"Reporting to the Crown Prince, your plan has failed!"
The Crown Prince's subordinate recounted all the day's events to him.
Instantly, the Crown Prince was furious. While toying with Yun Fan, he had prepared two consecutive plans.
Once Yun Fan fell into the first ring, every subsequent ring would be fatal. He never expected Yun Fan to unravel them all.
His first plan was to ignite the wrath of the Ouyang family against Yun Fan. As the Crown Prince, many eyes were on his position.
Therefore, many matters were inconvenient for him to handle personally.
It would be better if Yun Fan and the Ouyang family fought to the death. Originally, the fury between Yun Fan and the Ouyang family had been thoroughly ignited.
Unexpectedly, at the crucial moment, neither side engaged in a life-or-death struggle.
This was already absurd enough, but the second plan was even more so.
The second plan was much simpler: to have Yun Fan kill Qin Yu, thereby provoking the wrath of the military.
This plan was exceptionally ruthless. Qin Yu had always been his loyal follower, a devoted subordinate.
But even Qin Yu was merely a pawn for him to use.
The final outcome was that Qin Yu died, but not by Yun Fan's hand. He was killed by Ouyang Canyue, a deviation so extreme.
His objective was not to provoke the four great families against the military, but specifically to target Yun Fan alone.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan had managed to foil it.
At this moment, two half-step Xiantian experts beside him said, "Your Highness need not be vexed. He's just a country bumpkin!"
"We brothers will dispatch him ourselves!"
The Crown Prince shook his head. "No, do not underestimate this person. It's impossible for him to have come this far without some skill! Especially at this juncture, we must be even more cautious!"
"Yes!"
The two understood his precarious situation. Though he was in a high position, many eyes were watching him.
A single misstep could lead to utter failure.
At this, the Crown Prince said, "You two personally go to Kunlun Sect. I don't believe Kunlun Sect will remain completely indifferent!"
"Yes!"
...
On the other side.
Ouyang Canyue and Qin Tian emerged from the Heavenly Emperor's Hall, both somewhat dejected. Clearly, they had both been reprimanded by the Heavenly Emperor.
At this, Ouyang Canyue said irritably, "Marshal Qin, for the Heavenly Emperor's sake, let this matter pass. I hope you don't play hard to get!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian was almost moved to fight the man. This fellow was too arrogant, especially considering he had just lost his son.
To hear the other man speak as if it were his fault!
For this reason, he berated Ouyang Canyue, "I will not let this matter rest!"
"You think I'm afraid of you? This matter doesn't just involve my Ouyang family; Yun Fan is involved too!"
Ouyang Canyue was furious.
There wouldn't have been so much trouble if Yun Fan hadn't manipulated him into taking the blame.
Therefore, at this moment, he intended to drag Yun Fan down with him.
"You finally admit it?"
Qin Tian was burning with rage. He had desperately wanted to fight it out with the other party, but the Heavenly Emperor had already ordered them not to act rashly.
Thus, he could only suppress his anger for now.
"I admit your grandmother!"
Ouyang Canyue was completely enraged. If the Heavenly Emperor hadn't mediated, he would have wanted to fight Qin Tian for three hundred rounds right now.
And it would be a battle to the death.
Thus, the two parted on bad terms. The numerous guards of the Heavenly Emperor around them breathed a sigh of relief. If a fight had broken out, it would have been troublesome.
After all, this was a conflict between two half-step Xiantian experts.
...
Yun Fan, the instigator of the trouble, had long since put the killing of Qin Yu out of his mind. All his plans were proceeding smoothly.
"Little brother, want to go for a drink tonight?"
Zhu Lian sent Yun Fan a message on WeChat.
"Yes!"
Yun Fan replied immediately. The reason he agreed was solely because he was unconvinced about the inexplicable loss from that night.
His drinking capacity had always been the strongest; there was no reason he couldn't outdrink a mature woman!
Therefore, he intended to have another showdown tonight, casting all his worries and troubles aside, a battle to the death.
Shortly after, Zhu Lian's luxury car arrived below Yun Fan's hotel, and they went to a bar together.
As usual, business at the bar was poor. Even with a few scattered tables, most people left by the time they were halfway through their drinks.
"It's only been a few days, and little brother, you're looking even more dashing than before!"
A seductive look appeared on Zhu Lian's slightly flushed face.
Yun Fan dared not look directly at this enchantress and immediately laughed, "Sister, you're drunk again!"
He wouldn't believe Zhu Lian was truly drunk, as she always seemed to be in this state.
Zhu Lian smiled, "Yes, I am truly drunk. They say if a woman isn't drunk, the man has no chance. Little brother, your chance has come!"
"Uh..."
Yun Fan hadn't expected Zhu Lian to be so suggestive so quickly, but he was already accustomed to it.
So, he stated his purpose directly, "Sister, I'm very unconvinced about losing to you that time when we drank. So, today, I've decided to have another go!"
"Alright!"
Zhu Lian readily agreed.
"However, if it's a drinking contest, there must be some stakes, otherwise, it's meaningless!"
"What do you want to bet, Sister?"
Yun Fan said solemnly. This was a battle for his honor; he couldn't lose no matter what.
Zhu Lian said, "It's simple. If you lose, you have to come with me. Whatever I want you to do, you cannot resist!"
"Hiss..."
Yun Fan gasped. He hadn't expected the bet to be so high. He immediately said, "I have no problem with that. What is the punishment if you lose?"
"If I lose, you can do whatever you want to me. I promise to be obedient and never resist!" Zhu Lian said with interest.
Yun Fan's scalp tingled. He had a feeling Zhu Lian intended to take advantage of him, whether he won or lost, he would still be taken advantage of.
So, he immediately said, "Deal!"
Yes, he agreed because he knew he wouldn't lose.
"Then let's begin!"
With that, Zhu Lian directly ordered ten bottles of potent liquor to be placed on the table. It was clear that neither side would stop until they were completely drunk.
"Let's go for it!"
Yun Fan immediately opened a bottle of potent liquor and drank it in one gulp.
"Refreshing!"
Yun Fan said with a bitter expression. He didn't look like he was enjoying himself at all.
"Generous!"
Zhu Lian also opened a bottle of potent liquor, then brought the bottle to her fiery red lips and drank it in one gulp.
However, she didn't show the same bitter and uncomfortable expression as Yun Fan. The difference in their drinking capacity seemed to have already decided the winner.
"Sister, I'm going to the restroom. Little brother, you are not allowed to peek!"
Zhu Lian said to Yun Fan with a seductive tone. Her hint was too obvious.
"Sister, don't worry, I am a gentleman!"
Yun Fan repeatedly assured her.
"Hmph! How boring!"
After Zhu Lian left, just as Yun Fan was about to open his second bottle, dozens of cars arrived outside the bar, surrounding the entire establishment.
"Hm?"
Yun Fan looked puzzled and stood up to look outside. It was the military again, and the people who had arrived held high positions.
He recognized one of them: the God of War of Xiaoyao.
"Kid, this time you have nowhere to run!"
The God of War of Xiaoyao said coldly to Yun Fan.
"What are you up to now?"
Yun Fan hadn't expected this idiot to show up again.
The God of War of Xiaoyao sneered, "Last time you were lucky and escaped. This time, you will surely die!"
Yun Fan had heard such words so many times that his ears were calloused.
So, he said, "If you have nothing better to do, then scram. Don't disturb me while I'm drinking!"
"You..."
The God of War of Xiaoyao was surprised by Yun Fan's audacity. Without Lin Wushuang supporting him, he dared to speak to him in such a manner.
It was as if he didn't take him seriously at all.
"If you're looking for trouble, you're not qualified!"
Yun Fan said irritably. He had dealt with many Gods of War; he didn't take the strength of the God of War of Xiaoyao seriously.
"Kid, do you believe I can order tens of thousands of troops outside to turn you into a sieve in an instant?"
The God of War of Xiaoyao threatened Yun Fan.
"Alright!"
Yun Fan said, "You can give the order. But before you do, I can snap your neck in an instant!"
The God of War of Xiaoyao was furious, but he was indeed intimidated by Yun Fan, as he had heard many legends about him.
Just as he was at a loss for what to do with Yun Fan, a voice called out, "Do I have the qualification?"
Everyone immediately parted to create a path, as the newcomer was Qin Tian, the renowned Marshal Qin.
"Who are you?"
Yun Fan asked, puzzled.
"You don't recognize me? That shows your limited knowledge. But you should recognize my son, Qin Yu!"
Qin Tian said proudly.
"Oh!"
Yun Fan suddenly understood. "So you are the father of that good-for-nothing!"
As soon as he said this, everyone immediately aimed their firearms at Yun Fan. This fellow was outrageously arrogant.
To speak to Marshal Qin in such a manner.
Marshal Qin's eyes also narrowed.
"Your son Qin Yu's death is inextricably linked to you. Today, I swear to avenge my son!"
Qin Tian declared resolutely.
Yun Fan looked at him speechlessly. "What does your son's death have to do with me? If you're so capable, why don't you go trouble the Ouyang family?"
Although Qin Yu was killed by him, he had no intention of admitting it at this moment.
"Bastard!"
Qin Tian also wanted to avenge himself on the Ouyang family! But he didn't have the power to destroy the Ouyang family yet.
"Ouyang Canyue was the mastermind, but you were an accomplice. Everyone who participated in persecuting my son must die!"
He glared at Yun Fan fiercely, all his marshal's dignity gone.
"Do you think you can defeat me?"
Yun Fan said with a hint of disdain.
"With me and these tens of thousands of brothers, we can chop you into meat paste!"
Qin Tian was about to give the order, but at this moment, a charming yet majestic voice rang out.
"What a presumptuous Marshal Qin! Do you really think the military is your family's?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian immediately looked forward.
"Madam!"
He hadn't expected Zhu Lian to be present.
Zhu Lian walked over calmly, placing her arm around Yun Fan's shoulder. "I will protect little brother Yun Fan. Anyone who dares to oppose him today is opposing me!"
Zhu Lian spoke with the softest tone but the hardest words. Qin Tian's expression changed drastically upon hearing this. Yun Fan realized that Zhu Lian's status was seemingly very high.
Even Qin Tian treated her with some apprehension. This was unexpected; it seemed he still didn't know this mature woman thoroughly.
Qin Tian said with a slightly weakened voice, "Madam, he is involved in my son's death. I hope you will not interfere in our grievance!"
"Hmph!"
Zhu Lian snorted. "Who is your son to be as important as my little brother Yun Fan? If you want to kill him today, you'll have to step over my corpse first!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian was furious. However, this woman's status was too high. If he fell out with her, he might not be able to withstand the wrath.
But how could he retreat so easily? So, he asked Zhu Lian, "May I ask what your relationship with this boy is, that you are so protective of him! Is it true what the rumors say, that he is your kept lover?"
In his opinion, this woman valued her reputation immensely. By saying this, he would not openly offend her, yet he might be able to make her abandon Yun Fan. It was a perfect plan to kill two birds with one stone.
If she insisted on protecting Yun Fan, it would prove the rumors were true. Therefore, he knew Zhu Lian would make a choice.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Lian said, "That's right. You are indeed a very clever person. He is indeed the kept lover I'm supporting!"
"What?"
As soon as this was said, everyone was stunned. They never expected the most renowned First Madam of Jinling to actually be keeping a lover.
Even if she were keeping a lover, people would understand; at most, they would be jealous, as who wouldn't covet the beauty of the First Madam.
But that should be kept private, not openly admitted. Could she still maintain her dignity?
Qin Tian knew that today's matter would be difficult.
Yun Fan, on the other hand, was speechless. Listening to Qin Tian's tone, it seemed Zhu Lian was quite famous in Jinling's upper circles.
If this were to get out, would he still have any reputation? Yun Fan felt he had to distance himself from the situation at this moment.
So, he said gratefully to Zhu Lian, "Thank you, Sister, for helping me. But this small matter doesn't require Sister to sacrifice her reputation to help me. Sister, please step aside. I will handle this matter!"
"Little brother, can you handle it?"
"A man cannot say no!"
Yun Fan said directly.
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian, who had thought the situation was difficult, suddenly became interested. As long as Zhu Lian didn't interfere, killing Yun Fan would be a matter of minutes.
"Kid, if you seek your own death, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Qin Tian was about to give the order for his ten thousand men to trample Yun Fan into meat paste to vent his hatred.
Unexpectedly, at that very moment, a loud voice rang out!
"Marshal Lin has arrived!"
"What?"
Everyone's expression changed instantly. No one had expected this formidable figure to arrive at this moment.
Under the panicked gazes of the crowd, Lin Wudi arrived.
This elder could be considered a pillar of the nation. Although he was old, his aura was naturally integrated.
In comparison, Qin Tian was instantly reduced to nothing. This was the unparalleled Marshal Lin of the empire. Even Marshal Yu in his prime didn't command as much prestige as this man.
Even Qin Tian hadn't expected Lin Wudi to arrive.
"Greetings, Marshal Lin!"
Qin Tian clasped his hands in salutation. Although he was also a marshal, this marshal was not comparable to that marshal. Compared to Lin Wudi, he was insignificant.
The height Lin Wudi had reached was also his lifelong dream.
Lin Wudi glanced at him faintly and then walked past him.
Qin Tian instantly felt insignificant, and he didn't even dare to show anger.
At this, Lin Wudi approached Yun Fan and Zhu Lian.
"Ahem!"
With Lin Wudi's slight cough, Zhu Lian reluctantly removed her arm from Yun Fan's shoulder.
"Madam, I didn't expect you to have the leisure to visit a bar!"
Lin Wudi smiled, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm.
"Hmph!"
Zhu Lian snorted. "I do as I please, does it concern you?"
"I indeed cannot control you, but if this were to get out, your reputation would be ruined!"
"Do you think that at my age, I would still care about my reputation?"
Zhu Lian retorted.
However, Lin Wudi's target was not her, so he directly said to Qin Tian, "Come here!"
Qin Tian trotted over obediently.
"What's going on?"
Under Lin Wudi's questioning, Qin Tian immediately perked up. He directly pointed the spearhead at Yun Fan.
"Reporting to Marshal Lin, this kid colluded with Ouyang Canyue to kill my son Qin Yu. I've come to avenge my son!"
However, Lin Wudi said, "Since it's a private vendetta, why did you gather so many people? Are you trying to rebel?"
"I dare not!"
Qin Tian was instantly terrified. This was too serious a charge; he could not bear it.
"Since you dare not, why are you keeping them here?"
Qin Tian quickly ordered, "Everyone, withdraw!"
"Yes!"
The more than ten thousand military personnel withdrew in an orderly fashion.
"Regarding your son's death, I have already investigated. It has nothing to do with young friend Yun. I hope you can see the situation clearly!"
Qin Tian was shocked. He hadn't expected Lin Wudi to personally intervene to protect Yun Fan. He didn't know what incredible luck Yun Fan had.
"He is the meritorious official who exposed Marshal Yu. For the empire, he has made undeniable contributions! If you dare to touch him, let alone the Heavenly Emperor, even I will not agree!"
Under Lin Wudi's warning, Qin Tian felt wronged, but both Lin Wudi and the Heavenly Emperor had jointly protected Yun Fan.
If he dared to make a move, it would be disrespectful to both of them. He would have no place in Huaxia.
"Are we just going to let my son's revenge go like this?"
Qin Tian was deeply unwilling in his heart. It seemed all hope could only be placed on the Crown Prince.
But outwardly, he still replied cautiously, "Since it has nothing to do with him, I will no longer trouble him!"
"That is for the best!"
Lin Wudi cast a cold glance at him. Qin Tian shuddered, but inwardly he cursed, "Old man, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, it will be your end!"
"Then I shall take my leave first!"
With that, Qin Tian slunk away.
At this moment, Yun Fan said gratefully, "Thank you, Elder Lin, for resolving this!"
"You're welcome. In a way, you also saved Wushuang's life. I also really want to see what kind of existence you are, a prodigy who easily solved a problem that has troubled us for twenty years!"
"I haven't disappointed you, have I?"
Yun Fan smiled.
Lin Wudi nodded with satisfaction. "No, you are very outstanding. Compared to you, Wushuang is nothing!"
Perhaps even Lin Wushuang hadn't expected that, unknowingly, he had suffered ten thousand points of critical damage.
"Heh heh!"
Yun Fan gave an awkward laugh.
At this, Lin Wudi said, "Jinling is not like Jiangnan; it is full of complexities. Since Qin Tian has made a move, it proves you are already deeply mired in the vortex!"
"I know!"
Yun Fan said confidently, "But I will surely break through the clouds and see the light!"
"Let's hope so!"
Lin Wudi was very satisfied with Yun Fan, as he saw Yun Fan's confidence.
"Qin Tian is just a brainless person. I hope young friend Yun will not kill him, as he is not the mastermind. But if he dies, it will be difficult for the military!"
The elder reminded Yun Fan.
Yun Fan said, "If he stops provoking me from now on, then I won't make a move. If he provokes me, then I can't help it!"
He had made his intentions clear. If Qin Tian behaved himself, it would be fine. If not, then he shouldn't blame Yun Fan for being ruthless.
"Good! I will warn him!"
Lin Wudi nodded, then said to Yun Fan, "Young friend Yun, please step aside for a moment. I have something to say to her!"
"Oh!"
Yun Fan happened to need to use the restroom, so he went to the toilet.
"Old man, what do you want to say to me?"
Zhu Lian looked at Lin Wudi with disdain.
Lin Wudi said, "The upper beam is crooked, so the lower beam is crooked. Madam, you couldn't get involved with his father back then, and now you are involved with him. Do you have any bottom line?"
Lin Wudi was speechless. Was this woman going to ruin both father and son?
Zhu Lian said disdainfully, "So what? I like it, what can you do about it?"
"I naturally cannot do anything to you, Madam, but I am warning you, do not be shameless!"
With that, Lin Wudi left. But Zhu Lian was very angry; this old fellow actually insulted her for being shameless!
"You are the shameless one, and your whole family is shameless!"
Zhu Lian cursed. "You old geezer whose body is halfway to the grave, you have the audacity to criticize me? You old immortal."
"Peh!"
Clearly, Lin Wudi couldn't hear her, as he had already walked far away.
At this, Yun Fan emerged from the restroom.
"Sister, why are you angry?"
Facing Yun Fan's question, Zhu Lian said irritably, "It's all because of that old geezer. Forget it, let's not talk about it. Let's continue drinking!"
"Okay!"
Then, the two returned to the table. Yun Fan continued to down another bottle of potent liquor, a fifty-three-proof one.
He had to admit that after drinking the entire bottle in one go, his brow furrowed even more deeply. A ball of fire was burning in his stomach, threatening to erupt.
It seemed he would fail this drinking contest again.
When it was Zhu Lian's turn, she drank a bottle of liquor without even blinking. It had to be said, this was the difference.
There was at least a vast difference between him and her.
Yun Fan was extremely unwilling, not expecting to fail again. But the situation was clear; he had to admit that his drinking capacity was inferior.
Just as he was about to concede, Zhu Lian suddenly said, "I'm drunk!"
With that, she slumped down weakly. If Yun Fan hadn't dodged in time, she would have fallen right on him.
He even suspected if Zhu Lian had aimed deliberately.
"Is she not in her usual state this time?"
Yun Fan wondered in his heart. By all accounts, Zhu Lian didn't seem drunk, especially given the formidable presence she had displayed just moments ago.
At this, Zhu Lian looked at him intently and smiled, "Little brother, I'm already drunk. So, whatever you want to do next, I won't resist. However, there are too many people here, and it's noisy. I suggest we go to a hotel!"
Fine! After hearing these words, Yun Fan was utterly dumbfounded.
So, he swallowed his saliva, his lips dry, and said, "Sister, I want..."
"Whatever you want to say, I understand. Come on!"
Zhu Lian unbuttoned her clothes with a sly smile.
"No, Sister, I didn't mean that!"
Yun Fan quickly explained, "Sister, I just want you to stay away from me!"
"What?"
Zhu Lian froze in place. No matter what, she hadn't expected this outcome.
However, before she could even question him, Yun Fan had already vanished from the spot.
"Scoundrel!"
Zhu Lian was furious. This brat was utterly unbearable, having wasted all her efforts.
Upon returning to the hotel, Yun Fan had become smarter. He sniffed his clothes, which were filled with fragrance, and decisively threw them away.
Then, as usual, he faced the inspection of the women. This time, apart from the smell of alcohol, everything else was normal.
So normal that the women couldn't suspect anything. They wouldn't simply assume Yun Fan had just gone out for a drink.
"It seems I need to follow him next time. Jinling is so prosperous; little junior brother, you must not go astray!"
Leng Ningshuang said worriedly.
Recalling Yun Fan of the past, how pure he was. Looking at Yun Fan now, she didn't know how to describe him.
In any case, he was inherently bad.
...
Ye Family.
It was that special day of the month again. As per tradition, Ye Qingcheng was supposed to have a heart-to-heart talk with her mother.
Although she disliked chatting about family matters with her mother, it was a rule set by her mother, and she had no choice. Just like today, knowing she was reluctant, she still had to brace herself and come.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered, she was stopped by two maids.
"Young Miss, the Patriarch is in seclusion and has instructed us to tell you that there is no need for a chat today!"
"What?"
Ye Qingcheng was stunned. Was this still her nagging mother?
"Furthermore, the Patriarch has instructed that this rule will be canceled from now on. Young Miss will not need to come anymore!"
With that, the two maids closed the door, leaving Ye Qingcheng stunned.
Logically speaking, she should be happier now. But for some reason, she couldn't feel happy at all.
She even suspected if this was still her mother.
So, she returned to her residence and ordered Liu Ming to be summoned.
"What business do you have with me, Young Miss?"
Liu Ming asked respectfully. Normally, he wouldn't get to see Ye Qingcheng, so he concluded that something big must have happened, and he couldn't help but feel nervous.
Ye Qingcheng said, "I want you to investigate someone. I need all the detailed information, with a focus on their daily movements!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Ming was instantly relieved. After all, he was an expert at investigating people! No matter who you were or how mysterious your origins, he could find out everything clearly.
"May I ask who Young Miss wants me to investigate?"
"My mother!"