"They are a group of sharp martial artists. They are not old, but they all have strength above the Houtian realm!"
Ouyang Canyue replied blankly, "They are orderly, decisive in their killing, and are killing machines devoid of emotion!"
"What?"
The two were shocked. They hadn't expected such a group to be hidden in Jinling. It seemed someone had specially trained them.
"How many people are there specifically? What is the strongest cultivation level?"
Ye Qingcheng pressed further.
"At least thirty, with two at the Half-step Xiantian realm!"
Ouyang Canyue answered again.
Upon hearing this, the two gasped. Although thirty seemed like a small number, having everyone above Houtian was terrifying.
It could be said that this force was enough to rival the four great families, and that was the combined strength of all their experts.
Of course, the Ye family was an exception, as they had Ye Ji, a Xiantian realm expert, and Ye Qingcheng, who was at the peak of Half-step Xiantian.
It seemed the opponent's strength far exceeded their imagination. Before, Yun Fan had guessed that this force was being cautious mostly due to insufficient strength.
But now, it seemed they had a bigger conspiracy.
Just as Ye Qingcheng was about to ask more questions, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps.
Immediately after, five people rushed over.
"Catch them!"
These five people immediately charged towards the two to kill them.
"Let's go!"
To avoid alarming the enemy, the two decisively chose to retreat.
Although the five individuals were all at the Houtian level, they were no match for the two. Just as they defeated these few and were about to take one to interrogate,
The alarm here was triggered, and instantly, the mechanisms were activated, and those imprisoned here were shot dead by weapons.
The five people were no exception.
Yun Fan and Ye Qingcheng exerted great effort to escape from within.
Afterward, the place directly collapsed.
"This is the Lin family's residence. This matter is likely related to the Lin family. Should we tear down the facade directly?"
Ye Qingcheng asked Yun Fan.
Yun Fan said, "I'm afraid the Lin family won't admit it so easily. Besides, this is Lin family territory, so caution is advised!"
In fact, even if they tore down the facade, the Lin family would not confess, as the place had already been destroyed.
Furthermore, with Lin Wudi's high prestige, outsiders would only believe Lin Wudi, not them, even if they confronted him.
"I'm so unwilling!"
Ye Qingcheng was somewhat indignant.
Yun Fan said, "It's alright. We have basically locked onto our target now. From now on, they should be the ones on the defensive, not us!"
"That makes sense!"
Then, the two disappeared from their original positions.
At the banquet, Lin Wudi was chatting with the Heavenly Emperor when his butler hurried over and whispered in his ear, "Sir, something is wrong. Someone has intruded into the base, and we have initiated the destruction plan!"
"Understood!"
Lin Wudi said indifferently. It seemed there was someone restless on the scene. As for who it was, he had already guessed a few possibilities.
However, since the destruction plan had been initiated, he wasn't worried about the other party finding out anything.
"Marshal Lin, what's wrong?"
The Heavenly Emperor asked curiously.
Lin Wudi smiled and said, "It's nothing. It's rare to relax today. I'll have a few drinks with you later!"
The Heavenly Emperor declined, "I have other important matters, so I won't be drinking. I'll chat with you for a while longer before I leave!"
He had many matters to attend to, so he didn't plan to linger.
"That's truly a pity! We must have more drinks next time!"
Lin Wudi said regretfully.
"That's a given!"
The Heavenly Emperor chatted with him for a while longer, but at this moment, the Heavenly Emperor's gaze was not on him but on Vermilion Bird.
Vermilion Bird and Lin Tianxin were currently engaged in a lively conversation.
"You all left Jiangnan, and I'm bored to death alone in Jiangnan!"
Vermilion Bird pouted.
Due to her important position, she could not leave Jiangnan. If she hadn't come to celebrate Lin Wuhe's birthday this time, she might not have had the time to come.
"Why are you bored? You are now the God of War commanding a hundred thousand troops!"
Lin Tianxin said with a smile.
"This God of War position can be done without. There are endless tasks every day. I plan to resign in two years!"
Vermilion Bird directly expressed her thoughts.
"Ah!"
Lin Tianxin was a little shocked. She hadn't expected Vermilion Bird to be willing to give up a position that others could hardly reach in a lifetime.
At this moment, Vermilion Bird asked her, "Where is Yun Fan?"
She had only arrived here not long ago. She had thought Yun Fan would be present, but Yun Fan hadn't shown up at all.
However, she didn't show too much obvious expectation, as Lin Tianxin was Yun Fan's legitimate wife.
If she appeared too eager, it would be disrespectful to his primary wife.
Lin Tianxin didn't care much, and even if she wanted to care, she couldn't! After all, Yun Fan was someone who attracted bees and butterflies.
"He went to deal with some dirty business. He should be back soon!"
"Oh!"
Vermilion Bird nodded, seemingly understanding yet not. However, since she had finally gotten a vacation in Jinling, she wasn't in a hurry to return.
So, whether she saw Yun Fan early or late was the same.
Coincidentally, at this moment, a glass of red wine spilled on the two of them.
The two women immediately became angry because, judging by the direction of the wine spill, the other party had clearly done it intentionally.
"Are you blind?!"
Vermilion Bird reprimanded angrily.
Lin Tianxin was also very angry. This evening gown was a six-figure item, and now it was stained.
If the other party had done it accidentally, it would be fine, but the other party had clearly done it on purpose.
At this moment, the other party came back to their senses.
The two women were instantly shocked, not for any other reason but because the other party was the Heavenly Emperor's wife, Madam Rong Hua.
"Why did you spill wine on us?"
Lin Tianxin questioned.
To avoid further trouble, Vermilion Bird immediately advised Lin Tianxin, "Forget it! Let's go!"
However, at this moment, several of Rong Hua's subordinates blocked their way.
"Are you the fiancée of that bastard?"
Rong Hua asked Lin Tianxin coldly.
In fact, her question was redundant, as she was already well aware of the women around Yun Fan.
It was indeed intentional just now.
"I didn't expect you, as the Heavenly Emperor's wife, to be so aloof yet so ill-mannered. Your words are so unpleasant!"
Lin Tianxin said coldly, "I'll ask you one more time, why did you spill wine on us?"
Although the other party had a high status, Lin Tianxin was not one to back down from trouble.
"Today is Old Master Lin's birthday banquet, and you were making loud noises at the banquet, so I gave you a little lesson!"
She warned the two women.
At this time, Vermilion Bird said, "Madam, a banquet is meant to be lively. Isn't it normal to talk and laugh?"
"Besides, we weren't making loud noises. Madam, you've gone too far!"
Hearing this, Rong Hua's eyes flashed with anger and she said, "I have even more excessive things to do!"
"Slap!"
Then, she slapped Vermilion Bird across the face.
"You, as the empire's God of War, associate with disreputable people. You are simply disgracing the empire!"
Rong Hua cursed.
"You..."
Just as Lin Tianxin was about to retaliate, she was stopped by Vermilion Bird.
Although she was also full of anger, the other party was the Heavenly Emperor's wife. Even if she was slapped by her, she could only endure it.
If Lin Tianxin were to fight back, the other party would definitely not let Lin Tianxin off.
Vermilion Bird said, "Madam, we'll let this slap pass, but who I associate with has nothing to do with you!"
"It seems you still don't intend to repent?"
Rong Hua looked at her coldly.
"I did nothing wrong, so why should I repent!"
Vermilion Bird said firmly.
"In that case, I will beat you until you repent today!"
With that, Rong Hua raised her hand again and delivered another slap. However, as the slap landed,
Her hand stopped in mid-air.
"What are you doing?"
The Heavenly Emperor, who had arrived, questioned.
Rong Hua said disdainfully, "This person is unruly and shows no respect for me, so I had to discipline her!"
"Stop!"
The Heavenly Emperor said coldly, "As the mother of a nation, how can your heart be so narrow-minded?"
The two women were shocked. They hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to defend them. However, in their opinion, the Heavenly Emperor was likely doing it for the sake of face.
After all, if this matter spread, his reputation would be affected.
"In your eyes, am I not as important as this vulgar servant?"
Rong Hua asked the Heavenly Emperor coldly.
At this moment, the previously lively scene became extremely quiet. Everyone quietly retreated.
Although they were all wealthy and influential individuals to attend Lin Wudi's birthday banquet, no one wanted to witness the Heavenly Emperor's scandal.
After all, for most of them, this might bring disaster, so without Lin Wushuang's orders, they voluntarily went to the outer courtyard.
"She is not a servant, she is the God of War who defends our empire!"
The Heavenly Emperor said authoritatively, "Moreover, today's matter is your fault. If you continue to make unreasonable demands, don't blame me for being impolite!"
With that said! The Heavenly Emperor's imposing aura completely fell upon Rong Hua, who was furious.
Initially, this matter would have been resolved if the Heavenly Emperor had come to mediate, but she hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to threaten her in front of so many people.
"Good, very good!"
Rong Hua said furiously, "You are turning against me for an illegitimate daughter?"
"What?"
The two women were instantly stunned. Illegitimate daughter? What did that mean?
Was there some secret behind this? Even Lin Wushuang was stunned. The only one whose mind was still clear at the scene was Lin Wudi.
The Heavenly Emperor's expression also changed. He hadn't expected Rong Hua to reveal this matter, so he immediately ordered Rong Hua's subordinates.
"Madam is drunk. Why aren't you taking her back!"
"Yes!"
A few people were about to escort Rong Hua away.
"Get lost!"
Rong Hua let out a reprimand, and the few people dared not step forward.
"You have the guts to do it, but not to admit it? You are pathetic!"
She pointed at the Heavenly Emperor's nose and cursed.
The Heavenly Emperor was furious, "If you don't leave, you will bear the consequences!"
Although it was just a short sentence, the moment it was uttered, the once arrogant Rong Hua immediately calmed down.
That's right. Although she wasn't afraid of the Heavenly Emperor, she had her family, and her family was not as formidable as her.
Even if the Heavenly Emperor wanted to deal with them, it would be very simple.
So, she immediately said, "We'll see!"
Then, she prepared to leave with her entourage, but was intercepted by Yun Fan, who had just arrived.
The moment she saw Yun Fan, Rong Hua's eyes were filled with hatred, because this was the culprit who had killed her son.
It was a pity that she was no match for Yun Fan.
"You can't leave!"
Yun Fan said coldly.
Although he had just arrived, he had already guessed the general situation of what had happened. The slap mark on Vermilion Bird's face was the best evidence.
"You little bastard, do you think you're qualified to stop me?"
Rong Hua roared furiously.
Who knew that as soon as she finished speaking, Yun Fan raised his hand and slapped her.
"No!"
The Heavenly Emperor wanted to stop him, but it was too late.
"Slap!"
As the loud slap landed on her face, Rong Hua was instantly ashamed and stunned. She couldn't believe that she, as the Empress, who was so high and mighty, would be slapped in public.
"Attack! Arrest him!"
Rong Hua's subordinates immediately rushed forward, wanting to arrest the person who had offended Rong Hua.
"Presumptuous!"
The Heavenly Emperor immediately stopped them, "Why aren't you getting down!"
"This..."
The few people showed looks of hesitation. After all, Rong Hua had been slapped. If they retreated, they would inevitably be held accountable by Rong Hua afterward.
"You don't even listen to my words anymore?"
The Heavenly Emperor's eyes turned cold, and the few people quickly retreated.
Those who were curiously watching from a distance were instantly shocked. What was Yun Fan's background? He could slap the Empress and still be fine.
At this time, the Heavenly Emperor said to Yun Fan, "Young friend Yun, she slapped your friend twice, and you returned one slap! Can this matter be dropped for my sake?"
"No, what right does she have to hit me!"
Rong Hua was unwilling to back down.
Yun Fan smiled, "That's right, it really can't be dropped. I just slapped her because her words were unpleasant, but my friend's matter cannot be easily dismissed!"
"Then what do you want to do?"
The Heavenly Emperor asked.
"It's very simple, return the slap!"
Yun Fan said directly.
"You dare..."
Rong Hua glared fiercely at Yun Fan. Being slapped was already a humiliation. If she were to be slapped again, she would have no face to see anyone.
At this moment, Lin Wudi, seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, walked over.
"Everyone, today is my birthday. Why don't we each take a step back?"
He asked with a smile.
"How do we take a step back?"
Yun Fan asked calmly.
He said, "Why don't you give me some face, and have Madam apologize to her, and then we'll let it go!"
"No!"
Rong Hua said directly. Having her apologize was even more unbearable than killing her.
"See? Even she says no, so today we can only retaliate in kind!"
Yun Fan said disdainfully. If it were in the past, he might have let it go out of respect for Lin Wudi.
But after knowing the truth, he had no good feelings for Lin Wudi.
"If you dare to hit me, even if you are a descendant of the Guigu, you will be annihilated!"
Rong Hua threatened Yun Fan.
"Stop talking!"
The Heavenly Emperor's face turned pale with shock. He thought to himself, why couldn't Rong Hua see the situation clearly? Just because she had some connection with reclusive sects, she thought she was invincible.
Back then, even the entire reclusive sect combined was subdued by the Old Heavenly Master.
"Yun Fan, how about we let it go!"
Vermilion Bird said somewhat uncertainly, as the other party's status was too high. It would be bad if Yun Fan were implicated.
"It's okay, don't worry!"
Yun Fan said calmly, "We are not people who like to cause trouble, but we are not afraid of trouble either!"
"Well said!"
Ye Qingcheng praised from the side.
"Shut up, it has nothing to do with you!"
Yun Fan gave Ye Qingcheng a sidelong glance.
Ye Qingcheng glared back at Yun Fan grumpily and then stopped bothering about it.
At this moment, Lin Wudi's eyes were somewhat cold. He hadn't expected Yun Fan to not give him face.
"Alright! Then I'll stand here. I'd like to see who dares to hit me!"
Rong Hua stepped forward, looking at Yun Fan with an expression that dared him to touch her.
Who knew that in the next moment, Yun Fan immediately made his move, delivering two slaps.
"Slap!"
"Slap!"
Rong Hua covered her face, unable to believe that Yun Fan dared to touch her.
Lin Wudi and the Heavenly Emperor were also shocked, but when the Heavenly Emperor glanced at Vermilion Bird, he didn't say anything further.
Lin Wudi, catching everyone off guard, revealed a subtle curve.
"Bastard, I'll kill you!"
Rong Hua furiously attacked Yun Fan.
"Slap!"
In the next moment, another loud slap landed on her face, but this time it wasn't from Yun Fan, but from the Heavenly Emperor.
"Are you done making a scene? You're a disgrace!"
The Heavenly Emperor reprimanded.
"Good, very good!"
Rong Hua cursed furiously, "You all wait for me, we'll see!"
With that, she turned around angrily and left.
At this time, Yun Fan said to the Heavenly Emperor, "Your Majesty, I apologize. She provoked us first!"
"Sigh!"
The Heavenly Emperor sighed and also left. Who would have thought that such a situation would unfold today.
At this time, Lin Wudi said to Yun Fan, "Young friend Yun, you are in trouble. Madam's background is not simple. If you hadn't been impulsive, perhaps everything could have been avoided!"
"Avoided?"
Yun Fan sneered, "From the moment her son provoked me, there was nothing to avoid!"
At this time, he said to Lin Wudi, "Marshal Lin, I bid you farewell!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wudi's heart tightened, because Yun Fan had always addressed him as "Old Master" before.
Why had the title changed today? However, thinking about the base incident, he understood.
"Farewell!"
Out of politeness, he didn't erupt but reminded Yun Fan, "Young friend Yun, some things are not what they seem!"
"No need to explain!"
Yun Fan turned and left.
At this moment, Lin Wushuang came out to see Yun Fan off, "Brother Yun, why are you leaving? I was planning to have a good drink with you!"
"I don't have time! I'm sorry!"
"Can we meet another day then?"
Lin Wushuang asked Yun Fan. He felt that Yun Fan was deliberately creating distance, and he didn't know why.
"We'll see about another day depending on the time!"
With that, Yun Fan left.
At this time, Ye Qingcheng walked up and said to him, "Your Lin family is truly not simple, hiding deeply enough!"
"What do you mean?"
Lin Wushuang asked, confused. He had no good expression towards Ye Qingcheng.
"You know what I mean, why pretend to be confused!"
"You..."
Just as Lin Wushuang was about to get angry, Ye Qingcheng also left.
...
After returning to the hotel, Yun Fan said to Vermilion Bird, "Don't worry about this matter. If she dares to retaliate, I won't let her off!"
"I'm not afraid of her. At worst, I'll give up this God of War position!"
Vermilion Bird actually wanted to say, "I don't want the God of War position, I want you!"
But she thought better of it. Matters of affection had to take time.
"How can that be! This is your dream, and you've already reached this point. There's still room for further advancement!"
Yun Fan reminded her, "However, try to avoid interacting with the Lin family!"
"Why?"
Vermilion Bird asked, puzzled. After all, she was still Lin Wudi's subordinate, albeit an insignificant one among his subordinates.
However, cutting off contact seemed impossible.
"No reason! Just listen to me!"
Yun Fan reminded her again.
Although Vermilion Bird didn't know the reason, she still said to Yun Fan, "Then if Marshal Lin gives instructions in the future, I'll tell you in advance!"
"Good!"
Yun Fan thought this was a good idea. After all, some things could be avoided if they could be avoided.
...
Back in the secret chamber, the Heavenly Emperor shed a tear. He looked at the woman in the portrait and said, "Qing'er, today I saw our daughter. She looks so much like you, but even face to face, I still dare not acknowledge her!"
"Back then, I couldn't protect her family and let them be annihilated. I'm sure she resents me deep down. But don't worry, after I shed my title as Heavenly Emperor, I will acknowledge her, even if she doesn't forgive me!"
The Heavenly Emperor was in a very bad mood, especially when he saw Vermilion Bird being slapped, he could only stand by as if nothing had happened.
Even if he wanted to kill Rong Hua, he could only pretend that nothing had happened. People say the Heavenly Emperor is high and mighty, but in his opinion, he, the Heavenly Emperor, was acting like a coward.
What happened back then involved many people, and it couldn't be explained in detail.
"No, she will definitely target our daughter. This time, no matter what, I must protect her and absolutely not let her suffer any more accidents!"
The Heavenly Emperor finished speaking and immediately turned to leave the secret chamber.
Outside the secret chamber, "Kuaihu!"
"Your subordinate is here!"
A voice responded, and then his chief steward bowed before him to salute.
"No need to be so formal!"
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor said, "Kuaihu, I want you to secretly protect someone. You must not let this person have any accidents!"
"Your Majesty, I must ensure your safety!"
Kuaihu said quickly.
But the Heavenly Emperor said, "I don't need you to protect me. In this mortal world, there are not many people who can defeat me, but she cannot have any accidents!"
That's right. He wanted his personal chief steward to protect Vermilion Bird. He trusted Kuaihu very much, as Kuaihu had watched him grow up and followed the previous emperor when he was young.
Seeing the Heavenly Emperor's firm resolve, Kuaihu no longer declined and asked, "Who does Your Majesty want me to protect?"
"Vermilion Bird!"
Upon hearing this, Kuaihu immediately understood everything and then assured the Heavenly Emperor, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will definitely not let her have any accidents!"
"That would be best. You may go now!"
"Yes!"
...
"Bastard, this bastard dared to hit me!"
Rong Hua vented her anger in the room, smashing countless antiques and jade ware. When she saw the slap marks on her face, she wished she could devour Yun Fan alive.
She wanted to kill Yun Fan, but she also knew that Yun Fan had an extraordinary background and was powerful. She alone, even with the will, lacked the power.
Although she had already sent people to seek help from the reclusive sects, there seemed to be no response yet.
At this moment, Lin Wudi arrived.
"What do you want?"
Rong Hua asked coldly. Back then, she had asked Lin Wudi to have the Lin family assist the Crown Prince in ascending the throne, but Lin Wudi had refused.
From then on, the two sides were almost in a hostile relationship. She hadn't expected Lin Wudi to come in person at this time.
Lin Wudi smiled and said, "Of course, I'm here to cooperate with Madam!"
"My son is dead, what cooperation is there to talk about?"
Rong Hua said bluntly, "Get lost! I won't cooperate with you!"
"Although Madam doesn't want to cooperate with me, Madam, don't forget that you still have Yun Fan as an enemy!"
Lin Wudi said calmly, "Yun Fan killed the Crown Prince. I don't believe Madam won't avenge the Crown Prince!"
"Hmph!"
Rong Hua snorted coldly, "Isn't your Lin family on good terms with that little bastard? You coming to seek my cooperation is simply ridiculous!"
"Madam misunderstands!"
Lin Wudi smiled and said, "He's just a mere village brat, not worthy of our Lin family's attention. Even if he's a descendant of Guigu, so what?"
"Don't forget, this world belongs to the Heavenly Emperor and Madam, not to the Guigu sect!"
Upon hearing this, Rong Hua felt somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected this old fox to evaluate Yun Fan like this.
So, she asked, "How do we cooperate?"
"There are many ways to cooperate, but if Madam wants Yun Fan dead now, then he must die!"
Lin Wudi said resolutely, a trace of ruthlessness in his eyes.
"You know, although I am the Heavenly Emperor's wife, he never lets me wield power. That little bastard's strength is formidable, and I can't kill him!"
This was Rong Hua's excuse.
"It's alright if Madam can't kill him. I have a way to kill him, but the consequences after killing him will likely have to be borne by Madam!"
This was Lin Wudi's condition. He could help kill Yun Fan, but Rong Hua had to take the blame.
"Look at how timid you are, and you're still an imperial marshal!"
Rong Hua said disdainfully, "Kill him! I will bear the consequences then!"
Even if Yun Fan was a descendant of Guigu, so what? She still had reclusive sects behind her, and the Old Heavenly Master had been unheard of for many years. Who knew if he was alive or dead?
Even if he was alive, what of it? He was just an old man. What was there to be afraid of? She didn't know why the Heavenly Emperor and Lin Wudi were so wary of an old man.
At this moment, Lin Wudi smiled and said, "Madam is indeed a straightforward person. This matter is settled. I hope Madam will not go back on her word!"
"Of course, but my time is limited. You must give me a specific timeframe!"
Rong Hua said impatiently.
"Three days. Within three days, Yun Fan will surely die! At that time, he will absolutely not be alive in this world!"
Lin Wudi guaranteed.
"Good, you said it yourself. If you can't fulfill it, don't blame me for being merciless!"
"Farewell!"
Just as Lin Wudi was about to turn, Rong Hua shouted, "Wait!"
"Does Madam have anything else?"
Lin Wudi asked, confused.
Rong Hua asked, "Why do you want to kill him?"