Rebirth Of The Urban Immortal Cultivator

by Stayrr

Chen Fan, the great cultivator, failed to transcend the Tribulation of Heaven: the final stage of his cultivation. Little did he know that this accident would bring him back to Earth and turn back time to five hundred years ago when he was just a teenager. 'I had once reached the precipice of power in the known universe and could look down on the ten thousand realms with pride; I

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Rebirth Of The Urban Immortal Cultivator #Chapter 65 - Dao Never Come Easily. - Read Rebirth Of The Urban Immortal Cultivator Chapter 65 - Dao Never Come Easily. Online - All Page - FREEWN

Chapter 65: Dao Never Come Easily.

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Afterward, Chen Fan rented a house and settled in with his companions. Although Mr. Shi was not worried that Chen Fan would run away by himself after he had obtained the Spirit Medicine, Miss Zheng had assigned bodyguards standing guard outside of Chen Fan's house, monitoring his every move.

Chen Fan didn't mind the surveillance. As soon as he got the Essence of Thousand Pinewood, he started to brew an elixir called the Essence Gathering Pill.

Like the Essence Enhancing Pill, The Essence Gathering Pill was one of the most common pills used by cultivators to enhancing their Qi.

Without reaching the Connate Spirit level, Chen Fan would still have to rely on earthly food for survival. The earthly elements in the day to day food posed a hindrance to his progress of cultivation.

Therefore, instead of feeding on earthly food, most cultivation sects used the Spirit Pills and Spirit Dew to supplement their diet. These pills and elixirs could provide not only daily sustenance but also improve their cultivation.

After consuming one Spirit Pill, one would not need to eat anything, other than drinking water for ten days. In addition, these pills could also quickly replenish the cultivator's body and balance the elements in the system after an exhaustive battle.

Thanks to the abundant supply of herbs in the Jiu Ding City, Chen Fan had finished creating the pills very quickly.

He was able to create over a hundred Essence Gathering Pill using the Essence of Thousand Pinewood. It should be enough to last for two years.

"With these Essence Gathering Pills, I have more confidence in reaching the fifth stage of the Void Mortal Refinement Art." Chen Fan was very satisfied with the outcome.

He was convinced that with the aid of the Essence Gathering Pills, he would be able to materialize plans that were previously impossible.

Time flew by, and in the last seven days, Chen Fan did not leave his house as he was focusing on creating the elixirs.

On the seventh night, Chen Fan had finally finished his work.

He walked out of his room for the first time in a week and sat in a patio chair in the backyard. He made himself a cup of tea and started drinking.

He had used the leftover elixir in the tea, and therefore the fragrance of the tea was strong and wholesome. Master Wu stood behind Chen Fan while gawking at the cup of tea.

As a beginner in cultivation and being deprived of Qi, the cup contained more Qi than Master Wu could ever imagine.

Master Wu would have to work years in order to harness just a fraction of the Qi in the cup, yet Chen Fan wasted all that leftover elixir in making this cup of tea as if they were useless scraps.

"A'Xiu, come out, stopping hiding." Chen Fan said lightly.

From behind the back door of the house, a small figure emerged.

A'Xiu plodded toward Chen Fan. She gave Chen Fan a guilty look and then lowered her head in silence.

"We are about to go on a dangerous trip. You have heard from Master Wu yourself that there is a snake demon living under the pond and the demon was capable of injuring Master Wu's master. I suggest you go home and not to come with us. I can not guarantee your safety.

"I will make arrangements when I am back so that you can either work in Xu Ao's office or go to University in the city. It's up to you.

"I want you to live a happy life, find someone you love and make a family in the city. That is your dream, isn't it?"

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"No!"

A'Xiu's eyes lit up with indignation after hearing Chen Fan's words.

She looked up and at Chen Fan, softened her face a little and pleaded.

"I have missed one chance; I don't want to make the same mistake again. Don't send me away, please."

She sneaked a glance at Chen Fan's face; however, she saw nothing but indifference.

Suddenly, A'Xiu felt a chill down her spine.

She felt that the person in front of her was no longer the caring and loving Brother Chen, but someone, or something that was beyond human's sentiments and emotions.

For the first time, she was scared.

Then, out of nowhere, she heard Chen Fan's voice coming down at her from above.

"I know what you are thinking, you have been warned, the journey you are about to embark on will be tortuous. Without a heart of gold and a will of iron, you will never reach enlightenment.

"And remember this: "Dao never comes easily."

Chen Fan spoke the last few words with every ounce of the seriousness of a Celestial Lord, and he pressed them into the young girl's mind.

"Dao never comes easily?" A'Xiu repeated after Chen Fan. She knew that Chen Fan had already seen through her mind.

She was more than just fascinated after seeing Chen Fan's incredible power at the tournament; she wanted it for herself. If she had thatpower, she would no longer be dependent on other people like she always had been.

"Excellent."

Chen Fan sat under the moonlight; his skin reflected the cold moonlight as he peered into the mind of the girl with a pair of deep and thoughtful eyes.

"In addition to resolution, you also need a bit of luck to become a competent cultivator.

"If anyone anywhere is able to access the power of Dao, the world would have already fallen into disarray and chaos. Just ask Master Wu."

Hearing Chen Fan's words, A'Xiu looked to Master Wu.

Master Wu straightened his back and nodded. He spoke in a serious tone as if he was speaking to his own disciple. "Your teacher was the only person who was able to teach you the method of cultivation.

"For the first two years of a martial arts disciple's life, all he or she does is sweeping the floor, the next two years is serving tea, and in the two years that followed, he or she will have to look after the daily life of his master personally. Then and only then, the master would start to teach the disciple the basics of cultivation. However, even that came with a time limit; if one didn't show signs of enlightenment, the disciple would be kicked out from the sect. Only the most diligent and the brightest disciples are chosen by the teacher as the 'Inner Circle Disciples' who would one day inherit the master's real power, most often beside the mater's dying bed side.

"When I was a disciple, my teacher had tested my determination and resolution for ten years before he started to trust me fully.

"Mind you that my sect has abysmal power compare to that of Master Chen. If you can obtain just a fraction of his power, you would be revered by the world as an immortal. With power as deadly as his, Master Chen must have even more stringent requirements for his disciples."

A'Xiu gritted her teeth and kneeled in front of Chen Fan. She kowtowed deeply and then said: "Master, take me, please. I don't mind hard work; even if I have to work as a slave for ten or twenty years, I still want to learn from you."

"Rise, now." Chen Fan said calmly.

"I can take you in and be your teacher. However, I need to make it clear to you that as soon as you become my disciple, your life belongs to me. If you ever think of betraying me, I will hunt you down even if you hide in the deepest cave of the underworld."

Chen Fan's voice was calm, but every word he spoke had the chilling intent to kill.

A'Xiu's body trembled slightly and then she spoke under her breath.

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"Yes, master. "

"Don't call me master. You are not my real disciple yet." Chen Fan refuted.

A'Xiu's face hardened and then she said: "Maybe I am not worthy just yet, but I will improve myself through hard work. "

As soon as the girl stood up, Master Wu bowed to Chen Fan and congratulated him: "Congratulations, Master Chen. You have snatched up a good one."

"Hehe." Chen Fan shook his head.

A'Xiu was not his disciple, not yet.

No one could imagine what he had gone through as the disciple of Cangqin.

Every few thousand years, Cangqin would tour the universe and look for young people with a great aptitude for cultivation. After he had picked his candidates, he would toss them into the dimension he had created and let them fight with each other in a battle royale.

After Chen Fan was chosen by Cangqin, he had fought for his life in the Changmin Immortal Dimension for ten years. After several near escapes, he had finally become the seventh official disciple of Cangqin.

No pain no gain, such as the way of cultivation.

Cangqin had chosen well over billions of candidates, but only a handful could succeed and was worthy of learning from him.

"Dao never comes easily; those that do are not real Dao."

As such, even though A'Xiu had kowtowed to him and showed him the respect as a master, Chen Fan would not teach her the method of cultivation right away. He would start with the basics such as the Foundation Establishment methods. After that, he would teach her the first three forms of the True Martial Thirty-Six Forms.

Even that material should be enough to take A'Xiu into the level of Ethereal Enlightenment. By then she would be nearly invincible in the mortal world.

If she was talented, she might be able to reach the level of Divine Sea, then and only then, Chen Fan would consider her as an official disciple.

"Let's rest after I am done this cup of tea together; we have a hard journey ahead of us."

Chen Fan poured a cup of tea and handed it over to A'Xiu.

Without thinking too much, A'Xiu poured the content down her throat. Suddenly, she felt a coldness from her throat all the way to her stomach. The chill quickly turned into a burning sensation; soon, steam rose from her skin as if she was on fire.

"BOM! Kaboom!"

A wave of popping sounds erupted from her skin. In a blink, her body was covered with a layer of black substance that oozed out from her skin.

Suddenly, A'Xiu felt much lighter and more energetic.

"This is Marrow Washing!"

Master Wu exclaimed.

Master Wu had spent years to reach this stage while A'Xiu had done it after just one cup of tea.

Once she had cleansed herself from inside, her enlightenment would not be too far.

Feeling the incredible change inside of her, A'Xiu dropped her knees and kowtowed to Chen Fan respectfully.

Chen Fan accepted her gratitude readily. This cup of tea might have changed A'Xiu's life. Now she was no longer a weak little girl. Instead, her physic rivaled that of the top athletes.

A strong and resilient body was the prerequisite for their task ahead.

Seeing Master Wu's envious look, Chen Fan remarked: "After we are done at the Yin Dragon Pond. You will have your cup of tea as well."

Master Wu hurried to kneel in front of Chen Fan and announced: "Thank you, Master Chen. I will not disappoint you."

Chen Fan cracked a smile and kept his silence.

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Chapter 66: Heading To Yin Dragon Pond

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The next day morning, Chen Fan and the half white girl regrouped.

During the meeting, Chen Fan learned that the girl's name was Zheng Anqi, and her English name was Anna.

Her father was Zheng Haochang, the second son of the famous magnet Zheng Zhongming of Hong Kong. Zheng Anqi was the daughter of Zheng Haochang and a western aristocrat mother. Zheng Anqi was not only the heir apparent of the Zheng dynasty but also the titles from her mother's side.

As of now, Zheng Anqi was a famous model and fashion designer. Although not a lot of people had ever heard of her name in mainland China, she was the idol of many teenagers from rich and powerful families.

Zheng Anqi and her entourage joined Chen Fan and his company, and they drove five SUV's toward their destination.

Zheng Anqi looked at Chen Fan and A'Xiu incredulously and then asked Master Wu: "Wu, are you planning to bring these two kids with us?"

She had spent a few days and investigated the background of Master Wu. She had learned that Master Wu did possess Dharmic powers. However, his abilities were a far cry from that of Mr. Shi.

On the other hand, she knew nothing about A'Xiu and Chen Fan. They both looked like they were sixteen, and both seemed anything but extraordinary. She even consulted Mr. Shi who had confirmed her suspicion. Therefore, she was convinced that these two useless teenagers would be a hindrance rather than a help.

However, Master Wu refuted hotly: "Master... Mr. Chen lives near the Yin Dragon Pond, and therefore he knows the land better than anyone. I am not going without him."

"Really?" Zheng Anqi flicked a suspicious look at Chen Fan.

Although she was not from the mainland and was not familiar with the people of mainland China, she was not convinced that Chen Fan lived a secluded life deep inside a mountain.

"That's fine, just two more people, it's not a big deal. Let's move already." Mr. Shi announced impatiently.

As he spoke, he cast a suspicious glance at A'Xiu.

The girl looked meek and fragile last week, but now she suddenly gained a deft and resilient bearing. Had she consumed that Essence of Thousand Pinewood?

"What a waste!"

Mr. Shi shook his head and lamented. However, the promise of obtaining a real Spirit Pill made him quickly forget about the Essence of Thousand Pinewood.

The fleet drove out and toward the Dong Du City.

After a few hours, the fleet of SUVs arrived at a toll station, and the cars pulled over to the side of the road.

On the other side of the toll station was a group of rich teenagers driving expensive vehicles.

As soon as Zheng Anqi got out of the car, some of those teenagers hurried to greet them.

"Who are they?"

"Some rich brats from Dong Du City." Master Wu replied. "They must be here for Zheng Anqi."

Lo and behold, they scuttled past Chen Fan toward Zheng Anqi and surrounded her like a group of flies to a fruit-cake.

Zheng Anqi crossed her arms and didn't seem to be impressed by any of the teenagers.

All the while, she held a cold countenance and offered scanty replies to the boys' greetings. However, she could shoulder didn't quell the boy's enthusiasm.

In their eyes, the lady of the Zheng Family was a drop-dead gorgeous. Half Asian and half white, she was as exotic as a girl could get. Even her breath which she scarcely wasted, smelled aristocratic and western like.

Zheng Anqi was already used to the attention of boys.

In her eyes, these teenagers are nothing but uncouth hillbillies. They were her pawns, cheap and expendable.

After having exchanged a few words with the boys, she turned around and spoke to Chen Fan.

"We are in Dong Du City now, can you show me where the Yin Dragon Pond is now?"

Seeing Anna's cold face, Chen Fan said unenthusiastically.

"It's in Double Dragon Village in Qishan County"

Chen Fan's cold attitude didn't sit well with Zheng Anqi. She snorted hotly and grunted under her breath.

"Humph! We will see who the last one smiling is."

As soon as she turned her head around, a few teenage boys shouted: "You are going to Qishan County? I know that place very well!"

"I am from Qishan County myself, Miss Anna, let me show you the way."

Without waiting for consent, the boys rushed to their cars and started toward the Qishan County with Zheng Family's fleet in tow.

As soon as the fleet was off the toll road, the teenage boys called in two jeeps to drive ahead of them and clear the way. Seeing the impressive fleet that comprised solely of expensive vehicles, most drivers swerved to the side of the road to make way for the fleet.

In less than three hours, they finally arrived at Qishan County.

It was late in the day when they arrived, and therefore they had decided to stay in Qishan County for the night. The son of the richest man in the country was called "Sir Jiang Junior," and he had booked the best hotel and ordered a banquet to be set up.

Hearing about the arrival of Zheng Anqi, even the adults flocked to the restaurant to pay their respects and lobby for closer business ties.

The desire for investments at the small counties was beyond anyone's expectations.

Zheng Anqi sat at the main seat with Sir Jiang Junior and the other magnates from Qishan County on her sides. Her blond hair and tall stature attracted the attention of all that were present at the table.

Chen Fan and his company sat quietly in a corner and watched as the show unfold.

"That's the Zheng Family for you. Hoity-toity!"

Master Wu said bitterly.

Although he was a respected person in the Dong Du City, his prestige couldn't compare with that of the Zheng Family.

"Just eat your food." Chen Fan said. He didn't even lift his chopsticks once, as he only drank tea and ate nothing else.

One of the Essence Gathering Pills would provide him enough sustenance to go for ten days.

Suddenly, they saw that Zheng Anqi walked over toward them with a wine cup in her hand.

A smile broke over her delicate face as she said in a musical voice: "Mr. Chen played a critical role in our mission. You have contributed directly to our success in establishing a bottle water plant here. And for that, I toast to your health!"

After that, she poured the contents of the cup down her throat.

Suddenly, everyone started to notice Chen Fan who had been sitting quietly in the corner so far.

The princess of the Zheng family had barely smiled at any one of them, much less raising a cup in their names. Why would she suddenly cozy up to someone who was so insignificant?

Chen Fan was amused by the development.

The Zheng Family had masked their real intention by claiming that they were looking for a spring that was suitable for establishing a bottled water plant.

Little did she know that there was so much Yin Qi inside of the water of the Yin Dragon Pond, an ordinary person would have got ill from the coldness once so much as a droplet touched their mortal lips.

Seeing Zheng Anqi had initiated the toast, the rest of the businessmen hurried to follow suit.

Drinking was an old tradition in the Zhong Zhou Province, and almost everyone could hold their liquor well. Therefore, they quickly ran out of liquor.

Chen Fan gave Zheng Anqi a look and then shook his head: "I don't drink."

Everyone was shocked, more so because who he had said it to than the fact that he didn't drink.

After a few awkward moments, Sir Jiang Junior walked over the Chen Fan and announced with a broad smile. "That's ok; I can drink it for you. "

Sir Jiang Junior's voice was laced with contempt thinking he was doing a no account a favor.

However, Chen Fan sat still and announced calmly: "I said, no drinking."

The silence fell into the room again; this time it was more awkward than the last.

The smile froze over on Sir Jiang Junior's face; his eyes twitched with anger.

Seeing that the boy had refused Sir Jiang Junior's help, the rest of the guests shook their heads disapprovingly.

This kid was too arrogant! Did he really think that the Zheng Family cared about him? He was just a pawn, a very expendable one while at it!

Seeing the anger in Sir Jiang Junior's eyes, a businessman called Liang hurried to break the silence.

"Come on, Let's toast for Sir Jiang Junior's health! I will drink up first!"

The businessman emptied his cup and willed Sir Jiang Junior to do the same.

After Sir Jiang Junior had finished his drink, he slammed the cup on the table and stormed out of the room, leaving a gust of angry wind.

Everyone looked toward Chen Fan sympathetically; they knew that Sir Jiang Junior wouldn't let him off the hook easily.

Even Zheng Anqi was taken aback by Chen Fan's audacity. She wondered what had given the boy such unwavering confidence.

"Maybe it's the valor of ignorance." She shook her head and decided to let the matter rest.

She lived in a different world than Chen Fan, and therefore there was no need for her to waste her time thinking about Chen Fan's trouble. After this mission, she would never see Chen Fan again.

Once Sir Jiang Junior left the room, Master Wu said gravely: "Are you sure we need to do that?"

Master Wu was from Dong Du City, and he knew at first hand the power of Jiang Family. If the Jiang Family wanted to, they could have kicked him out of the city there and then.

"It's fine. Don't worry." Chen Fan didn't seem to be bothered at all.

As a Celestial Lord who was regaining his power, he could not fear a mortal family, however powerful they were.

After the banquet was over, they went to bed. The next day, they started toward Double Dragon Village, with Sir Jiang Junior in tow.

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Chapter 67: Gathering Of The Three Families

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The mountain range extended out for miles and was connected to the foothill of another enormous mountain.

The Double Dragon Village was situated at the foothills of the Qi Mountain. The villagers collect and sell herbs and furs and whatever they could find in the mountain forests. The local people had received the news of the guest's arrival ahead of time and therefore, when the fleet got there, the village elder had been waiting for them.

After knowing that they were about to set out on an expedition into the mountain, looking for a spring well, the elder ordered the best huntsman in the village to guide them through the woods.

"You are going to the Yin Dragon Pond?" The old hunter's face paled after hearing where the guests were heading.

"Yes, do you know of that place?" Zheng Anqi's eyes lit up with hope.

"Yes, but It was a forbidden zone" The old hunter shriveled a little and continued. "That area was closed off ever since my grandfather's generation. Nothing grows around that pond, and the water is poisonous.

"But that was not the worst part, did you know there is a monster in the pond?"

"Monster?" Sir Jiang Junior snorted. Even the local elder refuted the hunter, "We live in the 21st century, not two hundred years ago. You need to make money for your son's apartment's down payment, don't you? If you change your mind, many other people are willing to take the money."

The old hunter named Zhu looked down hesitantly and was embarrassed.

After a few awkward moments, Mr. Shi finally broke the silence, "Your description is similar to that in my sect's record. I think that is the place."

Hearing Mr. Shi had confirmed the location of the pond, Zheng Anqi decided to move out right away.

Under the lure of the reward, Hunter Zhu finally gave in. He heaved a sigh had then followed the guests.

After lunch, the expedition team started their journey. The team comprised of Zheng Anqi, Sir Jiang Junior and his friends, Hunter Zhu and two of his sons, and Chen Fan and his companions.

As they walked deeper into the mountain, Master Wu furrowed his brows and said: "Master Chen, something is not right. Why do they still need us even after they have found a guide?"

Both Master Wu and A'Xiu had been initiated as Chen Fan's disciples, and therefore, they started to call Chen Fan, Master Chen.

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and walked nimbly on the treacherous mountain path. He said: "She never believed me. My accent is from Jiang Bei, but I had told her that I am from the mountains. She is not stupid."

Master Wu's face flushed red for having grossly underestimated the ability of Miss Zheng.

"They wanted us to travel with them because they don't want us to spread the news of their mission." Chen Fan said readily.

"However, I am still not sure what they are looking for in the Yin Dragon Pond. Mr. Shi was the only cultivator in their group, but he clearly had an affinity with the wood element. Are they going to kill the Yin Snake and use its flesh as medicine for her dying grandfather? No, that doesn't make sense."

He pondered on. Suddenly, he asked as he rubbed his chin: "Could it be that there is some kind of Numinous treasures inside the pond that I am not aware of?

"That does make sense. In places with so much concentration of Qi, more often than not there is a Spirit Medicine or numinous treasures guarded by cryptids. I think that is what Mr. Shi after."

Chen Fan's eyes flashed as realization finally dawned upon him.

He was able to make over a hundred Spirit Pills from one lesser grade Spirit Herb; the sky was the limit as to what he could do with a real Spirit herb.

So thinking, Chen Fan picked up his speed.

The old hunter estimated that they are looking at two to three days of hiking in the mountain. Therefore, before sunset, the group pitched tents and prepare for the night.

Zheng Anqi and Mr. Shi had brought over a dozen bodyguards with them, and therefore they didn't have to do anything.

The bodyguards pitched half a dozen tents and started a fire. They brought out some dry ham and jerky and started preparing supper.

Soon the fragrance of meat spread out through the entire campsite. Some of the bodyguards were experts in wilderness survival and were exceptionally talented in making camping food.

Soon, Zheng Anqi called out to Sir Jiang Junior and Hunter Zhu to join her for dinner.

However, she had intentionally ignored Chen Fan and his companions.

"Master Chen, what an asshole!"

Master Wu's belly growled as he hungrily inhaled the delightful smell of meat in the air.

A'Xiu was starving as well. However, she didn't even glance toward the food.

Chen Fan sat cross-legged on a large flat rock. He slowly opened his eyes and looked toward Zheng Anqi. Although he didn't seem to pay any attention to him, Sir Jiang Junior's shifty eyes glanced at him as he gloated over his hunger.

He had been waiting for this moment for the entire day.

Chen Fan and two of his companions didn't bring any food with them, so they brought it onto themselves.

Chen Fan shook his head.

He had come prepared.

Unlike in the city where food was abundant, one would have to either bring their own food or hunt for it in the wilderness. In the eyes of Zheng Anqi, Chen Fan and his company were city dwellers and had no survival abilities in the wilderness. She wagered that it was only a matter of time before Chen Fan came begging for food.

"Luckily, I came prepared."

Chen Fan said as he produced two pills from a bottle and gave it to Master Wu and A'Xiu.

As soon as A'Xiu and Master Wu swallowed the pills, they felt a gush of fresh energy surge inside of them, charging up every cell in their body. Soon, the pores on their skin opened up as steam rose from them. The sensation was as comfortable as it was satisfying.

One Essence Gathering Pill could provide enough energy for a human body for ten days.

In addition, it has the marrow washing effect that quickly expelled the nefarious elements in one's system. It was particularly beneficial for cultivators since these pills were able to help them to recharge their True Essence rapidly.

"Master Chen, is this the so-called Spirit Pills?" Master Wu slowly opened his eyes and held a significant improvement in his power.

"Yes, and stop talking. Just sit down and do as I say."

Chen Fan closed his eyes and delivered cultivation instructions to his disciples using his arcane energy.

As soon as A'Xiu and Master Wu heard Chen Fan's voice in their minds, they quickly sat down and closed their eyes as instructed.

"What are they up to?"

Zheng Anqi asked as she noticed the strange behavior of the three sitting on the rock.

"They are resting, trying to conserve their energy. I have to say that this kids got a backbone." Sir Jiang Junior shook his head as he said.

"Well, let's see over the next few days. They will have to come and beg our lady sooner or later."

The leader of Zheng Anqi's bodyguards grunted.

Afterward, the group switched topics and quickly forgot about Chen Fan.

However, Mr. Shi remained suspicious of the three's strange behavior: it was as if they were cultivating. According to Dao Sect's theory, there was no better time to cultivate than when one was in starvation. It was easier to gather energy in one's system and form the Internal Energy.

After a couple of hours, the fire went out, and everyone went back to their own tent to sleep.

The next morning, the group found Chen Fan and his companions were still sitting cross-legged on the rock. However, they didn't attract too much attention as everyone was busy taking down the tents.

Chen Fan didn't open his eyes until the group was about to set off again.

A'Xiu felt a rush of exhilaration like she had never experienced before.

After one night's cultivation, she had finally reached the entry level the same level as Wei Ziqin. The internal energy flowed inside of her lent her resolution in continuing her cultivation.

"I must follow Master Chen closely, and one day, I will prove myself worthy of becoming his official disciple."

Despite the calm and lighthearted look on Master Wu's face, his heart was filled with emotions.

After one night of cultivation under the correct guidance, he had made more progress than three years of hard work.

"Incredible! Master Chen is a human yet his skill is on par with an immortal!"

Suddenly, he felt lucky for the run-in with Chen Fan. His defeat by Chen Fan turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

With the help of the old hunter, the group pressed on without many difficulties. The lack of challenge brought out contentment, soon, Zheng Anqi and Sir Jiang Junior even started to treat the expedition as a leisure field trip. They were supposed to finish the journey in two days, but it had taken them three.

All the while, Sir Jiang Junior was perplexed by the fact that Chen Fan and his companions had survived seemingly without eating anything.

He was convinced that Chen Fan had picked fruits and wild berries when the group was not paying attention. Otherwise, he could not have survived.

On the third day, they finally reached the edge of Yin Dragon Pond. Something had spooked Hunter Zhu, and he refused to go any further.

However, no one listened to him.

As Zheng Anqi and Mr. Shi rushed toward the Yin Dragon Pond with excitement, Chen Fan stood on a small hill and looked toward the pond. He noticed a heavy mist of Yin Energy that loomed above the pond which confirmed his suspicion that this pond was a sacred land of cultivation for Yin Element cultivators.

Suddenly, a wave of loud and distressed clamors rose from the direction of the pond.

"Let's go and take a look."

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and hurried to the pond.

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Chapter 68: Mighty Mr. Shi

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The Yin Dragon Pond was inside a valley surrounded by mountain peaks. Only a small section of the valley was visible from the outside.

Once Chen Fan entered the valley, he saw two groups of people fighting against each other beside a pond.

On one side of the pond was Zheng Anqi and her bodyguards and the other group was lead by an old man. As soon as the old man saw Master Wu, he shouted out: "Asshole Wu! How dare you lead these outsiders to our sacred land?"

Everyone looked toward Master Wu; Zheng Anqi's glare was laced with displeasure. Embarrassed, Master Wu's face flushed red and explained: "Master Chen, they are my sect brothers.

"The tall one is called Mu Hongshen, and the short fat one is called Yan Zhengze. I didn't expect to see them here at all."

Chen Fan looked around at the two old men and noticed an unmistakable cast of Malic Qi about their countenance. It was apparent that they followed the same cultivation method as Master Wu and both of them had reached the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment.

Master Wu refuted, "Old-Bone Mu, I didn't bring them here; they come by themselves."

The tall man burst out laughing.

"Asshole Wu! Stop lying to me. My disciples had spotted you conspiring with this same group of people at the Double Dragon Village. My accusation didn't come out of thin air."

Chen Fan was taken aback for a second, and suddenly realization dawned upon him: Zheng Anqi and her entourage's conspicuous action shouldn't have escaped the hears of the Yin Ghost Sect.

Suddenly, a sharp female voice put in: "I don't care what's between you two. Move away!"

She said as he gave Chen Fan an accusatory glare.

Mu Hongshen and Yan Zhengze studied the half white and half Asian girl for a while and then furrowed their brows and asked: "Who are you? How do you know Asshole Wu?"

The aviator sunglasses covered half of Zheng Anqi's attractive yet distant face. She stood with pride and didn't care to answer the question as if she was a superstar and the old man a paparazzi. After a few seconds, a rich young man accompanying Miss Zheng hurried to answer for her, "This is Zheng Anqi from the Zheng Family of Hong Kong. She is here on a business trip in Dong Du City."

"Zheng Anqi of Hong Kong?" The two old men snorted and then smirked.

"I don't care who you are; this is the traditional land of our sect. You are trespassing!"

Zheng Anqi 's eyes lit up with anger.

As the heir of the prestigious Zheng Family, she could not stomach the humiliation of two old fool from the countryside.

A group of rich teenagers stood up for her.

"Miss Zheng said to move away. Didn't you hear her?"

Sir Jiang Junior also remarked lightly, "Miss Zheng is here for important matters. If her business plan is spoiled, someone will have to be responsible!

"My father is Jiang Jialiang of the Dong Du City. I wager you both know of him?"

The two old men's face paled slightly; everyone knew Jiang Jialiang and his influence around this neck of the woods.

After a few cautious moments, they gathered themselves and said: "I don't care who your father is. I never heard of Jiang Jialiang anyways."

"How dare you!"

Sir Jiang Junior shouted, facing flushing red.

"Miss Zheng is going to invest in our local economy; It's an important matter for everyone who lives here. You two are stupid for not seeing this! Get out of the way, old fools!" Another rich teen shouted.

"Yin Ghost Sect? Sacred Land? Haha. Do they live in a Wuxia Novel? What a wack job!" A young man shouted.

No one had taken the two old men seriously.

All these rich teenagers were from reputable families of the Dong Du City. They didn't think that two old fools would be able to stop their actions.

However, Zheng Anqi felt something was amiss.

Everything had gone well before this point, almost too well. She wondered if it was by chance or by design that they happened to meet a capable guide in the Yin Dragon Pond. If it was a setup, the culprit could only be Master Wu and that teenage boy called Chen Fan.

So thinking, she scanned around her, and the sight of confident and well-armed bodyguards quelled her nerves.

As one of the richest families in Hong Kong, the Zheng Family went above and beyond to ensure their personal safety. All of her bodyguards carried firearms.

The two old men laughed out loud in response to the teenagers. They said with a smirk: "Rich men of the Dong Du City, so what?

"Your power is limited in the city, but out here in the wilderness, the natural elements could not be bought by money and your worldly power."

Sir Jiang Junior and his friends were threatened by the old man's words. Their faces turned pale.

Zheng Anqi shouted at Chen Fan hotly: "Did you set it up? Are you trying to screw me?

"I have already promised to pay you for your labor. My family owns over tens of billions of assets; I won't short your reward."

Chen Fan shook his head slowly, rendering Zheng Anqi at a lose.

The old men were right; they were in a very tight spot. Unlike in the city where she could readily summon help, they were on their own in the unforgiving wilderness.

Suddenly, Mu Hongshen shouted out in a booming voice: "Stop wasting time. Since you are here, you should stay and repent for your sins!"

After he said that, he produced a Talisman from his pocket and pointed a finger in the air.

Suddenly, a cloud of dark smoke rose from the talisman as the temperature dropped rapidly. The naturally chilly air around the pond was exacerbated by the effect of the spell. In a blink of an eye, the city folk felt they were in the middle of winter.

"What is going on?"

Sir Jiang Junior and his friends stared at the old men, frightened.

The bodyguards were also taken by surprise, and none of them knew what to do.

"Could it be that the old man really knows Dharma Spells?" A rich teen stammered.

Everyone's heart sank after hearing the teen's remark.

Many teenagers were shaken by the development. They thought they were on a field trip but never had they expected to encounter such a dangerous situation.

Even Sir Jiang Junior started to tremble. He was still young, and he didn't want to live the rest of his life in the middle of nowhere.

Zheng Anqi's face paled at the sudden turn of events.

She knew of the Dharma Spells, Mr. Shi, for example, was well known for his Dharma Spells. However, she had always thought that the spells were nothing but a visual trick instead of the terrifying abilities on full display before her.

She turned around and looked to Mr. Shi for help.

"That's enough!"

Mr. Shi shouted and took a step forward. A green shimmer appeared in his eyes.

He spoke in a stately voice, "Disciples of the Yin Ghost Sect, move away; otherwise I will rain death upon ye!"

Old-bone Mu smirked and then put in, "My, my... one of our own kind."

Before he finished his words, he started the Dharmatic Art and spurred the dark smoke to plunge at Mr. Shi.

"AHRR!"

Zheng Anqi shouted in fear. The teenagers around her were stunned by the frightening scene and froze in place.

Mr. Shi shook his head and said calmly: "I have heard of your sect while I was in Hong Kong. I was told that your sect knew only some small tricks that can frighten ordinary people. After today's encounter, It appears that the rumor was true. The small amount of Yin Qi you possess is laughable."

Even as he spoke, a green shimmer appeared around his body. Right before the dark smoke came into contact with its target, the green glow brightened tenfold and smothered the dark smoke. Mr. Shi immediately followed with more Dharmatic spells and shot a ray of pale green light at the old man.

The ray of light traveling at incredible speed, and in the blink of an eye, it was right in front of Old-Bone Mu.

Before Old-Bone Mu could react, he was hit with a deadly blow which paralized him instantly.

It wasn't until a few seconds later, the onlookers noticed that it wasn't a green light at all, but a green vine. The vine had wrapped around the old man, restricting his movements.

Yan Zhengze's face hardened at the sudden turn of events. It was evident that Mr. Shi was a much more powerful cultivator than him; the thought of retreat crept into his mind.

Mr. Shi walked past the crowd and came over to Chen Fan and Master Wu. He said calmly: "Master Wu, I had figured out your background a while ago. Since you are also from the Yin Ghost Sect, I wager you already knew quite a bit about the pond.

"To be frank, the reason we are here is to retrieve an herb for the old man of the Zheng Family.

"We will leave this place as soon as we obtained the herb. I promise! I hope you and your sect brothers could cooperate with us. It's easier for both of us if you do."

Mr. Shi linked his arms behind his back and letting his stately announcement set in. No one dared to speak a word while Master Wu contemplated his options.

Yan Zhengze looked to his senior Master Wu and saw the latter wore a wry smile as he looked to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan kept his silence while gazing at the placid surface of the pond. No one knew what he was thinking while waiting for his decision.

After a while, Mr. Shi's patience was wearing thin. He asked hotly, "So, what's the word?"

Zheng Anqi gathered herself and shouted: "Mr. Shi, don't let them off the hook so easily."

"They are all in this to set us up! Make them pay!"

Both Old-Bone Mu and Yan Zhengze's face darkened after hearing the girl's words. Even as Mr. Shi was about to speak out again, a gush of water shot out from the pond as a dark shadow jumped out from the center of the waterspout.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 69: Yin Dragon

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Zheng Anqi was stunned by the sudden development and the smile on her face froze over.

She saw a large dark shadow emerge out from the pond, and something in its strange configuration told her that much of its mass was still hidden under water. That being said, the exposed part of the creature's body was over a dozen meters in length, as tall as a three-story building.

Suddenly, Zheng Anqi felt very small in front of the gigantic being. Fear quickly shot through her system, paralyzing her and preventing her from shouting out to warn anyone.

She was not alone in her fear. The scene had paralyzed all the people around her, paralyzing whoever laid eyes upon it as the ancient gorgons would.

"What is going on?"

Mr. Shi's back was facing the pond, and therefore he didn't see the creature right away. However, he was perplexed by everyone else's state of stupor.

Even as he wondered what could have gone wrong, he felt a cold air flowing down his neck.

The Yin Dragon Pond was filled to the brim with Yin Qi hence the barren condition of the soil around it. Mr.Shi felt the temperature around him drop significantly; it was as if time had fast forwarded to the middle of winter. Mr. Shi's heart sank as he registered something was in the lake behind him.

He turned back slowly and what he saw next would stay with him for the rest of his life.

A large snake half emerged out from the placid surface of the pond. More than half of the snake's body was still in the water. The snake's body was as thick as a wine barrel, and it was covered with palm-sized green scales. On its triangular head was a pair of sharp black slits set in the fields of gold. The two lifeless slits were gazing down at Mr. Shi as a predator to its prey.

Mr. Shi was an achieved cultivator with over ten years of hard work behind him, and therefore, he was able to gather himself before such a terrifying sight and act.

He rolled onto his side away from the creature and threw a handful of sand towards the eyes of the creature. The creature was fast and dodged the attack. Before Mr. Shi could gather himself, the snake plugged forward at Mr. Shi like an arrow. It's enormous mouth closed tightly at where Mr. Shi was standing.

"Ha!"

Having missed its first attack, the giant snake turned it's long neck around and rammed its head into a bodyguard who had stood too close for his own good.

"AHRR!"

Zheng Anqi screamed.

Her scream had awakened and alerted the people around her from their stupor. The leader of the bodyguards named Li Yu hurried to push Zheng Anqi to the side and shouted, "Your ladyship, move! Get out of here."

"Everyone else, ready your arm and follow me!"

After shouting the orders, Li Yu pulled out the weapon that was strapped to his back and darted toward the green snake.

The rest of the bodyguards managed to gather themselves and follow Li Yu. Although they hadn't completely overcome their fears, bound by duty, they had to press onward and face the terrifying monster.

By then, members of the Yin Ghost Sect were so frightened by the snake, none of them were able to move.

Of all the people there, only the sect members knew how powerful this monster was. If the bodyguards wagered that they could subdue this monster using tasers or clubs, they would pay dearly for their oversight. Even the founder of the Yin Ghost Set could not overcome this monster, much less these bodyguards.

Yan Zhengze asked in a trembling voice, "Isn't the Yin Dragon sleeping? I thought it only wakes up once every three years. What is happening?"

If they knew that the giant snake was awake, they would never even think of getting near to the pond, much less confronting Miss Zheng so conspicuously.

Chen Fan shook his head and lamented, "Bunch of idiots."

Little did they know that the Yin Snake never slept as it was continuously internalizing the Yin Qi it had absorbed over the years since it had no other way of transforming the raw Yin Qi into Dharmic powers. They raised such a ruckus and disturbed its peaceful cultivation. The disturbance was infuriating to snakes. It was as if a man was trying to take a nap while constantly being pestered.

Color drained from Master Wu's face. He asked under his breath.

"Master Chen, what should we do then? Should we pull back?"

The last time he stood face to face before the Yin Snake was a few decades ago with his teacher and sect brothers. In addition to the utter defeat, he remembered that the snake was about twenty meters in length. However, it had grown to over thirty meters.

A'Xiu was still paralyzed by fear as she stood on the side in silence.

After all, she was only a sixteen year old girl. However tough she sounded, and resolute she was inside; fear had overwritten reason once she stood before such an overwhelming sight. The evolutionary force that was hard-wired in the human's brain kicked in immediately.

Chen Fan was the only person who kept calm. He regarded the giant snake, not like a monster, but more like a pet.

"Pull back? Why? This snake is exactly why we are here."

Chen Fan cracked a smile.

"It. it's terrifying!" Master Wu lamented. He looked to the commotion and noticed that the snake was practically immune to the bodyguards' weapons.

"Shit! If I had a better weapon, I would have already carved this big worm into pieces."

Li Yu lamented. After a few minutes of repetitive strikes with a wooden club to no avail, Li Yu threw the club to the ground and produced a sharp combat knife from his pocket. He immediately threw himself at the snake with the knife.

He was a brave warrior hired by the Second Lord of Zheng to protect his daughter. As an experienced veteran, Li Yu did not disappoint.

Li Yu had been practicing martial arts for over twenty years, and by then he had achieved initial success in his Internal Force cultivation. In his mind, the snake monster only had an advantage in its size and physical defense, but it was not nearly as deadly as poisonous vipers in the African jungle.

Holding the knife in a reverse grip, he launched himself toward the snake and yanked his arm, cutting the belly of the snake with the sharp edge of the knife.

"Clank!"

Infused with Internal Force, the dagger cut through the scale and the thick skin of the snake, into its flesh.

"Shit!"

Life suddenly drained from Li Yu's face as he noticed that he was only able to plunge the dagger three inches into the snake's body. It was stopped by the iron-like muscles and was stuck in between scales as hard as steel.

"Impossible! My attack should have pierced through an iron plate much less a snake."

The thought distracted him for a split second and from the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the monster's tail sweeping at him. Li Yu quickly pulled back, but he was not fast enough. The tail hammered into Li Yu with lightning speed.

The tail weighed at least a ton and being hit by it at such speed was equivalent of being hit by a semi truck at full throttle. Li Yu's body gave out a cringing worthy crunch as his bones were shattered into pieces.

Li Yu was thrown to the ground like a lifeless rag doll. He collapsed to the ground in near death.

"Eamon!" Zheng Anqi gasped.

Eamon was Li Yu's English name.

Li Yu was born outside of China and knew Zheng Anqi while the latter lived in England. Although he was an employee of the girl, they both shared many common interests and he was one of Zheng Anqi's confidants.

"Miss, let's get out of here." A female bodyguard tugged Zheng Anqi's elbow as she urged her to leave.

In two minutes, half of the bodyguards were laid low by the snake. Even the captain of the bodyguards was in a comma. The rest of the bodyguards quickly lost moral particularly after they had realized how ineffective their weapons were.

They were bodyguards, not expendable.

Yan Zhengze and other members of the Yin Ghost Sect had already retreated to outside of the valley. They hid in the bushes cautiously, waiting for the commotion to die down.

"Yes, Miss Zheng! Let's get out of here!"

The rich teenagers huddled around Zheng Anqi and begged the girl to leave with them.

These spoiled city kids had an overdose of reality in the most unthinkable fashion. They were first surprised by Old Bone Mu's otherworldly power, and the snake had out right rendered them speechless.

If not for fear of Zheng Anqi's retribution for deserting her at first sight of terror, they would have run as fast as could to get out of this accursed valley.

After a while, Sir Jiang Junior managed to gather himself.

He spoke in a serious voice, "Anqi, Let's go, don't let Brother Li's sacrifice be for nothing."

Hearing the words, the girl suddenly jerked her head to the side towards the lake.

She saw all the bodyguards, but Mr. Shi were dead.

"Oh my god!"

Seeing so many men brutally slaughtered, Mr. Shi was overtaken by anger. His arms trembled as a fire burned in his belly.

Spurred by anger, he bit into the tip of his tongue, and let blood fill his mouth. Suddenly, he spat out his blood while initiated the Dharmatic Art at the same time. A green glow appeared around Mr. Shi. Overcharged by the power in his blood, the glow formed a ray of light and shot at the monster like a thousand needles.

The green ray of light landed on the snake and took effect as the snake let out painful shriek.

At the area where the green light hit, the snake scales disappeared and exposed a swath of rotting flesh.

The brief victory heightened everyone's spirits. It was the first time ever since the battle started they were able to harm the snake.

Mr. Shi had shown them that this giant monster was not invincible.

"Kill him, Mr. Shi!"

Zheng Anqi's eyes lit up, and she cheered for Mr. Shi's success.

Mr. Shi didn't share the other's optimism. He had used all of his energy in the last attack. However, he was only able to cause some surface wound to the snake. He wagered he simply didn't have enough blood in his veins to waste away such an enormous monster.

Nonetheless, Mr. Shi channeled the remaining energy inside of him and attacked again.

However, this time the snake was prepared as it, too, had shot out a grey mist from its mouth.

The temperature suddenly dropped down to below zero, and Mr. Shi knew he had to dodge. The two injured bodyguards beside him were not able to get out of harm's way and were struck by the mist. In a blink, they collapsed to the ground lifelessly.

The valley suddenly became pin-drop quiet.

Zheng Anqi was frozen in action as her last hope had vanished into thin air.

"Let's go, Miss Zheng!" Sir Jiang Junior pulled her toward the exit before it was too late.

Zheng Anqi let out a peal of wry laughter.

If she deserts her men right now, how would she explain everything to the families of those who were killed?

Her mission had led to their death, and therefore, she couldn't give up so easily.

But what could she do? Li Yu was unconscious, and most of the bodyguards were dead. Who else could she turn to?

Suddenly, someone walked past Zheng Anqi to join the battle.

"Chen Fan?"

Zheng Anqi was taken aback and asked curiously: "What are you going to do there?"

"Kill him." Chen Fan answered calmly without even gracing the girl a glance.

"You are nuts!" Sir Jiang Junior shouted at him.

The other teenagers and bodyguards glared at Chen Fan as if he was crazy.

Even the combined might of Mr. Shi and Li Yu couldn't subdue this monster, much less a sixteen-year-old boy.

Chen Fan cracked a smile.

"I have been waiting for it for a long time."

And then, he sauntered toward the giant monster, leaving everyone else gapping at him incredulously.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 70: Kill The Snake

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"What is he going to do?"

Old Bone Mu and his fellow sect members were taken aback by Chen Fan's actions.

Like everyone else, the pond and the monster were anything but where they wanted to be near. However, that teenage boy didn't seem to fear the monster as he sauntered toward the giant snake.

"Master Wu, do you think Master Chen can handle the snake?" A'Xiu asked concernedly. Despite Chen Fan's god-like abilities, the sight of the snake evoked great fear inside of A'Xiu.

"... Perhaps." Master Wu hazarded.

Although he agreed that Chen Fan was both a powerful spell user and a competent Martial artist, the power of the ancient snake had exceeded his imagination. Take Mr. Shi for example; he was a powerful Transcendent Master; however, he was defenseless before the giant snake.

By then, Mr. Shi was already forced into a corner.

He had used his coup de grace four times in a row, and by then, the blood had already run dry in his mouth. All the bodyguards were either slaughtered or had deserted, leaving the old man to his own devices.

The giant snake revealed its enormous body as it slowly emerged from the water. It slithered forward and wrapped Mr. Shi around with its body.

The snake had lived over a hundred years, and its cultivation had taught it the pleasure of killing. With its prey in its grip, the snake looked down at Mr. Shi as if it was looking at its plaything.

Mr. Shi grunted and bemoaned his impending doom.

"I should have listened to Hunter Zhu!"

The caution of the old hunter drifted into his mind and filled Mr. Shi with regret. He was blind sighted by the urge of obtaining a Spirit Herb.

He had gone through the sect record, and none of them had mentioned the snake monster. Mr. Shi wagered that the snake must have been placed here by someone else and it was likely Master Wu and his sect members.

The Yin Ghost Sect had been settling around the Dong Du City for over a hundred years, and therefore they knew very well what was going on in the pond. The fact that they had kept such a danger secret was a reflection of their ulterior motives.

So thinking, he turned around and shouted to Zheng Anqi:

"Miss Zheng, Get out of here, now!

"Be wary of the Yin Ghost Sect."

Before he could let out his last word, the snake monster puffed out a grey mist at him. This mist contained so much Yin Qi that they condensed into dew that would suck the last warm breath out of a human body.

By then, Mr. Shi had used up all of his energy, and therefore he could not evade the attack.

Suddenly, he felt his body was dumped into the deep arctic sea and coldness nibbled at his flesh and bones. He gathered whatever Qi that was left in him and channeled them into protecting his internal organs.

Everyone watched as Mr. Shi was surrounded by a grey mist, and a green light flickered inside of his body, protecting the vital parts of his body. However, even the green glow was waning by the second.

"Mr. Shi!"

Zheng Anqi shouted.

Seeing their last protector, Mr. Shi was about to be frozen to death, the young teens around Miss Zheng turned their heels and ran toward the exist.

Sir Jiang Junior tugged Zheng Anqi's elbow, willing her to leave with them, but to no avail.

He gritted his teeth and let go of the girl. This was a life and death situation; there was no time to be a hero.

As soon as Mr. Shi had fallen victim to the monster, these spoiled teens quickly revealed their true colors.

It had been less than five minutes since the Yin Snake emerged, yet it had already killed Li Yu, subdued Mr. Shi and not to mention the half dozen bodyguards who laid lifelessly on the ground.

Inside the valley, only five people had remained, they were Master Wu, A'Xiu, Zheng Anqi, Zheng Anqi's personal guard and a half dead Mr. Shi.

Wait...

There was another person.

Even as Mr. Shi fought for his life, he caught a glimpse of a person from the corner of his eyes.

"Who is that? Why is he still here?"

The battle prevented Mr. Shi from turning his head and investigate, but he could tell that it was a young man.

Through his mind's eye, Mr. Shi matched the vague image of the young man beside him to the boy that accompanied Mr. Wu. He had and still thought that the boy was one of Master Wu's disciples. He marveled at the young boy's bravery, a stark contrast with his teacher.

"However, bravery was useless if it was not back by prowess."

"The demonic spirit had fully grown inside of this snake unless he used a modern weapon, the boy would not be able to subdue it."

The severity of the situation made Mr. Shi more anxious than before. He didn't want another life to be wasted.

By then, Chen Fan was already standing right beside the pond, looking up at the snake at close range.

The snake was over thirty meters in length, and half of its erected body made it as tall as a building in the city.

"The Yin Snake had cultivated over a hundred years, and therefore his flesh was nearly indestructible.

"Its body was covered with scales harder than steel. Unless I use high caliber ballistic weapons, I wouldn't be able to harm it.

"In addition, its body contained Yin Qi that it had harnessed over a few hundred years. Such a high concentration of Yin Qi would be able to freeze a human body into a popsicle. It was no longer an ordinary monster; it was Ethereal Enlightened.

"What a shame that you have to face me today."

Chen Fan shook his head as he lamented the fate of the rare monster.

He closed in on the monster and unhitched the Jade Talisman from his belt.

Suddenly, countless symbols and signs floated out from the talisman, and they emerged in the Void Dimension into a long blade.

The blade was about three meters long and was covered with ancient glyphs. It hung upside down in the air, projecting otherworldly energy that suggested its god-slaying abilities.

"What was that?"

While being dragged toward the exit by her personal guard, Zheng Anqi turned around and caught the disbelieving sight. Impressed and stunned, she gaped at Chen Fan incredulously.

She watched as Chen Fan started to ascend into the air as he walked on invisible spiral stairs. In a few confident strides, he was standing face to face before the monster.

"Who is that?"

Mr. Shi was still restrained by the snake's body right below Chen Fan, and he could finally get a clear view of the boy.

What he saw had stunned him: the young boy stood confidently before the monster's face, and a golden blade floated a few inches in front of the boy's chest.

"Start!"

Chen Fan reached out and grabbed the handle of the blade.

Suddenly, the long blade let out a cascade of light as it grew in size. Inside the Void Dimension, things were even more impressive as the blade's blade aura was at full display.

"Sth... Sth..."

The Yin Snake had finally registered danger, and as it looked toward the blade, the blade had grown so big that its reflection had filled the enormous eye of the monster.

The monster was startled, and it raised its scales as a dog would its hackles. It channeled a large amount of energy and spat them out at Chen Fan.

"Get out of the way!"

Everyone shouted at Chen Fan. Zheng Anqi had covered her eyes to avert the sight of another slaughter.

Chen Fan calmly swept the blade in the air and uttered three words lightly:

"Cut! Mountains! Rivers!"

The Blade aura suddenly surged, and no words were able to describe its power.

A golden line appeared where Chen Fan's blade had sliced through the air. The line was so bright that it was as if Chen Fan had sliced open the very fabric of space.

The golden line sheared off the snakehead as if a hot blade through butter. It's iron scales and robust mussels simply melted upon contact with the golden thread.

"Sth..."

The Yin Snake let out painful shrieks as its head glided off of its neck smoothly. A violent gush of blood sprouted out from its headless body.

"Boom!"

The snakehead fell a few dozen meters from the sky and thudded heavily at the shore of the pond, splashing water a few meters high.

The powerful monster was so deadly that it that had killed over a dozen humans. Yet it was killed by Chen Fan with a single sweep of the blade.

He could trample the heaven in nine steps and kill a dragon with one strike—such was the power of the Celestial Lord.

"Is he... a human?"

The people outside of the valley watched everything with their own eyes. Old Bone Mu winced in disbelief.

"He is not a human; he is an immortal!"

A smile finally broke over Mr. Shi's face, and the smile quickly turned into a laugher.

He hadn't laughed like this for a long time.

"Such power!"

Master Wu marveled.

"It. It.."

Sir Jiang Junior and his companions could only stare at Chen Fan. The meek and quiet boy beside Master Wu had killed the terrible monster with one strike!

Zheng Anqi felt she was on a rollercoaster ride. A second ago she thought she was doomed, but a second later, the crisis was averted.

Inside of her heard, many strong yet contradicting emotions roiled and mixed with each other.

Contempt, doubt, surprise, despair, fear, delight and remorse.

Embattled by these emotions, she stood quietly and studied the boy carefully.

Finally, all the other emotions subsided, leaving only one: Anger.

"Why didn't you act earlier!"

On November 3, 2007, Yin Snake was killed by Chen Fan at the Yin Dragon Pond.

R.I.P Yin Snake.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 71: Get Out Of My Face

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Under everyone's fearful watch, Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and walked down the invisible stairs to the ground.

The long golden blade had already dispersed into many flying symbols and was sucked back into the Jade Marrow. The spell's name was "True Martial's Dharmic Blade." It took Chen Fan seven days to infuse the Dharmic power within the Jade Marrow Talisman.

The True Martial's Dharmic Blade was a basic art that all True Martial Immortal Sect's followers were required to master.

The power of the Dharmic Blade was directly proportional to the ability of the wielder.

The power in Chen Fan's killing blow was enough to slice a tank in half much less the Yin Snake.

However, this art was extremely taxing on one's True Essence. Thanks to the boost from the Essence Gathering Pill he had swallowed before the attack, he was able to maintain a steady output of True Essence throughout the battle.

"If my teacher Cangqin was here, he would be able to crack open the sun using the exact same move."

Chen Fan recalled the power he used to possess as his heart was filled with wistful nostalgia.

He wondered how long it was going to take him to reach the Tribulation Transcendence in this lifetime.

Seeing Chen Fan had reached the ground, everyone was finally convinced that the danger was gone. Mr. Shi drew a deep breath and held back the Yin Qi inside of his system. He managed to salute to Chen Fan appreciatively.

"Thank you for the rescue, your highness. I will forever remember this day and repay my debt in whichever way you want."

He spoke sincerely. He thought he was going to die today; however, Chen Fan had shown up and saved the day.

Chen Fan's ability to walk on the air and his killing blow were telltale signs that he was a powerful master whose power was beyond the Transcendent masters.

In the ancient times, Chen Fan would have been revered as either a Perfected Master by the Daoist or a Guru by the Buddhists. Such power was a rare sight in the entirety of China.

Master Wu and A'Xiu came to Chen Fan and congratulated him on his success.

A'Xiu then studied the monstrous snake that slumped in its death with an incredulous look on her face. After having soaked in the murderous features of the monster, she looked at Chen Fan with more admiration than ever.

Such was the power of her teacher. If he was able to kill this malicious snake with ease, what else is he capable of?

Stunned by the development, Sir Jiang Junior was frozen in place.

After a while, he finally gathered himself, but the fear inside of him persisted.

Ever since the search party had embarked its journey, he and his rich friends had constantly made fun of Chen Fan. What's worse, they had refused to share any food or drinks with them even though they knew that Chen Fan and his companions had nothing to eat.

Who would have thought that Chen Fan was not just a nobody, instead, he was an "immortal" who seemed to possess otherworldly powers.

Haven't he saw that even the mighty Mr. Shi had bowed to Chen Fan respectfully?

What would come to him if he had intentionally ruffled his feathers?

Suddenly, he heard a sharp female voice coming from behind.

"Chen Fan! Why didn't you act sooner?"

Zheng Anqi stormed toward Chen Fan with fire in her eyes. When she was close to Chen Fan, she stopped and pointed the finger at the boy.

"If you acted sooner, Eamon would not have died, neither would my bodyguards! Bodyguards' Lives Matter!

"You are responsible for all the deaths!"

Fire poured out from her mouth, even the fear of being so close to the monstrous snake paled in comparison with her fury.

"What did you say? Master Chen had saved your life, and you are blaming him for not acting soon enough?"

A'Xiu flung back at the girl hotly.

What an ungrateful bee with an itch! Master Chen was not obligated to save any one of you; he only did it out of compassion.

Mr. Shi was taken aback by the girl's accusation, and an awkward smile broke over his face.

"Miss Zheng, we shouldn't ask for more from Perfected-Master Chen. He had saved our lives."

The sense behind Mr. Shi's words was clear. They were a group of helpless drowning men saved by a rescuer; they had no place to accuse the rescuer of not acted quickly enough to save more of them.

Chen Fan held a placid expression on his face.

Such was the true nature of mortals: fearful and ungrateful.

If the snake was still alive, Zheng Anqi would never point her finger at him since she would be too busy hiding behind cover. Knowing that Chen Fan would never harm her, and without the imminent danger of the snake, she acted quicker than anyone else to accuse Chen Fan and blame her own failure on her savior.

He said calmly: "Miss Zheng, why should I care about you?

"It is none of your business when I will get myself involved in YOUR mess."

Zheng Anqi's face hardened as she was surprised by the bluntness of Chen Fan's words.

She took a few deep breaths and managed to regain her senses.

After a while, she spoke in a calm and cold voice: "Fine, let's move on. Since you have killed the snake, would you please move out of our way and let us retrieve the medicine from the lake?"

"Oh? So you guys are here for the medicine ?" Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and then continued, "Why should I let you get the medicine? Does it have your name on it?"

Zheng Anqi's face flushed red, and she glared at Chen Fan with anger.

"Are you going to stop us?

"You don't own this pond. Why wouldn't you let us have the medicine?"

Chen Fan ignored the girl, and he shot a glance at the Yin Ghost Sect.

"From this day on, the Yin Dragon Pond belongs to me. Do you have any problem with that?"

By then, the members of the Yin Ghost Sect were about to leave the valley; they paused after hearing Chen Fan's question.

Chen Fan's killing the beast had proven his power and level of attainment in his cultivation. The Yin Ghost Sect was at no place to defy him.

Hearing Chen Fan's question, Old Bone Mu and Yan Zhengze hurried to reply.

"We the Yin Ghost Sect will follow the instruction of the Perfected-Master."

Chen Fan turned around and held Zheng Anqi's angry gaze calmly.

"You see, it is mine now.

"Could you please excuse yourself? Yin Dragon Pond does not welcome you."

Zheng Anqi was stunned by the development. She felt a knot of fire rise from her belly to her throat. She gritted her teeth as her blood boiled in her veins.

She had never been humiliated by anyone ever since she was born.

As the daughter of the Zheng Family, and an heir of the British aristocrat, she was the epitome of power and beauty. Wherever she went, she was surrounded by dashing young men who were eager to heap praise on her.

It had been a while since Zheng Anqi ever heard a "No" from anyone, much less being outright humiliated.

Zheng Anqi shouted out: "What makes it yours? I don't care!"

"Asshole! You think you are so tough because you know a few Dharma Spells? We are in a modern society, and nothing can trump the rule of law."

Both A'Xiu and Master Shi's face paled after hearing the girl's insult.

She seemed to have forgotten that she was talking to a perfected-master. Even the combined might of the entire Zheng Family would not measure up to a fraction of Chen Fan's power.

For instance, if Chen Fan killed Miss Zheng in a fit of rage, there was nothing the Zheng Family could do.

Plus, they were deep in the mountain; if she really provoked the ire of Chen Fan, he might slaughter her and everyone who was related to her.

However, Chen Fan kept calm and said lightly: "Get out of my face."

"What did you say?"Zheng Anqi rounded her eyes in disbelief.

"I said... Get... Out... Of... My ... Face..."

Chen Fan had infused his voice with Dharmic powers so that when the quiet words went into Zheng Anqi's ear, it sounds like an explosion. The shock stunned the girl; her legs gave in easily and brought her to the ground.

Mr. Shi kneeled and pleaded for her life.

"Master Chen, please forgive her. She didn't know better. Please forgive her, please!

"We will leave here right away."

He shot a glance at the female bodyguard, willing her to carry Miss Zheng out of the valley.

Sir Jiang Junior and his entourage followed Mr. Shi and left the valley. After some time, there was only Chen Fan and two of his companions standing beside the pond among dead bodies.

Members of the Yin Ghost Sect still stood by the entrance, but they were also ready to leave.

Even as Old Bone Mu was about to sneak away under the shadow of trees, he heard a voice calling him out.

"Have I told you to leave yet?"

Old Bone Mu and Yan Zhengze turned around and looked toward Chen Fan as a sense of impending doom crept into their minds.

"Shit, we are in trouble!"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 72: One Hundred Million A Pill

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After seeing how abundant the Yin Qi was around the pond, Chen Fan decided to stay here for a few days to take full advantage of the energy.

The Void Mortal Refinement Art was able to make use of not only Spirit Qi but also Yin qi and Malice Qi. Since he was in the middle of nowhere, Chen Fan asked the members of the Yin Ghost Sect to serve him while he stayed here.

Although the members of the Yin Ghost Sect were of below average talent in cultivation, they would suffice as his assistants for now.

Chen Fan also changed the power dynamic in the sect, making Master Wu the leader of the Yin Ghost Sect.

As soon as Master Wu took charge, he ordered the sect members to clear the area of bodies. They cremated the bodies individually and placed the ashes in urns. Their plan was to return these remains back to the Zheng family.

These bodyguards had died doing their job, and therefore they deserve to be respected.

Chen Fan pitched a small tent in beside the pond before he planned to dive into the pond to search for the Spirit Medicine.

Although the pond was only a few dozen meters in perimeter, underneath the pond was surprisingly spacious and was connected to a well developed natural aqueduct. It was no wonder that the Yin Snake was able to survive down here since it was able to prey on creatures that had wandered into the pond through the natural aqueduct.

Chen Fan quickly found the so-called Spirit Medicine. In addition, he also found an abundance of Yin Crystals.

"It was just a Senna plant? The Zheng Families are fools." Seeing the glistering waterweed, Chen Fan shook his head.

Chen Fan was a few hundred meters below the surface, yet he was not only able to see things clearly as daylight, but he was also able to move around without any difficulties. Since he had reached the Ice Skin stage, his physical body was able to withstand the pressure of a few hundred meters of water above him.

Although the Senna plant was a kind of spirit herb, it had no use whatsoever in prolonging life.

The real use of the plant was to make the "Soul Forming Pills."

Cultivators use the Soul Forming Pills to refine their immortal essence. The pill could also retain the soul of any deceased mortals. In other words, this pill was meant for Ghost cultivation and soul cultivators since its main effect was in refining and reinforcing the soul essence.

"If I were able to create the Soul Forming Pills. I should be able to access the Immortal Will with proper use of the Soul Refining Art."

Chen Fan rubbed his chin and pondered his options.

Immortal Will was a special ability for cultivators who had reached the Divine Sea. It allowed the user to project their Immortal Will into their surroundings in order to probe or communicate. Some cultivators could even use the Immortal Will to kill.

After he made up his mind, Chen Fan acted right away.

This Senna plant was of five stars in its quality; only a couple notches below the perfect seven-star grade.

To make the Soul Forming Pills, only a few pieces of its leaves were required. However, before he started to create the pill, he needed to take care of the snake carcass.

The Yin Snake had reached the Ethereal Enlightenment stage, and after a few hundred years of cultivation, nearly everything on its body could be salvaged.

Chen Fan carefully carved out its eyes and kept it for the stage of the Golden Eyes. He then went to pry the scale off the snakeskin. These scales were extremely hard and durable, perfect materials for making armor.

Afterward, Chen Fan extracted the snake's twenty-meter long spine. The spine was white as jade and cold to the touch. It was as if it was made out of thousands of years old cold steel.

Yin Qi had been coursing through the spine for over a hundred years, and by then, it had become a perfect material for making a Dharma Artifact.

Finally, Chen Fan started to take care of the flesh of the snake.

All cultivators learned to spot and consume Spirit Qi from nature. The Qi was everywhere if one knew where to look. It could be in jade, herbs, and flesh and even in blood of creatures. Thus it was, the flesh of the giant snake was ripened with Spirit Qi for the cultivator to harness.

Chen Fan put the snake meat in a pot and cooked it with Arcane Fire. After a while, the massive chunk of snake meat was reduced into a few thousand pellets. They were the "Arcane Pills."

These Arcane Pills were created by Chen Fan using a special elixir brewing method that enhanced its effect greatly.

Although these pills were still not real spirit pills, they were a huge step up from the Essence Enhancing Pill.

A'Xiu and Master Wu both had one pill, and they felt the effects right away as a wave of heat permeated throughout their bodies. Soon, their skin was smoldering, and they could feel their muscles and bones strengthening by the second.

"These Arcane Pills can also help to prolong the effect of the Essence Gathering Pill."

Suddenly, a sect member came over to Chen Fan and told him that Zheng Anqi had returned.

After she had arrived in Dong Du City, Zheng Anqi was finally able to gather herself and came to terms with reality. The reality was that she could do nothing to Chen Fan and she had lost the battle.

None of the rich teenagers of the Dong Du City dared stand up against Chen Fan after experiencing the terrible event in the valley. Therefore, Miss Zheng conceded that she would not expect any help from them.

Without the local support, and being miles away from Zhong Zhou, Zheng Anqi's chances of getting the spirit herb was slime. The last resort was to beg Chen Fan, hoping that the boy would take pity on her situation.

After having a few long hard conversations with Mr. Shi, Zheng Anqi decided to return to the Yin Dragon Pond.

She looked much calmer than the last time she was here. The indifferent look on her face suggested that she had taken her personal feelings out of the meeting.

She wore a golden rimmed glasses that accentuated the curves of her lips and pointy chin. The slim fit business suit and tight black dress pants brought out her model-like body shape, the alluring sight completed with a pair of black high heels that gave her a touch of seductiveness.

However, her business clothing set the tone for the meeting.

"Mr. Chen, I am here to talk to you about purchasing the herb you have found in the pond."

Zheng Anqi said firmly.

Her voice was firm and no-nonsense, the voice of an elite business woman that was inside of her. She gazed at Chen sharply, pressuring him with every moment that passed.

Chen Fan sat cross-legged on a flat rock beside the pond. The valley had changed a lot. A few lawn chairs and patio furniture were set beside the pond, and not far from the pond, the sect members had erected a few small cabins.

Chen Fan opened his eyes slowly and said lightly: "Well, since you asked, I will tell you the truth.

"I wager that the reason you need the herb is to prolong old man Zheng's life.

"However, you are looking at the wrong cure. The medicine inside the pond was a Senna plant, and it was used to preserve a living person's soul. It had nothing to do with prolonging life. If your old man uses it, his condition might deteriorate even further."

Zheng Anqi's face hardened after she heard Chen Fan's words.

She looked to Mr. Shi for an opinion.

Mr. Shi furrowed his brows and fell into deep thought; after a while, realization finally dawned upon him. "Indeed! The Yin Dragon Pond was filled with Yin Qi, not an ideal place to grow an herb that would prolong life."

He then turned to Zheng Anqi and apologized, "Mr. Zheng, it was all my fault. I had only seen the record of the herb, but didn't take time to remember what the herb was for."

Zheng Anqi managed a smile and say: "No worries. We will continue our search, and I expect the same assistance from you."

Her voice was laced with disappointment.

The Zheng Family had searched half the land of China for a cure, and the Yin Dragon Pond had been their best bet. With their last shred of hope gone, Miss Zheng started to think that such a cure would never exist in the first place.

Suddenly, she heard Chen Fan's voice: "Although you can't use the plant, I might have something that could be of help to you."

"Really?"

Zheng Anqi's eyes lit up with hope.

Chen Fan cracked a smile and fished out a porcelain bottle from which he poured out an Arcane Pill. Then, he ordered a sect member to fetch him a wounded rabbit.

Chen Fan stuffed the Arcane Pill into the rabbit's mouth.

Almost immediately, the gravely wounded rabbit sprung back to life and looked as if it was completely healed.

"Is this some kind of trick?"

Doubts surfaced on Zheng Anqi's face as she watched the incredible effect of the pill.

Chen Fan didn't speak; he produced another pill and handed it over to Mr. Shi.

Mr. Shi not only cultivated the wood element but was also versed in the art of traditional Chinese medicine.

He put the pill near his nose and sniffed it. And then, he closed his eyes and pondered a while.

"It's filled with life energy. Yes. This is a Spirit Pill that meant to prolong a person's life. This is... incredible!"

He exclaimed as he looked at Chen Fan surprisedly.

He had only read about such pills in ancient scrolls and had never met anyone who was capable of producing these incredible pills.

Zheng Anqi's eyes lit up as her face softened.

Chen Fan said: "This pill is called Arcane Pill. One pill was able to prolong a dying person's life for ten days. I have about a hundred of them in this bottle, enough to make the man live for another two years."

Zheng Anqi siad immediately: "Very well; I will buy them all."

Her voice held a great measure of certainty. As the top ten richest families in Hong Kong, money was not an issue for her.

She watched as Chen Fan raised a finger.

"A hundred million?"

Zheng Anqi gritted her teeth as she internalized the steep price.

The price was not low by any stretch of imagination since even supreme-grade ginseng was usually only for sale for ten million. The branch of the family that Miss Zheng represented had not yet consolidated the collective wealth of the Zheng family, and therefore, a hundred million was not a small number to her.

Her father was the second son of the old man and was embattled by his two brothers as he followed the old man's will to take over the family business. The smooth transaction of power relied heavily on the old man's involvement, and therefore the Zheng family was in dire need to acquire any medicine that could prolong the old man's life.

Zheng Anqi nodded.

"Fine, So be it; I will take it."

Master Wu was shocked by the magnitude of the wealth Chen Fan had just acquired.

It took Master Wu a lifetime to accumulate a couple of hundred million. However, Master Chen had earn half of his entire asset with some pills he had casually created.

Even as everyone was shocked by the development, Chen Fan shook his head and smiled.

"You have misunderstood me, Miss Zheng.

"I meant one hundred million for one pill.

"There is one hundred of them so that it will be...

"Ten billion."

A chilling silence suddenly fell into the valley.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 73: Pay With Your Life!

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Have you gone mad?"

A sharp female voice suddenly broke the silence. Zheng Anqi could no longer keep up the calm and indifferent countenance, and by then, surprise and disbelief were written all over her face.

She glared at Chen Fan as if she was looking at a crazy person.

"Do you know what are you talking about? Who would spend ten billion yuan on a bottle of pills?"

In the year this event happened, which was 2007, there were only 900 people around the globe that had more than one billion yuan. If one considered currency, that equalled six to seven billion Chinese yuan. In other words, there were less than a thousand people in the world who owned more than seven billion Chinese yuan.

How many of those were from China? The answer was sixty.

With ten billion yuan, one would be considered the richest person in the entire China, much less in this inland province.

Although the Zhang Family claimed to own more than a hundred billion yuan assets, the number was bloated by the subsidiaries that the Zheng Family didn't really control.

Therefore, the Zheng Family owned at most twenty billion yuan, but that figure had easily secured them a spot on the top ten list of richest families in Hong Kong.

Chen Fan had asked for half of the Zheng Family's wealth, no wonder Zheng Anqi would be so riled up.

"Of course I know how much it is. I can count" Chen Fan said lightly.

"You can only buy these pills from me, no one else in the world will have them, plus, I have already given you a discount."

Zheng Anqi was shocked by Chen Fan's words. She wanted to refute the boy, but words simply evaporated from her mouth.

Master Wu was enthralled by Chen Fan's assertiveness.

Ten billion!

No bargaining and no-nonsense.

The richest person in the entire Zhong Zhou Province owned about the same amount of money. Even if he traveled to the wealthiest provinces such as Jiang Nan, the ten billion yuan would earn him a spot on the ten five lists.

To put things into perspective, the future Chinese magnet Wang Jianling, owner of the Wanda Group, richest person of Chinese descent, had owned a little more than fifteen billion in 2008.

Chen Fan's price would cost half of the Zheng Family's wealth. Would the Zheng Family be willing to pay that much in exchange for a few years of the old man's life?

Zheng Anqi thought about it for a while and then she shook her head.

"I am sorry Mr. Chen. We can't take the offer."

"Ten billion yuan is too much. With that price, we might as well have sent my grandfather to the best hospital and hook him up to the most expensive medical equipment."

"It's not too much." Chen Fan said.

"Even the best hospital cannot guarantee two years of your grandfather's life. Even if they could, your grandfather would be lying in bed, and unable to talk or move. However, if he uses my pills, he could live a normal life."

Chen Fan paused a second and then said: "I can give you some time to think about it. Take this bottle of pills and try it first."

He then handed the bottle to Zheng Anqi and gave Zheng Anqi a look.

"But don't make me wait for too long. I am not very patient."

Zheng Anqi looked at the bottle of pills in disbelief. After a while, she managed to gather herself as a broad smile broke over her face.

"Very well. I like your sincerity. Ten billion is it."

"I will go home to gather the funds. I promise it won't take long."

Having sealed the deal, Chen Fan waved a hand dismissing his guests.

Before Zheng Anqi left, she collected the cremated remains of her bodyguards.

Master Wu was upset seeing Zheng Anqi was going to take away all the pills.

After Zheng Anqi and her entourage winded out of the valley, Mr. Shi asked in confusion.

"Mr. Zheng, are you sure you want to pay ten billion?"

"That is a lot of money, even for the Zheng Family. Should we go over this with your father?"

For most super-rich magnets, it was not uncommon to invest ten billion yuan in developing a shopping mall or office building. However, there was a difference between investment and expenses. One can always resell the investment, but the pills were gone forever once eaten, and so was the money used to pay for them.

Even among the richest people in the world, only a very small handful of people could afford to spend ten billion yuan on something that yielded no return, the number was even smaller in China. At any rate, The Zheng Family of Hong Kong was definitely not one of them.

"What makes you think that I am going to pay ten billion?" Zheng Anqi paused and looked at Mr. Shi with a smirk.

Mr. Shi's face darkened.

"So you want to—"

Zheng Anqi cut him short with a smug smile.

"Did you see me sign any contract with him? No.

"There is no proof that I had to agree to pay him ten billion. What could he do to me? Sue me? I doubt he could afford a lawyer."

She sneered at Chen Fan with a cold snort.

"Yes, he will find out that I lied to him, so what?

"As I said before, we live in a modern society now and the most powerful weapon in this day and age is law, and not martial arts and Dharma Spells.

"I have forced myself to tolerate him only because we are in Zhong Zhou Province. If this happens in Hong Kong, I will make sure he comes to beg me to spare his life."

After she had finished ranting, she turned around and started off without waiting for Mr. Shi's reply.

Mr. Shi was going to say something, but the words got caught in his throat and eventually turned into a long sigh.

"Miss. Zheng, you are too young and too simple.

"It is not that easy to get away with cheating a cultivator."

Chen Fan had already reached a high level of attainment in his cultivation.

In the Daoist vocabulary, they call him a perfected master, while in the Buddhist world, monks would call him a guru.

A perfected master was able to turn wind into the blade, their breath into thunder. They could not be harmed by any natural elements and could summon thunder on a whim. She would be naive to think that she could get away with shorting the payment.

Mr. Shi shook his head and murmured: "I will have to talk to Lord Zheng when I get back to Hong Kong. We need to put down at least a few hundred million first. There will be many negotiations ahead of me; after all, Master Chen's price is simply too steep.

"If I keep letting Miss Zheng be in charge of this matter, the Zheng family will be gone in a short period of time."

After Miss Zheng had left, Master Wu came over to Chen Fan and said agitatedly.

"Master Chen, how could you let her take all the pills?"

"What if they don't pay us a penny? What if they can't afford it?"

"It doesn't matter if they can afford it or not. They had agreed to pay me, so they will, one way or another."

Chen Fan's eyes held a luster that threatened to kill.

Seeing the light in Chen Fan's eyes, Master Wu could not help but think about what happened to Xin Zhong.

Master Chen had made a similar agreement with Xin Zhong, and if Xin Zhong didn't pay the forty-five million yuan in time, he wouldn't have a chance to live until the martial arts tournament.

In the eyes of Master Chen, human life was as worthless as that of an ant. He could end it on a whim without feeling any guilt.

The thought sent a chill down Master Wu's spine, and so he decided to keep his silence.

Chen Fan sat on a giant stone, eyes half-closed as he fell into deep thought.

"People on this planet were so convinced that their rule was the only thing that mattered.

"They have failed to realize a fundamental flaw in that logic: rules are meant to be broken.

"It was absolute strength and power, but not rules that held the truth of the universe.

"In this universe, there was no one who could owe me money and get away with it."

Chen Fan said lightly.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 74: Cultivate In The Valley

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After the meeting with Zheng Anqi, Chen Fan started to focus on his cultivation.

It had been a month since he had reached the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment level. As time went by, he sensed that he was inching ever closer toward the late-stage of the Foundation Establishment.

The Yin Qi around the Yin Dragon Pond were much more potent than the Spirit Qi around the Misty Mountains. With the all-encompassing Void Mortal Refinement Art, Chen Fan would able to take full advantage of the Qi.

Chen Fan created a Sprite Gathering Array using the Yin Crystals which further boosted the speed of his improvement.

Whenever he was not cultivating, he could be found creating more elixirs such as the Soul Forming Pills.

This was when his newly acquired servants came in handy. The members of the Yin Ghost Sect worked diligently to purchase the necessary equipment and materials for Chen Fan so that he could focus on his cultivation.

These servants provided their services in exchange for Arcane Pills.

The Yin Dragon Pond used to be a forbidden ground for the Yin Ghost Sect not only because of the monster but also because of the belligerent Malice Qi and Yin Qi. However, Chen Fan and tamed the wild and raw energy around the pond using the Spirit Channeling Array, making them much less harmful to low-level cultivators.

"I should be able to harness the Immortal Will by the end of the day."

Chen Fan sat on a large flat rock and swallowed a few Soul Forming Pills that he had spent a lot of time on.

The pill melted in his mouth immediately and for a while, Chen Fan felt no change in his system at all. This was because the Soul Forming Pills worked not in the physical plane, but instead on the soul and spirit.

After a while, Chen Fan felt his temples were throbbing as his vision blurred. It was a sign of a sudden surge in his soul energy that was wreaking havoc on his senses.

Without any fear or concern, Chen Fan started a secret Art called the Soul Refining Art. It was one of the most effective arts for harnessing the Immortal Will.

Disciples of many renowned cultivation sects started to focusing on their Immoral Will as early as Foundation Establishment Level. They knew that they didn't have to wait until the Divine Sea and the power of the Immoral Will was much greater than the soul energy.

To compare the soul energy to Immortal Will, was to compare pig iron to the Damascus steel. Not only the Damascus steels were harder, but also more flexible.

In addition, Chen Fan practiced a special variant of the Soul Refining Art which was much more advanced and effective than its conventional counterpart.

He had acquired this special variant by chance while he was exploring an ancient ruin that used to be the residence of an Immortal. It was less refined than the ordinary version of the art and focused more on the raw power and force.

As Chen Fan carried on the Ancient Soul Refining Art, wave after wave of soul energy roiled and tumbled inside of his mind, like the tides of a restless sea swelling up at dusk.

Soul Forming Pills boosted the intensity of soul energy. So highly concentrated were these shapeless energies, they nearly materialized into the physical plane. Their presence had warped and bent the space itself, turning the air around Chen Fan into liquid.

Suddenly, he stomped the ground and shouted, "Start!"

The voice didn't come from his mouth, but it was from another plane of existence where his deepest consciousness resided.

At his behest, the restless soul energy fused into one singularity before it imploded on itself, releasing a wave of energy rippling across space at lightning speed.

The wave materialized in the physical word and knocked over whatever was in its way.

The swatch of the area a few dozen meters around Chen Fan was in tatters; rocks and fallen trees strewn everywhere.

"I did it!"

Chen Fan opened his eyes slowly.

The world had changed as he could see much more detail and insights.

From where he was sitting, he could see the grain on the leaves, the twitching antenna of the ants and he can hear the heartbeat of little critters hibernating a few meters under the earth. He looked to the other side of the pond where A'Xiu was cultivating; he could see the flow of energy coursing through her system.

The Immortal Will allowed him to observe the world with heightened not only five senses but also his six sense.

With this new ability, Chen Fan could see not only the living energy inside of humans and other creatures but also the invisible Primordial Essence: the building blocks of the world.

To most people, the Yin Dragon Pond was a cold and secluded pool of water hidden deep in the valley. With Immortal Will, Chen Fan saw not a pond, but a gaping hole where dark energy bellowed out from within. It was a gateway to the underworld.

"The Ancient Soul Refining Art is amazing! It was much more powerful than the ordinary version."

Chen Fan exclaimed.

The range of effect of Chen Fan's Immortal Will was well over a few hundred meters. It was enough to cover the entire mountain valley. Nothing, not even a twitch of a rabbit's ear could escape his notice.

For an ordinary cultivator of the Foundation Establishment level, his Immortal Will would cover at the most a dozen meters. Even with the help of the Soul Forming Pills, the range of the Immortal Will would be doubled at best. As such, the incredible range of Chen Fan's Immortal Will was truly a marvel.

"The Immortal Will was a success. Now I should start to create more Dharma Artifacts."

As soon as Chen Fan laid his eye on the spine of the Yin Snake, he knew right away what Dharma Artifact to create.

With the help of his newly acquired Immortal Will, Chen Fan carved a few offensive Dharma Arrays onto the spine. The key in creating an offense artifact was to heap as many similar attacking spells on one artifact as possible.

Seven days later, Chen Fan had finally finished his work: golden symbols that formed a serpentine line ran across the length of the twenty-meter-long spine.

Everything was in place, Chen Fan just had to activate it now.

"Start!"

Chen Fan suddenly shot a burst of energy into the spine, lighting up the golden symbols. He watched as the huge spine started to shrink in size until it was only the size of a waistband.

The bone waistband has the color of jade and was covered with tiny symbols. It looked like an artifact used by a primordial god older than time.

By then, Chen Fan had finally completed his work. It was impossible to carry the artifact around without shrinking it down to such a small size.

"Let's see how powerful it is."

Chen Fan threw the bone waistband at a large granite rock. In the air, the bone waistband turned into a thirty-meter long bone whip before it landed a solid blow on the rock.

"Kaboom!"

The rock exploded as if it was stuck by a stick of dynamite and it crumbled like a piece of tofu. The explosion threw many small fragments of the rock into the air creating a shower of pebbles.

Chen Fan shot out a hand again and commanded the bone whip to strike the pond. When the whip landed on the calm water surface, it separated the water in half and created waves that were as tall as a few meters.

"Not bad."

Should these two lashes land on a crowd of humans, there would be at least a few hundred casualties. It was so powerful that it could go through an armored vehicle with ease.

Satisfied, Chen Fan put away the bone waistband.

He walked over to the rock stuck by the artifact and noticed that the surface of the rock was covered with a layer of frost. It was the work of the Yin Qi inside the spine bone.

"Well, maybe I should call you the Bone Whip of Malicious Yin "

The success had lightened Chen Fan's mood and lent him the determination to push for the late stage of the Foundation Establishment Level.

A month later, inside the valley of the Yin Dragon Pond...

A'Xiu was practicing fist techniques at the entrance of the valley.

She curved both arms and raised them to her chest as if she was holding a giant ball. Her movement was slow and relaxed like Tai Chi. Slowly and gently, she pressed her small hand on a large rock.

When she removed her palm, her palm left a deep impression on the flat surface of the hard rock.

"True Martial Thirty-Six Forms "First Form: Skyfall Hammer!"

Her move was more powerful than most Internal Force masters; however, A'Xiu didn't seem to think it was a big deal.

In less than a month, she had improved her Internal Force significantly, transforming from an average village girl to a resolute and skillful warrior.

She had traveled across the Dong Du City with Mater Wu and fought many opponents. Yet, she had never lost a fight, once she had even defeated a martial artist at the Initial Success of his Internal Force cultivation.

"A'Xiu, you are getting the hang of it."

Master Wu walked over to A'Xiu with a smile.

Master Wu's appearance had changed a lot. No longer did he hold the cast of gloomy malice on his face; instead, he looked spirited and wise. He was only a few steps away from reaching the transcendent state.

A'Xiu gathered her Qi and looked toward the valley worriedly.

"Master Chen had been sitting there for over ten days, are you sure he is OK?"

"Don't worry. Master Chen is no ordinary person. All we could do is not to disturb him."

Master Wu said confidently.

Suddenly, someone stormed into the valley, shouting: "Mr. Chen Fan! Mr. Chen Fan!"

"What's going on?" A'Xiu asked. She noticed that the man was no other Sir Jiang Junior.

Sir Jiang Junior replied with a distressed voice:

"I need to see Mr. Chen."

"Master Chen is in seclusion right now and receives no guests." A'Xiu said hotly. "If you disturb Master Chen, I will make sure you regret it!"

"Well, what should I do then? I really need to see him! It's urgent!" Sir Jiang Junior said.

He looked frustrated and not sure what to do next.

Even as A'Xiu was about to ask him for more details, a booming voice erupted from within the valley.

The voice's pitch and volume increased by the second, and it started to shake the leaves and rocks all around the valley.

A'Xiu said with a smile on her face: "Master Chen has awakened."

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 75: An Invitation

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Since Master Chen is ready, would you please lead the way?"

As soon as Sir Jiang Junior gathered himself from the shock, he asked.

"Not yet. Master Chen still needs some time to rest, and he will not receive any guest until he is ready." A'Xiu announced with a hard face.

"Shoot!" Sir Jiang Junior cursed.

Suddenly, a voice rang inside of their mind.

"Let him pass."

"Yes, Master Chen." A'Xiu and Master Wu bowed toward the valley and replied.

Sir Jiang Junior was taken aback by the voice he heard in his mind. He muttered, "What... what was that? Why is there a voice inside my mind?"

"Calm down. That is Master Chen's voice transmission using his Immortal Will." A'Xiu said as she rolled her eyes at the young boy.

She was as frightened as Sir Jiang Junior when she heard Master Chen's voice in her mind for the first time. However, the fear subsided after she had learned that Master Chen had projected his voice into her mind using Immortal Will.

Based on Master Wu's explanation, Master Chen's voice transmission ability was similar to that used by Buddhist called "Mind Connection."

This ability not only allowed the cultivator to communicate with others, but it also gave insight into the inner thoughts of mortals.

Master Chen was still new to this ability and therefore he could only communicate with others but couldn't read other people's mind yet.

"This was the power of Immortal Enlightenment. He would have been revered as a Bodhisattva if he was a Buddhist." A'Xiu said with a great measure of admiration.

The more she learned about Master Chen, the more insignificant and powerless she felt about herself.

Sir Jiang Junior gathered himself and followed Master Wu and A'Xiu into the valley.

He saw Chen Fan was sitting on the same piece of rock as he was last time they met. However, he could sense that something inside of Chen Fan had changed.

Sir Jiang Junior studied Chen Fan carefully. The boy was sitting cross-legged on a rock, eyes half closed. His skin was pale and iridescent; at some places, it was nearly translucent. He could see the bones white as jade and the gleaming silvery blood that coursed through his body.

Ice Skin, Jade Bone and Silver Blood.

It was as if the boy was a character from a fiction novel.

"This... this is incredible!" Sir Jiang Junior lowered his head to conceal the fear in his eyes.

As he inched closer to Chen Fan, he felt an omniscient presence looming above him, like the dark clouds before a summer storm.

When the three of them finally stood still, they all heard Chen Fan's voice again.

"What do you want?"

Sir Jiang Junior managed to control his trembling legs and squeezed a smile from his taut face. "Master Chen, my father, wishes to meet you."

"Your father?" Chen Fan opened his eyes.

"He is a mortal, and I am a cultivator, I don't think it's a good idea for me to meet him."

Hearing Chen Fan's refusal, A'Xiu and Master Wu were ready to lead the guest out of the valley. Sir Jiang Junior suddenly shouted, "Please, PLEASE! Master Chen, I have traveled this deep into the mountain just to invite you over for a meeting. Please give me a chance."

"Oh? I thought you had come with a helicopter." Chen Fan said with a frozen smile.

Although he had turned his thoughts inward during cultivation, his senses were very much alive. He had sensed a helicopter hovering above the mountain moment before the teen showed up.

Sir Jiang Junior was embarrassed by his own lie. His eyes shifted left and right to avoid Master Chen's gaze.

"Fine, I will go." Chen Fan stood up and said.

He had been in seclusion for a month and had finally reached the late-stage of the Foundation Establishment level. In addition, he had already made a breakthrough in the Void Mortal Refinement Art and reached the Silver Blood. By then, he had increased his vitality by ten folds, and even a simple wave of the hand could stir up the arcane energy.

After prolonged inactivity, Chen Fan had the urge to go out of the valley and walk around.

Plus, refusing a local magnate's invitation was never a good idea.

Although he was not and would never be threatened by a local businessman in Dong Du City, he was on their turf. Therefore, it was wise for Chen Fan to meet with him in order to avoid unnecessary troubles.

This did not mean that Chen Fan feared Sir Jiang. He had reached the late-stage of the Foundation Establishment; they would have to use high caliber machine guns if they wish to harm him.

"Only if I had already reached the Ethereal Enlightenment. I wouldn't have to give a crap about anyone." Chen Fan lamented.

Once a cultivator had reached the Ethereal Enlightenment, he could ignore any damage from conventional weapons. Only the military issued heavy weapons such as machine guns, cannons and missiles would cause harm.

"Really?" Sir Jiang Junior's eyes were lit up with glee. "When will you be available?"

"We can leave now."

Chen Fan walked to the edge of the tall rock and continued to step down. It was as if he was walking on an invisible stair. Sir Jiang Junior had seen this ability a month ago, but he was still shocked by sight.

A month ago when Chen Fan killed the Yin Snake, Sir Jiang Junior only felt fear toward Chen Fan; however, today, he also felt admiration and respect.

He was convinced that Chen Fan was an immortal, even if Chen Fan had denied it.

A'Xiu's heart was also filled with admiration and awe.

She had heard from Master Chen that the ability to walk in the air was called the Heaven Trampling Step, the fifth move in the True Martial Thirty-Six Forms, while the Mountain River Cut he used to kill the Yin Snake was the seventh move. Master Chen had promised her that if she could reach the transcendent state, he would teach her the first seven forms.

However, by then, A'Xiu had only reached initial success and was still unable to pull off the first form: Skyfall Hammer. She still had a long way to go before she reached the Transcendent state.

As soon as the group filed out of the valley, they saw a helicopter parked at a clearing in the woods. This helicopter belonged to Sir Jiang's tourism company.

Riding in the helicopter, they were out of the forest in just hours.

After they landed at the foothills of the mountain, they decided to find a place to spend the night in Qishan County. One rich local who was Sir Jiang friend invited them over to his hotel and offered them accommodation.

The next day, Chen Fan and Sir Jiang Junior drove an SUV to the city of Dong Du.

Sitting in the back seat, Chen Fan asked lightly, "Can you tell me why is your father looking for me?

"He is a busy man; how does he manage to find time to chat with me?"

Sir Jiang Junior smiled.

Master Chen was right; his father didn't initiate the meeting; instead, it was him who insisted on the two of them meeting. Ever since what happened at the Yin Dragon Pond, he became disillusioned in gaining Zheng Anqi's heart.

"She had lied to me about her true motive and dragged me into the shit hole!"

Feeling betrayed, Sir Jiang Junior took a long hard look at his blind royalty to Zheng Anqi and had turned down many of her subsequent request of kicking Chen Fan out of the valley.

However, after he had got over the shame and the denial, he realized that the current situation presented an opportunity for him.

He became increasingly convinced that Chen Fan was a reasonable person; someone he could talk to. The fact that Chen Fan had treated the Yin Ghost Sect well after he had taken control further reinforced his belief.

"I have lived for over twenty years, and it wasn't until I had met Chen Fan that I opened my eyes to the real world.

"I have been living under a rock for the whole time!"

He had seen Mu Hongshen's ability to command spirits, Mr. Shi's incredible Dharma Spells, the Yin Snake's otherworldly power, and Master Chen's heroic blow that killed the monster.

He had never even dreamed of those abilities in the twenty years of his life.

All the worldly pleasures and debauchery he had been so fond of suddenly paled in comparison with the world of cultivation.

Therefore, Sir Jiang Junior wanted to become one of Chen Fan's disciples and to learn from him. Meanwhile, a stroke of bad luck hit his father's company, and Sir Jiang Junior recommended Chen Fan to his helpless father.

His father didn't believe him at first, but after Sir Jiang Junior's insistent pleading, he agreed to meet with Chen Fan.

Sir Jiang Junior replied to Chen Fan in a serious voice.

"Master Chen, my father is in trouble lately. He had asked help from many experts like you but to no avail.

"He had asked help from many monks and Buddhists and was even talking about inviting Feng Shui masters from southern China. I thought it might be easier if you were to take a look at the trouble. Please, Master Chen. Help my father and the millions of citizens in Dong Du City. "

"What happened? Why are the lives of millions of citizens at stake?"

Chen Fan was taken aback by the situation. He gave the teenage boy a curious glance.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 76: Looked Down On By Everyone

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After Sir Jiang Junior had finished explaining the situation, Chen Fan finally learned what had happened at Dong Du.

Dong Du City was one of China's centers for cultivating florals and was well known for its peony. Every year, many tourists across China would flock to Dong Du City to enjoy the view of thousands of peonies at full bloom.

Although it was not yet the blooming season, there was one kind of special peony called Winter Peony that would bloom twice in a year. It had become a novelty among the floral enthusiasts and had attracted many winter tourists.

However, things had changed lately.

The flowers in the flower bed not only refused to bloom but also seemed to be wilting.

This was a devastating blow to the city's commerce. The peony was the pillar of Dong Du's economy, and not only did it attract tourists, but it could also fetch a very good price on the market. Every year, the floral industry was able to rack in over a billion yuan of profit.

As the richest person in the Dong Du City, Jiang Jialiang had his skin in the floral industry and therefore, he would be hit severely by the development.

He had first turned to the local horticulturist, but to no avail, then, he invited agriculture experts from provincial research institutes. The scientists conducted a thorough examination from the soil to the water; however, they have found nothing.

Even the experts were at a loss.

Seeing the peony wilting by the day, Sir Jiang Junior decided to turn to Master Chen.

"That is indeed a big problem." Master Wu said with a bleak face.

As a citizen of the Dong Du City, he knew the importance of peony to the local people. The health of the industry was linked to the livelihood of many citizens who were employees of the plantation.

"Wilting peony?" Chen Fan was light-hearted by the problem.

He was a cultivator of Qi, not cultivator of flowers.

Despite the fact that Chen Fan never learned horticulture, he was not without solutions. In order to fix the problem, he would set up a large Sprite Gathering Array across the plantation plant and let the peony soak in the Spirit Qi. This way, these peonies should be able to become healthy and strong in no time.

"After the scientist had given up, a lot of people believed that there is something wrong with the Feng Shui of the plantation. Since Master Chen was a powerful immortal, I believe you should be able to fix it for us." Sir Jiang Junior siad.

"If you could fix the problem for us, we will make sure no one will ever lay a finger on the Yin Dragon Pond. "

Chen Fan cracked a smile and didn't say anything.

Yin Dragon Pond was secluded in the middle of nowhere, not a lot of people knew it even existed much less claiming it for themselves.

However, that did not mean Chen Fan could hide it from the other cultivators forever.

The Yin Crystal and the Spirit herb at the bottom of the pond would sooner or later attract other cultivators to this sacred ground, and by then, competition would be inevitable. Therefore, it would be ideal for Chen Fan to secure the title of the land by doing the local gentry a favor as soon as possible.

"Once the timing is right, I will help you." Chen Fan said lightly.

Having gained Chen Fan's assurance, Sir Jiang Junior finally calmed down.

Once they entered the Dong Du City, they pulled over next to a large peony plantation.

Many local gentries had already gathered here, listening to the opinions of horticulturalists from all over China.

"Dad, I invited Master Chen."

Sir Jiang Junior came over to a middle age man.

"Shut up; what are you doing here?" A serious middle age man with a troubled look shouted at Sir Jiang Junior.

Sir Jiang Junior managed a smile and then said, "I have heard you have invited a Feng Shui master, so I thought I would introduce you to Master Chen."

Jiang Jialiang grunted, and his face softened a little.

"Bring him to me." Jiang Jialiang commanded.

Jiang Jialiang had never held high expectations for his son, and when he saw Chen Fan, he was outright disappointed. What could a sixteen year old boy do to help him with such a dire situation?

A real Feng Shui master should look like Master Huang standing next to him.

He wore an ancient style scholar hat and long white silky beard. Every word and sentence he spoke was a quote from the classics such as the I-ching. No one knew more about the Yin and Yang of the Feng Shui than Master Huang.

Jiang Jialiang nodded at Chen Fan and turned to Master Huang right away.

Master Huang was surrounded by a large crowd, and he didn't even notice Chen Fan.

He walked and talked while holding a compass. He impressed the crowd with archaic words and quotes and installed a blind admiration into everyone's heart.

Seeing Jiang Jialiang did not pay much attention to Master Chen, Sir Jiang Junior was going to pipe up again.

A man in his thirties tugged Sir Jiang Junior's arm and urged him: "Your dad is busy, try not to bother him. will you?"

"Brother Cai, I am not bothering him; I am helping!" Sir Jiang Junior complained. "I made a great effort to invite Master Chen out from his seclusion, but Dad acts like he doesn't even care."

Brother Cai was Jiang Jialing's secretary. Sir Jiang Junior rarely spoke to his father; instead, Brother Cai was the one who looked after him for most of the time.

Having heard the complaints, Cai Zhongxin furrowed his brows.

He looked at Chen Fan and couldn't see anything extraordinary in this young boy. However, since he was invited by Sir Jiang Junior, he decided to let Chen Fan tag along behind the crowd.

Chen Fan didn't mind the ill-treatment As he walked among the row of peonies, he furrowed his brows.

The leaves of the peonies were parched as if it was baked in an oven.

This was impossible! It was the middle of winter with plenty of snow. But the signs showed that the plants were suffering from over-heat.

"Wait!"

Chen Fan paused.

"What's going on?" Master Wu asked.

"Haven't you found the air in the garden is very hot?" Chen Fan asked.

"Indeed!" A'Xiu gasped. It was zero degrees outside, but inside the plantation, it felt as if it was spring.

"How is this possible? Could there be a large hot spring underneath us?" Master Wu asked with a big frown.

Chen Fan's eyes lit up with curiosity. He narrowed his eyes as he started to project his Immortal Will to the underground.

Seeing Chen Fan had started working, Sir Jiang Junior waited beside him quietly. He hoped that Chen Fan was able to find the cause of the plant's disease.

"Humf! What a load of crap!"

Brother Cai grunted.

Sir Jiang Junior was young and green; therefore he could be easily fooled. The rise in temperature was not a secret; even Brother Cai had noticed it once he stepped into the plantation.

However, the temperature was still mild, and shouldn't have to parch the leaves.

They had consulted a geologist, and they had confirmed that there was no hot spring or any other heat source underground.

It was after every conceivable scientific test had failed to pinpoint the cause, they had resorted to asking help from a Feng Shui Master.

Suddenly, Brother Cai heard Master Huang speaking loudly.

"Brother Jiangliang, I think I have found the culprit."

"What is it?" Jiang Jialiang looked at Master Huang expectantly.

"The peony garden is located at a gathering point of Yang Qi. In my line of work, it was called Yang Qi Locking Ground." Master Huang said with a compass in his hand. "During a normal year, this Yang Qi will not do any harm to the plants. However, this year and this month, in particular, was of the Yang Element as well. The combination of the timing and the Yang Qi eventually become too much for the plants, hence the wilting.

"It was like a human sleeping beside a campfire during summer; heat will make his nose bleed."

"Shoot! So what should I do?" Jiang Jialiang exclaimed.

"Don't worry; I will set up a Feng Shui Array and connect the area with the Yin Qi to neutralize the elements. It will make this garden an even better place for flowers to flourish." Master Huang said confidently as he ran his fingers through his long beard.

"Really?" Jiang Jialiang's eyes were lit up with joy.

"Bull shit!"

A loud voice interrupted everyone's joyful relief. They looked to the speaker with a great measure of rancor and surprise.

They saw a boy standing right next to the panicking Brother Cai.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 77: A Real Master?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Who are you, who gave you permission to enter?" Those who didn't know Chen Fan flung back at him hotly.

Even those who had heard Sir Jiang Junior's introduction of Chen Fan were not pleased by his brazen interruption.

Seeing Jiang Jialiang's cold glare, Brother Cai cursed Chen Fan in his mind.

"I allowed you to tag along for the sake of Sir Jiang Junior. Why do you have to make a fool of yourself and drag me along with it?

"Can't you see who is present? Not only all the rich magnates of the city are here, but the professors and researchers from the university were also there. What would they think about a sixteen-year-old commenting in their opinion?"

Sir Jiang Junior watched as his father furrowed his brows.

"Mr. Chen, What do you mean?"

Brother Cai squeezed his face at Chen Fan, willing him to be quiet. However, Chen Fan didn't even spare him a glance.

"I meant what I say. I said that Master Huang's explanation was bullshit."

Everyone was shocked when they heard Chen Fan's words loud and clear.

They might have let it slide even if they heard Chen Fan murmuring the nonsense to himself behind everyone's back, however, there and then, he had repeated his ignorant claim under broad daylight. He was asking for trouble.

Lo and behold, Sir Jiang Junior's father pulled a taut face and refuted his son's friend hotly: "Kids should learn to keep their trap close when the adults are talking!"

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said, "I am a Feng Shui master invited by Jiang Haochen, why couldn't I put in my two cents?"

Jiang Haochen was the name of Sir Jiang Junior.

Everyone shot an accusatory glare at Sir Jiang Junior. Although he was the son of the richest man in the city, he had never been publicly put on a spot.

Among those who were displeased with his guest, were at least two whose power was on par with his father. His father also gave him a look that read: "You are dead meat. Somebody is going to hurt real bad when we get home."

Despite his confidence in Chen Fan, Sir Jiang Junior started to waver. He looked to Chen Fan for support.

Chen Fan stood confidently and was unfazed by the accusations and animosity around him.

Even as Mr. Jiang was about to end the interruption by expelling Chen Fan from the plantation, Master Huang spoke up in a calm voice.

"It's Ok. If this young man has something to say, then go ahead.

"Old age does not amount to knowledge. He might know more than I do. I had been learning Feng Shui for well over four decades, but still, I learn something new every day."

Everyone nodded approvingly after they have heard Master Huang's humble words.

The Chinese people valued humbleness. It was considered a virtual to cover up one's strength in front of others and speak humbly about oneself. Master Huang was a renowned Feng Shui Master in the entire Lingnan area, yet he respected the opinion of a teenage boy which made him appeared all that more respectable and wise.

Jiang Jialiang managed a smile and then said: "Master Huang, you are too humble. We all know you have years of experience behind you, and is one of the best in the field of Feng Shui. This arrogant boy just wants attention; we don't have to listen to him."

He then turned toward Jiang Haochen and said:

"Take your friend out of here. You are in your twenties, why do you still act like a boy? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

A wave of indignation rose inside of Sir Jiang Junior.

Beside him was the immortal-like Chen Fan, while on the other side was the ire of his father. What should he do?

Master Huang cracked a smile and then said:

"It's Ok. I believe that there is a reason that your son had invited his friend. Although I am confident in my conclusion, I would like to hear what others had to say."

"What a humble master!"

"This is what a real master looks like. Humble and wise. This young boy has a long way to go."

Everyone around Master Huang heaped praise onto Master Huang while they glared at Chen Fan.

Master Huang had explained the cause of their problem clearly. Not only his logic was indisputable, but he was also able to explain such a convoluted concept clearly to everyone using layman's terms. When even science had failed to provide an answer, Master Huang and his knowledge in Feng Shui came to save the day.

However, Master Huang's conclusion was challenged by a sixteen year old boy.

"Humpf! He wouldn't even be qualified as my student." A professor grunted.

"You think too highly of him; I doubt he was the material for the university." Another agriculture expert shook his head and lamented.

"Grandpa, don't you think it's possible that he really is a Feng Shui master?" An attractive looking young girl wearing a ponytail asked the professor.

Before the white-haired professor could answer, a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses snorted. "That's impossible."

"We have been staying in university for over ten years, and we still couldn't find out the cause of the disease. Our teacher was a member of the national research council, and yet he couldn't find out a cure either. How could a sixteen year old boy know anything more about plant science than us?"

"That makes sense." The girl stuck the tip of her tongue out and said.

The white-haired old man nodded in approval.

This professor's name was Mu Shouqiong. He was a member of the national research council, a pioneer researcher in horticulture. He led the science team that investigated the strange peony disease.

However, after a few days of intense study and testing, the scientist had failed to provide an explanation, much less a cure. Therefore, the businessmen at Dong Du City were forced to look into other cures.

The middle age man and the girl behind the old man were called Hong Zhengtao and Mu Qinqin. Hong Zhengtao was the old man's research assistant.

Professor Mu had taken notice of Hong Zhengtao's intelligence and diligence when he was an undergraduate student. The old man took him in as one of his graduate students and then his research assistant. By then, Hong Zhengtao had already earned his associate professor designation.

Mu Qinqin was professor Mu's granddaughter, a fresh new graduate from China's Agriculture and Science Institution. She worked closely with her grandfather to learn as much as she could from him.

The thought of his failure made professor Mu heave a sigh and then he said, "Compared to the knowledge of our ancestors, we are still far behind."

"I don't think so. I bet that Master Huang was a fraud. Science will prevail in the end!" Hong Zhengtao announced.

The businessmen's decision of turning to a Feng Shui Master didn't sit well with Hong Zhengtao. As a man of science, he saw it as the local's distrust of science and an outright personal affront.

However, Professor Mu shook his head and disagreed.

"This is not as simple as you think. Master Huang knows things that we don't."

Suddenly, Professor Mu's eyes lost focus as he recalled an incident he saw when he was young. "Back in the 90s, there was a famine broke out in Lin Xi province. Hundreds of thousands of people were starving."

"The other two researchers and I were called to investigate the cause of the feminine and just like what happened here, we have found no answer. Later, The local gentry asked a Feng Shui Master for help. That Feng Shui master cast some kind of spell on the land and turned the situation around.

"That had been sensational news back then. Even the federal government was alerted by it."

"Really?" Hong Zhengtao was shocked. Mu Qinqin covered her mouth to suppress a gasp." So... Master Huang was..."

"Indeed. Master Huang was one of those Feng Shui Master I met decades ago."

Both of his students were shocked by the revelation. The gaped at their teacher and asked incredulously:

"I always thought that so-called Feng Shui was pseudoscience used by swindlers."

"There are many things in this world that science can't explain yet." Professor Mu heaved a sigh.

He felt that the more he researched, the less he knew about the world.

"Master Huang is the real deal. If he couldn't fix the problem, then Dong Du city is in big trouble." Professor Mu siad with a deep frown.

After hearing Professor Mu's story, Hong Zhengtao and Mu Qinqin looked to Mu Qinqin with newfound respect.

They watched as Master Huang asked the boy calmly: "My friend, can you point out the mistake in my theory?"

Everyone looked at Chen Fan. Chen Fan replied slowly: "Everything is wrong. There is nothing right about your theory.

"That is why I said it was bullshit."

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 78: I Am The Celestial Lord!

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Bull shit, you say?"

Hearing Chen Fan repeating the unforgiving remark; Master Huang finally showed some annoyance.

After all, he was the master of the Lin Nan area, one of the very few masters that was still active in China. He had become famous twenty years ago, and by then, he had become a frequent honorable guest at the banquets of the most powerful man in China. If not for the invitation from the Dong Du City Government, he wouldn't even think about being interested in the case.

He had given the boy some face and asked him polite questions, but he had gotten insults in return.

"Young man, who is your teacher? Haven't he told you to respect your elders?" Master Huang furrowed his brows.

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said, "Maybe I should be your elder."

"Humph!" Master Huang could no longer hold back the anger inside of him. He snorted and said coldly: "Is that right? Let me tell you something; there are not a lot of people who dare call themselves an elder in front of me, Huang Wenze. All of those who could are well over a hundred years old. I wonder which one of those masters is your teacher?"

"Huang Wenze? The Huang Wenze of Lin Nan?" Master Wu's face paled.

"Is he famous?" Chen Fan asked casually.

Master Wu felt the hot glare from everyone around him, he hurried to reply: "Master Chen, he was one of the top five people in the field of Feng Shui. His fame was on par with that of Zhou Daoji from Hong Kong."

"Huang Wenze was quite a big deal; many consider him the leader of the field. "

Before Chen Fan spoke up again, Master Huang cracked a cynical smile and said: "If you haven't even heard of my name, I will scarcely consider you a professional."

He shook his head patronizingly as he spoke.

"I have mistaken you for a talented disciple of a renowned sect, but turns out that you are just an amateur. I think I have overestimated you in thinking that you might have some genuinely constructive input. But I doubt that you even know what a Yang Qi Locking Ground is."

"You are right; I am not a practitioner of Feng Shui. And indeed that I have no idea what a Yang Qi Locking Ground."

Chen Fan nodded readily. His candidness took Master Huang by surprise.

"Ha!"

Many people around Chen Fan burst out laughing.

For someone who admitted to be an amateur in the field of Feng Shui, Chen Fan was rather generous in his criticism. The irony in it was rich.

Mu Shouqiong furrowed his brows as the teenage boy's arrogant attitude didn't sit well with him.

He was the man of science; a firm believer in that there was no more shameful act than pretending to know what one does not.

He could have looked past Chen Fan's young age if he was really worth his salt. However, if Chen Fan didn't even know what he was talking about, his interruption and rude remarks would only make a fool out of himself.

"Mr. Chen, what are you doing?"

Sir Jiang Junior was shocked by the development.

He had been convinced that Master Chen was a god-like existence and therefore he expected him to know everything, let it be astronomy, geology or history. However, it seemed that he was wrong.

To save his son's face, Sir Jiang had tolerated Chen Fan's existence, however, by then, whatever patience he had was gone. As fire sprout from his heart, he was ready to call the police and kick the rude imbecile out of his property.

Then, he heard Chen Fan speak again.

"Although I don't know anything about Feng Shui, I know one thing for sure.

"You are wrong."

Chen Fan shot a glare at Master Huang and announced firmly, "You have been wrong from the very beginning. The Yang Qi Locking Ground was not the cause of the disease, and neither was the timing. If you set up your so-called Feng Shui Array, these Peonies will only die even faster."

"Shut up!" Master Huang could no longer maintain his forbearance. He shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Have you studied I-ching?

"Can you interpolate trigrams?

"Have you read the House-Ching?

"Are you versed in the theories of the Roaring Dragon Ching and the Mystic Dragon Ching?

"Do you know what the meaning of the Shooting Stars of the Nine Palace?"

Master Huang took a step forward after each question.

In five wide strides, Master Huang arrived at the center of the courtyard. He shouted at Chen Fan, "I doubt you can tell me the names of the eight trigrams. How dare you question me?

"I, Huang Wenze had learned under Master Xuankong from the Southern Sect ever since I was seven. I have stayed with my master for twenty years during which time I learned everything about Feng Shui. When I finally enter the world as a practitioner, I have helped countless innocent people adjusting and neutralized the chaotic elements around their houses."

"In 1987, it was I who find out the cause of death for seven owners of an apartment in Yang Dong City. I have lured the murderous Yin Ghost out of the apartment and banished it.

"In 1991, I had solved the series of mysterious car crashes on number sixteen highway. I have rearranged the Feng Shui on that segment of the road and finally harmonized the Qi. "

"In 1995, when a massive landslide in the Mei Lin City suddenly occurred and claimed the lives of thirty-two people in its wake. I had gone to the disastrous area and cast an Array to make sure such a tragedy will never happen again.

"In 1997, when the entire Ling Xi province was hit by a drought, threatening the lives of millions. I rallied my fellow Feng Shui masters and spent a month to cast a costly array and successfully challenged the Water Qi into the drought area.

"I have been a Feng Shui master for over forty years, and I dare say that never once have I made a mistake. Who are you to question my credentials?"

Master Huang was seething with anger and indignation, and his list of illustrious achievements had earned him many respectful regards from the people around him.

His past achievements were a testament to his ability and power. No wonder he had garnered such a high reputation in Lin Nan area.

"Master Huang is such a badass!"

Mu Qinqin exclaimed. Her eyes were filled with admiration.

Anyone who was able to become the cream of the crop in his profession deserved proper respect.

By then, only Master Wu and A'Xiu were still on Chen Fan's side, since even Sir Jiang Junior had begun to have second thoughts.

"Maybe Master Chen was only good at fighting, but not an expert in the art of curing and healing."

Sir Jiang Junior lamented.

He regretted bringing Chen Fan to his father; not only Chen Fan had made a fool of himself, but he had lost the approval of his father.

"Well said, but what you have achieved in the past is irrelevant." Chen Fan said with a pair of half-closed eyes as if he was contemplating the secret of the universe.

"Bull shit!"

Master Huang shouted as fire pour out from his mouth.

He had never seen anyone so sunburned and arrogant.

"Fine, I will show you what I can do other than words." Master Huang said with a sneer. "Let's see what else you have to say after I teach you a lesson."

So saying, he nipped a peony off its stem and started a spell.

Holding the flower in one hand, he started to form a few hand signs with the other hand.

Chen Fan was the only person who could feel the wave of energy conjured up by Master Huang at his fingertips.

"Void Array! This is the secret finger technique of the Southern Sect." Master Wu exclaimed.

"What the hell is a finger technique?" Chen Fan asked light-heartedly.

In his eyes, Master Huang's spell array was merely a child's play.

At his current level, he didn't even need to channel his Dharmatic Art. With only a little bit of Immortal Will, Chen Fan could summon much more powerful energy wave than Master Huang could ever imagine.

"The practice of Feng Shui could be divided into two main branches: the Northern and the Southern. The Southern Sect is well known for its use of fingers to conjure up a Dharma Array that was perfectly contained in the small space of the palm."

"On the other hand, the Northern Sect is well known for their ability to spot exceptional administrative and military talents based on the flow of natural energy. Due to their ability to spot a diamond in the rough, they were among the most trusted advisors of kings and generals.

"Therefore, the Southern Sect had always served the rich businessmen while the Northern Sect's clients were often beside powerful lords."

Master Wu paused and smiled wryly. "Huang Wenze is the grand master of the Southern Sect. His should be one of the most powerful Feng Shui masters in China. "

Before Master Wu had finished his sentence, Master Huang had already finished the Array.

Suddenly, cold wind came up from all directions, and the temperature dropped by a few degrees.

"Oh! Look!"

Someone shouted.

Everyone looked toward where the speaker was pointing. They watched as the wilting flower came back alive and in a blink, it was blooming.

"It's blooming! It's blooming!"

Everyone shouted at the top of their lungs and joy was written all over Jiang Jialiang's face.

The disease had worried him so gravely that half of his healthy black hair turn grey. The floral industry was the pillar of Dong Du City's economy, and not only the stake holder's investments were at risk, but also the livelihood of thousands of employees of the industry.

Master Huang had shown everyone the sign of hope; given time, he could be able to avert the crisis and save the day.

By then, everyone's attention was on Master Huang, and barely anyone even noticed Chen Fan's existence.

A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd as the local gentries heaped praise onto Master Huang. They wondered when Master Huang could cure all the plants in the plantation.

The spell had cost half of Master Huang's energy. Despite the sweat on his forehead, his success and others praise had overcome his exhaustion.

It had proven that his array worked. His next step would be to rally as many powerful Feng Shui masters as possible to help him complete the array on a larger scale.

"Master Chen, should we go home?"

A'Xiu asked bitterly. In her mind, Master Chen should be the center of everyone's attention. Since Master Huang had stolen the stage spotlight, she felt slightly disappointed.

"Fine, let's head out now." Chen Fan nodded.

After probing the surrounding with his Immortal Will, Chen Fan had already pinpointed the cause of the disease. However, Three are too many people around right now, so he decided to wait until dark to catch the culprit.

Sir Jiang Junior felt a mix of emotions and all of them made him want to cry.

He was supposed to save the day, but now he had become a laughing stock. Not only he had lost his father's trust, but he had also lost any chance of becoming one of Master Chen's disciples.

Even as Chen Fan turned around and was ready to leave the plantation, Master Huang called out to him.

"Young man, are you convinced now?"

Chen Fan turned his head around and saw Master Huang's contemptuous smile. The people around Master Huang also regraded Chen Fan with cold sneers.

"I have already said it. You are wrong."

To everyone's surprise, Chen Fan insisted on his opinion.

"You are right about the cure but wrong about the cause of the ailment. Regardless of how big of an array you set up, without rooting out the real culprit, the disease will come back in no time. "

"Shut your trap! Security! Where is security? Kick him out of here!" Sir Jiang shouted vehemently.

A few security guards came into the courtyard. They rolled up their selves and were ready to escort the boy out.

"Dad!"

Sir Jiang Junior pleaded to his father. However, his father's face's rock hard face suggested that he was not going to change his mind.

In the eyes of other people, Chen Fan and finally got what he deserved.

"Master Chen?"

Fearing the confrontation, Master Wu looked to Chen Fan worried.

If they fought back, they would definitely be sent to jail.

A'Xiu was unfazed by the development. Already, she started to channel out his internal energy and was ready to fight.

"Hehe"

To everyone's surprise, Chen Fan cracked a smile and then shook his head.

"When Jiang Haochen asked me for help, I thought to myself that I might be a nice guy for once and help you out.

"However, not only you disregard my expert opinion, but also want to outright kick me out. Tell you what, I don't even want to help to from the outset.

"Before I leave, I will show you who you are messing with!"

Suddenly, Chen Fan stomped the ground and shouted.

"Bloom!"

In a blink, the temperature rose, and the air became moist. It was as if the god of spring had just arrived at the mortal world.

All the peonies around Chen Fan bloomed simultaneously like there was no tomorrow. The flowers painted the courtyard with vibrant colors and infused the air with intoxicating fragrance.

"This. This is... unbelievable!" Everyone was stupefied by the sight. Master Huang pointed at Wang Tong with a trembling finger but was unable to form a word in his mouth.

Among the flowers, he saw that Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and looked at him with a cold sneer.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 79: The Fire Rock

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Will Power Array! This is a Will Power Array!" Master Huang murmured to himself.

"Master Huang, what is Will Power Array?"

Someone managed to ask the question despite the shock.

"The Will Power Array is a legendary technique in our field. It was the highest form of the Finger Technique in the Southern Sect."Master Huang shook his head and said, "It was said that only a grandmaster could have cast a Feng Shui Array using his will alone without anyone noticing it."

"Compared to my technique, the Will Power Array didn't need any complicated hand signs, and the Array could be formed almost instantly. Master Chen was able to command the flowers to bloom on a whim; it was the power of the Immortals!"

Master Huang's explanation shed some light on the power of Chen Fan, and everyone was very impressed.

The power of Feng Shui Array that cured one single flower didn't deviate people's common sense too much.

However, the ability to command a field of flowers to bloom was outright unthinkable. It was as if Chen Fan was the king of flowers if such a thing existed.

"Miracle! This is a miracle!" People murmured to themselves.

"I wonder if Sect Brother Zhou could do the same thing?" Master Huang thought to himself.

Zhou Daoji was the most famous Feng Shui Master of the Southern Sect, and he was also the most powerful.

Huang Wenze knew that Zhou Daoji had only achieved Seven Word Array, he still had a long way to go from Will Power Array/

"Hold on! Where is Master Chen?" Suddenly, Mu Shouqiong shouted.

The question jerked everyone's attention out of the beautiful scenery. When they looked around for the young boy, they realized that the boy and his companions had disappeared.

"Huh? Where are they? They were just right here!" The security scratched his head and said confusedly.

"How could you let them slip away?" Professor Mu shouted hotly.

"Do you know what this means?"

He nipped a white and blooming flower off its stem and explained, "This one is called Snow White Peony. It only blooms in April, but we are in the middle of December!

"And this one, Green Dragon. It normally blooms in May.

"This one is called Snow Peach; it blooms in January.

"These flowers were supposed to bloom at different times of the year. But look at them now! Do you know what that means?"

Everyone was taken aback by Professor Mu's outburst of anger. They looked at each other and were not sure what the old man was trying to get at.

Professor Mu was a member of the national research council. He was more influential in the city than even Jiang Jialiang.

"Grandpa!" Mu Qinqin hurried to steady the trembling old man.

Professor Mu took a deep breath and said, "If he could revive the peony, should he do the same thing to other plants, including those that had gone extinct?

"This is going to be a revolutionary change to the field of agriculture. With only very minimal effort, he could have won the Nobel Prize with ease. "

Everyone was shocked by his words.

Other than a few Botanist, most people at the plantation knew nothing about science and biology. However, they had heard of the Nobel Prize Before and knew the weight it carried in the field of science.

Every Nobel Prize winner was the prize of a nation.

Jiang Jialiang gathered himself and shouted out a command.

"Find him, NOW!"

"But..."

The security grads were frozen in place as they wondered where to start their search.

If Chen Fan were really as powerful as an immortal, how could they be able to find him? Plus, even if they were lucky enough to locate him, they still can't force him to come back against his will.

They doubted if the guns would even work on someone as powerful as him.

"Does anyone know him? We can go to him instead." An old man put in.

Everyone looked at the same direction.

In one corner of the courtyard, Sir Jiang Junior felt others' gazes on his face, and he was not sure what to do.

When everyone was marveling at the sight of the sea of flowers, Chen Fan, A'Xiu had Master Wu had sneaked out of the plantation without anyone taking notice.

"Master Chen, do you think it's a good idea to leave just like this?" Master Wu asked cautiously.

"Why? Do you still expect me to save their plants?" Chen Fan said with a half smile.

Master Wu felt sweat hang on his forehead. He knew he was walking a dangerous line by questioning Master Chen's decision. He managed a smile and then said, "No, no. They are ignorant, and they deserve it!"

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and sauntered on.

Every step he took would cover well over seven meters. It meant that while he was walking leisurely, the other two had to run in order to catch up with him.

Chen Fan said, "I have never said that I will not help. Technically, I have already helped them out. The rest is all up to them."

"Really?" Both Master Wu and A'Xiu were taken aback by Chen Fan's remark.

When did Master Chen save the plants?

They watched as Chen Fan produced a black rock in his palm.

This rock looked ordinary on the surface; however, upon closer look, there was a golden flame at the center of it.

"What is this?" A'xiu asked.

"This is the culprit that caused the disease. " Chen Fan said and squeezed the rock slightly.

"It looks like there is a flame inside of it. Could something this small effect such a large swath of land?"

The plantation at Dong Du City was government funded and taken up at least a few hundred thousand acres.

That was the size of a few dozen football fields. To think that a small rock could have affected such a large area was beyond Master Wu's apprehension.

"Don't be deceived by its size. It contained the essence of fire."

Chen Fan had noticed something was amiss while he was probing the area with his immortal will.

There was no spring underneath the earth, so why was the temperature so high? He channeled his Immortal Will to follow the heat signals, and finally, he found the source. The black rock.

Realization finally dawned upon Chen Fan: the plantation was built on top of a Fire Essence Aether Rock. After being under the effect of the rock, the peony finally started to wilt.

The Fire Essence Aether Rock was not hot to the touch; however, it's energy was mainly in the form of Yang Qi. The plants were constantly being blasted by Yang Qi from the rock, and eventually, overexposure had taken a toll on their vitality.

The black rock was too big to remove when so many people were around, and therefore he had decided to come back in the evening.

However, after he was insulted, he outright removed the centerpiece of the black rock in a fit of anger.

Although the rest of the rock could still retain some Yang Qi residual, the rock without a core should no longer be a threat to the plants.

"Master Chen, why is not hot?" A'xiu asked curiously.

"Hehe." Chen Fan shook his head. "That is because I have coated a layer of Dharmic energy on its surface. Otherwise, both of you have already been reduced to ashes."

Although this rock was the most ordinary Aether Rock, its power was already too great for the mortal.

"Nonetheless, I am very surprised to find such a large Fire Rock."

Chen Fan marveled.

Just like Yin Crystals, the Fire Rock only grew at areas where the fire element was the most abundant, such as the volcano or near the earth's core. It was evident that someone had buried this rock many years before the plantation was built.

The effect of the Fire element was cyclic, much like a volcano. It just so happened that this year was the most active period for the fire element in the rock.

"With this fire rock core, I should be able to do things that I previously couldn't."

So thinking, Chen Fan decided to leave for the yin dragon pond right away.

After having learned more about Chen Fan from Sir Jiang Junior, Professor Mu and the others were in a hurry to brave the mountain and pay Chen Fan a visit at the Ying Dragon Pond right away.

Sir Jiang was the only person who kept calm, and he said: "Master Chen had already left, I don't think we could bring him back any time soon.

"Our priority right now was to make sure the operation of the plantation. Although we don't have Chen Fan, we still have Master Huang.

"Even Master Chen had said Master Huang's cure was correct. He was only wrong about the causes."

With everyone's encouragement, Mater Huang started working on the Feng Shui Array. He was able to gather enough Feng Shui Master and complete the Array in two weeks. Once the array was completed, he joined Professor Mu and started to plan their trip to the Yin Dragon Pond.

They took a helicopter and flew toward the Qi Mountain.

However, when they were close to the valley where the pond was at, a thick mist came up out of nowhere and blocked their path.

"Professor Mu, should we enter the mist?" The pilot asked.

Before Professor Mu could reply, Master Huang shook his head.

"No, no, no. This is not an ordinary mist. It's too dangerous."

He then looked out of the helicopter window at the vast sea of mist. Admiration and shock were written all over his face.

Although the rest of the passengers thought it was just a natural phenomenon, he knew that this was actually a Dharma Array, a massive one while at it. It could be used to conceal targets and confuse or even attack intruders.

"I have always thought the Mountain Defensive Array was only a legend. But here it is, right in front of my eyes!"

Master Huang's voice was filled with deep respect.

The endless mist sprawled out on top of the mountain range and denied intruders' entrance. The only way to get rid of these mist was to bombard the mountain with heat missile.

"Incredible! This is INCREDIBLE!"

Master Huang exclaimed.

By then he was completely enthralled by the power of the young boy. He wondered if Chen Fan's appearance was only a disguise, and under that young face was an ancient demon who had cultivated Qi for centuries.

Professor Mu finally decided to give up the search. However, the sight of the misty mountain would haunt him for the rest of his life.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 80: Li Fire Golden Eyes.

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

As soon as Chen Fan left the plantation, he went straight back to the Yin Dragon Pond.

It would take a normal person about two to three days to get to the pond from the foothill; however, it took the three of them less than four hours to complete the journey. As soon as Chen Fan was back, he cast a huge Mist Array and concealed the pond from the people following him.

He copied the Mountain Defensive Array that he used at the Yun Wu Mountain to the Yin Dragon Pond.

Fortunately, he had abundant Yin Crystals at the pond and with the Jade stones that he had acquired from members of the Yin Ghost Sect, he had enough material to construct seven consecutive arrays over seven peaks of the mountain. The seven arrays then formed a larger array that centered around the Yin Dragon Pond.

On the day that the Array was finally completed, not only were Master Wu and A'Xiu astonished by the feat, but also the members of the Yin Ghost Sect.

Seven mountain peaks surrounding the Yin Dragon Pond were all shrouded by a vast sea of impenetrable mist. The mist was made out of condensed Yin Qi, and it would make an ordinary person feel cold when he or she first walked into the mist. Soon the intruder would feel the life draining away from him until eventually, exhaustion claimed him. Inside the mist, none of the modern technology such as the cell phones would work since the powerful mist would able to distort the earth's magnetic field.

Looking from a bird's eye view, the Qi Mountain seemed to be wrapped by a white scarf.

"I will give you each a jade talisman, and it should be able to protect you from the mist. But be careful, once you lose the Jade talisman, no one will be able to save you." Chen Fan scanned members of the Yin Ghost Sect and said seriously.

"Yes, Master Chen. " Mu Hongshen and Yan Zhengze replied.

Once the array was completed, Chen Fan started to focus on his cultivation.

The moment he had obtained the black rock, he had made up his mind to complete the fourth level of the Void Mortal Refinement Art: Golden Eyes.

The Void Mortal Refinement Art was divided into five levels:

Ice Skin, Jade Bone, Silver Blood, Golden Eyes and Dao Body

The first three levels worked on one's physical body, and the last level would completely transcend one's mortal coil to the Connate Spirit.

However, the fourth level: Golden Eyes were completely different than the rest.

This was one form of Immortal Enlightenment.

For any kind of Dharma Spells, the cultivator would need to a small period of time to mentally prepare to muster up enough will to kick start the spell. Things happened with lightning speed on a battlefield and therefore time was in short supply.

This was why most cultivators valued Dharma Treasures so much. With a Dharma Treasure, one could cast a spell with just one simple thought.

Without the need to mentally prepare oneself to cast the spell, the cultivator would use the spells more effectively.

However, the Immortal Enlightenment would make the spells even more effective than using an artifact.

Immortal Enlightenment would make casting a spell an innate ability of the cultivator. Casting the spell would be as easy and intuitive as moving one's arm. The state of Immortal Enlightenment would grow more powerful with the overall power of the cultivator. The improvement came in a much more natural and organic fashion than that of using the artifact.

Therefore, the state of Immortal Enlightenment was the reason the Ethereal Enlightenment level was so unique in its own way.

The Qi Refinement Level was the first level in the realm of Immortal Cultivation. The Qi Refinement Level could be further separated into three sub-levels: Foundation Establishment, Ethereal Enlightenment, and Divine Sea. Once a cultivator had completed all three sub-levels, he would have achieved the Connate Spirit level. The levels after the Connate Spirit that was Nascent Soul, Soul Formation, Void Refinement, Dao Reunion and finally the Tribulation Transcendence.

The Ethereal Enlightenment level and the Divine Sea Levels were usually combined together and were called Immortal Ethereal Enlightenment.

The Ethereal Enlightenment was a powerful tool for the new cultivators. It would allow a cultivator at Foundation Establishment level to defend himself against cultivators who had reached Ethereal Enlightenment level.

That being said, only a handful of people from the most powerful sects, who had access to secret arts, could have achieved the Immortal Enlightenment during Foundation Establishment level.

"The Golden Eyes from The Sect of the Grand Dao was a very effective Immortal Enlightenment. Based on the numinous treasures used during cultivation, I can achieve various Pupil Arts." Chen Fan said as he rubbed his chin.

The effect of Pupil Arts varied greatly, and if Chen Fan used the Fire Rock, he should be able to pull off the art called Li Fire Golden Eyes.

Of all the Immortal Enlightenment arts, the Li Fire Golden Eyes was one of the best. Once Chen Fan started to absorb more heavenly fire, he would be able to send rays of deadly fire into the void space.

He remembered that there was a cultivator from the Sect of the Grand Dao who had mastered the Li Fire Golden Eyes. He was a Perfected Immortal who had attained Dao Reunion; unfortunately, his cultivation took a dark turn as he burned himself alive while practicing the Pupil Art. Although his body had perished into oblivion, his eyes had remained floating in the space like two suns.

"I had thought that it would take me at least another half year to achieve the Golden Eyes, but with the Fire Rock and the eyeballs of the Yin Snake, I might have a chance after all."

Chen Fan finally made up his mind to make the break through.

First, he laid down another protective array at the entrance of the valley. Only A'Xiu and Master Wu were given Jade Talismans that granted them access to the inner valley.

Chen Fan dove to the bottom of the pond and sat cross-legged as he started to initiate the cultivation.

To cultivate extremely powerful Fire Immortal Enlightenment art, Chen Fan needed an extreme environment. At the bottom of the lake, the Yin Qi and the immense water pressure forced the fire element to fight back and during that process, granting Chen Fan even greater power.

As time passed by, Chen Fan had been sitting under the lake for over two months.

Over the two month time, Chen Fan didn't move an inch. He had used a special water art to absorb oxygen from the water and used the Essence Gathering Pill whenever he felt hungry.

As time went by, his eyes started to gleam. By the end of the two months, his pupils were shiny like polished gold.

"Master Chen stayed down there for two months already. It is longer than the last time he went into seclusion."

A'Xiu murmured to herself.

Master Wu sat beside A'Xiu. Although he had mostly kept things to himself, he had noticed the girl's infatuation.

Ever since Master Chen entered the pond to cultivate, she hadn't left the pond for more than a minute. She was either practicing the fist forms or simply staring at the placid water.

"What a silly girl. Master Chen is never going to take an interest in mortals like us." Master Wu lamented in his mind.

In the two month time, A'Xiu had not only got closer to the phenomenal success, but she had also completed the Skyfall Hammer technique. By then she was already working on the second form, Humble Cloud Hand. On the other hand, Master Wu's progress was not any less insignificant. He was very close to the Transcendent State.

However, as Chen Fan continued remaining at the bottom of the lake, A'Xiu and Master Wu started to become concerned.

Although Master Chen was a powerful immortal, he had no air, much less food. Was he ok?

"Why don't we get down there and take a look?"

A'Xiu finally broke the silence.

Master Wu's mind raced, but finally, he heaved a sigh and said, "Very well, I will do it. I have cultivated using the Yin qi for decades and therefore have more or less attained some resistance to it. It will be too dangerous for you."

Even as he was going to order the diving equipment, Master Wu heard A'Xiu shout out to him.

"Master Wu, look!"

Master Wu turned around and saw two golden lights glowed under the dark water.

"This is..."Master Wu was shocked.

The two golden lights were eerily similar to the eyes of the Yin Snake. He had seen it with his own eyes: two lanterns sized golden glows under the water moments before the Yin Snake emerged.

He fixed his eyes at the pond and watched as the two golden glows inched toward the surface. Suddenly, the water boiled over as steam rose from broken bubbles.

"What is going on?"

A'Xiu and Master Wu were both dumbfounded by the strange sight.

Could there be a flame under the water? What kind of flame could have existed under the frigid cold water where Yin Qi was so potent.

Suddenly, the water moved to both sides, and a person emerged in between the two walls of waves.

"Master Chen?"

A'Xiu exclaimed.

The first thing that Master Wu noticed was Chen Fan's pupils.

"AHRR!"

Master Wu shouted as he stumbled back and covered his eyes in fear.

He had looked too closely at Chen Fan's eyes, and when he noticed the dancing fire inside of the pupils, it was already too late. The intense light burned Master Wu's retina, forcing him to look away.

"Master Chen, what happened to you?"

A'Xiu scarcely dared to look at Chen Fan. She lowered her head and gasped.

Chen Fan didn't reply Master Wu; instead, he threw his head back and looked toward the misty sky. Suddenly two rays of golden lights beamed out from his eyes, and they burned through the mist, leaving two giant holes.

"The power of Immortal Enlightenment is mine!

"I have finally achieved the Li Fire Golden Eyes!"

Chen Fan exclaimed loudly, and then he closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, the dancing flame was no more.

"Congratulations, Master Chen!"

Master Wu hurried to congratulate Master Chen despite the pain in his eyes and dizziness in his head.

A'Xiu also looked at Chen Fan with joy a ridden face.

Chen Fan linked his hand behind his back and said distantly, "I have finally finished the Immortal Enlightenment and I shouldn't waste any more time here.

"I have been away for too long. It's time to go home."

A'Xiu's smile froze on his cheek. She murmured: "Master Chen, are you going to leave for Chu Zhou City?

"Can you bring me with you?"

Chen Fan stepped out of the pond and walked straight toward the valley entrance.

"Why should I bring you with me?

"I am your teacher, not your nanny.

"You should follow Wu Shanhe from now on. Come find me once you have mastered the fist-forms."

Before Chen Fan's words faded, he had already disappeared in the mist, giving A'Xiu no time to process what had happened.

Master Wu came over to her and patted her shoulder. "Master Chen is an immortal. We should count ourselves lucky to follow him for such a long time."

Master Wu paused and then said: "If you wish to catch up with Master Chen, you just have to work hard."

"Yes."

A'Xiu nodded firmly as resolution flickered in her eyes.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 81: Return To Chu Zhou City

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Three days later, in front of the Ivy League High School...

Chen Fan leaned against a tree trunk on the opposite side of the school entrance as he watched the boys and girls enter and leave the school.

It had been three months since he had left for Qin Yang County.

Although it was only three months which meant a few dozen classes and a few tests to the ordinary students, it meant a lot to Chen Fan's cultivation. By then he had advanced into the late-stage of Foundation Establishment and his Dharmic powers had increased by three to five times.

He had created the precious Soul Forming Pills from the Senna plant, upgraded his soul energy into immortal will, and he had also created the Essence Gathering Pills and more Dharma Artifacts. Last but not least, he had attained Immortal Enlightenment after he had stumbled upon the fire rock.

The moment Chen Fan reached the Immortal Enlightenment Level, he immediately felt relieved of any stress that plagued his body and mind.

Ever since he was reborn, his mortal body and worldly mind had given in under the primordial need of surviving. He had been the almighty North Mystic Celestial Lord, and when he was first reborn, even an ordinary person with a normal weapon would have killed him.

In order to survive and prepare himself for the journey ahead, Chen Fan cultivated hard almost every day.

Once he knew about the Yin Crystals, he left Hu Dong province and went to Zhong Zhou. After the eventful journey, he had finally reached the Immortal Enlightenment and was powerful enough to defend himself against most enemies.

With the Li Fire Golden Eyes, he would no longer need to worry about the revengeful Hong Sect much less ordinary people in his day to day life.

With the newly found confidence, Chen Fan straightened his back and walked toward the school entrance.

Before he even reached the gate, a group of girls walked out of the threshold, and the one walking in the middle was an attractive looking young girl.

The girl's eyes paused on Chen Fan's face for a second and then she exclaimed: "Chen Fan?

"When did you come back?"

This girl was Jiang Churan. It had only been three months, but she seemed to have matured a lot, in a good way.

The girls around Jiang Churan were all from her class. They regarded Chen Fan with curious glances.

"His name sounded familiar. Is he Ran-Ran's boyfriend?"

A girl with elegant features asked curiously.

"Hum.. maybe a classmate?" A nerdy-looking girl said as she pushed her glasses up.

"I didn't know Ran-Ran had other boy friends other than Li Yichen." A girl with cute eyes covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.

Chen Fan had been away for too long.

For the busy high school students, three months was long enough to make them forget about most things in their life that were insignificant.

Just three month ago, Chen Fan had made a name for himself by defeating Si Yinxia and became Xu Rongfei's rumored boyfriend.

However, in the three months that followed, many other boys had become as popular as he did. By then, only a few people who knew him personally would have remembered him.

While the girls were guessing who the boy was, Jiang Churan walked over to Chen Fan and gazed at Chen Fan with a curious look on her face.

Three months ago, Jiang Churan had only met Chen Fan a few times, and then Chen Fan disappeared for three months. There had been many things happening in the three months of Chen Fan's absence.

"You have been away for too long. Things are different now."

She heaved a sigh and then said, "Did you just get back? Does my mom know you are here?"

Chen Fan's was still levelheaded as usual. He said calmly, "I have just arrived Chu Zhou City today, and haven't got a chance to tell her yet.

"I was just going to ask you to take me to her."

"Get ready for some mom talk. She was not very happy with you leaving without a word." Jiang Churan said as some reservation flashed across her face. "Umm... I have something to do. Maybe you should visit her yourself?"

"Oh? Why?" Chen Fan asked quietly.

A black Audi pulled over to the school entrance and from the back seat emerged a familiar face.

It was Li Yichen!

Li Yichen was also taken aback by the sight of Chen Fan. After a few seconds of pause, a smirk broke over his face.

"Ah-Ha! Isn't it Mr. Chen, the exchange student?"

He turned around and held the car door open for Jiang Churan.

"Ran-Ran, let's go."

"The chef is about to start working at the Misty Shore. If we don't hurry, we might miss it."

Jiang Churan nodded and then hurried to enter the car without even saying bye to Chen Fan.

Li Yichen didn't spare Chen Fan a glance either. He went back to the car with a smug smile.

The black Audi drove away, leaving Chen Fan in a plume of dust.

The girls who accompanied Jiang Churan watched the event unfold from the beginning to the end. A girl said seriously: "The Misty Shore! That's the best restaurant in Chu Zhou City. A meal would cost over a few thousand yuan.

"I have heard that their Chef is from France. She is so lucky to be able to eat authentic French food made by a French chef!"

"No kidding! If my boyfriend could bring me to those places, I will marry him right now!" The girl with cute eyes said with hearts in her eyes.

"Dream on!" The other girl rolled her eyes at her. "Li Yichen had been courting Ran-Ran for a while now, and just recently she had agreed to go on dates with him. I bet he can win you over with just a popsicle."

The girls laughed and joked with each other as they walked pass Chen Fan. One of the girls didn't forget to take a jab at Chen Fan.

"Are you also courting Ran-Ran? Just forget it; that ship has sailed."

The girls quickly disappeared, leaving a wave of musical laughter.

Chen Fan stood still under the tree, reflecting on what had happened.

"Jiang Churan is finally seeing Li Yichen now?

"It was just like what had happened in my last life. They are going to go to the same university and live happily ever after."

Chen Fan heaved a long sigh.

"Fate carried such great gravity that without my interference, everything is going to be exactly the same as last lifetime."

Chen Fan's heart was filled with strong emotions. But it wasn't because of Jiang Churan.

Jiang Churan was just the girl that he used to like. However, it had been five hundred years ago, and by then, he practically felt nothing for her.

What made him so emotional was the palpable weight of fate.

If Jiang Churan's walked the same path as she did in the last life, what about Xu Rongfei, Xiao Qiong, and his mom? Are they going to retrace their footsteps and walk the same line as they did five hundred years ago?

"Looks like I need to cause more butterfly effects. " Chen Fan cracked a smile and left the school.

It had been five months ever since his rebirth, and three out of five months he had spent outside of the Chu Zhou City. While he was at the Chu Zhou City, he did very little to change the things around him.

He might have just affected the fate of Old Man Wei, Zhou Tianhao, A'Xiu, and Master Wu.

Since Jiang Churan was unable to accompany him, he decided to meet Auntie Tang by himself.

He thought of asking for the key of the mansion back from Jiang Churan, but he thought better of it.

He should be able to enter any house without using a key anyways.

Chen Fan walked toward the Lakeside Community as he dialed Auntie Tang's number.

Auntie Tang picked up the phone, and despite her scolding, she wasn't able to hide the excitement in her voice. She went on and on, blaming Chen Fan for leaving without notice, and for cutting off contact with everyone.

Chen Fan was lighthearted by the overprotective Auntie.

When Zhen Jiulin called the school to ask for an extended leave for Chen Fan, he had told everyone that Chen Fan was chosen to be sent to the Qingang Middle School as an exchange student. Qingang Middle School was located in a neighboring province and was well known for its quality of education and strict rules. The students were only allowed to leave the school twice a year, and their contact with the outside world was completely cut off.

Auntie Tang had bought into the made-up excuse, and she had reassured Chen Fan's mother that her son didn't simply go missing.

After agreeing to join Auntie Tang for supper in two days, Chen Fan decided to return to his rental property, the Lakeside Community.

As soon as he reached the entrance to the community, he felt something was amiss.

Using the Immortal Will, Chen Fan sensed that there was someone inside of his supposedly empty room.

"Why is she here?"

Chen Fan opened the door and saw a girl lay on a sofa. The heating was cranked all the way up, and the room was cozy. The girl was wearing a small tank top and a pair of shorts, revealing her hourglass shape and smooth bare naked skins. She was watching Tv while shoveling a handful of chips into her mouth.

"AHRR!"

The girl was startled by Chen Fan; she panicked and fumbled to get up.

In her stupor, she fell from the sofa and face planted to the carpeted floor.

"Ouch!"

The girl rubbed his forehead and shouted.

Chen Fan had so many questions that he was not sure where to start.

"Why are you here, Ziqi?"

The silly girl was his colleague at the Coco bar.

"Oh! It's you!"

Ziqi was confused when he saw Chen Fan. "I live here. Why do you have the key to my house?"

"You live here?"

Chen Fan asked incredulously.

He finally realized that he had underestimated how many things could have changed in three months.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 82: Fear Me!

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After talking to Ziqi, they realized that they had both been hoodwinked by the landlord.

Auntie Tang thought that the house was rented as one unit; however, when Chen Fan was away, the landlord had subleased a room in the house to the girl.

The Lakeside Community was mid range development in the Chu Zhou City. It was fully furnished and therefore was highly sought after by renters.

To rent the entire house would cost over two thousand yuan; however, renting a single room would be much more affordable. So affordable that even Ziqi had risen to the bait.

"Where is the landlord?" Chen Fan asked.

"She had immigrated to the US. Her son is a permanent residence in the US. She is back only once or twice a year to collect rent." Ziqi said as she looked at Chen Fan cautiously.

Although it had been three months since the last time she saw him, Ziqi didn't forget who Chen Fan was.

He had kicked Boss Yang out of the Coco bar with only one word and brought Brother Dong to his knees.

Rumor had it that he was friends with Zhou Tianhao, the magnet of the Chu Zhou City.

Zhou Tianhao had heard many stories about Zhou Tianhao. Therefore she knew that Zhou Tianhao was a very influential figure in the city. Although she knew from common sense that elements in some of the stories were exaggerated, she could still feel the hefty clout of Zhou Tianhao in the Chu Zhou City.

After Chen Fan had claimed the bar was under his protection, she had ceased to see any unsavory characters at the bar. Even Brother Dong had changed his attitude toward Sister Yin on his occasional visits. With business booming, Ziqi got a raise and therefore could afford to live somewhere more expensive.

Otherwise, she could never afford to live in a mid tier community with her previous salary.

"She is gone to the US?" Chen Fan grunted.

He conceded that it was impossible for him to tack down the landlord.

If the landlord were still in Jiang Bei, Chu Fan should be able to locate her in no time thanks to his newly acquired resources.

"Xiao Fan, are you going to kick me out?" Ziqi plastered on a sad face while glancing at Chen Fan's face surreptitiously.

"Waah! I have paid a year worth of rent ahead of time. Five thousand of those came from Sister Yin. If you kick me out of here, I won't even have enough for tuition."

"Fine, fine." Chen Fan was amused by the girl's distress. "I won't kick you out."

No one would care if she paid rent or not. She didn't have the official leasing contract, and therefore it was illegal for her to stay in there.

Chen Fan stood up and said, "I have other places to stay; I am just here to pack up some of my stuff."

"Have you eaten? It's on me. We have lots to catch up."

"Really?" A smile broke over Ziqi's face. She shouted excitedly:"Awesome! Why don't we invite Sister Yin as well?"

"Sure." Chen Fan said.

Since Chen Fan had already acquired the Yin Crystals, he should be able to complete Misty Mountain Array. Therefore, he would give away this ordinary house to someone in need of accommodation in a heartbeat.

When they arrived at the entrance to Chen Fan's mansion at the top of the mountain, surprise started to flicker in Sister Yin's eyes.

She always had very complicated feelings toward Chen Fan.

Chen Yin first befriended Chen Fan and helped him because she felt in debt to him for his rescue. After getting to know the boy, the boy started to grow on her, and she decided to take him under her wings.

However, what had happened at the Coco Bar revealed that Chen Fan didn't need any protection at all.

"I was convinced that Chen Fan was a rich kid who is bored of his bubble and seeked some thrill in the real world."

Sister Yin thought to herself many times.

From then on, she cut off from Chen Fan completely.

She believed that since the two of them belonged to two different worlds, there was no reason to force friendship upon each other.

The more she saw of the real world, the more disillusioned she was about befriending someone who was out of her league. The more she forced to become a friends, the more hurtful it would be in the end when reality sunk in.

They found a mom and pop restaurant near the community and ordered food.

Chen Fan had ordered many dishes, and most of them were Ziqi's favorites. However, he barely moved his chopsticks during the entire time.

Ever since he had used the Essence Gathering Pill, eating was unnecessary for Chen Fan. He only sampled a couple of dishes for their flavors.

"Xiao Fan, when are you going to come back to Coco? Li Li, Nan Nan and the rest of them miss you a lot." Chen Yin said casually.

She had spent enough time with Chen Fan to know that despite his wealthy background, he was very down to earth. Other than his slightly reserved personality, no one would know he was a blue-blooded teenager from a rich family.

"No kidding! I miss you too." Ziqi grabbed another crayfish and started working on it.

"Sure, I can go visit you guys." Chen Fan said gently.

After the meal, the three bid farewell to each other and parted their ways.

In the afternoon, Chen Fan returned the Ivy League High School.

After reporting to Miss. Xiao, Chen Fan arrived at his classroom.

The classroom didn't change at all, and neither did his classmates. Despite a few brief surprised glances, no one seemed to have taken notice of him.

Everyone, except for Jiang Tanqiu.

"Oh-Shit, Man, You are finally back! I thought you were dead!

"They told us that you were sent to Qingang Middle School as an exchange student. How was it?" Jiang Tanqiu asked as he squeezed his face. "I have heard that school is hell! It's like a prison in there."

"About right." Chen Fan said despite the fact that he had never been to the high school.

It wasn't until the teacher came into the classroom did Chen Fan finally realize that the final exams were on their way. The first semester of his grade twelve was almost over.

Chen Fan also found out that Jiang Tanqiu had spent most of his time on his cellphone during breaks.

"Who are you talking to, new girlfriend?"

Chen Fan asked surprisingly.

"You bet! It's that girl you met at the Coco Bar. She finally agreed to see me." Jiang Tanqiu said with a smug smile; she was his dream girl.

"Xiao Qian?" Chen Fan was shocked.

In Chen Fan's past life, Jiang Tanqiu had got himself into trouble because of her. In the end, Jiang Taniu was thrown behind the bar for seven years and ruined his otherwise promising life. Xiao Qian, on the other hand, had a new boyfriend as soon as Jiang Tanxiu went to jail. She didn't visit Jiang Tanqiu even once during the seven years of incarceration.

During their last encounter, it was obvious to Chen Fan that the girl was all over Brother Qi. He had never expected that she would eventually get together with Jiang Tanqiu.

"As fate would have it..."

Chen Fan lamented quietly in his mind.

He wondered if this meant that without his interference, Jiang Tanqiu would meet the same miserable end as he did during Chen Fan's last life.

He hurt people for Xiao Qian and was sent to jail because of it. However, he had to watch the girl he cared so much about betraying him and marry someone else. Even in his thirties, he would have achieved nothing in his life and waste his time with his equally deadbeat high school friend.

"Jiang Churan will take the same path and so will Jiang Churan. To alter the course of their lives was never my intention.

"Does that mean that I would end up meeting the same fate as well? In a few years, my life will crumble, and I will again leave this world to follow Cangqin?"

The thought amused Chen Fan; he chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Jiang Tanqiu looked up at him curiously.

"Ah, nothing. I am just laughing at myself for being so sentimental." Chen Fan shook his head and then murmured, "It must be my teenage hormones that are given me these false signals."

He ignored the confused look on Jiang Tanqiu's face and continued: "Fate is a bitch."

"I, Chen Beixuan had traveled the Universe for over five hundred years, and every time my life was hanging on a thread, I was able to turn the situation around using my power and abilities. I was at the apex of any form of existence in the universe and was destined to lord over the world.

"The very concept of Cultivation was to fight against one's fate. The end goal of any cultivator was to reach the Tribulation and become an immortal that defies any law of physics that bind them to their fate.

"Fate is not final; it is dependent on choices.

"I could have killed Xiao Qian and Li Yichen, and if I do that, I would have altered their fate."

Chen Fan pondered on as his eyes start to glint like sharp steel.

"Therefore, fate is not predetermined; it can be changed with enough power."

"In this Universe, strength is the only currency. If I was powerful enough, I could have already finished the Tribulation Transcendence instead of being reborn into the mortal world.

"Xiao Qiu, do you know what is the most important thing in the world?" Chen Fan turned around and asked Jiang Tanqiu.

"What is it?" Jiang Tanqiu asked with a confused face.

"Power and nothing else matters." Chen Fan said slowly but firmly.

"In the entire Universe, only power can make me strong, and only power can make me immortal."

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 83: The Number One of Chu Zhou City

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Jiang Tanqiu lacked the ambition, vision, and experience of Chen Fan. He was not a cultivator; the only power he could obtain was brute strength. That was only if he hit the gym every day.

Without any luck, he would never even get near the secrets of Internal Force.

It wasn't until the class was almost over, that Chen Fan found out someone was missing.

"Where is Si Yinxia?"

Ever since the auction party, Si Yinxia had been focusing all of his attention on his studies, hoping to regain some of his dignity and self-confidence from academic excellence. He had never missed any classes, much less the math class from the Old Scholar Din.

Jiang Tanqiu's face darkened as he heard the question. Even as he was about to reply, they both heard a familiar voice at the door.

"I am sorry, Mr. Din, I am late."

It was Si Yinxia.

He looked completely different than he was three months ago.

The bouts of defeats had taken a toll on his spirit three months ago. When Chen Fan left the school, Si Yinxia looked downcast and depressed all the time.

However, Si Yinxia stood confidently at the entrance as light flashed in his eyes.

Chen Fan's attention was piqued as he found the glinting confidence in Si Yinxia's eyes very familiar.

Chen Fan had seen this kind of confidence in many people's eyes, and they were all successful men and women who dominated their field.

"That's fine; come in now."

Old Sholar Din was a retired Math professor from Chu Zhou University. He was rehired by the Chu Zhou City as a math teacher. As one of the strictest teachers of the school, no one could escape his ire if caught by him being late regardless of the student's family background and grades.

He was one of the most experienced teachers at the school; therefore, the school, as well as the parents, trusted him.

However, Old Scholar Din didn't reprimand Si Yinxia but only regarded the boy with a kind and approving gaze.

Si Yinxia nodded politely and walked to his desk.

Chen Fan could sense many eyes were following Si Yinxia's movements.

The boys were jealous, but the girls' stares were filled with fervent infatuation.

Si Yinxia scanned the classroom as he walked over to his seat, His glance paused on Chen Fan less than a fraction of a second, it was as if Si Yinxia didn't even notice Chen Fan.

Once Si Yinxia was seated, Old Scholar Din put down the textbook and announced: "I know some of you are jealous that Si Yinxia is able to be late and not be reprimanded.

"I want to make it clear.

"If anyone of you who could become the number one student of the city, I will even let you have a party at the swimming pool if you want. "

The old professor's said with a solemn face.

Scared by the overbearing voice of the professor, none of the spoiled teenagers dared speak up against him.

Chen Fan finally knew what had given Si Yinxia that unshaken confidence.

Soon, the math class was over.

Ji Xingyu was about to start to fill Chen Fan in on what had happened during the three months; they heard Ji Xingyu's sharp voice.

"It's almost final, boss. What do you think? Can you still take the number one spot?"

"Why of course!" A girl named Wang Chenchen shouted. "Si Yinxia was the number one of the entire city; he had even beat Zhu Xiaofen from the Chu Zhou City No.1 High School. Those nerds at the No.1 high school will think twice before calling us spoiled brats again."

Chang Wen graced Chen Fan with a hooked glance and said lightly: "Si Yinxia had already outclassed anyone in the city."

"His real rivals now are the top students from Jin City and Hai Zhou City who had dominated the top ten list in the province. However, in half a year, Si Yinxia should be able to compete with them as equals. "

"No kidding! Even if Si Yinxia stop goes to school right now, he is guaranteed to go to the Jin City University." Wang Chenchen said.

"I have heard that on the day his marks were revealed, many universities such as the Zhonghai Transportation Institute, Jin City University, and China Technology Institute had been talking to Si Yinxia. However, I bet that Si Yinxia wouldn't even consider those ones; his eyes are set on Qinhua or Beijing University."

The Zhonghai Transportation Institute, Jin City University, and China Technology Institute were on the top ten list of Chinese secondary education institutes.

However, it seemed that Si Yinxia was determined to go to one of the two best Universities of China: Qinhua and Beijing.

"I think Qinhua is better." One of the students put in. "Qinhua University excelled in their science and Engineering department. There will be more opportunities once graduated from there, perhaps he could even continue his education in the US."

"You want him to be a traitor? Haven't you heard what they call Qinhua graduates? American's dogs! I say Beijing University is much better. Make China Great Again!"

"I still think Qinhua is better. "

"Well, why doesn't he just study abroad? He can get into the Ivy league Universities for sure."

Hearing the debate, other students of the class join in the conversation.

Although the students of the Ivy League High School were all from rich families, attending the Beijing or the Qinhua University was a distant dream for most of them. Every year, only a few students were able to get in those top schools.

For those who couldn't produce high enough mark, only those who were directly related to minister level officials had a chance of getting in.

For most of the students in Chen Fan's classroom, they would end up studying abroad if they couldn't get into a good university.

However, even those western universities they attended were mostly community universities, and couldn't compare with Harvard or Yale.

Only by entering those prestigious universities, could one fundamentally change his or her life and become one of the elite class.

Jiang Tanqiu smiled wryly and said: "That's what I wanted to tell you.

"A few weeks ago, all schools in the city held a mock test, and Si Yinxia had the highest mark, surpassing the number two by a large margin.

"After the test, all the top universities in our province wanted to recruit him."

Chen Fan nodded.

It seemed that his hard work had paid off. Si Yinxia's grades had always been around number ten or so in the city.

Right before the Gaokao, the schools often hosted three mock tests.

Of the three mock tests, the first one was the most important as the results were often similar to the real tests during Gaokao.

Therefore, not only the students cared about the first mock test, but also many university recruiters. Many high school students were admitted to universities right off the bat after the first mock test.

The second and third one was much less important, as they were designed to let the students get into the mood of intense examinations.

If Si Yinxia could earn the number one title of the Chu Zhou City, he would more than likely be admitted to the Qinhua or Beijing University, much less the other ones.

"He had honored his family and made his parents proud." Chen Fan marveled.

Once he was able to enter Qinhua University, he would have earned a great measure of prestige for his family. If he lived in a county, the mayor would congratulate him personally.

Even though he was in a city, to be able to enter Qinhua or Beijing University was still an honorable feat.

This meant that he would become an important figure in the city.

In this day and age, nepotism could only go so far. Only raw talent and knowledge were the steps that would lead to success.

History had taught people that however powerful a family was, their influence would start to wane from the second or third generation onward.

While his classmates were arguing with each other, Si Yinxia opened a textbook and started to study.

He had found his path to success, and no longer cared for others opinions, including that of Chen Fan.

Chinese National Entrance Exam

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 84: Dinner At the Jiangs

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Even after school was over and Chen Fan had left the classroom, Si Yinxia's face was still buried in the books.

Chang Wen walked over to Si Yinxia and looked at Si Yinxia pitifully. She said quietly: "You have been at it for the entire afternoon already; why don't you join me for supper and relax a bit."

Si Yinxia finally put down the pen and rubbed his sore wrist. Chang Wen asked: "Chen Fan is back; did you see him?"

"Chen Fan?" Si Yinxia was taken aback and then shook his head, "So what? He is no longer my worthy opponent."

"However, I do have to thank him for forcing me to take a long hard look at my meaningless and wasteful life before I met him."

"Indeed." Chang Wen nodded. Her eyes were filled with admiration. "Chen Fan's strength came from a powerful friend of his; however, you are different. In ten or twenty years, you will be no less successful than Wei Ziqin.

"By then, people like Chen Fan could only be jealous of you."

"Wei Ziqin? "Si Yinxia snorted, eyes glinting. "If not for her prestigious family name, she was no more than a girl of above average looks. In no more than twenty years, I will surpass the achievements of her father."

Chang Wen stood quietly beside her beloved man and listened to his ambitious announcement with tears in her eyes.

Girls like her wouldn't care about how ambitious he was; what really attracted her was his confidence.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan was on his way toward home. He couldn't stop thinking about Si Yinxia's incredible achievement.

To be able to stand out among hundreds of thousands of students in the province was not an easy task. It required talent and dedication.

In Chen Fan's last life, he would have already lost the competition.

In ten or twenty years, Si Yinxia was going to become an executive manager of a foreign investment company while Chen Fan would fall from grace and become homeless in the Chu Zhou City. There would be no comparison between their lives.

"What a shame; he wouldn't be able to beat me this time." Chen Fan cracked a smile.

However bright Si Yinxia's future was going to be, his vision was limited to the mortal world and so was his abilities.

The best he could have done was to become the provincial number one in the Gaokao. In twenty years, if he was lucky, he might be able to become the richest person in the province, but how about Chen Fan? What would he become in twenty years?

He would have already reached the Connate Spirit and soaring among the stars.

Therefore, Chen Fan marveled at Si Yinxia's ability as a retired master would a kindergarten child who displayed exceptional talent. He examined everything from a much-elevated perspective as a human would to ants on the ground. The ants would never understand what their observer was thinking about.

Suddenly, he sensed someone behind him, and he paused.

He heard the clicking of a pair of women's shoes on the ground.

"Are you looking for me?" Chen Fan asked.

The person behind him was Jiang Churan.

The clicking paused, "My mom wants you to join us for dinner tonight."

"OK, thanks." Chen Fan replied.

"Wait." Jiang Churan shouted. "I want you to know that I am not Li Yichen's girlfriend; I only went for a dinner with him."

Chen Fan turned around and saw the stubborn expression on the girl's face.

"It had been three months! You left so suddenly. Have you ever thought about how we feel?" Jiang Churan bit down her lips, trying to hold back the tears from pouring out.

Chen Fan said lightly, "We?"

"Yes, me and Fei-Fei." Jiang Churan mustered more strength and said, "You had left without saying a word to Fei-Fei, do you know how sad she was?"

"I have only seen her as a normal friend." Chen Fan siad.

"A normal friend?" Jiang Churan said in disbelief.

She fixed her eyes on Chen Fan and glared at him accusingly.

"Fei-Fei is too good for you! In these three months, not only did she keep on worrying about you, but she also needed to work as an actress in a TV show. The director is so impressed by Fei-Fei's performance, that he is considering giving her the main character's role.

"Both Si Yinxia and Chu Minhui were Fei-Fei's pursuers. However, once she entered university and became a famous actress, even those two will not measure up to her success.

"You can rely on Wei Ziqin in Chu Zhou City, but once you are out of the city, what do you have to compete with Fei-Fei's other pursuers?

"So, tell me, why don't you cherish her feelings for you? I feel sad for Fei-Fei."

Without waiting for an answer, Jiang Churan turned around and walked away, trailing behind a series of clickings.

Chen Fan stood still for a while, and a smile finally broke over his face.

"Someone actually missed me? Interesting!"

In the evening, Chen Fan arrived at Jiang Churan's house. However, he was taken aback when he saw that the person who opened the door was Li Yichen.

"Welcome." Li Yichen nodded. The smile on his face was so overwrought that it made Chen Fan feel that he was going to sell him a used car.

After Chen Fan entered the house, he noticed that Li Yichen was not the only person there. Zhang Yumeng, Yang Chao, Xu Rongfei were all in the room. The moment Xu Rongfei saw Chen Fan, she jumped out of her chair in elation.

"Xiao Fan, you are late."Auntie Tang emerged from the kitchen. She rolled her eyes at Chen Fan and continued: "Ran-Ran, pour some tea for your friend, please?"

"OK." Jiang Churan siad with a cold face.

She took out the tea sets and showed off her professional tea making skills to everyone.

Jiang Haishan sat on the sofa and shook his head when he saw Chen Fan walk in.

Chen Fan was going to sit in a corner; however, Xu Rongfei dragged him to a seat beside her. Displeasure flashed across Jiang Churan's eyes, but she had kept her silence.

Jiang Haishan asked: "Xiao Chao, I have heard that your hotel is going to apply for the five-star status?"

Before Yang Chao could reply, Zhang Yumeng spoke up first: "Yes, Uncle Jiang. They had handed in their application a while ago. The province had also sent in a few inspectors."

She batted her lashes and continued, "Uncle Jiang, you are well connected in the city, do you know anything about it?"

Hearing the question, nervousness appeared on Yang Chao's face.

There was a huge difference between a four-star and a five-star hotel. There were only two five star hotels in the entire Chu Zhou City. Without the five star status, Tian Sheng hotel would have no chance in competing against the other three.

Once the application was approved, Yang Chao's father Yang Yifan would gain even more prestige, and his assets would increase in value significantly.

Jiang Haishan put down the cup and paused a moment, letting the suspense hang in the air.

"Your father's application had the city's wholehearted support.

"What I heard was that the province had already given it the green light, and the approval should come down in no time."

"Once the province had approved, the five-star status is secured."

"Really?" Yang Chao smiled broadly. Zhang Yumeng nearly jumped out of her chair in excitement.

The success of her boyfriend's family would bring her more faces in front of her friends. She would finally brag about her boyfriend.

Seeing everyone's excitement, Jiang Haishan added: "Yang Chao, the leaders in the city, had spared no expense at promoting your father's hotel. Li Yicheng's father had personally pledged to promote your father's application. After all, the addition of a new five-star hotel is beneficial to the local commerce."

Yang Chao hurried to stand up and bowed to Li Yichen for his father's assistance.

Li Yichen stood up and returned the bow with a warm smile.

Despite the seemingly equal status between the two, Yang Chao knew that he was beholden to Li Yichen.

Seeing Yang Chao had got his point without him saying it out loud, Jiang Haishan nodded approvingly.

He was pleased by his daughter's friends capacity and family background. If they learned to help each other, they would be even more successful than their fathers.

He had particularly satisfied with Li Yichen and wished that he could see the boy and his daughter stay together. He heard that Li Yichen had invited his daughter for lunch today, which gave him even more hope.

So thinking, Jiang Haishan gave a disappointed look at Chen Fan and he shook his head.

"What a loser, he is not even on par with Yang Chao much less Li Yichen.

"How could I let my daughter fall for him?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 85: The Mansion on The Top of The Mountain

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The dishes soon arrived on the table. When the dinner began, no one—except for Auntie Tang and Xu Rongfei—had spoken with Chen Fan.

The group's conversation quickly arrived at the topic of recent news.

"Uncle Jiang, have you heard of Master Chen?" Zhang Yumeng asked curiously.

"Master Chen?" Jiang Haishan put down his chopsticks and asked, "You guys have heard of him as well?"

"Why of course! His story is well known among people of my dad's circle. Everyone knows about him," Zhang Yumeng said.

"Indeed. He had been kind of a hotshot in Chu Zhou City. However, in the past two months, he had become a household name in the entire Jiang Bei region." Yang Chao nodded and said, "My dad told me that all the magnates in and outside of Jiang Bei who came to stay at his hotel told him about how incredible Master Chen's abilities are.

"Rumor had it that he could tread on water, catch a bullet in the air, and kill a person from ten feet away. It was as if he was from a Wuxia drama on TV," Jiang Churan said with a frown.

"I have heard people talking about him even at school. I think most of them are high tales."

"No kidding. Only a few months ago, Master Chen was only a person who knew a little Dharma Spells. It is impossible for him to increase his power so quickly." Yang Chao put in.

"As for this topic, I think no one is more qualified to comment on it than Xiao Fei," Jiang Haishan said with a smile.

"Me?" Xu Rongfei gapped at everyone and was not sure what to say.

"Indeed. Your father should know about this Master Chen better than anyone." Jiang Haishan nodded.

Seeing the confusion on Xu Rongfei's face, he continued, "I really have no idea if this Master Chen is the real deal. However, I can confirm that his fame has skyrocketed recently. Nearly all the tycoons and magnates in the Jiang Bei region seemed to be under his spell."

He paused and then continued, "Including Zhou Tianhao and Xu Ao."

Everyone's face paled after hearing Jiang Haishan's revelation.

Both Zhou Tianhao and Xu Ao were influential people and had significant clout in the city.

However, those two were not alone among the people who were under Master Chen's influence. Their rank also included magnates who used to dominate their field in the Jiang Bei region and people who came from prestigious families. Every one of them was a force to be reckoned with.

If these people were pinned under Master Chen's thumb, did it mean that from then on, Master Chen was going to be the head honcho of the Jiang Bei Region?

The talk of power and politics might sound irrelevant to an ordinary person, but they were real for people like Yang Chao and Li Yichen who were born into powerful families. They knew the significance of the development as Master Chen's army represented more than half of Jiang Bei's industry and business.

If he were able to consolidate the power, he would become as influential as the Wei Family of the North Bank.

"No wonder I have heard people equating Master Chen with Tang Yuanqin of the Hu Dong Province." Li Yichen said thoughtfully.

"I have never heard of this Master Chen, but I knew awful a lot about Tang Yuanqin." Auntie Tang put in.

"Mom, how did you know Tang Yuanqin?" Jiang Churan asked curiously.

"Of course I do! We share the same last name." Auntie Tang said with a smile. "As a matter of fact, I am distantly related to him. When your grandpa was still alive, he used to take me to Jin City and visit his family."

"Tang Yuanqin controls a very large corporation." Li Yichen added. "The Tang Family's business was all over the Hu Dong Province and Dong Jiang Province. It was said that most of the ship fleets on the Yangtze River belong to the Tang family. As for wealth, I bet even the old man Zhen couldn't compare with him. The only person who might be richer than him is Sheng Ronghua."

"Sheng Ronghua!" Everyone was shocked by the name.

Sheng Ronghua was the owner of the Wan Rong Group. Rumor had it that he started as an ordinary construction worker, but eventually, he became the richest man in the Jiang Bei Region. His company, the Wan Rong Group, expanded outside of Chu Zhou City and eventually opened up shops across China.

Although Sheng Ronghus's headquarters remained in the Chu Zhou City, most of his business nowadays were in Jin City. However, due to his residence status in the city, he was regarded as the richest man in the Chu Zhou City.

"Sheng Ronghua?"

The name struck a chord with Chen Fan.

Why does it sound so familiar?

He was Shen Junwen's father, the founder of the Wan Rong Group. In the future, he was going to be the top ten richest man in China. He was also one of Chen Fan's most hated enemies.

"People like Master Chen, Tang Yuanqin and Sheng Ronghua were one of a kind." Yang Chao marveled "I wonder how we could catch up with them."

Even if his father's hotel gained the five-star status, his family influence could still not compare with any one of those real magnates.

His family assets were worth only a few hundred million, but every one of those top dogs owned well over tens of billions. In addition, no businessman could measure up to their influence and political clout.

"Xiao Chao, if the hotel got handed down to you, you can open up branches all over China. When your hotel was in every major city of China, you should be able to compete with them." Jiang Haishan said.

He then turned toward Li Yichen and said, "Yichen, I have heard that you were on the top fifty list after the first mock test. Your grades should be enough to help you enter Jin City University. Once you are in college, make sure you join the student union and work hard to get that chairman position. With your talents and experience like that, you should be able to secure a higher position than me in the government in less than fifteen years."

A hollow smile broke over Li Yichen's face.

"I am no match with Uncle Jiang. My father always told me that if you could have half of his luck, you could have been his boss now."

Jiang Haishan laughed joyfully. "Really? Your father thinks too highly of me!"

Li Yichen looked across the table at Jiang Churan, and then he asked with a smile. "Compared to the Jin City University; I'd rather go to the Zhong Hai University."

"Oh?" Jiang Churan glanced at the boy and then at his daughter knowingly. "Zhong Hai University is Ran Ran's dream university. You need to work harder then."

Li Yicheng knew Jiang Haishan meant more than what he said.

Li Yichen nodded.

"I will try my best!"

"Dad!" Jiang Churan shouted. Her eyes shifted toward Chen Fan without herself knowing it.

She saw Chen Fan was sipping on his water with his head low. The light in her eyes dimmed.

"Haha!" Jiang Haishan laughed as he shook his head. "As for Fei-Fei, I worry about you. The entertainment industry is deep water. Be careful.

"But who am I? Haha. With your father's protection, you shouldn't need to worry about anything in ten years."

"Thank you! Uncle Jiang" Xu Rongfei replied with an innocent smile.

Finally, Jiang Haishan looked to Chen Fan. He shook his head slightly and decided to keep his silence.

Li Yichen and Yang Chao were amused by the development. It appears that Jiang Haishan didn't even think Chen Fan was worthy of his comment. At best, he would be admitted into a mediocre second tier university and get a mediocre job with a mediocre wage.

After the supper, the guests started to leave one after another.

Before Chen Fan left the house, he asked Jiang Churan for the key to the mansion.

Jiang Churan paused a second and then run upstairs to fetch the key.

"What key?" Zhang Yumeng asked curiously.

"The key to the mansion?" Auntie Tang asked as embarrassment flashed across her face. "Xiao Fan gave it to Ran-Ran to keep it while he was gone."

Jiang Churan had told her about the key a few months ago, and she thought it was a joke. She remembered her husband had even sneered at Chen Fan's buffoonery called him a helpless brat.

"The mansion the mountain top? Is it the mansion number one developed by Wan Rong Group?" Li Yichen was taken aback.

"Yes, that's it." Auntie Tang nodded, face flushed red.

"I have heard that the construction cost of the mansion was over tens of millions; I bet the sale price would double that." Li Yichen gave Chen Fan a contemptuous sidelong glance. "After the mansion was complete, it was given to The Third Lord of Wei as a gift. I wonder how did you get it?"

Auntie Tang stood awkwardly between the two boys and was not sure what to say.

Jiang Haishan shook his head with a cold smirk while the other guests watched Chen Fan gloatingly.

Ever since Yang Chao knew his family hotel had secured the five-star status, he no longer feared Chen Fan. His girlfriend had also insistently poured words of poison into his ears which made him loath Chen Fan even more than before.

Chen Fan said lightly: "He gave it to me."

"Gave it to you?" Li Yichen asked. There was more disdain than disbelief in his voice.

The mansion worth over ten million and was bound to increase its value. There was no way that The Third Lord of Wei would give it away so easily.

That was rich!

However, Li Yichen didn't design to expose Chen Fan's lie in front of everyone. Chen Fan was not even worthy of his attention.

Jiang Churan walked down the stairs and gave the key to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan took the key and was about to leave. Suddenly, he heard Zhang Yumeng ask: "Chen Fan, why don't you take us to your mansion? We are all curious about what it looks like inside."

Silence suddenly fell into the room.

Chen Fan looked back and saw Zhang Yumeng had plastered on a fake smile. Around her were gloating faces that watched him as a laughing stock.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 86: Master Chen, Are You Back?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Don't mind her; she was just pulling your leg. Go home now; it's dark outside." Auntie Tang finally broke the awkward silent spell.

Zhang Yumeng sneered at Chen Fan and didn't press on.

Even as everyone thought that the matter was over, they heard Chen Fan's voice: "Auntie Tang, I had planned to show you the mansion anyway, why don't we do it tonight with everyone else?"

Everyone was shocked after hearing his words.

Jiang Churan gave Chen Fan an accusatory glare that read, "Are you crazy? My mother had resolved the crisis for you; why do you persist on making a fool out of yourself?"

Xu Rongfei had just heaved a sigh of relief; however, Chen Fan's invitation had made her heart jump up to her throat once again.

Li Yichen shook his head and lamented Chen Fan's foolishness.

He was too stubborn and too full of himself. What was the point in bluffing when everyone had seen through him?

Auntie Tang stood awkwardly between the two boys and was not sure what to say.

Zhang Yumeng's eyes lit up and shouted: "Awesome! Auntie Tang, he had already invited us, let's hurry!"

She got hold of Auntie Tang's hand, and half drag and half pushed her toward the door. Auntie Tang was at a loss, and before she knew it, he was already through the door. Jiang Churan followed her mother out of the room, and when she passed Chen Fan, she gave him a hot glare.

Li Yichen wore a smile on his face and nodded at Chen Fan before he left. Contempt and gloating were written all over his face.

"The kids nowadays are stubborn as a goat and as stupid as a cow!" Jiang Haishan shook his head and murmured as he walked past Chen Fan without even sparing a glance at the boy.

"Brother Chen Fan?" Xu Rongfei came over to Chen Fan and asked softly.

"Don't worry; I will show you my new home."Chen Fan cut her short with a warm and reassuring smile.

Seeing Chen Fan's calm expression, Xu Rongfei felt slightly relieved. Suddenly, she remembered a conversation she had with her father a couple of months ago.

Xu Ao seemed to have changed his mind and no longer opposed Chen Fan seeing his daughter.

The only thing she remembered now of the conversation was the last few words her father had spoken. He said that "Chen Fan was not an ordinary person."

"Could it be that my dad knew something about Chen Fan that none of us do?" Xu Rongfei thought as she sneaked a peek at the boy walking beside her.

Chen Fan didn't change much compared to three months ago. However, upon closer look, she noticed that his skin was paler than it used to be. Some sections of his skin looked nearly translucent, and it created a visual illusion that made her think that she could see through his skin and peer directly at his bones and veins.

As a girl who was proud herself on skin care, Xu Rongfei felt jealous of Chen Fan's sublime skin conditions.

Chen Fan and Xu Rongfei traveled together, and when they reached the mansion at the top of the mountain, Jiang Haishan and the other guests had already been waiting outside.

"Hey, big guy, open the door, please. Show us what it looks like inside." Zhang Yumeng siad gloatingly.

"This mansion was built on the top of the Yun Wu Mountain. From here, you can see the entire Chu Zhou City's landscape. It is the best of the best in terms of both location and structural design." Li Yichen didn't pay any attention to Chen Fan; instead, he started to introduce the mansion to everyone as if he owned it.

"Only a very few people who could afford this house, such as The Third Lord of Wei, Sheng Ronghua and Old Man Zheng.

"Sheng Ronghua had transferred most of his assets to Jinlin City. I have heard rumors that he owned a few mansions at the most expensive developments." Jiang Haishan said lightly, hands linked behind his back.

"Mr. Sheng didn't think Chu Zhou City is good enough for him."Li Yichen joked with a smirk.

"Indeed, and rightfully so. He is too big of a fish for Chu Zhou City. " Jiang Haishan shook his head as he bemoaned.

"Wan Rong Group was the top three wealthiest companies in our province. Just this year alone, Wan Rong Group had acquired over five hundred thousand spare meters of land. I bet the number is going to increase next year. Wan Rong Group's ambition meant they have to expand out of our small city. "

An average living space a community was about fifty to sixty thousand square meters. Therefore, Wang Rong Group had practically created ten residential developments in a year, and that was just the residential side of their business. There was simply not enough land in the Chu Zhou City for the Wan Rong Group to develop.

Jiang Churan, Yang Chao, and Zhang Yumeng stood aside and listened to the two's conversation.

Although they couldn't fully understand the content of the conversation, they couldn't help but be impressed with Li Yicheng's knowledge and Jiang Hiadhan's wisdom.

"Li Yichen was just a high school student, yet he is able to converse with Uncle Jiang on such complicated issues. My daily concern mainly involved with shopping and dining really couldn't compare."

With that thought in mind, Zhang Yumeng became felt even more respect and admiration for Li Yichen.

Even Auntie Tang was impressed with Li Yichen's knowledge and started to doubt her first choice for her daughter's suitor.

"Could Xiao Fan really compete with Li Yichen? The boy seemed perfect in every aspect!"

While Auntie Tang was pondering the question, Zhang Yumeng urged Chen Fan to open the door again.

Jiang Haishan and Li Yichen had also paused the conversation. After realizing that Chen Fan had not yet opened the door, Jiang Haishan shook his head in disappointment.

"It's just a waste of time. Let's just head back now. We still have school tomorrow."Jiang Churan put in.

Her voice was calm; however, she looked into the distance while talking, trying to avoid eye contact with Chen Fan.

Li Yichen cracked a smile and said: "Touche, Zhang Yumeng was just kidding. Don't mind him, please."

His humble words had not only made him look even more like a gentleman but also earned approving glances from Jiang Haishan and Auntie Tang.

"This is what a future elite looked like. He is good looking, smart and has a great sense of responsibility. Above all, he is humble yet ambitious. He is bound to surpass his father when he grows up." Jiang Haishan nodded approvingly.

So thinking, he doubled down his decision to set her daughter up with Li Yichen. Although his daughter was of exceptional talent and appetence, young suitors such as Li Yichen was not easy to find either.

"In a couple of days, I need to invite Li Yichen's father out for dinner and put the matter to rest. Once they graduate from high school, they will be engaged with each other while we plan for the wedding. "

For most parents, engagement was a remote thing for their teenage children; however, in the upper-class world, it was not uncommon to arrange an engagement before their children graduated from university. Their marriage was never a personal thing but a tool for both families to secure alliances.

"Brother Chen Fan, why don't we head back?" Xu Rongfei said quietly.

Seeing no one wanted to expose Chen Fan's lie, Zhang Yumeng had to let the matter slide. She gave Chen Fan a cold sneer as she finally gave up.

Chen Fan cleared his throat and was about to announce something. The door of the mansion cracked open, and a middle age woman emerged from within.

The woman was shocked by the crowd gathered at the entrance. However, as soon as she saw Chen Fan, she shouted: "Mr. Chen, you are back!"

"This is... Auntie Liu." Chen Fan introduced the woman to everyone.

The middle age woman put on an ingratiating smile and said: "Lord Wei told me to contact him as soon as you are back. I will call him right now."

The middle age women hurried to the inside and disappeared as quickly as she had come out.

Everyone was speechless by the turn of the events.

Chen Fan glanced at the incredulous expression on Zhang Yumeng's face as he walked past her and into the mansion. He explained to Xu Rongfei who followed him closely, "Auntie Liu cleans the house for me while I am gone. Let's go in now. I will show you my new house."

He then turned around the waved at Auntie Tang, willing her to catch up.

Auntie Tang was still dumbfounded by the development. Before she knew it, she was inside of the most expensive house in the Chu Zhou City.

This mansion was built at the top of the mountain and was twice the size of a regular house. It has three levels, and each level was stylishly decorated. Its furniture had a modern touch to them, yet they were comfortable and practical.

"Xiao... Xiao Fan, does this house really belong to you?"

Auntie Tang stammered.

Meanwhile, all the other guests were so shocked that they could only stare.

"How is this even possible? This house was listed as the most luxurious property in the entire city. Its market value is well over a hundred million. Whoever owns it should at least be a billionaire. Chen Fan is just an ordinary high school student; how could he afford it?"

Yang Chao's mind reeled.

Even if his dad sold his five-star hotel, he would still not have enough money to buy this house.

Zhang Yumeng gaped while she looked around the house in utter disbelief.

Chen Fan? Mr. Chen? A million yuan mansion?

Was he the same Chen Fan she knew who wore knock-off-brand jeans and T-shirts?

What had happened to the world?

Of all the people, only Jiang Haishan and Li Yichen were able to keep their calm and wits about them.

They had noticed something from the brief conversation between Auntie Liu and Chen Fan.

"Lord Wei told her to call him?

"Is that Lord Wei or The Third Lord of Wei?

"If Chen Fan knew The Third Lord of Wei, then his support was far greater than Wei Ziqin." Li Yichen drew a deep breath as he suddenly felt threatened.

"He is a much bigger problem than I thought."

He glanced at Jiang Churan, and the impressed expression on her face made Li Yichen feel even more threatened.

Jiang Haishan's face was contorted by surprise. He felt someone had just slapped him in the face.

"This world has gone mad!"

He murmured to himself.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 87: Spirit Mist

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

By the time Zhang Yumeng was ready to leave the Mansion, she felt she was running away from her biggest embarrassment.

Chen Fan gave them a tour of the entire mansion on the mountain top. If this mansion was owned by anyone else other than Chen Fan, Zhang Yumeng would snap a shot every step she took and post them on social media as her bragging rights.

However, she didn't feel that she had the rights to brag about anything, far from it. Her face flushed red as if someone had been slapping her face constantly.

Auntie Tang and Xu Rongfei were the only two who genuinely enjoyed the tour. Auntie Tang even wanted to stay in the house for a night; however, she was dragged away by her husband.

No one spoke a word as they descended the mountain.

The pride inside of Li Yichen was replaced with shame and regret. He bemoaned his failure of not recognizing the owner of the most luxurious house while he pretended to be well versed in the power dynamics of the city.

After a while, Zhang Yumeng finally broke the silence.

"Could it be that Wei Ziqin had rented the place to him temporarily? He knew Wei Ziqin very well after all.

"Perhaps Chen Fan was one of his personal bodyguards."

As Zhang Yumeng went on, her explanations became increasingly inconceivable.

Except for her boyfriend Yang Chao, no one paid attention to her, much less agreed with her.

Who would rent out the entire mansion that was worth over a hundred million? Even if she did rent it to him, it only proved that the relationship between the two was truly special.

If Chen Fan married Wei Ziqin, his status would be more prestigious than anyone here. After all, he would have married a princess from one of the most powerful families of China, not just the daughter of a commoner.

The thought of the intimacy between Chen Fan and Wei Ziqin pleased Auntie Tang. She knew she had been right about Chen Fan's exceptional quality.

So thinking, she gave Jiang Churan an accusatory glare.

Her daughter had kept the key with her for three months, but not once did she try to use it. If she had been smarter, there would not be so much misunderstanding tonight.

Meanwhile, Jiang Churan had no time to care about her mother's glare. Of all the people present, she alone had to endure the complex and self-contradicting emotions rising inside of her.

Emotions such as doubt, hatred, despair, delight, and remorse clashed with each other in her heart.

She was surprised that Chen Fan was able to follow through with his promise and offered the mansion to her mother in three months. However, she was confused as to how he managed to achieve that. Could it be that he really was Master Chen?

Impossible!

As for the feeling of hatred, she hated Chen Fan for hiding his real identity from her.

"If you had insisted on me checking the mansion, I would definitely do it. However, you didn't even seem to care if I found it out or not when you handed over the key to me."

So thinking, regret and remorse crept onto her face.

She glanced at Li Yichen surreptitiously.

He was exceptionally promising in all aspects and had gained both her and her father's approval. If he continued to woo her and impress her, it would only be a matter of time before they started officially dating each other. However, as fate would have it, Chen Fan's turning up had thrown a wrench in gear.

"He always put on that hoity-toity face and seemed to think he is better than everyone else. Plus, what's up with the ghosting for days on end? Let it be his appearance or family background; he simply couldn't compare with Li Yichen. And now this?

"I thought I had forgotten about him after three months; however, as soon as he came back, I immediately lost the peace of mind."

The girl's mind raced as she struggled to internalize what had happened.

Strictly speaking, Jiang Churan was a reasonable and pragmatic person.

Reason made her choose Li Yichen in her last life, however, this time, a voice called out to her from deep down, telling her that she would regret it if she passed up on Chen Fan again.

As for the rest of the crowd, no one was happier than Xu Rongfei. By then, she was convinced that her dad had told her the truth, that Chen Fan was not an ordinary person.

After everyone had left the mansion, Chen Fan started to cast the Spirit Channeling Array.

Before he dove into his work, he had dismissed Antie Liu and told her to take a vacation for a few months.

"Here are all the Yin Crystals I brought back from the Yin Dragon Pond."

In front of Chen Fan was a large black suitcase. It was filled to the brim with black rocks. These ordinary looking rocks were surrounded by a white mist and were cold to the touch. Holding one was like holding a block of ice in the middle of winter.

"Yin Crystals are one of the most abundant forms of Spirit Stones. It not only can be used to cast Mist Array but can also be used as a substitute for water element stones. It is a perfect foundation material for the Spirit Channeling Array."

Chen Fan thought to himself.

He then initiated the Misty Mountain Array he had previously created. Having experienced the same array in action in the Yin Dragon Pond, he noticed how weak the array was here in the mansion. In the valley, the Yin Qi was so abundant that they formed a mist naturally. If he was not worried about the harm Yin and Malic Qi could have done to his physical body, he wouldn't leave the valley until he had reached the Ethereal Enlightenment Level.

"The Void Mortal Refinement Art claimed to be able to reshape any form of energy; however, that was far from the reality."

Chen Fan shook his head.

However powerful it claimed to be, the art was used for Foundation Establishment. Despite the fact that it would allow the cultivator to absorb all forms of Qi such as Yin Qi, Fiend Qi, and Malice Qi, it was not necessarily safe to do so. The only absolutely safe form of energy in the universe was the Spirit Qi.

"Part of the reason that The Sect of the Grand Dao could not reach their full potential had much to do with the impurity of their energy. It's easier said than done to absorb all forms of energy without consequences."

With that in mind, Chen Fan started to work on the Spirit Channeling Array.

Since he had already done most of the heavy lifting work when he cast the array for the first time, the process was much quicker and easier this time around.

He embedded Yin Crystals into each and every one of the deep sea rocks that were previously covered with inscriptions. Once Chen Fan channel the energy out from the Yin Crystals into the symbols that covered the rock, the new array was completed.

As soon as Chen Fan initiated the Spirit Channeling Array once again, a wave of Spirit Qi—ten times stronger than that of the original array rushed into the mansion.

"Vzzzz!"

Suddenly, the effect of the Spirit Gathering Array was cranked up to the maximum as the five formation disk rose into the air, emitting a milky white glow. The light soon grew brighter and surrounded the entire mansion.

Inside the mansion, countless twisty strands of white mist started to form in the air.

The white mist quickly grew in size, and in a blink, they had grown to the size of clouds, turning the mansion into a sky-palace of immortals.

With every breath Chen Fan took, he drew in a large amount of pure Spirit Qi into his system. The effect was palpable as every muscle and bone in his body cheered for the refreshing wave of energy.

Slowly but surely, Chen Fan's body had been shedding; it's worldly qualities and turning more and more into a spiritual existence. Therefore, being surrounded by Spirit Qi after living in a materialistic world for so long made him feel like a beached fish that swam in the ocean.

"That is why all the cultivators hated the mortal world. In their mind, the mortal world was as harsh and barren as a desert."

Chen Fan shook his head.

Even in the deep space, cultivators try their best to keep as far away from visitors of the mortal world as possible. If the humans were water, then the cultivators were oil; not only oil doesn't mix with water, but it was also always above the water.

The very nature of cultivation was to shed the worldly burden in order to ascend to a higher level of existence.

Chen Fan closed his eyes and started to cultivate.

When Chen Fan opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning.

He opened his eyes because he had sensed a group of visitors at the door. It was Third Lord of Wei, Zhou Tianhao and their friends.

Chen Fan shook his head and then cast a spell to open up the door.

"Come in."

Third Lord of Wei was startled by the self-opening door, and voice in his mind had rendered him speechless.

Zhou Tianhao asked under his breath.

"Lord Wie, did you hear a voice?"

"You heard it too? Same here! It was a familiar voice. Damn, why do we hear the same thing in our minds?" Lord Wei asked incredulously.

Everyone looked at each other, and none dared to enter.

Third Lord of Wei had gotten the message from Auntie Liu about Chen Fan's return. They had rushed pay tribute to Master Chen; however, the uncanny development at the entrance made them think better of their visit.

"It's me.

"Stop wasting my time; come to the third floor."

Chen Fan's voice came up again in their mind.

"It... Is it Master Chen?" A'Biao swallowed hard and asked in disbelief.

"Master Chen had reached such high attainment that he is able to speak to us through our minds? That's unheard of, only the Buddha and the Bodhisattva can do that!" Third Lord of Wei exclaimed.

After a few cautious moments, the visitors finally decided to brave the inside of the mansion.

As soon as they enter the house, they felt they had walked into a steamy bathtub. The warmth inside the house expelled their hunger and exhaustion after the long hike on the mountain.

"Master Chen's spell array is so much more powerful than my Dharma Artifact." The third lord said enviously.

On the other hand, Zhou Tianhao and the other guests felt envious of the Third Lord; at least the third lord had an artifact, they had nothing.

"Balls! I can stay here for a hundred years." A'Biao exclaimed. Even the old wounds inside his body started to heal under the effect of the Array.

The group filed to the third floor, and they saw Chen Fan sitting cross-legged on the balcony, facing the sprawling landscape of the Chu Zhou City. His head blotted the sun at just the right angle to create a halo around his serene face. Chen Fan looked sublime.

"Master Chen!" Everyone bowed to him deeply with as much respect as they could muster.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 88: Tang Yuanqin of The Hu Dong Province

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Grab a seat."

Hearing Chen Fan's order, Third Lord, Zhou Tianhao and Master Guo all found a chair and sat down. The rest of the group had to stand behind them.

"Master Chen, we have spread the news of your return to all the tycoons in the city. Everyone is excited to see you." Third Lord said respectfully and rightfully so since the teenage boy in front of him was no longer a caster of average power, but the number one cultivator of the Jiang Bei region—Master Chen.

Nearly all the magnates in the Jiang Bei region were pinned under his thumb, and some even considered Maser Chen the equal of Tang Yuanqin in the Hu Dong Province.

"Sure, I can meet them."

Chen Fan said lightly.

"As long as we are under your protection, we will no longer fear that asshole Tang Yuanqin." Zhou Tianhao slapped his fat thigh excitedly.

"Tang Yuanqin?"

Chen Fan half opened his eyes as he asked curiously.

"Before your rise to power, Tang Yuanqin dominated the Hu Dong Province." Zhou Tianhao explained. "From his seat of power in the Jin City, he ruled the rest of the cities in his province with an iron fist. What's worse, he also tried to expand his range of power to Jiang Bei region. Of course, we had to put up a fight, and it worked. So far, all of his attempt to expand into Jiang Bei had been pushed back by us."

"Oh? Is he really that powerful?" Chen Fan asked curiously. "You have the backing of the entire Wei Family, and Xu Ao has his father-in-law. Most of the tycoons in the city had at least one capable protector, so what made Tang Yuanqin so threatening to you?"

"Yes, you are right. But that is only If everyone were able to unite under one banner." Zhou Tianhao cracked a wry smile.

Xu Ao, Baldy Liu, Zhou Tianhao... Every one of them were dominating figures in their own rights.

However, they had grown used to being the only one in charge of things and could not even bear the thought of sharing their authority with others. They were no match against Tang Yuanqin in such disunity.

"Nonetheless, Tang Yuanqin is quite a capable leader and a visionary." The Tang family had deep roots in the Hu Dong Province. His grandfather was the warlord that rose to power from Hu Dong Province, the army he commanded was at least a few thousand strong. The old man used to assist Mr. Sun in the great evolution.

"After helping Mr. Sun topple the last empire of China, the Tang Family joined the war against the Japanese and survived. The family is well connected in the Jin City and was one of the biggest families in the Hu Dong province.

"Tang Yuanqin is a very capable leader a shrewd businessman. Over the years, he had consolidated power in the Hu Dong Province and kicked the factions originated from other provinces out of Hu Dong. " Zhou Tianhao said with a hard face. "The Tangs Group had their fingers in all the industries that you can think of, but what they excelled at was transportation. Nearly all the transport fleets in the navigable waters and channels belong to the Tangs Group.

"He has both the manpower and financial advantage; therefore, even the richest man in the Hu Dong Province had to be careful around him. Lord Wu from Jiang Zhou City who attended the tournament was one of Tang Yuanqin's representatives."

Zhou Tianhao paused and heaved a sigh. Indignation and anger were written all over his face.

Chen Fan nodded.

Based on what he was told, this person was indeed a power to be reckoned with. Businessmen in the Chu Zhou City such as Zhou Tianhao simply could not compare.

Master Guo had an aggrieved expression on his pale face. He put in, "I wonder if Brother Zhou Tianhao has heard of the recent news?"

"What news?" Zhou Tianhao asked puzzledly.

Chen Fan watched as Master Guo bowed to him and then said: "Master Chen, the Tang Family of the Jin City, was a well renowned Martial Arts Family. Although the family hasn't have produced a Grandmaster in the hundred years, both Tang Yuanqin and his father are powerful Internal Force users. They were undefeated in the Hu Dong Province."

"That makes so much more sense now." Chen Fan nodded.

Money, power, and wits were the vocabulary of the weaklings. Only strength could have been the reason for their success.

Without absolute strength, Tang Yuanqin would not able to dominate the Hu Dong Province for so many years. His hegemony over the region would have produced as many friends as enemies for him. Without the ability to defend himself, he would have been assassinated many years ago.

Zhou Tianhao managed a smile and then said, "Sorry, I am not familiar with martial arts. But I have heard about Tang Yuanqin's martial arts skills. I believe that Master Gu who work for Xu Ao had a battle with him and lost the fight."

Master Guo shook his head and said, "We don't need to worry about him now, we have Master Chen."

Then, he gave Chen Fan an adoring fanboy smile.

Master Chen was a Transcendent Master, plus, he has an advantage in his young age. If Tang Yuanqin were half as smart as people claimed he was, he would think twice before jumping into a battle against any Transcendent Master.

"Indeed. With Master Chen, we don't have to worry about Tang Yuanqin any longer! Master Chen can kick his ass!" A broad smile broke over Zhou Tianhao's face.

The Third Lord Wei also nodded in agreement.

Although he had missed the action at the tournament, Zhou Tianhao had filled him in on the details of Chen Fan's heroic acts: that he had walked on water, that he had toppled the stage with one punch, every feat evoked righteous fear inside of the Third Lord toward the godly hero.

Chen Fan cracked a smile and didn't say a word.

He didn't take Tang Yuanqin seriously since, at his level, only a Transcendent Master such as Lei Qianjue could have piqued his interest.

He looked toward Guo Wei who was still recovering from his injury.

"Have you heard anything from the Hong Sect?"

Guo Wei bowed slightly and said, "Master, my overseas sect brothers told me that Lei Qianjue didn't announce any further comment after his disciple's defeat. However, some of his other disciples had claimed to avenge their sect brothers. A friend of mine from Zhong Hai City told me that they have picked up activities of the Hong Sect in their territory. The infiltrating force was small in number, but I wager that there will be more coming. I wonder if they are targeting you."

He paused a second and then said cautiously, "You have made a name for yourself by defeating Lin Hu. Many friendly martial artists wanted to pay tribute to you."

"I don't have time." Chen Fan shook his head.

Chen Fan wagered that the so-called Friendly Martial Artist was all of the similar prowess as Guo Wei. In other words, they were all weaklings.

Seeing Chen Fan was not interested, Guo Wei decided to keep other information to himself.

Chen Fan's surge in popularity not only earned him admiration but also suspicions and doubts. Many people in the martial arts field questions the possibility of a young boy possessing as much power as a Transcendent Master.

That being said, Chen Fan had earned a significant number of admirers. Even some reputable masters bought into the story of Chen Fan.

However, since Chen Fan had disappeared for a few months right off the bat of the tournament, his fanboys had finally given up their pursuit.

Chen Fan watched as his guests discussed the time and location for the meeting to rally for unity.

The Jiang Bei region was situated at the northern part of the province and compared to the southern part where the Tang family hailed from, it was much larger in land mass but smaller in economic prowess. The Jiang Bei region had been in disarray for a very long time. If someone were to take up the challenge and unit all factions under one banner, the Jiang Bei region was able to take over the Hu Dong Province.

"If Master Chen could consolidate the power in the Jiang Bei Region, he would definitely need my help in managing and delegating the factions. By then, I would be the number one underboss of the entire Jiang Bei Region."

Of all the magnets in the Jiang Bei region, he had always been the weakest. None of the other tycoons consider him worthy of their company.

Everyone was convinced that Zhou Tianhao was nothing but a lap dog of the Wei Family of the North Bank. Therefore, he could not pass up such an opportunity of a lifetime to change his outlook.

Meanwhile, The Third Lord Wei was also daydreaming about the prospect of success. "The old man always looked down on me; I can finally prove him wrong.

"Yes, my two brothers might be smarter than me, but neither of them knew Master Chen.

"To be able to control the entire Jiang Bei was not a small feat. If Master Chen were successful, he would become one of the most powerful figures in the Hu Dong Province. Like all business leaders, he would need political backing and who would be better than my family to fill that role? No one!

"I want to look at my brother's face when I bring such a powerful ally into our family."

With that in mind, the two deliberated on the topic with new found enthusiasm.

As their ambitions grew, so did the scale of the meeting they were planning. What started out as a simple meeting had grown into a fully fledged out banquet, and an organization came with the board of directors and a hundred different committees.

Chen Fan kept his silence all the while; however, he had seen through his guests and knew exactly what they were after.

"You guys have grossly underestimated the difficulties."

Chen Fan shook his head.

He knew he couldn't rule the Jiang Bei region with fear; he would have to earn the right as a leader.

These magnates were seasoned warriors on the battlefield of money and power. It wouldn't be easy to convince them to hand over their hard earned control unless they were pushed to the last leg, but at what cost?

If Chen Fan was a mortal, he might seriously consider spending five or ten years to consolidate the power and eventually dominate the Hu Dong Province.

However, Chen Fan had neither the time nor the interest in such trivial matters.

"I know they each have their own agenda, and none of them are good for me.

"But so what?

"As long as I have the absolute power and strength, I can always squash anyone who dares to oppose me."

With that thought in mind, Chen Fan slowly closed his eyes and no longer pay attention to his guests.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 89: Spirit Qi Water

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chen Fan gave his guests a cue to leave when the discussion was reaching its end.

Before they left, Chen Fan wanted each one of them to have a cup of drink.

"What's happening?" Everyone was confused as to what or why they had to drink. Nonetheless, A'Biao picked up the jug and poured its contents to everyone's cup.

Master Guo was a martial artist and had much less to worry about. He downed the contents of the cup in one go, in order to quench his thirst.

Suddenly, he felt a cold sensation go down his throat all the way to his belly. Then, the coldness turned into heat and swept through his body. When the hot energy reached his old wound, he felt a prickly sensation in the area and then a soothing comfort in its wake.

"WOW!" Master Guo looked to Chen Fan incredulously.

Everyone else followed suit, and their expression suggested that they had felt the same miraculous feeling inside of them.

"OMG. I have never felt lighter before. This is amazing!" A'Biao said with a gaping mouth.

"No kidding! My joints always acted up during winter, but now I can't feel a thing!" Zhou Tianhao exclaimed.

However, of all the people who took the drink, the Third Lord Wei felt the greatest improvement in his body.

Years of debauchery had slowly wasted away his vitality. If not for the Dharma Artifact Chen Fan made for him, he would have already been in a sick bed,

After the first cautious sip, his first impression was the freshness and clearness in the water. It was better than any spring water he had sampled in his life.

When the smooth contents slide down into his belly, it suddenly caught fire and warmed up his body and, charging up his system. He had been working hard under the sheets with two of his mistresses last night, so it was supposed to be resting time right now; however, he felt desire light up again in between his legs.

"Master Chen, Is this water from heaven?" Third Lord Wei exclaimed.

"Well, yes and no. You can also say that it was no different than those snake oils sold on the infomercial." Chen Fan said lightly.

This pitcher of water had been sitting in the Spirit Gathering Array for a whole day, and by then had soaked up all the Spirit Qi in its surroundings. One sip of this water would amount to a night breathing in the air filled with Spirit Qi.

After Chen Fan had completed the Spirit Qi Mist, the Misty Mountain mansion had become the Spirit Land for all intents and purposes. The air around the mansion was fused with Spirit Qi Mist thanks to the concentration of Spirit Qi ten times higher than it was outside of the array. Meanwhile, the water absorbed the Spirit Qi Mist and further concentrated the Qi. That was why the contents in the jug had such a strong effect on the drinkers.

However, this water was just regular water infused with Spirit Qi. Its beneficial effects fell short compared to the tea prepared using the Essence Gathering Pill.

"Master Chen, can I have another cup?" Zhou Tianhao hazarded.

"Of course." Chen Fan said casually. "However, since your old wound is not fully healed yet, I won't drink too much if I were you."

As long as the Spirit Gathering Array was not broken, Chen Fan had an unlimited supply of such water.

"Yea, Master Guo, you go ahead first. I will have a second cup as well..." Zhou Tianhao said.

"Thank you, master!" Master Guo bowed deeply to Chen Fan.

His defeat at the tournament at the hands of Eight-Armed Arhat: Song Tao had left him a stubborn wound. Even after three months of recuperation, the wound had healed only slightly, and any large movement would cause a burning sensation around the wound. Master Guo hoped that the heavenly water would be able to accelerate the healing process.

After Master Guo took the lead, the other guests joined in to help themselves with the water.

The five-liter jug was empty in a heartbeat. Suddenly, Third Lord of Wei shouted, "Are you guys crazy? Do you know what this water means?"

"Means what?" A'Biao was taken aback by his boss's sudden outburst.

Third Lord Wei rose from his seat and bowed slightly to Master Chen. "Master Chen, can you produce this heavenly water every day?"

Chen Fan gave him a knowing glance and said with a half curved lips: "As long as the Spirit Gathering Array was running, I could provide ten jugs of water. Twenty if I try harder."

"Ten jugs... that is fifty liters, and twenty jugs is a hundred liters." Third Lord Wei calculated. He slapped his thigh abruptly as if he had a moment of epiphany. "One hundred liters every day and that will be 200 to 400 cups of water we can sell!"

He then looked to Chen Fan opportunistically.

"Master Chen, you said the water could cure any ailment right?"

"Theoretically, yes. All diseases of the human body came from the weakness in the immune system. Flu, for example, only strikes those who lacked the ability to counter it." Chen Fan explained.

"Therefore, those who exercise every day and keep a healthy diet rarely got sick."

Master Guo nodded. "Indeed. Internal Force users like myself had never felt any symptoms of a cold nor the flu."

"This water was infused with Spirit Qi, and therefore it is beneficial to human's health. Those who lived close to Spirit Qi never get sick either."

"Therefore, you are saying that one cup of this water had the same effect as me wearing the Dharma Artifact for a couple of weeks."Third Lord Wei said with a trembling voice.

"Indeed." Chen Fan nodded.

After the revelation validated the third lord's business plan, his gaze became even more ardent.

He knew the effect of Dharma Artifact at first hand, and therefore he could appreciate the power of the water better than anyone else.

The Dharma Artifact that Chen Fan gave him had limited use every day. After it had drained its energy, it would shut down automatically to recharge, making it a much inferior device than the Spirit Gathering Array.

"Hold on..." Zhou Tianhao put in. "Master Chen, what's the shelf life of the water?"

Zhou Tianhao's question quelled Third Lord's fervent enthusiasm.

Chen Fan nodded approvingly and said, "The water can last forever inside the array. However, it can only last half a day once it was brought outside."

Like water, the Spirit Qi was constantly moving.

Outside of the Array, the world was a desert that was devoid of Qi. Therefore, the Spirit Qi inside the cup would leak into the air rapidly.

"Damn..." Third Lord Wei cursed.

If the water could only last half a day, then by the time it reached customers, most of its effects would be gone already. Even fresh milk could last longer than these Spirit Qi Water.

"Master Chen, is there any other ways to preserve the effect?" Third Lord implored.

He had already drafted a business plan in his mind, but it was shredded into pieces by one simple factor.

"There are ways." Chen Fan said slowly.

If the bottles were made out of jade, then the healing effect of the water would last for a week.

This is because the Jade itself contained a significant amount of Spirit Qi and therefore could slow down the loss of Qi in the water.

"One week? That enough!" Third Lord Wei slapped his thigh in excitement.

Once he got in touch with the jade mine owner in the Zhong Zhou City, Jade bottles could be mass produced. The cost of each bottle should be no more than a hundred yuan.

Even if the bottles would cost more, it was still a profitable investment considering the effect of the water.

"Lord Wei, are you thinking of selling these heavenly water?" Master Guo asked, "I wager this water would fetch at least a thousand yuan a bottle."

"A thousand?" Third Lord Wei snorted. "At least a hundred thousand."

"A hundred thousand per bottle?"

Everyone was shocked by the revelation.

Chen Fan had just told everyone that he could produce three to four hundred bottles a day, and that would be over ten billion yuan a year of pure profit!

"This... this is incredible!" Zhou Tianhao could only stare."I can't believe it! Who would buy a bottle of water for one hundred thousand yuan?"

"I bet you that people will buy it even if I jack up the price to a million." Third Lord Wei said with a smug smirk.

He knew better than anyone about the ins and outs of the supplement industry. Due to his deteriorating health, he was a frequent customer of the supplement stores. So far, the money he spent on supplements could have bought him a couple of Lamborghinis, yet, he still kept on pouring money into it.

The Spirit Qi Water's effect was much stronger than any supplement the had used; there was no doubt in his mind that these water would be highly sought after on the market.

The more wealth a person has, the more he cared about his health.

Without a healthy body, even if he has the biggest fortune in the world, he would not be able to enjoy it.

Chen Fan nodded in agreement.

Third Lord Wei had the same thought as he did when he sold the Arcane Pills to the Zheng Family.

However, he had to strike a balance between profit and his customer's budget. If the asking price were too high, even the Zheng Family would not be able to afford it.

The thought of the Zheng Family brought his memory back.

"It seems that the Zhengs is not going to pay their debt."

"I will have to go to Hong Kong and have a talk with them."

A cold and deadly smile appeared on Chen Fan's face.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 90: Journey Before the Holiday

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

It took The Third Lord Wei a while to fully explain his business plan to everyone.

After everyone had taken in the Third Lord's proposal, they were elated by the prospect of making over a billion yuan a year. Although most of the profit would go to Master Chen, a fraction of that huge income would be enough to make everyone happy.

"Master Chen, how are you planning to sell this heavenly water?" The Third Lord Wei hazarded.

Of all the people in the room, only he and the Wei Family had enough resources and credentials to sell these bottles of water at such a high price. Any no account salesman trying to make a sales pitch to a rich buyer about these heavenly water would be scoffed at as swindlers.

"I don't even expect to half the profit with Master Chen. I would be happy if I could get twenty percent. Heck even ten percent, I will be making a hundred million a year." The promise of becoming rich make Third Lord Wei's face bloom like a flower.

"Who told you that I am going to sell it to the public through you?" Chen Fan said calmly.

"You are not?" Everyone was taken aback.

"Why not? We can both make so much money!" The Third Lord Wei shrieked as he could no longer hold back his greed.

"Master Chen, all you have to do is hand that water to my Fang Sheng International Group and me. You will take eighty percent of the profit or even ninety percent if that makes the deal even sweeter for you. We are practically turning water into gold; what other line of business could be more profitable than this?"

"Indeed." Zhou Tianhao hurried to chime in.

"I have no need for money." To everyone's surprise, Chen Fan shook his head and said, "To tell you the truth, I am planning to sell this water, but I won't give you the exclusive sale rights. Everyone in the Jiang Bei Region will have their fair share."

"Everyone will have their share?" The Third Lord Wei asked curiously.

"Indeed." Chen Fan nodded. "I have heard your plan of consolidating power in the Jiang Bei Region. However, you have overlooked one tried and true method in management: carrot and stick. We need a hook for their royalty."

"Um..." Everyone stared at each other and were not sure what to say.

"The heavenly water is the hook and the carrot." Chen Fan said.

It would not be easy to convince the lot such as Xu Ao and Baldy Liu to give up their power without any incentives. However, the story would be different if they were presented with the opportunity to earn over a hundred million yuan industry. They didn't even need too much marketing efforts since their rich relatives and friends should be able to absorb most of the sales. Once they had established proper sales channels and markets, the profit would come in at tens, if not hundreds of billions.

"I will not give them the heavenly water for free, I will take half of their sales, and they can do whatever they want with their share. Sell it, or give it away, I don't care.

"If they obey me, I will give them more share, if they don't or even defy me, I will not give them a drop."

The Third Lord Wei felt a chill down his spine after hearing Chen Fan's plan.

"This is much worse than fifty-fifty."

Chen Fan's ambition had far exceeded the Third Lord's expectation.

He was not selling the water for money, but as a tool to keep everyone under his boot.

The immense profit from the sale of the heavenly water was too great to ignore by any reasonable businessman. The water was bound to be highly sought after since only a few tycoons of the Jiang Bei Region have the right to sell them.

By then, people would flock to the Jiang Bei Region to secure deals with the local gentry. This asymmetric relationship would give the Jiang Bei businessmen huge leverages in expanding their influence to the outside of their home region. It wouldn't take long before they could establish a web of personal connections that covered the entire Jiang Bei region and beyond to protect their assets: Chen Fan and his ability to produce the heavenly water. This web would serve as the first line of defense against any enemy of Chen Fan.

"But... but is this really necessary?" The Third Lord Wei said with a massive frown.

In the mind of the Third Lord, the more rational approach would be to take it slow and establish the market first. There was no need to give away their trump cards so soon.

Indeed, fifty percent of the sale, which amounted to five billion would be a huge draw for the local businessmen, and it might be able to secure their loyalty for a short period of time. But it was only a matter of time before greed consumed them and drove them to ask for more.

"I have heard enough. My mind is set." Chen Fan said as he slowly stood up.

"I will share the water with you so that you can bring the magnates of the Jiang Bei region to their knees. You have only one chance, so don't fail me."

"... Yes!" The Third Lord Wei replied with a deep bow.

After everyone was through the door, Zhou Tianhao found out that The Third Lord Wei was quiet and had a troubled look on his face.

"Third Lord, what's up?" Zhou Tianhao asked curiously. "We will make less money, sure, but so what? We will be the top dogs of the Jiang Bei Region nonetheless. This is much more desirable than simply making money, isn't it? "

"No...no..." The Third Lord of Wei murmured as he shook his head. "It's too fast."

"Why is it too fast?" Zhou Tianhao asked perplexedly.

"I think Master Chen is moving too fast." The Third Lord of Wei furrowed his brows."We should be able to dominate the market in at most five years if not three. However, he still rushed into things like there was no tomorrow. It will leave us with a shaky foundation.

"Unless Master Chen is in a hurry to establish control because he needs to face against an enemy in half a year?" The Third Lord Wei said as realization flickered in his eyes.

"But against who? Could there be anyone else in the Jiang Bei region that would pose a threat to him?"

Suddenly, a name drifted into his mind.

The thought of the man's name made The Third Lord Wei shiver in fear.

If Master Chen were really going to butt heads against him, their clash would definitely bring chaos to the entire Jiang Bei region.

Because the person on his mind was the richest man of the Jiang Bei region.

Chen Fan sat in a wicker armchair on the third-floor balcony. He looked into the distance while his finger gilded back and forth across the coffee table in front of him.

The Spirit Qi Water was only a ploy that he could dispose of readily, yet it had the entire Jiang Bei region excited.

He had countless tricks like this up his sleeves.

"Shen Junwen, I hope you are ready."

"I have spent a half year focusing on my cultivation, and finally I could shift my attention onto you and think about how to do away with you." Chen Fan thought to himself while an eerie smile surface on his face.

"In my last life, you have outdone me and pushed me to my last leg. After I had fallen from grace, I could only look up at you like a wounded street dog.

"This time around, I will repay the harm you have done to me in kind.

"Yes... I will start the operation with your family business."

Chen Fan was reborn in the middle of January of 2008; by then, his first semester was almost over.

Of late, he attended the school like a normal high school student and mostly kept things to himself. The only person he saw was Auntie Tang who came to visit and occasionally slept over at the mansion. Chen Fan made sure that he turned on the Spirit Gathering Array only after Auntie Tang was asleep.

Every time Auntie Tang spent the night in the mansion, she always felt like a whole new person the next morning, bursting with energy. It was as if every cell in her body was recharged overnight.

All the while, she thought it was the effect of living at the top of the mountain; therefore, she didn't think of asking Chen Fan for the cause of her refreshing feeling.

Every time Jiang Churan met Chen Fan, she hesitated to speak up and fail to form any words in her mouth.

Chen Fan knew she wanted to ask about the mansion and the Wei family, but she was too embarrassed to raise the question.

As the winter-break approached, everyone's mood lightened significantly, and they started to talk about their travel plans. Although the term was not over yet, they have already finished the first mock exam, and therefore the teachers didn't mind the student's being distracted by their vacation plans.

After the school was over, Jiang Churan and Xu Rongfei came over to Chen Fan.

"Going out?"

Chen Fan was taken aback by the abrupt question.

"Of course! This is the last week before the winter break. Everyone is going back to their hometown, and we won't see each other until next year." Xu Rongfei said in a musical voice as she batted her lashes.

"Where are we going? Can I come with you?" Jiang Tanqiu asked expectantly.

"I have heard that the Qin Shui city opened a new lakeshore resort." Xu Rongfei said with her head tilted slightly to one side like a puppy.

"Ah right! I have heard of that too. Rumor had it that the resort cost over a hundred million to construct. It's crazy inside. " Jiang Tanqiu exclaimed. "My girlfriend, Xiao Qian. always wanted to spend a weekend there, but the price for a just a night was too expensive for me.

"Let's go, Chen Fan. We will only stay there for a couple of days anyway." Jiang Tanqiu siad.

"Fine."

Seeing Xu Rongfei's expectant gaze, Chen Fan suddenly felt bad for leaving her for three months without a word. The conscious besting reason, he agreed.

"Awesome!" A joyful smile broke over her face.

Jiang Churan watched the two's exchange quietly as a fit of jealousy rose inside of her.

"Humph! one day, I will make you pay!"

She snorted.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 91: Cang Dragon Unit

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Everyone regrouped at the school on Saturday morning,

It wasn't just Chen Fan, Jiang Churan, and Xu Rongfei, but there were also Zhang Yumeng, Yang Chao, Jiang Tanqiu, Xiao Qian, Li Yichen, Lou Xiaoxiao, and Mo Hill. Chu Minhui was the last one that showed up driving a green Jeep.

"You know so many rich friends." Xiao Qian said under her breath as she leaned against Jiang Tanqiu. Her eyes held a greedy luster.

Li Yichen, Yang Chao and Chu Minhui were all the most popular boys in school, and the same went for the two girls: Jiang Churan and Xu Rongfei.

Although Xiao Qian was not from the Ivy League High School, she had heard of the names of Li Yichen and Chu Minhui.

Those two were the real playboys of the Chu Zhou City, Brother Qi and Jiang Tanqiu simply couldn't compare.

"Indeed. I didn't even know he knew that many popular kids." Jiang Tanqiu suddenly felt stressed.

"Everyone is here; let's get moving." Chu Minhui said with a cold voice.

It had been three months since the last time Chen Fan saw him, and in the three months, Chu Minhui seemed to have been through a lot and was no longer as edgy and impatient as he used to be.

"Is everything ready?" Li Yichen asked.

"I have contacted a friend who knew the owner of the Thousand Lake Resort." Chu Minhui replied.

"Perfect then."

After going over their itinerary, they separated the group of eleven into three vehicles.

Li Yichen got onto Chu Minhui's jeep, and let Mo Hill drive his Audi so that he could have a private conversation with Chu Minhui away from Chen Fan.

"It seemed that I had underestimated Chen Fan." Li Yichen heaved a sigh.

"What's going on?" Chu Minhui asked lightly.

He had been focusing on the road ahead of him, and therefore Chen Fan's name didn't click immediately.

"His relationship with the Wei Family is closer than we had thought." Li Yichen said with a solemn face. "The Third Lord Wei had offered that mansion at the top of the mountain to him for free."

"Oh?" Surprise flashed across Chu Minhui's face. "You are talking about the Number One Mansion?"

"That's the one. I have done some digging into his background and found out that his father was just an unremarkable government worker at Si Shui County. His mother had moved to Zhong Hai a while ago and ran a real estate company. However, that's all I can find, nothing else." Li Yichen said as he knocked frustratingly on the dashboard.

"If we had missed anything, it will have come from his mother's side of the family. I wager that she was the business partner of The Third Lord Wei. Nonetheless, this jerk had been concealing his power all the while."

"So what?" Chu Minhui asked nonchalantly.

"Family background can only help so much, the thing really mattered is his personal ability."

"I agree." Li Yichen pondered for a while and then smiled broadly. "His below average talent and lackluster skills are his downfalls."

Li Yichen looked to Chu Minhui and asked, "I have heard that you are drafted into the Cang Dragon?"

"News spread faster than I thought." Chu Minhui's hard face finally softened a little.

"Hehe." Li Yichen cracked a smile to mask his jealousy.

"He had been drafted to the Cang Dragon but what about me?"

They had been frenemies ever since they were little, yet, Chu Minhui was always a half step ahead of Li Yichen. That being said, without the backing of his personal capabilities, he would not be able to keep his calm before a powerful rival such as Chen Fan.

In about two hours, the three vehicles drove past the border of the city of Clear Water.

Soon, they pulled over into a small street where a large fleet of luxurious cars was parked in a parking lot.

"Look, look! That's Lamborghini, Maserati, BMW730. OMG! These people are all loaded." Xiao Qian exclaimed as she perched over the car window, gaping at the splendid display of wealth.

She was from a middle-class family; a BMW would have impressed her, much less these ultra luxurious man-toys.

The impressive sight had nearly winded Jiang Tanqiu. The owners of the vehicles were all the sons and daughters of the top dogs in the city of Clear Water.

As soon as Chu Minhui got off the car, the leader of his host, beaming from side to side, strode over to him and pounded a fist on his chest. "Hey asshole, I thought you were dead in your training. Haha!"

"I'm not dead yet." Chu Minhui said with a cold-hard face.

"Haha!" The young man didn't mind Chu Minhui's lack of expression. He gave Chu Minhui a bear hug and then announced to the crowd behind him:" This is my Bro, Chu Minhui, he had just been drafted into the Cang Dragon!"

"For real?"

"How old is he? How could he be drafted into a Cang Dragon already?"

"Balls! I could never think that I could meet a member of the Cang Dragon in person!"

The rich boys and girls behind the young boy boiled over at the revelation. Many of them gazed at Chu Minhui with disbelief, while a few attractive rich princesses studied Chu Minhui with a great measure of interest under their heavy mascaras.

"Xiao Qiu. What is Cang Dragon?" Xiao Qian asked perplexedly.

Before Jiang Tanqiu said anything, Li Yichen answered the question for him.

"As you may or may not know, every major military regiment had their own special law enforcement unit. Such a unit could consist of over a thousand members. The Military then drafts out the cream of the crop among them to make up an elite special unit. They are the best of the best and were much more capable fighters than ordinary members of the law enforcement units.

"The elite unit in the Jin City was called Cang Dragon."

"Holy shit!" Xiao Qian covered her mouth to suppress a gasp.

Even Jiang Churan and Xu Rongfei were impressed by what Chu Minhui had achieved, and a sense of admiration rose inside of them.

Their admiration was purely from their amazement and had no romantic attachments.

"Nonetheless, Brother Chen Fan's achievement was not any less impressive than him. Daddy used to like Chu Minhui a lot, but now he seemed to think Chen Fan is the right one for me. This only proves that Chen Fan was much better than all of them." Xu Rongfei's mind raced as she stole a glance at Chen Fan.

"I am just in its reserve, not an official member yet." Chu Minhui said with a placid face.

It appeared that the rigorous drafting process had been an attitude-changer for Chu Minhui as he became much humble and no longer boasted his achievement ostentatiously.

"That's still quite a feat!" The young man tightened his embrace and said, "That's enough talking; let's go celebrate!"

"How are things at the resort? Have you taken care of everything?" Chu Minhui pushed the young man's hands away and asked.

"You bet! This time I have even asked favor from the cousin of Liu Guodong." The young man said under his breath.

The two talked as they passed the visiting teenagers from Chu Zhou City.

Jiang Churan and others had overheard their conversation. Zhang Yumeng asked with an open mouth, "Who is Liu Guodong?"

A light flashed across Li Yichen's eyes, he said: "Liu Guodong, people call him Baldy Liu."

"Hey shush!" The young man's face hardened. "Don't use that name while you are in the city of Clear Water. Boss Liu hates that name."

"Ah! That's that bald pervert." Zhang Yumeng gasped.

Baldy Liu's reputation had spread far and wide. Rumor had it that he had over a hundred mistress.

"Are you afraid of Baldy Liu." Chu Minhui asked with a frown.

"He is a headache even for my dad." The young man smiled wryly. "He has deep roots in my city. Word of caution: don't piss him off."

"Liu Teng is his cousin, but since Liu Guodong has no heir of his own, he sees Liu Teng as his own son. The two of them are very close to each other, so be mindful of what you say in front of him."

Hearing the young man's warning, everyone nodded.

Baldy Liu was as powerful as The Third Lord of Wei if not more, therefore, despite the fact that all the teenagers were from the reputable family in Chu Zhou City, their wealth and influence fell short particularity when they are on Baldy Liu's turf.

After everyone was back to their vehicle, the young man gave Chu Minhui a wink and said:

"Which one of those two hotties are you after?"

"The tall one." Chu Minhui said lightly.

"Damn! She has hotter ass than Angelina Joli! Look at that body and face. Good catch!" The young man slapped his thigh and exclaimed. "I was practically drooling while I first saw her. If you haven't called dibs on her, I might even make a move."

"Hehe, she is the daughter of Xu Ao. Are you sure you want to make a move on her?" Chu Minhui smiled.

"Which Xu Ao?" The young man pulled a taut face.

"There is only one Xu Ao." Chu Minhui replied with a question.

Having confirmed his guess, the young man curved his lips into a smile of resignation.

Xu Ao of Hai Dong, he was the richest man in the Jiang Bei region before Master Chen's rise to power. Even Baldy Liu, the magnate of Clear Water was no match against his wealth and power.

After a while, the young man cracked a smile and asked: "Who is the dude beside Xu Ao's daughter? Is that Chen Fan?"

"Bingo."

Chen Fan's name suddenly alerted Chu Minhui as unpleasant memories flooded his mind.

Although he tried to pretend that he didn't care, the intimacy between Chen Fan and Xu Rongxuan didn't sit well with him.

"Hehe, courting my bro's girl is courting death." The young man said as he pounded his chest. "Clear Water is my turf; I will teach him a lesson!"

A cold and deadly smile appeared on the face of the young man.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 92: Master Chen?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The fleet didn't enter the city center; instead, it went straight toward the Thousand Water Lake Resort.

The Thousand Water Lake was a freshwater lake of exceptional water quality. It was well known for the Black Emerald Shrimp it produces. Fearing that any industrial development would populate the water, the government had banned any factory to be built around the vicinity of the lake.

Because of its pristine natural condition, many tourists flocked to the lake.

As soon as everyone was out of the parking lot, they saw a man waiting for them by the entrance.

"Brother Liu, you didn't have to come personally." The young man hurried to Liu Ten at the entrance and greeted him with an unctuous smile.

"These are your friends, aren't they. I would let anyone down but you, Zhao Shen."

The man was Liu Teng.

Like uncle like nephew, he also shaved all his hair and looked just like a younger version of his uncle.

Zhao Shen hurried to introduce everyone to Liu Teng.

Liu Teng was in his early twenties; however, his mannerisms were much more mature than his age, and he carried a stately and impervious quality about him in everything he did.

When Zhao Shen introduced Yang Chao and Mo Hill, he simply glanced over them as his eyes barely stopped on their faces for more than a second. When he was introduced to Li Yichen, he simply nodded, and a smile didn't break over his face until he was introduced to Chu Minhui.

"Nice to see you all. Let's move." Zhao Shen was about to introduce the rest of the group to Liu Teng, but he was cut short by Liu Teng as the latter urged the group to enter the resort.

He didn't even notice Jiang Tanqiu and Chen Fan.

The expectant smiles on Jiang Tanqiu and Xiao Qian's faces quickly turned into a frozen awkward one. However, the person who gave them the cold shoulder was so out of their league that they could only swallow down their pride and kept their silence.

A few minutes walk on a path finally led them to a vantage point where they could see the entire landscape of the resort.

"It's so pretty! Those cottages look just like those at Bali." Zhang Yumeng exclaimed.

Even Jiang Churan and Xu Rongfei's eyes turned into stars. It was as if they had entered a tropical island. Palm trees, white sand, bikinis, and hot studs, it was a perfect setting for a romantic encounter.

Liu Teng said proudly as he led the way forward.

"Half our resort is on water and the other half on land. There are twelve luxurious above water cottages and fifty seven themed suits. Every room and cottage have staff on call for room services at all times.

"To top it off, we have both open and indoor hot springs for our guests. It's perfect for winter.

"Food-wise we have practically anything you can think of. Australian Lobster, Icelandic Caviar, Italian Truffle, or Japanese Tuna, we have them all."

Lights flickered in the girl's eyes as Liu Teng went on about the VIP treatment that would pamper them for the next few days. Even some boys were excited about their stay.

"Brother Liu, I wager that this resort cost a fortune." Li Yichen pushed up his glasses and asked carefully.

"The initial budget was one hundred and twenty million, but in the end, it came up to be just shy of two hundred million."

"This is an impressive investment! You made Zhou Tianhao's gig in Chu Zhou City look like peanuts." Mo Hill exclaimed.

"Hehe, Zhou Tianhao, you say?" Liu Teng burst out laughing. "He is just a lackey of the Wei Family."

Liu Teng was going to continue to take a few jabs at Zhou Tianhao, suddenly a moment of epiphany hit him and made him change the topic.

"Sorry, I have some other matters to attend to. I will see you around dinner."

He then left the party without saying goodbye.

After Liu Teng was gone, the guests from the Chu Zhou City started to talk about how impressed they were by Liu Teng.

Liu Teng was only three or four years older than them; however, he was already in charge of a company that was worth billions and rubbing shoulders with other successful business tycoons. Compare to Liu Teng, even the most successful ones of them would have to wait for ten if not twenty years to achieve the same level of success.

"No wonder he is the top young leader of Clear Water." Li Yichen exclaimed.

Xiao Qian lowered her head in silence; no one knew what she was thinking.

Afterward, the young boys and girls went into their own room and unpacked their luggage before regrouping at the cafeteria.

As soon as Chen Fan arrived in the cafeteria, he was stopped by Jiang Tanqiu.

"What's wrong with this Liu Teng? He gave us the worst suites."

"Oh? What is going on?" Chen Fan asked.

Jiang Churan shook his head aggrievedly and said, "I have checked with the front desk, the resort had 12 VIP suites, and 57 themed suites. Chu Minhui and Li Yichen were both put in two of those VIP rooms, and the rest of them, except for you and me were all gotten high quality themed suits. The rooms that you and I are staying at were the worst of all the rooms in the resort."

Chen Fan furrowed his brows as he remembered that his room number was fifty-six.

Jiang Tanqiu complained, "My room is fifty-seven. The smaller the number, the better the room is. Any room that had a number above 50 were considered subpar in both furnishing and level of service."

"It's free; just get over it." Chen Fan shook his head.

However, Jiang Tanqiu's face remained troubled.

He had finally able to bring Xiao Qian with him out on a date; however, they had to stay in a dilapidated shed while his girlfriend had to watch other people live in luxurious theme suites.

Xiao Qian was riled up after realizing that her room was even worse than that of Lou Xiaoxiao, much less Jiang Churan and Xu Rongfei.

After everyone arrived at the restaurant, everyone started to praise the quality of their accommodations.

Li Yichen had even offered his number eleven mansion to Jiang Churan; however, his offer was politely rejected by Jiang Churan with a kind smile.

Xiao Qian sat in a corner as indignation and jealousy grew and festered inside of her.

The other couples accommodations were equipped all kinds of appliances; some even had their own swimming pool and sauna rooms. However, she had to stay in a fishing shack and can only access public hot springs.

"I have spent so much effort on finding a good boyfriend, but in the end, I have found a useless loser!"

She looked to the group of dashing young men including Li Yichen, Chu Minhui, and Yang Chao, and then she looked back at her boyfriend and his queer friend Chen Fan who hadn't spoken a single word with her so far; she heaved a sigh and then shook her head helplessly.

Jiang Tanqiu had noticed his girl's troubled look; he hurried to drag Chen Fan with him to the food bar to get her some Australian lobster: her favorite food.

Soon after the two left for the food bar, Liu Teng arrived at the cafeteria.

"How does everyone like their room? Is everything alright?" Liu Teng asked.

"We are more than satisfied, Mr. Liu. Thank you so much!" Yang Chao said with an ingratiating smile.

Liu Teng didn't even acknowledge Yang Chao; he looked straight to Chu Minhui.

Chu Minhui was the only person of the entire group that was worth his time. Part of the reason that he decided to do Zhao Shen a favor was that he wanted to meet Chu Minhui.

Although he was in the reserves of the Cang Dragon unit, when he finally became an official member, he would have at the least the rank of Lieutenant in the Army and have a bright future ahead of him. Most of the official members of the Cang Dragon unit became generals in the military after they retired from the special unit.

Chu Minhui nodded and said, "I am very happy with the arrangement, thank you, Brother Liu."

"Haha! I am relieved that you say so!" A broad smile finally broke over Liu Teng's face.

Once everyone sat down at the table, dishes quickly arrived at the table.

Everyone chatted with each other as they enjoyed the meal, and soon, the topic arrived at the recent news in the Jiang Bei region.

"I have heard that in a week or so, The Third Lord Wei is going to host a gathering of all tycoons in the Chu Zhou City. Even that mysterious Master Chen is going to turn up." A young man put in.

"That is correct." Li Yichen nodded. He gave Yang Chao and sidelong glance and then added, "The meeting will be held at my friends, Yang Chao's hotel."

"Oh?"

After the revelation, people from the Qin Shui city regarded Yang Chao with much more respect in their eyes.

This meeting was going to be a meeting of the most powerful men and women in Jiang Bei, and therefore it only fitted for the meeting to be hosted at the most prestigious venue. The fact that the tycoons trusted Yang Chao and his family spoke loudly of his family's influence.

"Ah, I remembered that Brother Yang's family runs a five-star hotel. Sorry that I had ignored you earlier."

Liu Teng stood up and apologized.

Yang Chao hurried to his feet and held his wine cup with both hands. "There is no harm done. My family really just runs a hotel; it is nothing compares to Brother Liu's family business."

"Young Lord Teng, can you tell us more about this so-called Master Chen?" A woman with heavy makeup put in.

"Yea, please Young Lord Teng. You said you went to that tournament and you should have seen him." Another boy said.

"Brother Liu, why don't you tell us ?" Even Zhao Shen had become curious about Master Chen.

Jiang Churan put down her chopsticks and looked to Liu Teng expectantly.

Everyone had heard so much about this mysterious master. However, no one had ever seen him in real life.

"Hehe." Liu Teng put down his wine cup and cracked a smile. "Indeed. I have accompanied my Uncle to Qin Yang County, and I have seen Master Chen in person."

"What does he look like?" Zhang Yumeng shouted like a fangirl.

"He is very young, probably the same age as us." Liu Teng said slowly.

"Get out of here!" Everyone was struck with disbelief.

They all have heard that Master Chen was young, but they had been thinking somewhere along the line of thirty or early twenty.

"That's incredible! Who could be that powerful in his twenties?" Lou Xiaoxiao gasped.

"No kidding! He should have just finished university, yet he is already as famous as some of the most powerful men in Jiang Bei." Jiang Churan exclaimed.

Her eyes lost focus when she thought of Chen Fan. If Chen Fan really was Master Chen, she would choose Chen Fan over Li Yichen in a heartbeat.

"But that is impossible." Jiang Churan shook her head disappointedly.

Chen Fan was not Master Chen by a long chalk.

"Master Chen?"

Chu Minhui's interest was piqued upon hearing the name.

He thought he was one of the most successful teenagers in the Jiang Bei region for joining the Cang Dragon unit at such a young age. However, Master Chen's achievement had outdone him utterly.

"Boohoo! It would be so cool if I could meet Master Chen in person." Zhang Yumeng exclaimed as her eyes turned into hearts.

Her admiration for Master Chen was shared with everyone else at the table.

"Damn, if my boyfriend was Master Chen, I wouldn't have to be treated so badly." Xiao Qian heaved a sigh. The thought of Jiang Tanqiu's lack of achievements and ambition made her very disappointed.

However, the name "Master Chen" sounded very familiar to her and she couldn't remember where she had heard it from.

"Damn... Where have I heard it before?" Xiao Qian lamented.

"He had achieved great success at such a young age, how did he do that?" Li Yichen was taken aback by how young Master Chen could be.

"Hehe, Master Chen's power is beyond your wildest imagination!" Liu Teng siad with a smirk. "I was right there, beside my uncle, and I saw Master Chen..."

Suddenly, he saw Chen Fan and Jiang Tanqiu at the entrance, coming back from their trip to the seafood bar. Words froze in his throat as he was unable to continue.

"Chen... Chen... Chen..."

After stammering out the same word for a few seconds, he stopped talking altogether.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 93: Xiao Qian's Shock

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"What are you guys talking about?"

Chen Fan sat down and looked at stupified Liu Teng.

"Chen Fan, you are finally here!" Xu Rongfei called out to him excitedly. "Brother Baldy is talking about Master Chen, come listen! He said Master Chen was only in his twenties, not that much older than us."

"Can you imagine that? He was only in his twenties, yet he is already more powerful than my dad! How did he do that?"

Chen Fan ruffled the hair on top of her head lovingly and then said:

"However powerful Master Chen is, he is just an ordinary man. However, Fei-Fei is going to be a superstar in the future."

"Oh, you! Stop talking to me like I am a kid." Xu Rongfei complained kittenishly.

A friend of Liu Teng overheard Chen Fan's words; he snorted and said contemptuously: "Master Chen's's influence can be felt across Jiang Bei. Just the amount of money at his disposal is over a billion. A meager actress couldn't compare."

He wagged his head as he continued, "Common folks like you could never even try to imagine the power of Master Chen.

"All the rich and powerful were at his beck and call. If he wanted to make a move into the entertainment industry, all the companies that are already in the field would have to make way for him.

"Therefore, if you can't help being stupid, at least you can shut up."

This young boy was a companion of Liu Teng, and he had been giving Chen Fan the cold shoulder as soon as he registered that Chen Fan seemed to be at the bottom of the totem pole.

"You!" Xu Rongfei and Jiang Tanqiu were both angered by the rude remarks. However, even as they were going to refute the speaker, they heard a loud slapping.

"Pa!"

Liu Teng jumped out of his chair and slapped the boy's face hard.

"Young Lord Teng?" The slap dumbfounded the teenager; he froze in pace and was not sure why it had happened to him.

"I have tolerated your insolence for too long. Apologize to Master...Mr. Chen immediately!" Liu Teng shouted.

Fear rose inside of him as he castigated his companion.

Chen Fan might not know Liu Teng, but Liu Teng had recognized Chen Fan.

During the tournament, he was standing right behind Liu Guodong and saw Chen Fan's heroic act of killing Lin Hu with three mighty punches and sealed the fate of Xin Zhong with one finger.

The execution was so overpowering and coldhearted that the scene was permanently tattooed in Liu Teng's mind.

"Brother Chen, I apologize for his insolence. Please forgive him."

After he had punished his companion for speaking rudely, he apologized to Chen Fan immediately.

Everyone was at a loss as to why Liu Teng suddenly grew so soft.

Chen Fan was only a no account who tagged along with Chu Minhui, was it necessary to give him so much respect?

"Could it be that Young Lord Teng valued Brother Chu's friendship so much that he thinks anyone related to Brother Chu deserves his utmost respect?" Zhao Shen was at a loss and could not think of an explanation for Young Lord Teng's action.

Chen Fan gave Liu Teng a half smile, and it scared Liu Teng so much that he felt sweat trickling down his back. Chen Fan nodded and let the matter slide.

After Liu Teng sat down, his cold attitude was gone; instead, he became much friendlier and was eager to please. His sudden change of attitude took everyone from both cities by surprise. The teenagers from the city of Clear Water had never seen Liu Teng be so ardent and approachable to any guest before.

Jiang Churan and Li Yichen were quick to register that something was amiss.

Jiang Churan ate the food quietly, and she glanced at Chen Fan surreptitiously. Her suspicion grew by the second as she became convinced that Chen Fan was the reason that Liu Teng changed his mind.

"I am so sorry, everyone. I have some other matters to attend to; please enjoy your meal."

Liu Teng only finished half of his plate before stress and fear grew so strong that he had to excuse himself.

A short moment later, Chen Fan also excused himself and left the table. Since he was a no account, no one seemed to care he was leaving except for Jiang Churan. She furrowed her brows and fell into thought.

Chen Fan walked out of the cafeteria and sauntered into a pavilion. As he had expected, there were people waiting for him already.

Seeing Chen Fan had arrived, one man in the pavilion hurried to come over to Chen Fan and bowed deeply.

"Master Chen, why didn't you give us heads up?"

"You know me?" Chen Fan asked calmly

"I was there at the tournament with my uncle, and I have seen you with my own eyes."

"Ah, I see." Chen Fan nodded, and then he cracked a smile. "Since you have recognized me, why didn't you tell everyone who I am?"

Sweat hung on Liu Teng's forehead despite the fact that it was in the middle of winter.

"I wagered that you didn't want anyone else to know who you are. Therefore I dared not spill the beans."

Liu Teng felt lucky that his brain was quick enough to think twice before he called Chen Fan Master Chen.

He had carefully observed the power dynamic among the group, and Chen Fan didn't stand out as the leader. In addition, the fact that neither he nor his uncle knew that Master Chen was coming to the resort meant that Master Chen didn't want anyone to know he was here.

What really tipped off Liu Teng was the sight of the lovely Xu Rongfei.

"Master Chen is here having a good time with his girlfriend; of course, he wouldn't want other businesses to spoil the mood. If I had misspoken one word and angered Master Chen, even my uncle wouldn't be able to save my skin."

The more he thought about it, the luckier he felt he was.

Chen Fan cracked a smile and didn't say anything.

He didn't care if any of those kids discovered his identity; however, his cover saved him the effort of explaining cultivation to a bunch of annoying teenagers.

"Master Chen, should I tell my Uncle about your visit?" Liu Teng glanced at Chen Fan and then asked carefully under his breath.

"Liu Guodong?" Chen Fan paused a second and then said, "Sure, tell him to come over."

"Yes, Yes!" Liu Teng hurried to bow to Chen Fan. As he was about to turn around and start off to his uncle, he suddenly remembered something. He slapped his bald head and asked ardently, "Master Chen, I am so sorry for the previous accommodations we prepared for you. We didn't know you were coming."

"I will ask them to clean up the number one mansion so you can move in. If my uncle learned that I have you settled in one of our worst rooms, he is going to kill me."

"Very well." Chen Fan nodded and then said, "Clean up another one for my friend Jang Tanqiu."

"No problem, no problem at all!" Liu Teng nodded vigorously.

He would agree even if Chen Fan asked for the entire resort for himself, much less just one room.

After all, he was the famed Master Chen, and it was his honor to serve him. If they satisfied Master Chen enough, he might teach them a thing for two about Martial Arts and turn them into equals of Lin Hu.

With that in mind, Liu Teng went on to make the arrangements with new found enthusiasm.

After Liu Teng was gone, Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said: "You can come out now."

From behind a large pillar of the pavilion emerged a figure, she was Jiang Tanqiu's girlfriend, Xiao Qian.

Xiao Qian stared at Chen Fan as many strong emotions mixed inside of her.

"You are Master Chen?"

"Haven't you already heard our conversation?" Chen Fan replied with a stoic expression.

Xiao Qian was frightened by the coldness in Chen Fan's cold voice.

She had been distracted by the ill-treatment at the dining room. The fact that nearly everyone's accommodations were better than hers really got under her skin. After she saw Liu Teng leave the table, she sneaked out to follow him.

Xiao Qian welcomed attention if not was pleased by it. When she walked out of the room to follow Liu Teng, she was confident that she could persuade Liu Teng to change his mind and give her a better room.

Perhaps, she thought, if things went very well, she might even have a fling with one of the most powerful young men in the City of Clear Water.

However, to her surprise, she had stumbled upon such a shocking revelation.

The nephew of Liu Guodong, one of the most resourceful young men in the city bowed to Chen Fan like a servant.

After eavesdropping on the two's conversation, she finally remembered why the words "Master Chen" sounded so familiar to her.

"Three months ago, when I ran into Chen Fan at the Coco bar, Zhou Tianhao's subordinate had called him the same thing!"

Having made that connection, Xiao Qian's legs started to tremble uncontrollably.

Jiang Tanqiu's deskmate, someone she thought was a loser turned out to be the renowned Master Chen.

She looked at Chen Fan and was suddenly at a loss for words.

Chen Fan wore an ordinary T-shirt, his face was well defined but was not handsome by any stretch of the imagination. He was of medium build and height; if not for his above average skin complexion, no one would have noticed him in a crowd.

Compared to Li Yichen, Yang Chao and Chu Minhui; he fell short in all aspects.

However, someone of such unremarkable appearance turned out to be the one who had reached the precipice of power, whose prowess and influence was on par with the most powerful men and women in the Hu Dong Province.

There were less than three people in the entire Chu Zhou City who could have measured up with Chen Fan's attainment. Even in the Hu Dong Province, Master Chen should be on the list for the top ten most powerful man. Xiao Qian's couple million worth of family assets couldn't compare.

"I am not as young as you think." Xiao Qian said with a trembling voice.

"You probably have never thought that Jiang Tanqiu could have such a powerful friend?" Chen Fan asked with a cold smile. The sneer and contempt in his voice forced the girl to lower her head.

After a long silence, she heard a voice coming down on her from above: "Jiang Tanqiu is one of my only friends. I wish you will not harm him."

"Yes!" frightened, Xiao Qian hurried to reply.

After a few cautious moments, Xiao Qian braved to looked again ahead of her, and she found that Chen Fan was already gone.

"Chen Fan... Master Chen. You want me to be with Jiang Tanqiu?" Xiao Qian thought to herself.

She had been seeing Brother Qi on and off for a while. However, after Brother Qi had finally ditched her, she decided to use Jiang Tanqiu for a while to help her get over the break-up.

However, Xiao Qian had accidentally found a diamond in the rough.

"Yang Chao and Liu Teng and their friends were nothing but rich brats compared to the real man, Master Chen. As a friend of Master Chen, Jiang Tanqiu shouldn't be a failure in the future either."

With that thought in mind, Xiao Qian's eyes glinted with determination.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 94: Chen Fan, Who Are You?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

That warning to Xiao Qian was about as much as Chen Fan thought was necessary to alter the fate of Jiang Tanqiu.

He had left the decision to the couple themselves. If Xiao Qian were half as smart as Chen Fan estimated, she would heed his warning and not make the same mistake she did in her past life.

In the afternoon, with many pairs of eyes filled with disbelief, Chen Fan moved into the number one mansion. Even Jiang Tanqiu got relocated to number six mansion.

"How is that possible?"

Having heard the news, Zhao Shen was speechless.

He gave Chu Minhui a sour look and asked, "Are you sure this dude is just a nobody?"

The number one mansion was reserved exclusively as Liu Guodong's personal accommodation. It had never been used by any guests.

Zhao Shen had planned to fix Chen Fan up later that night; however, the development made him think better of it.

Chu Minhui furrowed his brows as he had never thought this would happen.

Li Yichen was the only person who could keep his calm. "That explains it! No wonder I felt Liu Teng's tone of voice changed a lot during our lunch. He must know Chen Fan."

"You mean through The Third Lord Wei?" Chu Minhui asked under his breath.

"That's the only explanation. Perhaps Third Lord had given our host a heads-up." Li Yichen walked back and forth in the room with his hands linked behind him.

"I don't know. Liu Guodong's wealth and power were on par with The Third Lord Wei. Liu Guodong didn't have to do it to impress him. Perhaps Chen Fan knew not only the third lord but also the second or the first lord of the Wei as well."

"The entire Wei family?"

Zhao Shen gasped.

Knowing the Third Lord was one thing while knowing the other two other lords of the Wei family was another.

They were much more reputable and powerful than their younger brother and were the real representatives of the Wei Family. The combined might and reputation of the two lords were nearly unmatched in the Jiang Bei region.

"Shit... I think we should call it quits." Zhao Shen wavered.

"Don't be afraid. Let's investigate more before we made a decision." Li Yichen nodded.

"Very well." Chu Minhui paused for a second and then said, "Wei Zipin is coming back from Jinlin City next week. I will talk to him about it."

"Wei Zipin?" Zhao Shen asked.

Wei Zipin was the most infamous rich brat of the Jiang Bei region. He was so out of control that his father had sent him off to his Uncle in Jin Lin City to be away from his hooligan friends.

"Thank god that Young Lord Wei is finally coming back!" Li Yichen's eyes lit up with glee.

"I wonder if Sheng Junwen will come back with him; I hope at least Wang Jun will."

"Wei Zipin, Shen Junwen, Wang Jun?"

Zhao Shen gaped. Those were all powerful young lords of Jiang Bei whose power were no less than Liu Teng.

"It sucks to be Chen Fan. His days are numbered." Zhao Sheng thought to himself.

"OMG. This mansion is fancier than Chu Minhui's family residence." Zhang Yumeng exclaimed jealously.

However, the thought that this was Chen Fan's accommodation curdled the exclamation into a bitter remark, "Whatever, it's not like we are in Bali or any world-class resort."

Xu Rongfei covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.

A smirk surfaced on Xiao Qian's face; Under the gleam of her eyes was the hidden truth about Chen Fan.

So powerful was Master Chen that even though Jiang Tanqiu was just a friend of his, he had set himself ahead of Li Yichen and Yang Chao by miles. Because of his newfound advantage, he got to move into the mansion as fancy as that of Chu Minhui.

Jiang Churan didn't join the girls; instead, she carried a cup of green tea and walked to the second floor; there she found Chen Fan sitting in a wicker basket, eyes half closed.

"Can you tell me the truth now?" Jiang Churan sat in a seat across from Chen Fan and asked abruptly.

"Truth about what?" Chen Fan's voice was almost lazy.

"Everything! When you first came to my house, you told me that your father is just a minor official at the Si Shui County, and your mother owns a small firm in Zhong Hai. Do you still think I will believe it?"

"While in Chu Zhou City, you have moved into the most expensive mansion at the mountain top, while we are here, you still got the best house to yourself."

"Can you tell me what really is going on? I am not stupid."

"Why should I tell you everything?" Chen Fan opened his eyes and asked Jiang Churan in a cold voice. "We are barely friends, plus, even if I tell you everything; you are not going to believe me."

"Try me!" Jiang Churan's face hardened.

Chen Fan examined the girl's face and then cracked a smile. "Fine, fine, I will tell you everything."

"I am Master Chen."

"I have cured Old Man Wei's ailment that had bothered him for years."

"I have defeated Lin Hu from the Hong Sect as well as Xin Zhong from Tianhe."

"I have made a name for myself, and brought most all the magnates of the Jiang Bei region under my boot."

"I killed a Yin Dragon in the valley of the Qi Mountain; I make the peony bloom in the middle of the winter at Dong Du City, I..."

He went on to list his achievements and looked into Jiang Churan's eyes

"That was why the Wei family gave the mansion to me as a gift, and Wei Ziqin, as well as The Third Lord Wei, treated me with so much respect."

"Are you satisfied with the explanation?"

With every sentence spilled out from Chen Fan's mouth, Jiang Churan's face turned pale and colder. By the end, Jiang Churan's face was as hard and cold as arctic ice.

"Chen Fan!"

No longer able to hold back her anger, she shouted at Chen Fan with an angry glare.

"I have hoped that you would finally stop lying to me, but you disappointed me again!" Jiang Churan rebutted Chen Fan hotly.

"Do you think that The Third Lord Wei and Liu Teng would offer you their favor for free? If I were you, I would be worried as to how I could pay them back! Why do you think Wei Ziqin wanted to be friends with you? Is there any reason other than your fighting skills?"

"You have to be particularly wary of Liu Teng!" She said hotly. She was disappointed that Chen Fan had failed to see the obvious.

"There are countless lives in the hands of the Liu Family already; one more meant nothing to them. What do you think they would do to you when they finally found out that you mean nothing to them?"

Ever since Jiang Churan was a child, her father told her the story of Jin Ke the assassin to make sure she remembered that there was no free lunch in the world.

Two thousand years ago when the great warrior Jin Ke was given the love of his life by the King of Yan, he was so beholden to the King of Yan that he had to follow through his King's plan to assassinate the King of Qin, even though he knew the mission was doomed.

Jiang Churan was worried that the ancient tale was going to unfold right in front of her eyes. Chen Fan was falling deeper and deeper into the trap laid by the Wei Family to enslave his conscience. When Chen Fan finally realized he was trapped, it would have been too late.

Chen Fan stood before the angry girl; his face was as calm as the windless sea.

He knocked on the coffee table lightly and said: "Jiang Churan, I have already told you don't judge my actions through your own eyes. You are so beneath me that you will never comprehend my real intentions."

"Fine, Fine! I will watch you choke on your arrogance!" Jiang Churan walked away angrily.

She planned to give Chen Fan a friendly reminder, however, not only had Chen Fan ignored her warning, but he also flung back at her like a mad dog.

"Master Chen? Only a fool will believe that you are Master Chen!" Jiang Churan thought to herself grudgingly.

After Jiang Churan stormed out of the room, Chen Fan shook his head.

"I have already told you that you won't believe me even if I tell you the truth. Why do you even bother to waste your energy on me?"

Chen Fan heaved a sigh.

The group spent one more day at the City of Clear Water before they left the resort in a hurry.

Unlike Jiang Churan and Li Yichen who walked out of the resort with a troubled look on their face, Jiang Tanqiu's face was lit up with joy. He had a blast during his stay.

Even Xiao Qian started to care more about him and told him many times that she was happy with how things were between them.

The final exam came a few days after the group came back. Si Yinxia had once again taken the number one spot by a wide margin with the second best grade. Chen Fan had also finished his first semester with an above average grade.

Chen Fan planned to stay inside for a couple of days before he attended the Tian Sheng Banquet. After that, he would set off for his hometown, Si Shui County.

"I had been reborn for over six months, and I haven't seen my parents once yet."

Chen Fan thought.

January 27, 2018, the magnates of the Jiang Bei region gathered together in the same banquet hall.

The Tian Sheng Banquet was finally about to draw back the curtain.

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Chapter 95: Start of The Banquet

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

On the day of the banquet, Chu Zhou City was filled with clamors and actions that it had never seen before.

Here one could not just find businessmen and women from Clear Water, Tin He, Jiang Zhou City, and Hai Zhou, but also magnates from Jiang Zhou City and Dong Jiang City. The scale and sheer size of the banquet exceeded Chen Fan's imagination.

When he arrived at the entrance, he found that the parking lot of the Tian Sheng Hotel was packed with luxurious cars.

There were Mercedes S, Audi A8, BMW 7, Lexus LS and even Porsche 911.

Even the cheapest vehicles were worth over a million. Judging by the license plates, a significant number of the guests were from outside of the province. There were a dozen Rolls-Royce Phantoms with extremely rare license plate numbers that were usually reserved for the most powerful of the city.

"Holy shit! What is going on today?" People outside of the hotel exclaimed.

"Could it be that Boss Shen is back? I have never seen so many rich people gathering together before." Another onlooker rubbed his chin and guessed.

Zhang Yumeng walked past them and sneered at the two onlookers.

"Country hillbillies! "

Nonetheless, he was shocked by the grand scale of the event as much as everyone else.

She had thought the meeting was only for the rich and powerful in the Jiang Bei region; however, it seemed that all important figures across the entire province had joined in.

"Ran-Ran, I think we have underestimated the influence of Master Chen." Zhang Yumeng pouted.

Jiang Churan didn't answer the question as she was still internalizing the shock.

She had a nagging feeling that Master Chen was already more powerful than the richest man of the Jiang Bei Region: Sheng Ronghua. It was as if Master Chen were to succeed Sheng Ronghua and became the new number one of Jiang Bei.

"You are finally here, come on in! I have begged my dad to get these few extra tickets." Yang Chao ran toward his friends and waved a few tickets in his hands.

"Oh, come on! The great hall in your dad's hotel is big enough for at least a thousand!" Zhang Yumeng complained.

"Your ladyship, this is not just any event." Yang Chao refuted wryly. "More than half of Jiang Bei's magnates are going to attend the meeting. What's worse, most of them didn't even have an invitation. My father didn't want to ruffle the wrong feathers, so he turned to The Third Lord Wei for his opinion."

"The Third Lord told him that only those who owned a hundred million in assets were allowed to partake in the event."

"A hundred million!" Zhang Yumeng was shocked.

Her family's wealth was just over that number which would make her the poorest inside the hotel.

"Let's move." Jiang Churan urged.

When everyone entered the hotel, they found themselves surrounded by stately looking tycoons and their scantily clad secretaries offering each other tired compliments...

"Boss Zhang, nice to see you! I have heard you acquired a piece of land in Jin City that were worth a few hundred million."

"Indeed. This is Master Chen's event; I had to make it. You know what I mean. Haha! Boss Xu, I have heard your company is about to go public; you are going to become the CEO!"

"Everyone is going public nowadays; I am just trying to make a living. Compared to your business; mine is peanuts."

"Gosh, I feel that I don't belong here." Zhang Yumeng furrowed her brows and lamented.

"This is a gathering of the successful and elites of the Jiang Bei Region, let's just stay in a corner and observe. Our time will come, in ten or twenty years." Jiang Churan said calmly.

The reception was a buffet; the group of teenagers quickly retreated the food bar and started working on the appetizers.

"Ran-Ran, Li Yichen and Chu Minhui are here." Zhang Yumeng jabbed Jiang Churan lightly and pointed to the entrance.

"How did they get in?" Xu Rongfei asked.

"They texted me and said that they came in with Wei Zipin." Zhang Yumeng said.

"Wei Zipin? The Young Lord Wei is back?" Jiang Churan furrowed her brows. Wei Zipin was the most infamous rat of the Wei Family. Thanks to him, the reputation of the Wei Family was in tatters.

He was stupid, arrogant and aggressive, the most spoiled brat one could ever imagine.

Compare to him, Li Yichen and Chu Minhui seemed to be well-behaved gentlemen.

"Not just him, Wang Jun is also back. We are only missing Shen Junwen now." Zhang Yumeng said excitedly.

Jiang Churan shook her head grimly.

Although Wang Jun did not have as bad of a reputation as Wei Zipin, he was not much better than his peers.

...

Chen Fan was shocked when he arrived at the hotel.

"What is going on?"

When the excited face of Liu Guodong he saw a few days ago suddenly came back into his mind, Chen Fan finally realized the draw of the event to the magnates: the Heavenly Water.

If the heavenly water was treasured by someone as resourceful as Liu Guodong, it must be highly sought after among other lesser lords of the Jiang Bei region.

Once he showed the guard his invitation, he walked into the event.

Most of the attendees were still on their way, and the hall was half empty. The magnates had formed a few circles as they chatted and discussed business with each other.

"Mr. Chen, long time no see!"

A woman's surprised voice came up from behind Chen Fan.

It was Han Yun, the oldest member of Xu Rongfei's clique.

"Long time no see." Chen fan nodded. "Are you here with Old man Zhen?"

"Yes. As soon as Mr. Zhen knew you were hosting a meeting, he booked his ticket right away." Han Yun was in a red dress that tightly wrapped around her body. She wore a bun that hung down from the top of her head and a few gentle touches of makeup at the corner and under her eyelids.

She batted her lashes as she stared at the young boy who had disappeared for three months. A mix of remorse and joy came up inside of her.

She regretted not making a move as quickly as possible and let the opportunity slip through her fingers. However, she was happy to see that he was back and better than ever. He was no longer the guest of Chu Zhou City's magnates; instead, he had transformed into the most powerful and influential figure of the entire Jiang Bei region.

"I wager that he is more powerful than the old man Zhen now."

Han Yun's face bloomed like a cherry blossom as she inched toward Chen Fan.

Chen Fan was slightly creeped out by the girl, and even as he was about to push the young woman away, he heard another musical voice behind him.

"Sister Han? Chen Fan?"

Xu Rongfei covered her face to suppress a cry. Beside her were Jiang Churan, Zhang Yumeng, Li Yichen, Chu Minhui, and their friends. Jiang Churan was holding a plate, and her face was cold as ice.

Han Yun was unfazed by the interruption; she turned around and left Chen Fan.

"Ran-Ran, Meng-Meng, and Fei-Fei, why are you girls here?"

"We want to see what Master Chen look like." Zhang Yumeng shouted excitedly. "Liu Teng from the City of Clear Water told us that Master Chen is only in his twenties. Can you imagine that?"

Han Yun cracked a smile and looked to Chen Fan quietly.

Chen Fan was about to say something, but he was cut short by an arrogant voice.

"Is that Chen Fan?"

Chen Fan turned around and saw a bratty looking young man glancing at him with a crooked neck.

"You are?" Chen Fan furrowed his brows.

"Humph! You don't even know me?" The young man's lip twitched a little and continued. "My name is Wei Zipin."

"Wei Fu is my grandpa, Wei Changfen is my dad, and Wei Ziqin is my sister."

"Do you know who I am now?"

"I am sorry Young Lord Wei, Chen Fan is new in the Chu Zhou City. He used to live in Si Shui County. Please forgive his ignorance." Li Yichen explained.

"Hehe, Si Shui County?" Wei Zipin smiled contemptuously. "I met someone called Wu Junjie from your county, and he tried to befriend me. I gave him a knuckle sandwich and told him to fuck off. Haha!"

"I don't make friends with hillbillies."

"They are disgusting."

Everyone's face paled after hearing the young man's words.

Chen Fan's eyes grew colder by the second.

Wu Junjie was the son of a businessman from Si Shui County, one of Chen Fan's childhood friends.

Chen Fan lifted the cup of wine with a knot of fire already burning inside of his belly.

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Chapter 96: Your Dad Is Calling

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Xu Rongfei's face turned into an ice block as soon she heard Wei Zipin's remark.

"Wei Zipin stop your nonsense right now!"

Wei Zipin smirked and kept his silence.

He had learned about Xu Rongfei's father was Xu Ao, someone who even Third Lord Wei dared not to coss, much less him. Although Wei Zipin was a schmuck, he was not an idiot.

Mostly he only picked on those who were weaker than him.

"Humph! When I finally get to know Master Chen and become his friend, I don't care if you are Xu Ao's daughter or not."

Wei Zipin thought indignantly.

His father had summoned him back from Jin City to introduce him to Master Chen. Although he had disappointed his father many times, Third Lord Wei wanted to give his son as many advantages as possible.

Filled with indignation, Wei Zipin decided to turn down a bit. He turned to Chen Fan and said: "I have heard that you know my sister and she had given you our family mansion at the top of the mountain. My grandfather is such a fool!"

"Really? I thought that the house belongs to The Third Lord Wei!" Zhang Yumeng exclaimed.

"You guys haven't heard of it yet? My dad gave that house to the old man on the second day he got it." Wei Zipin shook his head and said, "I thought my sister would beg the old man to give her the house, but never had I thought that they would give it away to an outsider."

Wei Zipin lamented.

That mansion was the most luxurious house of Chu Zhou City, and he had been eyeing on it for a while. However, since the house had belonged to his grandfather, he never dared to mention it to his dad.

"Wei Ziqin must have got the key to the house from the Old man and give it to someone outside of the family. This is wrong! I will have to tell grandfather about it."

He thought to himself.

Knowing that Chen Fan was not related to The Third Lord Wei, Li Yichen and other teenagers face softened a little as they felt the threat was eased slightly.

Wei Ziqin was just a girl in her twenties, as a backer she was not nearly as powerful as The Third Lord Wei would be.

"Hehe, since you are under my sister's protection, I will leave you alone for now. However, I look forward to hearing her excuses when she had to explain herself to the old man." Wei Zipin cracked an ugly grin at Chen Fan.

Zhang Yumeng and the other teenagers also laughed at Chen Fan in their minds gloatingly.

That house was worth over a hundred million, yet Wei Ziqin had given it away to someone outside of the family. What's worse, the beneficiary was a male. Wei Ziqin would have a lot to explain in front of the family leaders.

Han Yun shook her head quietly.

She had seen The Third Lord Wei's toady smile while he spoke to Chen Fan, however, his son was so out of the loop that he even bragged about his petty power in front of Chen Fan.

"Be careful idiot; if you piss of Master Chen, even your daddy won't be able to save you." She thought to herself.

Chen Fan said lightly: "Even your dad dares not to speak with me like that, who do you think you are?"

Chen Fan's words shocked everyone around him.

Zhang Yumeng gasped and glared at Chen Fan with a gaping mouth.

Did he know the person before him was the most infamous spoiled brat of the Chu Zhou City? He wouldn't hesitate to break Chen Fan's pretty face as he did many times before to other fools who annoyed him.

Jiang Churan's new found relief was gone in less than ten seconds. It appeared that Chen Fan and The Third Lord Wei definitely wouldn't have a close relationship after Chen Fan provoked The Third Lord Wei's son.

Her heart caught in her throat, and she wished that she could stuff Chen Fan's mouth with a rag.

"Can you shut up just for a second? You are digging a hole for yourself."

Li Yichen cracked a smile and glanced at Che Fan gloatingly.

He knew that as soon as he brought Wei Zipin to Chen Fan, the two would act like tinder and burst into a confrontation like a spark that met a tinder.

Wei Zipin's face paled as he held Chen Fan's gaze with a pair of cold eyes.

"How dare you talk to me like that?"

"Don't test me; I will make you pay. My sister won't be able to save you."

"I can crush you right now, right here before my sister can even get to save your sorry ass."

"Really? Try me." Chen Fan managed a smile, and then he shrugged.

Wei Zipin's face was contorted by anger. Of all the years he had spent in Chu Zhou City, no one dared to provoke him like this.

He gave Chen Fan an ugly grin and then said: "As you wish!"

"I have only left Chu Zhou City for less than two years; people here seemed to have already forgotten who I am."

Jiang Churan's face paled at the promise of a fight.

"Young Lord Wei, this is neither the time nor place to cause trouble for your father. Your father would lose face if the meeting didn't go smoothly." Li Yichen hurried to mediate.

Wei Zipin was a stubborn and reckless man; if he let go of himself to rain his wrath upon Chen Fan, he was bound to cause a racket in the wake of his anger.

The disturbances would definitely harm the prestige of his father since he was one of the organizers of the meeting. If the Third Lord found out what happened, he would not let his son get away with it.

Li Yichen continued: "Chen Fan, you fool! You shouldn't have talked to Wei Ziqin like that. You are disrespecting the third lord!"

"Apologize, now!"

"No kidding, Chen Fan, apologize already." Jiang Churan urged.

Regardless of how close Chen Fan was to Wei Ziqin, Wei Zipin was her brother, and the blood was always thicker than water.

"Kid, let me give you one more chance. Apologize to me right now, and I will let it rest."

Wei Zipin glared at Chen Fan with a sharp stare as a few words tumbled out from his clenched jaws.

Chen Fan was unflinching before the angry young lord. He said calmly: "Very well. I will give you one last chance as well."

"Kneel and apologize. Otherwise, I will break your legs."

Hearing the words, Wei Zipin felt fire sprout out from his eyes.

Chen Fan's daring words sent everyone into a panic mode. Zhang Yumeng and Yang Chao covered their mouths in disbelief.

Xu Rongfei was also in a great deal of distress.

"Brother Chen Fan, why do you have to be so stubborn?"

Jiang Churan was the only one who had kept calm; nonetheless, disappointment gleamed in her eyes.

"Chen Fan, you fool! You will never grow up. One day you will have to pay a dear price for your pride."

"Even the most powerful man knows the limits of his powers."

Suddenly, the conversation she had with Chen Fan at the resort came back to her.

Chen Fan intended to believe that he was Master Chen despite the clear evidence that he wasn't.

Regardless of how irrational and stupid it sounded, Chen Fan insisted nonetheless.

Even as Wei Zipin was about to throw himself at Chen Fan, Chu Minhui held him back and urged him: "Not now, Brother Wei. Let him be."

"Your dad is not going to let you get away with it if you cause him trouble now."

So saying, he gave Chen Fan a cold glance.

"Asshole, show me what you got!"

"Check me outside how bout dat! I will smash your head, man!"

As a member of the Cang Dragon, Chu Minhui was very confident in his physical strength and fighting skills

"You? Humph!" Chen Fan snorted. "Not in a million years."

"And me." Li Yichen could no longer hold back his anger, so he offered to join Chu Minghui.

"Still not enough."

"Hehe, and ME!" Wei Zipin announced.

"Too weak." Chen Fan shook his head in disapproval.

Everyone was getting more and more annoyed by Chen Fan's arrogance and felt unease for what it was leading up to.

"Oh? How about me?" A voice came up from behind,

Everyone turned around and saw a group of young men stormed into the room; the leader was a teenager in his early twenties.

"Wan Jun? Why is he here?"

An onlooker exclaimed with surprise.

"Who is that?"

The commotion at this corner had attracted a group of onlookers, many of them were not from Chu Zhou City.

"The son of the Wan Family. His grandfather used to run the city, and his dad still held a key post in the government. His uncle is the richest man in Jiang Bei, Sheng Ronghua." An onlooker answered under his breath.

"Wan Rong Group was the Wan Family's namesake."

"So he is Sheng Ronghua's nephew?" Everyone was shocked by the revelation.

In Jiang Bei, Sheng Ronghua was a household name.

He was the richest man of the Jiang Bei region, top ten, if not top five richest businessmen in Hu Dong Province.

Standing before many opponents at one time, Chen Fan was still unfazed.

"Still not enough for me."

Everyone finally gave up their hope in the boy after hearing his most outrageous claim he had made.

He had ruffled the feather of Li Yichen, Chu Minhui, Wei Zipin, and Wan Jun, that was all the most powerful young lords in the city. Many onlookers doubted that Chen Fan would be able to walk out of the hotel alive.

"Haha, Li Yichen was right about you; you are an arrogant prick!" Wang Jun burst into laughter.

He looked at Chen Fan as if he was a stubborn simpleton.

Although he approved Chen Fan for having a backbone and for standing up for himself, he knew that the boy was of marginal intelligence for not seeing how things would end for him.

Jiang Churan closed her eyes as she gave up the thought of helping Chen Fan. Xu Rongfei stood next to Jiang Churan anxiously and was going to find her father to help Chen Fan out.

Wei Zipin's gaze grew colder by the second; he was about to attack at any moment.

Suddenly, Chen Fan's cell phone rang, and he fished the phone out of his pocket.

"Hey asshole, you want to call some help? "Wei Zipin asked vehemently. "Make sure to tell your friend to bring a body bag for you!"

Chen Fan looked at the caller ID and looked back at Wei Zipin and said: "It's your dad."

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