Ouyang Shaohui was shocked but quickly became furious, cursing, "Tianying, my Ouyang family has treated you well, why do you betray this young master?"
"Young Master, you flatter me. I have long since repaid what I owe your Ouyang family!" Tianying said indifferently. "Therefore, I owe Young Master nothing now. Today, Young Master and I are merely enemies!" He knew that although he had submitted to Yun Fan, he had not yet presented a gift. Today, he would give this gift to Yun Fan.
Seeing that Tianying would not change his mind, Ouyang Shaohui began to panic. He was no match for Tianying. If they fought, he would surely die. Thus, he changed his expression, "Tianying, you are a defiant individual, are you truly willing to serve a mere brat?" "I know you were forced, but if you are willing, this young master and the Ouyang family will protect you!"
He thought Tianying would be moved by this. To his surprise, Tianying directly said, "Young Master misunderstands. I voluntarily serve my boss, and I am not being coerced!"
"I don't know what this brat has that makes you so loyal?" Ouyang Shaohui roared in unwilling anger. Although Yun Fan was powerful, compared to the Ouyang family, he was still insignificant. He couldn't understand what attracted Tianying to Yun Fan, making him so devoted. In fact, only Tianying knew that Yun Fan was a descendant of Ghost Valley. He hadn't known until he secretly protected Lin Tianxin and Lin Zhenxiong let it slip. The Ghost Valley sect was a mysterious sect. Though they were not numerous, they could control the fate of every dynasty. Following Yun Fan offered a bright future. He was already decades old, and what could attract him was only martial arts. He still wanted to advance further, and he could only rely on Yun Fan. However, he had to show his sincerity, and that sincerity was to kill Ouyang Shaohui.
"Young Master doesn't need to worry about this. Young Master just needs to know that in this era of the survival of the fittest, strength is paramount!"
"Very well!" Ouyang Shaohui said angrily, "Tianying, are you destined to be my enemy today?"
"Young Master misunderstands. I do not wish to be your enemy!"
"I'm glad you don't dare!" Ouyang Shaohui smiled smugly. He was the next patriarch of the Ouyang family. He knew that as long as Tianying wasn't foolish, he wouldn't oppose him. To his surprise, Tianying coldly stated, "I only wish to kill Young Master!"
"How dare you?" Before Ouyang Shaohui could prepare, Tianying attacked with his sharp claws.
"Protect Young Master!" Several of Ouyang Shaohui's confidantes immediately charged. They were all Grandmaster-level fighters. Unfortunately, in a single exchange, Tianying ended their lives.
"Damn it!" Ouyang Shaohui angrily charged forward. Instantly, the two began a fierce battle in the vast courtyard. Tianying's moves were sharp. Although he was only slightly stronger than Ouyang Shaohui, his combat experience was rich. Therefore, Ouyang Shaohui was completely suppressed.
"You..." Ouyang Shaohui's expression changed. He could see that Tianying had no intention of holding back, each move aimed to kill. After just a few rounds, he was wounded.
"Die!" Ouyang Shaohui was enraged and entered a berserk state. At this moment, he no longer wanted to kill Tianying, but simply to escape. Unfortunately, Tianying gave him no chance to escape. Thus, they chased and fought for a hundred moves. After a hundred moves, Ouyang Shaohui panted, looking at Tianying. His berserk state had ended, leaving him weak. Although Tianying was also injured, he was not in the same state as Ouyang Shaohui, placing him in a very dangerous situation.
"If you let this young master go, this young master will never treat you unfairly!" Ouyang Shaohui never expected to be reduced to begging someone. For him, it was a complete humiliation. But Tianying shook his head, "Your offer does not move me! Young Master, prepare to die!"
"You court death!" Ouyang Shaohui, with unexpected speed, attacked Tianying. Indeed, his punch almost pierced Tianying. However, Tianying also embedded his eagle claws into Ouyang Shaohui's neck.
"Cough, cough, cough!" Ouyang Shaohui coughed violently, desperately covering his throat, trying to stay alive, but it was in vain. Soon, Ouyang Shaohui fell to the ground, dead, with deep resentment.
...
After dealing with the Imperial Dragon God of War, Yun Fan arrived at the Black Dragon Society.
"Brother Yun, the leader has fallen asleep!" Ye Feng told Yun Fan. He had just checked on Vermilion Bird's condition. Female warriors took turns watching her, fearing she might do something foolish.
"It's good that she's asleep!" Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Vermilion Bird carried too much pressure, and it was normal for her to consider suicide. Since she was asleep, everything was fine.
"Then I will take my leave!"
"Go!" Yun Fan knew that after killing the Imperial Dragon God of War, he would face endless trouble. However, this was good. The more chaotic it became, the easier it would be to find the traitor. Although he suspected Yu Shuai, he wasn't certain without absolute proof.
Just then, Tianying arrived.
"Boss!" Tianying said shamefully, "I was unable to share your burden in today's battle. I am truly ashamed!" Yun Fan did not blame Tianying, as he hadn't asked Tianying to help.
"Tianying, why are you in such a state?" Yun Fan asked speechlessly. Tianying was disheveled and had several bone-deep wounds, clearly indicating he had been in a life-or-death battle.
"Thank you for your concern, Boss. I am alright. I just went to prepare a gift for Boss!"
"What gift?" As Yun Fan questioned him, Tianying opened his package. Yun Fan saw that it was Ouyang Shaohui.
"Well done!" Yun Fan praised. He didn't expect Tianying to be so proactive. After dealing with the Imperial Dragon God of War, he had guessed that Ouyang Shaohui might have already fled. Therefore, he had given up pursuing Ouyang Shaohui, planning to settle the score later. Who would have thought that Tianying would resolve it?
"It is my duty to share your burdens, Boss," Tianying said calmly. But Yun Fan could already see his sincerity. At this moment, Yun Fan told him, "You have done well. I believe in punishing faults and rewarding merits. What do you want?" Su Dan Novel Network
"Your subordinate dares not!" Tianying replied trembling. Even he didn't know that Yun Fan, despite his seemingly carefree demeanor, exuded a suffocating pressure. Before Yun Fan, he couldn't act relaxed. Seeing this, Yun Fan said, "Since that is the case, I will give you a set of cultivation techniques! It will definitely surpass your previous ones!"
"Thank you, Boss!" Tianying said excitedly. This was exactly what he wanted, but even with ten times the courage, he wouldn't have dared to ask Yun Fan for it. Yun Fan waved his hand, "No need to be polite. Take a look and see if you like it!" With that, Yun Fan handed him the cultivation technique. Of course, it wasn't an advanced technique, but in the secular world, it was top-tier. Tianying opened it and was instantly captivated. It was a sharp and potent assassination technique. He was already an assassin, so if he were to practice a technique with broad, sweeping movements, he wouldn't be accustomed to it. However, he greatly liked techniques that could kill with a single blow. Moreover, Yun Fan hadn't lied to him. This cultivation technique was on a completely different level compared to the one he had practiced before. For this, he quickly thanked Yun Fan, "Thank you for your reward, Boss. I like it very much!"
"It's good that you like it. You may go," Yun Fan said with satisfaction.
"Yes!" After Tianying left, Yun Fan was secretly contemplating his subordinates. Although the Black Dragon Society was still weak overall, with a master like Tianying in charge, its strength had been elevated by several levels. Fortunately, Black Dragon and Thunder Leopard were already on the verge of breaking through to Grandmaster. Yang Xuejian and Zhao Fanghua were already Grandmaster experts. If things continued developing like this, he would soon be able to cultivate a force comparable to the four great families.
Just then, Vermilion Bird's female subordinate rushed in. "Chairman Yun, the leader has woken up, but her emotions seem unstable!"
"I'll go see!" Yun Fan believed that as a friend, he should go and counsel Vermilion Bird, to prevent her from doing anything foolish. Afterward, he arrived at Vermilion Bird's room.
"Don't hold me back!" Vermilion Bird wanted to slit her wrists. Her attendants seemed unable to restrain her.
"Stop!" Yun Fan's shout made everyone retreat, leaving only the emotionally unstable Vermilion Bird.
"Do you want to commit suicide?" Yun Fan asked curiously. Vermilion Bird, weeping, said, "I have no face to face the elders and villagers of the Su family. For ten whole years, I haven't avenged them, but instead, I have served their enemy. I have no face to live in this world!"
"So you want to commit suicide?" Yun Fan asked again. Vermilion Bird nodded. Undoubtedly, she had lost the courage to live.
"Then do it!" With that, Yun Fan handed her a dagger. Vermilion Bird looked at Yun Fan with confusion. Yun Fan said, "You are still alive because the Su family's remains are not yet cold. Heaven intentionally kept you alive for revenge! Since you have already avenged them, you should live for the wronged souls of the Su family. Why do you not cherish your life?"
"I..." Vermilion Bird was speechless. Indeed, Yun Fan's words made perfect sense. If Heaven allowed her to live, shouldn't she live on? Moreover, her great revenge was already avenged, and the future would only be better, wouldn't it?
"Wuwu..." Vermilion Bird finally broke down in tears, dropped the dagger, and threw herself into Yun Fan's arms. "I don't know what I should do. I am very confused right now!" Yun Fan was not used to this, but being unsympathetic at this moment seemed unkind. So, he decided to let Vermilion Bird have her way this time. "It's alright. The nightmare is over. You should open your arms and welcome a better tomorrow!"
"Mmm-hmm!" Vermilion Bird's emotions were still unstable. "I want you!"
"What?" Yun Fan was stunned, unable to believe what he had heard.
"I need you!" With that, Vermilion Bird reached out, trying to unbutton Yun Fan's clothes. Yun Fan had not expected Vermilion Bird to do this. Just as he was about to refuse, Zhao Fanghua arrived.
"Junior Brother, what are you doing?"
"Nothing... nothing!" Yun Fan quickly pushed Vermilion Bird away. If this continued, it would be difficult to explain.
"I'm going to get busy. You guys chat!" Yun Fan hastily left the scene, fearing that if he stayed longer, misunderstandings would arise, and his fifth senior sister would tell their master, and he would be finished. Besides, Vermilion Bird needed comfort, and perhaps the smooth-talking fifth senior sister would be more effective.
After Yun Fan left, Zhao Fanghua said, "Vermilion Bird, your revenge is complete. You can't just cling to our Black Dragon Society! The Black Dragon Society can't support you forever!" Hearing this, Vermilion Bird did not get angry. Instead, she said, "Then you will be disappointed. The Black Dragon Society is very good, and I plan to stay here permanently. You can't drive me away anyway!"
"Hmph!" Zhao Fanghua snorted, "I think your staying at the Black Dragon Society is a pretense. Your true purpose is to covet my Junior Brother, isn't it?"
"So what? I just like him, so what?" Vermilion Bird looked at Zhao Fanghua disdainfully.
"Then I advise you to give up!" Zhao Fanghua said angrily, "My Junior Brother is an extraordinary man, not someone anyone can like!"
"He is only your Junior Brother, and you are not his wife. What right do you have to control me!"
"You..." Zhao Fanghua was stunned. Unexpectedly, Vermilion Bird added, "Even if you were his wife, what of it? I can still poach him. So, I advise you not to meddle in my affairs in the future!"
"As long as I am here, you will not succeed!" Zhao Fanghua said furiously. However, Vermilion Bird remained unmoved. Wasn't this just a palace intrigue drama? Bring it on! What was there to be afraid of?
...
"Elder Dugu, that's how things happened!" In the Governor's mansion, Helian Shan explained with difficulty. Dugu Ming's expression was icy but not angry. The more so, the more uneasy Helian Shan became. At this moment, Dugu Ming sighed, "I knew he wouldn't amount to much!" In his words, he was filled with disappointment for the Imperial Dragon God of War. Of course, whether the Imperial Dragon God of War lived or died did not significantly impact their strength. However, the Imperial Dragon God of War's identity was very special. Yun Fan killing him was equivalent to removing their overt pawn. Many things would be difficult to operate in the future. At this moment, Helian Shan angrily said, "This brat disregards the law and has killed an imperial God of War! I will go to Jinling to request the Heavenly Emperor to kill him!" After all, a God of War had too much influence, enough to alarm the military.
However, Dugu Ming said, "No need. Since you lost, you must accept it gracefully!"
"What?" Helian Shan was surprised that Dugu Ming was so decisive. The death of a God of War did not seem to faze him at all. In fact, Dugu Ming also wanted to report to his superiors. But they had done dishonorable deeds, and now the Imperial Dragon God of War had exposed them. Now, they could only swallow their loss. Seeing that the Heavenly Emperor had no explicit instructions and did not intend to pursue Yun Fan's responsibility, his intentions were clear. The Heavenly Emperor meant to give them a warning. If they truly wanted to avenge the Imperial Dragon God of War, then the Heavenly Emperor would pursue the matter of the Su family back then. Therefore, the Imperial Dragon God of War died in vain. At this moment, Dugu Ming said, "Losing the Imperial Dragon God of War has a significant impact on our plan, but we cannot find a replacement in a short time. So, you will have to be inconvenienced!"
"What?" Helian Shan looked shocked. He hadn't expected Dugu Ming to set his sights on him, asking him to be their spokesperson. In fact, ever since the Imperial Dragon God of War annihilated the Su family back then, he knew that this group of people had a major, unknown conspiracy. But it was very secret, and even he only had suspicions. If he tied himself to this group, he didn't know what the future outcome would be. He dared not take the risk, so he quickly declined, "I am old and may not be able to handle such a great responsibility!"
"The Governor is too modest. You are the most qualified candidate!" Dugu Ming continued. This put Helian Shan in a very difficult position. Of course, Dugu Ming had already seen through his thoughts. So, Dugu Ming said, "The matter of the Su family has already been exposed. The Heavenly Emperor will surely investigate. By then, your position as Governor may not be secure!" Helian Shan instantly became anxious. He had suffered hardships that were difficult to speak of! After all, he was not greatly involved in the events of that year. But the ultimate responsibility would fall on him. At this moment, Dugu Ming continued, "But there is a way to remedy it. As long as you agree, I can protect your position!"
"I..." Helian Shan fell into hesitation. Although his position was not high, he had spent half his life to reach it. Would he be willing to give it up now?
"I know you have concerns, but I can tell you that if you become our overt spokesperson, your future prospects will be far greater than this. When we overthrow the dynasty, you will be a powerful regional official!" Dugu Ming's words greatly shocked Helian Shan. He hadn't expected the other party to have such a crazy plan. Just hearing it sent shivers down his spine.
"What are the chances of success?" Helian Shan tentatively asked. Dugu Ming replied, "Seventy percent!"
"So high?" Helian Shan clearly did not believe it. Dugu Ming said, "Of course. You must have heard of the secret struggles between the four great families and the ruling powers, right?"
"I have heard of it!" Helian Shan had indeed heard of it. Moreover, this conflict had been going on for a long time, and no victor had emerged yet. Dugu Ming said, "This is the work of my senior brother!"
"Truly a masterful move!" Helian Shan was shocked. He hadn't expected Yu Shuai to be able to manipulate both sides at his whim. Moreover, Dugu Ming had already told him so many inside secrets. If he didn't agree, he was sure Dugu Ming would kill him, as he already knew so many secrets.
"When their conflict reaches its peak, that will be the best time for us to make our move," Dugu Ming said ruthlessly.
Helian Shan immediately pledged his loyalty, "Elder Dugu, rest assured, from now on, I am one of your people!"
"This old man believes in the Governor's judgment!" Dugu Ming smiled playfully. At this moment, Helian Shan asked, "Should I deal with that brat?" He could see that the plan was proceeding smoothly, but Yun Fan had disrupted a crucial link. He believed that Dugu Ming would not let Yun Fan go. Dugu Ming said, "You are no match for him. I will deal with him. However, you can create pressure for him overtly!"
"I understand!" Helian Shan understood. Indeed, he was no match for Yun Fan. But remember, in Jiangnan, he had absolute power. Creating overt pressure for Yun Fan would be a piece of cake.
...
In Jinling, within the mansion of the Ye family, the foremost of the four great families, a peerless beauty sat gracefully in the courtyard. Like a gliding dragon, like a startling swan. She was a rare beauty in this world, with bright eyes and pearl-like teeth, like an immortal descended to earth. She was the eldest daughter of the Ye family, Ye Qingxian. At this moment, her subordinate reported, "Young Lady, the discarded child from back then is not only alive but has also performed earth-shattering deeds in Jiangnan!" Subsequently, her subordinate recounted to her, word for word, Yun Fan's destruction of the Heavenly Gate, his killing of the Imperial Dragon God of War, and his defeat of Ouyang Shaohui in Jiangnan. To her surprise, Ye Qingxian's expression remained unchanged, as if everything Yun Fan had done was mere child's play in her eyes.
"I didn't expect him to still be alive!" Ye Qingxian expressed surprise at Yun Fan's survival, as she believed he was surely dead under those circumstances back then.
"Should I go and take care of him?" Ye Qingxian shook her head, "No need!" Having caused so much trouble, not only would Yu Shuai not let him go, but the Ouyang family would also want him cut into a thousand pieces.
"Yes!" Her subordinate retreated obediently. At this moment, Ye Qingxian said indifferently, "A discarded child is still a discarded child. Even if you are alive, you cannot make any waves!"
...
In a rental apartment, Yun Fan was unaware that a storm was about to descend upon him. Anyway, his philosophy was to take on whatever came his way. At this moment, Jiang Xueyan returned.
"Yun Fan, accompany me to a charity auction tomorrow!"
"No!" Yun Fan refused outright. What a joke! Was he someone who could be ordered around casually? Didn't he have any pride?
"Lin Tianxin will also be there!" Jiang Xueyan directly revealed Lin Tianxin's name. Her plan with Lin Tianxin was to keep Yun Fan tied to them at all times to prevent him from mingling with other women. This would prevent other women from getting close to Yun Fan.
"Still not going!" Yun Fan refused again. He felt mentally and physically exhausted recently and planned to rest for a while. Even his sixth senior sister Yang Xuejian's TV series was nearing its finale. She had just invited him to finish filming the finale, but he had refused, planning to rest for two days first.
Jiang Xueyan was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Yun Fan to refuse so decisively. Therefore, she said to Yun Fan, "There are benefits!"
"What benefits? You don't think you can buy me with money, do you? Don't forget, you still owe me ten billion!" Yun Fan said with annoyance. Jiang Xueyan acted like a housekeeper and never gave him that ten billion.
"Of course not. In this world, many good things cannot be bought with money!" Jiang Xueyan began to entice him.
"Then what benefits will you give me?" Yun Fan asked curiously. What else could be more valuable than money? At this moment, he was even more curious.
"For example..." Jiang Xueyan smiled charmingly and then flicked her tongue.
"Hiss!" Yun Fan gasped. He hadn't expected this little vixen to have such ideas. Undoubtedly, Jiang Xueyan had him completely figured out.
"So, do you agree or not?" Jiang Xueyan asked with interest. She didn't believe Yun Fan could refuse. Yun Fan calmed his mind and asked, "Then tell me, what kind of auction is it?"
"It's like this, this auction is hosted by Helian Yi, the arch-rival of our Four Beauties! She wasn't selected as one of the Four Beauties back then, so she has been jealous for a long time. For example, she will surely cause trouble at this auction!" Jiang Xueyan explained the situation.
Yun Fan said irritably, "Then don't go. Let her cause trouble!"
"No, since she has already issued a challenge, we must accept it!" Jiang Xueyan said angrily, "We fight for pride, not for bread. This time, I will absolutely teach her a lesson!" Alright! Yun Fan didn't know what to say. Although they hadn't arrived at the auction site yet, he had already predicted that it would be a boring auction. But he still couldn't refuse Jiang Xueyan's benefits! After all, these benefits were too great, almost addictive. So, he asked curiously, "Then what do you want me to do?" Right! This was a battle only for women. It seemed to have nothing to do with him. Would he just stand there and watch? If it was for cheering, as a man, it seemed inappropriate. Jiang Xueyan said, "Don't worry about it. You'll know when you get there. Just tell me if you agree?"
"This..." Yun Fan reluctantly said, "Then I'll agree. How can I disappoint you!"
"That's more like it!" An hour later, Jiang Xueyan came out of the room covering her mouth and went to the bathroom to vomit a large mouthful, then began to rinse her mouth. Yun Fan, on the other hand, walked out with a satisfied expression, only to coincidentally bump into Lin Tianxin, who was pushing the door open. Upon smelling a peculiar scent on Jiang Xueyan, she immediately frowned. What appeared simple on the surface seemed not so simple. So, while Yun Fan was cooking, she cautiously asked Jiang Xueyan, "You two again..."
"Mmm-hmm!" Jiang Xueyan nodded directly. Instantly, a trace of jealousy surged in her heart. Therefore, she asked Jiang Xueyan, "How can I overcome this feeling of disgust? I also want to try it sometime!"