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

15. 449

Rebirth Of The Urban Immortal Cultivator #Chapter 449 - Death To All Traitors - Read Rebirth Of The Urban Immortal Cultivator Chapter 449 - Death To All Traitors Online - All Page - FREEWN

Chapter 449: Death To All Traitors

"Who is that?"

Lord Wu gestured his bodyguards to rush to the door and ready their weapons. The tycoon at Jiang Zhou City had survived for decades thanks to his high level of alertness.

"Don't worry, we don't need to be afraid of anyone. I can protect you even if it is Tang Yuanqin on the other side of the door." Master Hong smirked and puffed out his chest to make him look bigger.

Although unwillingly, Lord Wu ordered the bodyguards to open the door.

However, before the bodyguards had even touched the door handle, the door cracked open from outside.

"Kreeeck!"

The security system on this door was custom ordered from Swiss. It was touted as the best security system in the world and only military weapons could breach it.

To everyone's surprise, the one who cracked open the door was not a fully armed military personnel, instead, it was a refined young man wearing jeans and a hoodie.

Despite the heavy rain outside, the young man was not at all wet.

"Do I know you?"

Lord Wu narrowed his eyes as he felt the young man looked very familiar.

"My name is Chen Fan. Yes, you know me. I told one of your men that I will pay you a visit a year ago, and here I am."

Even as he spoke, Chen Fan walked through the threshold. He turned around and quietly closed the door again. He wore a friendly smile on his face as if he was visiting an old friend.

"Master Chen... Master Chen Fan"

Lord Wu finally recognized Chen Fan, and he almost screamed his name out.

He had seen Chen Fan's picture a year ago so no wonder Chen Fan's face looked so familiar. As a tycoon of Jiang Bei, Lord Wu heard about Chen Fan almost every day.

Therefore, as soon as Chen Fan spoke his name, Lord Wu put two and two together and recognized him.

"Master Chen?"

A deadly silence fell over the room as soon as the word "Master Chen" was evoked.

His bodyguards turned into statues, gaping at Chen Fan stupidly in shock and disbelief.

Master Chen was a synonym of legend. Even though Lin Tashan and Hong Sect had claimed Jiang Nan in Chen Fan's absence, Lin Tashan didn't have what it took to replace Chen Fan's spot in everyone's mind. Many tycoons in Jiang Zhou City still considered Chen Fan the uncrowned king of Jiang Bei.

The development had taken the wind out of Master Hong's sails. He looked at Chen Fan incredulously and asked: "You are Chen Beixuan? Didn't you die in Siberia? How did you survive the Father of All Bombs?"

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"Noisy!"

Chen Fan furrowed his brows as the small gourd started to hum. Suddenly, a golden light shot out from the gourd and flew at Master Hong. Master Hong passed out immediately as soon as the energy come to contact with him.

Lord Wu was overtaken by fear, his body trembled uncontrollably as he turned into a bundle of nerves.

As Chen Fan had used the Art of Soul Searching to extract the last bit of information from Lord Wu, Chen Fan snapped the old man's neck with a sleek and decisive move.

"Death is the only punishment for those who double-crossed me."

Chen Fan left Jiang Zhou City and headed toward other cities in Jiang Bei.

"It really caught me off guard that Jiang Bei had turned on me so quickly."

Chen Fan's anger flared after he had learned the full extent of the situation because of the information he extracted from Lord Wu's mind.

"Zhou Tianhao, Liu Guodong, Han Tianshen, and Third Lord Wei... All of you have turned against me. How disappointing! I would never have thought that anyone from the Wei family would be involved, but I guess the multi-billion yuan business was just too tempting for Third Lord Wei."

A cold light grew brighter in Chen Fan's eyes as he pondered on.

He advanced with incredible speed and reached one city after another in a matter of minutes.

Seventeen minutes later, Chen Fan barged into Qin Shui city and killed Liu Guodong

Half an hour later, Chen Fan reached Tian He City and ended Han Tianshen's life.

Fifty-three minutes later, He killed the tycoon of Yun Hai city, Tiger Head Qiang.

An hour and seventeen minutes later...

When Chen Fan walked out of Hai Zhou city after killing Xu Ao's successor, Xu Long who had capitulated to Lin Tashan, merely two hours had passed. While he was at Hai Zhou, he had killed over a hundred people at Xu Long's residence, turning it into a bloodbath.

Xu Long was Xu Ao's stepson. Xu Ao had groomed Xu Long to be his successor ever since the latter was just a boy. When Xu Ao was alive, he was Xu Ao's most trusted right-hand man. However, he was the first one to betray Xu Ao which ultimately led to Xu Ao's death.

Once Chen Fan had learned what Xu Long had done, he tortured Xu Long using the Li Fire Golden Eyes and slowly reduced Xu Long's soul into ashes. He watched as Xu Long suffered until the end of his life.

"Old friend, I have avenged your death!"

Chen Fan turned around to look at the Xu family manner that had already been engulfed by flames.

"Next, I will kill Lin Tashan to end this once and for all. Don't worry, I will take care of Fei Fie."

He poured out some wine from the yellow gourd and murmured quietly to the wind.

Afterward, Chen Fan looked up toward north thoughtfully.

Chu Zhou City was right up ahead, and so was Lin Tasha!

Jiang Bei, Chu Zhou City, Royal Wood Community.

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The Royal Wood Community was one of the most expensive land development in Chu Zhou City and it used to belong to the Wan Rong Group. Since the downfall of Wan Rong Group, the property was bought by Third Lord Wei.

The time was past midnight, and the heavy rain pounded the ground like there was no tomorrow. At this hour, most people were deep asleep in their beds.

However, two people remained awake inside a mansion at the Royal Wood Community.

Beside the two stood a group of intimidating men and women clad in sharp black suits with a pupal brooch that looked like a crescent moon pinned on their chests. The energy inside of these men and women suggested that they were all Internal Force users.

These were the elite forces of the Hong Sect: Dark Moon.

"Mr. Lin. Thanks to you, we have successfully taken over Jiang Bei. You will forever have Hong Sect's gratitude." A seductive young woman passed a cup of tea to a man sitting across her.

He was a handsome man with features that were chiseled into his stone face. The white outfit he wore also complimented his pale complexion.

If Chen Fan saw him, he would have noticed a great deal of similarity in appearance between the man and Lin Tatian. He was Lin Tatian's brother, Lin Tashan. Another Grandmaster that hailed from the Lin family of Southeastern China.

"Any time. The Lin family of Southeastern China and Hong Sect have been allies for generations. Both of our founders were good friends with each other. You don't have to thank me for such a small favor."

Lin Tashan replied humbly as he accepted the cup of tea.

"It's a pity that Chen Beixuan had survived the Russian bombardment. I have heard that he had recently defeated the Infantry Division 116 and killed General Scherchen. In light of this turn of events, we have to halt our operation against the Tang family, otherwise, we would have claimed all of Jiang Nan Province by now."

The alluring woman heaved a sigh and then said: "The Headquarters is recalling us back, fearing Chen Beixuan's return."

Her name is Jiang Yinyue and she was the leader of the Dark Moon.

"Captain Jiang, fret not."

The man in white outfit cracked a smile and then said: "Chen Beixuan killed a Russian general, and defeated the Infantry Division 116. Do you really think the Russians are going to let Chen Beixuan get away with it?"

"I have heard that Chen Beixuan was on his way to Moscow. If he continues his folly, he would be laid low sooner or later either by a nuclear bomb or by the Blood Wolf Guards. Who does he think he is? Not even my glorious ancestor had the ability to rise against a superpower, much less Chen Beixuan. He is courting death."

Lin Tatian snorted and then continued: "Plus, even if he did escape from Russia, it would take him at least a couple of weeks to arrive in China. We have plenty of time."

Even as Lin Tatian said that the gleaming sharp blade he had laid on his lap let out a hum to demonstrate its deadliness.

His words and eased Jiang Yinyue's mind. She offered Lin Tashan a sparling glance and asked:

"Are there really immortal state-level overlords presiding over Russia?"

Although the Lin family of Southeastern China had been the most powerful family clan in China a hundred years ago, little was known about them. The Hong Sect knew that the Lin family had always been hiding their real strength, but even with their disguise of weakness, the Lin Family was still an impressive force to behold. They were the keeper of many secrets of the world that Jiang Yinyue had no idea of.

"Russia had been a superpower, a rival of the United States. Of course, they have Immortal State Overlords."

Lin Tashan said with an icy smirk.

"The Bloodwolf King Oleg had brought Europe and SouthEast Asia to heel. During the Vietnam war, the Americans had mobilized ten thousand troops but still failed to bring him to justice. The Yankees even thought of using nuclear warheads on him, but they were eventually deterred from that option fearing Russia's retaliations."

"Even my ancestor had praised Oleg as a Martial arts genius. He had an inborn gift, but he had chosen to enter Immortal State through Martial arts cultivation. There were only three men in the world who had reached Immortal State through Martial arts cultivation: My ancestor, the one from the Ye Family, and Oleg."

Lin Tashan said as flickers of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"The one from the Ye family... Do you mean General Ye of Kunlun?"

Jiang Yinyue gasped at the revelation.

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Chapter 450: Without Looking Back

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"General Ye of Kunlun"

A deadly silence fell over the room as soon as the name was evoked.

The footsoldiers of the Dark Moon might not comprehend the significance of the name, but Lin Tashan and Jiang Yinyue felt every ounce of its impact, so much so that they called him General Ye instead of using his full name.

"He is a real legend. A force to be reckoned with even among the Immortal Level Overlords."

Jiang Yinyue lowered her head and murmured to herself.

"Hehe, he had kicked Hong Sect out of China, defeated Dragon Hall, quashed the Square Tower and forced my family into seclusion. By now, he has been presiding over China for more than six decades and he must have reveled in every second of it. Among his offsprings, Ye Nantian seemed to be his most likely successor. They might have their day now, but the Lin Family would avenge our defeat sooner or later."

Lin Tashan let out a burst of cold laughter as a golden light glinted in his eyes.

"Clank."

As if having sensed its owner's emotion, the blade seemingly unsheathed itself spiling cold lights from its smooth and shiny surface. Suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to have dropped a few dozen degrees until the air was bitingly cold on the skin and a layer of frost appeared on the surface of tables.

Everyone was shocked by the display of power.

What they were experiencing was merely the Blade Qi formed by Lin Tashan's deadly energy.

It was hard to imagine what kind of terrifying power laid underneath the unforgiving Blade Qi.

"He was definitely more powerful than early-stage of Transcendent State as he had claimed." Jiang Yinyue was taken aback by the power at first. However, she managed to avert her shocked gaze and pull herself together.

"I have heard that he had gravely injured his brother, Lin Tatian when the latter decided to turn on his family. That was more than a decade ago, yet he already could defeat Lin Tatian who was at the peak of Transcendent State. His power now must be unimaginable."

Despite the shocking revelation, Jiang Yinyue plastered on an unfazed look and asked:

"Do you mean Chen Beixuan wouldn't be here any time soon?"

"Russia is not just any nation in the world, it is a superpower." Lin Tashan thrust his blade back into the sheath and said: "With enough determination, the leader of Russia could have done anything he wanted to. They had enough nuclear weapons to kill all the Immortal State warriors in the world many times over. That being said, Russia is cornered by the United States of America as of now, so I don't think they would commit fully to dealing with Chen Beixuan."

"That being said, Chen Beixuan's journey back to China wouldn't be a stroll in the park either. He had to deal with the Bloodwolf King first. Oleg is a tough son of a gun, a battle-hardened warrior. He could at least slow Chen Beixuan down for a couple of weeks. "

Lin Tashan said with a great measure of conviction.

"I see the truth in it now. We would have already returned to our bases by the time Chen Beixuan arrives. I doubt he dares to barge directly into the Hong Sect Headquarters of the Lin Family."

The thought lightened up Jiang Yinyue's mood a bit so she chimed in with a smile.

"Pada!"

Suddenly, a dark shadow barged through the window and landed in the living room.

"Who is that??"

Everyone jerked their heads toward the shadow on the ground and realized that it wasn't a person, it was someone's head. They recognized the blood-smeared face right away. It was a familiar face that they had seen nearly every day.

"Zhou Tianhao!"

Someone blenched.

He had been the Wei Family's most loyal dog before Chen Fan become his master. However, as soon as Lin Tashan arrived at Jiang Bei, he turned coat again and offered his servitude to Lin Tashan. By now, the former tycoon of Chu Zhou City was decapitated; his severed head on displayed before his new master.

Fear and regret were written all over Zhou Tianhao's face, such as the last thoughts that thrust into his mind before his death.

His wide-open eyes seemed to have seen a power that was truly terrifying.

"Who goes there? Who killed Zhou Tianhao?"

Jiang Yinyue grounded her teeth and pulled a tout face. Zhou Tianhao had quickly become her trusted confidant and killing him was a loud and clear slap on her face.

"I am afraid the devil we were speaking of has arrived."

Lin Tashan rose to his feet with a solemn face as a belligerent fire lit up his eyes.

"What?"

Before Jiang Yinyue realized what the man meant, the door was swung wide open as a young man walked into the room with a great measure of levity. He barely glanced over the deadly warriors of Dark Moon and neither did he paid particular attention to Jiang Yinyue or Lin Tashan.

"Who are you?"

A Dark Moon soldier asked with an edge in his voice. Meanwhile, realization had already dawned upon Jiang Yinyue and rendered her speechless. Her body shook in great trepidation as if she was standing before a ghost.

"Chen... Chen Beixuan?"

Jiang Yinyue stammered.

The name cast a spell in the air and turning the room pin-drop quiet. The Dark Moon Warriors were stupefied by what they heard and could only gape.

The ordinary-looking young man turned out to be the living legend who had brought a superpower to its knees and the archrival of the Hong Sect: Chen Beixuan!

The genuine fear on their captain's face reminded everyone of the terrifying rumors they have heard about Chen Fan, the gruesome details of his treatment to his enemies. It wasn't long before the Dark Moon soldiers were paralyzed by fear.

"Are you Lin Tashan?"

Chen Fan didn't even spare Jiang Yinyue a glance as he locked his gaze on the man with the blade.

"You look just like your brother, Lin Tatian. Are you here to avenge his death?"

"Lin Tatian betrayed our family so his life or death matters not to us." Lin Tatian was unfazed in the presence of the living legend. He replied readily and firmly.

"Dear Mr. Chen Beixuan, Please note that I have not harmed your family during my sojourn in Jiang Bei. I have purposely avoided disturbing them out of my respect for you. I hereby make it clear that neither I nor the Lin Family wishes to get involved in your business with the Hong Sect. I have done everything under the directive of the Hong Sect, but not of my own will, neither did I take pleasure in it."

Lin Tashan quickly threw the Hong Set under the bus.

Jiang Yinyue rounded her eyes in disbelief as she gaped at Lin Tashan. She had never seen anyone more shameless and fickle.

"You are right that you didn't lift a finger on any of my family members, but you have killed a very good friend of mine." Chen Fan walked over to the middle-aged man with his hands linked behind his back.

The soldiers of the Dark Moon stood and watched as Chen Fan come closer to them, none of them dare to move a muscle.

"Oh? Which friend?"

Lin Tashan gasped and then asked in confusion and fear.

He was smart enough to refrain from digging his claws into Chen Fan's family in order to leave a bit of wiggle room for himself in case of Chen Fan's return. As long as he didn't harm the people who Chen Fan really cared about, Lin Tashan was confident that Chen Fan would spare his life especially when he had the powerful Lin Family's support.

"Xu Ao."

Chen Fan spoke a name.

"Him?"

Lin Tashan was suddenly light-hearted by the revelation. He looked to Chen Fan incredulously and asked: "Master Chen Beixuan, you and I are both Martial arts Grandmasters, the true dragons. People such as Xu Ao and Zhou Tianhao were merely tools under our disposal. Xu Ao had offended me, and so I killed him. Why are you so hung-up on such an insignificant character? The Lin Family could offer you ten if not hundreds of servants as talented as Xu Ao."

Grandmasters were True Dragons; they were the ones who had officially embarked on the journey of cultivation and had a much higher level of enlightenment than average mortals. Xu Ao was merely a local tycoon and his life was as worthless as that of an insect in the eyes of a Grandmaster such as Lin Tashan.

Lin Tashan knew Chen Fan as the living legend, a mighty warrior who was more powerful than an average nation. Therefore, he couldn't wrap his head around Chen Fan's fixation on someone as significant as Xu Ao.

"Indeed. Just as you think killing Xu Ao was the same as squashing an insect, so too my view on killing you." Chen Fan heaved a sigh and shot Lin Tashan a glance of vast emptiness and divine indifference.

A mortal may choose one over another, but the North Mystic Celestial Lord had no preference.

Lin Tashan's face darkened as he said in a heavy voice.

"Sir, are you sure you want to offend the Lin family of Southeastern China because of one of your lackeys? Let me remind you that our ancestor is still alive. You have already made many enemies: Russians, the Hong Sect. Are you sure you want the Lin family to raise up against you as well?"

"Lin Family?" Chen Fan cracked a smile and linked his hands behind his back. "Don't make me laugh."

His imposing demeanor shocked everyone in the living room.

"Kaboom!"

Suddenly, Lin Tashan backed away a few dozen feet, through the wall, and disappeared in the pouring rain.

The Grandmaster of Lin Family had turned on his heels and abandoned the Hong Sect fighters to their own devices.

Even as Jiang Yinyue opened her mouth to chid her craven ally, she heard Chen Fan's voice around her ears.

"Do you think you can run away from me?"

Chen Fan tapped the gourd and grunted. "Sword Arise!"

"Clank!"

Before everyone's incredulous eyes, a golden ray of light shot out from the gourd that was hitched about Chen Fan's waist. Some people could even see a golden sword shimmering inside the energy.

The Sword circled around in the air, its edge barely touched people's neck before it was through the hole on the wall and disappeared in the rain.

"Flying sword?"

Jiang Yinyue's lips trembled as she squeezed her last couple of words.

With disbelief and shock written all over her face, her head rolled off of her shoulder.

Hadn't the art of the Flying sword already gone extinct in China? The only one who might still know the art of Flying sword was still hiding behind the tall walls of the Lin Family, where did Chen Beixuan learn the art?

"I shall sever your head before the dawn break."

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and looked into the distance. He said to himself with an even voice: "This sword had tasted blood in many cities: Jin City, Jiang Zhou City, Tian He, Yun Hai City and now Chu Zhou City. Your blood will be the last sacrifice to complete the ritual of commemorating my friendship with Xu Ao. It will restore justice to the world, and live up to its name as the 'Sword of Essense Restoring'."

Even as Chen Fan murmured to himself, he heard a heavy clank in the distance behind the curtain of rain.

He saw a silvery Blade Qi shot up into the sky like a flash of lightning. Lin Tashan must have unsheathed his deadly blade. The ferocious attack would easily make Lin Tashan one of the most powerful Sword Master in the world and earn him a rightful place on the Dark Roll.

"Clank, clank!"

A wave of clanking noises rose in the distance, accompanied by an eruption of sparks. A few seconds later, a golden light lanced up into the sky and the noise suddenly halted.

The sword was broken and the master was dead.

After Chen Fan spoke a nearly inaudible word. The golden sword flew back to him without any trace of blood on it. The Sword Master from the Lin Family was a semi-immortal level Grandmaster, but he had lasted less than two seconds under the attack of the deadly flying sword.

Chen Fan didn't even care to confirm his kill. He unsheathed the sword, drifted into the heavy rain and disappeared like a phantom.

The series of events happened tonight had huge implications that were yet to be felt.

Once the dawn broke, the Jiang Nan Province would be gripped by shock and fear after seeing the aftermath of the onslaught.

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Chapter 451: Breaking Dawn

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

4 am on March 11, 2010. Jin City Golden Rose Community...

This was one of the most expensive real estate properties in Jin City. The unites here were well over ten thousand Yuan per square meter. No one was up yet at this hour in the morning, and even the security guards had dozed off in their office.

"Ding ding ding..."

Qiao Luoyin was woken up by the ringing of the telephone.

She hated to be woken up by phone calls so she turned her cellphone off before sleep. However, the ringing came from the emergency landline that connected to the room of her family's most trusted servant. Qiao Luoyin knew something was up, so she reluctantly got out of bed to answer the phone.

"What's going on Qiao Qiao?"

Her BFF who was sleeping over at her place yawned with sleepy eyes. As she stretched her body, bedsheets slid off of her naked chest, revealing her breathtaking body. There was a feline quality to the way she carried herself: quiet, elegant but infinitely seductive.

"Probably nothing." Qiao Luoyin turned on the table lamp and suddenly noticed her BFF's fully naked body. She shot the girl a glare and said: "Cover yourself please. You are married and almost thirty, why do you still act like a three-year-old?"

"Haha, who cares? It's only two of us here. Why? Are you interested in this gorgeous body as well?" The girl's eyes were lit up with glee as she shook her ample bosom, making her perky breasts jiggle.

"You!"

Qiao Luoyin was suddenly at a loss for words.

She met her BFF—a rich girl form Yan Jin when she was studying in the United States of America. They both shared similar family background and had many things in common. Just as Qiao Luoyin came home to take over the family business, so too her BFF returned to China to be married off by her family to a rich heir of Yan Jin.

Ever since her marriage, she rarely got any chance to spend time alone with her friends, and this was one of those rare occasions. Qiao Luoyin had no choice but to put her business aside and entertain her friend.

"Hello, is that Uncle Hu? What's happening?"

Qiao Luoyin picked up the phone and heard Uncle Hu's urgent voice: "My lady, something bad had happened. The Song Family mansion caught fire and killed everyone inside before the firefighter could put out the flame."

"What?"

Qiao Luoyin was shocked.

Song Family was Qiao Family's biggest opponent in Jin City, therefore, she always kept a close watch on them.

By the time she put down the phone, even her BFF had registered that something was amiss. Although the girl was a pleasure-seeking bimbo, she was quick to capture the change of mood in the air.

"What happened? Is it bad?"

"My family servant called me, saying the Song Family mansion had caught fire and killed everyone in it. The Song Family is no more, I am afraid." Qiao Luoyin said with a blank stare.

Just a week ago, Song Family had been nipping the Qiao Family's heels and forced the Chen family to be on their last leg, a week later, the entire family clan had been wiped out.

Something was not quite right about this.

"Are you talking about that Song Family related to the Han Family?"

The girl yawned again as she asked disinterestedly. She was from a mighty family clan of Yan Jin city and was married to one of the most influential heirs in the city, therefore, she wouldn't care less about the Song Family. If not because the Song Family was an ally of the Han Family of Yan Jin, she might not even know who they were.

Many elites in the Jinlin City were woken up early in the morning just as Qiao Luoyin was.

As more shocking occurrences were discovered, they filled the air of the Jin City with restlessness and fear.

"Who could be so audacious as to commit these brazen crimes?"

Many people's knee jerk reaction was shock and some even swore revenge, but deep down, everyone was seized by fear. The person who committed these heinous crimes must be a heartless and ruthless monster.

"What do you think that golden light was? I don't think it's any kind of modern weapon. It sounded more like the flying sword used by ancient swordmasters. I think the perpetrator was a powerful spell caster."

Someone guessed.

"Flying sword, Dharmic powers, Spellcaster, and the feud with the Chen family that were shared with all victims..."

When people started to connect the dots, many of them felt that development was eerily familiar.

They vaguely remembered that a year ago, another family clan in Jin City was annihilated in a similar fashion a year ago.

"Could... could it be him?"

The terrifying thought made everyone look at each other in fear.

As it turned out, even more things had happened outside of Jin City. There had been murders at Jiang Zhou City, Tian He, and Hai Zhou city as well.

The bodies of Baldy Liu and Lord Wu were also discovered at Jiang Bei.

Nearly all the victims were controversial men and women who were not afraid of risking a run-in with the law from time to time to get things done. Their unscrupulous methods and tremendous influence made their deaths carry even more weight than the deaths of an average Joe.

Many elites of the society were woken up by phone calls early in the morning.

The police officers in many cities dispatched their units to the crime scenes. After seeing the aftermath of the slaughter, they looked at each other in trepidation.

"These are all murder cases, and the perpetrator is the same person. He had used a sharp weapon, likely a sword or whatnot and decapitated these victims' heads. Director, did you see how sleek and smooth the wound was? The perpetrator must be a skilled swordmaster, worse, he could be an internal force user. These men and women seemed to have died simultaneously, meaning, the perpetrator must have killed multiple people in one attack."

A veteran detective reported to his director.

The Director said nothing, his dark face was an anvil.

These victims were infamous tycoons of the city, adding in the possible involvement of Internal Force users, these cases were well above the local sheriff's pay grade. He wagered that he would even soon see faces from the higher-level governments in his office to take over these hot cases.

Even as the director ordered his men to cordon off the scene, he got a phone call from his colleague in the neighboring city.

"What? the same crime happened at the City of Clear Water? Baldy Liu is decapitated?"

"Xu Long was killed at Hai Zhou city?"

"Zhou Tianhao was found dead in his house at Chu Zhou City?"

The series of news had shocked everyone.

"Boss, how should we handle this?"

The voice of even the most seasoned detective started to become shaky. This was one of the most serious cases of violence in China. The death toll had reached five hundred, yet, the perpetrator was only one person.

In the detective's mind's eye, he saw a white robbed sword master who flew past many cities where heads rolled and blood were spilled.

He had killed these men and women with otherworldly methods that had left no trace of evidence behind. He then walked away from the bloody scene guilt-free as if these men and women hardly deserved to live in the first place, leaving the world to solve the impossible riddle.

He acted exactly like the sword-hero in poems and ballads.

Hands shaking, the Director ordered: "Close off the area and return to your office. This is beyond our pay grade. I will report to the federal government and request the involvement of the Special Case Department."

"Yes, sir. "

Everyone nodded in relief.

They knew that this case was too big and too dangerous for them to take on.

More than five hundred people were either dead or injured in Jiang Bei. The news took the entire Jiang Nan Province by storm.

Many tycoons of Jiang Nan Province had to spend the following few nights constantly waking up by nightmares.

During the day, they tried all they could to get as many details about the incidents as they could.

Wu Zhou City, Su Family Residence...

Su Yanghao grunted after he was woken up by the phone. He picked up the phone and heard the voice of his son Su Zhengde on the other end.

"Dad, are you safe? The Song Family of Jin City were all killed last night, killed by fire and none of them survived. The family lords of the Hua Family, Ren Family, Gong Family, and sixteen other families were all killed around the same time."

"What?"

The news awakened Su Yanghao as his eyes lit up with surprise and shock.

"The same thing happened across Jiang Bei. Over five hundred men and women were killed by now. Everyone is talking about the return of HIM."

The last word rang like thunder in Su Yanghao's ears. His son kept on talking on the other end, but he could no longer hear anything as a name reverberated repeatedly in his mind.

"..HIM... HIM..."

"Chen Fan was back!"

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Chapter 452: Shocking The Jiang Nan Province

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

When dawn finally broke, ushering ordinary people to the bustle about their life, news of what had happened during the night finally reached the elite circle and took it by storm.

The news only reached the ears of the most prominent family lords, however, by then, nearly everyone in the elite circle were talking about it.

Lords of sixteen families were dead; it would be impossible to cover up such startling news. Therefore the information spread like wildfire across the entire Jiang Nan Province.

By now, even the slowest person would have known that something big had happened, and it was going to change everything

"Chen Beixuan is back!"

"Hehe, who would have thought that the Chen family could turn the situation around in the end."

Old man Qiao slurped down a gulp of congee and shook his head. "Chen Beixuan really lived up to his reputation as the devil's incarnate. He killed so many people in just one night, I wonder how the people of Jiang Bei will take the news."

The family lord of Qiao Family of Jin City was in his seventies, but he was still healthy and strong.

"Dad, are you sure Chen Fan is back?"

Qiao Luoyin asked curiously. There was a hint of excitement in her voice.

"General Li told me about personally. So, yes, I am sure. Plus, who else other than Chen Beixuan can make such a dramatic comeback? He had tracked over a thousand kilometer in one night and killed hundreds. I have heard rumors that he is powerful enough to defeat an entire army. I think those rumors have some truth in them. "

Old Man Qiao exclaimed.

Chen Fan's ability to dictate life and death had stunned even a seasoned tycoon such as Old Man Qiao. The Song Family was the most unwise to crush the Chen family so heavy-handedly before they could even confirm Chen Fan's death. They brought their downfall onto themselves.

"Who is Chen Beixuan?"

Qiao Luoyin's bimbo friend asked. She was wearing a poncho and a pair of pencil jeans, adding on her beige-colored sunglasses, she looked just like a rich glamorous housewife who carried herself in the most decorous manner.

"Qiuyun, you should be careful about speaking this man's name directly." Old Man Qiao said with a smile. "Why don't you let Yinluo fill you in? He is a real character."

"Humph, whatevs. He is probably just a loser anyways. I know this kind of man. He thinks he can solve every problem by pounding as hard as he can. Does he even know that law exists? What a tool."

Pei Qiuyun snorted.

The Pei family was barely noteworthy in Yan Jin, but in the second and third-tier cities, she might as well be a celebrity. On the other hand, Pei Qiuyun's husband was from a much more prominent family in Yan Jin.

Her upbringing and her husband's influence had made Pei Qiuyun prouder and made her very judgemental.

"Hehe, Chen Beixuan is not your average Martial artist. Even the most influential Young Lords in Yan Jin city, such as Wang Chen, Li Mufan, Xiao Tianchen had to keep their heads down and their tails between their legs when they saw him."

Qiao Luoyin answered readily, sipping on a cup of green tea.

"Yea, right."

Pei Qiuyun didn't believe any of it. "I have met many martial artists and spellcasters in Yan Jin, but they all serve the great families merely as bodyguards. What kind of bodyguard material could have compared with those elite heirs?"

Wang Chen, Li Mufan and Xiao Tianchen were among the richest of the rich in Yan Jin City.

Even Pei Qiuyun's husband paled in comparison with those blue blooded princelings.

"Well, then let me share a story with you. A year ago, the Second Lord Han, Han Hongkun had messed with Chen Beixuan, and guess what happened to him?"

Qiao Luoyin changed the topic and asked.

"Han Hongkun? I have heard he was grounded by his family because he had offended someone important..." Pei Qiuyun recalled as she furrowed her brows. Suddenly, realization dawned upon her like a crack of lightning.

"Was that because of Chen Beixuan?"

"If not because Han Juntu apologized in time, Han Hongkun should have already been dead. Song Family was also kicked out of Jin City on the same day. Half a year ago, the rumor about Chen Beixuan's death started to spread and Han Hongkun was finally allowed out of his house and so Song Family moved back to Jin City."

Qiao Luoyin said lightly.

"That's... impossible! We are talking about Han Juntu, the Han Family!"

Pei Qiuyun's face paled as she shook her head in denial. If Chen Beixuan could force Han Juntu to his knees then he was —as Qiao Luoyin suggested— as powerful as those princelings if not more so.

"Chen Beixuan is not an ordinary Martial Artist. He ranked number one on the Heaven roll, higher than even Ye Nantian."

Qiao Luoyin put in.

"Ye Nantian!"

Pei Qiuyun grew silent as she turned her thoughts inward.

Like everyone else, she knew who Ye Nantian was and what it meant to be more powerful than him. Ye Nantian's personal strength aside, his family, the Ye family of Mount Yan was even more influential than those who dominated the Yan Jin city such as the Wang or the Xiao family.

"But... Can he really get away with killing so many people? Isn't he afraid of the Special Case Department?"

Pei Qiuyun asked in confusion.

She found it hard to accept that any individual could have risen up against a legion of family clans.

Worse, Chen Fan had opening flaunted law and order, making himself a public enemy.

The question had hit the mark and Qiao Luoyin looked at Old Man Qiao with a pang of distress without saying a word.

Old Man Qiao narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"Chen Beixuan would not be bothered by these frivolous matters."

"What? Frivolous?"

Pei Qiuyun rounded her eyes as she gaped at the old man.

He had killed sixteen family lords and everyone in the Song Family. The death toll had reached five hundred. How was this egregious crime a frivolous matter?

"Five days ago, Chen Beixuan had defeated the Russian Infantry Division 116 and killed the Russian General Scherchen. He barged into Moscow, forcing the leader of Russia to plead for a truce."

Old Man Qiao tapped the table and said lightly: "Compared to that, what happened here last night was nothing, don't you think?"

A deadly silence fell over the room.

Pei Qiuyun, Qiao Luoyin, and the servants were all stupified by what they have heard.

"He had brought a superpower to its knees. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't hear it from General Li. Who would have thought that such a cutthroat figure would have hailed from the peaceful land of Jiang Nan? He had made his family one of the most powerful clans in China, if not the world."

"Such glory! He can take on the whole world if he wanted to."

Pei Qiuyun and Qiao Luoyin gave each other a fearful glance.

"Yea."

Chen Fan indeed was a mighty figure who was capable to change the world.

Wang Chen, Li Mufan and Xiao Tianchen simply couldn't compare. Chen Fan could even cast fear into the hearts of their family lords, much less that of the heirs.

The Qiao Family's shock and disbelief were shared by many other families in Jiang Nan Province.

Hua Family and Ren Family didn't even moan the death of their family lord as they hurried to pay tribute to the Chen family, showering them with gifts.

However, the Chen family was not in the mood of opening up their doors to them after their recent betrayal.

Chen Huaian ordered Chen Ning to turn the guests away without even accepting their gifts. However, Chen Huaian's cold shoulder didn't quell the Hua the Ren Family's determination to mend the relationship.

"Master Chen must be back, otherwise, the Chen family wouldn't dare to turn us away."

The more adamant the Chen family was in turning them away, the more humble and eager they became.

What happened to the Sheng and the Song Family served a good lesson to everyone. They had only lost a family lord, and if they don't realine themself with the Chen family quickly, they might be the next family to be wiped out from the world.

None of the family leaders were dumb and already, they have registered the government's reluctance in bringing the perpetrator to justice as the case quickly got mired by red tape.

Some family lords had even heard that the investigator dispatched by the Special Case Department was called Red Sparrow and she was a close friend of Chen Fan.

By now, it was evident that Chen Fan was going to get away with his mass murder.

No one in the right mind would want to test Master Chen's flying sword.

The development had shaken the entire Jiang Nan Province as the news thrust a name into everyone's mind: Chen Fan, the benefactor of the Chen family of Jin City!

Master Chen of Jiang Bei was back!

Chen Fan had proclaimed his return using the blood of nearly five hundred men and women and sent a blaring message to the world:

"Death awaits the enemy of the Chen family. "

Meanwhile, in a classroom at Jin City University...

A girl with refined features was taking notes of the class. She wore no makeup, but her appearance was sublime nonetheless. She clearly attracted more attention than the teacher, as people in the classroom glanced at her surreptitiously from time to time. There were many different emotions in those eyes: adoration, infatuation, jealousy, and admiration, just to name a few.

In many people's minds, this girl might as well be the favorite child of God.

She was gorgeous, smart and rich—the holy trinity of being a girl. However, life seemed to have cast a shadow over her as her mind wandered off from time to time with a gloomy expression on her face.

"Fang Qiong, are you OK? You keep on losing focus."

The professor walked over to her and asked her attentively.

She was his best student.

"I am fine professor Liu, I just got distracted. I promise it won't happen again." Fang Qiong straightened her back and apologized. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, It was Zhong Yaoyao.

After getting a nod from the professor, Fang Qiong answered the phone. Even as she was going to chide her good for nothing BFF for calling her during class, she heard Zhong Yaoyao screaming at the other end.

"Fang Qiong, your husband is back!"

"Pada!"

Fang Qiong dropped the cell phone on the table and was turned into a frozen statue.

Xiao Fan...

He was finally back after all this time?

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 453: Reunion With Fang Qiong

When Chen Fan returned the East Mountain Villas, Wang Xiaoyun and Chen Gexin had already made their way back to Jin City. As soon as Wang Xiaoyun saw her son, she rushed to Chen Fan, hugged him, and held him for a long while.

"Mom, don't worry, I am back. There is no one on this planet that can harm me. Don't you worry about me." Chen Fan held his mother in his embrace and whispered softly into his mother's ears. Meanwhile, he turned to look at his father.

Chen Gexin was just over forty, but his hair was already tainted with streaks of white. Over the past year, this quiet and proud man had held against tremendous pressure.

He said nothing to Chen Fan but nodded approvingly at him.

"Xiao Fan, stay here in Jiang Nan Province with your ma and pa, OK? We don't need cultivation, we just need each other."

Tears welled in Wang Xiaoyun's eyes as she pleaded.

"Mom, the fate of the Chen family lies on my shoulder. If I don't gain more strength through cultivation, what happened last year will happen again, if not worse. I have killed too many people in the last couple of days, if we don't keep our enemies under our boots, not even the Cang Dragon and General Li would be able to protect us."

Chen Fan said slowly.

Wang Xiaoyun realized that she didn't think her words through, so she wiped the tears away from her cheeks and put on an embarrassed smile.

"Xiaoyun, with Chen Fan's return, I doubt anyone in China would dare to mess with us. You can rest assured that the pride of our Chen family is going to soar in the world like a dragon."

Chen Huaian let out a peal of laughter.

"Just so. I have gotten many phone calls from the Ji Family, Tang Family, and the Nin Family. They all wanted to visit me, but I turned them all away." Wang Xiaoyun let out a thin smile.

"Mom, once I have some time, I will teach those ungracious SOB a lesson."

Chen Fan said as a cold light danced in his eyes.

What happened in Russian taught Chen Fan a valuable lesson and made him realize that he had been too soft on his enemies before. If he had completely wiped out the Ji Family, Tang Family, and the Nin Family earlier, they wouldn't even get the chance to turn their backs on him.

"Mom, what happened to Sister An?" Chen Fan asked.

"She went back to An family for me, for the Jin Xiu Group." Wang Xiaoyun said as a pang of regret flashed in her eyes. "The An family came to us, asking for An Ya. An Ya refused to leave for An family at first, but when Jin Xiu Group's future was hanging in balance, the An family offered a deal that changed her mind. They offered to protect Jin Xiu Group in exchange for An Ya. An Ya was gone the next day without even telling me her decision. I am sorry... I didn't protect her as I should have."

Wang Xiaoyun broke into tears again as she recounted the heartbreaking moment.

An Ya had been with her longer than Chen Fan. In some way, An Ya was closer to her than Chen Fan was.

"It's OK mom, I will pay the An family a visit and bring Sister An back."

Chen Fan said firmly as two golden flames lit up his eyes.

"Ok."

Wang Xiaoyun nodded quietly.

"Grandpa, ma and pa, we need to think ahead of us and be more strategic. We should rope in those families who had treated us fairly to our side, make them our close allies. Those who we could still tolerate, we will give them a lesson that they wouldn't forget. As for those who have done us wrong, we will kick them out of the city or outright wipe them out. We need to establish our absolute authority in Jiang Nan Province."

Chen Fan looked around him as he announced firmly.

"very well"

Chen Huaian nodded.

The Chen family had been organized too loosely to defend against the Song Family. Now Chen Fan was back and the first thing he wanted to do was to establish a family caucus to centralize the decision-making process within the family. Chen Fan would strengthen the Chen family to a point that it would hold its own while Chen Fan was away.

"Ah right, Xiao Fan. General Li Wuchen and Red Sparrow have done us a great service. When you have time, you need to thank them."

Chen Gexin put in.

"Yes, dad. I got it."

Chen Fan nodded.

"What are you going to do to the Fang family and the Su Family?"

Wang Xiaoyun continued, hesitating. "Xiao Qiong had checked on us from time to time while you are away, and so did Mingde and Susu. However, I have heard that the Su Family of Wu Zhou City seemed to have second thoughts about your marriage proposal and Lord Su, Su Zhengde had been talking to the Ji Family again."

"Hehe. Mom, you can't fix stupid."

Chen Fan cracked a derisive smile.

Chen Fan had never seen the Su Family as a threat. He knew that the key to his marriage was Fang Qiong instead of anyone else.

"My only concern is if Xiao Qiong is going to be mad at me for leaving her alone for so long. I didn't even have time to bid a proper farewell before I left."

Chen Fan grimaced.

For the few days that followed, Chen Huaian, Chen Gexin, Wang Xiaoyun, and Chen Ning started to put their plans into action. Their tasks were to solicit loyalties from friendlier families clans by extending olive branches.

Together with Chen Fan, they played the game of the "Good cop and the Bad cop" and quickly subjugated the tycoons of Jiang Nan. They knew they have much of an option anyway.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan was already back at the Jin City University.

Fang Qiong was sitting quietly in the Jin City University Library, going over the work of Nobel prize winner Laureate Robert F. Engle. She wore a white sweater underneath a plain slim-fit peacoat. Her jeans had been broken-in and with the perfect shade of indigo. Her long straight hair reached her shoulder like a river that fell off a sheer drop.

Zhong Yaoyao sat quietly in boredom beside Fang Qiong.

As she grew older, her features became more nymph-like. She was in a dance rehearsal so she was still in her skin tight dancing outfit that revealed two breathtaking hills of pleasure on her chest. Under her belt, she wore a pair of black short skirt and knee-high socks.

Most people in the library glanced at the two drop-dead gorgeous ladies from time to time, barely able to focus on their studies.

"Fang Qiong and Zhong Yaoyao are not only BFFs but also the two hottest girls at Jin City University. They have many admirers on campus."

"Fang Qiong was always cold and distant to most male students, and Zhong Yaoyao was even worse! She is not as aloof as Fang Qiong, but she is a heartbreaker. No one seems to know what is on her fickle mind."

"What do you think they are doing here in the library? Are they waiting for a boy?"

Everyone murmured to each other under their breath.

"Fang Qiong, what are we doing here? I thought we are going to find your husband, why are we wasting our time here in the library?"

Zhong Yaoyao's patience finally wore out. She asked Fang Qiong angrily.

She had been rehearsing a show for next month's welcoming ceremony for the freshmen. The moment she got the message from Fang Qiong, she screamed at the top of her lungs, startling other dancers and darted out of the dance studio without even change into her normal clothing.

"I didn't tell you to come with me, and neither did I say I am going to look for him. I am just waiting for him to show up, I know he will."

Fang Qiong turned a page on the heavy book and answered evenly.

"You!"

Anger contorted Zhong Yaoyao's face.

However, the thought of Chen Fan and his unimaginable power made Zhong Yaoyao lower her head and turned down a notch.

"What an asshole. He left you hanging for a year in a complete dark. Even as people started to believe that he was dead, you still believed in him and waited for him. Who would know that he did pull through and come back? Hey, have you heard what he had did in Jiang Nan Province?"

"I thought I had gone crazy when I first heard it from my dad. He told me Chen Fan had killed SIXTEEN family lords! Adding other tycoons he had killed, he had killed over five hundred people! Out there in the streets, people are using his name to scare children now."

Zhong Yaoyao said with a mix of fear and admiration. Then her voice grew colder and said:

"Hehe, I wonder what the Su Family is going to say to Chen Fan. They have been hot on your heels, trying to make you change your mind to marry their heir. That woman called Su Qian was particularly annoying. Without you holding me back, I would have slapped that bitch many times. Chen Beixuan is not going to let them get away with that, I wonder what kind of havoc he is going wreak this time."

Fang Qiong furrowed her brows and said nothing.

She was disappointed by what the Su Family had done over the year.

"How did you find someone so powerful and charming and why do I keep on meeting losers? I thought that Korean Oppa was going to be my Mr. Right, but he turned out to be a spy and had gone mad after whatever Professor Chen did to him."

Zhong Yaoyao complained.

"Ah right." Zhong Yaoyao's eyes lit up with excitement as she suddenly remembered something: "Didn't you tell me that your husband and Professor Chen are the same person? How could anyone change his look in such a short period of time?"

"You will know how when you see him."

Even as Fang Qiong said that Zhong Yaoyao let out a surprised cry.

Fang Qiong looked up and saw a tall handsome man walk over to them. His long dark hair reached his shoulder and his eyes were black and incandescent at the same time. The sublime features on his face and his statuesque body made him look like a god.

"Miss, may I have the honor of sharing the table with you?"

Chen Fan let out a warm smile and said courteously.

"I am sorry, this spot is reserved for my husband."

Fang Qiong paused a second before she answered and looked down at her book.

"Well, I am your husband."

A familiar voice drifted into her ears. This time, Fang Qiong recognized Chen Fan's face right away and threw herself into his arms.

"Where have you been? I have been waiting for you for so long!" Fang Qiong broke into tears.

"I am sorry."

Chen Fan squeezed the girl a little as a pang of guilt rose inside of him.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 454: Heading to the An Family

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Everyone knew Fang Qiong as an independent and strong-willed girl. Therefore, the sight of her breaking into tears had stunned her classmates around her. Sensing the other students' glares, she quickly gathered herself.

What? Did the campus flower of Jin City University just offer herself to that random dude??

This was going to be a piece of explosive news on campus.

Suddenly, someone shouted in surprise.

"Uh? Isn't that Professor Chen from the Biology department who went missing a year ago. Now he is back and is seeing Fang Qiong?"

Professor Chen was a much more popular sensation on campus. He easily charmed the students and teachers with his depth of technical knowledge, his breadth of wealth, and his godly appearance.

Sensing the sizzling excitement of the crowd, Chen Fan decided to leave with the two girls.

As soon as he was out of the Library, he cast an illusion art and changed his appearance back. The two girls watched in disbelief as Chen Fan transformed his look, "Hey, what did you do to Professor Chen? I don't want to look at your face."

Zhong Yaoyao complained.

"Then don't look and buzz off."

Chen Fan flung back at her.

North Mystic Celestial Lord was a godly existence and even a Dao Reunion level Immortal Cultivator had to bow to him with great respect. It was an affront to treat him as frivolous eye candy.

"Make me..."

Zhong Yaoyao held onto Fang Qiong's arm tightly and refuted coquettishly as she followed the two closely.

The three of them finally arrived at a quiet restaurant around noon where they caught up with each other over lunch. Fang Qiong did most of the talking while Chen Fan listened on attentively, nodded from time to time.

"Did the Su Family get on your back again?"

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and clasped his fingers. "I had taken Su Yanghao for a wise old man, but he disappointed me by spoiling his arrogant children. I think it is time for him to learn a lesson."

"Just so! Chen Fan, you have no idea how disgusting those Su Family members are, especially that bitch called Su Qian. She had embarrassed Xiao Qiong before the entire family many times."

Zhong Yaoyao chimed in.

"That's enough."

Fang Qiong shot her BFF a hot glare and then gave Chen Fan a placating look. "That's not important. The important thing is that you are back now."

Fang Qiong and just turned 20 this year, already she looked much closer to the Zi Qiong Goddess that Chen Fan had remembered.

"I will visit Wu Zhou with you in a couple of days."

Chen Fan said firmly.

"Thank you."

Fang Qiong knew she couldn't change Chen Fan's mind, so she nodded. However, she couldn't hide the flash of joy in her eyes.

Lunch was over, Chen Fan saw the two girls to their dorm and left the campus. He felt relieved after seeing Fang Qiong was safe and sound. They were going to spend endless eons together, and therefore there was no need to cling onto each other now.

Plus, there was something more urgent to deal with as of now.

"Wei Family of the North Bank, Su Family of Wu Zhou City, Ji Family of Zhong Hai, Han Family of Yan Jin and the Lin family of Southeastern China will all have to pay for what they have done. But my first and foremost task is to get Sister An back."

Chen Fan calculated in his mind.

Chen Fan's disappearance had made the other regional forces restless.

The Han Family, for example, had released Second Lord Han thinking Chen Fan was dead. Worse, they also supported the Song Family to antagonize the Chen family. For this, they would have to pay a heavy cost.

However, at this moment, Chen Fan was not only concerned about his own family, but also the Lu family, A'Xiu, the Medicine God Valley Sect, and Zheng Anqi at Hong Kong.

If the Hong Sect had made their way to Jiang Bei, they must have also visited the Lu family and found the Medicine God Valley Sect.

"sigh... lesson learned. My cultivation in my last life had been smooth sailing thanks to the protection of the True Martial Celestial Sect. I never had to be on guard all the time. Therefore, I have spread myself too thin all over the earth and without uniting the scattered forces together, my enemies could easily pick them off one by one."

Chen Fan heaved a sigh and said wistfully: "That's it then. In order to protect my family and the people that followed me, I need to unite everyone together under one banner."

Chen Fan thought to himself.

Chen Fan had been a perfected cultivator and reached the Tribulation Transcendence level. Therefore, when he finally regained his former level of attainment, he could use many dharmic arts to create a legion of deadly fighters that would fight for him. Tong Shan was an example of the fighters that would make up such an army. He only needed ten fighters as powerful as Tong Shan to annihilate the lord of the Lin Family.

However, that wouldn't happen for a while.

Building such a formidable force took time and patience. Once all the requirements were met, the spirit herbs at the Green Dragon Grand Array would be more than enough to sustain such an army.

That being said, Chen Fan reckoned that he should focus his attention on the task at hand: to reach the An family and bring Sister An back.

With that thought in mind, Chen Fan looked to the North as his eyes lit up with a cold light.

The An family of Don He Province was one of the most prominent family clans in Northern China.

Although its influence was a far cry from that of the Wang or the Xiao family, they were deep-rooted in the Don He Province and had produced many brilliant hires throughout history. The Ans Group was also one of the few Chinese private companies that made it into the world's top five hundred corporations.

Most local tycoons of Jiang Nan paled in comparison with the An family, and only the Su Family might have been in the same league with the An family.

The An family had many branches and its members scattered all over China in many different provinces.

An Jinxiu was from of the An family's branches in Yan Jin City. She had known Wang Xiaoyun, the female heir of the Wang family when they were just little girls. Once An Jinxiu gave birth to a girl outside of marriage, she was considered a stain on the family's reputation.

Rumor had it that An Jinxiu's parents had to sever their ties with An Jinxiu to contain the damage to the family clan.

In the end, Wang Xiaoyun had brought An Ya home to raise her in Jiang Nan Province.

"They were as influential as the Han Family, but for very different reasons. The Han family has deep connection in the military, but the An family was a significant local force. Since they were not as well connected as, say, the Han Family, they might not even be aware of my return. Once they know that I am on my way to them, they should kneel down before me and beg for forgiveness."

On the plane to Dong He, Chen Fan flipped through the documents Red Sparrow had collected for him about the An family.

Although he had killed many people a few nights ago and enjoyed every minute of it, it was Red Sparrow who had to clean up his mess. Right after that she also hurried to collect information on the An family for him.

However, Chen Fan didn't feel that Red Sparrow's help was unwarranted.

Red Sparrow and Director Xiao had owed him a big one for not barging into the kremlin and having a "Chat" with the Russian leader as he planned to. In the end, he decided to end the conflict peacefully and made Red Sparrow's life infinitely easier.

"In my last life, Jin Xiu Group was gone before it rose to prominence, so I doubt the An family even knew that An Ya existed."

"However, I have prevented the fall of Jin Xiu Group in this lifetime and therefore it had risen to fame. My mom is now regarded as the Queen of Real Estate while Sister An also became famous as her assistant and CEO of the Jin Xiu Group. I think that was how Sister An came under the An family's attention again."

Chen Fan closed his eyes and thought to himself.

At the root of the An family's change of heart was the value of Sister An they have newly discovered.

In Chen Fna's last life, An Ya was a nobody, and the An family didn't even know her existence. But In this life, An Ya was an attractive young CEO of a large corporation; she would be an irreplaceable asset to the An family.

Just as Su Family had groomed Su Xiao into a valuable merchandise to be sold for a marriage alliance, so too the An family sought to taut their own valuable assets at the market of a political marriage.

"So they plan to use Sister An as a tool for gaining an alliance."

The thought didn't sit well with Chen Fan. A flicker of cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Hehe. Might as well. I wouldn't know what to do with them if they genuinely wanted to right the wrong they have done to Sister An. But if they had taken Sister An only to sell her off again, It would make things much easier for me."

Chen Fan sneered.

The Sword of Essense Restoring hummed inside the gourd as if it had sensed its master's anger.

Chen Fan wasn't able to get the closure he wanted in Russia, so he returned with a belly full of festering anger. So much so that even the death of the Song Family and five hundred men and women in Jiang Bei couldn't quell the burning desire to hurt someone. That being said, Chen Fan reckoned that he needs to wait until he talks to Sister An before making the final judgment.

Before that, Chen Fan needed to hold back his anger and control himself.

"Hooo!"

The plane landed at the Phoenix City, the capital city of Don He Province.

Just like Jin City and Lin City, Phoenix City was one of the top fifteen top tier cities in China. Its streets were filled with bustling citizens and even foreigners of all skin colors.

Once Chen Fan out of the airport, he called for a taxi.

He knew no one in Phoenix City, but it wouldn't be difficult for him to find the family of Don He Province due to their fame. Even if he did have trouble locating them, he could pinpoint Sister An's whereabouts by tracking the energy of the Jade pendant he had given to her.

"You are looking for the An family?" The Taxi Driver asked.

"That's easy! The An family mansion is near downtown. Tsk..tsk... it's so big that it could fit a few shopping malls there. But that's the An family for ya! They are the biggest fish in our city."

"Very well, let's be on our way then." Chen Fan nodded.

The Taxi took Chen Fan straight to downtown. The Taxi driver continued to fill Chen Fan in on the mighty An family.

"The An family is the one calls the shots in the city. The CEO of the Ans group is the richest man in Don He Province. Even the provincial leaders had to show respect for him, but what can you do, eh? They got the money, and no one dares to mess with them. I have heard that they are planning a marriage alliance with another big family as if they are still not powerful enough."

"Marriage alliance?"

Two divine lights lit up Chen Fan's eyes as he heard the two words.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 455: The An Sisters

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Just so! I can't remember which family clan they are talking with, but they are also one of the mighty family clans in Northern China for sure. But what do I know, I am just a Taxi driver. "

The Taxi Driver shook his head and said: "Ah right, I have heard that the An family was having a family reunion right now. It is a custom here in Don He Province to have a big family reunion after the new year. Are you a guest at the reunion?"

Don He Province was located in northern China, therefore, some of its customs were very different than Jiang Nan Province which was in the south.

However, the family reunions were similar regardless of which part of China one was at. Branch families would be gathered together to reflect and plan ahead. There would be many feasts with honorable guests. The family reunion was the stage for each branch to show off and compete with each other.

The An family was a powerful family clan that had existed for hundreds of years with many branches all over China. Chen Fan wagered that its family reunion would be ten times more extravagant than that of the Chen family.

"Kind of."

Chen Fan said indifferently.

A flicker of Admiration flashed in the driver's eyes. He said: "You must be either powerful or rich to be able to be invited by the An family. Most of their guests are either provincial leaders or local governors. Even the mayor of Phoenix City might not be on the invitation list."

What the driver had said revealed the An family extraordinary wealth.

Don He Province was much less developed than Jiang Nan Province. Therefore An family's fortune had made them feel like the biggest fish in the small pond. Everyone treated them like kings with unbridled authority in Don He Province.

"I see."

Chen Fan said lightly; he was unaffected by the driver's bragging.

He had even killed the director of the KGB, what did the An family mean to him? If not for Sister An, he would already have kicked their door open and severed the An family Lord's head from his shoulder.

As the driver prattled on, Chen Fan learned more details about the An family.

The Ans Group was a behemoth that dealt with businesses in many industries such as heavy machinery, construction, real estate, just to name a few. The An family exerted its influence across China through their mighty commercial empire, making them even more influential in the business world than the Loong family of Hong Kong. The old man An had been sitting in the position of chairman at the board of directors for many years and had just recently retired. Now his son, An Tianshu was the one who called the shots in the company. The board of directors was filled with figureheads of other branches, making the commercial giant under the direct control of the An family.

During every family reunion, the most contentious agenda was to re-elect the members of the board of directors.

"The An family mansion is right ahead of us now."

After about thirty minutes, the driver pulled the car over and pointed said.

Chen Fan looked out of the window and noticed that they were right in the middle of bustling downtown. It was filled to the brim with skyscrapers, hotels, restaurants, and shops, not an inch of land was wasted. It was evident that land was the most precious commodity in downtown and the An family had ample of them as their residence took up a large swath of land. A red door set in a tall wall and it was flanked by two stone statues of lions. Trees branches with lush green leaves poked out above the top of the wall, teasing the imagination of the Xanadu out of the beholder's mind.

"Impressive! Such wealth and grandeur."

Chen Fan sneered.

There were no words to describe the opulence of the An family's residence.

Phoenix City was the capital of Don He Province with a population of a few million. It was one of the biggest cities in China. The properties in downtown would cost at least a dozen thousand a square meter, making the price tag of an average condo in the millions. However, the An family's residence took up at least a hundred thousand square meters right in the beating heart of the city.

The residence was big enough to fit an entire community. If the land was redeveloped into apartments, the profit would be in the trillions.

However, An family had only built a two-story traditional style building inside the wall and turned the rest of the space into gardens.

The wealth of the An family was unheard of so much so that even the Su family of Wu Zhou City would pale in comparison.

"Sir, invitation please."

Even as Chen Fan was going to walk through the gate, the guards at the gate stopped him politely.

The entrance of the residence was on a raised platform with stone steps with an exquisite facade with intricate carvings all in the traditional style. The burly guards by the entrance wore spiffy suits and looked sharp and imposing. The Taxi Driver had told Chen Fan that these guards made much more money than a white-collar office job.

"I don't have an invitation, I am here looking for someone."

Chen Fan said lightly.

"Who might you be looking for? Please register your name over there and we will process your request." Although Chen Fan didn't have an invitation, the guard didn't lose his cordial tone of voice. However, the flash of annoyance in his eyes betrayed him.

Over the years, He had seen too many lunatics who think they could get into the An family residence and all of them ended up in jail.

"I am looking for An Ya."

Chen Fan said calmly.

"An Ya? Never heard of this name before. "

Many guards looked at each other in confusion.

They remembered the names of all the An family members by rote and no one seemed to know who An Ya was.

Even as the guards were trying to scrape their minds to search for the name in their memory, a middle-aged man emerged out from a Mercedes-Benz S500 that had just pulled over by the entrance. The middle-aged man came over to Chen Fan and said with a smirk.

"Son, the An family's doors aren't open to just anyone. I have worked hard for twenty years and finally earned the invitation this year. Do the same, and they might let you come in twenty years. "

Before the middle-aged man finished talking, he was already through the gate. In his arm was a woman with carefully painted face and dazzling ballroom dress a pretty little bird in a fancy cage.

The guards had recognized the middle-aged man right away. They bowed and said: "Boss Huang, welcome. "

"Please follow me..."

The middle-aged man was called Huang Hexiang, one of the top ten richest tycoons in Don He Province. He was invited by the An family to attend this year's family reunion.

"Sir, we can't find this person called An Ya. Perhaps you have the wrong name."

The bodyguard turned around and coldly said to Chen Fan. By then, he was almost certain that Chen Fan was a thief who tried to sneak into the residence to steal.

"She is in there, I can feel it."

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said firmly.

Chen Fan and An Ya were inseparable while they were children, and so close was the bond between An Ya and Chen Fan that he could register the presence of Sister An even without using Divine Will.

"Sir, if you don't walk away, I will call the police."

The young guard pulled a dark face and said heavily.

"uh?"

Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and a hint of anger flickered in his eyes.

He had planned to play nice and talk to Sister An before he rushed into action. However, he couldn't even get through the gate. So that's it then: death was what they have chosen.

"Fine."

Chen Fan cracked a cold smile as the yellow gourd became agitated. Even as he was ready to lash out at the An family, a musical voice came into his ears.

"Are you looking for Sister An? Are you her relative or friend from Jiang Nan Province."

Chen Fan looked back and saw a grey Maserati that was pulled over to the side. Three people emerged from the fancy race car.

A tall and handsome man stood in front and behind him were two girls, one young and one older.

The older girl was in her late twenties. She was wearing a business suit with a skirt and high heels. Her face was pretty but very severe. The one who spoke was a young girl standing next to her.

Judging by her look, she was no more than sixteen years old. She was wearing her high school uniform, white shirt and plaid skirt. She still some baby fat on her cheeks, which made her look as cute as a button as she smiled at Chen Fan. Even at such a young age, she had shown signs of extraordinary beauty and it was evident that she would grow up to be a devastatingly pretty woman.

Chen Fan saw the school name embroidered on the girl's white-collar shirt.

"Don He Province Foreign Language Academy. "

"Xiao Xi, don't talk to strangers. Remember who you are."

The tall woman chided at the girl coldly.

"But, sister! He said he knew Sister An. He must be from Jiang Nan Province. It might even be Sister An's boyfriend!" The little girl pouted and protested.

Meanwhile, many guards came up to the three and said.

"My ladies, welcome back."

"Come inside please, it's too cold here. Don't let your little sister catch a cold."

"Ah-ha! Young Lord Hou has arrived as well. Xiao Wang, park our lady's car at stall number one."

These cold-faced guards suddenly all turned into butlers. It was evident that these three people had an unusual status in the family. Perhaps the two girls were what the Taxi Driver referred to as the princesses of the An family: An Yuqin and An Ruoxi.

Seeing the little girl stood still defiantly, still angry at her sister, the handsome young man put in.

"Yuqin, we might as well bring him with us. It doesn't look like Xiao Xi will be happy until we find out who this young man is."

The young man's words made An Yuqin considered for a moment.

The little girl chimed in with a broad smile. "Brother in law knows me the best!"

Then she held on to An Yuqin's had and pleaded. "I feel bad for Sister An. She is so lonely. Now her friend has come to find her, we should let him in; that's the least we could do."

"Watch your mouth. He is not your brother-in-law. We are not married." An Yuqin shot a hot glare at her sister and then gave the young man a helpless look. Seeing the young man nodding at her, she caved in. "Fine, fine. Let him in."

"Sir, we really shouldn't do this, but since you said you know An Ya and my stupid sister's pleading for you, I will let you in. But behave yourself, there are many guests there, and I don't want any trouble, do you understand?"

An Yuqin turned around and spoke to Chen Fan coldly.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 456: The Fu Family

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Oh?"

Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and grinned at her.

It had been a while since anyone dared to speak to the North Mystic Celestial Lord with so much attitude.

Ever since Chen Fan unleashed his deadly power onto the world, even generals of major nations had to choose their words carefully while speaking to him, much less the tycoons of China. They knew that one careless mistake would end up costing their lives. However, this girl dared to publicly threaten him with such condescension.

"Hey, you, you! Are you really Sister An's friend? Are you her boyfriend? No.. .no... I don't think so. You are not that much older than me. I know Sister An's type, she liked older boys. I say you are Sister An's gay best friend, am I right? Every girl needs a gay best friend. Ahhh... whatever, it's cold out here, lets go inside."

An Ruoxi rushed at Chen Fan and bombarded him with questions. Before Chen Fan could answer any of them, she grabbed Chen Fan's hand and bolted for the entrance.

It was early spring but she was only in a shirt and a skirt, no wonder she was cold. The guards at the gate tried—sort of—to stop Chen Fan, but failed.

The deadly flame flickered in Chen Fan' eys a few times and finally abated.

The tall girl let out a wry smile and said: "I am sorry, Fangyu. That's my little sister for you. She is a spoiled brat."

The handsome young man replied with a warm smile: "No worries. You were talking about An Ya, was she the one chosen by the family to be married to the Fu family of northwest China?"

"Yes."

An Yuqin said quietly; she looked away to hide the glint in her eyes.

An Ya and her mother were still seen as a stain on the family's reputation so An Yuqin naturally felt superior to An Ya. However, An Ya's looks and talent had outshone An Yuqin and made her feel jealous.

"Fu family of northwest China, now that's a real powerhouse! Their influence on China is on par with my family and yours, if not more. People call Young Lord Fu, Fu Zhengtin the Dragon In Disguise because of his extraordinary talents. Even the blue-blooded heirs at the capitol have to show respect to him."

The handsome young man exclaimed.

The Fu family's immeasurable power and influence had overcome An Yuqin.

Fu Zhengtin was a household name in Northern China. His talents and abilities had even surpassed the elite heirs of Yan Jin city, much less the local tycoons at Dong He province. An Ya had hit the jackpot by marrying into the Fu family. If not because An Yuqin had already been betrothed to the House family, she would be the first to jump on the opportunity of marrying the heir of Fu family.

"The Fu family is invited to this year's reunion as well. I wonder if Fu Zhengtin will make it. This marriage alliance is of utmost importance to both families, it is not exactly a harlequin love story"

An Yuqin said under her breath.

"I have heard that Young Lord Fu already arrived at Phoenix City. A few local young lords had invited him to their parties. I bet Young Lord Fu will show up today." Hou Fangyu said firmly.

"Really?"

The thought of meeting with the famous young lord Fu lit up An Yuqin's eyes with excitement.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan was dragged into the An family's residence by the little girl. She found a heater to warm herself up while batted her lashes at Chen Fan and asked.

"Are you really Sister An's friend? What's your name? Me and Sister An are tight, so don't you think you can fool me."

"My name is Chen Fan and I am her brother."

Chen Fan said lightly.

"Um... I remember Sister An talked about her stepbrother before. We still can't be sure you are the one though. It doesn't matter, we will know if you are lying to me once we met Sister An."

The girl had a pair of innocent wide eyes, but as soon as she put on a smile, the baby fat on her cheekbones would push up against her eyes and turn her innocent face into that of a sly fox.

"This girl is going to be trouble when she grows up."

Chen Fan thought to himself as he marveled at An Ruoxi's devastating cuteness.

The two walked along the crowded corridors of the An family residence

Most people here came from all over the country to attend the annual family reunion Everyone of them carried an air of opulence and wealth about them and except for Chen Fan, none of the guests looked like working-class people. Chen Fan stood out among the rich crowd like a sore thumb.

However, since he was accompanied by the second daughter of the family lord, Che Fan didn't get as many scornful glares as he had imagined.

Chen Fan had easily coaxed the innocent and gullible girl to reveal the family's plan for An Ya.

"So it's true that they are going to marry Sister An off to Fu Zhengtin from the Fu family. I have heard of them in my last life. They are a powerful and ancient family in northwest China, a real force to be reckoned with. Fu Zhengtin is a household name, just as my cousin Wang Chen of the Wang Family had been."

"The alliance of the An family and the Fu family would be Impressive indeed!"

Chen Fan cracked a sarcastic smile and said coldly.

"No one could have risen up against the union of the two behemoths except for me: Chen Beixuan!"

Soon they arrived at a dingy and drab-looking courtyard. An Ruoxi rushed through the entrance and shouted at the top of her lungs.

"Sister An, guess who is here?"

"Xiao Xi, is that you?"

A familiar voice rose from inside the room. There was loving care in the slight upward reflection of the tone, and it was evident that the speaker cared about An Ruoxi greatly.

"That's Sister An."

Chen Fan shivered a little and suddenly became afraid of taking any more steps.

"Your brother is here. Sister An, come out and meet your brother!"

An Ruoxi tugged the arm of the girl and pleaded kittenishly.

The girl cracked a wry smile and finally emerged out of the room and appeared right in front of Chen Fan. She was in a green embroidered Qipao dress with her hair up in a bun. Her soft and dreamy appearance was a stark contrast to the drab and dull landscape of northern China.

"Who are you talking about—"

The sight of Chen Fan standing by the entrance had cut her shot. She suddenly turned into a frozen statue. Stupefied, she gaped at Chen Fan without saying a word.

"Brother?"

After a while, Her eyes finally lit up with glee. She held the door frame to steady herself and asked in a shaky voice

"Yes, that's me."

Strong and complicated emotions roiled inside of An Ya. She watched as Chen Fan came closer to her, one arm smoothly wrapped around her tiny waist while the other gently guided her head flat against his chest.

"Sister An, I am back now. I am sorry for making you worry about me. I promise that from now on I will never give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you."

Chen Fan lowered his head and said lovingly.

He held An Ya the same way as she did when little Chen Fan got into trouble and needed a place to hide.

"Boohoo, Xiao Fan. I missed you so much! I am so relieved that you are still alive."

An Ya wrapped her arms around Chen Fan's neck tightly as if she was afraid that she would lose him at any moment. Tears spilled out of her eyes and formed a trickle down her cheeks.

The two held each other for a long time and they enjoyed every second of it. While in each other's embrace, their problems seemed to have all melted away, leaving themselves to live in the moment where the world was reduced to only them and their thoughts for each other.

An Ruoxi covered her mouth and rounded her eyes in surprise as she thought to herself.

"OMG! He is not her brother, he is Sister An's boyfriend!"

"If Sister An already has a boyfriend in Jiang Nan Province, what would happen to the marriage agreement with the Fu family?"

After a long while, An Ya finally remembered that they were not alone. She gently pushed Chen Fan away and wiped the tears off of her cheeks. She then gave Chen Fan a scolding glare. "You still act like a child. Don't make Xiao Xi laugh at you please."

"You are my sister, so what's wrong with hugging my sister?" Chen Fan feigned an innocent look and replied. An Ya giggled after seeing the silly expression on Chen Fan's face.

Chen Fan paused a second and remembered why he was here. His face darkened a little and asked.

"Sister An, I have heard about the marriage proposal between you and the Fu family. Did the An family force you to do this? If that's the case, I want the An family Lord to tell me who coerced you into agreeing to the marriage."

Chen Fan's eyes glinted coldly as he asked.

The yellow gourd was agitated by its master's anger and it bobbed restlessly. The Sword of Essense Restoring hummed as if it was ready to lash out and feast on human blood.

Seeing Chen Fan's temper was about to flare, she held a restraining hand over Chen Fan and said: "Calm down, you. They didn't really force me."

An Ya said, hesitating: "I had agreed to come back with them willingly because Lord An had promised to protect Jin Xiu Group. Plus, I still have relatives here, and they missed me a lot. What's wrong with that?"

"What about the Fu family?"

Chen Fan's face darkened.

An Ya knew that Chen Fan was very protective of her ever since they were children. He had beat up a bully in her class who called her "Bastard."

With Chen Fan's terrifying power, An Ya knew that he would do much worse things to the An family than just beat them up. Therefore, An Ya hurried to improvise a reply to mollify him: "The Fu family... that's still in talks. Nothing will be set in stone yet until I agree to it. Plus, I am not a teenager any longer, I have to get married one day."

"Sigh"

Chen Fan heaved a sign and locked his piercing gaze at An Ya.

"Sister An, stop lying to me."

"They made you live in this dingy corner where servants used to live, why are you still speaking for them? If they sincerely want to make it up to you because they felt bad for what they have done, I would not lay a finger on them."

"But now?" Chen Fan cracked a cold smile.

"The guards at the door didn't even hear of your name. You are not stupid, so why don't you tell me what does it mean? They want to keep you here as their property for sale. A rare specimen in a cage, ready for the buyer!"

Chen Fan's blatant remark brought a wry smile onto An Ya's face.

She knew that Chen Fan was telling the truth.

An Ya used to have a shred of hope to find a family here, after all, she was related to the An family by blood. However, what the An family had done to her disappointed her beyond description.

"Don't worry, I haven't agreed with the marriage yet. Even if you didn't come to me, I am planning to make it clear to my grandpa anyways."

An Ya lifted her chin and announced firmly.

"They have invested a great deal of time and money in you, do you think they will just let you walk away?" Chen Fan asked.

"They have taken advantage of a grieving family and forced an innocent girl into a marriage. I don't care who they are and what they do, I will make them pay for the wrongs they have done to my sister."

Suddenly, a cold voice drifted into the cold yard.

"An Ya, who is this babbling buffoon?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 457: How Dare You!

"An Ya, who is this babbling buffoon?"

Chen Fan turned his head around toward the speaker. He watched as a large crowd filed into the courtyard and leading the crowd was a white-haired old couple. The speaker was a middle-aged woman standing beside the old couple.

The middle-aged woman was of average looks and her lips were as thin as the edge of a blade. Despite the expansive make-up she wore, she couldn't hide the crow's feet around the corners of her eyes.

She shot Chen Fan a cold glare that was loaded with contempt.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, and Auntie..."

An Ya's eyes dimmed as she saw the group of people in front of her. The excitement in her eyes was replaced with complicated emotions.

The middle-aged woman was An Ya's Auntie. She caught Chen Fan with the hook of her questioning glare. "Who are you? How did you get here? Security! Security!"

The guards murmured a reply in unison and were about to come forward.

"Hey, stop! All of you! He is Sister An Ya's brother, and I brought him in here!"

The little girl shouted hotly.

"Oh, it's you, Xiao Xi."

Seeing it was An Tianshu's most favorite child, The middle age woman suddenly heaped a smile on her face and said.

"Xiao Xi, you are such a nice girl. But this man is bad, he just wants our money, like all those bad people out there."

Chen Fan stood by and watched the comical exchange indifferently.

"Sister An, are these your so-called relatives "

Chen Fan gave An Ya a sidelong glance and asked.

"Thank you."

An Ya bit onto her lower lip as she endured the middle-aged woman's scornful remarks. She nodded slowly and painfully.

Although An Ya was related to these men and women by blood, they were the culprits who separated her parents and abandoned her. Even after spending three months together, they still treated her like a stranger.

They never regarded An Ya as a member of their own family, instead, they looked at her as if she was just an item.

"I am An Ya's brother, and I am here to bring her back."

Chen Fan took a step forward and said calmly.

"What?"

Chen Fan's words had stirred up the crowd. The middle-aged woman hurried to put in.

"Nonsense! Xiao Ya is going to marry into the Fu family. Young Lord Fu can arrive at any moment now, we can't bail out on the marriage at the last moment."

"An Ya, have you already forgotten our deal? We will protect the Jin Xiu Group from the Ji Family, in exchange, you will stay with your family and be a good girl. That means do as you were told by your family."

The stately-looking middle-aged man put in. His face slightly resembled that of An Ya .

"No, Uncle. I haven't forgotten."

An Ya lowered her head.

"Then what is the meaning of this? Humph! Do you think the An family is a pushover? Do you think you can use us as you please? Who do you think you are?"

The middle-aged man hissed at An Ya with a smirk.

"I... I only agreed to come home with you but not the arranged marriage with Fu family"

An Ya's body shook a little as she gritted her teeth and lifted her chin up.

"An Ya!"

The middle-aged man pulled a dark face and growled.

"Are you two going to keep your silence forever? Why don't you speak up for An Ya?" Chen Fan asked He pulled An Ya back and landed his accusatory glare on the old couple.

The old woman turned her head around and avoided Chen Fan's questioning glare. Contempt and arrogance were written all over her face.

After a while, the white-haired old man who carried an imposing demeanor finally broke the silence.

"I wager you must be a member of the Chen family from Jin City. As you are surely aware, An Ya is the child of the An family and therefore, it fell upon us to help her make the most important decision in her life. Getting Married to Young Lord Fu, Fu Zhengtin would be the best thing ever happened to her. Such prestige and talent as the Young Lord Fu, that countless girls dreamed to be as lucky as An Ya. We have spared no expense at securing this marriage for An Ya, because we care about her."

"Hahaha!"

Chen Fan burst out laughing. He managed to gather himself and shook his head.

"I had thought too highly of you, An Zaiche. Even at your age, you still live like a spineless worm who feeds on others. You have abandoned your daughter and now you want to sell your granddaughter like an object. I have never seen anyone more shameless than you!"

"Hey, asshole! Watch your mouth!"

Chen Fan's words riled up the people in the room.

A few older members of the family spoke up and reprimanded Chen Fan as An Zaichen's face darkened. An Ya's Uncle, An Tianfen shot Chen Fan a cold glare and fumed.

"Hey, you! This is not Jin City so behave yourself. Plus, the Chen family's fate is hanging in balance and without my family's help, the Jin Xiu Group would have been gone a long time ago. What gives you the audacity to come here and talk down on all of us?"

The sudden turn of events startled An Ruoxi as she gaped in fear

An Zaichen was her grandpa's brother. He was the leader of the family branch at Yan Jin, the second most powerful figurehead next to her own grandpa. If An Zaichen got mad and wanted to kick Chen Fan out, there was nothing An Ruoxi could have done.

"Shit, shit! He is butting heads against that Old Bone. He is not going to win. I need to find my dad and Grandpa to help him."

An Ruoxi was young and innocent, her bond with An Ya made her an ally of Chen Fan.

"Shut up you fools! Do you have any idea who you are speaking with?"

Even as the An family members thought that Chen Fan was going to be scared and run for his life, Chen Fan held his ground and flung back at them with a bright light shining in his eyes. His voice boomed in the small courtyard.

Chen Fan's voice sounded like a crack of thunder and shook the earth. It shot through the entire An family residence and startled many guests in the main compound.

The CEO of the An Group, An Tianshu jumped out of his seat and looked to the northeast corner where the blaring din came from.

"Dad, that's where An Ya lives."

"Let's go and take a look."

Lord An, An Zaiqin furrowed his brows and rose to his feet.

Many guests looked at each other in confusion. Seeing Lord An was already on his way out of the main hall, they hurried to catch up with him.

An Yuqin put down her teacup and rose from her seat.

"Shoot! Xiao Xi had taken that guy to An Ya. I wonder if she is OK."

"Don't worry, Yuqin. There are surveillance cameras everywhere within the An family residence. Xiao Xi must be safe." Hou Fangyu comforted the girl with a warm smile. He then said confidently: "The An family has thrived for hundreds of years. It dealt with trouble much greater than just a petty thief. Even an Internal Force user has to think twice before messing with An family, much less a young boy."

"Right."

An Yuqin saw the truth in his words. She managed to pull herself together and regained the cold and unflappable demeanor.

"But I am still curious who dares to cause a racket here. If it was that young man we have met at the entrance, I will not let him get away with it."

A sharp light glinted in An Yuqin's eyes as she announced.

Then they followed the crowd to the north-eastern corner of the residence.

Meanwhile, everyone stood inside the small courtyard were staggered by the overbearing sound wave.

Fortunately for them, Chen Fan didn't use any Qi energy in his roar, and therefore the listeners were able to gather themselves relatively quickly. Anger spilled out from the eyes of An Ya's auntie. She put her hands on hips and shouted back at Chen Fan: "I don't give a damn who you are either. I HATE it when people think that they talk louder than ME! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Security! Old Xu! WHERE ARE YOU!"

"I am here, lady An."

Her bodyguard Old Xu hurried to come forward as he shot Chen Fan a begrudging glance.

Old Xu cursed at Chen Fan in his mind.

He was in charge of the security during the An family's reunion. But Chen Fan had sneaked into the residence, caused a racket and disturbed all the important guests. He wagered that the An family would not pay him for his services during the reunion, if not outright release him from his contract.

"Xiao Fan..."

An Ya shot out an arm and grabbed hold of Chen Fan.

Everyone had taken An Ya's reaction as fear for what was coming for Chen Fan but little did they know that she was fearing for their lives instead. She knew that Chen Fan could kill everyone in the An family without lifting a finger.

"Hehe. You are finally afraid, you should have been afraid a long time ago."

An Ya's auntie smirked and said.

"An Ya, you have disappointed us." An Tianfen also shook his head and heaved a sigh.

"No. It was the An family that has disappointed me." Chen Fan grunted. He gritted his teeth and avoided Sister An's pleading gaze. He gently plied An Ya's hand off of his arm and then took a step forward.

"I had planned to give the An family an opportunity to right the wrongs. Therefore, I have refrained from using violence from the beginning. However, the An family turned out to be rotten to the core and is shamelessly selfish. You don't deserve any chance, nor my mercy."

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said in an even voice. However, the tension in the air suddenly grew heavier.

Old Xu threw himself at Chen Fan, but he was knocked back by an invisible force while he was still a few meters away from Chen Fan.

The development drained the color out of everyone's face.

The smirk froze on An Ya's Auntie's face. She came closer to Chen Fan and said with great trepidation in her voice: "What.. what are you doing? This is the An family! Be... behave..."

"Guuu!"

Before she could finish her sentence, Chen Fan slapped her on the face, sending her reeling back.

An Ya's Auntie fell back so fast that her body had turned into a shadow. Her lifeless body spun in the air before it thudded onto the ground. Her blood-stained face caved in slightly where the bone had fractured.

"How dare you hurt people!"

Anger and shock contorted An Tianfen's face. He pointed a shaky finger at Chen Fan.

"Not only do I beat people up, but I also kill them. Just watch me."

Chen Fan gave him an ugly grin and replied.

"Attack! attack! Take him down! NOW!"

An Tianfen shouted as he stomped the ground anxiously.

The guards gritted their teeth and threw themselves at Chen Fan reluctantly. With a single wave of a hand, Chen Fan sent out a force and knocked these attackers back, sending their bodies flying. Some guards even landed on the roof.

"Get out of my face."

Chen Fan quickly dispatched the guards and appeared right in front of An Tianfen.

"I have given you a chance to repent, but you didn't take it. It's all too late now."

Chen Fan said indifferently as he slowly lifted an arm to his shoulder, ready to strike down.

Life had ebbed away from An Tianfen's face. Even An Zaichen was too stupefied by the development to do anything. They were both ordinary people and had never seen such power before. Suddenly, a voice shot through the courtyard.

"Stop!"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 458: Is He Chen Fan?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Stop!"

The voice came among a large crowd that was spilling into the courtyard. The leader of the crowd, was also the speaker, he was a man of imposing manner. The sight of his man lit up An Zaichen and An Tianfen's face with glee.

"Chairman!"

The man was the Chairman of Ans Group's board of directors, An Tianshu. Standing beside him was Lord An himself An Zaiqin, and An Yuqin, Hou Fangyu and many other leaders of the An family. There were also a few guests mixed in among familiar faces.

"Hey dip shit! Our family lord and Chairman are here. What can you do now?"

An Tianfen grinned and asked coldly.

An Ruoxi covered her mouth and squeezed her eyes closed as she ran to hide behind An Ya. However, An Yuqin had already spotted her. The young woman dragged An Ruoxi by the ear and pulled her out from her cover.

"Did you do this?"

An Tianshu was taken aback by what he saw inside the courtyard. He pulled a taut face and asked Chen Fan. The rest of the crowd also gazed at Chen Fan, some in confusion, and the others in fear. No one had expected a young man to be so strong as to take on a dozen guards at once.

However, Chen Fan had picked the wrong opponent and ruffled the feathers of the mighty An family.

Already, many people shook their heads, praying for Chen Fan.

"Do you think they can save you?"

Chen Fan was unfazed by the large crowd. His gaze on An Tianfen didn't waver in the slightest.

"What are you going to do?"

An Tianfen registered the deadly intent in Chen Fan's eyes and was terrified by it. He felt cold sweat running down from his back as he slowly backed away.

"Kneel!"

Chen Fan growled and kicked at An Tianfen's legs, breaking them in an instant. With a loud thud, An Tianfen dropped to the ground. His hands grabbed the wound on his legs as he let out a painful scream.

"You are courting death!"

The development angered the crowd.

An Tianshu rounded his eyes in disbelief and his darkened face was taut with anger. Black flames roiled inside him, contorting his face until he looked like a ravenous tiger who as ready to pounce on his prey. There was no doubt that the chairman of the multi-trillion cooperation was riled up.

Chen Fan's action had caught An Yuqin and An Ruoxi by surprise. They would never have thought that Chen Fan would injure anyone in An family in broad daylight. Losing her last shred of hope, An Ya finally closed her eyes and give in to what was about to come. The situation had already escalated to the point of no return.

"Xiao Fan is my brother, my real family. I am always on his side regardless of what he is going to do. If he wanted to visit hell, I will follow him as well."

With that thought in mind, An Ya opened her eyes again. She found that with the new-found determination, she could see much clearer now.

"You are an Internal Force user, aren't you. Do you think your puny tricks will make you safe?" An Tianshu snorted and shouted: "Brother Xin!"

"Boss An, I got you covered!"

A broad middle-age man with a dull face stepped forward.

Despite his ordinary facial appearance, he had two outrageously long arms that dropped from his shoulders that reached his knee. The man's face was lined with wrinkles, and despite the plain appearance, a sharp light glinted in his eyes in fits and starts, a telltale sign of the man's extraordinary strength.

"He is Xin Shouqiong, a quiet but powerful master from the Grand Sage's Pi Gua Sect. I heard that he already reached the peak of Internal Force cultivation and is only a half-step away from reaching the Grandmaster level."

The sight of the fighter caught Hou Fangyu's attention. He murmured under his breath.

Most people who had dabbled in the martial arts would have been shocked by Hou Fangyu's revelation. Grandmasters were the so-called True Dragons. If Xin Shouqiong was only a half-step away from reaching that level, the man was definitely no match against him.

"I wager he is the guardian of the An family."

Someone exclaimed.

"Indeed. Father had solicited Uncle Xin's service a while ago. He had been a mighty warrior in the Don He Province, and was granted the nickname 'Invincible Xin.'" An Yuqin let out a cold smile as she shot a gloating glare at Chen Fan.

"Ah! That's Uncle Xin! That means—"

An Ruoxi covered her mouth to stifle a fearful cry.

She was well aware of the strength of her father's bodyguard. Uncle Xin had punched a tiger to death right in front of her.

There was no way that Chen Fan could hold his own while fighting against Uncle Xin.

"This young man is knee-deep in trouble."

Many people shook their heads and lamented.

"Kiddo, you really shouldn't have come. I won't kill you because you are still too young to die. But I will have to break your legs as a lesson to you."

Invincible Xin slowly inched closer to Chen Fan as he lamented.

Suddenly, he straightened his long slender back into a sword. He shot out both arms, revealing the dark glinting fingertips: the results of decades of focused strengthening.

Chen Fan barely gave Xin Shouqiong a glance.

The An family might be gullible enough to pay a fortune to solicit protection from a semi transcendent level fighter. But Chen Fan could kill the fighter without even lifting a finger.

"Hold on!"

Suddenly, the Old Lord An, An Zaiqin finally broke the silence.

Xin Shouqiong pulled back immediately and stood aside in silence. Everyone, including An Tianfen looked over to Old Lord an expectantly.

"Young man, did you say you are from the Chen family?"

An Zaiqin shifted his gaze from Chen Fan to An Ya and then back at Chen Fan. A hint of surprise and disbelief flickered in his eyes.

"Chen family? What Chen's family?"

"Oh! Do you mean the Chen family of Jiang Nan Province? I have heard that An Ya had been living with a certain Chen family in Jiang Nan Province before she returned home."

"He is talking about the Chen family of Jin City. It used to be a force to be reckoned with. But one of their most powerful members were killed last year, so it's a different story now."

A swell of murmurs rose among the crowd.

"Grandpa, he is Sister An's brother. Don't let Uncle Xin hurt him, please?" An Ruoxi mustered as much courage as she could and pleaded.

"Silly girl, shut your mouth!"

An Yuqin shot the girl a hot glare and lift her hand up to feign a punishment.

An Ruoxi hurried to hide behind Hou Fangyu.

"Chen family of Jin City?"

An Tianshu furrowed his brows and tried hard to recall what he knew about the family. Then he remembered the Chen Family's sudden rise to fame and its fall from grace. He might have thought twice about punishing the young man when Chen Family was still strong, but there was nothing that could stop him now. Even as An Tianshu was about to order Master Xin to get back at Chen Fan, An Zaiqin let out a gasp.

"I know only one brother of An Ya, and his name is Chen Fan. But I thought he was dead a year ago."

"That's me."

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said lightly.

Chen Fan's reply merely confused the An family, but it had shaken someone else to the core.

"Chen family of Jin City... are you... are you Chen Beixuan?"

Xin Shouqiong gaped at Chen Fan in utter shock as fear flashed in his eyes.

Xin Shouqiong was a well connected martial artist and of course he had heard of Chen Fan's name. Chen Fan had become well known to nearly everyone in the Chinese martial arts community since his battle against the Japanese.

The sight of the living legend suddenly took the oxygen out of Xin Shouqiong's lungs.

"Pada!"

Under everyone's incredulous eyes, the mighty Invincible Xin dropped to his knees and kowtowed to Chen Fan. Even as he did so, he murmured something with great trepidation and deference.

"Xin... Xin Shouqiong of Grand Sage's Pi Gua Sect... welcomes you, Master Chen Beixuan."

It was Chen Beixuan!

Xin Shouqiong had never thought that he would ever lay his eyes upon such a legend.

He regretted everything he had said earlier and wished that Chen Fan was not bothered by his arrogance; after all, he was just insignificant fodder in Chen Fan's eyes.

Such as it was, Chen Fan had become so powerful that even grandmasters were cannon fodder under his crushing might, much less a semi transcendent fighter.

"Brother Xin, what is the meaning of this?"

An Tianshu glared at Xin Shouqiong in confusion. An Tianshu and An Ruoxi also rounded their eyes in disbelief.

The mighty Invincible Xin had kelt before Chen Fan and begged for his life?

"Who is this guy? How could he scare Xin Shouqiong as if his life was hanging by a thread? Chen Fan? Who is that? And who is Chen Beixuan?"

Hou Fangyu cast a suspicious gaze at Chen Fan as his mind raced.

"Ah! It's you, General Chen! No wonder Old Xin showed so much respect for you. I apologize for the misunderstanding. I am An Zaiqin, and it is my pleasure to meet you, General Chen."

An Zaiqin's sharp mind and quick thinking on his feet made his figure-head statues in the family well-deserved. He bowed slightly to Chen Fan respectfully.

Although An Zaiqin didn't know Chen Fan's incredible deeds in Japan and Russia, he had heard of Chen Fan's other achievements such as being the General Major of Cang Dragon, the number one Grandmaster on Heaven roll. Those were enough for him to treat Chen Fan with utmost respect.

"General Chen? This young man is General Chen?"

People were confused by the sudden turn of events.

An Ruoxi locked her gaze onto Chen Fan and examined him from head to toe. Meanwhile, An Ruoxi's mind raced. "Sister An Ya's brother is a General?"

"At least someone in the An family has the right attitude."

Chen Fan flicked a finger and locked his gaze onto An Zaiqin.

"Since you know who I am, then why did you pick on my sister? Do you question my abilities?"

"General Chen An, An Ya is related to us by blood, that,is something you cannot change. Nor did we force her to come back, she came with willingly. We arranged the marriage for her because we care about her and want her to live a happy life."

An Zaiqin lengthened his body a little and said with brooding eyes.

"You care about her? Is that why you confined her to this dingy little room, and sold her off to the Fu family like an object?" Chen Fan let out an ugly grin and said: "It's like me killing all of you except for one, and suddenly I became the good guy?"

Chen Fan's words startled all of his listeners.

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Chapter 459: Sword, Out!

The An family of Don He Province was one of the most reputable family clans in Nothern China. Therefore, the guests at their family reunions were all the most powerful men and women in Don He Province. The Boss Huang, Huang Hexiang, for example, was ranked top ten richest man in the Province.

Therefore, everyone was terrified when Chen Fan threatened to kill everyone in the An family before so many prestigious guests.

"OMG. I couldn't have been more wrong about his boy! Twenty years before he could enter the An family? Bah! what a load of nonsense that was!"

Huang Hexiang was among the crowd. He rounded his eyes and examined Chen Fan carefully.

Even the pretty little bird who accompanied him also reappraised Chen Fan as flickers of admiration flashed in her eyes.

Chen Fan had broken An Tianfen's legs under the Lord An's nose. He had forced Invincible Xin to his knees without even uttering a single threat. No one in Don He Province would have commanded the same level of authority and respect as he did.

"General Chen, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself."

An Zaiqin could no longer hold back his anger as he growled at Chen Fan with a heavy face.

"The An family separated my sister from her parents, forced Auntie Jinxiu to take her own life and abandoned her little girl. Yet, you still want to take advantage of Sister An. You asked me to explain myself, why don't you explain YOURSELF to me first?"

Chen Fan flicked a finger and said in a stoic tone.

"Indeed and much appreciated."

The scrawl on An Tianshu's face turned into an ugly grin. The chairman of multi-trillion yuan cooperation flung back at Chen Fan scornfully.

"Chen Beixuan, I know you are a General Major at the Cang Dragon and claimed supremacy in Jiang Nan Province. But you are not in Jiang Nan Province, you are on MY turf, so you do as I say!"

An Tianshu announced vehemently. His voice was filled with cock-sure condescension.

We are the mighty An family of Don He Province, the elite of Northern China. Not even those blue-blooded families in Yan Jin city dare to make the same audacious claim as Chen Fan did.

"Humph!!"

Chen Fan simply snorted as a reply and waited for An Zaiqin's next move.

An Zaiqin's mind raced as he calculated his next move.

An Zaiqin knew slightly more about Chen Fan than An Tianshu did. However, he only heard of Chen Fan's deeds outside of China in bits and pieces so he was not entirely in the loop either.

That being said, the fact that Chen Fan had forced Han Juntu to his knees was a telltale sign of the extraordinary power backing him. The An family was simply a local power and would pale in comparison with the Han Family.

"The Han Family would not bow to a Grandmaster, even if he had elicited Li Wuchen's support. So who exactly was behind Chen Beixuan? What had lent him such audacity?"

An Zaiqin's mind raced as he struggled to come to a conclusion.

Meanwhile, Xin Shouqiong grimaced at the An family, hoping they would pick up the hints about Chen Fan's deadly power.

Chen Fan had defeated an entire army, wreaked havoc in Japan and struck fear into the hearts of the Japanese leaders. The An family simply couldn't compare. Even the real top dogs of China would have to tread carefully around Chen Fan, much less a local power in Don He.

He wished he could tell the An Family everything he knew, but he couldn't dare to do so without Chen Fan's permission.

Even as An Zaiqin hesitated and pondered what he should do, a voice drifted into the courtyard.

"Who dares to cause a racket in the An family of Don He Province?"

Everyone looked to the entrance and saw a small group of people file into the courtyard.

The leader of the group was a handsome young man with a straight and slender body. He carried himself with such authority, yet so gently, everyone in the room attended to him.

"Fu Zhengtin, why is he here?"

Someone gasped after having recognized the young man.

"The Fu family of northwest China, it's going to be a great show..."

Some people exclaimed excitedly, but more lowered their heads in fear.

The bread and butter of An family's business were in the world of commerce. Therefore, they might be the wealthiest clan in the Don He Province, they were far from being the most resourceful.

The Fu family of northwest China was an entirely different ball game. They rose to power a hundred years ago as leaders of the local militia. They had since turned their weapons in, but their influence could still be felt everywhere.

Rumor had it that they had even exerted their influence as far as the Middle East and Russia. They traded anything and everything across the borders, including arms and weapons.

The business invoices were frequent guests of the nations across the heartland of the Eurasia continent. They had maintained a strong tie with many powerful Martial arts clans in China mostly through marriage.

They straddled over two different worlds: the orderly world of government, and the cutthroat Underground world. They were a far more terrifying force than the An family could ever be.

"Zhengtin, you have finally arrived."

An Tianshu cracked a relieved smile as soon as he saw Fu Zhengtin.

Chen Fan's display of power had stupefied Lord An. He was worried more about Chen Fan's benefactor than the young man himself. However, the involvement of the Fu family would turn the situation around. The old man knew only a handful of people in China who could bring Fu family to heel.

"Greetings, Lord An and Uncle An. I have heard that someone was causing a racket at An family as soon as I arrived at Don He Province, so I thought I might be of help."

Fu Zhengtin bowed politely.

"Indeed and much appreciated."

An Zaiqin nodded with a cordial smile.

The combined might of the An family and the Fu family would deter even the powerful Han Family, much less an individual.

"You are the trouble maker?"

Fu Zhengtin shot Chen Fan a glance and was surprised by Chen Fan's seemingly ordinary appearance.

However, a heavy-set man with a face like an anvil furrowed his brows and felt Chen Fan looked very familiar.

"He is from the Chen family of Jin City and he insisted on taking Xiao Ya back. We tried to stop him and he injured Xiao Ya's uncle."

An Tianshu heaved a sigh and said.

"Chen family of Jinlin City?"

Fu Zhengtin paused a second.

However, the man standing behind him started to tremble uncontrollably as he had seen a ghost.

"Didn't the Chen family already fall? There was no one to carry Chen Beixuan's banner ever since his death at —" Even as Fu Zhengtin remarked derisively, the middle-aged man behind him stepped forward and bowed to Chen Beixuan with great deference.

"I am Wu Shegnhu of the Wu Family. It is my honor to meet you, Mr. Chen. Please forgive our impudence."

"Uncle Wu, what are you doing?"

Fu Zhengtin was dumbfounded by what he saw.

Although Mr. Wu served him as a bodyguard, his words carried significant weight in the Fu family because he was a member of the mighty Wu family of North-Eastern China. If not because of the paramount importance of the marriage, he would not have escorted Young Lord Fu personally.

"Wu Shegnhu of the Wu family?" Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and gave the man a good look. Then he asked: "Are you related to Wu Shenhe? He ranked number eight on the Heaven roll if I recall correctly."

"He is my brother."

Wu Shegnhu replied with even more respect and reverence.

The Wu family was a renowned Martial arts family in northwest China. They were much more powerful than the Gu family or and Lu family. In addition, they stood out among other Martial arts families with the unique tradition of serving other families as their guardians. Because of that, the Wu family had incredible connections all over China.

"Uncle Wu, who is he?"

By now, even Fu Zhengtin felt something was amiss. He asked Wu Shenghu and shot Chen Fan a surprised gaze.

He was able to make a Grandmaster bow to him. Could he be—

"That's impossible. That man died a year ago in Russia."

Shock and disbelief roiled about in Fu Zhengtin's heart.

Fu Zhengtin's sentiment was shared by everyone around him. They wondered as to who exactly Chen Beixuan was and how could he force Master Wu to bow to him.

An Yuqin's eyes were lit up with glee as she fixed her gaze on Chen Fan.

"Mr. Chen defeated the Infantry Division 116 in Russia and killed the General of the Russian North Division. He brought Russia to their knees all by himself. His heroic deeds had taken the world by storm. By now, all nations in the world knew that the mighty Master Chen serves China. I had been waiting for the news of your return, but I had never thought that you would be back so soon."

Wu Shegnhu announced respectfully, choosing every single word carefully.

He was not only a Grandmaster but also the clan leader of a powerful family. Therefore, he was well connected to China and had learned the latest news about Chen Fan.

"An Ya is my sister, and she was forced to marry the Fu family. What do you think I should do."

Chen Fan asked with a grin.

"What?"

Wu Shegnhu's face darkened.

He knew the importance of this marriage to the Fu family, especially when the girl was chosen by Fu Zhengtin himself. However, little did he know that the girl was such a hot potato. He turned around to look at Fu Zhengtin and watched as Fu Zhengtin's smile curdled on his face.

"Pahda!"

Wu Shegnhu dropped his knees onto the floor and kowtowed. "I am sorry Master Chen! I will make the Fu family pay for their scornful insult."

He spoke with an unswerving resolution.

Chen Fan was a cultivator of Immortal State, a god-like existence. He could bring the superpower of the world, Russia under his thumbs with ease, much less the Fu family. The thought of the Wu family's ties with the Fu family had terrified Wu Shegnhu.

"Uncle Wu..."

Fu Zhengtin's face changed color and was about to protest.

Wu Shegnhu cut him short and landed a solid slap on his face, sending the young man's body flying out. The Grandmaster had vented all of his anger and regret in that attack, so much so that it almost fractured Fu Zhengtin's skull.

"Fool! You have dragged your family into destruction. A slap is too light of a punishment for you!"

Wu Shegnhu fumed.

Everyone was stupefied by the turn of events, then they heard Chen Fan's voice drifting into their ears.

"Save the show. I will go to the Fu family myself and listen to what they have to say."

Golden energy rose as Chen Fan spoke. The energy flew across the courtyard with lightning speed. It circled around Fu Zhengtin's neck and severed his head off of his shoulder.

Chen Fan had killed the pride of the mighty Fu family with one strike!

A deadly silence suddenly fell over the courtyard.

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Chapter 460: The Honor of the Immortal State Warrior

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Fu Zhengtin!

He was the young lord of the Fu family of northwest China.

Let it be his talent, abilities, knowledge and family background they were all highly praised by the family elders. He was even thought to be able to rival the top elite heirs in Yan Jin. Yet he died just like that?

The audience felt their hearts dropped to the bottom of an ice cave.

Both An family and the Fu family had passed down their prestige and authority for generations. On the other hand, their ancient lineage also narrowed their visions to only things that followed hierarchical orders. Chen Fan's outrageous behavior was unheard of.

An Tianshu's face changed colors and his hands started to shake uncontrollably. Meanwhile, the other An family leaders and many guests felt a chill down their spines. Even the unflappable An Zaiqin was shaken to the core.

Contrary to everyone else, Wu Shegnhu rose to his feet and bowed.

"He deserves death for what he has done."

The martial artist's voice held an unswerving conviction and his eyes glinted with resolution. He had reached a high enough level of attainment to fully comprehend the deadliness of an Immortal State warrior.

Once a cultivator reached Immortal State, he would no longer be considered a mortal, instead, he would have become a god-like existence such as the deities or sages recorded in legends. Wu family kept such records and the detailed description of an Immortal State warrior's power permanently tattooed onto his mind.

During the ancient times, an Immortal State warrior would pin an empire under his boots, making and removing puppets on the throne on a whim.

The Immortal State Warriors were behind nearly all the momentous events, such as the start of the age of discovery, the first and the second great wars. The Immortal State Warriors didn't fully retreat out of the stage of history until America dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan.

That being said, many Immortal State warriors merely retreated from the forefront but still operated in the shadows through many smaller nations.

The Sect Leader of the Hong Sect, for example, had laid the foundation of an international group that could rival the might of a nation's army.

Oleg, the Bloodwolf King used to be General at the USSR and had millions of red army soldiers under his disposal.

Japan's former sword Sage had manipulated the Japanese court and directly influenced the events of the Sino-Japan war. General Ye from Mount Yan had presided over Chian for sixty years and remained undefeated.

Now there was Chen Beixuan, who could bring a superpower to heel and defeat an army of a thousand strong.

All things pointed to one conclusion: the Immortal State Warriors had unimaginable power and were better to be left alone.

For Wu Shegnhu, Fu Zhengtin's foolish act of forcing Chen Fan's sister into a marriage was suicide. If Fu Zhengtin wasn't enamored by An Ya's looks, the An family would never go all the way to Zhong Hai had bring the girl whom they probably had already forgotten back.

It couldn't have been the other way around. An Ya was not a legitimate daughter of the An family and therefore, if the An family proposed the marriage between Fu Zhengtin and a bastard, they would only bring the ire of the Fu Zhengtin down to themselves with words such as: "How dare you propose to marry an illegitimate daughter to the heir of my Fu family? Are you trying to insult us?"

Therefore, Wu Shegnhu knew almost immediately that it was Fu Zhengtin who were vying for the hand of the beautiful girl. Otherwise, this marriage would never have happened.

"Lord Fu would do the same thing as I did to his son once I explain to him who Chen Fan was, and what Fu Zhengtin had done to his sister."

Wu Shegnhu thought to himself.

Compared to bringing down the wrath of an Immortal State warrior to the entire family, losing an heir was the smaller price to pay.

Chen Fan had known that Fu Zhengtin was the real culprit long ago. Although he didn't know when and how he met An Ya, he crossed the red line and therefore he had to pay the ultimate price.

"Lord Wu, what do you mean by that?"

An Zaiqin held back his shock and asked with a heavy voice.

He couldn't imagine that a young Martial Artist could have terrified the family lord of the mighty Wu family. The Wu family had Wu Shenhe who ranked number eight on the heaven roll, and what does Chen Fan have?

"Master Chen is of the Immortal State. He is a living legend. Whoever insults him or his family will have to pay the price."

Wu Shegnhu turned around and shot a piercing glance at An Ziaqin, as the deadly energy that had been roiled about him suddenly swept across the room.

The members of the An family finally realized that the middle-aged man behind Fu Zhengtin was actually a powerful fighter. An Zaiqin also called him Lord Wu, suggesting that he was the family lord of the Wu family of northwest China.

The Wu family of northwest China?

Such prestige and reputation!

Without the Wu family's protection, not even the Fu family would have lasted as long as it did.

"Lord Wu, I am not quite sure what you mean. What is Immortal State?" An Tianshu furrowed his brows and asked. Immortal State Warriors were long-forgotten memories for most mortals. Most of the people in the room had never even heard of such things, much less seeing one in real life.

Their knowledge of the Martial Arts world stopped at the Grandmaster Level. However, they were also aware that even the most powerful Grandmaster had to tread carefully around mighty family clans.

An Zaiqin was the only one who was hit hard by the revelation. He shivered a little and exclaimed: "Immortal State? I thought they disappeared many decades ago."

"Indeed! Mr. Chen was the only Immortal State Warrior known to the public."

Wu Shegnhu announced firmly.

Chen Fan had risen to power by wreaking havoc outside of China. He had single handedly brought down the entire Dark World. As a Chinese Martial Artists, Wu Shegnhu would like to imagine himself basking in Chen Fan's glory.

"So he is of immortal state.."

An Zaiqin cast an incredulous gaze at Chen Fan.

An Zaiqin was the family lord of the An family and was in his eighties. He grew up listening to unimaginable tales of the Immortal State warriors. The fear and unease those tales had brought him as a child still lingered somewhere in the back of his mind. He remembered one tale that told the story of an Immortal State warrior taking out a warlord and his army of ten thousand strong.

"Just recently, Mr. Chen defeated the Infantry Division 116 in Russia and killed their general. Even the leaders of Russia capitulated to Master Chen's power and were forced to sign a truce. I remind you not to repeat the same mistake."

Wu Shegnhu said meaningfully while gazing at An Zaiqin.

The new revelation made the fear and shock multiply inside of the listeners.

He had killed an army of ten thousand strong and killed their general? Worse, even the leaders of Russia had capitulated to him? Everything sounded so outrageous that in their mind's eye, they saw Chen Fan turning into a cloaked superhero.

An Tianshu, An Yuqin and Hou Fangyu gaped at Chen Fan stupidly in utter disbelief.

An Zaiqin's legs trembled and nearly gave in. He heaved a sigh and cupped his fist abruptly at Chen Fan.

"Welcome, Master Chen. Please forgive this old fool for not recognizing who you are."

Then An Zaiqin bowed deeply to Chen Fan.

The entire courtyard became pin-drop silent. Everyone watched as the mighty Lord An, even with all the respect and prestige he had commanded, bowed to the young man with utmost reverence.

"Dad!"

An Tianshu blenched.

"Shut up and kneel! Ask for Immortal Master Chen's forgiveness."

An Zaiqin rebutted hotly.

An Tianshu's face turned from green to red and then from red to dark. In the end, all colors and life drained away from his face, turning it into a pale ball. Hearing his father's command, he slowly bent his knees, fighting back the reluctance and humiliation as he kowtowed.

An Zaichen, An Tianfen, An Yuqin and Hou Fangyu watched in silence.

They witnessed the incredible turn of the events. A chairman of a multi-trillion Yuan corporation had kowtowed to a young man.

"Forcing the An family lords to their knees and killing the heir of the Fu family without any consequences. Is this what it means to be an Immortal State Warrior?"

Hou Fangyu shot Chen Fan a fearful gaze.

The events today had completely changed his world view. He had thought that money and authority were the only two things that made the world go around. However powerful a Martial Artist was, they had to bow before top elites. Even mighty warriors such as Invisible Xin and Wu Shegnhu had to serve the elites.

However, Chen Fan had proven his world view wrong using blood.

He was so powerful that he could pin any tycoons or magnates under his thumb. Even the prestigious An family of Don He Province had to drop to their knees and kowtow to Chen Fan and plead for their lives.

An Yuqin was taken aback by the development at first, and then a pang of regret come over her.

"He turned out to be so powerful that not even the An family could so much as to lay a finger on him. I must have looked like a fool when I sneered at him by the entrance."

An Ruoxi was the only one who was untouched by fear. She covered her mouth and looked at Chen Fan in excitement as flickers of admiration flashed in her eyes.

"He really kicks some ass! It would be so wondrous if I can be married to him just like Sister An Ya will."

The thick silence hung in the air even a long time after An Tianshu kneeled down.

Chen Fan stood indifferently. His presence seemed to be attuned to the flow of energy around him.

The golden swirled around in the sky, making a deep rumbling noise like a fighter jet that could swoop down at any moment. The display of power had filled everyone's hearts with fear and trepidation.

The sight of the unimaginable power had also taken the wind out of An Tianshu's sail and robbed him of the last sliver of hope. His head drooped from his shoulder listlessly as he pleaded for his life.

An Zaichen and An Tianfen were stupefied by the turn of the event. Fear made their legs cave in and brought both of them to the ground.

"Immortal Master, the Wu family will see to it that the An family rights the wrongs they have done to Lady An. Please spare their lives for now, and I will make sure that they make it up to you."

Wu Shegnhu glanced surreptitiously at the Sword of Essense Restoring as he pleaded in fear.

"Yes, yes! The An family will make sure we correct our mistakes." An Zaiqin hurried to put in.

No one spoke a word as they held their breath while waiting for Chen Fan's answer expectantly.

After a long while, Chen Fan finally replied to the An Family by sheathing the sword.

"Hew!"

Seeing the situation had de-escalated, Everyone heaved a sigh.

Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said: "I will spare you life for the sake of Sister An. But that doesn't mean I have forgotten your crimes. If you don't make it up to Sister An, I will turn the An family into a bloodbath."

"Please rest assured Immortal Master. The An family will make it up to An Ya for the wrongs we have done to her over the two months—no, over the twenty years. Justice will be served, I promise you." An Zaiqin said as sweat trickled down from his forehead. He then announced with a slightly higher pitch voice: "Please, Immortal Master! Follow me to the main hall and we will discuss it further."

"Humph!!"

Chen Fan snorted and looked at An Ya.

An Ya looked back at him with a soft and trusting gaze.

Seeing Chen Fan nodded, the An family members finally heaved a sigh of relief.

"He single handedly subjugated the entire Don He Province."

An Yuqin watched as Chen Fan disappeared as strong and powerful emotions rose inside of her.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 461: The An Family's Repentance

Lord An led the way as Chen Fan and An Ya made their way to the main guest hall. When he first arrived at the An family residence, everyone had looked down on him, except for the silly girl An Yuqin.

But now, his treatment had improved by leaps and bounds.

The chairman of the Ans Group, An Tianshu lead the way, while Wu Shegnhu and An Zaiqin flanked the brother and sister pair, reminding them even the smallest bump on the ground with unctuous smiles. Behind them was a group of tycoons and other leaders of the An family. As for An Ya's grandparents, uncles and aunties, they weren't even important enough to be in the crowd. They stood in fear and watched An Ya from a distance.

Many people, including An Yuqin looked to An Ya with jealousy.

"My upbringing is ten times better than hers: at least I am a legitimate heir of the An family, but she is just a bastard who was abandoned by the family. It's so unfair that she could have such a powerful step-brother, who lent her so much prestig!"

Suddenly, An Yuqin was overtaken by a pang of jealousy.

By now, An Ya literally radiated prestige and charm in the eyes of the beholders. Even Lord An himself attended to her carefully.

"Sister An, they have treated you unfairly and I will make them pay."

Chen Fan held onto An Ya's arm and said under his breath.

"Thank you."

An Ya inched closer toward Chen Fan as her eyes lit up with blissful glee. At that moment, she felt she was alone in Chen Fan's half-embrace. A warm and fuzzy feeling rose inside of her as she realized that her little brother had finally grown up.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan's words had sent a chill down the An family member's spines.

Once they finally arrived at the main hall, Chen Fan and An Ya sat at the head of the table without anyone raising an eyebrow at them. An Ruoxi shot a curious look at An Ya and the latter waved her over to sit beside her.

"Immortal Master Chen, I wonder what kind of compensation do you have in mind?"

An Zaiqin asked cautiously.

"Everything, let's begin with her mother, An Jinxiu." Chen Fan tapped the table and said lightly.

"Yes."

An Zaiqin nodded and landed his gaze on the fearful An Zaichen.

An Ya's mother, An Jinxiu was kicked out of the family because she had given birth to a girl outside of marriage. Such behavior was viewed as scandalous back then and therefore, An Jinxiu and the girl had become a stain on the An family's reputation. It was An Zaichen who had made the final decision to kick An Jinxiu out of the family. As harmful rumors and financial difficulties weighed in, An Ya's father gave in and ran away, leaving the helpless An Jinxiu and their daughter to their own devices.

As An Zaichen revealed the heartbreaking detail, he had opened up an old wound in An Ya's heart.

"That's enough, Xiao Fan. Those are in the past, and I don't want to think about it anymore. From today on, I have nothing to do with the An family, and that will be it!"

An Ya shook her head and announced in a dull voice. She had lost all hope and expectations in her birth family and she just wanted to leave here.

Sensing the numbing pain in An Ya's voice, An Zaiqin fumed at An Zaichen.

He ordered An Zaichen to reflect on the mistake he had made. Meanwhile, he fired all the members of the Yan Jin branch from the Ans Group. They would never get any support and help from the An family ever again.

The punishment was so severe that An Zaichen thought that he had tasted bile in his mouth.

However, he scarcely dared to even breathe heavily much less protest while Chen Fan was here. So he lowered his head, swallowed the bitterness down and retreated like a defeated dog.

Although An Zaichen had gotten An Ya's forgiveness, Chen Fan was not done with him yet. He flicked a finger and cast a curse onto An Zaichen and the members of the Yan Jin Branch.

"Devouring Venom Curse"

Those who were cursed by the spell would first feel bugs crawling all over their body, gnawing and tearing their flesh. The pain would get worse over time, and In a month they would die a painful and excruciating death.

The Yan Jin Branch had forced An Ya's mother to take her own life, Chen Fan would not let them get away with their crime.

And then, An Tianshu changed the topic to the proposed marriage. He confirmed Chen Fan's suspicion that it was Fu Zhengtin who had first proposed the marriage to the An family. The An family was ecstatic after getting the marriage proposal since, to them, An Ya was just a dispensable pawn.

"So in other words, you used my sister as an object to trade for the alliance with the Fu family. Am I right?"

Chen Fan snorted as a cold light brightened in his eyes.

"Immortal Master Chen, Please let me explain" An Zaiqin let out a wry smile. "At that time, the Chen family was besieged by their opponents. Fu Zhengtin had also reassured us that you were dead and could no longer offer protection to the Jin Xiu Group. It was under those circumstances that I talked to An Ya and convinced her to come back willingly."

"That being said, the fault is ours. I will compensate for Miss An's unjust treatment." An Zaiqin paused a second and gritted his teeth. "I will offer her 10% of the Ans Group's share."

"What?"

An Zaiqin's words caused a wave of surprise and murmurs rose from the crowd.

An Tianshu shouted: "Dad! We only have 60% of the share in total, now you going to give away 10%?"

The other members of the An family nodded after An Tianshu's remark.

An's Group was worth over trillions of yuan. 10% of its assets would be worth hundreds of billions. All of the assets owned by the Yan Jin branch combined were still less than that.

Chen Fan was amused by the offer. A bright light suddenly flashed in his eyes.

"Kacha!"

Two azure Divine Lights shot out of Chen Fan's eyes and lit up the main hall like two flashes of lightning.

"The Zheng family of Hong Kong owed me ten billion, and refused to pay up, so I took all of their assets. The Samsung group had tried to assassinate me, but ended up paying me ten billion US dollars. The Mitsui Family instigated the Japanese military to kill me, I ended up killing their family lord, Mitsui Kazuo."

Chen Fan continued: "I wonder if the An family of Don He Province would be more powerful than the Zheng family, Lee Family of the Samsung Group or the Mitsui Family?"

The crowd grew silent after they heard Chen Fan's words.

Of all the names dropped by Chen Fan, The An family was in the same league with the Zheng family of Hong Kong. The Lee Family of the Samsung Group and the Mitsui Family were both powerful enough to influence their nation's politics and the An family of Don He Province simply couldn't compare.

"Immortal Master Chen, what do you think then?"

An Zaiqin lowered his head and asked respectfully.

"Sister An will have half of An family's assets." Chen Fan flicked a finger and said evenly.

"Bullshit!"

Before An Zaiqin could offer his reply, An Tianshu jumped out of his seat and shouted.

Half of the An Family's assets would amount to a few hundred billion yuan. As the chairman of the Board of Directors, An Tianshu was responsible for the Ans Group's fiscal performance, and losing half of the Ans Group's asset would be a devastating blow to the company.

"Hehe"

Chen Fan cracked a smile and said nothing. Wu Shegnhu also shook his head and gave An Tianshu a gloating glance. If they offended the living legend, they would have to pay more than just a few hundred billion.

"Shut up!"

An Zaiqin slammed a fist on the table and shouted at An Tianshu, cutting him short. And then, he rose to his feet and bowed to Chen Fan apologetically.

"We will do as you say, Immortal Master Chen."

"Good!"

Chen Fan gave An Ziaqin a glance and started off with An Ya in his arm. Before he disappeared behind the door, everyone heard his voice around their ears: "Remember, three days later, I want to see those assets under my Sister's name. Otherwise, I will turn this place into a bloodbath."

"Will do! Please be rest assured!"

An Zaiqin bowed deeply again.

Under everyone's incredulous eyes, Chen Fan and An Ya started off without even looking back.

An Zaiqin heaved a sigh after Chen Fan was finally out of sight. He struggled to straighten his back and stretched his neck. The negotiation with Chen Fan had drained all of his energy.

"Father."

An Tianshu hurried to steady the old man. He then asked in confusion. "We have given away too much of our company's shares. The Ans Group might as well change its ownership after the transaction."

"You fool! If I didn't agree to Chen Fan's terms, your head would be rolling on the floor now." An Zaiqin refuted hotly.

"He already killed Fu Zhengtin, I doubt he would make a move against us. We live by the rule of law, don't we?"

An Tianshu said indignantly.

An Zaiqin shook his head disappointedly after hearing his son's remark.

His son was a capable businessman but he lacked a deeper understanding of the world. He still had no idea what it meant to be an Immortal State Warrior.

"Brother An, I have just got a piece of breaking news. As soon as Immortal Master Chen returned to China, he destroyed the entire Song Family of Jin City and killed sixteen family lords. He then went to Jiang Bei City and turn that place into a slaughterhouse. In just one night, he killed over five hundred men and women. In the end, the Red Sparrow from the Special Case Department had to intervene and cover everything up."

Wu Shegnhu exclaimed as he shook his head.

"What?"

Wu Shegnhu's words shook up the crowd in the hall.

Those who had felt indignant, such as An Tianfen and An Tianshu were shaken to the core by the terrifying revelation.

The Song Family, Hua Family, Ren Family, and Gong Family were all reputable family clans in Jin City. The combined might of all those family clans were at least a few times more powerful than that of the An family.

Yet, Chen Fan had killed sixteen family lords after he had slaughtered the entire Song Family.

Such atrocity was unheard of!

Worse, Chen Fan seemed to be able to get away with his heinous crimes thanks to government-led cover-ups. It was evident that there was an incredible force backing Chen Fan.

"A living legend! He really lives up to his reputation!"

An Zaiqin threw his head back and exclaimed. "In his eyes, we are insignificant insects. Only the leaders of powerful nations command the same amount of power as he does. Tianshu, transfer half of the Ans Group's asset to An Ya's account right away."

"Yes, father."

An Tianshu nodded respectfully.

The other leaders of the An family and the guests looked at each other in fear. Today's event had shown them the true definition of power. Compared to Chen Fan, even the elite heirs, and prominent family clans would seem insignificant and weak.

The little girl's eyes were lit up with admiration and adoration.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan and An Ya had arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown.

The Family Lord of the Fu family of northwest China rushed to their hotel and kneeled before Chen Fan's hotel room, begging for forgiveness.

The next day, Chen Beixuan packed up his things and left for Jiang Nan Province with An Ya. Leaving the tycoons of Don He Province to marvel at his incredible display of power. This was the first time Chen Fan appeared in Northern China and already, he had become a household name.

Meanwhile, news about Chen Fan's actions in Russia had finally reached China and beyond and started to spread like wildfire.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 462: The Divine Roll?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

March 5th.

Chen Fan had defeated the Russian Infantry Division 116 and killed the General of the North Division at Khabarovsk.

The five days that followed, Chen Fan made his way to Moscow and destroyed seventeen KGB branches on his way. Then, he killed the Bloodwolf King Oleg and finally brought Russia to her knees.

March 10th...

Chen Fan returned Jiang Nan Province, annihilated the Song Family and killed sixteen other family lords. During the same night, he turned the Jiang Bei region into a bloodbath and killed five hundred men and women, including Lin Tashan and the entire Hong Sect's Dark Moon unit.

The next day, Chen Fan arrived at the An family's residence and killed Fu Zhengtin, and pinned the An family and the Fu family under his thumb.

In less than six days, Chen Fan had traveled over ten thousand miles: from Siberia to Moscow, from Moscow to Jin City and then from Jin City to Don He Province. Wherever he went, he left a trail of destruction and blood.

It would be impossible to cover up this news, and therefore, they quickly reached beyond China.

Inside a secret base at Kunlun.

"He defeated an entire nation. If not because Red Sparrow saw it with her own eyes, I would never have believed it."

Director Xiao put down a stack of papers and exclaimed under his breath.

Although they had the information for days, every time he read it, he was overtaken by surprise. Chen Fan's work in Russia was a textbook example of what an Immortal State warrior should be like. Although there were many other reasons that made Russia capitulate so easily, fear towards Chen Fan's power was the main contributor.

"He even defeated Oleg! Chen Beixuan's ability has grown by leaps and bounds over just one year."

White Tiger heaved a sigh and shook his head.

"A year ago, when he fought with the Fourteenth Brigade, I put him somewhere around the early stage of Immortal State. However, based on the new accounts reported in by Red Sparrow—particularly his ability to use the Golden flying sword— I think he has become much stronger than most Immortal State warriors."

"I thought the Art of Flying sword had long since disappeared. The only other individual who I know that could command a flying sword was the one from the Lin Family. How did Chen Beixuan learn to do that so quickly?" Someone put in.

"I have evidence that proves that he had stumbled upon a Sword Secret from the Exalted Cultivator in Hong Kong. I wager that was where he got the secret art of the Flying Sword." Red Sparrow said coldly.

"As his power grew, so did his arrogance. He has made such a big mass for the director as soon as he came back. If not because of the Director personally vouching for him, the leaders of the nation would have already been rallying against him."

"He is the living legend, so we also have to take that into account. It has been our fault for not protecting his family properly. He killed so many people as a reminder for us to never fail him again."

Director Xiao shook his head and said.

"Humph! So are we going to let him do whatever he wants in China? One day he will learn that there will always be someone better than him. If things really get out of control, our Old man would have to—"

Red Sparrow ranted

"That's enough, Comrade Yu Nan. General Ye is our nation's guardian and we can not risk his life. Plus, Comrade Chen Beixuan has done our nation a great service, please watch the way you talk about him."

Director Xiao cut Red Sparrow off and chided her.

Red Sparrow let out a cold snort and grew silent.

She knew the pressure on General Ye and how important he was to China. Thanks to him, China had enjoyed peace and prosperity for six decades.

Even if Director Xiao was right that they couldn't risk General Ye's life, there were also many other powerful forces that could threaten Chen Fan, such as the Lin family of Southeastern China, Hong Sect, Dragon Hall, and the Square Tower, just to name a few.

"Ever since Chen Beixuan's return, we had been getting more and more reports of Immortal state warriors getting restless. My Ancestral Patriarch told me that there has been a few meetings among the Curmudgeons in China."

Black Tortoise finally broke his silence and spoke for the first time during the meeting.

Each of the four captains of the Special Case Department had their own unique characteristics: White Tiger was brusque and conspicuous, Red Sparrow had a no-nonsense and cutthroat attitude and Azure dragon always carried a grandiose and stately air. But Black Tortoise had always kept his feelings to himself and other than being the oldest one of the four, not a lot was known about him.

"Hehe, do they think China is still like what it had been sixty years ago?"

Director Xiao let out a cold smile and said: "Sixty years go, General Ye was the only person who stood in their way. But now, China is strong enough to ward off those unsavory characters by herself."

Director Xiao said with a great measure of pride and confidence.

Only a nation that had had millions of capable soldiers, nuclear weapons at her disposal and was an economic powerhouse could have made such a bold claim.

As the news of Chen Fan's victory quickly spread across the world, many old powers caught the whiff of fresh air and started to awaken from their slumber.

Chen Fan was the only Overlord who dared to expose his power to the public in the last sixty years.

It was also a wake-up call to the public, a reminder of the power that could defeat an entire army. It was a power that most people had long forgotten.

"This is what it means to be an Immortal State, this is what it means to be a Living Legend."

Many people screamed in their minds.

Someone even claimed that Chen Beixuan was the most powerful Overlord in the world. Let it be Adam, Azure dragon, Ye Nantian, Russia, their power was a far cry from that of Chen Beixuan.

March 12, 2010, London.

Raphael was sitting in an old apartment with a cup of coffee in his hand while he went through the new posts on the CIA's forum.

He was a hacker employed by the Crimson Wings. Although the captain of Crimson Wings, Karl was killed a year ago at the Warg Valley, the band quickly elected another leader to keep the ball rolling.

"Humph... there are more new Overlords emerging over the last year than there had been over the decade." Raphael scrolled down the pages on the CIA's forum and exclaimed to himself.

"The Dark Roll had not changed at all over the last ten years but now there seemed to be a new Overlord making it to the Dark Roll every month. It had been like this for a few months. Something must have emboldened them to surface into the public's view."

"The same goes for our new captain. He had been a quiet if not unnoticeable fighter in the team, but he turned out to be as strong as our former captain. Did Chen Beixuan usher in all these changes to the world?"

The thought of Chen Beixuan filled Raphael with a feeling that verged on religious zeal.

It was as if the name itself was enchanted by magic.

"Our new captain and all these new overlords simply can't compare with Chen Beixuan."

Raphael let out a cold smile.

Suddenly, he noticed a new post with the subject: "Check out the Dark Roll, It's been updated."

"What? It is too early for that." Raphael was taken aback and quickly clicked on the page that contained the Dark Roll.

"Did the CIA update the ranking because Chen Beixuan was back? They had removed him earlier last year, are they going to add him back?"

"If he was added back to the Dark Roll, there would be no doubt that he would be at the very top. The new guy Odin and Adam would not have stood a chance."

Raphael thought to himself as he kept on scrolling.

"Number sixteen, Erika from Japan... hum... she improved her ranking compared to a year ago."

"Number ten, Ye Nantian of Dragon's Fang... Ye Nantian had been in seclusion cultivation, no wonder his ranking remained the same."

"Number three, Azure dragon from China... Wow, he went up fast!"

"Number two, Adam... Now that's strange. If Adam ranked second, what about Odin?"

"Number one... Odin?"

Raphael was so stunned by the results that he nearly fell off of his chair. "What the hell? Where is Chen Beixuan? He had killed that many Overlords and brought Russia to heels, yet he was not even on the list? What kind of shitty list is this?"

Raphael narrowed his eyes and reexamined the Dark Roll from the bottom to top once again and still didn't find Chen Fan's name.

"Did the CIA try to cover up something?"

Raphael thought to himself indignantly.

He returned to the forum and noticed that it was already sizzling with discontent with the new ranking. Everyone thought the new ranking was unfair since Chen Beixuan wasn't even listed on the Dark Roll.

"Even if the twenty of them join forces they wouldn't last more than a minute in a fight against Chen Beixuan."

Someone put in scornfully.

"What you gonna do about it? It's the government, they are slow, lazy and never do their job right. Too many coffee breaks if you ask me."

Many people vented their indignation and ranted about the CIA.

Raphael nodded and felt the same as everyone else.

In the end, the users on the forum had come to a decision of writing a petition to the CIA. Suddenly someone posted a reply: Look at the top!"

"That's the Dark Roll, we have gone over it many times," Raphael replied with a cold smile.

However, more and more people replied.

"Oh my god! What am I looking at?"

"On the homepage, quick. At the very top."

"My God! We have witnessed history! The last time it came up was when my Grandpa was still a teenage boy."

Raphael's interest was piqued as more and more people shared their surprise and shock. He quickly navigated to the home page and scrolled all the way to the top. However, he didn't notice anything new.

"What is there to see? Just the same old stuff."

Even as Raphael was going to complain about the hype-for-nothing, he realized that he hadn't scrolled all the way to the top.

"Guuu!"

He pushed the mouse wheel to the very top and saw two bold letters in golden color

"GOD-LIKE"

Before the heading was a Chinese name written in formal Chinese calligraphy. Raphael had dabbled in Chinese before so he recognized the three characters.

"Chen Beixuan!"

"Is... is this the Divine Roll?"

Startled by his realization, Raphael suddenly jerked his hand and threw the mouse to the ground. He was rendered speechless.

On the morning of March 12, 2010, the CIA had reopened the Divine Roll, with only one person on the list: Chen Fan.

The development had stirred up the forum users, but as its weight set in, the forum became deadly silent.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 463: Reaching The Immortal Sea Level!

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The Divine Roll was published by the CIA's Special Case Department to list all the Immortal Level Overlords in the world.

The United States of America's Central Intelligence Agency was formed in 1947, however, the Special Case Department had a much longer history than that.

This department was co-funded by the dominating families during the American Revolutionary War. Its purpose was to investigate elements of the supernatural, such as Vampires and Werewolves.

The organization had changed over time and eventually became the Special Case Departments. The department played a pivotal role during the two great wars and their influence also reached a zenith during that time. It was the Dark World equivalent of the United Nations.

Therefore, the Special Case Department used to be called the International Association for Managing Super Humans, or, I.A.M.S.H.

It was considered the largest Special Case Department in the world and started publishing the Dark Roll and the Divine Roll a hundred years ago.

There was no internet at that time, so the rolls were broadcast using encrypted radio channels. The Dark World had existed hundreds if not thousands of years and had developed their own methods of communication. However, ever since the Americans invented nuclear weapons and became the dominant power of the world, the Immortal State warriors retreated backstage and so did the Special Case Department. They were eventually annexed by the CIA and their new boss decided to close the Divine Roll.

However, no one had ever thought that sixty years later, the Divine Roll would be reopened.

"The reopening of the Divine Roll proclaims the dawn of a new age. The biggest player in this new age will definitely be Chen Beixuan!"

The Observer wrote in his post.

The news of the reopening of the divine roll took the world by storm.

Many ancient and powerful family clans across the globe: Western Europe, Northern Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia looked to China where the only member of the Divine Roll presided.

Those who were listed on the Divine Roll were the absolute rulers of the world, or at least it used to be the case. Even the kings and queens of mighty nations had to treat them with extreme reverence. Things had changed ever since the mortals gained the secret weapon the Nuclear bomb.

Many people wondered if the re-opening of the Divine Roll meant that history was about to repeat itself and the Immortal State overlords were going to retake what they lost to technology?

"Chen Beixuan!"

The name reverberated in many people's minds.

He had risen to fame across the globe and became a shiny beacon of might and power that attracted the attention of the public.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan had returned to Jin City with Sister An. After spending a few days with his family, he rushed to the Green Dragon Grand Array and started seclusion cultivation.

A few months later...

Yukishiro Sa stood right before the North Qiong Pavilion, marveling at the storm of energy shrouded over the magnificent structure. Yukishiro Sa had become much more elegant and graceful in her appearance. Her glowing complexion and silky skin made her look like the Goddess of Blizzard.

She strapped a long Azure blade on her back, which hummed rhythmically with Yukishiro Sa's breath. The blade continuously drew Spirit Qi into its sheath and then Yukishiro Sa channeled the Spirit Qi into her own body. The flow of Qi had made a bond between the girl and her blade, making them closely attuned.

Yukishiro Sa hadn't allowed herself to slack off even one day ever since Chen Fan showed her the Sword Art of Azure Flower. By now, she had reached the peak of Internal Force cultivation. Her piercing gaze had gained the same deadly intent as a mighty swordmaster.

"Tong Shan, Master has been in there for more than a month. Do you think everything is OK?"

Yukishiro Sa turned around and looked at Tong Shan.

Tong Shan stood unflappably like an iron pagoda.

By now, he had grown to be three meters tall and his presence emanated suffocating intimidation to the people around him. He was at least ten times stronger than Yukishiro Sa and his power would even make Azure dragon and Andrew feel embarrassed for themselves.

Seeing Tong Shan didn't answer, Yukishiro Sa shook her head and lamented: "Whatever, I forgot you are just a robot."

After she said that, she looked back at the North Qiong Pavilion as the worry and concern multiplied inside of her mind.

Shrouded by wild whirling energies, the North Qiong Pavilion had become a Temple of the Storm God. Yukishiro Sa could feel the Green Dragon Grand Array had drawn half of Jin City's Spirit Qi here and channeled it into the North Qiong Pavilion through a funnel cloud above the structure. The Spirit Qi condensed inside the funnel clouds into liquid and dripped down from the bottom of the funnel.

"We barely got to say hi to him after he had gone missing for a year. Then he rushed to seclusion cultivation. Something is not quite right..."

Yukishiro Sa couldn't help but start overthinking it.

Yukishiro Sa had abandoned her family in Japan and Chen Fan was all she had. So she cared about Chen Fan as much as she cared about herself.

Tong Shan remained silent, so the two waited quietly.

While they were waiting, Wang Xiaoyun, Chen Huaian, and An Ya visited them from time to time. Wang Xiaoyun returned Zhong Hai as soon as she realized that she wouldn't see Chen Fan for a while, but Chen Huaian stopped by almost every other day.

One day, two days, three...

Ten... twenty... thirty...

Three months later, at the end of another uneventful day, even as Yukishiro Sa was ready for bed, she noticed the funnel cloud was increasing its size at an incredible rate.

One hundred meters, two hundred, three hundred.

In the end, the top of the cloud had reached a kilometer, bigger than the Green Dragon Grand Array and covered the entire East Mountain. If not for the Illusion spell, people in Jin City would have thought that there was a terrible storm brewing in the mountain.

"It is..."

Yukishiro Sa rounded her eyes in disbelief as a miraculous sight unfolded itself before her.

"KOM!"

A scintillating beam of azure light pierced through the roof of the North Qiong Pavilion, into the eye of the swirling funnel. The light grew brighter by the second, painting the funnel cloud with its azure glow.

Looking from afar, the cloud looked like a giant umbrella.

"Condense Qi into the cloud that stretched out a hundred meter... "

"This would be a textbook example of the power of the Immortal State, except for the cloud had reached a kilometer in width instead of a hundred! Does that mean master reached beyond the Immortal Stat and had become the so-called Earth Level Deity?"

Yukishiro Sa was so shocked that words simply got stuck in her throat.

The Azure cloud remained in the sky for a good fifteen minutes before it finally subsided.

After a while, even the swirling energy outside of North Qiong Pavilion disappeared and returned the peace and serenity to the valley. Already, Yukishiro Sa sensed a drastic reduction in the concentration of Qi in the Green Dragon Grand Array. A lot of the Spirit herbs had started to wilt.

"Kacha!"

The door of the pavilion cracked open.

"Come in."

A clear and crisp voice came out from within.

"Yes.."

Yukishiro Sa could no longer hold back her shock and surprise and rushed into the Pavilion with Tong Shan. They saw Chen Fan standing alone in the large empty room, with his back facing the door, staring at a painting of the girl in a violet outfit.

"Master, were you successful?" Yukishiro Sa asked in a trembling voice.

"I have worked day and night ever since I have been reborn, now I have finally reached the Divine Sea level." Chen Fan exclaimed.

His voice was filled with countless moments of frustration and perseverance.

"I entered Ethereal Enlightenment three months ago, and it took me another three months to enter the Divine Sea. Such are the difficulties in cultivation!"

That being said, the lack of Spirit Qi dictated the enormity of challenges to cultivators. Therefore, if not because of the previous knowledge Chen Fan had as the North Mystic Celestial Lord, he wouldn't have even been close to the Divine Sea.

The three stages of the Qi Refinement Phase were: Foundation Establishment, Ethereal Enlightenment, and Divine Sea.

The Divine Sea was the final stage before Chen Fan reached the Connate Spirit phase. Only after reaching Connate Spirit, did Chen Fan's Immortal Cultivation finally start. In the world of Immortal Cultivators, those who couldn't make it to the Connate Spirit were forbidden to call themselves Cultivators.

"Hooo!"

Chen Fan turned around abruptly and locked his gaze on the girl.

Yukishiro Sa covered her mouth to stifle a cry and lowered her eyes. Chen Fan's eyes were like two swirling whirlpools that threatened to suck her soul in. Yukishiro Sa dared not to hold his gaze for too long.

Such was only a taste of the power of a Divine Sea cultivator.

Once one had reached the Divine Sea level, his Soul Energy and Divine Soul would have strengthened to such an unimaginable degree that they would gain solidity in the world of reality. By now, Chen Fan wouldn't even need to lift a finger in order to kill a Martial Artist. One glare that was fused with his Soul Energy would have melted his opponent's defense.

"Plus, what made Divine Sea stand out was more than just the Divine powers that came with it." Chen Fan cracked a smile and said. Then he grunted something under his breath.

"Arise!"

Yukishiro Sa watched as his Divine Soul in the form of a translucent apparition appeared right on top of Chen Fan's head. Other than it's otherworldly texture, the appearance of the Divine Soul was exactly like that of Chen Fan. Slowly, a light came up from within the apparition and made it look like a lit-up crystal statue.

"Shu!"

The Divine Soul shot up and through the roof of the building. It didn't seem to slow down even after it had reached the zenith of the Green Dragon Grand Array. It kept on soaring until it was above the Dharma Array and disappeared into the sun.

"It reminds me of the legend about the immortal sage who travels the world using his Soul and spirit."

Many such stories appeared in Yukishiro Sa's mind. Most of them were mythical tales and legends from Daoism and Buddhism about ghosts and spirits.

Soul Projection!

It was a common ability among the Perfected Cultivators and Grand Onmyoji.

Both Lord Susano and Yamamizuki Sho had the Soul Projection ability even before they became Demon Gods. They could travel the physical and the astral world in the form of an apparition.

That being said, their abilities were limited by various conditions such as the time of the day. They were often called the Yin deity since they could only project their soul in the night. Only the Earth Level Deity, such as the legendary Eight Immortals in Chinese folklore would have the ability to protect their soul at any given time.

However, the Eight Immortals existed only in works of fiction, and no such abilities appeared in any history canons.

"I am afraid that the Master has finally become a real deity."

Yukishiro Sa murmured in disbelief.

Chen Fan's Divine Soul traveled across the entire Jin City and finally returned to its corporeal body.

Once the apparition disappeared, Chen Fan rose to his feet, eyes glinting.

"I have reached the Divine Sea and completed my first phase of cultivation. From today on, I would no longer be weighed down by my mortal coil. I can live even without a body."

"I have finally gained the power to dominate the earth!"

Chen Fan heaved a sigh and looked into the distance without any emotion or feelings in his eyes.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 464: Revealing the Bigger Picture

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Although Chen Fan was able to defeat an army of ten thousand strong, there had been many threats to him in this world, such as the nuclear bomb, hydrogen bomb, and laser weapons.

Although a connate cultivator has not only Connate Body but also numerous kinds of Dharma Treasures, Dharma spells and Arcane Energy Bulwark at his disposal, Chen Fan could not ward off all of the deadly attacks using his Azure Thearch Longevity Body alone.

That had somewhat limited Chen Fan's actions on this planet.

Therefore, even when Chen Fan sought revenge against Russia, the An family and the Fu family, he had held back his thirst for blood and kept the number of deaths to the minimum—just enough to send a message to his enemies. He wouldn't have only killed one person: Fu Zhengtin, while he was in the An family if he wasn't wary of the might of the Chinese government.

However, things are different now that he had finally reached the Divine Sea level.

"As the name suggests, The Divine powers of a Divine Sea cultivator was as boundless as the sea."

Chen Fan reached out a hand—a nearly lazy gesture—but the motion had summoned a powerful wave of Essence Qi into the middle of his palm, forming a blinding ball of crackling electricity that could give birth to devastating destruction at any moment.

One attack from this lightning ball could easily kill a semi-immortal level warrior.

Such divine powers would have required drawing of inscriptions, or incantation of spells to summon before Chen Fan had reached the Divine Sea. However, by now, Chen Fan could evoke such deadly spells on a whim. It was as easy as breathing.

"With this newfound power, I could finally complete the phenomenal success phase of my Divine Will, and it should reach as far as thirty kilometers. I can easily cover the entire Jin City under my Divine Will." Chen Fan thought to himself.

"I also gained the ability of Soul Perfection. With this ability, not only can I travel thousands of miles without moving my body, but the otherworldly nature of the divine will also mean that it is impervious to Grand Yang True Fire or Four True Righteousness Wind. In addition, it would also unlock a secret ability that would allow me to be reborn indefinitely. "

However, such secret art should be saved for the last moment.

Unless Chen Fan's safety was hanging in balance, he would not easily give up his current physical form. He had dedicated countless hours to refine the Azure Thearch Longevity Body. Worse, the original body was the best vessel for the final tribulation stage. Abandoning the original body and taking another form would pose great challenges during the last stage of Immortal cultivation.

"Congratulations Master on your advancement."

Yukishiro Sa knelt and announced with a mix of elation and fear.

Chen Fan shot a glance at the girl and Tong Shan. Tong Shan's dull expression made Chen Fan furrow his brows.

"It's about time to install some intelligence into Tong Shan. Otherwise, he would forever be a mindless robot. If Tong Shan had the ability to think, he would have prevented the Chen family's fall from grace while I was away. Lin Tashan wouldn't stand a chance before Tong Shan."

Tong Shan was a Bronze Armored Cadaver taken by Chen Fan from the possession of the Young Lord of the Ghost Witch Sect. His body was from a former Martial Artist from Southeast Asia. Ever since Chen Fan taught him the Tiger Demon's Physique Refinement Art, he had been gaining strength by the day. By now, he was very close to reaching the Immortal State. However, his lack of intelligence remained to be the shortest plank of his overall usefulness.

He might be the brawn while Chen Fan was around to do the thinking. When Chen Fan was away, he would quickly become dead weight.

"You may rise."

Chen Fan waved at Yukishiro Sa, gesturing her to stand up. Meanwhile, he closed his eyes to discover his new-found abilities.

"In the future when one journeyed in search of ultimate enlightenment, the more challenging the path will become."

"This Green Dragon Grand Array might be sufficient for me while I was still in the Ethereal Enlightenment, it will not meet my demand for Spirit Qi now. My use of the Azure Thearch Longevity Body further increased the demand, multiplying it by a few factors. I think it's about time to journey outside of China to search for other Grotto-heavens on earth that was untouched by mankind, such as the Warg Valley."

With that thought in mind, Chen Fan left the array and headed home.

He had been cultivating in seclusion for more than three months and many important matters were waiting for his final decision. There were loose ends that needed to be tied up at the Su Family of Wu Zhou City, at the Ji Family of Zhong Hai, Wei Family of the North Bank as well as the Hong Sect.

"Xiao Fan, have you made the progress you were hoping for?"

Chen Fan found Chen Huaian just outside of the East Mountain Villas, practicing Tai Chi.

The old man learned this Tai Chi from Chen Fan. Chen Fan had improved it by adding the expiration techniques used by Immortal Cultivators. When executed properly, the improved Tai Chi forms had an ancient and mysterious quality to it. Some forms looked like a wise old monkey wrapping his arms around a tree; some looked like a coiled dragon looking up at the sky. Each and every move contained a deep, unspoken knowledge of the Yin and the Yang, balancing all the elements inside and around the Old Man harmoniously. Essence Qi was drawn by the serene balance as they challenged themselves into the old man's body.

"Looks like you have dedicated every second of the year in cultivation."

Chen Fan said approvingly.

By now, except for Chen Huaian's appearance, he looked and felt nothing like an old man. His eyes glinted with aspiration and every step he took was energetic and purposeful.

"My level of attainment is a far cry compared to your unimaginable power."

Chen Huaian stopped his practice and came over to Chen Fan with a warm smile. "You must have gained incredible advancement during your seclusion cultivation. Your breath and flow of energy blend so perfectly well with your surroundings now, I can barely register it. It's the sign of transcendental power, isn't it?"

"Yes, I have finally reached Divine Sea and could do something about the Ji Family now."

Chen Fan sneered.

"Ji Family?" Chen Huaian furrowed his brows.

"While you were away, both the Tang Family, Nin Family had come to us to ask for forgiveness. Lord Nin and Tang even knelt outside of our house to show their sincerity. The Ji Family was the only one that didn't show up. I think they are just too scared to come to meet us eye to eye."

"Oh? I wonder what made the great families of Zhong Hai so docile and skittish? Perhaps they have heard some news?"

The thought had amused Chen Fan.

Although he had turned the Jiang Nan Province into a blood bath and taught a lesson to the An family and the Fu family, it surprised Chen Fan how easily those arrogant family clans at Zhong Hai had capitulated. Chen Fan had even hoped that he could test his new power on those families.

Chen Fan's surprise was not unfounded, after all, Zhong Hai was much more influential and wealthy than the Jiang Nan Province or the Don He Province, and so were the families that presided over Zhong Hai.

"They had succumbed to the impossible might of General Chen. Tang Family and the Nin Family were punny local tycoons; they are smart to rush to apologize before you rain death upon them."

A clear voice came up from behind.

Chen Fan cracked a smile and turned around.

He saw Staff Officer Yu Qin and her stepsister Red Sparrow come over to him hand in hand. Red Sparrow was the one who spoke, and as usual, there was a familiar edge in her voice. However, when she finally held Chen Fan's gaze, the look in her eyes was soft and tender.

"What has happened in the three months while I was gone?"

Chen Fan flicked a finger and asked Yu Qin. He had outright ignored Red Sparrow.

Chen Fan's cold shoulder didn't sit well with Red Sparrow. She glared at Chen Fan while breathing heavily, puffing her chest out.

"Nice to meet you, Grandpa Chen."

Yu Qin greeted Chen Huaian kittenishly.

She was wearing a sleek looking pea-coat that matched her neat and tidy short hair. The old man was pleased to see such a beautiful sight, so he replied, beaming from side to side.

"I will let you guys talk. See you later."

Greetings over, Chen Huaian turned around and started off.

After his grandfather was gone, Chen Fan finally gave the two a more serious look. Chen Fan knew that someone must have done something while he was away to have scared the Tang and the Nin Family so much.

"Look here, general Chen."

Yu Qin turned on a notebook computer.

"GOD-LIKE"

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and asked: "What is this? And why is my name on it?"

"This is called the Divine Roll. It is published by the CIA to list all Immortal Level Overlords. A few hundred years ago, this list was distributed secretly among the kings and queens to remind them to never mess with the people on the list."

Red Sparrow explained patiently: "Ever since the cold war, the Immortal State Warriors had slowly disappeared from the world stage and the Divine Roll was also discontinued for that reason. Everything changed three months ago when the CIA re-opened the Divine Roll. You are the only person on the list so far."

After saying that, Red Sparrow gave Chen Fan a complicated look.

Sixty years ago, the invention of nuclear weapons had made the Divine Roll obsolete, sixty years later, the Roll was reopened for one man.

It was enough to prove the most ungodly power of this one individual.

"That is what had scared the Tang Family so much that they had knelt before your grandfather's house, begging for forgiveness." Red Sparrow added.

"CIA? Sixty years ago? The Divine Roll?" Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and grinned. "They singled me out and put me under public scrutiny."

"Indeed. You are not the only Immortal State warrior. General Oleg, for example, was definitely of Immortal State. However, they have only listed you because they want to make you everyone's target."

Yu Qin said worriedly.

The CIA's tactic was a double-edged sword. It made Chen Fan a hero among the public, but an arch-villain in the eyes of establishments around the world.

"No worries, their pathetic games wouldn't harm me."

Chen Fan waved a hand and didn't seem to be worried at all.

With his newfound power, there was almost nothing on this planet could have threatened his life.

"The Ji Family of Zhong Hai were missing among the ones pleading for their lives. I wager they have acquired some powerful benefactors and hunkered down in their territory, waiting for my visit."

Chen Fan cracked a smile and said.

Yu Qin and Red Sparrow glanced at each other helplessly.

They lamented how foolish Ji Family was to butt heads against Chen Fan even after the publication of the Divine Roll. Even Red Sparrow had given up on them. She could fix anything, but stupidity.

"General Chen, please be mindful of the implication of your actions. Zhong Hai is a large city, an international business hub. It's tough for us to clean up after your mess, you know."

Red Sparrow paused a second and said.

"I will keep that in mind."

Chen Fan turned his head around and looked to the east where Zhong Hai was.

Ever since his rebirth, he had passed through Zhong Hai a couple of times but never got the chance to soak in its gleaming modernity and prosperity.

Meanwhile...

Two go players, one old and the other young were engrossed in the brutal and intense battle on the go game board. The black stones and the white stones interlocked with each other like two mighty dragons of Yin and Yang.

"Grandpa Hua still has it! I really can't do anything to win this."

In the end, the young man conceded defeat. The old man cracked a smile which was hidden under his long white beard and said: "You are doing pretty good for a thirty year old. I am proud of you!"

The old man exclaimed approvingly. However, there was a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 465: A Hundred Year Old Secret

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Mount Bajin was surrounded by slow-flowing creeks, pavilions with elegant up-turning rooflines and it was a popular resort in and around Zhong Hai. Particularly during summer when the hills provided shelter from the blistering sun.

To be able to build a mansion on top of a popular tourist attraction shows the immense influence and power of the owner.

The senior citizens of Zhong Hai knew that the mansion belonged to the Hua Family, an ancient family that presided over Zhong Hai for over a few hundred years.

"Hidden Dragon Villa."

The young man rose to his feet and murmured the name of the mansion. He then asked curiously. "Grandpa, why did you name it the 'Hidden Dragon?' Is there really a dragon hidden somewhere in the mountain and is biding its time to soar up into the sky again?"

The Old man was clearing the stones on the board when he heard the question. His hand shivered a little but then he quickly plastered on a smile and said: "It's just a name, doesn't mean anything. Come on, let's have another round. I rarely meet any worthy opponents like you."

The young man cracked a smile and picked up a stone and set it on the empty board.

Standing beside the table was a docile looking woman in her early thirties with sublime beauty.

Age had been kind to the woman and left no signs on her face. She was wearing a black Qipao dress which accentuated her curvy body. On her wrist, she wore a Dzi bracelet that contrasted against her pale and porcelain-like skin. Her hands moved about gracefully while holding a teapot, guiding its contents precisely the way she intended with a striking economy of motions. Any tea making masters would be impressed by her elegant and succinct method.

"Auntie Qin's tea preparation skills are beyond words! I don't even think the tea ceremony masters could have done any better."

The young man took a sip from his cup and was very impressed.

"Pojun, if you like it, feel free to come more often. Auntie will make more for you."

Although the woman looked not that much older than the young man, she was old enough to call herself "Auntie." She replied to the young man with a warm and cordial smile.

If anyone from Zhong Hai saw the exchange between the young man and the women, they would be shocked beyond belief. The woman was the Queen of Zhong Hai's underground world, Cheng Danqin, and she was well known for her constant cold and severe expression which matched her ruthlessness.

"Looking across your generation, you and the little girl from the Ye family are two of the most outstanding members. While The generation came before you were dominated by Lei Qianjue, Azure dragon, Ye Nantian, and Danqin."

The old man commented.

Most martial artists if they heard the remark would disagree with listing the woman with mighty figures such as Lei Qianjue, Azure dragon, and Ye Nantian? Based on her looks, she was no more than thirty years old and would have barely reached the phenomenal success of Internal Force cultivation.

However, the young man nodded in agreement.

"Lei Qianjue endured ten years of loneliness and frigid temperature to create the art of Thousand Trickeries. Azure dragon could have bought down a nation with one sweep of a sword. Ye Nantian had devoted every second of his life to Cultivation and was on the cusp of reaching Immortal State. While I am just an ordinary woman, why do you compare me with those three?"

Cheng Danqin cracked an alluring smile.

"Haha, Auntie Qin, you are too humble! Even my family lord commented on how impressed he was by your abilities. My family lord was convinced that among the four of you, you will be the first one to enter the Immortal State."

The young man said with a broad smile.

"Oh? Even Lord Shuming has taken notice of me? What an honor."

Even the old man was taken aback by the young man's revelation.

"But I think one thing that Grandpa Hua has gotten wrong. The most outstanding member of my generation is neither me nor that girl from the Ye Family."

Lin Pojun put down a stone and said.

"Then who would it be?" The old man asked as he furrowed his brows.

"That will have to be the Curmudgeon Chen who just made it to the reopened Divine Roll." Lin Pojun answered with a smile. However, there was a strange light burning somewhere deep in his eyes.

"I mean Chen Beixuan!"

The name had made both the Old man and Cheng Danqin grow silent.

After a while, the old man shook his head and lamented.

"I am getting old and forget the fact that Chen Beixuan was only twenty years old. Many people had suspected if he was a reincarnation of an ancient Curmudgeon or Immortal deity. '

"I suspect that myself as well. Chen Beixuan's abilities are... inconceivable. Plus, no one knows who his teacher is. He might as well be a reincarnation of a powerful deity."

Cheng Danqin agreed.

"Of all the Immortal State Warriors, I can't find a single one whose abilities even comes close to Chen Beixuan. That being said, I wager that it would take him at least ten more years to be a concern for my family chief."

Lin Pojun said dismissively as he shook his head.

A hundred years ago, China had Lord Shuming, fifty years ago, we had General Ye and now we have Chen Beixuan. I wonder if it is a curse or a blessing."

The old man lamented.

The mentioning of General Ye made Lin Pojun tighten his face and snorted. He looked into the old man's eyes and asked: "Grandpa, have you forgotten what the Ye family did to the Green Gang? Have you forgotten the life that was lost?"

"Pada!"

A go-stone slipped in between the old man's fingers and fell onto the board.

The old man was stunned by the comment for a long moment. After a while, he gathered himself and picked up the stone and said: "It's not a matter if I remember it or not."

"A hundred years ago, the Green Gang, Hong Sect and Dragon Hall were the three top underground organizations in China. The Green Gang was so influential that it controlled nearly half of China. It had so many heroic leaders, such as Huang Jinrong, Du Yuesheng, Zhang Xiaolin who could directly flaunt the rule of the government. However, even those leaders would have shown great respect for you."

Lin Pojun rose to his feet and paced a few steps in the room as he continued.

"The Green Gang was under the direct control of the Hua Family. At that time, the Hua Family might as well be the most powerful family in China. But what about now? The Green Gang is history, it's leaders dead. Even the mighty Hua Family was confined to Zhong Hai and had to obey the orders from Kunlun."

"Do you really not care about such injustice?"

Lin Pojun exclaimed, his eyes locked onto the old man.

The old man closed his eyes slowly and kept his silence. His face twitched a little from time to time as he tried to calm the roiling emotions inside of him.

This old man was none other than the former lord of the Hua Family. He ranked number four on the Heaven roll and had presided over Zhong Hai for more than ten years. His name was Hua Yunfeng.

"What does it matter? Times have changed and the Green Gang was no more. If I dare to defy orders, I will be the next Dragon Hall or Hong Sect."

Hua Yunfeng finally opened his eyes again and said stoically.

"Yes, the Green Gang was destroyed, but the Hong Sect is still around, and so are the Square Tower and the Lin Family, and so are you! You have made tremendous progress in your cultivation during the last ten years, I doubt that even the number one fighter on the Dark Roll is your worthy opponent. You should join forces with us, fight back against Kunlun and avenge the downfall of the Green Gang."

Lin Pojun announced proudly.

"That's impossible." Hua Yunfeng refused directly.

"You are too young to understand how terrible that man is. The Hong Sect, Green Gang and Dragon Hall couldn't defend against him even when they had the money and the manpower, what could we achieve now?"

"Don't forget what happened to all of us: Green Gang was destroyed, Hong Sect and Dragon Hall were kicked out of China. Square Tower had to run away and lick his wound in Taiwan."

"He had dominated China sixty years ago, and only God knows how powerful he had gotten in the last sixty years. Plus, China is no longer the sick man of Asia, it also wields tremendous power."

Hua Yunfeng heaved a sigh and said.

Suddenly, a silence fell over the room.

After a while, Lin Pojun said: "What if I tell you that my Family Chief decided to get involved this time."

"What?"

Hua Yunfeng's eyes were lit up by surprise and excitement.

"My Ancestral Chief, Lord Shuming simply decided to take a step back during that last confrontation with the government, but we are by no means defeated by THAT man! In the last sixty years, the Ye family and Kunlun had been stepping on our toes, forcing my Ancestral Chief to intervene."

"My Ancestral Chief already rallied some of his old friends to his side and was ready to strike out again. But I don't think the Ye family would have the guts to confront us this time."

Hua Yunfeng gasped after he heard the revelation.

He had seen nations rise and fall and knew how devastating the impending combat would be. He had already seen it once sixty years ago. All the Immortal State Warriors had taken part in that war and the outcome had dictated the course of which China was on for the next fifty years.

"Things will be different if Lord Shuming is willing to help out." Hua Yunfeng nodded and said. "Is that what brings you here today?"

"Lin Family has lived in seclusion for sixty years, and it's about time for us to claim what was ours. I am here to ask for your allegiance to us."

Lin Pojun announced proudly.

The old man grew quiet for a moment as he considered the offer. After a while, he nodded and said. "Lord Shuming was my family's savior, so you shall have my sword!"

"Very well. With you on our side, we should already have half of the Chinese Underground World under our control. The next move is to pay the Ye family a visit."

Lin Pojun said with a broad smile.

"Puojiun, haven't you forgotten Chen Beixuan? He is going to be the biggest uncertainty in the future. Which side will he be on?" Hua Yunfeng furrowed his brows and asked.

"It doesn't matter which side he chooses. He is alone, and would be no match against our joined force." Lin Pojun said with a smirk. "The Lin Family's power is well beyond his wildest imagination."

After he had said that, he bid farewell to Hua Yunfeng and started off.

Hua Yunfeng saw him to the door and watched as Lin Pojun disappeared into the distance. There was a hint of concern and worry on his face.

Cheng Danqin furrowed her brows, and also looked troubled

After Lin Pojun got into the car, his confident smile disappeared immediately. He ordered the driver.

"Take me to the Ji Family."

"Yes, Young Lord. "The driver answered. He was a lean and muscular man with an even voice. It was evident that he was a deadly warrior. However, he didn't seem discontent with his insignificant role as the driver.

The black vehicle slunk out of the shadow under Mount Bajin and headed toward the city like a phantom.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 466: Young Master

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Once Lin Pojun's car was gone, Cheng Danqin finally spoke again. "Teacher, based on the reports I got, Lin Pojun has been living at the Ji Family's residence, and it is obvious whose side he is on."

Hua Family had presided over Zhong Hai for decades, and it wasn't very difficult for them to get any information they wanted.

"I have expected that much. One of Ji Family's most outstanding members works in Southeastern China, and of course, they have a strong tie with the Lin Family."

Hua Yunfeng said calmly.

He was nearly a hundred years old, and despite the shocked mask he had donned, he remained unflappable deep down.

"Teacher, are we really going to let Lin Family take over Zhong Hai?" Cheng Danqin asked in confusion.

"Yes, so what?" Hua Yunfeng let out a peal of laughter.

"As Martial Artists, the foundation of our power is personal strength. What does Zhong Hai mean to me once I have reached Immortal State? Don't you remember the Founder of the Hong Sect who had created such an empire from nothing? Dragon Hall, for example, had contributed to the creation of a nation. I, too, had achieved greatness before, it was a much more exciting and meaningful life than hiding under a rock here in Zhong Hai."

Hua Yunfeng said proudly.

This Grandmasters in China have risen to fame for decades. He had withstood challenges from many generations and still held his position firmly. So far, no one knew exactly how powerful he was.

"Teacher, you are only a half-step away from Immortal State. I believe you will soon reach the final stage and restore the Hua Family's former glory."

Cheng Danqin said respectfully.

She had been cultivating under the old man's guidance for over a decade now and knew Hua Yunfeng's unimaginable power first hand. Forty years ago, before Ye Nantian was even born, Hua Yunfeng had already reached the transcendent state. It was hard to imagine how powerful he had gotten in the forty years.

"It's more difficult than you think."

Hua Yunfeng shook his head

"I have reached the bottleneck thirty years ago, and in the thirty years, I have gained no progress whatsoever. I know that my power must be on par with the top three fighters on the Dark Roll, but try as I may, I could not reach the final stage."

"If it was really that simple, Chen Beixuan wouldn't be the only person who had made it in fifty years. Fanqin, your cultivation has been smooth sailing so far because of your extraordinary inborn talent, therefore, you might easily underestimate the difficulties while cultivating at my level. It required more than just talent, but also perseverance, patience, wisdom, and luck."

The old man preached.

"Yes, teacher, I will remember that."

Cheng Danqin replied respectfully with a bow. Then she asked in confusion.

"Teacher, why did Lin Pojun help the Ji Family even after knowing that by doing so, they would bring Chen Beixuan's wrath? Don't they know how ruthless Chen Beixuan is?"

"The Lin Family used to be the most powerful family in China and they must have their reasons. The Ancestral Patriarch of the Lin family was one of the most powerful even amongst the Immortal State warriors. Plus, the Lin Family was well known for deception and ruses, so I don't think Lin Pojun has been entirely forthcoming with me."

Hua Yunfeng waved a hand and said conclusively.

"Right."

Cheng Danqin nodded.

Even as a dark undercurrent became restless and clouds gathered in Zhong Hai, Chen Fan had decided to spend some quality time with his girlfriend. Fortunately for him, Fang Qiong was not a clingy girl since she had been used to living independently by herself.

"Once I have dealt with the Su Family and the Wei family, I can finally leave Jiang Nan Province and travel around China."

"I will search for any Grotto-heaven where Spirit Qi is abundant. I will also stop by Lin City, Hong Kong, Medicine God Valley Sect and Zhong Zhou and pay a visit to my disciples such as A'Xiu. Maybe I will visit Xu Rongfei as well since her dad had just passed away."

Chen Fan thought to himself while the red Ferrari drove toward Zhong Hai.

This Ferrari was given to Chen Fan by the Ren Family. He gave the car to Yukishiro Sa as a gift. There and then, Chen Fan was sitting in the passenger seat of a fancy sports car with an even fancier driver beside him; he was living in the dream of many men in this world.

"Master, are we heading to the Ji Family of Zhong Hai?"

Yukishiro Sa asked.

"No, let's go to the Jin Xiu Group first. I haven't said hi to my mother and sister yet ever since I finished my seclusion cultivation."

Chen Fan asked lazily.

The Ji Family was not his top priority by a long shot.

Red Sparrow had reminded him to refrain from using conspicuous arts such as Flying sword, he had other deadly spells up his sleeves, such as the Curse Sorcery. Chen Fan was confident that once the Ji Family had heard that the had arrived Zhong Hai, they would rush to him to apologize in person.

"Yes.."

Yukishiro Sa answered and revved up the engine, speeding up to 200 kilometers per hour.

Zhong Hai was an international hub for commerce and had a population of over twenty million. It's sprawling landscape took up an area a few times larger than the size of Jin City. Although it wasn't the first time Chen Fan arrived at Zhong Hai, he had never got to see the city so up close.

"Incredible. I feel like I am in Tokyo."

Yukishiro Sa looked around and exclaimed.

"Give it another ten years, it will even surpass Tokyo. "

Chen Fan cracked a smile.

In his past life, he had seen a city that covered the entire planet, a true engineering marvel. Therefore, he was unaffected by Zhong Hai's size and development.

They drove for another hour and finally reached the headquarters for Jin Xiu Group.

As one of the biggest real estate companies, the Jin Xiu Group had purchased land and built a high rise office building called Jin Xiu Plaza. Chen Fan tutted as soon as he got out of the car and saw the towering building.

"It seems like my mother is doing pretty well in Zhong Hai. Such a building would have cost at least a billion."

"Why of course! Only the Jin Xiu Group could have pulled it off. We are standing at the most central part of the city and the land around us is the best property in the entire city. It will take more than just money to acquire any land here."

A Maserati pulled over and a tall and courteous young man got out of the car.

"Oh? You seem to know a lot about the Jin Xiu Group."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow and shot a glance at the young man.

"My company dealt with the Jin Xiu Group quite often, and I am a frequent visitor to Boss Wang and Assistant An."

The young man smiled faintly as a hint of pride flickered in his eyes.

He wagered that Chen Fan was not from the city and therefore had failed to recognize him as the Young Lord Feng: the heir to the richest man in Zhong Hai.

Even as Young Lord Feng spoke, he looked around at Yukishiro Sa, soaking in her extraordinary beauty. Meanwhile, he lamented that a fine lady was wasted on someone as ordinary as Chen Fan.

It's a crime!

However, Young Lord Feng had kept his thoughts to himself and walked into the building with the other two.

Chen Fan was greeted by a huge receptionist desk where a row of nearly half a dozen receptionist sat behind. One of them gave Chen Fan a warm and professional smile, and asked: "Who are you looking for?"

"I want to see your boss and An Ya." Chen Fan said.

"I am sorry, sir, they don't meet anyone without an appointment." The girl smiled back at Chen Fan apologetically.

Young Lord Feng let out a smirk and patted Chen Fan's shoulder.

"My friend, I know why you are here: you are here to woo Assistant An. You are not the only one, far from it. If you line up all the young men who dreamed of Assistant An's hand, the line is going to go all the way to Jiang Nan Province."

With the retreat of the Tang Family, Nin Family and the Ji Family, the Jin Xiu Group had quickly risen to fame. Even without the newfound fame as the Assistant to Wang Xiaoyun, An Ya's life was already plagued by unwanted attention from the excessive amount of admirers.

After taking a jab at Chen Fan, the young man straightened his collar and looked at the elevator.

"Ding!"

The elevator door opened and a middle-aged manager emerged from within. He almost scurried across the hall and came up to the young man, heaping smiles on his face." Young Lord Feng, you have finally arrived. Please, let's talk in my office."

"Nice day, Managing Director He."

"Good morning, Managing Director He."

The receptionists rose to their feet and bowed slightly to the middle-aged man as they greeted him.

It occurred to Chen Fan that this middle-aged man was a Managing Director at the Jin Xiu Group.

"Managing Director He, is Assistant An available today? I have some matters to discuss with her."

Young Lord Feng put on a smile and gave Chen Fan a surreptitious glance as he gloated at him.

"Stupid outsider, who would drive such a gaudy Ferrari as a pick-up line? It takes more than just wealth to unlock the door to Assistant An's office."

"Umm... Young Lord Feng... you know as well as I do that Assistant An is busy and has to see many guests and clients every day. But since you have already made your way here, I will make sure you get to see her. You might have to wait a little bit though."

Managing Director He pounded his chest and announced confidently.

He was the Managing Director of the Administrative Department and was in charge of scheduling all the appointments for Wang Xiaoyun and An Ya. Therefore, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to accommodate a brief meeting by changing things around the existing schedule.

"Very well."

Young Lord Feng adjusted his collar again and followed the Managing Director to the elevator. He barely spared Chen Fan a glance.

A few receptionists murmured to each other.

"So that's Young Lord Feng?"

"I heard that his father is the owner of the Bao Long Group, Feng Zhengcai. He is one of the richest men in Zhong Hai."

"Stop ogling him. He is after Assistant An. You don't have a chance."

Young Lord Feng had overheard the girl's conversation. Despite his effort to pretend that he didn't hear anything, he couldn't hide the pride on his face.

Even as he was about to step into the elevator, the other elevator arrived at their floor with a loud dinging. Young Lord Feng noticed that the other elevator had golden trims around its door frame, it was clearly reserved for someone important to use.

"Who is this?"

Young Lord Feng was taken aback and looked at Managing Director He.

Managing Director he was also caught by surprise. "This is our boss's private elevator. Maybe Assistant An or Boss Wang has come down here? No... no. Boss was just having a meeting with the board of directors. Assistant An should be right next to her as well."

Even as the middle-aged man wondered who the person was inside the elevator, Chen Fan cracked a smile and walked closer to the elevator.

"Ding!"

The elevator dinged again and opened its door. Revealing two gorgeous looking women inside.

"Good day Boss Wang and good day to you, Assistant An."

Managing Director He bowed deeply and greeted them.

The sight of the two women startled the receptionists, they scarcely dared to breathe.

"Miss An Ya, I am Feng—"

Even as Young Lord Feng greeted An Ya with a smile that he had practiced to perfection, he watched as his dream girl threw herself into the arms of the young man.

Then they heard the young man call out to Wang Xiaoyun: "Mom!"

What?

Managing Director He was so shocked by the turn of events, that he nearly collapsed onto the ground.

He... he is the Young Lord Chen?

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 467: The Board Meeting

Wang Xiaoyun's son had been a mystery for many people.

Wang Xiaoyun had come to Zhong Hai with only her daughter, An Ya and founded the Jin Xiu Group.

By now, the Jin Xiu Group was the top three biggest real estate firms in Zhong Hai, and Wang Xiaoyun had also made it to the top ten rich list of Zhong Hai. She was also lauded as the richest woman in Zhong Hai.

Seeing that the enormous wealth of Jin Xiu Group was safeguarded by only two women, many people had secretly vied for a piece of the pie. However, the Jin Xiu Group had stood firm and remained undefeated during many bouts of aggression. The closest the Jin Xiu Group had come to collapsing was a year ago when it was attacked by the alliance of Ji Family, Tang Family, and the Nin Family.

However, even as the managers of the Jin Xiu Group were considering abandoning ship, things started to turn around and they eventually defeated the Tang Family and the Nin Family.

The Tang Family Lord even arrived at Wang Xiaoyun's office and bowed deeply to her to apologize. It had been sensational news among the business circle in Zhong Hai.

Although many had guessed who Jin Xiu Group's benefactor was, none had suspected Chen Fan. Most people stopped guessing once they knew the Jin Xiu Group was under the protection of the Chinese Military.

"So our boss does have a son. I had always thought that she only has a daughter."

"Humph! Our Boss's husband's last name is Chen. An Ya is clearly not her biological daughter."

"So this young man is the only rightful heir of the company."

Many people murmured to each other as they passed through the hall.

Young Lord Feng's perfect smile curdled on his face. He glared at Chen Fan enviously.

"Boss, Assistant An, and Young Lord Chen let's move to the office. It's too loud out here." Managing Director He wiped away the sweat on his forehead as he scurried toward Chen Fan. He had already forgotten about Young Lord Feng.

"Very well."

Wang Xiaoyun turned around and ordered: "Xiao He, push everything aside for me. I don't want to see anyone today."

"Yes, yes, boss."

Managing director He replied as he shot Chen Fan a surprised glance.

He had never seen Wang Xiaoyun taking a day off of work. The fact that she should put aside her busy schedule and spend a whole day with her son spoke loudly about how much she cared about her son.

"So it seems that our young lord is very close to Boss Wang's heart... I hope he won't take offense to my cold shoulder."

Managing Director He thought to himself as cold sweat slid down his back.

The group entered the elevator which would take them directly to a boardroom, leaving Young Lord Feng standing alone in the foyer with a green face and a pair of eyes that were so angry that they seemed to spit fire.

Meanwhile, the managers and board of directors had been losing their patience while waiting for Wang Xiaoyun to return.

"What kind of emergency would have made our boss halt the meeting and rush down there?"

"Must be some big wig from the government visiting us. Even Assistant An had gone with her."

"Hehe, only the leader of Zhong Hai could have stirred up our boss."

Even as everyone murmured to each other in confusion, the door swung open as Wang Xiaoyun and An Ya returned with a young boy in tow.

The young man looked barely twenty and had a clean-shaven face. The casual outfit he was wearing made him look like a bumbling freshman in college. However, the smile hangs on Wang Xiaoyun and An Ya's face seemed to suggest that they both cared about this young man greatly.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce. This is my son, Chen Fan."

Wang Xiaoyun walked over to the head of the table and announced.

"Hi everyone, my name is Chen Fan."

Chen Fan nodded. Then he walked over to the sofa and sat down with Yukishiro Sa. Meanwhile, he tugged at An Ya's arm, willing her to sit with him. An Ya cast a glance at Wang Xiaoyun, seeking her approval. After Wang Xiaoyun had nodded back at her, she sat down beside Chen Fan.

"Humph!!"

Chen Fan's casualness and levity came off as spoiled behavior to many members of the board.

"No wonder Boss Wang waited so long to introduce her son to us. He is foppish and vain and lacked even the most basic respect for others. 'La-di-da, look at all the pretty girls around me.' Humph! Does he think that he is at a KTV?"

Some senior members of the board complained in their minds.

The others also shook their heads disapprovingly.

"Boss Wang's Husband is from the Chen family's Jin City who recently rose to power and became the most influential clan in Jin City. So he must have been spoiled by his parents and was used to frivolous pursuits. The Jin Xiu Group will be doomed if Wang Xiaoyun hands it over to him."

These managers and board members were elites of the financial world in Zhong Hai. They were used to having eager minds from the Ivy League at their beck and call, and to brush shoulders with successful young entrepreneurs, therefore, they had no respect for Chen Fan's indolence.

"Very well, let's continue. The third phase of the second ring road project has been delayed for a few months now, we need to get it back online and try to finish it before the national holiday starts."

Wang Xiaoyun sat down and regained the imposing demeanor as she talked to the board members.

Everyone quickly pulled their attention from Chen Fan back to the meeting and listened to Wang Xiaoyun's instruction attentively.

"Boss Wang, I have something to report to you." A manager rose to his feet and said: "We are all eager to go back to work on the ring road, but the local government still needs to finish their inspection. Before they have done that, we are not allowed to start the project."

"Indeed, Boss Wang. The local government at the Eastern District has been trying all they could to slow down our construction process. Someone told me that the local government was under the Ji Family's influence."

Another board member put in.

"The Ji Family?"

Wang Xiaoyun furrowed her brows

The Ji Family had been interfering with Jin Xiu Group's projects, causing many mishaps in contracting processes for the Jin Xiu Group. When things were at its worst, the city had shut down many Jin Xiu Group's construction sites for unnecessary inspections, many contractors had bailed out of their agreements with Jin Xiu Group, and several banks decided to pull out of their investment with the Jin Xiu Group's projects. The future of Jin Xiu Group at that moment was hanging by a thread.

Things didn't start to improve until three months ago when the Tang Family and the Nin Family suddenly became quiet. However, the Ji Family was still on Jin Xiu Group's back and wouldn't give up.

"Boss Wang, why don't we just offer an apology to Lord Ji? The struggle between you and Lord Ji has been going on for over a year now, it's about time to bring it to an end. If we apologize first, they might forgive us and stop pushing us around." A manager said cautiously.

"Just So, Boss Wang, the Ji Family was one of the most powerful family clans in Zhong Hai, are you sure it's a good idea to be on their bad side while we are on their turf?"

The other members of the board chimed in.

They had their skin in the money game and didn't want to get involved in bloody feuds between larger family clans.

"Er..."

Even as Wang Xiaoyun weighed her options, a voice came up: "The Ji Family is courting death. Be rest assured mom, I will take care of the Ji Family."

Everyone turned around toward the speaker and saw Chen Fan lolled on the sofa and said with a great measure of levity.

"Do you really think that you, a good-for-nothing brat could handle the Ji Family of Zhong Hai, Tough guy?" Many managers and board members scorned Chen Fan in their minds.

However, they kept their remarks to themselves for the sake of Wang Xiaoyun.

The board members looked back at Wang Xiaoyun and expected to see Wang Xiaoyun raining her wrath down onto the boy.

However, to their surprise, Wang Xiaoyun nodded and said: "Very well, handle the Ji Family for me, I will add two more stir-fries for tonight's dinner. Remember, we just need to remind them, no one has to be hurt too badly."

"What?"

The board members were shocked by the turn of events and felt someone had pulled the rug from under them.

Did I hear that right? Wang Xiaoyun was going to let her less than twenty year old boy "take care" of the Ji Family of Zhong Hai? Not even the most powerful benefactor of the Chen family—whoever he was—could have "taken care" of the Ji Family of Zhong Hai, much less a spoiled brat.

Everyone lamented as they shook their heads.

After the meeting was adjourned, Wang Xiaoyun left the room with An Ya and Chen Fan. Some board members heaved a sign and lamented.

"She had been spoiling her son for too long. She is going to regret it sooner or later."

"Indeed. Do they know who they are dealing with? It is the Ji Family of Zhong Hai! It's not playing pretend. What a joke!" A grizzled board member said with a cold voice.

A wave of dissident murmurs rose among the board members. The middle-aged man furrowed his brows and said hesitantly.

"I have heard rumors about Boss Wang's son. They call him Master Chen and he had risen to fame in Jiang Nan Province after slaughtering a slew of enemies. It wasn't until he was allegedly dead that The Tang Family and the Ji Family renewed their aggression against the Chen family. But as soon as he was back, we saw the Tang Family and the Nin Family coming to apologize to us right away, so I think—"

"Lao Hong! Stop spreading those rumors. Rumor also says that the Chen family has a less than twenty year old general. Do you really believe in this garbage? There is not a single general in China who is under forty!"

Another board member guffawed.

Everyone else at the table also laughed in reply.

There had been many speculations as to who was the Jin Xiu Group's real benefactor. However, the most widely believed theory was that it was the Wang Family of Yan Jin behind the rise of Jin Xiu Group.

Most people simply disregarded the theory that revolved around her son being a Master martial Artist or a general.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoyun led An Ya, Chen Fan and Yukishiro Sa to one of the best five-star hotels in the city and they headed directly to the restaurant.

"Are you really here to deal with the Ji Family?"

Wang Xiaoyun got to the point.

"Yes, and no. I will be away and traveling for six months, so I decided to stop by and check up on you two."

Chen Fan answered with a warm smile.

Once they reached the top floor where the restaurant was, they were greeted by a row of black-clad bodyguards. The manager of the restaurant was also standing at the entrance, apologizing to Wang Xiaoyan. "I am so sorry, Boss Wang. Another guest had reserved the entire venue today. Would you like a VIP section?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 468: The Real Young Master

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Reserved?"

Wang Xiaoyun furrowed her brows and landed her piercing gaze on the manager. "My secretary called you half an hour ago and you didn't say anything. You can't just lie to my face. Where is the owner?"

The hotel manager suddenly felt enormous pressure on him.

Wang Xiaoyun ran a multi-trillion yuan company and one decision of hers would affect the livelihood of hundreds if not thousands of employees, over time, she had gained an intimidating mannerism which she wasn't afraid to flaunt in other's faces when necessary.

"Boss Wang, please, I can explain! That guest is my boss's friend, so we can't really refuse him either..."

The hotel manager tried to explain, but Wang Xiaoyun wasn't budging.

She might have been more forgiving on any other day, but not today. Today, she finally got a chance to spend some quality time with her son, so she was not going to let other people ruin it.

"Ah-ha, that's Auntie Wang! I was starting to wonder who would have the guts to shout at my bodyguards." A giddy voice came up from within the restaurant.

Chen Fan watched as a finally dressed thin young man emerged out of the entrance.

"It's you, Yichen."

Wang Xiaoyun furrowed her brows after she recognized the young man. He was the child of a retired senior officer in Zhong Hai, a good friend of the Ji Family and a reputable heir in Zhong Hai.

"Auntie Wang, I apologize. I have a few guests come to visit me from Lin Nan Province."

Yichen apologized insincerely and perfunctorily.

A flicker of displeasure flashed in Wang Xiaoyun's eyes. Before she could fling back at the man, a rowdy voice came up from inside. "Yichen! Is that the Queen of the Zhong Hai? Tsk, tsk... what a fine lady with curves and all!"

There was a large group of handsome young men and women sitting in the dining hall behind Yichen. One of the young men gawked at Wang Xiaoyun and shouted.

Before the young man's words had faded, Chen Fan's face darkened and was ready to lash out.

"Courting Death!"

Yukishiro Sa was one step ahead of Chen Fan and darted forth, turning into a flash of white light. When she reappeared right in front of the young man, she slapped him hard on his face.

By now, she had already reached the peak level of Internal Force cultivation and therefore, her attack had sent the young man flying in the air for a few dozen meters before he thudded heavily back to the ground.

"Asshole, how dare you hit Young Lord Qiu!"

"You are courting death! Do you have any idea who Young Lord Qiu is?"

"Guards? Where are the guards?"

The turn of events startled the group of young men and women. They pointed their fingers at Chen Fan as black-clad bodyguards rushed into the room.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

Yukishiro Sa danced elegantly around the bodyguards like a butterfly, and a great economy of movement, she had laid low all the bodyguards in half a heartbeat. She didn't hold back her strength and broke bones in each and every bodyguard's body.

By now, it finally occurred to the young lords from Lin Nan that Chen Fan and his companions were much tougher nuts to crack.

As silence fell over the room, everyone turned to Yichen, their host.

"Auntie Wang, what is the meaning of this?"

Yichen glanced at Yukishiro Sa fearfully and then shifted his gaze back at Wang Xiaoyun.

"Get out of my face."

Wang Xiaoyun narrowed her eyes and hissed at the young man.

By then, Wang Xiaoyun had gotten powerful enough to outright ignore insignificant trouble makers such as Yichen. Even Yichen's grandpa had to think twice before making a move against Wang Xiaoyun, much less his spoiled grandson.

"You!"

Yichen's face was flushed red like a cooked shrimp as his temper flared. However, the sight of Yukishiro Sa staring down at him had made him think better of her actions. He managed to swallow down the humiliation and let out an old smile: "Very well, Wang Xiaoyun. I will make you pay for this one day!"

After he had said that, he left the room with his group of friends in tow.

Once Yichen was finally gone, Wang Xiaoyun shook her head and said: "I didn't mean to be so angry and mean to them. But they are going to ruin my day with my son. I can't let them do that!"

"Bravo, mom!"

Chen Fan cracked a smile.

The restaurant owner also finally arrived with an apologetic smile. "Boss Wang, that group of kids are from powerful families in Lin Nan province. The one that got knocked out was called Young Lord Qiu and his father is a general stationed at the Lin Nan province. I hope they wouldn't —"

"Doesn't matter"

Chen Fan waved a hand.

If not because Yukishiro Sa had punished them for him, some of those teenagers' heads would have already been rolling. Chen Fan wouldn't care a tad bit about who his father was. That being said, Chen Fan had marked those young men and women with his Divine Sense: a dessert for later perhaps.

While Chen Fan sat down in the dining room, Yichen and his cohort filed out of the hotel.

Yichen scanned his friends and asked: "Is Young Lord Qiu alright?"

"He is fine, but his face is all swollen. That bitch might have fractured his cheekbone." One of the young men put in indignantly.

"Humph! If we were in Lin Nan, I would skin them alive for what they have done!"

A scantily-clad girl fumed with a grin.

"Don't be a hothead! We came with our young master on a mission. We can't spoil our young master's plan because of a frivolous brawl."

"Just so! Brother Puojiun wanted us to spread the influence of the Hidden Dragon Unit to Zhong Hai and Jiang Nan Province. However, I doubt Brother Puojiun would leave Old Qiu's injury unavenged. Once Brother Puojiun gets the time and energy to deal with that woman, she will be dead meat!" the leader of the group said.

The other group members nodded in agreement.

Yichen listened as great trepidation rose inside of him.

This group of young men and women were from families no less influential than his.

However, they spoke of the name of their Young Master with such devotion that it verged on religious zeal.

"He is the Lin Pojun of the Lin Family. No wonder my old man told me to butter him up and called him the most outstanding young man in the world."

Yichen lowered his head and exclaimed in his mind.

Once lunch was over, An Ya gave Chen Fan and Yukishiro Sa a tour of the city and hit pretty much all tourist attractions.

"Zhong Hai really lives up to its reputation as an international hub. I can see why the family that could claim dominance in this metropolis is so much more powerful than those of the Ji Family of Zhong Hai. I think I might have underestimated the Ji Family."

If Chen Fan was a little bit concerned, he didn't show it on his face.

However powerful the Ji Family was, it would be a far cry from the might of Russia. Chen Fan was confident that he could bring them down with one slash of his blade.

"Xiao Fan, mom just called me and told me that she wouldn't join us for dinner. She also said the Hua Family had invited us to a banquet at Mount Bajin."

An Ya hung up the phone and said.

"The Hua Family where Hua Yunfeng was from? Fine, but we are not in a hurry, let's finish these street snacks first."

Chen Fan said lightly.

An Ya shook her head and followed Chen Fan with a wry smile.

When the dusk finally broke the night fell, Zhong Hai came alive with incandescent street lights and colorful neon lights.

Meanwhile, the Hua Family's mansion at the top of Mount Bajin was filled to the brim with actions. More People flowed into the mansion than there had ever been over the last decade.

"Hey, Boss Li, nice to see you here!"

"It's an invitation from the Hua Family, I have to make it. Do I look like I want to be thrown into the river by that evil witch?"

"Haha, Boss Li, quit pulling my leg. But you are right, it had been a while since the last time Hua Family had such a big banquet. I think the very last time I can remember was when their fourth-generation heir was born. "

Many guests murmured to each other as they walked past the entrance.

Hua Family of Zhong Hai could trace their history all the way to the era of the Green Gang a hundred years ago. The current family lord, Hua Qinxiong was a renowned tycoon in Zhong Hai and had over a billion yuan at his disposal. The so-called Queen of the Underground World was also from the Hua Family and her name was Cheng Danqin.

That being said, the most revered figurehead of the family was Old Man Hua who had lived over a hundred years.

Hua Yunfeng!

He was the son of the Green Gang's leader, a Martial arts Grandmaster and ranked number four on the Heaven roll.

Ever since Hua Yunfeng presided over Zhong Hai, he had protected the city from many invasions. He was revered by many as the guardian of Zhong Hai.

Once the guests were seated, they raised their cups a few times and then started to murmur to each other.

"Boss Li, have you heard the purpose of this banquet?"

"I am not entirely sure. But I wager it must have something to do with that group from Lin Nan province. Someone big, like really big has arrived at Zhonghai, and even the Hua Family had rolled out the red carpet for him."

"No way! The Hua Family of Zhong Hai was one of the most powerful family clans in China. Only those top dogs from Yan Jin might be worthy of such treatment. Who was that?"

"No clue! But I heard people calling him... "Young Master" or some sort."

The name "Young Master" had caught many people's attention as it reminded them of the rumors they have heard that originated from Southern China.

"Do you mean the Young Master from Southeastern China? I have heard of him before. He was a popular figure among both the government officials as well as underground world criminals. He won over the young elites in Southeastern China and had formed a gang called Hidden Dragon Unit. Most of its members were from elite families, some of them were heads of the local districts."

Someone put in.

"That has to be him."

"He is from a mysterious family clan that was not only terrifyingly powerful but also extremely low key. Their influence could even be felt in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Some people told me that his family used to be the number one family clan in China."

Someone else added.

These tycoons of Zhong Hai were all resourceful and well-connected businessmen.

Although the Lin family had lived in seclusion for sixty years, they didn't stop spreading their influence across Southern China as well as Southeast Asia. Over the years, the Lin Family had only revealed the tip of their glacial power, but that was enough to impress most people.

Suddenly, someone cried out: "Lord Ji, Lord Shang, Lord Tang, Lord Zhu, Lord Nin and the family lords of other dozen great families are here. Oh, wait... who is that young man walking before them?"

People looked over toward the entrance and were stunned by what they saw.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 469: Nearly Complete

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Surrounded by a large group of family lords, a young man came into the room with confident and wide strides.

The young man's dark hair fell over his shoulders, contrasted against his pale and glowing complexion. The family lords surrounded and evolved around him as planets would to the sun. The appearance of the young man had quickly outshone any other members of his generation.

"He looks so much like Chen Beixuan."

A tall and attractive girl wearing a high split ballroom dress locked her dreamy gaze onto the young man. Her hands shivered a little.

She was Ai Jinqi, the girl Chen Fan met in Japan.

It had only been a year since her trip to Japan, but her appearance had matured significantly in a good way.

"Nah! He is not even close to Chen Beixuan. Chen Beixuan didn't need such a large crowd to lend him the appearance of power, he IS the power. That young man is no match against Chen Beixuan."

After some careful comparison, Ai Jinqi shook her head and drew her conclusion.

Although that young man had only a fraction of Chen Fan's overbearing demeanor, it was enough to subjugate the minds of all the guests of the banquet.

His powerful appearance had tugged at the heartstrings of many fine ladies at the banquet, making their eyes gleam with admiration.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce." Ji Luochen took a step forward and announced: "This gentleman is Lin Pojun from the Lin family of Southeastern China."

Everyone watched as the young lord of the mighty Ji Family had introduced Lin Pojun to everyone submissively as if he was Lin Pojun's subject.

The rest of the tycoons and rich heirs at the banquet were taken aback by the development. They all shot Lin Pojun surprised and submissive glances.

"He is the so-called Young Master?"

"He is the benefactor of over a few dozen family clans in Zhong Hai? Tsk... tsk... such power!"

"I have heard of the Lin family of Southeastern China before. My grandpa told me that they used to be the most powerful family in China. Are they making a come-back now?"

Many guests murmured to each other under their breath.

Although the Lin Family had been living in seclusion for over ten years, their influences were still present. The sight of Lin Pojun and the memories of the Lin Family's ruthless methods had terrified a lot of people.

"I have heard that the Ji Family, Tang Family, and the Tang Family had messed with the wrong person in Jiang Nan Province and was on the brink of destruction. Now they have gained the support of the Lin Family, I guess the situation is going to turn around for them?"

Some elites who knew the enmity between these family clans and Chen Fan were more shocked by the appearance of Lin Pojun than those who didn't.

Ji Luochen's face beamed from side to side and looked like a completely different person than he had been three months ago.

The same went for Lord Tang and Lord Nine as they both looked confident and spirited after having secured a powerful benefactor.

"Everyone, I am here to make a proposal to form a commerce guild in Zhong Hai. Our enemies are many, and only united we are strong. By joining forces together, and fighting as one team, we will be able to take on the powerful financial threats coming from Korea, Japan and the United States of America."

Lin Pojun got to the point right away and announced confidently.

"What?"

His words had stirred up the crowd in the room.

Everyone was surprised by how quickly the confrontation had ended.

There were many Commerce Guilds in Zhong Hai, but never had there been an overarching body across all industries.

Lin Pojun was right, without joining forces, the firms in Zhong Hai would never be able to compete against powerful international corporations. Even the most powerful company in Zhong Hai has struggled to survive in the international market.

However, what would make Lin Pojun the rightful leader of such a powerful organization?

"The proposal will have to come from the richest men and women to convince us to join. You are just a young lad, and are we supposed to trust you?" Someone jeered at Lin Pojun,

"I wholeheartedly agree with Young Master Lin's suggestion." A voice came in from the entrance.

Everyone turned around and saw a stately middle-aged man with a broad smile walking into the room.

He was the richest man in Zhong Hai, Shi Hongyi!

He owned tens of billions of assets in China and was ranked top ten on the Forbes Rich List. However, such a powerful and wealthy person bowed to Lin Pojun respectfully, if not fearfully.

Many people were taken aback by the turn of the event.

"He is Shi Hongyi, the most powerful man in Zhong Hai! Why would he bow to a young man? Who the heck is Lin Pojun?"

Someone exclaimed with a trembling voice.

The others were quiet and they looked at each other with fear.

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the banquet hall, an old man was enjoying a cup of tea. A man standing beside the old man bent his back slightly and said:

"Shi Hongyi, Ji Family of Zhong Hai, Tang Family, Nin Family, and Shang family are all here. They make up one-fifth of the wealth in Zhong Hai. It's still a bit of a stretch to form a Commerce guild with less than half of the businesses in Zhong Hai, but it will have to do for now."

The man said as cunning and shrewd light shone through the thick glasses with thin golden rims.

"Xiao Cai, don't you forget about our host."

The stately old man took a sip of tea from his teacup and said lightly.

"Lord Zhou, do you mean the Hua Family also agreed to join?"

The man's face changed colors as he gasped.

Unlike the Tang Family, Nin Family or the Shang family, the Hua Family of Zhong Hai was the real force that safeguarded Zhong Hai's prosperity. The Hua Family was so powerful that even the Ji Family would pale in comparison.

If the Hua Family decided to join the guild, then Lin Pojun would have the entire Zhong Hai within his grasp.

No wonder Xiao Cai was so stunned by the revelation.

"My father used to tell me that the Ancestral Chief of the Lin Family had done a great service to the Old Man Hua, so the Old Man Hua would have to repay the Lin Family in some way. That being said, the Hua family wouldn't want to have their skin too deep in Lin Family's game either, so their involvement was more of a kind gesture than any real support."

The old man said as a flicker of concern flashed in his eyes.

The more Xiao Cai listened, the more fearful he had become.

He knew the authority and prestige Lord Zhou commanded in Zhong Hai. If even Lord Zhou couldn't deter Lin Pojun from spreading his influence, then no one in Zhong Hai could.

Once Shi Hongyi had publicly endorsed the plan, most people felt that the Commerce guild was not that much of a far stretch after all.

"Such an outstanding move! Young Master rallied Shi Hongyi to his side and gained the trust of half of the Zhong Hai's business world." Ji Luochen exclaimed, beaming from side to side.

Lin Pojun sat in his chair quietly with a faint smile. Everything was under his control.

An extraordinarily pretty girl topped up his cup with more tea. Even Ji Luochen was shocked by the girl's devastating beauty which reminded him of Su Xiao, Fang Qiong and An Ya.

"Young Master has consolidated his control in Lin Nan province, and now with the Hua Family on his side, he should easily take control of the Zhong Hai's business world. The might of the Lin Family is truly beyond ordinary people's comprehension."

Someone cracked a cold smile and said.

If Chen Fan was here, he would have recognized Lin Pojun's cronies and the spoiled brats were the same group of people.

"Once I have controlled the Hua Family of Zhong Hai, Lu family of Tian Nan and the Tang family of Jiang Nan, the entire underground world of eastern China should be within my tight grasp. I will then slowly nibble away the fragmented business leagues one after another, consolidate their power into one overarching Commerce Guild under my direct control. Once I have both the underground world and the business world at my beckoning call, I should have enough strength to take on the Ye family of Mount Yan," Lin Pojun said calmly.

The Lin Family had not only planned out this road map for Lin Pojun decades ago, but they had also taken actions to make sure their plan would come to fruition. Shi Hongyi, for example, was installed in Zhong Hai decades ago by the Lin Family; he was nothing but a pawn in the Lin Family's master plan.

However, no one knew that the planning for his moment had taken place decades ago. For most people, everything just seemed to fall into place at the perfect moment, as if by design.

Yichen was terrified by the scale of Lin Pojun ambition.

"But, Young Master... what about the Chen family of Jiang Nan Province?"

Ji Luochen asked hesitantly.

The question soured the smiles on Lord Tang and Lord Nin as well.

The Chen family was like a sharp blade hanging over their necks, constantly threatening their lives.

"Chen Beixuan is a mighty warrior, but my family also has Immortal State Cultivators to counter him. I bet Chen Beixuan would have to think twice now before harming any of you since now you are under the Lin Family's protection."

Lin Pojun said readily.

The Lin family of southeastern China used to be the most powerful family in China and, in Lin Pojun's mind, it still was. Lin Shuming had been the most powerful man in China a hundred years ago, and even the power of the Siberia werewolves was a far cry from his unimaginable abilities.

Chen Fan should have counted himself lucky for getting away with killing Lin Tatian and Lin Tashan. If he pressed any more buttons, Lin Shuming and the Ancestral Patriarch of the Hong Sect would join forces and end his life.

"Just so, just so."

Tang Family and the Nin Family members nodded in agreement. Just three months ago, they had no clue what Immortal State was, but by now, Immortal State had become public knowledge among elite families thanks to the CIA's re-publication of the Divine Roll.

As soon as they learned the terrifying power of an Immortal State Warrior, the Tang and the Nin family hurried to apologize to the Chen Family.

However, they were now under the protection of another Immortal State warrior who was supposedly even more powerful than Chen Fan.

The sight of the tycoons and family lords' ingratiating manner had taken Ai Jinqi by surprise.

"Shoot! If the Commerce Guild really comes to fruition, us small fish in the tank would be their free meals. What would happen to the Ai family?"

Ai Jinqi's mind raced.

His concern was shared by many people in the room, including Lord Zhou and Xiao Cai. Although there were a couple of other family clans in Zhong Hai that were as powerful as the Ji Family, the Hua Family's endorsement would be the final nail on the other family's coffin.

Lo and behold, the Xia, Gao and the Chu family quickly capitulated to Lin Pojun's might and signed up to the proposal of the Commerce Guild. The other influential families kept their silence, fearing to confront the Lin Family's aggression.

It was evident that everyone knew the Lin Family had an Immortal State warrior among its ranks.

Meanwhile, two leaders of the Hua Family on the top floor of the mansion, watching the development unfold.

"Teacher, I think Lin Pojun is about to get what he wanted."

Cheng Danqin said with a tightly furrowed brow.

"I would never have thought that the Lin Family could plan so far ahead of time and could be so patient."

Hua Yunfeng heaved a sigh.

The involvement of Shi Hongyi had caught him off guard.

"He really lives up to the reputation as the pride of the Lin family, a worthy heir of Lord Shuming." Even as Hua Yunfeng lamented vehemently, he caught a glimpse of three people emerging out of a Ferrari in the parking lot from the corner of his eye.

When he recognized the face of one of the visitors, his eyes lit up, body taut with excitement.

"What is he doing here?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 470: He Is Here!

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The hundred-year-old man had presided over Zhong Hai for more than a decade, and never once did Cheng Danqin see him being so shocked.

"He is here as well. I think the Lin Family played a wrong hand this time."

Before Hua Yunfeng's words faded, he unfurrowed his brows and let out a peal of laughter.

"Teacher, who is that?"

Cheng Danqin looked over the edge of the balcony and saw only the back of three visitors as they stepped through the gate. There was one man and two girls; all were young. The girl had a sword strapped on her back as if she was a swordmaster from Wu Xia novels.

"They are... trouble. Big Trouble!" Hua Yunfeng smirked. "One of them is the guy you always wanted to meet."

"You mean... HE is here?"

Cheng Danqin's face paled as a pang of shock and disbelief overtook her.

The thought of the man being only a few dozen meters away made her feel suffocated regardless of how many times she had talked about him in the past because the person on her mind was the Living Legend.

"Xiao Fan, why would Yukishiro Sa carry a sword to a banquet?"

The trio was Chen Fan, An Ya, and Yukishiro Sa. An Ya asked Chen Fan curiously as she handed over the invitation.

"I am my master's servant; the weapon is to protect the master."

Yukishiro Sa answered stoically and matter-of-fact-ly.

Both An Ya and Chen Fan were not sure what to make of the Japanese girl's seriousness.

Chen Fan was a living legend, the only member of the Divine Roll, why would he require a girl's protection? However, Chen Fan knew that carrying the sword all the time was not an entirely useless idea either since the Sword Art of Azure Flower required a strong bond between the blade and the user. What would be the best way of forging such a bond than keeping the blade close to twenty-four seven?

Under the door men's suspicious gaze, the three of them entered the banquet.

The Hua Family mansion consists of three smaller courtyards that surrounded the main one where the great hall was located. Servants bustled about, providing delicacies such as lobster and vintage wine to the guests.

Most important guests had congregated inside the great hall while the less important ones spread throughout the entire mansion.

Most of those outside of the great hall were families and friends of the ones inside. They were rich heirs, often spoiled and care-free gadabouts, who care little to none about politics.

"Uh? Isn't that An Ya from the Jin Xiu Group?"

"Who is that guy beside her? They looked pretty close."

Many rich heirs of Zhong Hai murmured to each other in surprise.

An Ya's beauty was well known among the elite circle in Zhong Hai. Those who were brave enough to make a move on her all end up getting their hearts broken.

"That dude looks like the heir of the Jin Xiu Group. He is from Jiang Nan Province. Can't remember his name though. Something Chen, I believe."

Young Lord Feng had also attended the banquet. His face darkened as soon as he caught a glimpse of Chen Fan and An Ya.

Although Young Lord Feng's father was also a wealthy tycoon in Zhong Hai, his family prowess simply couldn't compare with that of the Ji Family or the Tang Family. Therefore, Young Lord Feng was not influential enough to enter the main hall and had to stay outside in the courtyard.

"He is just a country hillbilly from Jiang Nan Province, how dare he call himself the Young Master? I just can't stand his smug face."

"Just so! If the real Young Master from the Lin Family heard that he had been using the same name, he might as well be dead."

Many rich heirs jeered at Chen Fa from a distance.

Their eyes turned green with envy after seeing the two drop-dead gorgeous that flanked Chen Fan on both sides. However, they feared the might of the Jin Xiu Group, so they kept their voices low and didn't provoke Chen Fan.

Young Lord Feng suddenly remembered something, so he turned around and slinked through the crowd toward the main hall.

Chen Fan thought it was just a normal banquet, so he didn't even bother entering the main hall, and started to help himself at the BBQ stand.

"Yukishiro Sa?"

Even as Chen Fan and the girls enjoyed the tender Kobe Beef, a woman shouted out Yukishiro Sa's name in surprise.

They looked around and saw a gleeful Ai Jinqi looking back at them.

She badly needed a breath of fresh air after staying in the main hall for too long. Both the mood and the air in the main fall was stifling thanks to the Lin Family heavy-handed approach. To her surprise, she ran into some of her old acquaintances.

"But..." Ai Jinqi glared at Chen Fan in confusion. "Aren't you in Chen Beixuan's service? Who is this gentleman?"

Chen Fan had changed his appearance back to normal, so Ai Jinqi didn't recognize him.

"Oh. You are Xiao Qi, aren't you? Long time no see."

Chen Fan greeted the girl readily.

Fate had brought the girl to him five times while he was in Japan, so it was difficult for Chen Fan to forget about her.

"Are you Chen Beixuan?"

Ai Jinqi had recognized Chen Fan's voice right away. She rounded her eyes and gaped at Chen Fan in disbelief. However, it quickly occurred to her that anything was possible with Chen Fan since he could defeat an entire army all by himself.

If he could do that, then changing appearance must be a piece of cake for him.

"What are you doing in Zhong Hai? It has been so long! I thought I would never meet you guys again. I have tried to look for the other woman called Red Sparrow, but got nothing..." Ai Jinqi's bubbly personality hadn't changed a little. "Ah, right! Do you know that the Lin Family's Young Master is trying to create the first-ever Commerce Guild of Zhong Hai?"

"Young Master of Lin Family? The Commerce Guild of Zhong Hai?"

Chen Fan and the two girls were suddenly at a loss.

Ai Jinqi hurried to explain: "I was just wondering what had lent the Ji Family so much audacity. It turned out that they have gained the Lin family of Southeastern China's support. Did they really expect Lin Family's Immortal State warrior who had been missing-in-action so far to save them from their doom?"

Lin Shuming had risen to power a hundred years ago, and by now, he must be around a hundred fifty years old. Even if he was still alive, he was no longer the mighty Immortal State warrior that he used to be.

Meanwhile, Chen Fan had already reached the Divine Sea level.

Only two things on this planet might harm him: Connate Spirit level cultivator or nuclear weapons.

Ai Jinqi batted her lashes and was about to ask Chen Fan what he meant; suddenly, a hot voice boomed from a distance.

"That's him! He is the one who beat me up during lunch."

They watched a group of people swarm toward the pavilion where Chen Fan was standing. The leader of the group was Yichen and Young Lord Qiu.

"Hey, you! Did you beat up my bro?"

A man took a step forward and asked Chen Fan coldly. Chen Fan had never met this man before; he must have been absent at the restaurant earlier.

Ai Jinqi's face paled as soon as she saw the man.

She remembered that his man had been standing right next to Lin Pojun. It was evident that his status was even higher than Ji Luochen. Someone had told her that his name is Lin Tianshu, and he was a member of the Naga Unit: an elite force unit in the Southeastern Division of the Chinese National Military.

The Lin Family had a tradition of naming their offsprings after constellations.

The Tianshu constellation was a part of the Big Dipper, a significant constellation in Chinese culture. It was a telltale sign of this man's status within his family.

"Ah! I was looking for you, and here you are!"

Chen Fan scanned the group coming after him and recognized Young Lord Qiu.

Half of Young Lord Qiu's head was wrapped in gauze; the other half gave Yukishiro Sa a begrudging glare.

"The Lin Family never attacks anyone for no reason. You have hurt my friend; if you can apologize now and gain my friend's forgiveness then we will call it off."

Lin Tianshu said in an even voice.

He had a stately and imposing demeanor that was befitting to the elite heir of powerful families.

"As for Forgive? Sure. Just let me spend three nights with that slut who hit me. Do it, or else..." Young Lord Qiu let out a grin.

"What a fool!"

Chen Fan heaved a sigh and shook his head. He had spared these hooligans' lives once, but they still didn't learn their lesson.

They should know that the North Mystic Celestial Lord was not well known for his mercy and kindness.

"Clank!"

Chen Fan casually waved a hand and the ancient blade strapped to Yukishiro Sa's back, suddenly unsheathed itself and flew toward Young Lord Qiu. It traced an Azure arch in the air as it covered the dozen meter distance with lightning speed, severing Young Lord Qiu's head from his shoulder. Afterward, it returned to the sheath as swiftly as it had come out.

Such was Chen Fan's unthinkable power that he could control the flying sword and kill a man with a flick of the finger just as the ancient legendary sword masters would.

"Puchhh."

Suddenly, blood squirted from the Young Lord Qiu's neck, and splashed all over other people's faces and spilled down to the floor.

The bloody scene had made many guests collapse to the floor. Yichen rounded his eyes and gaped at Chen Fan in utter disbelief. Rich heirs such as him had never seen any ruthless and outrageous methods.

He outright killed Young Lord Qiu!

"Murder!"

Young Lord Feng screamed at the top of his lungs and stirred up all guests in the mansion.

"An Overlord!"

Seeing Chen Fan's ability to control the flying sword, Lin Tianshu fixed his gaze on Chen Fan and examined the young man carefully. He exclaimed: "I had never thought that anyone outside of the Lin family of Southeastern China could have such incredible power. Who exactly are you, and are you sure you want to be the enemy of the Lin Family?"

"I don't have to answer your questions, tell Lin Pojun to ask me himself."

Before Chen Fan had finished his words, he waved a have and grunted deeply.

"Kneel!"

Suddenly, the group of rich heirs felt an invisible force pressing down on them. Their knees quickly gave in and brought them to the floor.

"Arrh!"

Lin Tianshu snarled as internal force roiled about him, trying to break free of the force. However, he was pressed down flat to the ground just like everyone else.

"Are you Chen Bei—"

Lin Tianshu looked up and sideways, trying as much as he could to land his gaze on Chen Fan as he squeezed the few words out of his mouth.

However, before he could finish his questions, an overwhelming force had pressed his face into the floor.

The other onlookers were shocked beyond belief. Even the guards of the Hua Family blenched and revered the young man. The Lin Family had come all the way to Zhong Hai, confident that they would take over Zhong Hai. However, Chen Fan had already killed one of their cronies and forced the rest of them to their knees.

This was a blatant challenge to the Young Master.

"Such savagery! Such power! I have never heard of such a cut-throat bad-ass in Zhong Hai before!"

"OMG. Young Lord Qiu's father is a general, but he had killed him like squashing an insect."

"I thought that he was just a country hill-billy. But now it seems that he might as well be a worthy opponent for Lin Pojun."

Many rich heirs of Zhong Hai thought to themselves.

"Chen Beixuan! He really lives up to his reputation!"

Ai Jinqi let out a wry smile and exclaimed.

By now, the entire mansion was sizzling with unrest and excitement.

"Who dares to challenge the Young Master?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 471: Death Slap

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Meanwhile, inside the great hall, a heated deliberation about the Commerce Guild was being carried out.

On one side was the alliance of the Ji Family, Tang Family, Nin Family, Shang family and many other great family clans from southeastern China, on the other side was the indecisive tycoons of Zhong Hai.

There was so much wealth scattered around China that once they were consolidated into one unified force, they would be powerful enough to take on even the most influential financial groups in Korea or Japan. Already, a great number of top richest in the city had agreed to sign up, and the Hua Family had also made their acquiescence clear to the public. Therefore, most people thought the creation of the Commerce Guild was only a matter of time now.

"With the Commerce Guild, I will secure my position in Zhong Hai."

Ji Luochen thought to himself eagerly.

Both Lord Tang and Lord Nin beamed from side to side. They had been the Young Master's diehard supporters. They would be heavily rewarded for their unswerving loyalty.

Meanwhile, the Xia Family, Gao family, and the Chu families all looked gloomy with long faces.

The Lin family's motives were clear: they wanted to pin Zhong Hai under their thumb. If the tycoons of Zhong Hai could have fought back in solidarity, the Lin Family would never get a chance to lay a finger on Zhong Hai. However, half of Zhong Hai's reputable families had succumbed to Lin Family from the outset and even the guardian of Zhong Hai, the Hua Family had faltered and failed to put up any resistance. The joined forces of the rest of the families, such as the Xia, Gao, and the Chu was no match against Lin Pojun and the power he represented.

"The die is cast. There is nothing we can do now."

Lord Xia, Xia Linfeng lamented.

As one of the elite families in Zhong Hai, the Xia Family was every bit as competent as the Ji Family. However, they still wouldn't stand a chance while facing the Lin Family.

"Humph! If it was only the Ji Family or Shi Hongyi we had to deal with, we would have already turned down their proposal. But now the Lin Family was involved, so it became an entirely different story. You and I are both aware of what an Immortal State warrior is capable of. Just look at Chen Beixuan for example. He had slaughtered so many people that turned Jiang Nan Province into a blood bath. He had even forced the An family and Lord Fu to their knees. If we get on the wrong side of the Lin Family, we might as well be dead."

Lord Chu let out a wry smile and shook his head.

He had always thought the Immortal State Warriors were just high tales.

However, over the years, Chen Fan had put on a horrifying display of power, and outright stunned the great families of China. Therefore, once Lord Chu had heard that there was an Immortal State Warrior in the Lin Family, he was overtaken by fear and thought of capitulating right away.

"There is nothing we can do now. Lord Hua is our last hope now."

Lord Gao murmured under his breath.

However, none of them were very hopeful that Lord Hua would be of any help to them. The fact that the Hua Family had hosted the banquet for Lin Pojun was a clear sign of Lord Hau's hesitation in resisting Lin Family's advances in Zhong Hai.

"Well, it's about time. We have lost the game from the very beginning. "

Lord Zhou who had been sitting on the second floor finally rose to his feet.

He used to be the one calling the shots in Zhong Hai and even today, he still commanded extraordinary prestige and authority among tycoons of Zhong Hai. However, there and then, he heaved a sigh of resignation and conceded defeat.

Xiao Cai suddenly lost all of his hope after seeing that even Lord Zhou had given up. If Lord Zhou couldn't keep Lin Pojun in check, no one else could.

Even as Lord Zhou was about to start down the stairs, a scream broke out from outside and caught everyone's attention. The room suddenly became quiet.

"What is it?"

Lin Pojun furrowed his brows.

"Murder! MURDER! Young Master, someone has killed Young Lord Qiu. He also forced Brother Tianshu to his knees. That man also wanted to speak to you..."

A young man ran into the great hall, fumbling. Sadness and terror were written all over his face.

"What?"

Everyone in the Great Hall was shocked by what they heard.

Lin Pojun had just gained enough support that would allow him to claim the seat of supremacy in Zhong Hai. Who in their right mind would openly challenge him now?

In addition, everyone knew the Young Lord Qiu was Lin Pojun's right-hand man. To kill him in broad daylight and force Lin Tianshu to his knees was a brazen provocation toward Lin Pojun.

Lin Pojun's face remained stoic after he had heard the news, however, white light in his eyes slowly turned brighter.

"How dare you!"

Another rich heir who came to Jiang Nan with Lin Pojun slammed a fist on the table and fumed: "Who is that? Who dares to challenge our Young Master? Is he testing the might of the Lin Family?"

This heir was called Yang Zhengfen and he was one of the underbosses working for Lin Tianshu. He was extremely resourceful and had an extremely powerful benefactor.

His outburst had startled everyone at the meeting, and no one dares to even breathe heavily.

"Uncle Qi, please bring that man to me."

Lin Pojun ordered calmly as he picked up a cup of tea and took a sip.

"Yes, Young Master."

A middle-aged man who had been sitting behind Lin Pojun rose to his feet and replied. He was Lin Pojun's chauffeur, and no one had noticed him until now.

It wasn't until he straightened his back did the others notice his imposing presence.

"He is an overlord! A Transcendent State Overlord if not more powerful. Look at the coarse and leathery skin on his hand, that's a sign of his high level of attainment in Physique Refinement cultivation. I think he had perfected both the internal and external force and gained incredible might."

Some internal force users among the onlookers put in.

The quickly escalating situation had turned everyone into a bundle of nerves.

Since he had perfected both internal and external forces, he was as powerful as a Grandmaster. Plus, the fact that he was a bodyguard of the Lin family also lent more credence to his unimaginable abilities.

"Young Master, I will go with you."

Ji Luochen put in. Once he had gotten the approval from Lin Pojun, he followed him out of the room.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, no one spoke a word as a deadly silence hung in the air.

Terrified, the rich heirs of Zhong Hai stood trembling uncontrollably while the visitors from Lin Nan knelt before Chen Fan. All the while, Chen Fan was honing his culinary skills over the BBQ stove. From time to time, An Ya would tear a strip of the Kobe beef and feed it to Chen Fan.

Ai Jinqi was not sure what to make of the awkward but comical scene.

"This dude hasn't changed a bit. Can he really get away with killing the Lin Family's cronies in public?"

Even as she mauled on her questions, the door of the main hall was cracked open from inside as a group of men and women filed out.

The leader of the pack was a tall gaunt middle-aged man. When he saw the row of young heirs kneeling before Chen Fan, he was slightly taken aback. In the end, he landed his gaze on Chen Fan and asked in surprise: "My name is Wang Qishan, house guard of the Lin family of Southeastern China. May I know what your name is?"

Lin Tianshu was an internal force user and to be able to force him to his knees meant that Chen Fan would be at least of Semi transcendent state. He wondered since when did such a mighty warrior surface in Zhong Hai.

Meanwhile, fear and disbelief contorted Ji Luochen's face as if he had seen a ghost.

"I don't talk to lap dogs. Tell your master to speak to me."

Chen Fan turned a piece of beef over on the BBQ rack and said without even sparing Wang Qishan a glance.

"How rude!"

Wang Qishan railed against Chen Fan.

To the members of the Lin family of Southeastern China, the Young Master was revered as a god. Wang Qishan had a run-in with the law and if not for the Young Master, he would already be dead at the gallows. Therefore, he could not stomach any insult hurled toward the Young Master.

"Uncle Qi, he is Chen—"

Ji Luochen pointed a shaky finger at Chen Fan and warned the middle-aged man.

However, Wang Qishan didn't head the warning at all.

"Little shit! I will beat the crap out of you and bring you to the Young Master to decide your punishment."

Wang Qishan locked his piercing gaze onto Chen Fan.

Even as he spoke, his body started to tremble.

Muscles burgeoned on his body and ripped his shirt at the seams, revealing his copper-colored skin and a large chunk of rock hard muscles. Wang Qishan took one step forward and crushed the stone-paved ground under his foot.

"Kaboom!"

Wang Qishan charged forward.

He covered a dozen meter distance in a heartbeat. His body whooshed across the courtyard and rammed at Chen Fan like an unstoppable train.

When he was only a few meters away from his target, he threw out a punch.

The wave of energy flew out of his fist and formed an apparition of a snarling tiger. The Fist Qi pressed down against the grass underneath, flattening them against the ground.

"Remarkable power!"

The mighty punch had terrified the rich heirs near it. Those who knew a thing or two about Martial arts were convinced that Wang Qishan could be nearly undefeated in any province of China.

"He is a semi transcendent cultivator as well as a Physique Refinement Grandmaster?"

Chen Fan looked up and took note of his attacker's power.

The perfect both the external and internal force was much more difficult than it sounds. However, those who could pull it off would end up being much more powerful than their regular counterparts. Therefore, Wang Qishan's abilities were not any less deadly than that of Grandmasters.

However, he was no match against Chen Fan by a long shot.

"Kneel."

Chen Fan waved a hand and grasped something in the air.

Suddenly, an azure apparition of a hand appeared out of nowhere and with it came a deep rumbling noise. Under Wang Qishan's incredulous glare, the palm bore down on him.

"Bam!"

The Azure palm landed on top of Wang Qishan, pressing him into the ground.

When the azure energy finally subsided, people finally saw what was left of Wang Qishan. The attack had fractured all of his bones, so his body slumped on the ground in half death.

"Did he just defeat a mighty Overlord?"

Everyone was surprised by how quickly the confrontation had ended.

A second ago, Wang Qishan was huffing and puffing, threatening to bring Chen Fan to his knees, but a second later, he was already defeated.

Chen Fan had countered his attack almost lazily, it was as if he was fighting against a child. If Chen Fan hadn't held back his power, the guard of the Lin Family would have already been reduced into a bloody mush.

"He is Chen Fan!"

Ji Luochen finally finished his warning, but it was already too late.

The courtyard suddenly became pin-drop-quiet.

The tycoons who had followed Wang Qishan to the courtyard, hoping to see Wang Qishan kick some ass were stupefied by the development. They all shot a fearful glance at the young man in the pavilion.

He had made his position very clear: between him and the Lin family, only one would walk out of Zhong Hai alive.

Lord Zhou had come out to the courtyard just in time to see what had happened. His body shivered a little as his eyes lit up with glee. "Oh, this is just perfect! How could I forget about him? Now he is here, Lin Pojun's plan is doomed."

"Lord Zhou, who is he?"

Xiao Cai looked at Chen Fan from a distance and felt the young man looked very familiar. He must have seen his face somewhere, but he just couldn't put a finger on it.

"He is the one who could protect us from Lin Pojun, no, protect us from the Lin family of Southeastern China." Lord Zhou let out a peal of laughter and said: "Lin Pojun is nothing compared to him!"

"Is he..."

As realization finally dawned upon Xiao Cai, his body started to shake uncontrollably. He remembered that he had seen this young man's picture and also recalled his name.

"Chen Beixuan is here!"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 472: A Real Mighty Force

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

It was Chen Beixuan!

As soon as Xiao Cai thought of the name, his heart skipped a few beats.

The Lin family of southeastern China's claim that they still have an Immortal State warrior was enough to force the other families of Zhong Hai, including the Hua Family to bow to them. It had emboldened Lin Pojun to call himself "Young Master," form the Hidden Dragon Unit, and now vie to control Zhong Hai through the Commerce Guild.

Yet, the Lin Family had simply claimed that they have an Immortal state warrior.

Chen Beixuan was a real immortal state warrior listed on the CIA's Divine Roll, so it begs the question as to what Chen Beixuan was capable of and what was his ambition in this world?

"Lin Pojun wouldn't be able to save himself unless his Ancestral Chief is here."

Lord Zhou said confidently.

At his level, he was well aware of how powerful Chen Fan was. Chen Fan was the real deal, while Lin Pojun was merely a puppet of the force behind him.

However, most people in the mansion wouldn't have realized this much.

As soon as Chen Fan killed Wang Qishan, the entire mansion sizzled with unrest and fear. Even Lin Pojun felt that he had to intervene. He furrowed brows and said.

"Very well, I will go out there and take a look at what is going on."

As he said that, he rose to his feet and walked out.

Ji Family, Tang Family, and Nin Family looked at each other in fear. They gritted their teeth and followed the Young Master out. Meanwhile, Lord Xia who had been standing by and watched everything from a distance also slapped his thigh and announced:

"Let's go. I couldn't miss what would happen when the real dragon of Zhong Hai met with the ferocious tiger of the Lin Family. "

Nearly all the tycoons trailed behind Lin Pojun and filed out of the great hall. With this huge crowd behind him, Lin Pojun was flanked by the richest man in Zhong Hai: Shi Hongyi, the captain of the Hidden Dragon Unit: Yang Zhengfen, and his personal guard: a beautiful looking girl.

He and the large group of men behind him represented nearly half of the wealth and power in Zhong Hai.

"Humph!!"

Lin Pojun got out to the courtyard and pulled a dark face as soon as he saw what had happened.

Young Lord Qiu was killed, Yichen and Lin Tianshu were kneeling on the ground and Wang Qishan's half-dead body slumped on the ground. Chen Fan had slapped Lin Pojun right in the face.

Even the Xia family and the Chu family were terrified by the brutal scene.

"Oh my... this man is a savage! There is no turning back now. Hold on... why does that young man look so familiar? I know the girl sitting beside him, she is An Ya from the Jin Xiu Group... oh wait!"

As realization dawned upon the family lords, they gasped in disbelief and shock.

Meanwhile, Lin Pojun locked his gaze on to Chen Fan and asked with a slight surprise in his voice: "I am Lin Pojun, the fifth generation heir of the Lin Family, the great great grandson of Lin Shuming. May I ask who am I speaking to? What has the Lin Family done to you to deserve such cruelty?"

Lin Pojun not only moaned Young Lord Qiu's death but also that of Wang Qishan. He had spared no expense to invite such a powerful warrior to his service. Wang Qishan's abilities were ranked in the top ten within the Lin family of Southeastern China. Therefore, his death was a devastating blow to Lin Pojun.

"Are you from the Ye family of Mount Yan? Or from Kunlun? Or the Heavenly Master Sect?"

Lin Pojun's mind raced as he landed his gaze on Yukishiro Sa.

He could sense sharp energy emanating from Yukishiro Sa's body and was convinced that Yukishiro Sa was a mighty swordmaster. However, he sensed nothing coming from Chen Fan, it was as if he was an ordinary person.

"I don't answer youngster's questions, tell Lin Shuming to see me and he might get the answers from me." Chen Fan crossed his legs, holding a wine cup in one hand, and a piece of BBQ beef in the other. He replied with a great measure of levity.

"How dare you use my Ancestral Chief's name!"

Lin Pojun was suddenly riled up.

As the most powerful man in China a hundred years ago, Lin Shuming was considered a god in the Lin Family. Even the other family lords of China had to speak of him with great respect and humbleness.

"Little shit. You have no idea what you are talking about."

"Who are you? How dare you insult the Young Master!"

"He is just a fool! Why don't we kick him out of Zhong Hai already!"

Many people around Lin Pojun chimed in angrily. However, Lord Tang and Lord Nin remained silent. They glare at Chen Fan fearfully, as if they were looking at a ghost.

"Young Master, he is Chen Fan."

Ji Luochen managed to gather himself and hurried to put in.

"Chen... Chen Beixuan?"

Ji Luochen's words seemed to have cast a silence spell in the courtyard.

Words simply melted in everyone's mouth and all they could do was gape at Chen Fan stupidly. Even Lin Pojun's face was contorted by shock and fear.

"He really is..."

Lin Pojun examined Chen Fan carefully and confirmed the young man's identity in his mind.

Chen Fan had two kinds of appearance: one was ordinary, and the other sublime.

His second form that was based on the Azure Thearch Longevity Body was well known around the world. However, his first form, the ordinary-looking one, was only familiar to a few people who lived around Jiang Nan Province or Zhong Hai. Otherwise, only a well-connected Grandmaster listed on the Heaven roll, such as Yang Qinhu, would have recognized Chen Fan's second form.

Lin Pojun stood still motionless, face taut with fear after he had confirmed that it was Chen Fan he had to deal with.

"Chen Beixuan, the Ji Family has never done anything to you, so why do you keep picking on us and chase us all the way to Zhong Hai? Do you really think my family is a pushover?"

Ji Luochen was emboldened by Lin Pojun's support, so he shouted at Chen Fan hotly.

"Young Master, you have agreed to protect us from Chen Beixuan. He is right here, please bring him to justice." Ji Luochen turned to Lin Pojun and pleaded.

Ji Luochen knew that even though Chen Fan was an immortal state warrior, so were members of the Lin family.

In Ji Luochen's mind, both Chen Fan and the Lin Family were equally powerful, and both knew that a war between them would be too costly for either party. Therefore, their confrontation would most likely be resolved at the negotiation table.

"Justice your ass!"

Lin Pojun screamed in his mind. If he was in private with Ji Luochen, he would kick his dumb ass right now. At any rate, the die has been cast and Ji Luochen had asked for help, so he must keep up the appearance regardless of how reluctant he was. He cupped his hands at Chen Fan and said: "Nice to meet you Immortal Master Chen. My Ancestral Chief just wouldn't stop praising your abilities. There was some... misunderstanding between you and the Ji Family, so I have heard. I wonder if you would just let it — "

Before Lin Pojun finished his words, Chen Fan cut him short with a wave of a hand.

"Shu!"

He shot out an azure blade aura from the tip of his finger. The aura crossed the space between Chen Fan and Ji Luochen in a blink like a flash of lightning and severed Ji Luochen's body in half.

Everything happened so fast that Ji Luochen had no idea what was happening. The smile on his dead body suggested that he was still convinced that the Lin family would help him out right before he died.

"Just let it... it..."

Words got stuck in Lin Pojun's mouth as anger contorted his face.

"Shut up now. Not even Lin Shuming dares to request anything from me."

Chen Fan waved a dismissal at Lin Pojun and said derisively.

He didn't pay much attention to Lin Pojun's indignation and anger.

Many family lords were terrified by the turn of the event. Most of them lowered their heads and kept their silence, hoping they wouldn't become collateral damage.

"Very well... very well..."

Lin Pojun's hand trembled uncontrollably.

This was the first time in his life he had met anyone who dares to oppose him. Chen Fan had killed the person who he had sworn to protect, it was no different than slapping him in the face.

"Chen Beixuan, so you have chosen your side. I would like to remind you that the Lin Family also has an Immortal State cultivator. Plus, I have nearly half of Zhong Hai's tycoons on my side. You simply couldn't imagine the power and might of the Lin Family, so are you sure you want to be our enemy?"

Lin Pojun really lived up to his reputation as the elite of the young generation.

He quickly held back his roiling anger, pulled a solemn face and then said coldly.

"You? An enemy? Humph." Chen Beixuan sneered at Lin Pojun and scanned the many family lords behind him. "Do any of you want to be my enemy?"

Chen Fan's icy glare had frozen the souls of these family lords.

They hadn't recognized Chen Beixuan until they heard Chen Beixuan's name. These men and women were all well-connected individuals in Zhong Hai, of course, they knew who Chen Beixuan was and what he was capable of.

He was the murderous Immortal State Warrior, the only Immortal State warrior that was listed on the Divine Roll.

He was the real living legend.

"Chen Beixuan, don't waste your time. I know you are powerful, but so is the Lin Family!"

Lin Pojun flung back at Chen Fan fearlessly.

The Lin Pojun had paid a premium to coax these family lords to his side. Some of them, such as Shi Hongyi, were installed by the Lin Family to Zhong Hai decades ago and were the Lin Family's diehard supporters. Lin Pojun was very confident in their loyalty.

However, even as Lin Pojun was filled with assuredness, one man took a step forward and bowed to Chen Fan.

"I am Xia Linfeng from the Xia family of Zhong Hai. It is an honor to meet you, General Chen."

Chen Fan was the general of the Cang Dragon Unit, so a lot of people called him General Chen.

"The family lord of the Xia family?"

Lin Pojun's eyes flickered and didn't mind the Xia family's betrayal due to the Xia family's insignificant influence in Zhong Hai.

However, to his surprise, Lord Xia was not the only one.

"I am Gao Chengxiong from the Gao family of Zhong Hai, nice to meet you, General Chen."

"My name is Chu Zhaofeng from the Chu family. Welcome, General Chen! "

"The Yue family of Zhong Hai welcomes..."

More and more family lords greeted Chen Fan with a great measure of respect.

The rich heirs of Zhong Hai were stunned by the development. The Xia family, Gao family, and the Chu family were all top elite families in Zhong Hai. Why would they treat a young man with such respect?

Lin Pojun was seized by a pang of fear, but he managed to remain calm. From the corner of his eye, he caught the glimpse of a man who knelt on the ground, shifting his knee to make his way toward Chen Fan.

"I am Tang Jianmin from the Tang Family of Zhong Hai. Please forgive me, General Chen!"

"I am Nin Zhengze, I beg your forgiveness as well."

"Shang family also..."

Tang Jianmin had opened the flood gate and inundated Chen Fan with apologies.

In a blink, nearly all family lords from Zhong Hai had switched sides and were kneeling before Chen Fan, leaving Yang Zhengfen and the other young lords from Lin Nan dumbfounded.

"You... you..."

Lin Pojun could no longer hold back his anger. Fire spit out from his eyes as he glared at Tang Jianmin and other traitors. Suddenly, a wizened voice boomed from within the main hall.

"Hua Yunfeng, on behalf of the entire Hua Family of Zhong Hai, welcomes you, Immortal Master Chen"

The announcement had taken the air out of Lin Pojun's sails, his eyes were filled with defeat and disbelief.

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Chapter 473: Defeated By a Grandmaster

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Lin Pojun had finally realized that he was wrong.

He had been overly confident in his influence and had also grossly underestimated Chen Fan.

Lin Shuming was the man of the hour nearly a hundred years ago, but people haven't heard from him for over a few decades. No one could say for certain that he was still alive. On the other hand, Chen Fan had just risen to power, taken the world by storm and became the only known Immortal Level Overlord in the world.

He was the living legend with an emphasis on "living."

Lin Shuming had been missing in action for decades and no one seemed to know if he was still alive. Therefore, he might deserve the title of legend, but living legend would be far fetched.

On the other hand, Chen Fan had proved his power once and again. He had proclaimed his dominance using his victim's blood and scared everyone using terrifying power. He was the only known Immortal Level Overlord in the world thanks to the re-opening of the Divine Roll. The threats coming from Chen Fan was real and immediate, while the Lin Family was far away from Zhong Hai was undependable and in flux.

Money and power seemed so pale and meaningless when one's life was under threat.

The tycoons of Zhong Hai could follow the Lin Family and potentially carve a huge pie out of the joined business venture, but they may not even live long enough to enjoy the pie.

On the other hand, if they capitulated to Chen Fan, they might live another day.

Just like Lord Tang, many people had chosen the latter.

"It is my honor, Immortal Master Chen."

The crowd made way for the speaker. Chen Fan watched as a plainly dressed old man came up to him with wide and confident strides, trailing behind a group of leaders from the Hua Family. Not even Lin Pojun had such a red carpet treatment, and it was the Hua Family's clear signal to everyone as to which side they were on.

Cheng Danqin!

She was the Queen of Zhong Hai's Underground World, a potent Martial Artist.

Hua Qinxiong!

He was the CEO of the Huas Group and the current family lord of the Hua Family. He ranked the top ten on Zhong Hai's rich list.

Hua Yuanhu!

He was the heir of the Hua Family.

And of course, the real shocking sight to behold was the hundred year old man who sauntered swiftly across the courtyard. His steps steady, and his gaze the same. He was incredibly healthy and strong considering his age, and adding on the clean white shirt, he reminded people of the otherworldly sages who had achieved immortality.

Hua Yunfeng!

He was the guardian of Zhong Hai, the leader of the Green Gang. He ranked number four on the Heaven roll and had been the lord of the Hua Family as long as people could remember.

Under Lin Pojun's confused eyes, the old man came closer to Chen Fan and bowed. "Immortal Master, thank you for gracing us with your presence, honoring our household with your blessings. I sincerely apologize for the lack of formality and this scant welcoming you have received. Please forgive us."

Dao-Reaching Level cultivators, Dharma Cultivation level cultivators, and God Reining State cultivators were addressed as spell casters, perfected cultivators, and Immortal Master respectively.

Chen Fan was a living legend, and therefore, using Immortal Master on him was not uncalled-for

"So you are Hua Yunfeng? You are more powerful than your current ranking of number four on the Heaven roll, aren't you?" Chen Fan glanced at the old man and nothing seemed to have caught his attention. However, his interest was piqued when he saw Cheng Danqin.

"My level of attainment is laughable compared to you. Let's not talk about it."

Hua Yunfeng let out a grin and tried to gloss over the remark. However, he was alarmed by Chen Fan's keen observation.

He had made the whole world believe that he had only reached the peak of the Transcendent state. In reality, Hua Yunfeng had devoted his last hundred years of life in cultivation and by then, he was infinitely close to reaching the Immortal State.

He was shocked when Chen Fan had seen through his cover with a brief glance, while Hua Yunfeng still failed to gauge the exact power of Chen Fan.

"No harm is done. I came here for the banquet but ended up killing people in your house. I beg your forgiveness." Chen Fan flicked a finger and said with a half-smile.

"Immortal Master. You have done nothing wrong. They offended you and therefore they deserve to die."

Hua Yunfeng said with a sense of justice in his voice.

Immortal State Warriors were practically gods.

In mythical tales, those who offended gods were all severely punished, both physically and spiritually. Chen Fan had only perished their physical form and such punishment was mild compared to banishing one's soul into eternal darkness.

"Lord Hua, what is the meaning of this?"

Lin Pojun shot Hua Yunfeng a hot glare while fear flashed across his face.

"Humph!!"

Hua Yunfeng stood still and didn't offer a reply.

He was Lord Hua, the leader of the infamous Green Gang, and a Grandmaster who had dominated Zhong Hai for decades. Even though Lin Shuming had saved his life before, it didn't mean that he had to answer to one of Lin Shuming's many grandsons.

If not for the old bond between Hua Yunfeng and the Lin family, the old man would have already slapped his face and told him to shut up.

"Very well then." Lin Pojun swallowed a wad of spit and stumbled back half a step. "Chen Beixuan, Hua Yunfeng, and all of you! You will have to pay for this! I will report to my Ancestral Chief your crimes!"

"What a fool you are! Don't you understand? Even Lord Shuming had to treat the Immortal Master with deference. Instead of helping your family, you are dragging them to their doom. Did your father warrant your impudent behavior? Or was it your grandfather?"

Hua Yunfeng shook his head and heaved a sigh.

The old man's words struck Lin Pojun hard. The young turned into a frozen statue and was suddenly quiet.

He was to put in motion the master plan that the Lin Family had been carefully weaving for decades. He was to kick start the chain of events that would eventually play into the hands of the Lin Family by design. However, he was overtaken by pride and took upon himself to protect the Ji Family, jeopardizing his family's master plan.

He had forgotten that Lin Shuming and Chen Fan's equal status did not amount to the same power dynamic between him and Chen Fan. He was just Lin Shuming's grandson, an insignificant and expendable pawn.

That was why Chen Fan told Lin Pojun that he would only talk to his grandfather, but not him.

Lin Pojun was confused at first, but he quickly put two and two together. The new-found realization took the wind out of his sails. He grimaced and then bowed to Lord Hua: "Thank you for your tip, Lord Hua. Say no more, I have learned my lesson and will repay you in the future."

"Future?"

Chen Fan guffawed and then gave Lin Pojun an indifferent look: "Maybe you should think about how to get out of Zhong Hai first."

Chen Fan's words had rendered everyone in the courtyard speechless. People had never thought that Chen Fan would want to kill Lin Pojun. He should know that Lin Pojun was not Young Lord Qiu nor was he Wang Qishan.

Lin Pojun was the direct descendant of Lin Shuming and the pride of the Lin Family.

Lin Shuming would likely let the matter slide even when Chen Fan had publicly insulted Lin Pojun. After all, Lin Pojun shouldn't have offended a living legend. However, Lin Family would not tolerate the killing of Lin Pojun under any circumstances.

By then, gloves would be off for these two Immortal State Warriors.

If that really happened, the battle would be one of the most historical events in the world, attracting attention worldwide.

Hua Yunfeng pulled a taut face and cupped his fist.

"Immortal Master Chen, please, for my sake, spare his life."

"Save your breath. I have already made up my mind." He shot out a hand and pointed at Yukishiro Sa.

"Kiddo, I will let you fight someone your own size. This servant girl of mine only started learning martial arts a year ago. You are free to go if you can defeat her. Otherwise, Lin Shuming will have to come to avenge your death."

"very well!"

Lin Pojun's thin lips curled into a smirk. Suddenly, he unsheathed a long blade as an intense light flashed in his eyes. His body flickered as he charged to the center of the courtyard. He held the blade high in both hands and said: "Chen Beixuan, I have practiced Sword Dao for nearly thirty years, and by now, I have reached the Grandmaster level. How dare you underestimate my power and send a servant girl to fight with me. She is going to die because of your arrogance!"

After he said that, he flicked a finger at the body of the blade, making a crisp sound.

Although Yukishiro Sa had improved her sword technique by leaps and bounds, she had only reached peak internal force cultivation and was no match against Lin Pojun. However, the fact that Chen Fan had thought so little of him had filled his heart with anger and eagerness to prove himself.

With a blade in hand, Lin Pojun had suddenly transformed into a mighty swordmaster. Cold light spilled off from the edge of the blade and chilled the air in the courtyard, forcing the onlookers to take a few steps back.

"Transcendent State! He had entered the Transcendent State!"

Some Internal Force users were shocked by the development and blenched.

Other than Chen Fan, the youngest man to have achieved Transcendent State was Ye Nantian. However, Lin Pojun had just broken that record. No wonder he was considered the most talented heir of the Lin Family.

"Dadada!"

Yukishiro Sa remained calm and focused as he slowly brought the blade around. Her white shirt and her cool demeanor made her look like an ice sculpture.

She was just over twenty years old and had spent a year in the Green Dragon Grand Array so she looked even younger and more energetic than most people of her age. Her skin was as white as snow and contrasted her long dark hair that reached her shoulder. She was wearing a traditional Chinese outfit and looked just like a heroine in Wu Xia novels.

"Teacher, she has only reached the peak of Internal Force cultivation, can she really defeat Lin Pojun?"

Cheng Danqin looked concerned and asked Lord Hua.

Lord Hua also furrowed his brows as he pondered.

Both of them could sense that Yukishiro Sa had reached the peak level of internal force cultivation. She would be easily defeated by a Grandmaster.

"Maybe Chen Beixuan has some tricks up his sleeve. I am not entirely sure." Hua Yunfeng shook his head and let out a wry smile.

"Clank!"

Yukishiro Sa finally unsheathed her blade, ready to take on her opponent head-on.

"Sword Reining Art of The Lin Family!"

With a sudden twist of the blade handle, Lin Pojun attacked first. The blade turned into a flash of lightning and lit up the entire courtyard. The intense flash of light suddenly scattered into countless silvery needles that darted across the courtyard toward Yukishiro Sa. This attack alone would be enough to earn Lin Pojun a top ten spot on the Heaven roll.

The silvery blade glinted like ice crystals in the frigid firmament.

The attack had even impressed Hua Yunfeng. The others looked at each other in surprise. Ai Jinqi grabbed onto Chen Fan's arm and looked worried.

"Dharmic Sword Art of Azure Flower: First Form"

Yukishiro Sa's face was devoid of any expression or feelings. Her eyes were two dark pools of the abyss. The ancient sword turned a full circle around the bottom of its hilt and transformed into an Azure lotus. With a gentle push, the azure flower floated slowly toward the shower of silvery needles.

"Clang!"

Yukishiro Sa had successfully countered Lin Pojun's attack.

Before Lin Pojun had time to gather himself from the shock, Yukishiro Sa had turned into a shadow as she charged at her opponent. Suddenly, dozens of azure blade auras bore down onto Lin Pojun. The on-lookers saw the young man was attacked by a flood of Azure energy and was already backing down.

The clashes of two pulses of energy and the splattering of brilliant lights had made Hua Yunfeng feel that the sight was almost poetic.

The battle was over in a few seconds. One of Yukishiro Sa's strikes had lanced across three meters and landed directly on Lin Pojun. It cut open Lin Pojun's defense like butter, pierced through Lin Pojun's chest and came out from his back. Leaving a hole on the young man's chest.

Lin Pojun had lost the battle!

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Chapter 474: Brought Zhong Hai to Heel

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Yea, right."

Even Hua Yunfeng was taken aback after seeing Lin Pojun's chest pierced by Yukishiro Sa, much less other ordinary people.

Yukishiro Sa was clearly just an internal force user, however, she was able to cast out a Blade Qi so powerful that she might as well be a swordmaster who had reached Grandmaster level for decades. Even though Lin Pojun had learned power arts from the Lin Family, he was not able to withstand one attack.

There was no way that she was a twenty-year-old girl who had just been practicing Martial Arts for a year.

Chen Fan must have lied.

"So powerful is Chen Beixuan that even his servant girl was able to defeat a Grandmaster. Curiouser and curiouser."

Hua Yunfeng shook his head

Yang Zhengfen and the other young lords from Lin Nan province exclaimed and hurried to help Lin Pojun to his feet. However, Yukishiro Sa's hot glare deterred them and made them hesitant. Concern and worries were written all over their faces.

"Was I... defeated?"

Lin Pojun was a Grandmaster martial artist, so although the wound was severe, it was not mortal. That being said, he was not in good shape either. His face was drained of color as blood spilled out from the corner of his lips.

He was the pride of the Lin family, the most powerful heir of Southeastern China.

Family lords of the much older generation considered him and the girl from the Ye family the two most outstanding members of their entire generation.

Lin Pojun was used to being the best and was used to winning. Therefore, his defeat in the hands of a servant girl had taken the wind out of his sails. His mind was overtaken by disappointment and depression that he couldn't think of anything else.

"Clank!"

Yukishiro Sa attacked again.

She always carried out Chen Fan's order to the letters. Chen Fan wanted Lin Pojun dead, then she would not let him live a second more than necessary.

A few meters long Blade Aura appeared in Yukishiro Sa's hand as she hacked at Lin Pojun.

The attack carried so much deadly energy that not even a Grandmaster could survive after being hit.

"Stop!"

Hua Yunfeng shouted, and just thought of intervening, but it was already too late. Yukishiro Sa's blade whizzed through the air and landed on Lin Pojun's neck; steady and fast.

Many girls among the audience covered their eyes to block the bloody scene.

Suddenly, a blaring voice rang around everyone's ears.

"Don't you dare harm the child of the Lin Family!"

People looked around them to search for the speaker, but the voice seemed to come from everywhere but nowhere at the same time. Then, they saw something let out a brilliant glow around Lin Pojun's chest: it was a jade pendant. There was a small sword carved into the jade and it was the jade that shone brilliantly and surrounded Lin Pojun in a blinding glow. And then, as if magic, a translucent figure appeared inside the glow.

The figure grew to over ten meters tall, and let out a golden glow, reminding people of the image of a god.

People in the courtyard watched the strange development in silence. The incredible sight of a golden apparition had filled their hearts with admiration without any apparent reason other than its glory appearance.

The golden apparition hovered above Lin Pojun's head and blocked Yukishiro Sa's attack. The azure blade bounced off of the golden figure and the impact sent Yukishiro Sa stumbling back a few steps.

"Is that a deity or demon?"

Many people gasped and some young rich heir who had a faint of heart had already passed out.

"This was not a Ghost Spirit, it is an Illusion form of an Immortal State Warrior, of Lord Shuming."

Hua Yunfeng was shaken to the core. He said as his hands shook uncontrollably.

Cheng Danqin also fixed her gaze at the golden apparition, studying it intensely. She thought Chen Fan was the only known Immortal State warrior in the world and had never thought that she would meet another one.

The figure was shrouded in a layer of golden glow and it was difficult to make out the features on the man's face. However, from time to time, she could see a vague image of a scholarly man dressed in traditional clothing with a long sword hitched by his waist.

"Lord Shuming was a scholar before he became a Martial artist. He had abandoned his pursuit in the imperial court after failing the national civil servant test too many times and lived a hermit life in the mountains. There, he gained enlightenment and became a swordmaster. That apparition had to belong to Lord Shuming."

Hua Yunfeng said firmly.

Lin Pojun was so excited by the development that he was shaking. He knelt on the ground and looked up at the apparition.

"I am Lin Pojun, your unworthy descendant. I am so glad you are here Ancestral Chief. I had failed my task and brought humiliation to our family. I wish Ancestral Chief could help me to right the wrongs and reinstall justice to the world."

The other people in the courtyard watched the development unfold with a solemn face.

The Lin Family's Ancestral Chief can travel using his Divine Soul to directly intervene in the events happening miles away from him.

Did that mean he had already achieved godhood? With that thought in mind, many people's legs started to shake and wanted to bolt for the door. The fear was even more intense in the Tang Family, Nin Family, and Gao families since they just double-crossed the Lin Family.

Yukishiro Sa's face also became taut. She charged up her True Energy, readying herself for a tough fight.

"You can take a rest now."

Chen Fan put a restraining hand on the servant girl and said.

Although the Sword Art of Azure Flower had helped Yukishiro Sa defeat Lin Pojun, it was not enough to handle an Immortal State warrior's illusion form by a long shot.

"I didn't expect you to value his life so much as to give him an Illusion Form Talisman. At any rate, I will banish you from this world even if you were here personally, much less just your illusion form."

Chen Fan snorted and grasped something in the air.

Suddenly, countless silvery light flew out of Chen Fan's eyes. They converged in the air into a small silvery blade of ten centimeters long. The appearance of the blade seemed to have stopped all motion in the world, as even the air became stifled and heavily. Everyone felt an inexplicable fear toward the toy-sized blade as if the otherworldly blade could annihilate their soul and spirit.

Blade of Divine Will!

To form this blade, Chen Fan had to commit a great amount of energy a year ago. However, since Chen Fan had reached the Divine Sea, he could summon the blade almost effortlessly.

It was a blade that could banish evil spirits or slay a mighty god!

It was particularly deadly against anything made out of Divine Soul.

"Fellow cultivator, please listen—"

The apparition was about to say something to Chen Fan, but it was cut short.

"Arise!"

With lightning speed, the Blade of Divine Will whizzed across the courtyard and traced a silvery line in its path. The attack came so suddenly that the golden apparition only had enough time to pull out his long sword and fumbled to block the attack. However, the silvery Blade of Divine Will cut through the apparition as if cutting through butter, shattering the golden energy into countless tiny fragments that rose up and eventually disappeared into the sky. The ten meter tall apparition was easily perished by a small silver blade barely the size of a toy truck.

The crowd was so stunned by the development that they could only stare.

A deadly silence over the courtyard as people grappled with what they have just seen.

"It's done? already?"

After a while, Cheng Danqin stammered out a question.

The Illusion form of the Lin Family's Ancestral Chief seemed intimidating and deadly, but Chen Fan had banished it so effortlessly that made people wonder if they overestimated the power of the Illusion form in the first place.

"A living legend. He really was worthy of the title . No wonder the CIA reopened the Divine Roll just for him."

Hua Yunfeng heaved a sigh and exclaimed. "I think even in the original Divine Roll, Chen Beixuan would be ranked in the top five."

Meanwhile, the Xia family, the Chu family, and the Gao family were ecstatic. Seeing how easily Lord Shuming was defeated, they realized that they had made the right bet. Even an idiot could tell that Chen Fan was much more powerful than the Immortal State Warrior from the Lin Family.

With that thought in mind, many family lords from Zhong Hai looked to Chen Fan with deep respect and deference.

Meanwhile, the development had taken the oxygen out of Lin Pojun's lungs. His blank eyes stared into the distance as he murmured to himself incredulously.

"How is that possible? Ancestral Chief is invincible! How could he be defeated? It's impossible!"

"You might want to ask him those questions personally when he finally comes to meet you down in hell."

Yukishiro Sa sneered at the young man and brought her blade around again.

"Humph! Servent girl! If you kill me, my family will make you pay the ultimate price!" Lin Pojun snarled as he mustered his remaining True energy to charge up the Four True Righteousness Protection Aura. Meanwhile, he shot both arms out and tried to stop Yukishiro Sa's attack.

Yukishiro Sa had practiced an immortal cultivation art called the Dharmic Sword Art of Azure Flower, so his resistance was futile.

The blade went down with a flash of azure light.

Lin Pojun was able to clamp onto the blade with both hands momentarily, but the belligerent Blade Qi had ripped open his Four Righteousness protection aura and bit into the chest cavity. The force churned Lin Pojun's soft innards around, turning them into a bloody mush and rendered the young man's life beyond saving in an instant.

"How... how dare you..."

Lin Pojun rounded his eyes in indignation.

Not only had Chen Fan snatched his victory away from his fingertips, but he was also killed in the most humiliating way by a servant girl. He was to lead the Lin Family into a heroic war of revenge against the Ye family, but now he was reduced to a bloody mess on the floor.

This time, his martial arts skills were unable to save him and he died in a few seconds.

"Sigh... Lin Pojun, life has been too good to you. Your arrogance was your downfall."

Hua Yunfeng moaned the young man's death with a heavy heart.

Chen Fan had killed Lin Shuming and banished Lin Shuming's Illusion form, so the gloves were off between the two Immortal State warriors and there was no turning back now. That being said, Hua Yunfeng reckoned that other people, including him, were irrelevant in the conflict between two Immortal State warriors.

"I had never understood the meaning of the old saying 'Immortal State Warriors were beyond the mortal's plane of existence', but now I finally get it. "

Cheng Danqin let out a wry smile.

Meanwhile, many family lords of Zhong Hai flocked to Chen Fan, and hurried to heap praises onto Chen Fan, trying to get onto his good side.

Ai Jinqi watched as people whom her father had to show respect to bowed to Chen Fan as a pupil would to a teacher.

Some people even came over to her and started buttering her up as if they have known her for years, but in reality, they just met.

"Such was the power of Immortal State Warriors. He single-handedly brought the entire Zhong Hai to heel. "

Ai Jinqi shot a glance at Chen Fan that was loaded with complicated emotions.

Meanwhile, the rich heirs of Zhong Hair stood outside of the circle of tycoons and glared at Chen Fan enviously.

Many people believed that the power dynamic in Zhong Hai was about to shift. The rise of Jin Xiu Group was inevitable and the old powers such as Ji Family would be no more.

"Immortal Master Chen, please join us at the main hall and allow me to be a good host."

Hua Yunfeng stepped forward and said.

"Very well."

Chen Fan nodded.

Yichen and the other young lords that came with the Lin Family watched in fear and regret as Chen Fan walked into the main hall while surrounded by countless unctuous faces. Faces that had just sworn fidelity to the Lin Family but had already forgotten Lin Family and the Lin Family of Lin Nan.

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Chapter 475: Claiming the Seat of Power in Zhong Hai

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The main hall was huge in size.

It was a few hundred meters long and a dozen meters wide, almost the same size as a Church. Even as they entered the hall, the servants reset the table and brought out new dishes.

The Hua family had hired a group of cooks from a five-star hotel to cook for the banquet, and the food on Chen Fan's table were all works of art from a highly acclaimed cook in the group.

"Immortal Master Chen, your presence had brought prestige and respect to my household. For that, I shall thank you and toast in your name! Drink up!" Hua Yunfeng rose from his chair with a crystal cup in his hand. The amber-colored content in the cup gives off an intoxicating fragrance.

This was from a vintage that the Hua Family had kept in its wine cellar for nearly a hundred years. Lord Hua had ordered its use only because Chen Fan was here.

Chen Fan sat in his chair and took a sip from his cup, without even acknowledge Lord Hua.

Despite Chen Fan's aloofness, no one felt that it was out of place. After all, he was the one and only living legend.

Many other family lords quickly followed Lord Hua's lead and toasted in Chen Fan's name.

Only the top dogs in Zhong Hai would have earned a seat beside Chen Fan. The rest of the tycoons and their heirs were sitting at other tables far from the main table.

"Uncle, who is Chen Beixuan? Why does everyone want to kiss his ass? Lord Hua had lived over a hundred years, yet he treated Chen Beixuan as if he were his elder."

A young girl wearing a black miniskirt and heavy makeup asked in surprise.

"Just so, dad. It was terrifying what had happened. So many mighty figures in Zhong Hai had dropped to their knees and begged for their lives. Meanwhile, the Young Master from Lin Family was killed by Chen Fan's servant girl. Who is he?"

Another girl with much less makeup but much more attractive asked curiously.

The question had piqued the interest of all the young lords at the table. They perked up their ears and looked to the man sitting at the head of the table.

The existence of the Divine Roll was known only to a few top dogs in each city. These young lords might swagger around in the streets of Zhong Hai, flaunting their wealth in other people's faces, they were far from the center of power.

"Fine, I will tell you guys so you know to be careful around Chen Beixuan."

The middle-aged man heaved a sigh and said with a solemn face. "That young man is called Chen Fan, and he also goes by Chen Beixuan. He is the son of the Queen of Jin Xiu. An Ya is sitting right next to him, did you guys see that?"

"Uncle Hu, I have heard of him before. They call him Master Chen of Jiang Bei and claimed that he can cast spells and is also a general of the Cang Dragon Unit. He is the one calling the shots now in Jiang Nan Province."

A pimply young man put in.

"It's a bit far fetched that a General Major from the Jin City Military base was able to bring Hua Family to heel. Even Li Wuchen couldn't have pulled that off."

Someone questioned.

"Hehe, Dominating the Jiang Nan Province? He could dominate the entire world if he wants to!" Uncle Hu smiled sarcastically.

"What?"

The teenagers were taken aback by the answer and their eyes lit up with curiosity.

Uncle Hu paused a moment, letting the suspense hang in the air. "I didn't know any of this until I met with Lord Zhou. His secretary, secretary Cai told me personally. It hit me hard because I had never imagined that such a powerful man could have existed."

"You must know the Heaven roll in China, right? But do you know there is another roll the Divine Roll?" Uncle Hu scanned around him and asked surreptitiously under his breath.

"Divine Roll?"

Everyone looked at each other in confusion.

They heard about the Heaven roll from time to time and most of them knew that Hua Yunfeng ranked number four on that list and that was part of the reason that the Hua Family could preside over Zhong Hai.

But no one ever heard of the Divine Roll.

"Heaven roll is published in China, but the Divine Roll is published by CIA's Special Case Department. In other words, the ones on Heaven roll were deadly warriors in China, while the ones on Divine Roll were the deadliest men and women around the world."

Seeing the growing interest in the teenager's eyes, Uncle Hu continued with a quieter voice:

"So far, there is only one name on the Divine Roll: Chen Beixuan. Think of him as a terrorist such as Osama bin Laden. Wherever he goes, the local government would have to treat him carefully with fear. Just a few days ago, Chen Beixuan defeated an entire division of the Russian army and killed one of their top generals. Guess what happened next? The Russian bear turned into a Russian chicken and signed a truce with Chen Beixuan. Now, you tell me if he is powerful or not."

"What?"

Someone cried out.

Uncle Hu's daughter and nephew covered their mouths to stifle a cry.

"So that answers your question as to why the family lords in Zhong Hai are so afraid of him." Uncle Hu cracked a smile and said: "Lin Family could shower those family lords with money and promises, they would choose their lives over money on any given day. Chen Beixuan has already slaughtered countless people since he rose to power. In Jin City alone he killed sixteen family lords. No one in their right mind would choose to mess with him."

"Just so."

Everyone nodded with a hint of fear lingering at the back of their minds.

They looked at each other and all they saw were fearful faces.

He was the General Major of the Cang Dragon unit who could single-handedly bring down a nation!

If they have heard what Chen Fan was capable of without seeing his unimaginable power with their own eyes, they would just laugh it off as an underground rumor.

"The Ji Family, Tang Family, and Shi Hongyi are all doomed."

Someone at the table let out a gloating smile.

Such conversation was carried out at nearly all other tables, and it wasn't long before everyone in the main hall learned of Chen Fan's ruthless abilities and inconceivable power. They also learned that Chen Fan was one of the main benefactors of the Jin Xiu Group.

"Mr. Chen. May I have the honor to propose a toast in your name?"

Chen Fan was sucking the tail of a peeled-prawn that An Ya had handed over to him. He saw a man with a toady smile and hunched-over back came over to him while holding a cup of wine with both hands.

"Hay! Isn't that the CEO of the Dong Cheng Group, Lord Nin Chendong? What are you doing here?"

Someone asked sarcastically.

Nin Chendong had completely shed the imposing manner he had possessed while he met Chen Fan for the first time at Wu Zhou. He heaped smiles onto his face and said ingratiatingly, almost pleading:

"Mr—I mean Immortal Master Chen. I want to apologize for my son's foolish actions. You have taught him a much-needed lesson by breaking his arms. I promise you that from now on, the Nin Family would never cross the Chen family ever again. We are at your disposal and you have my word."

After he said that, the Nin Family Lord knelt before Chen Fan.

Chen Fan held the wine cup in one hand in silence. His eyes were cold and emotionless.

One minute, two, three...

Five minutes later, Nin Chendong's body started to tremble as his heart sank lower by the second.

Even as he was convinced that Chen Fan was going to send him to his maker, he heard a musical voice come up next to Chen Fan. "Xiao Fan, Boss Nin seemed pretty sincere to me, why don't you just give him a chance to prove himself?"

"Yes, yes... The Nin Family will never EVER betray you again. We will be at Miss An's beck and call and do as she commands without a second thought."

Nin Chendong hurried to put in.

"Very well, I will spare your life this time."

Chen Fan finally announced.

Nin Chendong was ecstatic after hearing Chen Fan's decision. He kowtowed to Chen Fan three times and then kowtowed to An Ya five times before he rose to his feet and started off. On his way back to his seat, he saw Tang Family Lord and Shi Hongyi were also on their way to offer their sincere apologies.

The rest of the guests were overwhelmed by the development. They watched as these mighty figures of Zhong Hai hurried to kneel down before Chen Fan and kowtow to him.

"This is what it means to be an immortal state warrior!"

Some people exclaimed in their minds.

Ninety percent of the guest knew nothing about Immortal State Warriors or the Divine Roll before today, however, after seeing what had happened, the word Immortal State would be permanently tattooed on their brain.

Chen Fan had neither wealth nor authority, yet he had pinned the entire Zhong Hai under his boots.

The Mount Bajin was the tallest landmark in and around Zhong Hai, and the Hua Family manor was also filled to the brim with the city's elites. Therefore, Chen Fan had reached both the physical and metaphorical peak of power.

From his seat of power, he stomped on those who dared to oppose him while looking over at the city triumphantly.

His formidable presence was awe-inspiring to the people who looked up at him from below.

After the Yi family lord apologized for Yichen's brush up with Chen Fan, the banquet was about to come to an end. Cheng Danqin pitched her body to a side and asked Lord Hua Under his breath. "Teacher, Immortal Master Chen, what should we do with Lin Family's cronies that he brought here from Lin Nan?"

"This is the Hua Family's residence, so I will leave the decision to Lord Hua."

Chen Fan replied, readily.

Hua Yunfeng narrowed his eyes and ordered: "Break their leg and kick them out of Zhong Hai."

"Dad!"

Hua Qinxiong rounded his eyes in shock and was about to protest.

Yang Zhengfen and the other teenagers were all heirs of reputable families in Lin Nan. Hua Family didn't help them, but neither did they lay a finger on them However, If the Hua Family broke their leg, they would become the enemy of all those families from Lin Nan.

A hint of hesitation also flashed across Cheng Danqin's face.

"Do as I say."

Hua Yunfeng hissed at his son.

"Yes.."

Cheng Danqin bowed slightly and started off to execute the old man's will.

Chen Fan's lips curled into a faint smile as if he was amused by Lord Hua's decision.

After the banquet was over, Hua Yunfeng invited Chen Fan to stay for the night so that he could ask him some questions about cultivation. Chen Fan scanned the tycoons around him and found out that they unwittingly formed a circle around An Ya as if the girl was their protector from his wrath. Chen Fan nodded and agreed to stay longer.

His main goal on this trip was to establish the Jin Xiu Group as the leader of Zhong Hai. To do that, he and An Ya played the age-old game of the good cop and the bad cop.

Carrot and stick approach had always been the most effective way to bring arrogant tycoons to heel.

By then, he didn't even need to dirty his hand by dealing with the Ji Family. The newly acquired loyal lap dogs would do his bidding for him and rend the Ji Family into shreds.

"Let's go now."

Chen Fan rose to his feet and followed Hua Yunfeng to his office.

Meanwhile, news of what had happened tonight quickly spread across Zhong Hai like a wildfire and stirred up the citizens' attention.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 476: A One Hundred Year Old Immortal State Warrior

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chen Fan had no clue how much chaos he brought to the elite circle of Zhong Hai, and neither did he care.

Chen Fan and Yukishiro Sa followed Hua Yunfeng to a pavilion that was set on a cantilevered platform somewhere in the middle of the mountain. The platform extended out from the mountain for a few meters and made the pavilion look like it was floating in the air.

There were a few stools and tables made out of stone. From there, they could have a fantastic view of the sprawling city through a thin veil of mist.

"This is very unique and what a sight!"

Chen Fan nodded in approval.

Hua Yunfeng sat here every day and looked down at the entire city as he contemplated his decisions, soaking in the fantastic view. The view must have affected his mind, making it easier to see the big picture and make wise decisions.

"My vision is as big as the city, but you, Immortal Master Chen, your vision is the entire world. You are the only known Immortal Master in the world, after all."

Hua Yunfeng ran his finger through his thick beard and said with a broad smile. A hint of pride flickered in his eyes.

Cheng Danqin stood by a tea table a few steps away beside the two, preparing tea for both of them. She had rolled up her sleeves, revealing her porcelain-like skin. After they both had enjoyed a cup of perfectly-made green tea, Chen Fan cracked a smile and said.

"Hua Yunfeng, what is it you want to tell me? Let's get to the point."

Hua Yunfeng grinned a little and then pulled a serious face. He said heavily: "Immortal Master Chen, I want to tell you that you have overreacted today. Beating up and killing Wang Qishan and the other heirs of Lin Nan families was one thing, but killing Lin Shuming was another. He had achieved Transcendent State before he turned thirty and was very likely to reach Immortal State in the future. He is the apple of Lin Shuming's eyes, otherwise, the old man wouldn't give him the jade pendant. "

"Hehe"

Chen Fan cracked a cold smile. "The Lin Family worked with the Hong Sect and instigated the entire Jiang Bei to turn on me. Then they sent Lin Pojun to Zhong Hai, trying to uproot my mother's influence here. If I don't kill Lin Pojun, no one is going to take Jin Xiu Group seriously. I am not going to sit and watch them gather force and come find after me at Jiang Nan Province."

"Plus, for me, the Lin Family is the same as the other families even though they have an Immortal State warrior. I can kill an Immortal State warrior if I want to."

Chen Fan said lightly.

He had already killed a couple of Immortal State warriors, such as Galdan and Oleg. By now, Chen Fan had reached Divine Sea level and nothing, except for nuclear weapons in the world could threaten him.

"I heard of your battles in Russia, but please know that Lord Shuming is much more powerful than those werewolves. "

Hua Yunfeng shook his head dismissively.

"Oh? How so?"

Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and let out a curious smile.

"Lord Shuming rose to fame a long time ago and he is probably the oldest Immortal State warrior. He was born in the mid eighteen centuries and started his life as a scholar. After failing to secure a position in government, he had abandoned the pursuit in the court and went to live in seclusion in the Qin Chen Mountain. Somehow, he was able to reach enlightenment and became a powerful swordmaster while he stayed in the hills. His talent finally caught the attention of the Qin Emperors and they hired him as their bodyguard. He had served three generations of emperors in the Qin court before the Qin dynasty finally crumbled. By the time Lord Shuming returned home, he was already an Immortal State warrior, although he was not the most powerful one yet."

Hua Yunfeng's beard swayed against the gentle wind as he recalled.

Cheng Danqin and Yukishiro Sa perked up their ears and listened attentively.

What Hua Yunfeng was saying were hundred-year-old secrets. By then, only a handful of seniors in China still remember the details. This was the first time Cheng Danqin ever heard of these stories from her teacher.

"He finally claimed the seat of power after he defeated the Japanese Sword-Sage Watanabe. Watanabe arrived in China and defeated sixteen Chinese powerful Martial artists, from all different kinds of sects. Let it be the Lu family, Gu family, Wu family, Ba Ji sect, or the Tai Chi set, no one could defeat this Japanese warrior. In the end, Lin Shuming took on the challenge and fought with Watanabe at the Golden Peak of the Emei Mountain. He was able to defeat Watanabe and made him swear never to enter China again. After that glorious victory, Lin Shuming was officially recognized as the most powerful man in China."

Hua Yunfeng said patiently.

The stories brought the listeners' minds back to a hundred years ago, to the time of turmoil in China.

"So Lin Shuming was quite a patriotic man. But he needs to hone his parenting skills."

Chen Fan tapped the table and shook his head.

"Lin Family is a huge family with many branches and not all of its members are upright with good moral bearings. Lin Pojun, for example, acted like a spoiled brat and had no sense of respect for others. He got what he deserved."

Hua Yunfeng then heaved a sigh of sympathy and regret.

"If Lin Shuming is really as powerful as you said, aren't you afraid that he would come to seek revenge? After all, you have broken all of those teenager's legs." Chen Fan smirked and looked to Hua Yunfeng, testing him.

Hua Yunfeng let out a proud smile.

"Lord Shuming is a reasonable and forgiving man, I don't think he would care what I have done. In addition, my family maintained amicable ties with the Lin family. Technically, Lord Shuming is my Sects Grandpa due to a bond that was forged a long time ago. Lord Shuming will not pick on me for what I have done to his great grandson's cronies."

"Oh? So the rumor is true and you are the son of the head of the Green Gang?"

Chen Fan asked curiously.

"That is true. My family had run the Green Gang for generations. At that time, the Green Gang, Hong Sect and Dragon Hall were considered the three most powerful sects in China and all three sect's leaders were friends with Lord Shuming. However, my Ancestral Chief was killed in that disaster and so was the Green Gang. By then, only the Hua Family remained, but the Green Gang was no more."

Hua Yunfeng shook his head and lamented.

"By disaster, you mean General Ye?"

Chen Fan's eyes lit up as curiosity flashed across his face.

By then Chen Fan was only interested in a handful of names and General Ye was one of them. Chen Fan wagered that this General Ye must be the same person that Red Sparrow and Oleg spoke of. If he was able to earn such high praise from the Russian general Oleg, General Ye must be unimaginably powerful.

When Chen Fan spoke the name, the air in the pavilion seemed to have chilled significantly.

Hua Yunfeng's face darkened and became as heavy as an anvil. After a while, he nodded.

"You are right. But I have come to the realization that the fault was not entirely General Ye's. My Ancestral Chief had brought his destruction upon himself. He was foolish enough to work for the Japanese army and fought against the very people he had sworn to protect. In the end, General Ye killed him near the Eastern Sea. My Ancestral Chief was the only Immortal State warrior in the last hundred years who had died in the hands of another Immortal State warrior."

"Work for the Japanese?"

Chen Fan snorted derisively.

Hua Family's Ancestral Chief had betrayed his own people and capitulated to the Japanese. Chen Fan would have killed him for that if he was alive during that time.

"Because of that, the Green Gang was eliminated in China. I felt guilty and ashamed of my ancestral chief so I didn't fight back. I also offered my service to the nation and swore to protect Zhong Hai as a penance for my Ancestral Chief's sin." Hua Yunfeng said ashamedly.

The old man had never disclosed this part of his past to anyone, not even to Cheng Danqin.

"Those are all in the past and should be forgotten. However, two days ago, Lin Family came to me and wanted to restore the former alliance. He wanted to rally me, the Hong Sect and the Dragon Hall together and seek revenge from General Ye and Kunlun."

Hua Yunfeng let out a wry smile.

"So Hong Sect has Immortal State warriors as well then?" Chen Fan was slightly taken aback. "No wonder the Lin Family would offer help to the Hong Sect. "

Hong Sect had been the first opponent Chen Fan had encountered ever since his rebirth. He had dealt with Linhu, Lei Qianjue, Zoro, and Hu Zongxiu. Even recently, he had just killed the entire Dark Moon unit.

Hua Yunfeng's face darkened after Chen Fan had told him what had happened at Jiang Bei.

"So the Lin Family and the Hong Sect are already working together. Without the approval of the Ancestral Patriarch of the Hong Sect, the sect leader would never be able to dispatch the entire Dark Moon. I don't think it will be long before you will have to take on those ancient legends." Hua Yunfeng said solemnly.

"I don't understand why the immortal state warriors from the Hong Sect and the Lin Family had to hide themselves? Are they afraid of nuclear weapons?" Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and asked curiously.

Cheng Danqin and Yukishiro Sa rounded their eyes and looked to the old man expectantly.

"They didn't want to hide, they had to."

Hua Yunfeng chuckled a little.

"A hundred years ago, there were many Immortal State warriors around the globe., and they were behind nearly all the historical moments throughout human history. However, ever since the United States of America and USSR invented the nuclear weapon, they were terrified and retreated backstage. However, that was not the case in China."

A flicker of admiration lit up in Hua Yunfeng's eyes. "China as a nation had been impoverished and weak. She didn't have nuclear weapons until ten years later. Therefore, nearly all the Immortal State Warriors were brought to heel by one person: General Ye."

"By one person?"

Cheng Danqin exclaimed.

Even Yukishiro Sa's face changed color after hearing the revelation. However, Chen Fan seemed to be unaffected.

"Indeed."

Hua Yunfeng nodded and then continued with a great measure of deference.

"General Ye used to be a bandit, believe it or not, and he was about the same age as me. However, he was extraordinarily talented and had become a Grandmaster all by himself. Later on, He joined the revolutionary army and quickly rose to fame. He was then tasked to create the Kunlun Unit. It's a special force that consists of men and women with supernatural abilities."

"Like a king of dragons, he leapt across Mount Kunlun with three million dragon warriors in tow..."

As Hua Yunfeng recited a long-forgotten poem to praise the mighty General, Chen Fan finally reckoned that this man truly deserved his attention. Meanwhile, Cheng Danqin was shocked beyond belief.

"This is how Kunlun was founded. Later, the Kunlun unit became the Special Case Department as you know it." Hua Yunfeng said: "General Ye had led the Kunlun and swept across China. He battled against countless sects and families. During those intense battles, he had finally reached the Immortal State and became a legend."

"After that, General Ye was practically invincible."

Hua Yunfeng rose to his feet and paced in the pavilion excitedly.

"He killed my Ancestral Chief and crushed the Green Gang. Hong Sect fought back but they were eventually pushed out of China. Seeing the old alliance had crumbled, Dragon Hall also escaped China and so did the Square Tower. Both now preside over Tai Wan. General Ye had eventually made his way to the Lin Family and forced Lin Shuming to retreat into seclusion for sixty years "

"After that, General Ye had finally quelled the restless forces in China and created a peaceful environment in the nation for sixty years. He was regarded as the most powerful man in China even by people outside of China."

Hua Yunfeng heaved a sigh and said.

The story had made the listener's blood boil. They wished that they were born in a different time and were able to witness General Ye's godly might.

Chen Fan half-closed his eyes and cracked a smile.

"The most powerful man in China..."

"Ye Qincang of Kunlun!"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 477: Ye Cangqin of Kunlun

Kunlun was neither the name of a person nor that of a sect.

However, it represented the most powerful force in a mighty nation. The Special Case Departments were, in reality, an offshoot branch of the Kunlun unit.

As Hua Yunfeng had revealed, most first-generation members of the Kunlun unit had already retired with Ye Qincang. The current "Red Sparrow" and "Azure Dragon" were the second generation of warriors who had used those names.

"Sixty years ago, Ye Qincang had swept across East Asia and cleared the path for the newly formed Chinese nation. By then, no one knew how powerful he had gotten. He is much younger than my ancestral chief, and Lord Shuming, so he must still be very healthy and strong physically."

Hua Yunfeng put in.

Cheng Danqin and Yukishiro Sa both pulled a taut face after hearing the old man's words.

Yukishiro Sa looked the most troubled. She cast a worried glance at Chen Fan. Although Chen Fan was practically a god in her mind, Ye Qincang's illustrative achievement and the fact that he had even defeated Lin Shuming opened a flood gate of concern and worry in the girl's mind.

Could Chen Fan really take on such a powerful foe?

On the other hand, Cheng Danqin cast a smug glance at Chen Fan with an upturned brow that read: "Chen Fan, there is finally someone that can keep you in check. Don't think that you can do whatever you want."

Hua Yunfeng's words were obviously a warning to Chen Fan.

He wanted to warn the young man to watch out for his own actions and have his wits about. His perceived dominance was in part because of the inactivity of more powerful warriors.

"I guess Ye Qincang was the one who made the Heaven roll? No wonder Red Sparrow always looked so unimpressed with me." The thought brought a smile onto Chen Fan's face

"Indeed. Other than General Ye, no one, other than General Ye would have the wisdom and the open mindedness that are required to create the Heaven roll."

"Ever since General Ye founded the Ye family of Mount Yan, the family had produced many renowned heirs. There were other Immortal State warriors even in this generation of the Ye family. No wonder Lin Shuming was in such a hurry to seek his revenge. I think Lin Shuming is worried that his remaining days in this world are numbered and he needs to act quickly."

"Therefore he had rallied his old allies to wage a war against Ye Qincang. Should he succeed, he would also have gotten rid of a potential rival for his heirs, if not pave the way to dominance for them."

Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and murmured.

"That must be it. Lin Shuming knew that Kunlun would not lay a finger on the Lin Family as long as he was still alive. However, as soon as he was dead, General Ye would lash out and eliminate the remaining forces of the Lin Family. The Hong Sect's Ancestral Patriarch must have felt the same."

Hua Yunfeng nodded and said: "Indeed. Lord Shuming is an Immortal State warrior, so it's impossible for him to make a move without attracting attention. They must have planned this attack in secrecy for many years. They only have one shot at this and once they make a move, there is no return."

Hua Yunfeng said.

He had thought that his words of caution might help bring Chen Fan down a notch or two.

However, Chen Fan didn't seem to hear his words. His levity didn't rub Cheng Danqin the wrong way, so the girl felt she had to speak out the obvious loudly to Chen Fan.

"Immortal Master Chen—if I may say so—you need to be careful about your actions. You are already the enemy of the Hong Sect and the Lin Family, you don't want to make another one, especially not Kunlun. I hope you learn from what happened to the Ancestral Chief of Hua Family. "

"Shut your trap!"

Hua Yunfeng's face darkened as he refuted the girl hotly.

The girl's remarks bore no sign of respect. To talk to an Immortal State warrior in such a tone was blasphemy! She should count herself lucky that Chen Fan didn't slap her in the face or outright kill her.

"Immortal Master Chen, please forgive Danqin. She is young and still has lots to learn..." Hua Yunfeng hurried to his feet and bowed deeply to Chen Fan.

"Foolish girl, I should have killed you, and I will if you ever use that tone on me again. Have your wits about, don't act like an idiot and practice what you preach." Chen Fan grunted and then shot a piercing glare at the girl.

The tension in the room squeezed oxygen out of Cheng Danqin's lungs, suffocating her.

She suddenly felt naked under Chen Fan's questioning gaze. It was as if an invisible hand had rummaged through her memory, unearthing every single secret she had buried in her memories. She quickly lowered her head to avert the gaze.

Chen Fan slowly rose from his chair and paced to the edge of the pavilion, looking down at the sprawling city.

"Hua Yunfeng, I know what you are trying to tell me. But you have underestimated my power. As long as neither Lin Shuming nor Ye Qincang have reached the Connate Spirit, I can take on both of them at once with ease."

Chen Fan's words were filled with assuredness and an unswerving conviction.

In the listener's minds; eye, Chen Fan's body seemed to have grown taller and taller until his head had reached the clouds; he was not a mortal, he had become a Celestial Lord!.

"Whatever... anyone can just say that. 'I can take on both of the...' humph! Do words mean anything?" Cheng Danqin murmured in her mind. She clearly didn't believe Chen Fan's claim.

"Connate Spirit? What is that?"

Hua Yunfeng furrowed his brows and asked curiously.

"That's a term used by Immortal cultivators. I believe you call it Earth Level Deity on this planet. It's the same as the level of attainment achieved by Sword Secret the Exalted Cultivator."

"What? Earth Level Deity!"

Hua Yunfeng exclaimed.

Cheng Danqin also let out a surprised cry.

As its name suggested, the Earth Level Deity was considered a deity instead of mortal. It was the ultimate goal of countless cultivators on earth. However, no one had reached this level ever since Sword Secret, the Exalted Cultivator. Rumor had it that the legendary Taoist Zhang Sanfeng had reached such greatness, but history had proven that those were merely rumors.

"Are you... a deity now?"

Hua Yunfeng rounded his eyes and glared at Chen Fan shocked. His hands trembled in fear and excitement.

A Deity?

Deities were cultivators who had ascended godhood. Famous examples of deities were Lü Dongbin and Peng Zu. They could traverse great distances in the blink of an eye and kill their enemies from a mile away.

No one had heard of such a transcendental force for a thousand years.

Hua Yunfeng suddenly felt that her childhood dream of standing before a deity had finally come true.

"Deity? No, no. I am not."

Chen Fan shook his head. However, even as disappointment flashed in Hua Yunfeng's eyes, Chen Fan added: "But I am expecting to reach Connate Spirit Cultivator in three years. By then, even a real Earth Level Deity will be no match against me."

"Yea, right."

Before Hua Yunfeng could say anything, Cheng Danqin flung back at Chen Fan sarcastically.

"The world hasn't seen a real deity for a thousand years. Based on ancient records, the boundary between Deity and Immortal State was what separated a mortal from the immortals. Once one had achieved the status of a deity, he would have ascended to a higher plane of existence that was out of the reach from the Immortal State Warriors."

Hua Yunfeng nodded slowly.

Although no one in present-day had seen a deity, they were well documented in records of ancient sects.

Many ancient records described the power of deities in vivid details: that they could turn the ocean upside down, that they could move a mountain with each. The abilities of an Immortal State Warrior simply couldn't compare.

"You are talking about the Immortal State Warriors on Earth. I am an Immortal Cultivator with initial success in my Divine Body cultivation. My power is at least on par with those deities you are thinking about."

Chen Fan said proudly.

"Immortal Cultivation? Initial success in Divine Body Cultivation?"

The old man and the girl gaped at Chen Fan in confusion with no clue of what he was talking about.

Chen Fan turned around and locked his eyes onto the old man: "Hua Yunfeng, I sense that you are very close to reaching the Immortal State. So here is the deal: I will help you reach the Immortal State, and you will have to protect my family for fifty years."

"What?"

Hua Yunfeng jerked himself out of his chair in utter surprise and glared at Chen Fan stupidly.

"Immortal State is so difficult to obtain that in the last hundred years, China has only seen two of them: Ye Qincang and you. It's easier said than done."

Cheng Danqin put in incredulously.

"My methods are none of your concern. All you need to do is trust me and fulfill our agreement. I can guarantee you that you will reach Immortal State." Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and said indifferently.

Hua Yunfeng closed his eyes slowly.

His face changed from normal to green and then to pale as he struggled to make a decision.

"Teacher, don't listen to him. He must be lying. I have never heard anyone could help others achieve Immortal State." Cheng Danqin put in anxiously.

"OK, we have a deal."

Hua Yunfeng's face softened and then he said firmly.

"Good."

Chen Fan shot out his right hand and traced an inscription in the air.

"Let this spell seal out a deal, and bind you to your words. If you ever walk back on your promise, the spell shall destroy your body and your soul!"

A golden Talisman Inscription appeared in the air. Although Hua Yunfeng couldn't make out the characters, he knew right away what it was.

This was a contract.

Hua Yunfeng doubled down on his decision and cut his thumb open using teeth. Blood welled in the wound and dripped onto the inscriptions.

Chen Fan then drew a fraction of Hua Yunfeng's soul out of his body to complete the contract.

"Shu!"

The golden inscriptions suddenly lit aflame and turned into ashes.

As soon as the inscription disappeared, Hua Yunfeng felt a heavy force weighing on his soul. He knew that should he breach the contract the weight would come down and crush his fragile soul.

"It's not my first choice, but I am running out of time."

Seeing Cheng Danqin's distraught face, Hua Yunfeng lamented.

He was over a hundred years old. Although he was healthy, his time in this world was numbered if he didn't find a way to reach Immortal State.

His life was hanging by a thread, and Hua Yunfeng couldn't waste any opportunity he came across.

Chen Fan had seen through his trouble and therefore made an offer that he couldn't refuse. It's a win-win situation since he needed someone powerful to protect his family and prevent the tragedy from happening again.

After signing the Covenant of Soul and Spirit, Hua Yunfeng wouldn't betray Chen Fan even if he wanted to.

"Immortal Master Chen, when shall we start? Should I seek Numinous treasures to aid my ascension?" Hua Yunfeng bowed slightly and hazarded.

By then, he was still not entirely convinced that Chen Fan could hold up his end of the bargain.

Signing the contract with Chen Fan was his desperate last-ditch effort.

"Haha, I wouldn't need any elixirs. I will make you an Immortal State right here, right now!"

Chen Fan let out a peal of laughter as rays of azure light shot out from his eye and spilled into Hua Yunfeng's eyes.

Then he shot out a hand and grasped something in the air.

"Array, arise!"

Suddenly, sixteen golden Talisman Inscriptions appeared out of thin air. These sixteen Talisman Inscriptions formed a small Spirit Gathering Array around the old man and started to channel Spirit Qi toward the Pavilion.

Yukishiro Sa and Cheng Danqin were both shocked by the incredible sight.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 478: It's My Honor, Immortal Master

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Huu! Huu!"

A Strong wave of Spirit Qi gathered from all directions, and they were drawn by Chen Fan to form a translucent funnel above Hua Yunfeng's head and plummet down.

The powerful whirlwind expanded, stirring up gales, and churned the cloud above.

"Pull Back!"

Both Yukishiro Sa and Cheng Danqin were both forced to back away and were eventually out of the pavilion. They watched from a distance as Chen Fan and Hua Yunfeng got surrounded by the storm of Spirit Qi. They looked as if they were in another world where immortals lived.

"Follow my lead and start the art. Focus your mind and don't let anything distract you!"

Chen Fan shouted out.

Hua Yunfeng had proved once again that he lived up to his reputation as a seasoned Grandmaster. He quickly brought his fear under control and gathered himself. He followed Chen Fan's lead and started the art.

The ability to form Divine Soul from Soul energy was what set the Immortal State warrior apart from the Transcendent State warriors. With the Divine Soul, they would be able to tap into the power of Heaven and Earth and reach the status of Heavenly Beings. Without the Divine Soul, Transcendent State Warriors can only rely on their own very limited energy.

The energy inside of one's body was limited, but the power of Heaven and Earth was boundless.

That was why the Immortal State Warriors viewed the lives on earth like dirt. Chen Fan was a reincarnation of a Celestial Lord, therefore, he was able to withstand the attack of the Immortal State warriors.

"Silalala..!"

The Spirit Qi poured into Hua Yunfeng from above, the energy inside the old man started to circulate.

One round, two... three...

His Internal Force grew stronger with each round. It suddenly occurred to Hua Yunfeng that he was gaining more levels of attainment in a second than he could in a few weeks.

It wasn't long before Hua Yunfeng's body was brimming with a restless energy that threatened to burst out of his body.

"Immortal Master, I'm almost at my limit now."

Hua Yunfeng said with a great sense of urgency

He had been cultivating his Internal Force for over a hundred years and by then, his Internal Force was as powerful as the top Takemiya Hiro. However, his internal force wouldn't help him ascend to the next level, instead, he needed more Soul Energy. However strong and potent his Internal Force was, without refining them into a Divine Soul, the old man would never reach the Immortal State.

"Start!"

Chen Fan grunted and brilliant Divine Light shot out from his eyes and into Hua Yunfeng's body.

Chen Fan's Divine Will had become extremely powerful once he had reached Divine Sea level and projected as far as thirty kilometers. Although Chen Fan had sent only a fraction of his Divine Will into Hua Yunfeng's body, the old man was overtaken by an unbearable fullness in him, it was as if his body was going to turn inside out.

"Open!"

Chen Fan's method was simple: he used his Divine Will to force the Soul energy inside of Hua Yunfeng to collect into a ball and gradually increased pressure on the ball until the Soul Energy was condensed into Divine Will.

To North Mystic Celestial Lord, this might seem an ordinary operation. Chen Fan had known every procedure involved and would make sure the process was safe. However, the operation was torturous for Hua Yunfeng.

Souls were the most delicate things inside a mortal.

Chen Fan's Divine will handle Hua Yunfeng's soul with the same brute force as a blacksmith would to a piece of iron: hammering, kneading, folding. Hua Yunfeng felt his soul was being continuously crushed and reforged, bringing him agonizing pain.

However, after a while, Hua Yunfeng sensed that a Divine Soul was taking shape somewhere deep within Hua Yunfeng's Soul Energy.

"Again!"

Chen Fan shouted and pressed his palm on top of Hua Yunfeng's head as he poured True Essence into his body. The True Essence trickled into his system and circulated around his body with the Internal Force.

The addition of the small amount of True Essene seemed to have breathed a new life into the circulating Internal Force and gave it more vigor. Each pulse of the energy was a defiant call to break its cage to be connected with the outside world.

"Arise!" "Arise!" "Arise!"

Chen Fan waved his hands, as True Qi formed at the tip of his fingers, forming thirty-six Qi needles. Chen Fan plummeted these needles into thirty-six secret acupuncture points on Hua Yunfeng's body.

"The Needle Art of Nine Spiritss!"

All the thirty-six Acupuncture points were key to unlocking human potential. Some strengthened Hua Yunfeng's flesh and others multiplied his vitality. As the life force inside the old man was set ablaze, his appearance also made observable changes. After a while, he was no longer an old man, but a middle-aged man in his prime.

"I have combined your Soul Energy, Internal energy and your physical strength. I have made you an Immortal!"

Chen Fan grunted deeply and grasped something in the air.

"Bang!"

The True Energy inside of Hua Yunfeng was blended together with vitality and Divine Soul. In Hua Yunfeng's mind's eyes, he saw a translucent apparition forming somewhere deep inside of his body. The apparition had the face of a young man. It wasn't long before Hua Yunfeng recognized this young man: it was himself.

"Kaboom!"

The moment this apparition formed inside of Hua Yunfeng's body,

A beam of light with the color of burning coal burst out from Hua Yunfeng's head and lanced into the sky. It shone so brilliantly that it lit up a large swath of area in the sky. Looking from afar, the otherworldly scene looked like a fiery evening's glow.

"He had Condensed Qi so much that the unsubstantial energy gained a corporeal appearance of a large pillar. Only an Immortal State Warrior could have pulled that off."

Cheng Danqin gaped in shock. She stammered in a shaky voice.

Yukishiro Sa cast a derisive glance at her, with a smirk on her face that read: "This is nothing. You should have seen the beam of light coming out from my master's head when he reached Immortal State, it was as thick as a tree trunk and it lit up miles upon miles of clouds in the sky."

Before Cheng Danqin had realized what had happened, she heard Hua Yunfeng let out a vehement cry.

"My life had been hanging in balance. But not anymore. I Have The POWER!"

His voice reached as far as a thousand miles and the sound wave even blew the cloud apart into tiny thin strands of mist that quickly disappeared.

Hua Yunfeng opened his eyes, and kowtowed to Chen Fan.

"Lord Master, please accept the humble appreciation from me, your disciple. I will carry your blessing with me for the rest of my life and never forget your guidance."

"Lord Master?"

Cheng Danqin thought her ear had played a trick on her.

Hua Yunfeng knelt on the ground as he tried to get used to the newfound energy pulsing in his body. He registered that his power had multiplied thanks to his newfound ability to tap into the Power of Heaven and Earth.

The realization brought even more respect and deference into Hua Yunfeng's heart.

Chen Fan had just helped him reach the Immortal state.

It was unthinkable.

Hua Yunfeng had been stuck in the Transcendent State for nearly thirty years. It had been so long since the last time he had made any improvements that he was convinced that he would never reach the Immortal State and had accepted the fact that he was but one more member of the Dark Roll who would never become an Immortal State Warrior.

However, Chen Fan had personally created a Divine Soul for him and greatly improved his Internal and External energies. He had guided the miraculous transformation with such ease that it seemed like a stroll in the park.

The casualness in Chen Fan meant that he was at least ten times more powerful than Hua Yunfeng.

"I wonder if Immortal Master Chen knew that I peered into the depth of his soul energy while he opened his soul and spirit for me."

Hua Yunfeng thought to himself.

Although Hua Yunfeng saw only bits and pieces of Chen Fan's past, he was shocked beyond belief. In those fragmented images, mighty warriors moved mountains, created a whole new dimension, and annihilated millions of lives in one strike. The old man knew that the mighty figure he saw was Chen Fan.

Hua Yunfeng was shaken to the core after realization finally set in.

"Immortal Master Chen must be a reincarnation of an ancient mighty being, likely a powerful god who had achieved much higher enlightenment than even the Earth Level Deity. No wonder he could have obtained such incredible force in just three years. It must be fate that had bought me to him. I must not waste this opportunity of a lifetime."

With that realization in mind, Hua Yunfeng knelt before Chen Fan and kowtowed deeply.

"Rise." Chen Fan linked his hands behind his back and was afloat in the cloud above the pavilion. "You are not powerful enough to be my disciple yet. For now, you can be an in-name disciple."

"As you wish, Lord Master."

Although Chen Fan had only granted him the title of an in-name disciple, Hua Yunfeng's heart was filled with joy and excitement. So the old man knelt and kowtowed again.

He had just become an in-name disciple of an Immortal sage. Such honor and privilege! The Hua Family's ancestor must be proud of him right now in heaven.

Cheng Danqin was dumbfounded by the development.

Her teacher was a dominant force in Zhong Hai, well respected by warriors across China. However, his face lit up with glee just because he was admitted by Chen Fan as an in-name disciple. The smile on his face was broader than even when he realized that he had reached Immortal State.

"Ah, right, you have a senior apprentice-sister who was about eighteen years old. Her seniority was two years ahead of you. She lives in Zhong Zhou right now, so make sure she is taken care of." Chen Fan ordered.

"Be rest assured. I will treat my senior apprentice-sister just as I would you."

Cheng Danqin swallowed a wad of spit as she suddenly felt tired of keeping up with the preposterous developments and making sense of it.

Her teacher had not only called a twenty year old Master but also had an eighteen year old Senior Apprentice-Sister. Did that mean she had just got a Martial Grandfather and a Senior Auntie?

The thought made Cheng Danqin roll her eyes, however, Hua Yunfeng's hot rebuttal had wrenched her mind out of her reverie.

"Xiao Qin, Come and kowtow to your Martial Grandfather."

"Yes.."

Cheng Danqin walked over to Chen Fan reluctantly and knelt down. She was overtaken by a pang of despair and helplessness: years of martial arts training wasted!

"Master Chen, please stay a bit longer, I have many questions about cultivation that I need you to shed some light on."

Hua Yunfeng asked earnestly.

Chen Fan gave him a meaningful glance and nodded.

Chen Fan had also registered Hua Yunfeng's gaze that peered into his soul energy.

However, those images were only surficial elements of his Primordial Essence that were mostly loose memories from his past life before he had reached Soul Formation level. After he had reached Soul Formation, his memories were so watertight that not even his teacher, Cangqin could have plied them open.

Therefore, Hua Yunfeng still had no idea who Chen Fan really was.

Chen Fan was not only a sage who could destroy an entire nation, but also an invincible Celestial Lord who lorded over the entire universe.

Chen Fan had spent the rest of the night answering his disciple's questions.

The next day, Manager Xu woke up in his mistress's bed and felt very well rested.

He was a member of the Board of Directors at Jin Xiu Group. After he entered the office building, he noticed many of his workers were murmuring to each other quietly as if something big had happened last night.

"Oh! Good Morning, Lao Hong!"

Manager Xu walked over to Manager Hong and complained:

"Director Wang's baby boy claimed that he could handle the Ji Family, but guess what? I went to the project site yesterday, and everything is the same. Nothing had happened. I say we should outright bar that arrogant prince from our board."

"As I say, our best option was to apologize to the Ji Family of Zhong Hai. We don't stand a chance..."

Manager Xu was engrossed in his ranting and didn't notice the strange expression on Manager Hong's face.

In the end, Manager Hong had to interrupt him:

"Lao Xu, Haven't you heard what happened last night?"

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 479: The Aftermath

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"What happened?"

Manager Xu asked.

He had turned his cell phone off the entire night so that he didn't have to answer his wife's calls while he spent the night at his mistress's place.

Even as Manager Hong was going to explain, Manager Xu suddenly plastered on a smile and said: "Managing Director He, Director Xiao, and Manager Wu, good morning."

Seeing Manager Xu was not really interested in what he was going to say, Manager Hong decided to keep his silence.

Manager Xu quickly found out that everyone he met today looked troubled.

"What's going on? Still worried about the third phase constriction of our new development? Don't worry, I will talk to the Chairman today and advise her to apologize to the Ji Family. Everything will be fine..."

Manager Xu said confidently.

People around him looked at him like he was an idiot. So enamored by the glory of his own reflection, Manager Xu didn't notice the strange looks on everyone's face. Even as he continued talking about his plan to "help" the Jin Xiu Group, two drop-dead gorgeous women, came over to the elevator, trailing a series of the strident clacking of heels on the marble floor.

The entire building became quiet as soon as the two beauties showed up.

Most employees scarcely dared to breathe while the receptionist rose to their feet and straightened their backs to welcome their bosses.

The two women were Wang Xiaoyun and An Ya.

"Ah-ha! There she is. I will talk to her right now."

Manager Xu was about to greet his bosses, but the rest of the managers were one step ahead of him.

Managing Director He, Director Xiao, and the other board members put on ingratiating smiles as they flocked to Wang Xiaoyun, heaping praise on her.

"You look fabulous today!"

"Assistant An looks so elegant in that Chanel suit. My daughter simply couldn't compare."

"Under your leadership, Jin Xiu Group would always be the most powerful company in Zhong Hai!"

Manager Xu was dumbfounded by their sudden change of attitude. He gaped at the managers as they kept on buttering the two women up.

They were all board members and wielded significant clout in the company. Even Chairman Wang needed to heed their advice by compromising her own plans. There was no need for them to kiss Wang Xiaoyun's ass as those general employees would.

"Come with me, we have a meeting."

Wang Xiaoyun pulled a taut face and ordered the board members curtly.

"Yes, right away."

These board members quickly lined up at the elevator gate as if they were well-trained soldiers, ready to follow their commander's order to the letters.

Under Manager Xu's incredulous watch, the other managers filed into the elevator without small chit-chatting. Their movements were purposeful but succinct and reminded Manager Xu of his son during the school's military conditioning training.

"What the heck?"

Despite the pestering questions in his mind, he decided not to stick out among his tin-soldier colleagues and kept his question to himself.

They rode the elevator together with Wang Xiaoyun, and Manager Xu was astonished to find out that the board members had even changed their way of addressing Wang Xiaoyun. They used to call her Boss Wang, but now, all of them called her Chairman Wang, with a little bow. The elevator door opened once they had arrived on the floor where the meeting room was, the managers didn't file out of the elevator until Wang Xiaoyun was out and was ahead of them a few dozen meters.

Wang Xiaoyun carried an air of awe-inspiring majesty about her that transformed her into a queen and her employees into her subjects.

The meeting started as soon as they reached the meeting room.

"Cough... cough..."

Manager Xu cleared his throat and was about to propose his plan of capitulation. Suddenly, Director Xiao rose from his chair, holding a stack of papers.

"Chairman, I just got a phone call from the Eastern District officers and they informed me that they have completed their inspection at our project site. All is well and we could start construction immediately."

"What?"

Manager Xu raised his eyebrows in surprise, and he nearly spilled the water he had just swilled.

And then, Managing Director He also stood up and announced:

"Chairman, the officers at the Eastern District wanted me to tell you that they were pressured by the Ji Family to hinder the project's progress. They are no longer beholden to the Ji Family's indulgence and wish to apologize to you in person."

"The officers of the Eastern District want to apologize in person?"

Manager Xu couldn't believe his ears.

The fate of the construction project was in the hands of these government officials, and never once had these bureaucrats bowed to any company within their purview.

However, this was only the beginning.

"Chairman, boss of the Dong Chen Group called me personally and said he wanted to join our business venture. They are willing to cover all the costs of the project, and when the project is over, they only need thirty percent of the profit."

"Chairman, Shi Hongyi from the Hong Hai Group is waiting for you in the meeting room. He has been waiting for two hours."

"Chairman, Lord Zhou invited you to dinner. The mayor and deputy mayors will also be present."

By then, Manager Xu was already numb to the one after another shocking revelation.

The Dong Chen Group was one of the biggest companies in Zhong Hai and its owner was the family lord of Nin Family, Nin Chendong. The deal was practically a steal for the Jin Xiu Group since they offered to cover all costs and asked for only thirty percent profit.

Meanwhile, Shi Hongyi was the richest man in Zhong Hai, but he had waited ever since six o'clock this morning, begging for an audience with Wang Xiaoyun.

Lord Zhou's invitation was not only unexpected but also had a peculiar timing. He was a retired senior official in Zhong Hai who still had significant influence across China.

"What did I miss? Is it just me or has everyone gone crazy?"

Rattled by the shocking development, Manager Xu sat in his chair quietly like a statue.

"Noted."

Wang Xiaoyun nodded and continued the meeting.

After a while, the meeting adjourned and many directors rose to their feet and bowed as Wang Xiaoyun and An Ya left the room. They kept their back bent for a few good minutes.

"Hew! Chairman is finally gone."

"Old Hong, I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

"Chairman is gaining more prestige by the day, and we are also beneficiaries of her fame and power. Now the Jin Xiu Group is under Young Lord Chen's protection, no one would ever lay a finger on us."

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief and started murmuring to each other.

The situation was still as clear as mud to Manager Xu. He asked curiously: "Hey, what happened? Did Lord Wang, Wang Zhongguo finally acknowledge Chairman Wang as his daughter again?"

"Hehe. It has nothing to do with the Wang family. It's her son. Young Lord Chen turned out to be an incredible force. Lao Xu, you should have gone with us to Hua Family residence last night, you missed a fantastic show."

Manger Hong shook his head and said.

"Ah? Her son?"

The news set Manager Xu was back on his heels. "You mean that hoity-toity brat? What does he have to show for? All he could do is to mooch off his mother."

"Hehe"

Manager Hong scoffed.

Director Xiao also heaved a sigh and said: "Lao Xu, your eyes are as good as blind. Our young master had unimaginable abilities like you wouldn't believe. Come, come, let me fill you in."

Manager Xu was rendered speechless after he heard the events of last night.

"General Major of Cang Dragon? Living Legend? CIA's Divine Roll? OMG! Are you sure he is a mortal?"

Realization finally dawned upon him. He could finally make sense of everyone's fearful feelings toward Wang Xiaoyun.

No one could have remained calm while working for the mother of such a powerful man. Her presence demanded their respect and fear. By then, Jin Xiu Group's top position in the industry was unchallenged.

As for the Ji Family, Manager Xu had already forgotten about them.

They were just a prominent family in Zhong Hai, a far cry from the mighty living legend.

As people in the Jin Xiu Group grappled with the series of outlandish development, Chen Fan had left the Hua Family with Yukishiro Sa. The entire Hua Family lined up by the residence to see Chen Fan off. Before Chen Fan got on the vehicle, Hua Yunfeng bowed deeply.

"Farewell, Master."

"Farewell, master." Cheng Danqin and Hua Qinxiong followed the old man's lead and knelt on the ground.

Hua Yunfeng didn't straighten his back until Chen Fan's vehicle had disappeared.

Hua Qinxiong also picked himself up from the ground. He dusted his pants and asked:

"Dad, even if he is the living legend, don't you think we are being a little bit over the top? After all, you ranked number four on the Heaven roll and are of the semi-immortal level. Do you really have to be his disciple?"

"Just so! I felt he should have called you master."

Hua Yuanhu was the Hua Family's third-generation heir, he also put in indignantly.

"Fools! Immortal Master Chen is an Immortal sage, how dare you think so lightly of him? For that, you deserve a punishment. You shall kneel before our ancestor's shrine for a day and reflect on your mistake!"

Hua Yunfeng's face darkened and fumed.

Hua Yunfeng and Hua Qinxiong both lowered their heads in silent protest.

"Yes.."

Seeing the confusion and reluctant in their eyes, Hua Yunfeng furrowed his brows and waved a dismissal at the servants. Once he was alone with the core members of the Hua Family, he led them to the pavilion and said.

"You seem to disagree with your punishment?"

"No."

Indignation was written all over Hua Qinxiong's face.

"Humph!!"

Hua Yunfeng hissed at his son.

He walked over the edge of the pavilion and kept going. Under the Hua Family's shocked eyes, Hua Yunfeng walked in the air as if he was walking on an invisible stairs.

One step, two steps, three steps.

Like a sage, Hua Yunfeng rode the wind and stepped on the cloud, getting closer and closer to the zenith of the firmament.

"Walking on air... this... this is..."

Hua Qinxiong and the others gaped at the incredible sight as a thought came up in their minds.

"Yes, the teacher had reached Immortal State last night and had become a living legend."

Cheng Danqin put in. Complicated and strong emotions flashed in her eyes.

"Congratulations, father. The Hua Family is going to regain what we have lost!"

Hua Qinxiong kowtowed to his father as he trembled uncontrollably. Hua Yuanhu also beamed from side to side.

"Master Chen had given me what I have been seeking blindly for a hundred years. Now, do you still it is over the top for me to be his disciple?"

Hua Yunfeng lamented.

"What?"

The revelation set Hua Qinxiong and the others back on their heels as they looked to each other in fear and disbelief.

64c3e69bf75c4d1715a59001

Chapter 480: Snow God Palace?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chen Fan had pulled the rug from under everyone by becoming the first person to have achieved Immortal State over the decade.

However, his feat of helping others achieve Immortal state was practically unheard of. Such a miracle was only mentioned in ancient scrolls about divine intervention of sages or gods. Chen Fan's ability to help others achieve Immortal State spoke loudly of his unimaginable power.

"Father, we are sorry."

Hua Qinxiong and the others hurried to take a deep and sincere bow.

"Lord Master is a god-like being, transcendental and unsullied by the mortal world. We, as his disciples, should hold onto his teachings and never let anyone insult him."

Hua Yunfeng waved a hand and said.

"Yes, right away."

Hua Qinxiong answered with a solemn expression.

The promise of a bright future for the Hua Family had heightened their spirits. They would never have to be submissive when the Lin Family was knocking on their door again. However powerful the Lin Family was, they would be no match against two Immortal State warriors.

Even as the Hua Family members revelled in their new-found strength, Chen Fan had driven his Ferrari on the highway to Lin City. With Hua Yunfeng guarding the fort at Zhong Hai, Chen Fan was confident that even Lin Shuming had to think twice before messing with his family.

"Once I have finished tying up the loose ends for my family, I should set out for another adventure and visit my old friends on my way."

He thought to himself.

His thoughts went to many of his allies: the Lu sisters at Lin City, Medicine God Valley Sect, Zheng family of Hong Kong, Yu Wenjin, A'Xiu, and Xu Rongfei. They might all be affected by his prolonged absence, so Chen Fan thought he should go check upon them.

"They better be safe and sound, otherwise."

A cold light flickered in Chen Fan's eyes.

Lin City was only an hour's drive away from Zhong Hai. As he approached the city, the flamboyant car and Yukishiro Sa both attracted a lot of attention.

He followed the GPS and finally arrived at the Lu family's mansion by the west lake.

"Such wealth!"

Chen Fan exclaimed in his mind. The first thing he noticed as soon as he got out of the car was the Tripod Cauldron right in front of the entrance.

That was the spot where Chen Fan had killed Lu Tianfen and where Lei Qianjue had carried the Tripod Cauldron over his head and barged into the Lu family's mansion.

The Tripod Cauldron was still there, but the people in the story were all gone.

Chen Fan wouldn't even spare a glance at Lei Qianjue should he have to face him now. However, Lei Qianjue's perseverance and discipline lingered long after the battle was over. He was the most resolute and persistent cultivator Chen Fan had ever seen ever since his rebirth, and he also had the most potential. Such a capable cultivator would have dominated an entire planet if he was given room to grow.

"Hey, don't idle in front of the Lu family residence! Go away, go— Chen... Mr. Chen ?"

The captain of the security guard, Lu Dayong emerged from his office.

As soon as he recognized Chen Fan, he was so shocked that he forgot what he was doing here.

Lu Dayong had seen Chen Fan kill Lu Dayong with his own eyes, and Chen Fan's appearance had barely changed over the two years, so he had recognized the young man immediately.

"Brother Yong, who is that?"

The rest of the security guard filed out of the office, some yawning with sleepy eyes. Their jaws all dropped when they saw Chen Fan.

"Is Lu Yanwu and Lu Yanxue around?"

Chen Fan asked evenly.

"Yes, yes. Miss Yanwu is still around, but our family lord..."

Lu Dayong hurried to reply to Chen Fan, and then he hesitated halfway through his sentence.

"What happened to Yanxue?"

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and barged right through the mansion's gate. Lu Dayong scarcely dared to stop him, but he was smart enough to call the family leaders and informed them of the visitor. Suddenly, the Lu family members poured out from the family compound to see the infamous living legend in person.

"Chen Beixuan? Is Chen Beixuan here?"

"Yes, I have seen him myself. He hasn't changed at all."

"He is our family's biggest benefactor. People call him a living legend!"

A wave of surprised murmur rose among the Lu family members.

Lu Yanwu walked behind the Old Lord Lu, steadying him as she went. The old man made his way to Chen Fan, bowed to him and then said: "It is an honor to have you here, Immortal Master Chen. I wish you a long and prosperous life!"

"There is no need for formality. Where is Yanxue?"

Chen Fan waved a dismissal.

"Ur..."The old man hesitated. In the end, Lu Yanwu put in respectfully: "Immortal Master Chen, perhaps we should talk about it inside. It's a long story."

"Very well."

Chen Fan nodded.

Once everyone got into the main hall, Lu Yanwu dismissed the servants. Then she heaved a sigh and said.

"She left half a year after you went missing. She left with a woman who happened to just pass by our house."

"What?"

Chen Fan narrowed his glinting eyes.

It was a public knowledge that the Lu family was under Chen Fan's protection and even so much as laying a finger on Lu Yanxue would surely bring down the ire of the Living Legend.

"That girl was wearing a Taoist nun's habit. She spoke an archaic version of Chinese, so I guessed that she was from an ancient sect. She had taken a liking to Yanxue and claimed that she had a rare hidden knack for cultivation. She called her an Ice Spirit Root and said she was the seed that the Snow God Palace had been looking for." Lu Yanwu said.

"Humph! So you just let that woman take her, just like that?"

Chen Fan puffed a cold air out of his nose which seemed to have lowered the temperature in the hall.

"We do apologize."

The old man hurried to drop to his knees and begged for forgiveness. Lu Yanwu let out a wry smile and said:

"We didn't have many choices. While you were missing in action, one of our rivals came knocking on our doors and swore to seek revenge for some old feud. When our lives were hanging in the balance, it was that Taoist nun who had saved all of us. To thank her, Yanxue had agreed to leave with her."

"Plus..." Shock and disbelief danced in Lu Yanxue's eyes as she put in. "We suspected that the woman was a... Immortal State Warrior!"

"Immortal State?"

Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and mulled over the words.

If there had been a female Immortal State warrior, he should have already heard of her by now. Plus, Chen Fan couldn't recall ever hearing of a Snow God Palace before.

"Fine, I wager she is going to become one of her disciples. At least she is safe. I should ask Red Sparrow about it in a few days."

With that thought in mind, Chen Fan unfurrowed his brows.

He reckoned that the Taoist nun must have noticed Lu Yanxue's exceptional talent

Chen Fan had cleaned up Lu Yanxue's system down to the bone marrow, and therefore, her body had become an Ice Spirit Body, granting her tremendous elemental affinity with Ice element. If she could tap into her inner resources, she would be a mighty cultivator one day.

Chen Fan wagered that was what the nun meant by "Ice Spirit Root." He was convinced that if the nun had noticed her talent, she would spare no expense to protect the girl.

"Immortal Master, please stay a day or two, so that Yanxue wouldn't blame us for being a terrible host when she returns home."

Seeing Chen Fan was about to end the meeting, Old Man Lu hurried to suggest.

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and nodded: "Very well."

A smile broke over the old man's face, so he ordered:

"Yanwu, prepare a banquet and send out invitations to all renowned families in Tian Nan Province. Make sure our rival receives those invitations too."

"Will do. " Lu Yanwu replied joyfully.

Chen Fan sat still and kept his silence.

He knew that the Lu family wanted to use his fame to deter their enemies. However, since he had promised Lu Yanxue to make her happy for the rest of her life, he obliged the Lu family by playing along.

The Lu family of Lin City was one of the most reputable families in Tian Nan.

They had the entire Underground World in their tight grasp. Although they had lost Grandmaster Lu Tianfen, they have gained an even more powerful benefactor: Chen Fan, thanks to one of the family's daughters.

However, ever since Lu Yanxue's disappearance, the Lu family started to become restless and wondered if they were still under Chen Fan's protection. Therefore, the banquet would be a loud and clear message to the rest of the Tian Nan province: the Lu family still had the support of the Living legend!

When the dusk broke, the banquet finally started.

Although it was a very short notice, people flocked to the Lu family's residence and the parking lot quickly got filled up with all kinds of luxury vehicles.

"Young Lord Dong, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too. What kind of game is the Lu family playing this time? It was such a short notice! I have just got the invitation around noon and had to push aside a few other meetings to make it. They promised us that there would be an honored guest attending the banquet, they better not disappoint me."

A few people started to chat with each other at the entrance.

Those who were at the top of the totem pole were much more reticent and kept their questions unspoken as they made their way into the mansion.

"Mom, Dad, hurry up! I don't want to miss anything!"

A tall and handsome young man hopped out of a BMW, brimming with energy and excitement. He turned around and shouted at his parents.

"Wait... just wait."

A Mercedes-Benz pulled over as a couple emerged from within. The man was wearing a spiffy suit while the woman decorated her body with gleaming Jewelry. They were both in their forties but looked much younger.

"Yilun, can you grow up already? Why are you so brash and always in a hurry? How am I supposed to trust you with your dad's company?"

The middle-aged woman refuted. Meanwhile, her gaze landed on a girl who had just come out of the same BMW that the young man was driving.

"Ma... Pa.."

The attractive young girl came forward and greeted the older couple.

"Humph!!"

The middle-aged woman sneered at her and didn't offer a reply.

The middle-aged man waved a hand and said warmly: let's get inside. But make sure you two behave yourself while you are in there. The Lu family is a mighty force in Tian Nan Province. Not even I can save you if you get on their wrong side."

"Yes, dad."

The young couple were Chen Fan's Roommate, Qiu Yilun and his girlfriend Qian Lulu.

There was no school in summer so they both attended the banquet with Qiu Yilun's parents. However, it was evident that Qiu Yilun's mother didn't like Qian Lulu at all.

However, Qian Lulu was determined to become a good future wife of the rich family, so she acted carefully and never talked back to her future mother-in-law.

Once the banquet had finally started, Qiu Yilun wandered into the enormous banquet hall with Qian Lulu in tow. Suddenly, he saw a young man sitting in a corner chewing on a piece of steak by himself. The sight of the young man brought a broad smile onto his face.

"Boss?"

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