The days of leisure found Yun Fan unaccustomed to the quiet, so he picked up his old hobbies again.
It was fishing. They say fishing occasionally is a leisurely pursuit, but fishing often is a sign of idleness.
However, Yun Fan disagreed with this notion. He believed fishing was simply a hobby, far better than going out to eat, drink, and engage in less savory activities.
As soon as he cast his line, a man approached him.
“Friend, may I fish here?”
“Feel free!”
The man then sat down and also began to fish. The two remained silent throughout, for the newcomer was Lin Wushuang, a man of few words.
After a long while, their luck was terrible; neither of them caught a single fish.
At this point, Yun Fan spoke, “Sir, are you not going to make a move yet?”
“No rush!”
Lin Wushuang replied calmly.
Yun Fan then said, “Then let us wait patiently!”
Thus, a considerable time passed. Seeing a fish take the bait, Lin Wushuang immediately launched an attack on Yun Fan.
Yun Fan reeled in his fishing rod and swung it forward. The fishing line wrapped around rapidly. Though it was just a thin strand, it could pierce a Houtian master.
“Bang!”
Lin Wushuang grabbed a stool to block Yun Fan’s strike. However, even the stool was pierced by the fishing hook.
The two engaged in combat over the water.
Yun Fan was surprised by Lin Wushuang’s strength. In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged dozens of blows, yet neither had gained the upper hand.
Similarly, Lin Wushuang was astonished. He had assumed Yun Fan’s strength was comparable to his own, but judging by their techniques and power, Yun Fan was slightly superior.
Of course, for two cultivators at the peak of Houtian, the gap was minuscule, and unless it was a fight to the death, such differences would be imperceptible.
At this moment, Tian Ying, who had been hiding in the shadows, prepared to assist Yun Fan.
“No need!”
With a command from Yun Fan, Tian Ying remained concealed.
The two then ceased their fighting, realizing that further combat would not yield a winner, and neither bore killing intent. This demonstrated their reluctance to engage in a fatal struggle.
They then resumed their fishing.
Lin Wushuang spoke, “I never expected you to possess peak Houtian strength at such a young age. I am inferior to you!”
True powerhouses only admire other powerhouses. For example, Lin Wushuang, in his thirties, was only at the same realm as Yun Fan. By the time Yun Fan reached his age, he would likely have already broken through to Xiantian. Such was the difference.
Yun Fan replied humbly, “You flatter me!”
“You came to find me without engaging in a life-or-death battle. You couldn’t possibly have just come to fish, could you?”
Yun Fan found this vexing. What was this man’s intention?
Lin Wushuang said, “Clever. I did not come to fish, nor to kill you, but to propose an alliance!”
“An alliance for what?”
Yun Fan asked, puzzled.
Lin Wushuang continued, “Xie Qingfeng and Huang Shisan, elders from the four great families, have come to kill you. A pair of fists are no match for four hands; you alone may not be able to handle them both!”
“So, you want to ally with me to deal with them?”
Yun Fan inquired, confused.
Lin Wushuang nodded. “Precisely. I have just tested your strength. If you had not met my requirements, I would have killed you on the spot!”
“You truly are straightforward!”
Yun Fan asked, speechless, “Then, did my strength meet your requirements?”
“It exceeded my expectations!”
Lin Wushuang stated directly.
While this seemed beneficial to him, Yun Fan was certain things were not that simple. Therefore, he said to Lin Wushuang, “If this is an alliance, you should reveal your origins!”
“You have likely guessed my origins. Lin Wushuang, from the military!”
Lin Wushuang announced his identity. While he did not disclose details, Yun Fan felt they were unnecessary.
Yun Fan then said, “You seek an alliance with me because you fear that after they deal with me, they will come for you next!”
“How did you know?”
Lin Wushuang looked at Yun Fan curiously. The young man’s performance far surpassed his expectations.
Yun Fan explained, “Because the conflict between your ruling faction and the four great families has been ongoing for a long time!”
“You are part of the ruling faction, and your strength is immense. If you could be eliminated along with me, the four great families would surely be pleased!”
Upon hearing this, Lin Wushuang was moved. He hadn’t expected Yun Fan to know about the internal strife. It seemed he had to re-evaluate Yun Fan.
No wonder the God of War Yulong and Ouyang Shaohui had fallen to Yun Fan. With such a prodigy, how could they possibly contend?
He then said to Yun Fan, “Indeed, it seems you know everything!”
“I decline the alliance!”
Yun Fan still refused. He disliked cooperating with others, even if they were two Houtian peak experts. He did not take them seriously.
Though there was an element of bravado, Yun Fan was confident he could handle the situation. As for the basis of this confidence, he would reveal it to no one.
Lin Wushuang then asked, “Do you know what you will face if you do not cooperate with me?”
“I do. If I don’t cooperate with you, I will face three experts, won’t I?”
Yun Fan asked with interest, looking at Lin Wushuang.
Lin Wushuang confirmed, “Precisely. If you do not ally with me, then you will face the combined might of myself and the two elders!”
“Although your strength is a notch above mine, facing three alone, you will undoubtedly die!”
“I fear no one!”
“Fear no one?”
Lin Wushuang looked at Yun Fan, perplexed.
Yun Fan nodded. “Indeed, I fear no one, even if I face three alone!”
“I hope you will not regret this!”
With that, Lin Wushuang departed.
At this moment, Tian Ying appeared before Yun Fan. “Boss, I believe, given the current situation, cooperating with him is the best option! After dealing with those two elders, you can then deal with him!”
Tian Ying also saw the situation clearly and believed that Yun Fan and Lin Wushuang should cooperate. After cooperation, there would inevitably be a duel between them, but in a one-on-one fight, Yun Fan’s chances of winning were high.
“You also believe I cannot defeat them?”
Yun Fan looked at Tian Ying.
“Your subordinate dares not!”
Tian Ying quickly replied. If there was anyone he couldn’t fathom, it was his boss, Yun Fan. He felt that any martial artist who faced Yun Fan exuded confidence, yet ultimately ended in defeat. This time, he had a sense that Yun Fan would lose, but the more he felt that way, the more he believed Yun Fan would win.
Yun Fan then said, “It’s alright, I have my own plans. This time, I will not only resolve the current crisis but also uncover who the true mastermind is!”
“Go. You don’t need to protect me from the shadows. I don’t require your protection!”
“Yes!”
Tian Ying acknowledged and left.
Subsequently, Yun Fan resumed his fishing. Being interrupted while fishing was unpleasant. However, today, he seemed truly unlucky. Before he could catch another fish, the two elders arrived.
Just as Lin Wushuang had said, the two elders possessed formidable auras, clearly indicating they were masters. Even from miles away, Yun Fan could sense their presence. They made no attempt to conceal it.
In an instant, the two elders arrived opposite Yun Fan. Though separated by a river, this distance was negligible to such powerful individuals.
“Brat, you’re still not running upon seeing us? How arrogant!”
The two elders knew Yun Fan was aware of their arrival. What surprised them was Yun Fan’s complete lack of reaction. This exceeded their expectations. There were only two possibilities: either Yun Fan knew escape was impossible and chose not to flee, or he was fully confident in his ability to fight them.
However, they both leaned towards the first possibility. For someone of Yun Fan’s age to reach the peak of Houtian was already astonishing; he couldn’t possibly be so powerful as to surpass them.
“Since you two are determined to come here and die, I shall fulfill your wish!”
Yun Fan said calmly.
“Arrogant!”
Huang Shisan asked, “Yun Fan, do you know your crime?”
“Foolish!”
Yun Fan sneered, “You dare to question my guilt?”
“Attack!”
Xie Qingfeng immediately lunged, heading straight for Yun Fan. If they were villains, they were certainly competent ones. Villains always died due to excessive talk, but these two acted decisively and without preamble.
“Slash!”
Yun Fan struck the water’s surface with his fishing rod, instantly stirring up colossal waves. The three engaged in a fierce battle amidst the spray.
It had to be said that the combat power of three peak Houtian masters at this moment was truly peerless. It had practically surpassed the limits of human capability.
Xie Qingfeng unleashed a palm strike, and Yun Fan immediately cut down a large tree to block it.
“Crash!”
The tree snapped instantly. Following this, the two exchanged blows. Their combat prowess was truly terrifying, their immense power inspiring awe.
On the other side, Huang Shisan also moved. It took him mere moments to reach Yun Fan’s side.
“Boom!”
The water’s surface erupted with waves. Huang Shisan was shocked by Yun Fan’s terrifying techniques and swift reactions. In an instant, he had repelled Xie Qingfeng and simultaneously blocked his ultimate attack. Both elders were certain that in a one-on-one fight, neither of them would be Yun Fan’s opponent. They could not comprehend why someone so young possessed such terrifying strength.
“Die!”
Yun Fan attacked swiftly, shifting from defense to offense, charging at the two.
“Arrogant!”
Neither of them expected Yun Fan to be so audacious. At this moment, they unleashed their full power, intending to eliminate Yun Fan. They had underestimated him earlier, but now they realized Yun Fan’s strength surpassed that of Lin Wushuang.
Thus, the three were evenly matched. A single strike from a Houtian master could instantly kill a Grandmaster. However, among peers of the same level, they could not overcome each other.
After a peak exchange, the three retreated.
“This child’s strength is truly terrifying. If we do not cooperate cleverly, we might not be able to defeat him!”
Xie Qingfeng said with apprehension. They were both second-tier figures within the four great families, capable of instantly defeating anyone elsewhere. Yet today, they were unable to deal with a mere youngster.
Huang Shisan remarked, “I thought I could outlast him, but I never expected his strength to be so formidable, showing no signs of weakening!”
“You attack, I’ll sneak attack. We must eliminate him!”
“Agreed!”
The two then attacked again. However, this time, they did not engage Yun Fan head-on. Instead, they changed their tactics. Xie Qingfeng used his full power to entangle Yun Fan. Before Yun Fan could react, Huang Shisan circled behind him and delivered a fatal blow. The powerful palm strike seemed capable of crushing everything.
“Boom!”
The palm strike landed, but Yun Fan blocked it precisely once more. This time, Xie Qingfeng did not hesitate and struck Yun Fan’s body with a palm. Yun Fan was sent flying backward along the water.
The two elders expected that after being hit once, Yun Fan would enter a state of weakness. After all, at this level, no one could overcome the other, but a single hit usually signaled the end of the battle. However, they were disappointed, for even after being struck, Yun Fan remained unharmed.
“How is this possible?”
The two stared at Yun Fan in disbelief.
Yun Fan said coldly, “You two old fools, you have angered me!”
“What?”
At this very instant, Yun Fan’s aura surged, directly surpassing Houtian peak and reaching the realm of Half-step Xiantian. While it was only half a step from Houtian peak, the difference was vast. Yun Fan was now an incredibly terrifying presence. Just his aura made the two Houtian peak elders tremble.
“How can he be so strong?”
At this moment, not only the two elders but also Lin Wushuang, who was hiding in the shadows, changed color. Xiantian masters were extremely rare in the mortal world. Therefore, Half-step Xiantian was akin to an invincible existence. Even within the four great families, Half-step Xiantian were considered foundational powerhouses. The military also had few such formidable individuals. In his knowledge, Marshal Yu was one such top expert. He had initially thought Yun Fan had used some means to forcibly elevate his strength to this level, but upon closer inspection, he realized Yun Fan was a genuine Half-step Xiantian.
Yun Fan then declared, “The true battle begins now, you two old fools!”
The two elders’ scalps tingled. At this point, they no longer dared to underestimate Yun Fan and wore expressions of immense seriousness.
“Attack!”
The two employed the same tactic. They had never entered the Half-step Xiantian realm and thus did not understand its power. They thought that while there was a gap, it was only slight. Unexpectedly, Yun Fan suddenly exploded with power, his speed and strength doubling. Even with the elders’ rapid movements, they seemed like slow motion compared to Yun Fan. After just one exchange, the two elders were sent flying. Before they could react, Yun Fan charged directly at Huang Shisan.
“Boom!”
With a single blow, Huang Shisan was sent flying like a kite with a broken string. This was absolute suppression. In the face of such overwhelming dominance, their strength was truly insignificant.
“Brat, you’re seeking death!”
Xie Qingfeng attacked from behind. Yun Fan stomped his foot, and a column of water shot out like an arrow, heading directly for his forehead. In a desperate move, Xie Qingfeng extended his right hand to block the water column, but the price was his right hand being pierced through. They themselves hadn’t expected that mere moments ago, they were the ones in a superior position, pressuring Yun Fan to confess his guilt. Now, they were being utterly crushed by Yun Fan.
The two severely wounded elders stood together, gazing at Yun Fan with grave expressions. Yun Fan, like a peerless god of war, strode towards them, each heavy footstep intensifying their wavering resolve.
“You two, ready to die?”
Yun Fan looked at them dismissively. They were men nearing their end, yet they dared to confront him. They were clearly tired of living. Xie Qingfeng and Huang Shisan paled. Yes, at Yun Fan’s current realm, continuing the fight would mean certain death. However, fleeing now would make them a laughingstock for Yun Fan in the future. Two renowned experts with decades of experience, reduced to this by a mere youngster.
Just then, Lin Wushuang, who had been hiding in the shadows, emerged, standing behind Yun Fan.
“You really didn’t leave!”
Yun Fan glanced at Lin Wushuang dismissively. Lin Wushuang was taken aback. He had thought his concealment was flawless, yet Yun Fan had detected him long ago. This meant that during Yun Fan’s battle with the two elders, he had no fear of a surprise attack from the shadows. Such confidence stemmed from strength, and Yun Fan possessed it.
Lin Wushuang stated, “You are indeed powerful. It seems we underestimated you!”
“Then, do you intend to die with them now, or shall I deal with them first, and then send you on your way?”
Yun Fan said dominantly. If one didn’t know his strength, they would think him arrogant. But knowing his power, they understood his words were not mere boasts; he truly had the right to speak so defiantly.
Lin Wushuang asked, “Aren’t you afraid that they and I will join forces to deal with you?”
“Do you think the three of you can kill me?”
Yun Fan displayed a look of disdain. In the face of Half-step Xiantian, the presence or absence of Houtian peak experts made no difference. Adding one more person would not change the outcome of the battle. Lin Wushuang also seemed to realize that even if he joined the fight, it would be futile, as the end was already predetermined. They had simply underestimated Yun Fan. It wasn’t that the higher authorities wouldn’t send stronger individuals to deal with Yun Fan; rather, cultivators of Yun Fan’s level were stationed to guard vital regions and could not be dispatched to deal with him.
“You could have killed them earlier, why did you hold back?”
Lin Wushuang asked, puzzled. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of the four great families?” He had been observing the entire battle from the shadows. If Yun Fan had truly intended to kill the two elders, he wouldn’t have given them any chance to recover. He could have acted directly, but Yun Fan had held back at the last moment, and that was the crucial point.
The two elders, though enraged, had to admit the reality: they were no match for Yun Fan. In fact, moments ago, Yun Fan could have killed them without exerting his full strength. However, Yun Fan had revealed his true power, making them wary.
“Clever!”
Yun Fan smiled. He had indeed not gone for the kill. While he desperately wanted to slay the two old men, doing so would fall into someone’s trap. Therefore, even though he wished to kill them, he had to restrain himself.
The two elders also looked at Yun Fan, puzzled. Clearly, they wanted to know why.
Yun Fan explained, “I suspect someone is manipulating events behind the scenes, instigating the conflict between the ruling faction and the four great families!”
“What?”
Lin Wushuang’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected Yun Fan’s thought to be identical to the Heavenly Emperor’s. The ruling faction and the four great families had always coexisted peacefully. During the era of war, the four great families provided supplies to the ruling faction, and together they expelled foreign invaders, leading to the current prosperous China. Therefore, for generations, successive rulers had not taken action against the four great families. Although the four great families were ostentatious, they had not posed a threat to China. However, over the past twenty years, friction between the four great families and the ruling faction had intensified, reaching an irreversible point of internal conflict.
The two elders were also moved, as they had noticed anomalies years ago. But with the ruling faction’s constant pressure, the two sides had become irreconcilable enemies, yet they had never truly confronted this issue. Now that Yun Fan had brought it up, it was impossible for them not to be alarmed.
“So, are you willing to help us find the true culprit?”
Lin Wushuang asked Yun Fan, perplexed.
“Yes!”
Yun Fan replied directly. He had no intention of meddling in this affair initially, but his master had ordered him to do so, and he had no choice.
At this, the four fell silent, seemingly pondering who the mastermind could be. Lin Wushuang spoke first, “This matter originally had nothing to do with you. I want to know your motive, for example, why you are willing to help?”
Following this, the two elders also looked at Yun Fan, puzzled. It seemed this had nothing to do with Yun Fan, so why was he concerned?
Yun Fan stated, “Do you think I *want* to get involved in your mess? I’m compelled to do so!”
“What?”
Yun Fan’s answer stunned the three.
“Then we will trouble you. If you can truly unravel this mystery, I believe the Heavenly Emperor will be very grateful to you!”
Lin Wushuang said to Yun Fan. This matter had troubled the Heavenly Emperor for many years, and he had been unable to find any solution. If Yun Fan could investigate it, it would stop the internal conflict and make China more united.
Yun Fan then said, “The mastermind behind this is growing impatient. I believe there will be a result soon!”
“Then we shall wait. However, you killed Ouyang Shaohui. We hope you can give us an explanation for that!”
Huang Shisan said coldly to Yun Fan. Ouyang Shaohui was the heir of the Ouyang family. His death at Yun Fan’s hands meant the four great families would absolutely not let this matter rest.
Yun Fan replied, “I am very sorry, but he attacked me first. Therefore, death was the price he had to pay!”
“Hmph!”
Xie Qingfeng snorted. “He was the heir of the Ouyang family. Even if he attacked you first, the misunderstanding could have been resolved. Why were you so ruthless as to kill him? Did you not know the consequences?”
“I did not know!”
Yun Fan replied concisely.
“Good, very good!”
Xie Qingfeng said indignantly, “Even if you are a young genius, what of it? If you do not provide a proper explanation, the four great families will not let this matter go!”
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan became furious. He had not expected the four great families to be so audacious. He immediately declared, “I will not give you any explanation. If you truly seek an answer, then come to my Ghost Valley Sect!”
“What?”
The three froze on the spot. They had not expected him to be from the Ghost Valley Sect. Yun Fan’s origins had truly exceeded their expectations. The fame of the Ghost Valley Sect was deeply imprinted in their minds. Though the Ghost Valley Sect was small, it was a force that no one dared to provoke. Whenever a dynasty reached a state of decay, the Ghost Valley Sect would often push things along, changing the dynasty’s fortune. The four great families, while powerful and even able to contend with the ruling faction, had only risen to prominence two hundred years ago. Compared to the Ghost Valley Sect, with a lineage of two thousand years, they were insignificant. If Yun Fan were indeed from the Ghost Valley Sect, then Ouyang Shaohui had died in vain. If they truly angered the Ghost Valley Sect, even the four great families could not withstand their wrath.
“What is your relationship with the Ghost Valley Sect?”
The two elders asked, confused. In their view, perhaps Yun Fan was merely using the name of the Ghost Valley Sect to intimidate them.
Yun Fan did not reply but directly produced a Ghost Valley token and threw it to the two. The two cautiously accepted the token and were instantly startled. Yun Fan was indeed from the Ghost Valley Sect.
“Elders, do you still require an explanation now?”
Yun Fan questioned them coldly. The two elders were speechless, unsure of what to say. Even the four great families dared not demand an explanation from the Ghost Valley Sect.
“We will report this matter to our patriarch!”
The two elders said decisively. They had no authority to decide this matter and thus passed this hot potato to their patriarch. Following this, they departed, as there was nothing more to gain by staying.
“Do you also want an explanation for the death of the God of War Yulong?”
Yun Fan asked Lin Wushuang.
Lin Wushuang shook his head. “No, you misunderstand. The death of the God of War Yulong also serves as an explanation to the Su family for what happened in the past.”
“Ultimately, it is your ruling faction that wronged the Su family!”
Yun Fan said coldly. Lin Wushuang felt guilt and did not retort. The Su family had been loyal and righteous to China, yet they met a tragic end, their entire clan wiped out. For years, the Heavenly Emperor had been searching for the perpetrators, but all traces had been erased. He never expected Yun Fan to find them first.
Yun Fan then asked, “Have you never suspected Marshal Yu?”
“This…”
Lin Wushuang was stunned. Marshal Yu’s identity was too formidable. Even the Heavenly Emperor had to show him deference in the past. This influential figure held a high position in China, had numerous disciples, and wielded considerable authority. He then said to Yun Fan, “Marshal Yu is a veteran official. He voluntarily relinquished his power in the past and retired. The mastermind is definitely not him!”
“Can you guarantee that?”
Lin Wushuang was left speechless by Yun Fan’s question. How could he guarantee it? He simply hadn’t expected such a powerful figure to be the mastermind. After all, Marshal Yu had reached the pinnacle of his career; he had no need to act so unnecessarily.
Yun Fan stated, “The more flawless a person appears, the more suspicious they are. You should investigate thoroughly!”
“Investigating Marshal Yu is a major matter. I do not have the authority to decide; it must be reported to the Heavenly Emperor.”