The Crown Prince, seeing Yun Fan directly expose him, decided there was no point in hiding anymore.
"To tell you the truth! You've spread too many rumors about me this time, and I hope you can clarify them!"
The Crown Prince said with a smile.
"Do you think that's possible?"
Yun Fan sneered, "You've sent people to kill me multiple times. Now that I'm fighting back, you can't handle the pressure and want me to clarify?"
Hearing this, the Crown Prince didn't get angry. Instead, he said, "What happened before was my fault. As long as you clarify this time, I'll let you live!"
The Crown Prince was still the Crown Prince, forever aloof and arrogant. Even though the situation was not favorable to him, he remained so.
"Although you are very strong, and you've overcome many obstacles from Jiangnan to Jinling, attracting a lot of attention, in Jinling, you can't defeat me. In this place, I have a hundred ways to kill you!"
At this moment, the Crown Prince no longer concealed his insidious and treacherous nature.
Although his words were still calm, anyone else would have been sweating profusely. Being targeted by such a powerful figure was no small matter.
One might not even know how they died.
Others might not be able to do it, but the Crown Prince certainly could.
Yun Fan's heart remained unmoved. "You're the Crown Prince, yet you don't even have the courage to admit it!"
"Since you did those things, you should have the guts to bear the consequences!"
Yun Fan found the Crown Prince's character despicable, but there was nothing he could do. This was the attitude of those in power. Since the Crown Prince wanted to ascend, he was a ruthless and merciless person.
"You're not me, and you can't understand my perspective!"
The Crown Prince looked down on Yun Fan with disdain.
In his eyes, Yun Fan was merely a powerful country bumpkin who could never reach his level.
"One sentence: if you clarify this matter and publicly apologize to me, I will no longer trouble you. Otherwise, you know the consequences!"
The Crown Prince warned darkly, a stark contrast to his earlier humble demeanor.
Yun Fan calmly replied, "Do you think you can kill me?"
"How will you know if you don't try?"
Although neither of them made a move, they were already engaged in a silent battle. The scene appeared calm, but it could erupt at any moment.
After about the time it took to smoke a cigarette, they withdrew their power. Outsiders could not tell that they had just had a confrontation.
All they knew was that the teacups on the table had moved slightly.
At this moment, a hint of apprehension flickered in both their eyes. The Crown Prince was wary of Yun Fan's strength, which was on par with his own.
This was terrifying, considering he was the Crown Prince, tutored by various martial arts masters since childhood, and possessed extraordinary talent.
Despite his youth, he was a master of his generation, though he usually kept a low profile.
As for Yun Fan, he was inwardly shocked. He had intended to use this banquet as an opportunity to kill the Crown Prince.
However, it seemed that he and the Crown Prince were evenly matched. If they were to fight, he would not be able to defeat the Crown Prince.
Similarly, the Crown Prince would not be able to defeat him. Therefore, both of them withdrew their ulterior motives.
"Do you still think you can defeat me now?"
Yun Fan glanced at the Crown Prince calmly.
The Crown Prince said awkwardly, "I underestimated you. If we were to fight, neither of us would be able to overcome the other!"
"Therefore, I think it's best if we resolve this peacefully!"
"How do you propose we resolve it?"
Yun Fan asked directly.
The Crown Prince said, "As long as you do as I say, I can give you anything you desire!"
"I want you dead!"
Yun Fan stated bluntly.
Vengeance for deep-seated hatred was Yun Fan's creed. It didn't matter if the other party was the Crown Prince. Since they wanted him dead, he wanted them dead as well.
"Hahahaha!"
The Crown Prince burst into laughter. "As expected of a country bumpkin from a remote village, you dare to make such an outrageous demand!"
"I hold a high position, and not only would I not agree, but there are many who would not want me dead!"
"Then there's nothing more to discuss!"
Yun Fan prepared to leave, but the Crown Prince said, "Do you think I truly have no way to deal with you?"
"Then please tell me what other methods you have?"
Yun Fan asked curiously.
"Soon, you will know the result! Why don't you sit down and have a cup of tea first!"
The Crown Prince smiled playfully. Soon, his two subordinates, who were at the Half-step Innate realm, would bring Yun Fan's women.
That would be his opportune moment to control Yun Fan.
"I'm not interested!"
Yun Fan didn't want to stay a moment longer. He had plenty of ways to deal with the Crown Prince. Following this plan, they wouldn't even need to act themselves; the Crown Prince would inevitably fall. Once the Crown Prince fell, it would be the best time for him to kill him.
At this moment, the Crown Prince said, "Although you seem invincible, don't forget that you still have those beautiful women!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan's eyes turned cold. Those beautiful women, except for Lin Tianxin, were his friends and senior sisters, not his women.
However, the Crown Prince used them to threaten him, which filled Yun Fan with rage.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince laughed, "Are you interested in sitting down for tea now?"
"If you dare to touch them, I will make you die a terrible death!"
Yun Fan said coldly.
It seemed he had overestimated the Crown Prince's character. If such a person ascended the throne, the days of the common people suffering would not be far off.
No wonder Lin Wudi had never supported the Crown Prince. It wasn't because he had a bad relationship with the Crown Prince, but because the old man had seen through the Crown Prince's character long ago.
Moreover, from what he understood, the Heavenly Emperor did not intend to pass the throne to the Crown Prince.
"Not many people in this world dare to threaten this Crown Prince, and you are no exception!"
He said coldly to Yun Fan.
At this moment, Yun Fan was extremely anxious. No wonder the two Half-step Innate experts by the Crown Prince's side were not present; they had gone to deal with some women.
Although his Seventh Senior Sister, Leng Ningshuang, was powerful, he still feared the possibility of an accident.
However, at this very moment, screams were heard, followed by the complete annihilation of the Crown Prince's guards.
"What's going on?"
Before the Crown Prince could send his confidants to investigate, a woman walked in from outside. It was Leng Ningshuang.
"Seventh Senior Sister!"
Seeing Leng Ningshuang arrive, Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief. Although his Seventh Senior Sister didn't get along with the other two senior sisters, in his opinion, they were all just putting on a brave face. It was impossible that they had no sisterly affection.
If the others were in trouble, Seventh Senior Sister would fight to the death. The fact that Seventh Senior Sister arrived safely was proof enough that they were fine. Thus, Yun Fan's worried heart finally settled.
"How are you still alive?"
The Crown Prince looked at Leng Ningshuang in shock. According to the plan, Leng Ningshuang should have been killed by his two subordinates by now.
Yet, Leng Ningshuang was alive, and his two subordinates were nowhere to be found. Although there might have been coincidences and accidents, a hint of unease flashed through his mind.
"I'm alive. Are you surprised?"
Leng Ningshuang said coldly, "You're the Crown Prince, yet you send such trash to assassinate me. How ridiculous!"
Only someone who had already reached the Innate realm could call Half-step Innate experts trash.
Clearly, the Crown Prince was unaware that she had already broken through to the Innate realm.
This was because the Crown Prince had witnessed his two subordinates fighting with Leng Ningshuang before, so he absolutely refused to believe that Leng Ningshuang had broken through.
"Hmph!"
The Crown Prince snorted, "You're lucky to have escaped the killing intent of my two subordinates, but the other women were not as fortunate as you!"
"Oh really?"
A voice sounded, and everyone turned to see Zhao Fanghua walking gracefully, holding a black bag in her hand.
"Fifth Senior Sister!"
Yun Fan was stunned. Although Fifth Senior Sister's strength wasn't particularly high, at this moment, she exuded an aura of dominance, as if she were an empress, elegant yet authoritative.
Yun Fan secretly sighed, thinking that with such a presence, it would be a shame not to be a model.
"This is my first meeting gift!"
Amidst the confused gazes of everyone, Zhao Fanghua directly threw the black bag at the Crown Prince's feet.
When the bag landed on the ground, two heads rolled out of it.
"What?"
Seeing the scene before them, everyone gasped in shock. Who could have imagined such an outcome?
These two were the Crown Prince's closest experts, second only to him in status within the Crown Prince's manor.
Moreover, unlike their loyal followers, these two were hired by the Crown Prince at a high price.
To recruit these experts, the Crown Prince even spent a fortune annually to purchase body-refining pills from the Medicine King Valley to support them.
Yet, such powerful experts had died before their eyes. This scene terrified many to the point of paralysis.
At this moment, Leng Ningshuang asked, "Do you find this gift to your liking?"
The Crown Prince remained silent for a long time, staring at Leng Ningshuang. He could not fathom why this woman was an Innate expert.
A single wrong step now had led to the complete loss.
"Very good!"
The Crown Prince said angrily, "Since you have chosen to be my enemy, I will accompany you to the end!"
He had expected the three of them to leave, but they showed no intention of doing so. A ruthless glint flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes.
If it came to a fight, he would be at a disadvantage.
Just as Yun Fan and Leng Ningshuang were about to take down the Crown Prince, an envoy from the Heavenly Emperor suddenly arrived.
"Crown Prince, Mr. Yun, the Heavenly Emperor requests your presence as guests!"
The Heavenly Emperor's envoy said to both of them.
Afterward, they withdrew their killing intent and left with the envoy.
"Little Junior Brother, don't go. It might be a trap!"
Leng Ningshuang cautioned Yun Fan.
After all, the Heavenly Emperor was the Crown Prince's father. Who knew what the Heavenly Emperor's intentions were?
"Seventh Senior Sister, don't worry, I'll be back!"
Yun Fan smiled, very calmly. Others might attack him, but the Heavenly Emperor would not.
His confidence stemmed not from his strength, but from his background. He was the current sect leader of the Ghost Valley sect.
No matter how powerful the Heavenly Emperor was, he would not choose to oppose the Ghost Valley sect.
The Crown Prince had a premonition of something ominous. His affairs had been exposed, yet the Heavenly Emperor hadn't found him. He hadn't expected to be summoned at this time.
...
By the time they arrived at the Heavenly Emperor's residence, it was already an hour later. Yun Fan and the Crown Prince were at odds, sitting in opposite positions.
Yun Fan sensed carefully and discovered that many masters were hidden in the shadows, all of whom were very powerful, with more than one Half-step Innate expert.
As expected of the Heavenly Emperor's residence, such a display was beyond ordinary people's means.
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor arrived.
His majestic presence overshadowed even Yun Fan and the Crown Prince. Yun Fan could not ascertain the Heavenly Emperor's realm.
Even the butler beside the Heavenly Emperor was a terrifying existence. To what extent was he terrifying?
He carefully assessed that this old man's strength was no less than that of Kunlun Xu.
These were the Heavenly Emperor's true bodyguards. As for existences like Lin Wushuang, they were merely overt bodyguards.
With a glance from the Heavenly Emperor, the old man retreated.
At this moment, the Crown Prince immediately bowed. Seeing Yun Fan remain unmoved, he reprimanded, "How dare you! You do not bow before the Heavenly Emperor. Guards, seize him!"
"Insolent!"
The Heavenly Emperor said coldly, "Useless thing, get out of here!"
Instantly, the Crown Prince was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected this outcome.
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor said to Yun Fan with a smile, "Young friend Yun, as the current sect leader of the Ghost Valley, you naturally do not need to bow to me!"
"What?"
The Crown Prince froze. He hadn't expected Yun Fan to be the current sect leader of the Ghost Valley. This identity was too terrifying.
Now he understood why Yun Fan wasn't afraid of him, the Crown Prince. Even though he had recently fallen on hard times, he was still the Crown Prince.
He could never compare to Yun Fan, this country bumpkin. It turned out he was the sect leader of the Ghost Valley. What kind of force was the Ghost Valley?
It was a power that could control the destiny of a dynasty!
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Besides my master, I am not accustomed to bowing to others!"
Yun Fan stated truthfully. If anyone else heard this, they would think Yun Fan was too arrogant, not even giving face to the Heavenly Emperor.
However, only those who truly understood the Ghost Valley would know that Yun Fan's words were normal and by no means exaggerated.
The Heavenly Emperor did not take offense. Instead, he said to Yun Fan, "Young friend Yun is indeed a dragon among men. No wonder the Old Heavenly Master passed the position of Ghost Valley sect leader to you!"
"Your Majesty is too kind. I am far from being a dragon among men!"
Yun Fan said humbly.
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor said to Yun Fan, "Alright, let's get down to business. I already know the general idea of my unfilial son provoking you!"
"To be frank, I want him dead!"
Yun Fan directly stated his objective.
Facing the Heavenly Emperor and demanding the life of his son was a level of boldness that perhaps only people from the Ghost Valley sect would dare to express.
However, what was even more shocking was that the Heavenly Emperor did not get angry.
Instead, the Crown Prince gnashed his teeth in hatred, wishing he could kill Yun Fan right now.
The Heavenly Emperor said directly to Yun Fan, "This child has done many foolish things and indeed deserves to die, but he is just a pitiful child. I implore young friend Yun to spare his life!"
The Crown Prince was horrified inwardly. He never expected his high and mighty father to beg Yun Fan to spare his life.
Was the status of the Ghost Valley sect truly so formidable? So formidable that even the Heavenly Emperor had to show face? In reality, he had not yet touched this level.
If he had truly reached this level, he would not be so surprised. Of course, as it stood, even Yun Fan had not reached this level.
Before Yun Fan could speak, the Heavenly Emperor said first, "Of course, the capital punishment can be avoided, but living punishment cannot. He has done so many foolish things. From today onwards, I will strip him of all his powers. Will he no longer be your enemy from now on?"
This was the Heavenly Emperor's promise to Yun Fan.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince almost fainted. He had planned for so many years, and success was within his grasp.
It was precisely because of his conflict with Yun Fan that he had lost everything. His earlier confidence in success was based on a surprise attack.
Then he would seize the throne, but now that the time was not yet ripe, everything had failed. He had absolutely no chance of success.
To let him sink into oblivion like this was clearly unacceptable to him. Unfortunately, at this moment, he could only endure.
Originally, Yun Fan had no intention of letting the Crown Prince go, but since the Heavenly Emperor had already imposed such a severe punishment, Yun Fan decided to give the Heavenly Emperor some face. After all, the relationship between the Ghost Valley sect and the ruling powers was one of mutual respect. Since the Heavenly Emperor had shown him respect, according to the rules, he had to reciprocate.
However, he would not agree so readily.
"I can spare him, but who can guarantee that he won't target me in the future?"
Yun Fan did not have the leisure to engage in wit and strategy with the Crown Prince. His primary task at present was to complete his master's instructions.
Then, he would marry a wife and live a leisurely life in Nanshan Village.
"You can rest assured about this. Firstly, he will have no opportunity to target you again. Secondly, if he targets you again, his life will be in your hands, and I will not interfere!"
The Heavenly Emperor gave Yun Fan another assurance.
Yun Fan said, "Okay, I agree!"
"Then thank you, young friend Yun!"
The Heavenly Emperor smiled at Yun Fan. "Our Ji family and the Ghost Valley sect have always been like family. Especially when my Ji family saved the common people from the brink of disaster back then, the Ghost Valley sect lent us their full support. Therefore, the Ghost Valley sect owes my Ji family and the world a great debt of gratitude. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, please come and seek my help!"
As they parted, he gave Yun Fan this promise.
"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor! Farewell!"
Yun Fan bid farewell to the Heavenly Emperor. He did not accept the promise but also did not reject the Heavenly Emperor's goodwill.
He dared not owe anyone favors. After all, his master's example was vivid. He was now repaying the favors his master had incurred.
These favors were suffocating him, and he didn't know how long he could bear them. Therefore, he decided not to follow his master's path and would never burden the next generation of disciples of the Ghost Valley sect.
After Yun Fan left, the Crown Prince said indignantly, "Father, he's just a young brat. Why give him so much face?"
However, as soon as he finished speaking, he was slapped across the face by the Heavenly Emperor.
"Slap!"
The Heavenly Emperor berated, "Kneel down!"
The Crown Prince was so frightened that he immediately knelt on the ground. Although he was imposing and received respect wherever he went, he dared not be presumptuous before the Heavenly Emperor.
The Heavenly Emperor berated, "Do you know your mistake?"
"Your son knows his mistake!"
The Crown Prince was very unwilling inwardly. This world was won by the Ji family, and now he merely wanted to ascend the throne. What was wrong with that?
However, the Heavenly Emperor said coldly, "I never expected you to plot rebellion. You have disappointed me greatly!"
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor was extremely disappointed in the Crown Prince.
"Father, why can't I aspire to that position?"
The Crown Prince said stubbornly, "Back then, didn't you inherit Grandpa's position?"
"Hmph!"
The Heavenly Emperor snorted, "I could inherit that position because I had the world in my heart and no selfish motives. But you are unworthy of the position. What qualifications do you have to inherit it?"
"I am unworthy?"
The Crown Prince laughed sarcastically. "You don't even give me a chance. How do you know I'm incapable?"
"Don't your various evil deeds make it clear?"
The Heavenly Emperor said angrily, "If you competed for this position with your abilities and influence, I wouldn't say anything, but what have you done?"
"If it weren't for these documents, I wouldn't have known you had committed so many heinous acts! Your selfishness is too great, and you are unscrupulous in achieving your goals. I ask you, if you ascend to this position, will you not plunge the world into injustice?"
The Heavenly Emperor's earnest teachings did not reach the Crown Prince, nor did he realize his mistake.
"Those who achieve great things are not bound by trivialities. What is such a sacrifice?"
The Crown Prince roared indignantly.
"Boom!"
The next moment, he was kicked to the ground by the Heavenly Emperor.
"You scoundrel, you are utterly lawless!"
The Heavenly Emperor berated, "Guards, take him away to reflect on his mistakes and strip him of all his powers!"
"Yes!"
Then, two people entered from outside and took away the unresisting Crown Prince.
...
"Little Junior Brother, the Heavenly Emperor didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"
Zhao Fanghua asked with concern.
Yun Fan smiled and said, "Of course not. I am the sect leader of the Ghost Valley, he wouldn't make things difficult for me!"
"That's more like it!"
Leng Ningshuang asked, "Do you think the Crown Prince will still target you?"
"I don't know!"
Yun Fan said calmly, "He'd better behave himself, otherwise, if he makes a move again, even the Heavenly Emperor won't be able to protect him!"
The two women nodded. They almost wished the Crown Prince would provoke Yun Fan again, thus eliminating this troublesome guy once and for all.
Just as the three were preparing to return, Yun Fan suddenly received a call from Ye Qingcheng.
After a phone call, he said awkwardly to the two women, "Two Senior Sisters, you go back first. I'll be there shortly!"
"Are you going to do something bad again?"
The two women looked at Yun Fan warily.
Yun Fan was almost in tears. Was there truly no trust between people?
"Don't worry, I won't mess around!"
Yun Fan assured them, "I'm on the verge of a breakthrough. I'll control myself!"
The two women then left. Although they still didn't believe Yun Fan could control himself, Yun Fan was, after all, the sect leader of the Ghost Valley.
It wouldn't be appropriate to restrict him too much.
After the two women left, Ye Qingcheng arrived. However, she came somewhat furtively, clearly having snuck out.
At this moment, Yun Fan told her about the situation.
Ye Qingcheng was somewhat shocked. "I didn't expect the Heavenly Emperor to give you face. It seems our great enemy is no longer a threat!"
Yun Fan said, "That's right. The Crown Prince has lost power and poses no threat to you and me!"
"So, our cooperation is over?"
Ye Qingcheng asked.
Yun Fan nodded, "Yes!"
They looked at each other and smiled. However, in the next moment, they both attacked simultaneously.
"Bang!"
They exchanged a palm strike.
Yun Fan said indignantly, "You really are a venomous beauty. We've just ended our cooperation, and you're already thinking of dealing with me. You're too heartless!"
"Hmph!"
Ye Qingcheng snorted, "Aren't you the same? You have the nerve to talk about me?"
Undoubtedly, they were both quite cunning in this regard. It was "I want to kill you, and you want to kill me."
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "We've been called lovers in public. Are you really going to attack your lover now?"
"Shut up!"
Ye Qingcheng's face darkened. Although her and Yun Fan's relationship was fake, even if it was fake now, it was as if they had jumped into the Yellow River and couldn't wash it clean.
At this moment, she said to Yun Fan, "Actually, we don't have to be enemies right now. We still have room for cooperation!"
"Oh? Really?"
Yun Fan asked, "What else can we cooperate on?"
Ye Qingcheng said, "Don't you want to reclaim everything that belongs to you?"
"No way!"
Yun Fan was stunned. "You want to deal with your mother?"
"Yes and no!"
"Explain!"
Under Yun Fan's persistent questioning as a curious baby, Ye Qingcheng had to say, "I only want freedom, and the prerequisite for obtaining freedom is my mother's consent!"
"But clearly, she doesn't agree!"
"What does that have to do with me?"
Yun Fan was speechless. This woman actually wanted to use him. What a joke! He had fallen twice in the same place and would never fall a third time.
"How is it none of your business?"
Ye Qingcheng said angrily, "My mother's strength is something you've probably heard of, even if you haven't seen it. With your current strength, it's impossible to reclaim everything that belongs to you. But with my cooperation, anything is possible. Then I will have freedom, and you will have everything in the Ye family! Why not?"
Admittedly, her offer was very tempting, but Yun Fan was not foolish.
"Do you really think that with just the two of us, we can defeat your mother?"
Yun Fan was utterly speechless. He would indeed deal with the Ye family, but not now. He had to wait until he broke through that level.
At most, in three months, he would break through. He definitely wouldn't foolishly confront Ye Ji now.
"Isn't there your Seventh Senior Sister? She has already broken through to the Innate realm. At the critical moment, she can be the deciding factor for us!"
Ye Qingcheng directly brought up Leng Ningshuang. Of course, she also knew that Leng Ningshuang was no match for her mother.
But with an Innate expert assisting them, their chances of victory would be greater.
"Don't even think about it. I won't use my Seventh Senior Sister!"
Yun Fan refused outright.
"I didn't say use her. Seeing how she lusts after you, it's obvious she likes you a lot. She will definitely be your woman in the future. Since she's your woman, helping her man isn't called using her, is it?"
Ye Qingcheng made this bold statement directly.
Yun Fan blushed to the point of embarrassment. "Shut up! She's my Seventh Senior Sister! How can you say such vulgar things?"
"Vulgar?"
Leng Ningshuang said disdainfully, "Actually, you've been thinking that way in your heart all along, haven't you? Probably more than once. Since you dare to think it, why are you afraid of others saying it?"
Yun Fan was almost angered to death. This cooperation was not going to work. Ye Qingcheng was not just slandering him; she was practically framing him. He was just a twenty-year-old boy! What bad intentions could he have?