun Fei¡¯s face flushed, her heart fluttering like a startled fawn. Thinking of the feeling of Ling Fan¡¯s arms around her earlier made her extremely nervous, her ears turning red!

 Chapter 69 Seeking Ones Own Destruction

    Ling Fan bent down to pick up Yun Fei, who was seated in the passenger seat. Previously, he hadn''t felt much, but now, with just the two of them, he suddenly felt surrounded by a fragrant warmth, the scent of her elegant perfume filling his nostrils.


    Yun Fei wrapped her arms around Ling Fan''s neck, thinking of the conversation they had at Yun Xuan''s entrance. From now on, she would be Ling Fan''s woman. Feeling the warmthing from his body, her heart began to flutter uncontrobly.


    Ling Fan had no idea that the misunderstanding was deepening. He carried Yun Fei into the vi.


    "Is it just you living here?" Ling Fan asked as he looked around the empty hall with curiosity.


    "Mm, I like the peace and quiet. There''s a housekeeper, but she asked for a couple of days off," Yun Fei exined.


    Ling Fan nodded, ced her on the sofa, and went to find a piece of clothing and a first aid kit.


    "Will the wound on my face leave a scar?" Yun Fei looked at Ling Fan and asked anxiously.


    "Haha, don''t worry," Ling Fan said. "With me here, even if you wanted a scar, it would be difficult. I''ll take care of it for youter, so there''s no need to be concerned."


    He then took off Yun Fei''s high heels. Her left ankle was already bruised and swollen. He frowned slightly, but this was not a difficult task for him.


    "Bear with it for a little while; it''ll be better soon," Ling Fan instructed.


    He then concentrated his energy for cultivation, and in a moment, his palms turned red as if heated by a branding iron. He then gently began to knead Yun Fei''s foot.


    Yun Fei''s body couldn''t help but tremble. At first, there was a bit of piercing pain, but soon it felt as though her foot was enveloped in a furnace, with a strange tingling sensation that constantly prodded at her sensitive nerves.


    In all her years, she had never been in such close contact with a man. Today, she had broken all taboos; Ling Fan had both held and touched her.


    Especially now, the area Ling Fan was massaging made her feel extremely embarrassed because her feet were her most sensitive spot. With Ling Fan''s kneading, it felt as if every cell in her body was being stimted by an electric current.


    Just as Yun Fei was gritting her teeth and enduring the pain, she heard Ling Fan softly say, "Okay, it''s better now. Rest well these next few days; you''ll have no major troubles!"


    When Yun Fei felt Ling Fan''s hands leave her foot, her heart felt as if it had been granted a great pardon, and she silently breathed a sigh of relief.


    Seeing Yun Fei''s expression, Ling Fan wondered, "My technique shouldn''t be this painful. Could it be that after neglecting it for two years, I''ve be rusty?"


    Yun Fei''s face turned red as she calmed herself down and said in a low voice, "No... it''s not... it feels much better, thank you!"


    ...


    Hong Corporation''s private office.


    "Smash..."


    Hong Dewei was enraged, and after destroying thest breakable object, he pointed at the trembling woman by the door and bellowed, "Go, get Elder Hong for me. Damn it, if I don''t kill him today, I''m not a Hong!"


    The woman looked at the chaos in the office and nodded frantically, then quickly retreated.


    Hong Dewei propped himself on the desk, breathing heavily, his fists smashing against the ss, his blood flowing freely without him even noticing. Today he had beenpletely humiliated; in full view of everyone, he was knocked out by that waste?


    Although he was an external member of the family, in the Secr World, he was akin to a Crown Prince. When had he ever been so humiliated?


    Not longter, a spirited elder walked into the office. Seeing the condition inside, he furrowed his brows slightly.


    "Young master, I just heard about today''s incident. Those who disgrace the Hong family should be executed!" the elder said solemnly.


    Hong Dewei''s eyes were bloodshot. Elder Hong, named Hong Cang, was a protecter responsible for the safety of the Hong family''s worldly members. He also dealt with and solved special tricky matters.


    "Elder Hong," Hong Dewei said through gritted teeth. "Help me catch that bitch Yun Fei tonight and bring her to my private vi!"


    Hong Cang''s expression changed subtly. Young Master Hong''s private vi was a nightmare for women, with countless insubordinate women who had offended the young master submitting and even paying with their lives there.


    "And what about that waste from the Xiao Family?" Hong Cang pondered.


    "Heh, catching that bitch Yun Fei will ensure hees along. I want him to see with his own eyes how Yun Fei submits under me!" Hong Dewei said with a vicious look.


    "It''s said his wife, Xiao Chubing, is also an exceptional beauty. After I deal with that bitch Yun Fei, I''ll need Elder Hong to take an extra trip.


    I want to do it right in front of that waste. I will make his life worse than death, full of regrets. He will know what happens when someone offends me, Hong Dewei!"


    "Yes, Young Master, rest assured, I will certainly handle it well!" Hong Cang nodded in response.


    ...


    Inside the hall of Yun Fei''s Vi.


    "I hope what happened today won''t cast a bad shadow on you. Get some good rest, I''ve arranged for someone toe over and protect you!" Ling Fan nced at the time, realizing it was gettingte and he should leave; a wife wouldn''t take kindly to her husband not returning at night.


    Yun Fei felt a slight sense of loss inside, smiling as she said, "I''m fine, you go ahead with your business, I''m not that fragile!"


    "Hmm,, call me anytime if you need to, I''ve asked Zhou Zhenxiong to send someone over!" Ling Fan nodded and reminded her.


    Yun Fei was already able to move around a little by now; the problem wasn''t serious. Ling Fan was just worried that Hong Dewei, that idiot, wouldn''t give up and woulde looking for trouble.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Upon leaving the vi, he immediately called Zhou Zhenxiong. He had left Vermilion Bird at Feng Shuya''s ce, just in case Long Tianjun showed up unexpectedly.


    Even though Vermilion Bird had people under hismand, it was time for those underlings Ling Fan had taken in to prove their worth. If they couldn''t be counted on in a critical moment, what use were they?


    When Zhou Zhenxiong received Ling Fan''s call, he was nervously excited, bing agitated upon hearing that there was a task for him.


    Ling Fan entrusting him with a task meant he was not considered an outsider, which is what he had been hoping for a chance to prove.


    "Young Master Ling can rest assured, Zhou Mou guarantees to arrange someone to protect Yun Fei well!" Zhou Zhenxiong vowed confidently, finally given an opportunity to shine; he had to handle this beautifully.


    "Mhm, arrange a woman as well, Yun Fei has difficulty moving!" Ling Fan instructed, then ended the call.


    By the time Ling Fan got home, dusk had fallen, and Xiao Chubing had also just gotten back not long ago.


    Having just changed into a light pink nightgown, she saw Ling Fan enter and asked with concern, "How is Yun Fei doing over there, is she alright?"


    "Luckily I went there today, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable!" Ling Fan sighed and briefly recounted what had happened.


    Xiao Chubing''s expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and she sighed, "It''s really tough being a woman. Typically seeing Yun Fei so high and mighty, a strong woman, one would have never imagined she''d go through such an ordeal!"


    Ling Fan was silent, softly saying, "All strength is rtive. In the eyes of ordinary people, those tycoons are on top, but at a certain level, there''s always a higher level unless you can stand at the pinnacle of this world!"


    Xiao Chubing snuggled up close, clinging to Ling Fan''s arm, coquettishly saying, "As long as I have you. But I will also work hard to be stronger!"


    "Hehe, don''t put too much pressure on yourself, I will protect you!" Ling Fan said softly, embracing Xiao Chubing''s delicate body.


    Xiao Chubing shook her head with earnest, "Husband and wife cultivating together can travel the same journey. If one day you stand at an ever higher ce, and I can''t even see your shadow, then I will have lost you. So, you can''t leave me behind and move forward alone!"


    Ling Fan''s spirit was touched, "I''ll teach you how to cultivate martial arts when we get a chance!"


    Xiao Chubing nodded obediently, "Mhm, a promise is a promise!"


    "Umm, it''s still early, do you want to go wash up?" Xiao Chubing asked with a blush on her face, in a low voice.


    Feeling in high spirits, Ling Fan teased, moving close to Xiao Chubing''s ear, "Hehe, tonight we shall meet on Witch Mountain!"


    Xiao Chubing was taken aback, and then she realized what he meant, her face turned crimson as she chided, "I''m not talking to you, I''m going upstairs..."


    "Haha... Your husband will be up shortly!" Ling Fan watched Xiao Chubing, who was usually so cool and stunning, now acting like a coy young woman, and he felt suddenly more intrigued.


    Just then, his phone rang, and seeing that it was Zhou Zhenxiong calling, he immediately answered. He heard a panicky voice from the other side.


    "Ling... Young Master Ling, Zhou Mou begs for forgiveness, Yun... Yun Fei has been abducted..." Zhou Zhenxiong''s voice trembled with heavy sweat on his brow. He had finally received a task and messed it up; now he felt like he''d rather die.


    Ling Fan''s face turned fierce, and he asked in a deep voice, "Was it the Hong Family?"


    Xiao Chubing, who had just started up the stairs, stopped in her tracks and quickly turned back to look in his direction.


    "Yes... it''s... they also left an address and want you to go there alone!" Zhou Zhenxiong''s voice shook.


    Ling Fan''s eyes turned icy cold, "Damn it, seeking their own death, they really think I''m a saint? Send me the address!"

 Chapter 70 Alls Fair in War

    Ling Fan put down the phone and nced at an address sent by Zhou Zhenxiong, his expression darkening.


    Xiao Chubing doubled back and came to Ling Fan''s side, "What''s wrong, did something happen to Yun Fei?"


    "Yeah, she was taken by Hong Dewei. I knew I should''ve killed that fucker today at Hong Corporation!" Ling Fan said grimly.


    The main issue was that this fucker not only kidnapped Yun Fei but also ruined the moment he had with his wife.


    Xiao Chubing was also sighing to herself, wondering why married life had to be so fraught with difficulties...


    "You better hurry, if you''rete Yun Fei might fall into the devil''s clutches!" Xiao Chubing urged anxiously.


    When it came to matters of great importance, she was clear-headed and wouldn''t nag foolishly.


    "Yeah, go rest early, I might not be able to return tonight. If anything happens to Yun Fei, I''ll wipe out his entire family!" Ling Fan said coldly.


    "Be careful yourself!" Xiao Chubing admonished.


    "Don''t worry, take care of yourself at home!" Ling Fan kissed Xiao Chubing on the forehead, then immediately turned and hurried out the door.


    Watching Ling Fan''s figure disappear at the doorway, Xiao Chubing wrapped her sleep gown tighter around herself, muttering, "Hopefully there won''t be any more unexpected problems next time!"


    ...


    Binzhou, suburbs, a secluded private vi.


    Yun Feiy on the bed, her mouth stuffed with stockings and her hands tied behind her back, her face filled with terror as she looked at the ferocious Hong Dewei, who was toying with a device in his hand. Her heart was ice cold.


    Hong Dewei eyed Yun Fei''s creamy jade-like legs and twirled a small leather whip in his hand, his vicious smile revealing his thoughts: "Damn it, instead of drinking a toast, you incur a forfeit. You just had to make me get rough.


    Don''t worry, I won''t do anything to you just yet, I hope that loser won''t disappoint me. After he gets here, I''m going to strip you bit by bit right in front of him, hahaha..."


    Yun Fei''s face was pale, her eyes filled with endless terror. She had not imagined Hong Dewei could be so monstrously cruel.


    "This vi has been modified. Right now, this bedroom is basically a secret chamber!" Hong Dewei boasted proudly.


    With that, he pressed a button on a remote control, and arge projection appeared on the wall, capable of monitoring the outside of the vi.


    The next second, the screen switched to the bedroom scene.


    "Everything that''s about to happen here will be recorded, including your uing performance!" Hong Dewei sneered, stood up, and moved to Yun Fei''s side, pulling the stockings out of her mouth.


    Yun Fei couldn''t help but shift her ice-cold body backward, her voice trembling, "You... you better let me go quickly, Ling Fan won''t let you off!"


    Right then, Ling Fan was her only hope; she dared not imagine what Hong Dewei would do to her next!


    Just then, the screen showed the vi entrance, just as a handsome figure stoically appeared outside the vi.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Oh! Quite brave to actuallye. Since you dared to show up, I''ll let you thoroughly ''enjoy'' the spectacr scene that''s about to unfold!" Hong Dewei said, a somber look crossing his face as he watched Ling Fan approach.


    "Young Master Hong, there''s still time for you to back off the cliff. Ling Fan is also a martial artist. If you let me go, I can plead with him not to hold a grudge against you!" Yun Fei had a sh of inspiration, looking for a chance to escape.


    Hong Dewei was momentarily stunned, then incredulously looked at Yun Fei and burst intoughter, "Fuck, you think you can trick me? You seem to know a lot. Do you think just anyone can be a martial artist?


    Ie from the Zhongnan Hong Family with deep roots, and I haven''t even begun my journey in cultivating martial arts. You say that loser is a martial artist? Do you think I''m that easy to fool?


    I advise you to give up all your fantasies. Even if he is a martial artist, so what? First Grade? Second Grade? Do you think I''d capture you without any support? In this vi, my family has martial arts experts!"


    Hearing this, Yun Fei felt as if her heart had plummeted to the bottom of an abyss.


    As Hong Dewei saw Ling Fan enter the vi through the screen, he immediately turned off the projection and picked up the phone to order, "Elder Hong, break that kid''s legs and bring him in!"


    After finishing, he walked up to Yun Fei, grabbed her hair, and with his left hand, he shoved a small medicine pill into her mouth.


    "Cough cough... cough..."


    "What... what did you give me to eat?" Yun Fei''s face was filled with horror.


    "Hehe, something good, a treasure that will allow you to release your true self to the fullest!" Hong Dewei sneered with a sinisterugh.


    In the vi''s main hall, Ling Fan''s face was grim as he stared at the elderly man before him.


    "Hand over Yun Fei, and you can die a painless death. Otherwise, I''ll tear you into eight pieces!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Elder Hong stood with his hands behind his back, arrogantly nting a nce at Ling Fan and sneering, "Ignorant of the enormity of the heavens and the earth, have the young people of today really be so arrogant?"


    "Old man, save my time and don''t take my words for farts, you''d better be a bit more sensible!" Ling Fan said impatiently.


    Elder Hong''s face changed slightly, and he let out a cold snort, "Boy, then let this old man see if your skills are as hard as your mouth. In a moment, when I break your legs, you will witness a good show!"


    With that, his figure suddenly darted forward, charging at Ling Fan.


    Through the man''s movement techniques, Ling Fan had already deduced the old man''s approximate cultivation and mentally sneered, "A Third Grade martial artist daring to y the chatan in front of me? Even if facing a warrior of the Grandmaster Realm, I am eighty percent confident I can make them spit out teeth!"


    Elder Hong''s wed hands were poised like hooks, his momentum was breathtaking, his movements raising a gust of wind as he lunged at Ling Fan''s shoulders, aiming to restrain him first, then break his legs, before bringing him before Hong Dewei.


    Ling Fan stood with his hands behind his back, looking indifferently at the pouncing Elder Hong, without moving an inch.


    Seeing Ling Fan stand there like a fool, Elder Hong sneered, "Turns out he''s a fool who''s all talk and no action!"


    Just as Elder Hong was about to touch Ling Fan, Ling Fan''s figure suddenly dropped and his right leg kicked out like lightning.


    "Crack... crack..."


    Two harsh sounds of bones breaking suddenly pierced the air, followed by Ling Fan arching backward, his hands moving like sealing some spell, grabbing Elder Hong''s arms and shaking them violently with another two ''crack'' sounds.


    Elder Hong''s eyes widened with muddled vision, his face filled with extreme shock.


    There he was, kneeling on the ground, arms dangling powerless, all four limbs broken in a blink.


    "You... You''re a Grandmaster Realm martial artist?" Elder Hong''s spirit was shattered, and he trembled.


    "I wouldn''t quite say Grandmaster Realm, but even if it were, I wouldn''t fear it! Tell me, in which room is Yun Fei?" Ling Fan asked calmly.


    "Hehe, you might as well kill me, I''m dead either way, I will not tell!" Elder Hong, knowing his fate, decided to act tough.


    Ling Fan squinted at Elder Hong and let out a sneer, "You''ve yed the dog for so long and managed to learn loyalty too? Want to taste the ''Heart Devouring Gu''?"


    Elder Hong''s body shook violently, and his expression changed drastically as he trembled, "You... you... what is your rtionship with the Myriad Poison Lair?"


    The Myriad Poison Lair was little known in the Secr World, only notorious within the Martial Arts World. It wasn''t located on Zhongnan Mountain but in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains of the Northern Region, deriving from the mysterious lineage of the Witchcraft Sect.


    There''s a saying in the Martial Arts World, "Zhongnan in the south, Myriad Poison in the north." Compared to Zhongnan Mountain, the Myriad Poison Lair of the Northern Region was even more mysterious and formidable.


    The ''Heart Devouring Gu'' was rumored to be one of the most terrifying Gu Arts. The victim would endure 49 days of excruciating heart-devouring pain, only to watch, with eyes open, as countless Gu worms consumed their flesh, leaving behind a skeleton with a still-beating heart¡ªtruly a frightful tale.


    "Last chance, don''t doubt my words!" With that, Ling Fan took out a small jade vial from his hand.


    Seeing this, Elder Hong''s face underwent drastic changes, his throat went dry, and he quivered, "The basement level, please make it quick!"


    Ling Fan put away the jade vial and nodded slightly, "Thank you, I don''t actually have the ''Heart Devouring Gu,'' but I can make it quick for you."


    "You..." Elder Hong''s eyes bulged round.


    "Crack!"


    The next second, Ling Fan acted like lightning, directly twisting Elder Hong''s neck.


    "Farewell, no send-off needed. Haven''t you heard that all is fair in war?" Ling Fan said calmly.


    Then, his figure shed, and he dashed towards the basement level.

 Chapter 71 No Cure Available

    In the secret chamber, Hong Dewei was still unaware of everything happening in the hall, shirtless, watching the effects of Yun Fei''s drug beginning to take hold, waiting for Elder Hong to bring in the useless Ling Fan.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Yun Fei started feeling waves of abnormality and burning sensation in her body, panicking internally as her body twisted uncontrobly.


    Hong Dewei, seeing Yun Fei''s reaction, sneered, "Damn, acting all high and mighty with me? Just wait, I''ll record everything and let you enjoy how ''high and mighty'' you really are!"


    To destroy a person''s psychological defenses is to destroy her dignity, Hong Dewei''s mindset was twisted, all because of his status and experiences within the family.


    In the family, he was an unwanted failure, only able to manage some industries in the Secr World as an external member.


    Ling Fan was right in saying one thing, he was just a dog in the family.


    Therefore, these experiences greatly affected his mindset, as no one in the family respected him, this worthless person; in everyone''s eyes, he was nothing but a dog doing the family''s bidding.


    As time wore on, his personality became introverted, and his psyche twisted.


    "Hehe, bitch, let''s spice things up, let that good-for-nothing watch too!" Hong Dewei said, immediately grabbing something he had prepared earlier on the table.


    Just then, the door of the specially secured chamber was burst open with a ''boom''.


    Ling Fan appeared at the doorway like a vengeful god, and upon seeing the scene inside the bedroom, his fury soared.


    Hong Dewei paled with fright, looking at Ling Fan at the door dry-mouthed, "You... Elder Hong... where is he?"


    "I''ve already sent him to meet King Yan, and you can go down and join him!" Ling Fan''s voice was chillingly cold.


    "You can''t touch me, dare to go against my Hong family? Believe it or not, not only you but everyone rted to you will be in trouble, including Yun Fei, Xiao Chubing..." Hong Dewei pointed at Ling Fan, his voice quivering with the threat.


    At that moment, he was somewhat scared, never imagining that even Elder Hong had fallen, a Third Grade martial artist, and this worthless person in front of him was even more formidable than Elder Hong?


    However, he was not utterly panicked because he still had the backing of the Hong family, this most powerful amulet!


    "Pah, Hong your damn, even if the Jade Emperor himself came today, he couldn''t save you. You''ve angered me, so I will uproot your Hong familypletely!" Ling Fan, furious to the extreme, burst out with an expletive.


    Immediately, he moved and grasped his throat with one hand.


    "Damn, killing you like this is too easy!" Ling Fan, seeing Yun Fei letting out a groan from the bed, his expression turned extremely ugly.


    "Crack! Crack! Crack....."


    Ling Fan directly grabbed Hong Dewei''s arm, starting from the wrist, breaking it into eight segments.


    Hong Dewei howled in agony, wishing he could pass out.


    "Did I allow you to scream?" Ling Fan''s expression was cold, and he immediately grabbed something next to him and stuffed it into Hong Dewei''s mouth.


    Find more chapters on empire


    "Fuck your grandma, like this tune!"


    Following that, Ling Fan methodically dismembered his limbs, breaking them into thirty-two segments.


    By now, Hong Dewei''s breath was weak, and the object stuffed in his mouth prevented him from uttering a word. He did not know how many lifetimes he had passed in and out of consciousness, only aware that he had fallen into the hands of a devil.


    "You can die now!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    After speaking, he punched at Hong Dewei''s Heavenly Spirit Cover, killing him outright!


    Having done all this, Ling Fan rushed to the bed and picked up Yun Fei.


    At this moment, Yun Fei''s skin was as red as blood, as if on fire, burning to the touch, her eyes seductive like silk, her consciousness blurred, embracing Ling Fan and pressing herself against him.


    Ling Fan turned his head toward the already dead Hong Dewei and said, annoyed, "Enchanting Poison?"


    Enchanting Poison was a special aphrodisiac concocted in the Martial Arts World, with no known cure, at least not with his current level of cultivation.


    Those poisoned could only achieve bnce by harmonizing Yin and Yang, otherwise, in severe cases, they would feel as if their insides were burning, die from unquenchable lust, or, in milder cases, suffer from mental disarray, fall seriously ill for months, and have their vital energy depleted.


    Ling Fan took a deep breath, conflicted inside. In such extraordinary times, he couldn''t fuss over minor details anymore and immediately snapped his fingers, breaking the hidden camera lurking in the shadows.


    In an instant, the room bloomed with spring, saying righteously, it only envied Mandarins, not immortals...


    The next day, Ling Fan opened his eyes and saw Yun Fei beside him, feeling an inevitable guilt surge within him, his head pounding.


    Yun Fei turned over, feeling difort in her body. She frowned slightly, slowly opened her eyes.


    As soon as she saw everything around her clearly, she screamed, then quickly wrapped herself up and burrowed into the bed covers.


    Ling Fan felt a bit awkward, sighing helplessly, "I''m sorry, you were poisoned by Enchanting Poison yesterday. I had no choice but to do it. If you''re willing, I''ll take responsibility..."


    Upon saying this, even he felt a bit guilty, unsure of how to exin to Xiao Chubing, inadvertently incurring another romantic debt, although there was a reason for it.


    But that wasn''t a reason to wipe his mouth clean after eating and leave. That wasn''t his personality. Even before he was badly hurt, he had rtionships with women. He hadn''t managed to exin his previous affairs to Xiao Chubing yet, and now he had stirred up trouble again.


    At this moment, Yun Fei, with her head under the covers, felt her mind in chaos, the scenes fromst night shing through her mind like a film. She had always been proud, never expecting to be so vulnerable under the effect of Enchanting Poison.


    She was too ashamed to face anyone, her only option was to mutter weakly from the sanctity of the bed, "I... I don''t me you..."


    Ling Fan didn''t know how to console Yun Fei; there wasn''t even a clock in the secret chamber. He picked up his phone and saw it was nearly noon.


    He smacked his forehead, remembering he had an appointment at the school today which he had almost missed, but there was still time!


    "Uhm... Yun Fei, we should get dressed and leave. This is no ce to stay long," Ling Fan nudged Yun Fei inside the bed covers.


    After a while, Yun Fei timidly poked her head out, recalling her initial resistance to bing Ling Fan''s woman and then her subsequent eptance.


    She had never imagined that she would end up having a rtionship with Ling Fan in such a manner. It left her with mixed feelings. However, she didn''t regret it.


    "Ling Fan, I will get along well with Chu Bing!" Yun Fei suddenly blurted out this statement, catching Ling Fan off guard.


    "Uh... Chu Bing... will ept it..." Ling Fan replied, bitterness in his mouth. With the situation as it was, he could only face it head-on.


    He immediately got up and helped Yun Fei get dressed, "Let''s go, let''s leave this ce first!"


    "Okay!" Yun Fei nodded obediently.


    But as soon as she set foot on the ground, she eximed, her brow furrowed as she moved awkwardly, looking very unnatural.


    Ling Fan understood and quickly came to support her, "I''ll carry you!"


    "What about him?"


    Yun Fei pointed at the lifeless body of Hong Dewei on the ground, her heart full of resentment. If not for Ling Fan, she couldn''t imagine what she would have faced.


    "Don''t worry about him, let''s go. I''ll have someone take care of itter!" Ling Fan nced at the body on the ground and carried Yun Fei out of the vi.

 Chapter 72 Overestimating Ones Abilities

    Ling Fan had sent Yun Fei home and was about to deal with Hong Dewei''s private vi through Vermilion Bird when he received a call from Xu Miaotong.


    "Brother Fan, did you arrange a fight with Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion at the school?" Xu Miaotong anxiously asked on the phone.


    Ling Fan frowned, "What happened?"


    "The people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion waited for you for a long time and said you wouldn''t being. They took out their anger on Zi Qiong and the others!" Xu Miaotong hesitated. Your journey continues at empire


    "Hmm, I know. I got held up with something today. I''ll be right there, don''t worry!" Ling Fan reassured her and then hung up the phone.


    At that moment, Yun Fei, like a gentle little woman, snuggled into Ling Fan''s chest. Once a woman took that step forward, everything felt different, even her mindset had changed.


    "Do you have matters to attend to?" Yun Fei asked softly.


    "Hmm, you just rest at home. There won''t be any problems now, don''t be scared. I''ll take care of your safety!" Ling Fan reassured her.


    "Hmm, I have a request!" Yun Fei murmured with affection.


    Ling Fan was curious, "Um, go ahead. As long as it''s within my capabilities!"


    "Well, I know Chu Bing is officially the main wife, so I won''tpete with her for favor. But when there''s no one around, just the two of us, can I call you ''husband''?" Yun Fei asked expectantly.


    Ling Fan sighed internally, feeling guilty. Having many women wasn''t necessarily a good thing. Yun Fei''s request was not unreasonable at all, yet he couldn''t give her any formal status.


    Immediately he embraced her, whispering, "Go ahead, call me anything. I''ll exin things to Chu Bingter!"


    "Hmm, husband, let me do the exnation. It''s better if I handle the matters between women. Trust me!" Yun Fei said, her face full of happiness.


    She remembered that day at the entrance of Yun Xuan, Xiao Chubing didn''t seem to mind much. Maybe it wouldn''t be so hard!


    Still, just in case, she had prepared for the worst, believing that however it went, she would gain Xiao Chubing''s eptance and understanding!


    "Well... okay then!" Ling Fan replied, somewhat distressed.


    In the past, he feared neither heaven nor earth, drifting through a sea of flowers without a care, which was why he''d talked about romance but nevermitted to love. Now, by giving his heart, he had also found something to worry about.


    ...


    Inside Binzhou University, in front of the Fighting Stage located at the center of the campus, more than a thousand students had gathered.


    The location of the Fighting Stage was quite special, subtly ced within the line of sight of the principal and the teacher''s office.


    The Fighting Stage was where different Martial Arts Pavilions settled disputes, essentially serving as an arena. Members of the Martial Arts Academy asionally came here to spar.


    But for the past two years, there had been no one who challenged a Martial Arts Pavilion alone!


    Especially a member of the lowest-ranked Martial Arts Pavilion in the entire academy challenging one of the top ten Martial Arts Pavilions was unprecedented. As a result, almost every student who didn''t have sses or other obligations rushed to the scene.


    At that moment, in front of the Fighting Stage, Lei Ming, the president of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, Su Ziming, the vice president, and six of the remaining intact top fighters stood in front of the members of the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion.


    The remaining members of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion formed a circle, surrounding Zi Qiong and her group in the middle.


    Everyone watched the confronting sides in silence. However,pared to Lei Ming''s numerous and strong presence, Zi Qiong''s few people seemed too insignificant, like a solitary boat in the vast ocean.


    "F*cking hell, the only way out for you Zi Qiong today is to disband immediately. Do you really think that bringing in some bumpkin can set you soaring into the skies?


    That dumbass called Ling Fan, right? Fine, if I can''t leave him unable to care for himself today, I swear on my mom!" Su Ziming was so angry he felt like exploding.


    "Su Ziming, don''t go too far. You were the ones who bullied us first, and Ling Fan was merely fighting back. Plus, today''s just a friendly match. If you dare go overboard, the school''s leaders are secretly watching!" Su Qiong retorted sharply.


    "Heh, a woman who only knows a bit of trivial kung fu also trying to set up a Martial Arts Pavilion. If it weren''t for the fact that you share the Su surname, I would have crippled you long ago.


    And make this clear, I mean your Martial Arts Pavilion must disband immediately!" Su Ziming shouted aggressively.


    Su Qiong''s face turned extremely ugly. Su Ziming was her second uncle Su Wenrui''s son, as well as her cousin, but Su Ziming and other members of the Su Family treated her family almost like enemies, which she couldn''t understand at all.


    "On what basis are you demanding us to disband? Who do you think you are?" Su Qiong eximed angrily. The Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion was her painstaking effort; disbanding was out of the question.


    "Heh, on what basis?"


    Su Ziming''s expression darkened, and he suddenly burst out, "Just because my fists are harder than yours, got a problem with that?"


    Saying that, Su Ziming pointed at the six girls behind Su Qiong including Zhou Siyu, "I''m giving you one minute to think it over. Anyone who doesn''t leave, I''ll break your limbs, and I''ll do it every time I see you!"


    The girls of the Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion were instantly terrified, and Zhou Siyu angrily said, "Su Ziming, don''t overdo it. Just wait until Ling Fan gets here. You''re going to get it!"


    Su Ziming turned his head, looking at Zhou Siyu, "What did you say? Wait for Ling Fan toe?"


    "May I ask which of you below is the Great God Ling Fan? Come up and let us admire your grace. I''m waiting to see how good you look!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With Su Ziming''s cry, the thousand people below fell utterly silent, all craning their necks in anticipation. They also wanted to know how extraordinary this legendary Ling Fan was, daring to challenge the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion alone.


    The crowd waited expectantly for a long while, but no one responded.


    Su Ziming, pointing at Zhou Siyu, mocked, "Motherf*cker, we from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion have been waiting here for two hours now, and that Ling Fan is so scared he doesn''t even dare fart. I think he has probably turned tail and run back to his mother''s womb!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The members of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion burst into uproariousughter, and even the spectators below revealed knowing smiles, whispering among themselves.


    "Do you think that Ling Fan, the one who supposedly has the courage of a bear and a leopard, really dared to challenge the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion alone? Half a day has passed and he''s still nowhere to be seen. He really might be too scared toe!" someone muttered.


    "Damn, right? If he truly doesn''t show up, he''ll have screwed those few people from Zi Qiong, casting harsh words then letting a few women take the brunt. He''s really nothing!" another person angrily cursed.


    "If you ask me, he''s probably too scared to show up. It''s about time; if he were going toe, he would have been here by now. He was probably drunk that day, and now that he''s sobered up, he''s likely hiding in some corner crying his eyes out!" another person sneered.


    Listening to the chatter below, Su Ziming felt immensely satisfied and pointed at Su Qiong and her group, sneering, "Just you few shrimps and crabs also daring to oppose our Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, you''re really freaking deluding yourselves!"

 Chapter 73 Peril of Zi Qiong

    "Everyone, my patience has run out. Bring those women from Zi Qiong over here, we''ll go one by one!" Su Ziming ordered his followers.


    Zi Qiong and Siyu, overhearing the crowd''sments, turned pale. However, they refused to believe that Ling Fan would stand them up; something must have detained him.


    But the few girls behind them didn''t think so; they weren''t close with Ling Fan. Who knew if he would show up?


    At that moment, over ten of Lei Ming''s experts had approached the girls. "Young Master Su has invited you. Wise up and don''t force us to get rough. You can''t hide."


    "Su Ziming, what exactly do you want? If you have the guts,e at me. Don''t trouble the people of Zi Qiong!" Su Qiong stepped forward to shield them.


    A chill crossed Su Ziming''s face. "You think I wouldn''t dare do anything to you? Zhao Yin, teach her a lesson!"


    Following Su Ziming''s order, a man stepped forward from Lei Ming''s team; his sharp, thin face looked sleazy.


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    "Young Master Su, how should I teach her a lesson? Should I cripple her? She seems to be rted to you," Zhao Yin said with a sinisterugh.


    Zi Qiong and Siyu''s faces changed instantly upon seeing him. Zhao Yin, ranked fifth in strength at the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion and with a Late Body Tempering Stage of cultivation, was also ranked sixty-second on the campus top-100 list. They were no match for him.


    "Just don''t kill her; let her learn her lesson," Su Ziming said lightly.


    Zhao Yin revealed a sly grin. "Teaching a lesson is easy."


    He immediately pulled out a sharp dagger, twirling it in his hand as though it were a piece of art.


    "Prepare yourself. I''m not one to pity the fairer sex; I prefer to tear beautiful things apart to appreciate them!" Zhao Yin sneered, lunging at Su Qiong with his dagger.


    rmed, Su Qiong hastily drew a short sword from her person and met him head-on. Siyu moved to help, but as soon as she did, the men from Lei Ming intervened.


    Su Ziming coldly nced at Siyu. "Keep her in check for me; she''s truly an eyesore!"


    He didn''t fear the Zhou Family, but after all, Binzhou wasn''t Su Family territory. A strong dragon does not suppress local snakes; he didn''t want Siyu causing unnecessary trouble.


    Siyu was restrained by two of Lei Ming''s experts and could only watch anxiously as Su Qiong desperately parried blow after blow.


    "Su Ziming, I assure you there will be regrets, your entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion will regret this!" Siyu shouted angrily.


    At that moment, Su Qiong eximed in shock as Zhao Yin''s dagger left a bloody cut on her face.


    Everyone knows how important appearance is to a woman, yet Zhao Yin had cruelly shed a girl''s face.


    "You..." Su Qiong''splexion turned ashen, her hand trembling as she held her short sword.


    "Have another go!" Zhao Yinughed wickedly, attacking again.


    The spectators below fell silent. Su Qiong was the sole female founder of a Martial Arts Pavilion at the academy, and the idol of countless male students.


    Seeing Su Qiong humiliated weighed heavy on their hearts, but the academy was cruel; they couldn''t intervene, only watch helplessly.


    Su Qiong was no match for Zhao Yin and quickly sustained a second and third cut on her face.


    Su Ziming watched indifferently from the side while the people of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion were unmoved, snickering throughout.


    Zi Qiong and the other girls were pale with helplessness, while the male students below felt suppressed.


    "Damn it, where is that fool Ling Fan? He''s supposed to be so powerful, but he''s letting a woman suffer on stage, truly a disgrace to us men!" Finally, someone couldn''t stand it anymore and burst out swearing.


    While no one dared to offend the people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, they didn''t hesitate to vent all their resentment and anger towards Ling Fan, the one who provoked the trouble and let Su Qiong suffer.


    "Leaders of Lei Ming, could you please hold back and not target Su Qiong? Just beat up that bastard Ling Fan until he''s like a dog!" Suddenly someone in the crowd cried out with a plea.


    In an instant, all the onlooking boys joined in, pleading, "Please show mercy, leaders of Lei Ming, and beat the crap out of Ling Fan, the coward..."


    The crowd''s roars ebbed and flowed in unison, with a clear one-sided denunciation of Ling Fan, imploring the leaders of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion to give Ling Fan a rough lessonter on.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xu Miaotong and her best friend Jiayi were utterly dumbfounded by the scene, Zhou Siyu was stunned, and the people of Zi Qiong looked at each other in disbelief.


    Su Ziming had not expected Su Qiong to have such high standing among the ordinary boys in the school; continuing like this might incite public anger. These people, out of fear of Lei Ming''s reputation, dared not speak up, so they vented all their anger on Ling Fan instead.


    Su Ziming chuckled inwardly; this was good. That idiot hadn''t even shown his face yet and was already reviled by everyone. Who else would die if not him?


    He immediately instructed Zhao Yin, "A little lesson will do!"


    Zhao Yin, also surprised by the crowd''s reaction, understood and with a flying kick, sent Su Qiong flying before turning back to join the ranks.


    Su Ziming was not ready to end it there; he pointed at the five Zi Qiong girls excluding Zhou Siyu, saying indifferently, "You now have two choices. First, leave Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion immediately, or second, let me sh your faces like your leader. Make your choice now and don''t say I didn''t give you a chance!"


    The crowd below fell silent once again. Today, Zi Qiong was inevitably facing a crisis, and the instigator, Ling Fan, had yet to appear.


    The girls looked terrified, unsure of what to do, and they cast their gaze towards Su Qiong, who was lying on the ground not far away, her face covered in blood.


    From the look of it, Su Qiong was probably disfigured. Even if she recovered, she might still bear scars.


    "Come on, you choose first!" Su Ziming pointed casually at one of the girls.


    The girl he pointed out trembled, her heart filled with turmoil.


    "I''m giving you three seconds to decide. I don''t have much patience!" Su Ziming said impatiently.


    Unable to withstand the pressure of disfigurement, the girl immediately bowed deeply to Su Qiong, not far away, "President, I''m sorry, I can only choose to leave!"


    After speaking, she lowered her head and quickly left the crowd.


    Su Qiong struggled to stand up, herplexion pale again. She understood the feelings of her club members and didn''t me them; Su Ziming was just too cruel. No girl could face the pain of disfigurement and neither could she.


    Su Ziming approved of the girl''s decision and nodded, "Next, the second one!"


    Without exception, after a moment of struggle, the second girl also apologized to Su Qiong and disappeared into the crowd.


    When it came to the third girl, an unexpected scene unfolded. "I will not leave Zi Qiong, go ahead and do it!"


    This moment moved Su Qiong to tears. The girl, Bai Xin, was one of the earliest members of Zi Qiong. Coming from a poor family, Su Qiong had helped her a lot. Indeed, every member of Zi Qiong had benefitted from her kindness, but Bai Xin was more grateful than others.


    "Bai Xin, you should leave. After today, Zi Qiong will no longer exist!" Su Qiong said through clenched teeth.


    She did not want to drag these members down. With her own strength so weak that she couldn''t even protect her subordinates, she truly had no right to establish a martial arts pavilion or to act as the president.


    "Sister Qiong, you don''t need to persuade me. I remember all your kindness. It''s just a few cuts, nothing grand. One should not forget their roots!" Bai Xin said, ncing at the remaining two girls.


    The two girls hung their heads in silence, then looked up decisively, "Sister Qiong, we won''t leave either!"


    "Heh, so loyal, very well. Zhao Yin, satisfy them!" Su Ziming coldlymanded.


    Bai Xin''splexion turned pale, yet her resolve did not waver as she stood firmly in her ce.


    "If you dare touch a single hair on them, I guarantee that the next second, I will make sure you have no ce to be buried!" Suddenly from outside the crowd, a cold, indifferent voice emerged, as chilling as a harsh winter wind, making everyone''s heart unconsciously shiver.

 Chapter 74 Everyone Kneel Down

    In front of the Fighting Stage, everyone was startled by a sudden cold shout and they all turned to look where the noise came from, only to see a handsome young man with a stern expression on his face, walking over with his hands behind his back.


    Seeing this, Zhou Siyu immediately felt relieved inside and showed an excited expression.


    Su Qiong''s icy hands tightened around her short sword involuntarily, kindling a glimmer of hope in her heart.


    The three girls from Zi Qiong also heaved a sigh of relief, hoping that this new member of the Martial Arts Pavilion, Ling Fan, wouldn''t let them down.


    In the crowd, Xu Miaotong was nervous, knowing that Ling Fan''s conflict with Lei Ming was ultimately because of her. He Jiayi''s beautiful eyes shed with astonishment, thinking Xu Miaotong''s boyfriend seemed extraordinary!


    After a brief moment of stupor, the spectators came to their senses.


    "Is he the new guy, Ling Fan, from Zi Qiong who imed he would take on the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion alone?" someone muttered incredulously.


    "Seems so, never thought he''d actually dare to show up for the challenge, quitemendable courage!" another person sneered.


    "I think he had no choice but toe. Zi Qiong was almost forced to disband because of him. If he didn''t show up today, would he ever have the face to appear at the academy again?" someone else remarked scornfully.


    The humiliation of Su Qiong was a moment they couldn''t forget, filling them with anger and resentment towards Ling Fan.


    "I bet he was just hiding in the crowd until it was obvious he could no longer avoid showing up. I hope he doesn''t end up like a dead dog being tortured by Lei Ming''s people!"


    Chatter andughter filled the crowd, all mocking Ling Fan.


    "Heh, didn''t expect you, the fool, to actually show your face. Were you hiding in the crowd for two hours?" Su Ziming scoffed.


    "Hahaha...." People from Lei Mingughed out loud, looking disdainfully at Ling Fan.


    Just then, Lei Ming, the ninth-ranked expert on the campus, lifted his eyelids, and it was the first time he moved upon seeing Ling Fan.


    He stepped forward and said coldly, "I don''t care whether you''re a stale te or a hot dish, you''ve wounded two of my people from Lei Ming. Today, you only have one choice: sever your arms, kneel and apologize, then be a dog under my feet at Lei Ming!"


    With these words from Lei Ming, everyone''s expressions changed. His statement was like the final verdict for Ling Fan, unless Ling Fan really had godlike powers to contend with the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    The crowd silently made way, watching as Ling Fan approached nonchntly.


    "I''ll also give you an option, break the limbs of the dog who struck Zi Qiong earlier, and have the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion kneel and repent to Zi Qiong''s people. Then, I won''t hold you ountable," Ling Fan said indifferently.


    Lei Ming''s expression turned ugly instantly.


    "Insolent! A newbie transfer student daring to make such outrageous ims, don''t you know whose territory this is? You''re courting death. I want to see how you''re going to break my limbs!" Zhao Yin sneered endlessly, brandishing two daggers as he leapt down the steps towards Ling Fan.


    "If it weren''t for being in the campus, giving face to surname Qi, you''d already be dead!" Ling Fan remained calm and unruffled, not putting Lei Ming and his group in his eyes at all.


    Zhao Yin''s face alternated between shades of anger and containment until he finally couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Damn it, I''ll break your limbs first and see what you use to act tough!" Zhao Yin exploded in rage, flipped off the stairs, and charged at Ling Fan.


    Not only Zhao Yin, but the entire Lei Ming was furious. Since his appearance, Ling Fan had maintained a calm andposed demeanor, as if he was strolling in a courtyard.


    Facing such a situation, how could he still remain so unperturbed? This greatly annoyed Lei Ming''s people because remaining calm was like showing off, and acting more arrogant than them. How could you, alone and unsupported, have the audacity to act so arrogantly?


    "Think you''re Zhao Zilong of Changshan? But the folks of Lei Ming still have some faith in Zhao Yin, just perfect to test this pretentious guy''s weight."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, other masters from Lei Ming were also ready to back him up; they had been working together seamlessly for more than a day or two.


    Zhao Yin moved with the agility of a fluttering butterfly, unpredictably and elusively, which was hard for anyone to decipher. He had already learned that the way Ling Fan had injured Zhang Meng was through his movement techniques.


    Su Qiong and others tensed up as the onlookers eagerly awaited the scene that was about to unfold, curious to see how this boastful guy would face the wrath of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Ling Fan''s eyes shed slightly, "Scum and riffraff, touching you would dirty my hands!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Yin''s eyes instantly bloodshot, "Son of a bitch, go to hell!"


    He thrust two Willow Leaf Sabers fiercely towards Ling Fan''s shoulders, aiming to disable his arms.


    The next second, as everyone watched in horror, Ling Fan pinched the tips of the two Willow Leaf Sabers between his fingers like des and then fiercely kicked Zhao Yin''s legs.


    Apanied by the grating sound of breaking bones, ''crack, crack'', Zhao Yin''s body flew backward due to the inertia, his two Willow Leaf Flying Daggers flung from his grasp into Ling Fan''s hands.


    Ling Fan gripped the handles and, using the Gui Xu Dance Method, he closed in on his opponent. The two Willow Leaf Flying Daggers shed in front of Zhao Yin''s face, then buried into his shoulders.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye; before the crowd could even react, Zhao Yin fell in front of the Fighting Stage, curling up and screaming in pain.


    Blood marks suddenly appeared on his face, on the forehead and both cheeks.


    The crowd focused their gaze and clearly saw the blood-written words ''Scum and Riffraff''.


    The arena fell deadly silent, He Jiayi covered her little cherry mouth, nearly eximing out loud, while the spectators stood speechless.


    That was Zhao Yin, a notable figure in the top ranks of the Martial Arts Academy, and he was beaten down to a pulp in a mere encounter?


    The folks from Lei Ming were also shaken, with grim expressions, especially those four words on Zhao Yin''s face. Ling Fan was tantly offending Lei Ming,beling them all as scum and riffraff.


    "You''re Su Ziming, right? I heard you''re the biggest poser here, picking on a few girls to feel tough. Since you love posing so much, I''m giving you the chance to prove yourself right now. Challenge me!" Ling Fan stepped onto the stage, approaching the Fighting Stage indifferently, facing the people of Lei Ming.


    He Jiayi stood among the crowd, her eyes sparkling with stars, she quickly grabbed Xu Miaotong and whispered, "Miaotong, where did you find such a handsome boyfriend?"


    Xu Miaotong was also somewhat dazed, staring intensely at Ling Fan in front of the Fighting Stage, her heart pounding fiercely.


    "Err... don''t talk nonsense, we''re just friends!" Xu Miaotong snapped out of it, hastily rifying.


    He Jiayi shed a mischievous smile, "Hehe, that''s what you said, if I snatch himter, you can''t me it on ''fire theft and besties'', okay!"


    Xu Miaotong, "..."


    On the stage, Su Ziming''s face flickered uncertainly, watching Zhao Yin lying on the ground, unsure of life or death, his throat moving slightly, unsure if he could defeat Ling Fan in a one-on-one fight.


    "What, got no guts? If you don''t have the balls, then just kneel down for me!" Ling Fan pointed at Lei Ming''s folks and roared fiercely.


    The entire crowd was stunned!

 Chapter 75 No More Lei Ming After Today

    Su Ziming''s face turned red with fury. He had long dominated the Martial Arts Academy, and never had he suffered such humiliation, especially being scolded by a member of the Martial Arts Pavilion rankedst in the academy.


    President Lei Ming''s face grew even uglier. The entire Martial Arts Pavilion was being scolded by one person, and no one even dared to make a peep! Where was their dignity? It wasn''t that he was afraid of Ling Fan, but the sudden turn of events had caught him off guard, leaving him unable to recover in the moment.


    Zi Qiong and the others were thrilled. They had never felt such a sense of triumph as they did today, having always been oppressed and bullied by others in the academy. Today, they finally experienced the joy of release after long suppression.


    Even if this exhrating moment was fleeting, they had experienced it.


    Zhou Siyu pursed her lips, quietly watching Ling Fan''s figure. This was the man whom even her father profoundly feared; he indeed did not disappoint her.


    Su Qiong''s eyes umonly moistened, feeling for the first time the security and solidity of having someone to support her.


    "What''s the matter, have you all gone deaf?" Ling Fan frowned.


    "Kid, just because you defeated Zhao Yin, you think you''ve lost your way? Do you think our entire Lei Ming is just for show?" President Lei Ming, with an ugly expression, stood out.


    After much consideration, although he could easily defeat Zhao Yin himself, he didn''t want to take any more risks. Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion had already lost three experts to the opponent.


    Moreover, the opponent knew how to manipte fortunes well, stunning the Lei Ming crowd with his thunderous approach right from the start. If they continued to fight one-on-one, more losses of team members could demoralize the Lei Ming crowd entirely.


    The saying goes, "Strike while the iron is hot; the morale fails after ''thrice,''" which exins why he immediately called out the whole of Lei Ming to bind everyone together.


    Next, he nned to mount a group attack to boost everyone''s morale.


    Ling Fan could easily see through the opponent''s intentions and scoffed, "Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion? In my eyes, it''s nothing but fluff. Bring as many people as you have; let''s all fight at once!"


    The moment Ling Fan said this, the onlookers exploded into uproar. While Ling Fan indeed had the potential to challenge Lei Ming single-handedly, if the opponent fought fiercely and relentlessly, even resorting to rotating fighters, they could wear Ling Fan down.


    Not to mention, Lei Ming counted among the top ten experts in the academy.


    "Damn, I''ve seen arrogant ones, but never this insane. He actually wants to fight against dozens from Lei Ming alone?" someone eximed, eyes wide.


    "He must be delirious, thinking that defeating Zhao Yin makes him invincible. You need not only strength but also brains. He had a chance if it were one-on-one, but he''s actually seeking his own death!" another person shook their head and sighed.


    A sly grin appeared on Su Ziming''s face. He had never seen someone so bent on their own destruction. The embarrassment Ling Fan had just foisted upon him would soon be repaid a hundredfold.


    "What''s the matter, you seem rather eager. Why don''t you make the first move?" Ling Fan nced at Su Ziming, taunting.


    Su Ziming''s expression froze, then he sneered, "Heh, Ling, your pretentiousness really pisses me off, but soon, I''ll be the one enjoying myself!"


    The Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion members all surged forward, with Lei Ming, Su Ziming, and the other five remaining top experts at the forefront, while dozens surrounded them in the outer circle.


    Lei Ming gestured, and the dozens in the outer circle quickly backed away.


    To deal with Ling Fan, deploying the elites was enough; seven people were sufficient. More people would not only be superfluous but also clutter the space, hindering everyone''s performance, so he dismissed them.


    "You seven seem a bit few. Got any reinforcements? Bring them all out now. I don''t want troubleter!" Facing the encirclement of seven, Ling Fan remained undisturbed.


    Everyone on the scene was dumbfounded. At this point, ''arrogant'' was no longer a sufficient description for Ling Fan; he was bing astronomical.


    "Ziming, you have to beat this idiot so hard he loses teeth, he''s absolutely unbearable. It infuriates me! Take out one of his teeth, and I''ll give you a treat tonight!" Su Ziming''s girlfriend, Qi Xiumin, could no longer hold back and burst out cheering from the crowd.


    The crowd gasped, turning to look at Qi Xiumin, who was twisting her curvy body, d in a provocative outfit, swallowing and letting their imaginations run wild with lurid scenarios.


    Zhou Siyu and Su Qiong exchanged nces, Qi Xiumin really went all out, even resorting to such tactics to boost morale.


    In the crowd, He Jiayi, pulling Xu Miaotong, said, "Damn, Qi Xiumin is shameless. Should we also cheer Ling Fan on? Knock one down and I''ll reward him as well, seven in total, and I can handle it!"


    Xu Miaotong, scared, quickly covered He Jiayi''s mouth, "What are you raving about?"


    He Jiayi was now too excited to control herself, having never experienced such a thrilling scene, and she wasn''t aposed girl to begin with. Only being forcibly restrained by Xu Miaotong did she stop.


    Su Ziming turned to look at Qi Xiumin and smirked, "Then you won''t be resting tonight!"


    Immediately, Lei Ming''s seven disciples gathered their focus and drew their weapons¡ªknives, spears, clubs, and sticks were all utilized, everyone clearly understood that the boss''s order to team up meant he was uncertain of victory, so none dared to be careless.


    In the blink of an eye, the seven men made their move,pletely sealing off Ling Fan''s routes of retreat.


    Su Qiong''s face changed dramatically, the opponents were ruthless in their attacks, any hit would be crippling if not fatal.


    The leader, Lei Ming, was the first to charge, with brass knuckles in hand, he went straight for Ling Fan''s face.


    Su Ziming, with a fierce smile, swung his short sword aiming for Ling Fan''s upper body, while the rest blocked the lower paths, leaving no chance for Ling Fan to catch his breath.


    Ling Fan stood still, not moving an inch, sensing the strikes of the seven men.


    Among them, Lei Ming had the highest cultivation, so his movements were a notch faster than the other six, followed by Su Ziming, and then the five men behind.


    Ling Fan chuckled lightly, these guys seemed formidable, but they were still far from his level, and the difference in their timing of attacks was enough for him to respondfortably.


    "Why isn''t he dodging? Did he get scared stiff?" someone nervously wondered aloud.


    "Are you an idiot? How the hell do you dodge that? Go on, you try dodging!" another person cursed.


    "It''s over, did he bite off more than he can chew? Isn''t he definitely dead then?" another person muttered, swallowing his saliva.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Although Zhou Siyu was full of confidence in Ling Fan, she grew nervous at this moment, and Su Qiong felt her heart in her throat.


    "Motherfucker, daring to challenge our Lei Ming, go to hell!" Lei Ming roared like thunder, his punch descending fast.


    Ling Fan sneered in disdain and instantly moved like lightning, slightly shifting his position, he caught Lei Ming''s descending fist and used the momentum to pull, causing Lei Ming to instantly lose his bnce, the trajectory of his punch suddenly shifting.


    The next second, Su Ziming''s short sword also struck, colliding with Lei Ming''s iron fist, both of their expressions drastically changing.


    In an instant, the sword broke and the fist shattered, Ling Fan deployed a Soaring Sky Palm, sending the two flying, instantly disappearing, the five attackers behind lost their target.


    The fighters felt something sh before their eyes, and the next moment, they heard ''bang, bang, bang¡­'' followed by five muffled grunts, the five men were tossed away like Celestial Maiden Scattering Flowers.


    In an instant, he solved the lethal situation and defeated the seven top fighters of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Ling Fan stood proudly on the spot, his gazemanding as he maintained his calm and collected demeanor.


    "After today, Lei Ming shall cease to exist!" Ling Fan said indifferently, ignoring the seven men who couldn''t get up.


    In front of the Fighting Stage, there was a dead silence!

 Chapter 76 The Top Three Make Their Move

    ```


    "How... How is this possible?" Qi Xiumin''s beautiful cheeks were full of disbelief.


    "Really... Really won?" Su Qiong''s eyes widened as if in a dream.


    He Jiayi pouted her lips and grumbled at Xu Miaotong, "It''s all your fault, wasting seven times of this old mother!"


    In shock, Xu Miaotong covered her forehead and silently looked at her best friend, "..."


    "You indeed did not let everyone down!" Zhou Siyu''s gaze wasplex as she looked at the proud figure in the center, unexpectedly feeling a stirring of unusual emotions.


    The surrounding crowd felt as though they were in an illusionary realm, not daring to believe what was happening before their eyes.


    "He... He actually challenged the entire Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion by himself?" someone said with a strained voice.


    "We... We seem to have misjudged this guy; he''s a bit abnormal, isn''t he? Even the top three experts of the Martial Arts Academy might not be able to do this so easily!" another person murmured.


    Lei Ming''s Psychic was lying on the ground, mind in turmoil, hardly able to believe what had just happened, "Defeated? Defeated?"


    Su Ziming''s face was also pale. The palm he had just received was not light, and he too could not ept what was urring before his eyes.


    Thebined force of seven members from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion had actually been no match for this man alone?


    The other five people lying on the ground were equally confused in thought. Nearby, the watching members of the Lei Ming group were even more ashen-faced, unable to ept what had happened. The Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion was revered among the top ten of the Martial Arts Academy, and even top three experts wouldn''t be able to make them bow down with just the power of one person.


    Then, the stunned Su Ziming suddenly thought of something and looked at Ling Fan with horror, "You... You''ve entered the threshold of cultivating martial arts?"


    With these words, the entire ce was in an uproar.


    Ling Fan did not pay attention to Su Ziming''s question; these people weren''t even worthy to be his opponents. If they hadn''t forced his hand, these fools would not have met his strike.


    Seeing Ling Fan''s silence, Lei Ming, who had regained his senses, let out a wretched chuckle, "Today, I, Lei Ming, admit defeat!"


    Had he known earlier that Ling Fan had reached the martial artist realm, he would never have offended him¡ªwithin the entire Martial Arts Academy, he had not heard of anyone stepping into the realm of martial arts. The difference between the Late Body Tempering Stage and First Grade was like a chasm of heaven and earth.


    "I said just now, after today, there will be no Lei Ming. Did you hear me clearly?" Ling Fan spoke again indifferently.


    Upon hearing these words, Lei Ming and the others turned pale as paper, none dared to speak.


    After struggling internally for quite a while, finally, Lei Ming bitterly said, "Yes!"


    With Lei Ming''s words falling, the color drained from the faces of the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion members, as if their spirit had been extracted, resembling lost souls.


    Ling Fan did not care about the feelings of the Lei Ming group. The killer is always killed; when they forced Zi Qiong to disband and humiliated Su Qiong, had they ever considered the feelings of others?


    "Scram! Also, from today, Zi Qiong will take residence in the Number One Martial Tower, recing Lei Ming''s position. Now if anyone has objections, they cane out and challenge me!" Ling Fan coolly looked at the crowd below.


    Zi Qiong''s girls hugged and wept with each other. From now on, they would no longer be bullied, and all this was because of that boy named Ling Fan.


    At this moment, any previous resentment in their hearts toward Ling Fan for not appearing in timepletely vanished, reced with awe, gratitude, and immense pride.


    They felt even more fortunate that they did not leave Zi Qiong in the critical moment, and now they had the opportunity to share this supreme honor!


    In the face of Ling Fan''s domineering deration, below the stage was silent, not a single voice dared to speak.


    At this moment, all ten of the Martial Towers of the Martial Arts Academy were present, yet not one stepped forward to challenge him. No one was foolish enough to make such an enemy of themselves; they felt more like gloating over the misfortune of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion has always been overwhelmingly arrogant at the Martial Arts Academy, and this time it''s their own doing. Just because we usually don''t bother doesn''t mean we have no opinions; now that they''ve hit a snag, it''s just their bad luck.


    "Brother Zhan, what do you think his strength is?" A boy in the crowd whispered to the hulking figure beside him.


    Fan Zhan didn''t answer his question but turned to another boy nearby, "Zhengqing, what''s your opinion?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zuo Zhengqing frowned and pondered, "He should be a match for you, big brother. If it was you just now, could you have been as calm and collected as he was?"


    Fan Zhan fell silent and then said to the boy who had spoken earlier, "Jiang Shi, why don''t you go up and give it a try?"


    "Cough cough... Brother, stop joking. What if I embarrass myself? How will I face otherster on? I am the second-ranked Jiang Shi in the campus rankings!" the boy replied, annoyed.


    "I have an idea. We came to the Martial Arts Academy aiming for Zhongnan Academy, but every year during the final assessment, the school parachutes in a batch of outsiders!" Zuo Zhengqing spoke up.


    Jiang Shi''s expression changed a bit, "Are you talking about those declining Scattered Cultivator ns?"


    "Yes, these declining Scattered Cultivator ns don''t have the qualifications to live in Zhongnan. Therefore, they carefully cultivate the elite disciples of their families, hoping to use this opportunity to enter Zhongnan Academy.


    If a genius emerges, their family will rise, and they might even earn the qualification to enter Zhongnan! Facing these Scattered Cultivator ns, we don''t stand a chance!" pondered Zuo Zhengqing.


    "So..." A gleam shone in Jiang Shi''s eyes.


    Zuo Zhengqing continued, "If all three of us team up and none of us can beat him, then we''ll acknowledge him as our boss. If we follow him, our chances of getting into Zhongnan will be much greater. It all depends on Brother''s decision!"


    Fan Zhan''s eyes twinkled as well, clearly tempted, "Don''t look at me; I''m not eager to be your boss. You guys think it''s easy being the boss, but I''m under a lot of pressure too. If he really has the strength, we''ll acknowledge him as our boss. Let''s go!"


    In front of the Fighting Stage, Ling Fan coldly addressed the bustling crowd below, "If there are no objections, it''s settled. If anyone dares offend Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion again, Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion will meet the same fate!"


    "Su Qiong, let''s go!" Ling Fan called out to Su Qiong. He had already noticed the injury on Su Qiong''s face and wanted to take her for treatment.


    Just at that moment.


    "Hold on!" A resonant and powerful voice suddenly rang out.


    At the silent Fighting Stage, this shout was exceptionally abrupt.


    Everyone froze. Could it really be that someone dared to challenge Ling Fan?


    When they saw the three people who appeared, they were instantly shocked.


    Especially the people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, they werepletely thrilled.


    "Fan Zhan, Jiang Shi, Zuo Zhengqing?" Lei Ming was astonished, filled with doubt.


    The three most mysterious top experts from the academy, they didn''t belong to any Martial Pavilion and hadn''t created their own; nobody in the academy truly knew how strong the trio was, but it was thought that they had not reached the martial artist realm.


    Su Ziming''s eyes shimmered with excitement and anticipation. If these three made a move, there was a great chance they could thrash Ling Fan.


    "Who would have thought the top three from the academy would make a move? Goddamn it, let''s see if you can keep being so arrogant!" Su Ziming thought angrily.


    Qi Xiumin at the base of the stage was also ignited with boundless hope, ring at Ling Fan she gnashed her teeth, "This time, let''s see how you get kicked out of the Martial Arts Academy, out of Binzhou University, unting your arrogance and acting all mighty. Finally, someone can''t stand it anymore and hase out to sort you out!"


    Ling Fan turned curiously, "Oh? You guys..."


    "The three of us challenge you, to determine victory or defeat, not life and death!" Fan Zhan and the others approached Ling Fan and dered solemnly.

 Chapter 77 Please Accept a Bow from Your Younger Brother

    By now, quite a few people had recognized Fan Zhan and the other two; those who didn''t know them learned through the exnations given by their fellow students.


    Upon learning that these three were the reclusive top masters of the Martial Arts Academy, everyone showed shocked expressions and unlimited anticipation.


    "You three are no match for me, you should step down!" Ling Fan said the moment he saw that the three were being quite polite.


    The crowd surrounding the stage was shocked suddenly and remembered, the man standing on the stage was a martial artist who had stepped into the threshold of cultivating martial arts, and they had never heard of anyone in the Martial Arts Academy being a martial artist; probably all the people in the academy together weren''t a match for Ling Fan.


    Thinking of this, the watching crowd felt a slight sense of loss, as none in such a big academy could match this transfer student.


    The people from Lei Ming felt deep dismay and their expressions turned ugly.


    "You are a martial artist, aren''t you!" Fan Zhan spoke up.


    Ling Fan nodded, "Do you still want to challenge me?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "The three of us have also entered as martial artists, we should be qualified to challenge you!" Fan Zhan spoke again.


    As soon as these words came out, the crowd below erupted into an uproar.


    "What?" Everyone looked at each other in disbelief.


    "The top three masters of the academy are all martial artists? Am I hearing this right?" Someone couldn''t help but exim.


    Even the ranked masters of the academy were shocked, never having imagined that there were three martial artists hidden within the academy.


    At that moment, the presidents of the top ten Martial Arts Pavilions felt a storm surge through their hearts; no wonder the three did not join any pavilion or establish their own.


    No pavilion in the whole academy was dignified enough to recruit them, and they inly scorned the idea of establishing any kind of pavilion.


    "There will be a great show now, they can definitely defeat Ling Fan!" the crowd thought excitedly as their spirits rose.


    Compared to Ling Fan, they preferred someone from their school to surpass him, since Ling Fan was not entirely a part of Binzhou University and there was some resistance towards this parachuted transfer student.


    Su Ziming could not help but burst intoughter, "Hahaha, Ling Fan, you didn''t expect this day woulde, did you? My academy actually has three hidden martial artists, let''s see what arrogance you can muster now!"


    Excitement brought tears to Su Ziming''s eyes; he had felt incredibly stifled just moments before, almost to the point of exploding. Now with the emergence of three strong martial artists from the academy, how could he not be thrilled, how could he not be excited?


    Qi Xiumin''s face also flushed with excitement, she shouted at Fan Zhan and his team, "You must reim honor for our academy, let this idiot know the might of our academy, it is not a ce where an outsider transfer student can act arrogantly!"


    Lei Ming was equally excited, struggling to contain himself, "The three of you, the reputation of the academy now relies on you!"


    All members of Lei Ming were excited, knowing that if the three could drive Ling Fan out of the academy, they would not need to disband; the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion would remain the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Su Qiong''s face changed drastically; she had never anticipated such a turn of events. There were hidden martial artists in the academy?


    "Ling Fan!" Su Qiong couldn''t help but cry out.


    Zhou Siyu also looked stunned, staring nkly at Fan Zhan and the others, wondering if this great situation was about to be spoiled by the sudden appearance of these three.


    Xu Miaotong and He Jiayi looked at each other, equally caught off guard by the scene unfolding before them, and they felt a quiet worry.


    "Three masters, defeat Ling Fan, reim honor for Binzhou University, for the Martial Arts Academy..." Suddenly someone shouted from among the crowd.


    Instantly, dozens, hundreds, and finally, nearly a thousand people were shouting in unison, waving their gs and cheering them on enthusiastically!


    Zi Qiong and others witnessed this massive rallying cry and turned pale, their faces drained of color.


    Fan Zhan and hispanions looked at each other; they had only suspected Ling Fan was not simple and came to spar with him; what did this nonsense about academy honor have to do with them?


    They had their own ns in challenging Ling Fan; what was with this ridiculous fuss from the crowd below?


    The three were somewhat speechless, but Fan Zhan still spoke up, "It''s rare for us to encounter a real expert. We''re feeling a bit itchy-handed and hope to receive some guidance!"


    Fan Zhan spoke very politely, but the onlookers didn''t see it that way, interpreting it as disdain and mockery towards Ling Fan.


    Ling Fan ignored the cheering of the crowd below and said to the three, "If that''s the case, all of you attack together!"


    The three didn''t put on airs, and quickly assumed their positions. Fan Zhan took out two bronze staffs from his body and connected them together; this guy actually used the King Kong Staff.


    Looking at Jiang Shi, he was using a three-section staff. Zuo Zhengqing held a specially made bone fan in his hand, the three formed a triangr encirclement around Ling Fan.


    "Take this!" Fan Zhan shouted loudly.


    The King Kong Staff vibrated fiercely on the Fighting Stage, and the audience was shocked to find that the concrete Fighting Stage actually cracked.


    "This... is so strong..." the crowd couldn''t help but ''gulp''.


    As soon as an expert makes a move, one knows if there is any, the high-level martial artists of the Academy were all excited, next to Fan Zhan, they were nothing.


    The other two also brandished their weapons and moved towards Ling Fan. The three coordinated seamlessly, far surpassing the rabble of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion.


    Ling Fan nodded slightly, "Not bad!"


    Fan Zhan wielded the King Kong Staff with great force as it came thundering down towards Ling Fan, while Jiang Shi''s three-section staff aimed straight for Ling Fan''s legs; Zuo Zhengqing''s bone fan struck directly at his waist.


    The spectating crowd all changed color, believing that if they were in Ling Fan''s ce, they would surely be dead.


    Su Ziming''s eyes widened; a single strike from Fan Zhan could smash a thousand-pound boulder, and if Ling Fan were hit solidly, he would definitely end up as debris.


    "Die, just die..." Su Ziming looked fierce.


    Lei Ming also clenched his fists tightly, "He must be crippled!"


    Qi Xiumin sneered constantly, "Let''s see how you dodge this certain-death strike. You wanted to show off against our family''s Ziming, from east of the river to west of the river, thirty years each, didn''t expect this to be your end, did you?"


    Su Qiong and others had their hearts in their throats, the surrounding crowd rubbed their hands in anticipation of Ling Fan falling off the Fighting Stage.


    In an instant, Fan Zhan''s King Kong Staff struck first; Ling Fan judged its position by the wind. This staff should carry the force of ten elephants, equivalent to the force a Second Grade Martial Artist could exert, ten thousand pounds of force.


    But, he could normally exert the force of thirty elephants, andbined with the Holy Martial Nine Forms, he could exert three times the power, close to a hundred thousand pounds of force.


    With this calction in mind, he immediately controlled his power, and executed a Soaring Sky Palm. Before the incredulous eyes of the crowd, he met the falling King Kong Staff bare-handed.


    Fan Zhan was terrified inside, wanting to withdraw the staff but it was toote. He never expected Ling Fan to be so audacious as to catch it bare-handed; he was confident this staff could smash a hole in the Fighting Stage.


    The next second, under the shocked gaze of the crowd, Ling Fan caught the King Kong Staff, utterly immobile, and the staff trembled slightly three times.


    On the other end, Fan Zhan''s expression changed drastically, he immediately let go of the staff, and his whole body was thrown backwards, finally crashing three meters away.


    Ling Fan swept the King Kong Staff lightly in front of him, causing Jiang Shi and Zuo Zhengqing to jump away in great shock.


    Fan Zhan got up from afar, his mind filled with tempestuous thoughts; just now, Ling Fan had restrained his power and had not really harmed him.


    The onlooking crowdpletely shut down their thoughts, and the members of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion stood there dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.


    "Defeated... defeated? How... can this be?" Su Ziming muttered in a daze.


    And the scene that followedpletely petrified everyone.


    Seeing Fan Zhan and the two others look at each other, they simultaneously knelt down towards Ling Fan, chorusing in unison, "Boss at the top, please ept your brother''s bow!"

 Chapter 78 Dragon Gate Expert

    Everyone''s eyeballs nearly fell out. Had the world gone mad? Fan Zhan and two others were actually pledging loyalty to Ling Fan as their boss?


    "Snap!"


    Su Ziming couldn''t withstand the shock and copsed onto the ground.


    Even Lei Ming staggered, almost unable to keep his bnce, and the rest were no better off. Qi Xiumin''s mouth hung open, unable to ept what she was seeing.


    Su Qiong felt as if she was on a roller coaster, her emotions rising and falling. Covering her small mouth, her eyes filled with disbelief. Ling Fan had given her too many surprises today.


    Zhou Siyu watched the three kneeling before Ling Fan, her heartbeat intensifying, her eyes brimming with unusual emotions.


    The many boys below the stage were like waking from a dream, looking at the scene on the stage, their hearts yearning. Even the three top experts bowed before him, they felt that a man''s life should be just like this!


    He Jiayi''s eyes bulged with excitement, wishing she could rush up and devour Ling Fan.


    Xu Miaotong was also in a daze. Was this truly the Ling Fan she had always known?


    Zi Qiong and several other girls were so excited they nearly cried, and the crowd below no longer jeered or shouted. Many girls had already begun to be overwhelmed by romantic feelings, for since ancient times, heroes had passed the beauty''s test, and likewise, beauties loved heroes.


    Ling Fan was also surprised by their actions, shaking his head helplessly.


    "You three are not yet qualified to be my underlings, but, you three are probably the ones with the best qualifications in this school. For now, I''ll just make a note of you under mymand!" Ling Fan spoke indifferently.


    "What?" Fan Zhan and the other two felt bitter in their hearts, realizing they didn''t even qualify to be Ling Fan''s underlings.


    The onlookers nearly fainted, eximing inwardly, were you trying to be so awesome? Those were the top three fighters of Binzhou University, usually revered by others, yet you''re saying they don''t even qualify to be your underlings?


    The crowd became unsettled, because they simply couldn''t remain calm. How could one stay calm under such circumstances?


    "This is genuine badassery! I thought he was just showing off before, but he really disdains to do so, how shameful for us!" someone sighed up to the sky.


    "Don''t say anymore, I want to find a block of tofu to smash my head against. He is a true Great God. We lowly ones aren''t even worthy of being jealous!" another person dered shamefully.


    Recalling the previous jeering and their presumptuousnesspared to Ling Fan''s calmposure, they realized they weren''t even on the same level; they were more like a bunch of ignorant monkeys. Thinking of this, they all shamefully lowered their heads.


    "Xu Miaotong, go tell him that this olddy wants to be his girlfriend!" He Jiayi grabbed Xu Miaotong, staring intently at Ling Fan, her gaze almost devouring him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ah!" Xu Miaotong eximed.


    "Stop it... he has a wife..."


    Xu Miaotong muttered, conflicted. If it wasn''t for the fact Ling Fan was married, she might have pursued him herself.


    "So what if he has a wife? With a man as stunning as that, how could he possibly have just one woman? I''m not aiming topete for the position of the mistress of the Eastern Pce, just being a favored concubine would be enough!" He Jiayi said shockingly.


    Xu Miaotong, "...."


    Yet He Jiayi''s words stirred her own thoughts, and stealing nces towards Ling Fan on the stage, a blush rose on her face. Her personality was more introverted, nowhere as bold and forthright as He Jiayi.


    "You can stand up now. From now on, if anyone dares to provoke Zi Qiong, handle it for me!" Ling Fan instructed lightly.


    The three exchanged nces, then nodded collectively, "Yes, boss. Rest assured, if anyone dares provoke her again, we''ll make them leave Martial Arts Academy directly!"


    The members of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion felt a chill in their hearts, realizing they truly stood no chance this time.


    Other Martial Pavilions also turned their heads, witnessing Zi Qiong Martial Arts Pavilion''s meteoric rise, instantly going from the lowest to being the top pavilion of Martial Arts Academy.


    A person from below hesitated momentarily then stepped forward, respectfully saying, "I, from Dong Xuan Martial Hall, am willing to concede the top spot. Please allow Zi Qiong''s people to move to the top floor of Number One Martial Tower!"


    Number One Martial Arts Pavilion had the best conditions; at this moment, he did not dare to upy this spot and immediately volunteered to step forward.


    Ling Fan nced indifferently at the other party, "What''s your name?"


    "I am Fang Kun, president of the Dong Xuan Martial Hall!" Fang Kun respectfully replied.


    Ling Fan nodded, "No need, it''s just a ce to stay. Let''s use the spot Lei Ming vacated before!"


    Ling Fan did not take the position of Dong Xuan, feeling it unnecessary. Although he was sometimes overbearing, he was fair in his dealings with people and matters.


    "Rest assured, Young Master Ling, we will definitely take care of it for you!" Fang Kun quickly nodded.


    At the same time, he pointed at Lei Ming and his group and chastised, "I''m limiting you to move out today. If you don''t have enough time, we at Dong Xuan can help!"


    President Lei Ming and Su Ziming almost spat out a mouthful of blood, truly, as the saying goes, ''out of sight, out of mind.'' Now the entire Martial Arts Academy was leaning one-sidedly toward Ling Fan and Zi Qiong.


    But they were powerless, ming themselves for having offended Ling Fan. There are always greater powers; now it was toote for regrets.


    Lei Ming and his group turned around indifferently and began to leave through the crowd.


    "Is Ling Fan here?" Suddenly, a loud voice rang out from behind the crowd.


    Just as Lei Ming and his group were about to leave, they were stunned and turned around to look.


    The spectators around them were also baffled, wondering who was looking for Ling Fan, but the tone didn''t seem very friendly!


    Ling Fan also frowned and stood before the Fighting Stage, looking out at the crowd, only to see a middle-aged man approaching with a tiger''s stride, his face bearing a faint scar.


    Ling Fan was puzzled, as he did not know this person.


    The neer parted the crowd and shouted loudly, "Is Ling Fan here?"


    Everyone was unsure what had happened and all turned to look toward Ling Fan on the stage.


    Seeing no one responding, the man shifted his gaze to a young man on the stage, immediately took out a photo,pared it, and then pointed at Ling Fan, "Are you Ling Fan?"


    "You''re looking for me?" Ling Fan''s frown deepened, as if he''d thought of something.


    The neer nodded immediately, "Good it''s you!"


    With that, his figure suddenly moved, as agile as a civet cat, leaping onto the Fighting Stage.


    "Boy, someone has sent me to take your life; hurry up ande here to die!'' the man looked down at Ling Fan disdainfully from the stage.


    Ling Fan''s eyes narrowed slightly, "Are you sent by Long Tianjun?"


    "Hehe, quite aware, I see. Since you know, there''s no need for further words, just end your life as an apology," the man said indifferently.


    The spectators looked at each other, realizing this person was here for revenge, and he seemed to be someone of significant influence. It was surprising that Ling Fan had offended such a character.


    The people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion all folded back, someone was troubling Ling Fan, and it was a mortal enemy. They wanted to see the oue.


    "How dare you, this is Binzhou University, not a ce for you to run wild, get lost at once!" Fan Zhan and two others shouted, standing in front of Ling Fan.


    "Hmph, a few brats dare to block my business at Dragon Gate!" the man sneered.


    "Dragon Gate?" Fan Zhan and the others exchanged looks.


    "Listen clearly, I am a disciple of Dragon Gate, Xiong Tianlu. Wise up and step aside, today I''m only after him, it''s none of the others'' business!" Xiong Tianlu bellowed.

 Chapter 79 Letter of Allegiance

    Ling Fan''s eyebrows raised ever so slightly as he looked toward Xiong Tianlu on the Fighting Stage, who acted arrogantly as if he was above everyone else. He spoke lightly, "Even the Dragon Gate Master has to politely call me ''War Emperor'' when he sees me, yet you, an insignificant member of Dragon Gate, dare to shout in front of me?"


    Xiong Tianlu''s eyes immediately bulged upon hearing this, his hair and beard bristled with rage, and smoke seemed to billow from his seven orifices. Pointing at Ling Fan, he cursed loudly, "How dare you, insolent madman, insult the prestige of our Dragon Gate! Our Sect Leader is lofty and high above, not someone you can nder with your wild and fanciful talk.


    As for that nonsense ''War Emperor'', try defeating me, Xiong Tianlu, first!"


    Ling Fan snorted withughter, not at all speaking out of turn. Dragon Gate was one of the top three organizations in the world, on equal footing with Hongmen and Tangmen.


    Before he was seriously injured and joined another family through marriage, who in the Underworld didn''t know his name as ''War Emperor''? Even heirs of the World''s Number One Family had to greet him with a smile, and the organization he founded, ''Hell Idlers'', dominated the world.


    "It seems that in the two years I''ve been gone, the world has forgotten me!" Ling Fan muttered to himself.


    The onlookers exchanged puzzled looks, not understanding a word they were saying, for they couldn''tprehend a single thing!


    What War Emperor? What Dragon Gate? These resounding titles from the Underworld were far too remote for them.


    The people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion simply hoped that this man who had suddenly appeared seeking a vendetta actually had some skill and would put Ling Fan to death on the spot.


    At this moment, the people of Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion hated Ling Fan to the bone, yet they were powerless against him, so they could only pin their hopes on Xiong Tianlu.


    Fan Zhan, carrying a Vajra Staff, stepped forward and pointed at Xiong Tianlu, "Our boss isn''t someone you can provoke. You think you''re fit to cross hands with our boss? Today, us three will take on you, this so-called expert of Dragon Gate!"


    Jiang Shi and Zuo Zhengqing immediately stood beside Fan Zhan, gripping their weapons tightly and staring fiercely at Xiong Tianlu.


    They had just sworn allegiance to Ling Fan and hadn''t found a chance to show their loyalty. Now someone was bringing them a pillow just as they dozed off¡ªthis was the perfect time to present a Letter of Allegiance to Ling Fan!


    Previously, Ling Fan had said they were not qualified to be his underlings, which had caused them considerable frustration. They were eager to prove they were not worthless!


    "Fuck, thinking you can oppose Dragon Gate without knowing how high the sky is or how deep the earth is?" Xiong Tianlu shouted angrily.


    Fan Zhan and the others exchanged nces, clueless as to what this Dragon Gate was all about.


    "Dragon my ass, is Dragon Gate so impressive? I''ve never heard of it, and I''m from the Dragon ying Hall!" Fan Zhan snorted with augh.


    He then shouted to the crowd below, "Has anyone heard of Dragon Gate? Enlighten me, Fan Zhan, for I''m ignorant of such matters!"


    The onlookers immediately burst intoughter. How could they, ordinary people from the Secr World of the Ivory Tower, know anything about Dragon Gate?


    "Fuck, if you ask me, this idiot must have time-traveled here, talking about Dragon Gate¡ªis it about carps leaping through the Dragon Gate? Xiangnan Satellite TV does have a reality show by that name, and my cousin even participated in it!" someoneughed loudly from below.


    "Haha, this guy must have run out of a mental institution, his brain''s gone funny!" another person joined in theughter.


    Ling Fan, standing on the side, almost couldn''t hold back hisughter. Dragon Gate, being a rising power, might have a high reputation in the Underworld, but it was far less well-established and less renowned across the ordinary world than Hongmen and Tangmen were.


    At this point, Xiong Tianlu was trying to show off the might of Dragon Gate in front of a group of students, but it was utterly pointless since no one knew about it.


    Xiong Tianlu seemed to realize this issue too, his face turning the color of liver, looking extremely unsightly.


    "Fan Zhan, the Great God, let this bumpkin from out of town see our Martial Arts Academy''s true power! Damn it, daring to show off in our Binzhou University!" someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, waving their support.


    Fan Zhan and the others did not hesitate and immediately jumped onto the Fighting Stage. Without a word, they all attacked.


    Ling Fan knew that the three were no match for Xiong Tianlu but did not interfere, considering they appeared to have had little contact with the Martial Arts World and should be allowed to toughen up through such an experience.


    Su Qiong and the others were anxiously watching the four who were about to sh on the stage, and everyone from the Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion held their breath, especially Lei Ming and Su Ziming¡ª they were the only ones present who did not wish for the trio to win.


    "Damn it, ignorant brats, today you''ll learn the extent of Grandpa Xiong''s prowess!" Xiong Tianlu burst out shouting and without using any weapons, faced the three with his bare hands.


    In an instant, the four were embroiled in battle, but after no more than three exchanges, the trioy on the floor, unable to rise. Compared to their earlier fight with Ling Fan, this defeat was somewhat more decent; theysted two moves longer against Xiong Tianlu.


    The scene on the stage left everyone present petrified. They had already found it difficult to ept Ling Fan''s skill, and now, this so-called expert from Dragon Gate was still able to dominate the trio of Fan Zhan.


    This realization was bitter for the crowd, who realized they were just frogs in a well, limited to Binzhou University''s small corner of the sky¡ªthe outside world was the true den of dragons and tigers.


    Ling Fan nodded slightly in his heart, as he had already deduced Xiong Tianlu''s strength from their scuffle. Xiong''s skills were on par with his own, but far less refined. He had taken only three moves to defeat Fan Zhan and the others without inflicting serious harm.


    "Hmph, overestimating yourselves!" Xiong Tianlu coldly snorted as he looked at the defeated trio.


    Pointing at Ling Fan, he roared, "Kid, it''s your turn to court death. I won''t show you any mercy, so you''d better prepare for the afterlife. If you have anyst words, spit them out quickly!"


    Lying on the ground, the spirits of Fan Zhan''s trio were crushed, only now realizing the saying ''there''s always someone better out there.'' They were only able to dominate within the small realm of this campus.


    Excitement flushed Su Ziming''s face like he was injected with adrenaline, looking at Ling Fan, his blood surged, and likewise, everyone from the Lei Ming Pavilion was tremendously agitated.


    Qi Xiumin''s previously pale face finally regained its color. The emergence of Xiong Tianlu had filled her with great confidence.


    "Ling Fan!" Su Qiong and Zhou Siyu both stepped forward, their faces full of concern.


    Xu Miaotong and He Jiayi down below were also nervously holding onto each other, silently watching the unfolding scene on the stage.


    Ling Fan waved his hand dismissively, "No matter, he''s just a jumping clown!"


    At these words, the crowd gasped in astonishment. Their adoration for Ling Fan grew even more as he remained so calm andposed.


    "Is this... is this what they call ''silent bragging''?" someone in the crowd said excitedly.


    "Silent bragging, it''s lethal!" Another clenched their fists, feeling the blood boil, as if they were Ling Fan on the stage.


    "A piece of dog crap¡ªjust wait until you''re lying on the ground, let''s see if you can stay soposed then!" Qi Xiumin mocked with visible irritation.


    Meanwhile, Su Ziming cursed internally, "Keep pretending¡ªlet''s see how much longer you can before you die on the Fighting Stage!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Just as Ling Fan was about to leap onto the Fighting Stage, a stern voice suddenly came from below.


    "Friend, causing trouble in our school is a bit out of line, don''t you think?"


    This unexpected voice froze everyone on the spot.


    Lei Ming, who had been hoping to see Ling Fan meet his demise, trembled and turned towards the source of the voice with a bitter expression, "The... Did the Director just arrive?"

 Chapter 80 Heaven Has Eyes

    Ling Fan was also slightly startled and turned to look down at the audience, only to see a tall, thin middle-aged man slowly approaching. After ncing at Ling Fan, he turned his gaze toward Xiong Tianlu on the Fighting Stage, his eyes intense.


    Xiong Tianlu''s eyes narrowed. Pointing at the man who had appeared, he said, "Who are you? I advise you to mind your own business, and don''t think that just because you''re from Binzhou University you''re impressive. We at Dragon Gate are not afraid. Today, I won''t touch anyone else; I''m only after that kid."


    The man''s expression changed slightly as he thought to himself, "Dragon Gate? How could they appear in Huaxia, at Binzhou University!"


    Compared to the students who knew nothing, he clearly knew more.


    Having looked at Ling Fan just once, he had already made up his mind. This was the student specially entrusted to his care by Old Qi; he could not allow Ling Fan to encounter any mishap at school.


    He immediately stepped forward, his voice deep, "I am Shen Tie, Director of Student Affairs at Binzhou University. In the name of the school, I ask you to leave. No matter who you are, you have no right to cause trouble here. These are the rules in Huaxia, does Dragon Gate wish to challenge them?"


    The onlookers were surprised, not expecting Director Shen to personally step forward to protect Ling Fan. However, would Xiong Tianlu give Director Shen any respect?


    Xiong Tianlu became instantly furious. Wasn''t everything supposed to go smoothly today?


    He immediately pointed at Shen Tie and shouted coldly, "Cut the crap. If you want to stop me, show your real skills. If you can''t, then get lost and stop being an eyesore!"


    The crowd of students all looked toward Director Shen, unsure of how he would handle the situation next.


    Lei Ming and his group took a deep breath, shocked at how audacious Xiong Tianlu was; he didn''t even respect the school''s authority, but they liked it, they liked Xiong Tianlu''s domineering attitude.


    The more arrogant and powerful Xiong Tianlu was, the happier they became, and so the likelihood of Ling Fan dying today increased even further.


    Shen Tie''s face was expressionless, and after a moment of silence, he said faintly, "Since that is the case, then Shen would like to learn a few things from you!"


    Having said this, Shen Tie moved like a swallow skimming over water. With a few leaps, hended on the Fighting Stage, facing Xiong Tianlu from a distance.


    "What? Director Shen is also a martial artist?" Suddenly, some people started to panic below the stage.


    Not only were the ordinary students surprised, even the people from the Martial Arts Academy were stunned. They only knew that Director Shen was skilled, like everyone else, probably at the Late Body Tempering Stage; they never expected that Director Shen was actually a martial artist, which was a huge shock to them.


    Lei Ming and his group were almost copsing, feeling as if undergoing water torture. Just as they started to hope and could breathe again, they were submerged underwater again. Repeatedly drained physically and emotionally, was killing Ling Fan really this difficult?


    They had originally been encouraged by Xiong Tianlu''s invincible aura, certain that Ling Fan was about to be killed on the spot, but suddenly a martial artist like Director Shen emerged, who seemed to be evenly matched with Xiong Tianlu.


    Su Ziming felt like dying at that moment, utterly disheartened.


    "Hmph, don''t me me for being ruthless if you overestimate yourself!" Xiong Tianlu snorted coldly and stomped his foot, charging toward Shen Tie with great force.


    The spectating crowd instantly became excited, having never seen Director Shen take action. They were curious about how hepared with Xiong Tianlu.


    Under the eager eyes of the audience, Shen Tie and Xiong Tianlu immediately collided on the stage. The two exchanged blows, their movements so powerful that they left deep cement footprints on the Fighting Stage.


    The two engaged in closebat across the majority of the Fighting Stage, with ''thump thump'' sounds of heavy impacts leaving the audience dazzled.


    However, the audience soon realized that Xiong Tianlu seemed to have the upper hand since he was continuously pressing Director Shen, who kept retreating, only able to defend without any opportunity to counterattack.


    The crowd couldn''t help but secretly sweat in fear, staring fixedly at the two entangled on the stage.


    In a moment, another muted thud resounded as figures suddenly separated, revealing Shen Tie stumbling back more than a dozen steps. He nearly fell off the edge of the Fighting Stage before barely managing to stop.


    The onlookers gasped in shock. Even Shen Tie was no match for his opponent?


    Xiong Tianlu snorted coldly, "You think your Third Grade cultivation is enough to stop me? Does your school have any other experts? Those who disagree are wee to step forward!"


    Shen Tie''s face turned pale, as he forcefully suppressed the salty taste rising in his throat and looked down indifferently, "He has connections with Zhongnan; could you perhaps show some respect for Shen''s sake?"


    Xiong Tianlu''s expression changed slightly, and he couldn''t help but turn to look at Ling Fan, realizing that this man also had thisyer of identity. No wonder Shen Tie, knowing he was outmatched, still stepped forward to defend him.


    However, what of that? No matter what connections you have, could it be stronger than the Imperial Capital Long Family? In Huaxia, no matter what your background is, if you offend the Long Family, there''s simply no way out.


    "No connections can save him, he has offended the Long Family. Do you think there''s any hope for him? You could bring up another background and see if there''s anyone who can contend with the Long Family. If there is, then I''d have a good reason to report back!" Xiong Tianlu said icily.


    Shen Tie stiffened abruptly, "The Long Family? From the Imperial Capital?"


    Xiong Tianlu nodded slightly.


    Shen Tie took a deep breath, his face bitter, and he immediately turned to look at Ling Fan, "Is what he said true?"


    Ling Fan also nodded, "He''s right!"


    "Young friend, when Old Qi askster, I will have exined. It''s not that I''m unwilling to help you, it''s just that¡­" Shen Tie shook his head with a sigh.


    "No worries, you have already done what you could, thank you. There''s no need to concern yourself further!" Ling Fan consoled him.


    Shen Tie had indeed tried his best. Facing the Long Family, indeed no one could contend.


    At that moment, the onlookers looked at each other in confusion, clueless about what the Long Family meant, but understanding that Ling Fan had offended a terrifying family.


    An entity before which even Shen Tie would choose to back away was beyond everyone''s expectations.


    "Hahaha...indeed there is justice in heaven! Ling Fan, didn''t you want to disband our Lei Ming? To destroy us? Today, I''ll see how you escape this imminent disaster!" Su Zimingughed heartily, seemingly venting all the pent-up frustrations in his heart.


    As long as Ling Fan dies, what would Zi Qiong amount to? Would Fan Zhan and hispanions still protect Zi Qiong? Without Ling Fan, their pir, everything would fall apart like a house of cards.


    "Hahaha...justice in heaven indeed, heaven hasn''t forsaken our Lei Ming. Ling Fan, you never dreamed you''d end like this. Truly, what goes aroundes around, no escaping fate!" Lei Ming''s leader alsoughed aloud.


    The onlookers remained silent, knowing all too well the saying ''thirty years east, thirty years west''; they hadn''t expected the tables to turn so swiftly. Ling Fan''s glory seemed fleeting, about to end.


    Su Qiong and the others turned pale, unexpectedly finding themselves once again in a bleak situation after a twist of fate.


    Beneath the stage, Xu Miaotong and He Jiayi''s eyes brimmed with tears, unable to believe that Ling Fan would really fall like this!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The excited crowd from Lei Ming, their eyes red and eager, watched Xiong Tianlu, anticipating his next move, the Thunder Strike, to annihte Ling Fan!

 Chapter 81 Killing You Is Like Killing a Chicken

    Ling Fan nced at the Lei Ming crowd, his eyebrows raised slightly. These people really were relentless.


    Fan Zhan and hispanions staggered to their feet, their hearts heavy. They had just acknowledged their leader; could it really be that their end was approaching so soon?


    Ling Fan paid no attention to the secretive murmurs of the crowd or the mockery from the Lei Ming group. He simply couldn''t be bothered¡ªit was meaningless. As long as he knocked Xiong Tianlu down, all other voices would be silenced.


    Xiong Tianlu looked at Ling Fan, who was stepping onto the Fighting Stage, and said in a deep voice, "Will you end it yourself, or should I help you?"


    "Heh heh, are you that confident? I can treat what you said just now as farting. I''m giving you a clear way out now, kneel down and kowtow to apologize, call me ''Grandpa'' three times, and I may spare your miserable life!" Ling Fan said indifferently.


    When these words were spoken, the crowd was once again in uproar. They were now numbed, having realized that no matter what the time or situation, Ling Fan always remained so indifferent, as if courting death with his defiance.


    Indeed, a master falls at the feet of another only to act unruffled even as a ghost. The crowd couldn''t help but admire him profoundly!


    Shen Tie''splexion darkened slightly. He did not fancy Ling Fan''s personality much; if Ling Fan would show some weakness now, beg for mercy, there might still be a glimmer of hope for him.


    But this man simply didn''t know how to bend the knee. This kind of unbending nature could inevitably lead to disadvantages in society and might even make it difficult to fit in among people, resulting in an out-of-ce existence. Whether in business or politics, he wouldn''t likely achieve much.


    "Hmph, still so tough-mouthed at death''s door. Since you have nost words, then be on your way!" Xiong Tianlu shouted coldly, his figure exploding into action.


    Ling Fan''s eyes brightened slightly. In two years, he hadn''t encountered a worthy opponent, someone who could give him a thrilling fight, and he couldn''t help feeling itchy for action.


    The onlookers around the stage watched the two about to sh and whispered, "Who do you think will win?"


    "Of course, Xiong Tianlu will win. Didn''t you see that even Director Shen couldn''t be his match?" one person asserted.


    "But, Xiong Tianlu used three moves to defeat Fan Zhan''s trio, whereas Ling Fan only used one move!" another person said hesitantly.


    "That... Fan Zhan''s trio were only sparring with Ling Fan, perhaps they didn''t use their full strength, and there was also an element of underestimation..." the first speaker said with some uncertainty.


    Just then, the two on the stage exchanged blows in an instant, fists like shadows, palms like wind, the ''bang bang'' sounds were incessant!


    It was as if two spinning tops were whirling at high speed on the Fighting Stage, and to the crowd''s astonishment, it was Ling Fan who was pummeling Xiong Tianlu.


    This scene left the onlookers dumbfounded and in disbelief.


    Shen Tie widened his eyes, unable to utter a word; his thoughts were in chaos, especially when he had just looked down upon Ling Fan''s arrogance.


    Su Qiong covered her mouth in surprise, her beautiful eyes flickering with boundless delight; Zhou Siyu sped her hands tightly, more excited than anyone else at the moment.


    Xu Miaotong and He Jiayi both opened their mouths wide, then showed faces full of excitement and thrill.


    The people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion werepletely dumbfounded, as if they had been hit by a Binding Spell.


    At this moment, if anyone was the most shocked, it had to be Xiong Tianlu on the stage. His heart was swept by a tidal wave, and his arms were numb and tingling.


    After repelling Xiong Tianlu with a palm, Ling Fan shouted, "Thrilling! Take another punch from me!"


    Ling Fan, fighting spiritedly, had not felt this liberated for a long time. He immediately brought his strength to its peak. Previously, he had used only brute force, but now he evidently employed the Holy Martial Nine Forms, unleashing the Heaven-Cutting Fist, roaring like a tiger in the forest.


    Xiong Tianlu, pushed into a corner of the Fighting Stage, faced the soaring punch from Ling Fan and turned pale with fright. If he took the hit, he would surely be blown off the stage. He never dreamed the young man he had looked down on would be so troublesome.


    In his panic and haste, he barely avoided Ling Fan''s potent punch.


    "Boom!" came a sound.


    Ling Fan''s punch missed, striking the corner pir and actually breaking the massive stone column.


    The onlookers fell dead silent, and Xiong Tianlu''s face changed drastically, bing serious.


    "This... this strength?" Fan Zhan opened his eyes wide in disbelief.


    "This... is this the real power of our boss?" Jiang Shi swallowed hard, murmuring to himself.


    Zuo Zhengqing took a deep breath, "This... must be the force of a hundred thousand pounds, right?"


    Looking at the people from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion, all of them had ashen faces.


    "No... this is impossible, absolutely impossible. How can he be so strong?" Su Ziming stared fixedly at the broken pir, his eyes filled with disbelief.


    Lei Ming''s heart seized with a sharp pain, feeling as if a loud p had just hit his own face. He had just been looking forward to Ling Fan''s fatal embarrassment, even deriding him. As this crossed his mind, he almost copsed to the ground!


    At this time, Xiong Tianlu wore a solemn face, "Kid, I underestimated you. Being able to die by my secret technique, you should feel proud!" he eximed.


    "Hmm?"


    The surrounding onlookers were once again astonished. Xiong Tianlu still had a card up his sleeve?


    Upon hearing this, Shen Tie also showed a look of horror, as this secret technique was not something that just anyone could cultivate.


    In an instant, Xiong Tianlu let out a thunderous roar to the sky, and a series of crackling explosive sounds emanated from his body. In the blink of an eye, his body swelled at a visible rate, bursting his clothes to reveal muscles hard as rocks.


    "Eh?"


    A hint of surprise shed in Ling Fan''s eyes.


    "Have you actually cultivated the Fan Sect''s Life-sacrifice Technique?"


    "You actually know about the Life-sacrifice Technique?" Xiong Tianlu, who hadpleted his transformation, said in surprise.


    "This technique can only be used seven times in one''s life, and after the seventh, one will die of depleted essence blood. This must be your first time using it, otherwise, you wouldn''t have done it so readily!" Ling Fan said calmly.


    Xiong Tianlu''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Since you know, then go to die!"


    Having said that, his figure burst forth in a sh. After using the secret technique, his strength and speed had increased several times overpared to before.


    In the next moment, when faced with Xiong Tianlu''s attack, Ling Fan did not dodge but took the blow directly.


    In an instant, he felt a great force transmitted to him, and his body shot backward, gouging out a deep trench on the Fighting Stage.


    The onlooking crowd waspletely stunned; Ling Fan, who had been in total control just now, had been defeated in a sh!


    The use of the Life-sacrifice Technique also came with a time limit ¨C it would wear off after an hour, leaving the body in an extremely weakened state.


    If he had used the Gui Xu Dance Method to dodge continuously, consuming an hour of the opponent''s time would naturally break the technique without a fight, but he simply didn''t have the time to waste.


    The spectators from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion were like fish being fried in oil, one moment plunged into the Hell Abyss, the next feeling like they had ascended to heaven.


    They cursed Xiong Tianlu in their hearts, ''If you had this killer move, why didn''t you use it earlier and save us the trouble?''


    Ling Fan felt the power in his arm and inwardly sighed, his own strength was still too weak; he needed to recover it quickly.


    At this moment, he felt an intense desire to regain his strength because he realized that with just his physical strength alone, he couldn''t beat Xiong Tianlu, who had used the Life-sacrifice Technique.


    This was just an ordinary strong opponent he was facing; as he progressed, he would encounter stronger and stronger people, especially those bigshots from the underground Martial Arts World. How could he return as a king with his current strength?


    He had already decided in his heart that after this, he would need to make a trip to Zhongnan Mountain, hoping the old man hadn''t lied to him.


    "Kid, how does it feel?" Xiong Tianluughed heartily, his voice thunderous.


    "Not bad, I''m not your match right now!" Ling Fan said as he regathered his thoughts and slowly stood straight.


    As soon as Ling Fan uttered these words, Su Qiong and the others felt their hearts descend into chaos, filled with endless worry and tension.


    The crowd from Lei Ming Martial Arts Pavilion felt as if they had been lifted into the clouds, their hearts overtaken by an indescribable delight, like a drowning personing back to life.


    Fan Zhan and the other two felt their hearts sink to the bottom of the valley. Ling Fan had always possessed a calm andposed demeanor regardless of the situation, but now, for the first time, he openly admitted his inferiority.


    Everyone watching was silent, and no oneughed in ridicule; at this moment, they all hoped more than anything that Ling Fan could create a miracle.


    "However, killing you is like ughtering a chicken!" Ling Fan said again, nonchntly.


    He then turned and looked at Bai Xin, who was holding Zi Qiong''s sword, "Lend me your sword for a moment!"


    Bai Xin, momentarily in a daze, instinctively tossed the Three-foot Green de in Ling Fan''s direction.


    The crowd watching below was once again shaken by Ling Fan''s calm demeanor, as if reminded again of Great God Ling''s unppable presence.


    "Arrogant fool, let''s see how I take your head!" Xiong Tianlu roared in anger, like a high-speed moving tank crazily charging towards Ling Fan.


    Faced with the madly rushing Xiong Tianlu, Ling Fan shook the long sword in his hand and called out, "Eighteen Forms of Limitlessness, First Form, Thunderp Sky-breaker!"


    In the blink of an eye, the long sword left a fleeting dazzling trail through the air, while Ling Fan''s movements became a flurry of shes, and in an instant, he passed by Xiong Tianlu''s side.


    The next second, time seemed to freeze, the two stood back to back, with Ling Fan''s long sword pointing diagonally to the ground.


    To everyone''s shock, they saw a streak of blood emerging, expanding on the motionless Xiong Tianlu''s forehead. After a few breaths, he copsed, his eyes still wide open in disbelief, the sword having pierced his skull.


    Ling Fan looked at the long sword in his hand, nodded slightly, Thunderp Sky-breaker, swift beyondpare ¨C its speed unstoppable!


    "I told you, killing you is like ughtering a chicken. Did you think I was bluffing!" Ling Fan muttered to himself.


    The people from Lei Ming had just felt like they were soaring through the clouds but now had crashed into the depths of Hell.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Bang!"


    In the silent scene, a sound suddenly broke the quiet, and the spectators turned to look, only to see Su Ziming ovee with rage and unable to catch his breath, fainting on the spot.


    Director Lei Ming himself copsed on the ground, trembling uncontrobly!

 Chapter 82 Lend Me Your Husband

    Outside the school campus, there was a hotel where Ling Fan took out the medicinal ointment he had obtained from Vermilion Bird, carefully applying it to Su Qiong''s facial wounds.


    After killing Xiong Tianlu, he handed the rest over to Shen Tie, and then quickly brought Su Qiong to the hotel to book a room and treat the wounds.


    At that moment, Zhou Siyu stood by cautiously asking, "Sister Qiong''s face won''t scar, will it?"


    "No worries, this is a special medicinal ointment from the Martial Arts World. Just avoid water for three days, and all will be fine," Ling Fan instructed.


    "Ling Fan, thank you!" Su Qiong expressed gratefully.


    Ling Fan carefully finished applying thest of the ointment, "Hmm, it''s all right now. Rest well these next few days!"


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office of the recently renamed Fanxing, now Tianyun Entertainment,


    Xiao Chubing''s expression fluctuated uneasily as she watched Yun Fei sit quietly across from her. Although she had been mentally prepared for certain matters, the actual urrence still left an indescribable taste in her heart.


    After Ling Fan had left, Yun Fei, after much deliberation, felt that she should confront Xiao Chubing honestly andmunicate well. Under normal circumstances, she might have hesitated.


    But that day at the entrance to Yun Xuan, Ling Fan had openly imed her, and Xiao Chubing had dly epted without any objections!


    Now that things had happened, they had to be confronted, after all, they would often meet and even live together in the future.


    This misunderstanding had be too tangled to unravel, a pity neither Xiao Chubing nor Ling Fan was aware of it yet.


    After a long moment, Xiao Chubing managed to calm her emotions, lifting her eyes to gaze at Yun Fei with a stoic expression, "I can understand such idents, but by telling me this today, are you trying to challenge me, or what?"


    Yun Fei''s heart skipped a beat, this situation wasn''t quite as she had expected!


    But being a woman with high emotional intelligence and adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence, she would never escte or worsen the situation, even if she had to suffer some grievances. She couldn''t make it difficult for Ling Fan, especially since Xiao Chubing was his official wife.


    "Chu Bing, you misunderstood. I am an orphan, just a rootless wanderer among various men and powers. Despite appearances, I''m actually walking on thin ice!


    If it weren''t for Ling Fan, I don''t know what would have be of me. I''ve never thought about iming a title orpeting for anything, I just hope we can live in peace.


    Moreover, with a man like Ling Fan, if he continues to excel, there will certainly be more than just us two women in the future. But I can assure you, no matter what happens, I will always uphold your status!" Yun Fei spoke calmly, in a very humble manner.


    Xiao Chubing gave this a lot of thought, taking a deep breath. She had to admit, thest thing Yun Fei said was spot on, and that was exactly what bothered her.


    Previously, she thought Ling Fan was pathetic, useless, not deserving her attention. Now, she was troubled by his dazzling brilliance.


    "A man without capability is dismissed by others, and a man too capable is hard to control. Can''t his abilities be just normal?" Xiao Chubing felt bitterness in her heart.


    She had just dragged her best friend Shu Ya into this, and suddenly, Yun Fei appeared, already making it two women in just a few days.


    "Now, I almost wish he would revert to that unappealing failure, I''d rather support him myself!" Xiao Chubing sighed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Seeing this, Yun Fei knew Xiao Chubing might have seen the point, and she quietly breathed a sigh of relief, "If he really were still that failure, you wouldn''t think this way. Do you think, as women like us, a man with no capabilities could protect us?"


    Xiao Chubing thought about it and realized it was true. If Ling Fan really were still that failure, she might already be a forbidden delicacy of Li Guohao or a ything for wealthy young masters like Xu Sicong.


    "A wife is honored by her husband, and a woman''s happiness in life isn''t about finding a capable man, but in choosing the right capable man!"


    "There are many capable men in this world, but I can feel that he is different, he really cares about you!" Yun Fei said enviously.


    Xiao Chubing''s frown slightly rxed, "He cares about you too, otherwise you wouldn''t be standing here in front of me!"


    Yun Fei thought of Ling Fan''s words, ''I am willing to take responsibility,'' and her heart was filled with tender feelings.


    "He is a man who takes responsibilities seriously!" Yun Fei nodded.


    "By the way, when are youing over? Fanxing is quite chaotic now, we need more people!" Xiao Chubing suddenly changed the subject.


    "Tomorrow, I can''t today, I''m not feeling well!" Yun Fei hesitated.


    Xiao Chubing nodded, "Then you should go back and rest well, I''ll let you know if anythinges up!"


    Yun Fei nodded with a smile, the tension between the two women instantly dissipated, and she greeted before heading towards the door.


    Just as Yun Fei reached the doorway, she started, her face blushing suddenly; she hadn''t expected Xiao Chubing to ask such a question, probably still feeling bitter.


    Upon hearing this, Yun Fei raised her hand, thumb and forefinger and middle finger together, and made a slight gesture.


    Xiao Chubing was slightly shocked, thinking to herself, "That crazy...?"


    This woman, though iming not to care much, how could she not feel jealous at the bottom of her heart? Yun Fei deliberately said, "What about you guys?"


    Watching Yun Fei disappear at the door, Xiao Chubing gripped the pen in her hand fiercely, as if harboring a grudge, muttering to herself, "Well, Ling Fan, just wait until you get home tonight, and see how I deal with you!"


    "Yikes! Haven''t seen you for a few days, and you are already the bossdy of Fanxing? Such an impressive office!" Soon after, Liu Yuqiong suddenly popped her head in, curiously appearing at the door.


    Xiao Chubingposed herself, not in a good mood, "You little nuisance, stop teasing me. Are you interested in helping me out?"


    She had specifically called Liu Yuqiong over; thepany was short-staffed and desperately needed help.


    "Hehe, I can help, but I have one condition, you need to help me out too!" Liu Yuqiong said with a grin.


    Xiao Chubing rolled her eyes, "Spit it out, what is it?"


    "Lend me your husband for a bit!" said Liu Yuqiong, as she joyfully sat down across from Xiao Chubing.


    Xiao Chubing: "..."


    "Is Ling Fan''s physique that attractive now?" Xiao Chubing was about to lose it.


    Seeing this, Liu Yuqiong knew Xiao Chubing had misunderstood.


    Immediately, sheughed, "Just kidding, I actually need his help for something real, you''re not reluctant to let him go, are you?"


    Xiao Chubing was speechless, "What is it, you''ve got to make it clear!"


    Given Yun Fei''s precedent, she had to be more cautious.


    "It''s like this..." Liu Yuqiong immediately began to exin.

 Chapter 83 Taking You Home to Meet the Parents

    Ling Fan finished treating Su Qiong at the hotel and was then dragged out by the two women to treat them to a meal, as he had promised to do so after running off halfwayst time.


    Seeing that there was still time, he willingly apanied them. It was indeed because of his tardiness today that Su Qiong had suffered so much, and Zi Qiong had almost disbanded, which made him feel extremely guilty.


    When they had almost finished eating and were parting ways, it was alreadyte. Remembering he hadn''t returned homest night, he immediately hurried back.


    At the doorstep of his home, Ling Fan felt somewhat guilty, recalling what had transpired with Yun Fei, and had quite the headache, not knowing how to exin.


    Upon entering stealthily, he found Xiao Chubing had already changed intofortable clothes, her fair and slender legs crossed, sitting on the sofa with her arms folded.


    Seeing Ling Fan enter, she cleared her throat, "You''re back?"


    Ling Fan, sensing the atmosphere was not too good, responded with a dryugh, "Heh heh, I was held up with some things during the day, just finished!"


    "Yun Fei came looking for me today," Xiao Chubing said tly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Upon hearing that, Ling Fan felt a slight tremor in his heart, and thought to himself that today was indeed out of the ordinary. As expected!


    "Uh..." Ling Fan bowed his head in silence.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chubing asked with annoyance, "What do you mean by ''uh''?"


    Ling Fan, breaking out in sweat, replied, "That...I''m sorry...It was a matter of necessity, I had no choice..."


    "I want to know, aside from me and Yun Fei, are there other women in your life!" Xiao Chubing pressed.


    Ling Fan weakly said, "Before ''marrying'' you, there were a few, but you''re the onlywful one!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Chubing almost fainted, realizing that this guy''s romantic past was quite rich and started doubting whether marrying Ling Fan was the right or wrong decision.


    "Among these women, what ce do I hold!" Xiao Chubing bit her lip gently.


    Thick-skinned, Ling Fan squeezed over and firmly sped Xiao Chubing''s shoulders, "To hold your hand and grow old with you, irreceable!"


    A mysterious tremor rose in Xiao Chubing''s heart, and her nose felt slightly sour.


    "I''d rather believe in ghosts in this world than the sweet nothings from a man''s mouth!" Xiao Chubing turned her head and pouted.


    Seeing this, Ling Fan let out a sigh of relief, realizing he should strike while the iron was hot. Hearing his wife''s tone, he put in one more effort, and the anger might just extinguish.


    Immediately, he bent down to lift her up, "Wife, it''s gettingte, let''s go upstairs and rest!"


    Hugging Ling Fan''s neck with her face slightly red, Xiao Chubing whispered in his ear, pressing her lips together, "You better not stand me up tonight. If you don''t make grandma here happy, I''ll make sure you regret it!"


    Ling Fan''s body stiffened, "..."


    Upstairs in the bedroom.


    Xiao Chubing snuggled into Ling Fan''s embrace and pinched his waist hard, making Ling Fan grimace in pain.


    "I''ll let you off tonight, knowing your energy has been drained. I''ll give you a day to recover," Xiao Chubing said with a hint of grievance.


    Ling Fan inwardly heaved a sigh of relief, feeling like he couldn''t take any more.


    "Oh right, I have something to tell you. Mypany is too busy, so I asked Liu Yuqiong for help. However, she also wants to ask you for help. I told her I needed to get your opinion and didn''t agree outright," Xiao Chubing spoke up.


    Ling Fan asked curiously, "What is it? Tell me about it!"


    "Her father, Liu Xiangyang, had an old enemy seeking vengeancee to the door. She wants you to protect them for a few days," Xiao Chubing exined.


    Ling Fan nodded, "You really need her help, don''t you?"


    "Yeah! If it''s too much trouble, let it be. She would still help me if I ask her to," Xiao Chubing replied.


    Ling Fan shook his head, "It''s not a big deal for me. She''s your best friend; it''s only right to help when she''s in trouble. Besides, you always have to pay back what you owe others!"


    "Mhm, thank you, hubby. But while you can help, you''re not allowed to mess with her!" Xiao Chubing warned, puffing her little mouth.


    Ling Fan immediately promised, "Don''t worry, wife. Even if she hits on me, I surely won''t ept!"


    Xiao Chubing snorted softly, "I''ll trust you this time. Let''s sleep, she''lle over to find you in the morning!"


    Ling Fan agreed, "Lights out!"


    Xiao Chubing, like an octopus, clung onto Ling Fan, and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    Early the next morning, as the two of them were just getting ready, they saw Liu Yuqiong pulling up to their vi in a white Audi.


    Stepping out of the car into the courtyard, she loudly greeted, "Chu Bing, is your husband home? What about the matter we discussed yesterday?"


    Entering the living room and seeing Ling Fan, her eyes lit up; she had been curious about Ling Fan since theirst encounter.


    Because of busy matters, she hadn''t found the opportunity to gossip about it, but after hearing numerous rumors, her curiosity grew even stronger.


    Looking at her best friend acting like a live wire, Xiao Chubing said without a good temper, "He agreed. I have to go to work now. You two chat first!"


    Liu Yuqiong grinned upon hearing this, "I knew you''d treat me the best, go ahead with your work!"


    Then, turning to Ling Fan, she called out, "Youe with me, I''ll take you to meet my parents!"


    Ling Fan, "..."s


    Xiao Chubing, "...."


    "Ah... I misunderstood, I''ve got to introduce you to my dad, otherwise he keeps arranging all kinds of random people for me!" Liu Yuqiong felt the misinterpretation in her words and quickly rified.

 Chapter 84 Liu Family Banquet, Everyone with Their Own Schemes!

    Inside the Liu Family Vi.


    Liu Xiangyang and his wife, together with his elder brother Liu Yongyuan''s family of three and prospective son-inw Yin Zhiming, were seated around the sofa.


    "Xiangyang, if this marriage arrangement works out, you''ll have to look out for our family more!" Chen Jin said with a full-faced smile.


    It couldn''t be helped, under someone''s roof, Chen Jin''s whole family depended on Liu Xiangyang for their livelihood, naturally leading to their subservient ttery.


    Sometimes, Chen Jin felt stifled, her eyes flicking resentfully toward a simple and honest middle-aged man sitting nearby.


    As part of the Liu family n, she couldn''t help feeling inferior for choosing a useless husband and having to depend on her younger brother.


    "Hehe, don''t worry, we should actually be thanking your Zhiming for this; otherwise, Yu Qiong wouldn''t have had such luck!" Li Xiangyang said cheerfully, clearly in a good mood.


    Beside them, Yin Zhiming gave a lightugh and modestly said, "It''s what I should do; I''m just worried that Yu Qiong''s standards are too high and she won''t ept someone like Young Master Ji!"


    "Toe across someone as outstanding as Ji Xingwen isn''t easy!" Chen Jin''s daughter, Liu Yuyan, chimed in.


    "Xiangyang, aren''t your enemies from Ice City? The Ji Family is also a big name there, so we might have to rely on Young Master Ji for this matter!" Liu Yongyuan mused from the side.


    While they were talking, the doorbell rang.


    "Speaking of the devil, it must be Young Master Ji!" Yin Zhiming''s eyes lit up, and he immediately got up to open the door.


    This guy was under Young Master Ji''smand. If this connection could be established, it would undoubtedly boost his career.


    "Young Master Ji, we''ve been waiting for you!" Yin Zhiming greeted with a smile as he opened the door.


    The people inside all stood up to look, seeing a young man in a suit enter, his demeanor imposing, his appearance distinguished, and his charm exceptional.


    "It must be Xingwen, wonderful, wonderful, please have a seat!" Liu Xiangyang, experienced in assessing people, was quite satisfied with his initial impression.


    Liu Xiangyang''s wife, Ning Xin, also scrutinized the young man approvingly, nodding to herself, finding no fault in his appearance.


    "Young Ji, I hear your family carries some weight in Ice City, and you do quite well in business!" Liu Xiangyang inquired with implied depth.


    Although Yin Zhiming had painted a rosy picture, Liu Xiangyang needed to see for himself, trusting his own eyes over hearsay!


    Upon hearing this, Ji Xingwen straightened his expression, determined to win over his potential father-inw and mother-inw with this visit.


    Liu Yuqiong, whom Yin Zhiming had introduced to him secretly before, greatly pleased him, and just thinking of her made his heart race and his head spin.


    "I heard that uncle had an enemy from the past who''s been causing trouble,ing from Ice City?" Ji Xingwen brought it up directly.


    He had heard about this issue from Yin Zhiming, and the Liu family was quite troubled by it, secretly worrying.


    Resolving this issue would ensure Liu Xiangyang''s support regarding his daughter!


    "Hmm, there were some pastplications, the man''s name is Lu Feichen, have you heard of him?" Liu Xiangyang asked, his eyes eager.


    Ji Xingwen searched his memory instantly.


    Being a prominent family in Ice City, he generally knew of anyone with a reputation.


    But he had no recollection of the man Liu Xiangyang mentioned, which made him feel relieved.


    Everyone in the vi focused their attention on him, waiting for his response.


    Ji Xingwen smiled slightly, "Uncle Liu, don''t worry, with me handling it, anything in Ice City is a small matter for the Ji Family!"


    Everyone was inwardly shocked by his confident assertion, as such bold words couldn''t be uttered without substantial backing!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liu Xiangyang''s view of Ji Xingwen changed instantly, his esteem rising, feeling more reassured about his nemesis!


    "Young Ji, it''s troublesome for you on our first meeting!" Liu Xiangyang said politely, in high spirits.


    "Hehe, Uncle, you''re too kind, it''s just a small effort.


    Don''tugh, Uncle, but after being introduced by Zhiming and meeting Yuqiong once, she never contacted me first, which had me worried!" Ji Xingwen confessed nervously.


    He had confidently guaranteed the resolution of the Liu family''s problem, yet he also needed to understand Liu Xiangyang''s stance on his daughter.


    "Hehe, a man of your caliber, Yu Qiong couldn''t possibly disagree. She''s been quite busytely; you should be a bit more proactive.


    Once this trouble is settled, I''ll make sure your marriage arrangement is fixed!" Liu Xiangyang decisively concluded.


    Ji Xingwen immediately showed a trace of excitement, now having Liu Xiangyang''s word, his rtionship with Liu Yuqiong was nearly guaranteed!


    Even if Liu Yuqiong disagreed, it wouldn''t change much.


    "By the way, why isn''t Yuqiong at home?" Ji Xingwen looked around curiously, his address growing more affectionate.


    "Hehe, because of the recent family issues, she''s been quite troubled, so she went out to find a bodyguard or something!" Ning Xin said with a wry smile from the side.


    Hearing this, everyoneughed, wondering how capable could a bodyguard be, at most like a king of soldiers?


    Did they think he was a Jin Yong-novel hero like Xiao Feng, able to "Subdue Dragon" and "Sweep Thousands of Troops" with a single move?


    Liu Yuyan couldn''t help butugh, "This cousin of mine has always been wild, mixing with all sorts of people, which must be amusing for Young Master Ji!"


    "Hehe, don''t worry, with me, Ji Xingwen here, no one will dare touch a single hair on Yuqiong!" Ji Xingwen boasted confidently.


    Just then, a crisp voice came from outside, "Dad, Mom, I''m back!"


    Everyone turned to look, and as the voice fell, a striking figure appeared at the door, none other than Liu Yuqiong.


    However, when they saw her walking in holding hands with an unfamiliar boy, everyone was shocked.


    Especially Ji Xingwen, who, upon seeing Ling Fan following behind Liu Yuqiong and their intertwined hands, his face instantly darkened!

 Chapter 85 He is My Boyfriend

    Yin Zhiming watched the scene before him and Ji Xingwen''splexion darken, thinking to himself, "This is bad!"


    Liu Yuyan looked shocked and nced at the average-looking fellow beside her cousin, unable to restrain herself, "Yu Qiong, is this... the bodyguard you hired?"


    "Mind your own business!" Liu Yuqiong snapped back irritably.


    She was always annoyed seeing this cousin; Ji Xingwen was nothing but a hanger-on of her cousin''s family.


    She immediately pulled Ling Fan into the house, "Dad, I''m back. Let me introduce someone to you, I''ve hired my own protection, so you don''t have to worry!"


    Liu Xiangyang saw Ling Fan beside Liu Yuqiong, especially how his daughter was holding the man''s hand, and his face immediately turned dark, "Nonsense!"


    "Little Qiong, what kind of behavior is this, grabbing and pulling!" Ning Xin couldn''t help but speak up.


    Realizing the inappropriateness of her actions, Liu Yuqiong released Ling Fan''s hand immediately after entering the door. She was a bit too excited and instinctively grabbed Ling Fan toe in with her.


    Her face slightly flushed, she said to Liu Xiangyang, "Dad, mom, this is my friend, he can ensure my safety. I won''t be staying at home for the next couple of days. My friend''spany is short-staffed, and I have promised to help out, so I''ll be leaving if there''s nothing else!"


    She had intended to stay at home a bit longer, but upon seeing not only her uncle''s family present but also the bothersome Ji Xingwen, she was filled with displeasure and ready to leave.


    Having said that, she signaled to Ling Fan, "Let''s go!"


    Liu Xiangyang''s face turned pale with anger. His daughter indeed needed to be disciplined.


    Out and about every day, now bringing home some poor kid¡ªshe was practically killing him with irritation.


    "Stop right there, from today on, you''re not going anywhere. Stay home and be good.


    Also, from now on, get along well with Ji Xingwen. You''re not getting any younger; it''s time to settle down!" Liu Xiangyang said sternly.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Yuqiong felt like she had been struck by lightning and turned to her mother, Ning Xin, "Mom, is what dad saying true?"


    Sighing, Ning Xin nodded, "You really should settle down, Yu Qiong. Young Master Ji is a good man, and both your dad and I approve. Don''t make a fuss this time!"


    Ji Xingwen''s eyes shed with joy; both his future inws were on his side. If he still couldn''t win over Liu Yuqiong, he would indeed be worthless.


    Liu Yuqiong''s face instantly turned pale, unable to believe that even her mother, who had always taken her side, was now allying with her father.


    "Dad, I disagree. I don''t like Ji Xingwen. If you want to marry him off, then go ahead. My own affairs are not your concern!" Liu Yuqiong stated defiantly.


    Hearing this, Ji Xingwen''s face immediately twisted into an ugly expression. For Liu Yuqiong to deny him face in front of everyone like this was a p to his pride.


    He felt a surge of resentment, vowing internally, "Watch how I will make you submit to me in the future. If I can''t deal with you today, then my name isn''t Ji!"


    Liu Xiangyang''s cheeks trembled with rage, and Ning Xin shook her head slightly.


    "It''s all because you spoiled her, always saying don''t manage this or that. Now you deal with it!" Liu Xiangyang pointed at Ning Xin and spoke with a stifled huff.


    "What does this have to do with my mom? Stop dragging her into this. Clearly, you''re the one going too far and now shifting the me onto others? Don''t I even have the right to disagree?" Liu Yuqiong shot back sharply.


    Ling Fan, watching the drama unfold, couldn''t help shaking his head. Truly, every family has its own problems. He had thought that Liu Yuqiong, carefree as she seemed, wouldn''t have such worries. Yet, here she was, troubled by a forced marriage as well!


    "Yu Qiong, can''t you give your uncle and aunt some peace of mind?


    What''s wrong with Young Master Ji that you dislike him? Hees from a good family, has the capability, is handsome and distinguished. Do you prefer to be with someone as out of touch as the fellow beside you?" Liu Yuyan couldn''t refrain from rebuking.


    Her own fianc¨¦ worked under Young Master Ji, and now that Liu Yuqiong was tarnishing Young Master Ji''s face, if she didn''t speak up, what would Young Master Ji think?


    Her cousin''s antics were one thing, but they implicated her own husband''s future.


    Ling Fan stood by, inadvertently caught in the crossfire, his brows slightly furrowed. What did their family affairs have to do with him?


    Liu Yuqiong''s face turned whiter with each word. She and her cousin had always been at odds, and now she was meddling even in her own lifelong decisions.


    "Little Qiong, your parents are just looking out for you. You can''t be so willful.


    Look at howposed Young Master Ji is. If it were someone else, they would have been angry after being humiliated by you!" Chen Jin also stepped forward to persuade.


    Ji Xingwen reveled in the moment as everyone seemed to side with him, appearing even more gentlemanly.


    Yet in his heart, he swore, "You wretched woman, just you wait and see how I will conquer you!"


    At this moment, he already considered Liu Yuqiong as something in his pocket. Most men have this w¡ª


    The harder to get, the better they seem. Once possessed or deemed inevitable, they no longer cherish or value them.


    Liu Yuqiong scoffed, retorting, "Is that a gentleman? I fail to see it. To put it inly, you''re just too cunning, with a fa?ade hiding your true self!"


    As soon as she spoke these words, everyone''s expressions changed slightly. Liu Yuqiong''s remark was a bit too harsh, truly hurtful.


    All eyes instinctively nced at Ji Xingwen, who, indeed, no longer disyed the indifference from before; his expression was unpleasing.


    Even Liu Yongyuan, who had remained silent, looked displeased. Had it been his daughter who dared to talk back to him like that, he would have pped her already.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The most disturbed was Yin Zhiming. Liu Yuqiong was the match he had facilitated to ingratiate himself with Ji Xingwen, and this rift was greatly detrimental to him.


    He spoke up immediately, "Yu Qiong, you''re being too capricious. If you miss out on Young Master Ji, you won''t find a better man!


    Moreover, with the trouble the Liu Family is currently facing, we need Young Master Ji''s help. Do you really think that rustic fellow you found can solve the problem?"


    Liu Yuqiong''s expression changed again and again. It was fine for everyone to target her, but Ling Fan had nothing to do with the family issues. She had brought him in to help, and they were shaming Ling Fan repeatedly¡ªwhat was the meaning of this?


    Liu Yuqiong, now furious,tched onto Ling Fan''s arm and said coldly, "He is my boyfriend. Any objections? I like him just this way; what about it?"


    Upon her deration, the hall fell into dead silence!


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