"Indeed, I want to ask about things you know but are unwilling to speak of!" Yun Fan said calmly.
"Then give up! I won't tell you, even if you kill me!" Uncle Fu stated firmly, with a look of someone prepared to face death.
"Oh? Is that so?" Yun Fan said dismissively. "If you were truly committed to keeping secrets, you wouldn't still be alive. If I were you, I would have ended it long ago. After all, only the dead can keep secrets. So, you're just afraid of death! Or rather, you're still clinging to a sliver of hope!"
At these words, Uncle Fu's expression darkened. It was true, he still held onto a thread of hope, that someone would come to his rescue. But so many days had passed, and no one had come. His hope had turned into despair.
"So what? I absolutely will not tell you the secret. As for you, I advise you not to get involved. Head back to your Nanshan Village before the storm hits! Otherwise, once the reckoning comes, you won't be able to escape!" Uncle Fu said confidently. He firmly believed that even if the Imperial Dragon God didn't save him, the conglomerate behind the Imperial Dragon God would. After all, he had done so much for his master, silently carrying out the tasks assigned to him over the years.
"Firstly, I am not afraid of the people behind you. Secondly, I fear you do not understand your predicament!" Yun Fan chuckled coldly.
"What predicament? I'm merely captured by you temporarily!" Uncle Fu sneered. Although Yun Fan had crippled his limbs, he could recover with his master's help.
Yun Fan then said, "You might not know, but the Imperial Dragon God came after you were imprisoned!"
"I knew he would save me!" Uncle Fu declared proudly. Although he had considered betraying the Imperial Dragon God and cooperating with Ouyang Shaohui, that was his secret, known to no one.
But Yun Fan said, "I'm sorry, he didn't come to save you, but to silence you!"
"Impossible!" Uncle Fu became agitated. How could the Imperial Dragon God kill him? He was certain Yun Fan was lying.
Yun Fan continued, "Even now, you won't realize. Let me ask you, what further value do you have?"
This question struck at Uncle Fu's core. Indeed, what value did he possess? In his heart, he had already come to a conclusion. Since the Imperial Dragon God came to Jiangnan, his usefulness had diminished, serving at best as a subordinate. Unfortunately, his cultivation as a Grandmaster was insufficient. After being crippled by Yun Fan, he not only lost all value but also became a burden. He knew too many secrets, and the Imperial Dragon God could not let him live. Though he still put on a brave front, he had inwardly accepted this cruel reality.
"I don't know how you escaped the Imperial Dragon God's slaughter?" Uncle Fu was very curious. He had escaped Yun Fan's clutches several times, and in his eyes, Yun Fan's strength was not that great, certainly no match for the Imperial Dragon God. He couldn't fathom how Yun Fan survived the Imperial Dragon God's attack.
Yun Fan said dismissively, "What is the Imperial Dragon God? He's just a defeated foe!"
"You defeated him?" Uncle Fu couldn't believe it. Yun Fan actually defeated the Imperial Dragon God? This was simply too outlandish!
"Not only did I defeat him, but I also defeated the combined forces of Ouyang Shaohui and Tianying!"
Hearing this, Uncle Fu's face changed dramatically. "Just how strong are you?"
"You don't need to know how strong I am, because you'll never reach my level in this lifetime! You just need to know that I am invincible!" Yun Fan's tone was arrogant, yet Uncle Fu did not dare to underestimate him. Instead, a solemn expression crossed his face. He had overlooked Yun Fan's identity as a disciple of Guiguzhi. How could someone who was the contemporary head of Guiguzhi not be powerful? Regardless of the era, the head of Guiguzhi was a pivotal figure, this was beyond doubt. For Yun Fan, his journey had just begun, with immeasurable potential for growth in the future.
At this moment, Yun Fan stated directly, "Therefore, I'm giving you two choices: either tell me your secret, or I kill you!" "Don't think I wouldn't dare kill you. I dared to kill both the Imperial Dragon God and Ouyang Shaohui, let alone you. It's just that they were luckier and managed to escape!" This was also something that greatly angered Yun Fan. Those two fellows were incredibly lucky to have evaded his killing intent.
At this moment, Uncle Fu fell into deep thought. Since Yun Fan had dared to attack the Imperial Dragon God, it meant Yun Fan feared no one behind him. He couldn't threaten Yun Fan. Currently, he was just an insignificant pawn, and no one would care about him. Thinking of this, Uncle Fu felt a pang of sorrow. After all these years of dedicating his life to his master, he had met such an end.
Thus, he said to Yun Fan, "I can tell you what I know, but don't expect too much. After all, as you said, I am just a trivial pawn!"
"Tell me what you know!"
Finally, Uncle Fu said, "My master is Yu Shuai!"
"As expected!" Yun Fan's eyes turned cold. He had long suspected that Yu Shuai was the mastermind behind this, and only needed confirmation.
Uncle Fu continued, "Yu Shuai had the opportunity to become the empire's foremost marshal, but because the Heavenly Emperor was biased, he gave the position to someone else!" "So, Yu Shuai retreated behind the scenes and lived a reclusive life for decades. Outside, rumors even spread that Yu Shuai had already passed away!"
Yun Fan wondered if this Yu Shuai was the traitor his master had mentioned. "Continue!"
Uncle Fu shook his head. "Next, he arranged for me to carry out a mission in Jiangnan. I only know that they are planning a shocking scheme, but I don't know the specifics of the plan!" He spoke with added emphasis, fearing Yun Fan wouldn't believe him. However, Yun Fan did not show disbelief. In fact, Yun Fan already believed him. Given Uncle Fu's capabilities, he was not privy to Yu Shuai's grand plan.
Therefore, he asked, "Who are the participants in this plan?"
"I'm not sure, but their backgrounds are all very significant!" Uncle Fu said directly. "Let me put it this way: that good-for-nothing Imperial Dragon God is just a figurehead they put forward. In reality, the true power lies in the shadows! The Imperial Dragon God is, at best, a slightly more high-end pawn!"
Yun Fan's expression grew serious. He now had half the confidence to prove that the traitor his master wanted him to find, if not Yu Shuai himself, was undeniably connected to him.
"Does the Imperial Dragon God know the specifics of the plan?" Yun Fan asked him probing.
Uncle Fu smiled and replied, "Not necessarily, but it's certain he knows more than I do!" Upon hearing this, Yun Fan began to formulate a plan.
At this point, Uncle Fu asked Yun Fan, "I've told you everything I know, and that's all I know. Can you let me go now?"
"Yes!" Yun Fan nodded. Uncle Fu was already crippled, so letting him go or not made little difference. And Yun Fan was a man of his word. He would release him as promised. In truth, Uncle Fu hadn't truly harmed his friends, otherwise, he wouldn't have been so lenient. Subsequently, Uncle Fu departed.
"Boss, are you just going to let him leave?" Lei Bao asked doubtfully.
Yun Fan replied, "Yes, he won't live much longer anyway!"
…
After leaving the Black Dragon Society, Uncle Fu did not flee far but went to see the Imperial Dragon God.
"Young Master!" Uncle Fu knelt on the ground, trembling.
"You're still alive?" The Imperial Dragon God looked at Uncle Fu coldly, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Uncle Fu quickly said, "This old servant narrowly escaped death and fled from the Black Dragon Society to see the Young Master!"
"Does he know the secret?" The Imperial Dragon God asked impatiently.
Uncle Fu quickly reassured him, "Rest assured, Young Master, this old servant guarded all secrets strictly. He knows nothing!" The Imperial Dragon God breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Since he knows nothing, that's good. However, you are of no further use. Take your own life!"
Uncle Fu was stunned, but this was within his expectations. He knew the Imperial Dragon God was prone to discarding people after they served their purpose. However, at this moment, he had to remain calm, as he still depended on the Imperial Dragon God to treat his injuries. His sole purpose in coming was to regain his strength.
"Young Master, this old servant does not wish to die!"
"Then this War God will grant your wish!" As the Imperial Dragon God was about to make a move, Uncle Fu calmly said, "This secret has been divided into three parts and left outside by this old servant. If I die, those three parts will be leaked!"
"You dare to threaten me?" The Imperial Dragon God's eyes blazed with anger, wishing he could flay Uncle Fu alive.
At this, Uncle Fu said directly, "This old servant is not threatening the Young Master. This old servant merely wishes for the Young Master to help restore my strength. After all, this old servant has served the Master for so many years; even without merit, there is labor!"
As the Imperial Dragon God was unsure how to proceed, Dugu Ming walked out.
"It's him!" Uncle Fu's heart trembled. He hadn't expected Dugu Ming to be present. A premonition of unease flashed through his mind. The Imperial Dragon God was merely a simpleton, someone he could easily manipulate. But Dugu Ming was different; he was exceptionally intelligent and often by Yu Shuai's side, serving as Yu Shuai's right-hand man. The terrifying nature of this individual was far beyond what he could deceive.
At this, Dugu Ming said to him, "You are also Senior Brother's most loyal servant. I will naturally help you recover from your injuries!"
"Thank you, Protector Dugu!" Uncle Fu said, his voice trembling. Although Dugu Ming appeared to be kind, he was trembling inwardly at this moment.
"Uncle, he..." Dugu Ming immediately interrupted the Imperial Dragon God, "What about him? Isn't he working for us?" The Imperial Dragon God ultimately said no more.
At this, Dugu Ming said to Uncle Fu, "Come! After I treat you, you may leave!"
"This old servant does not wish to leave. This old servant still has the strength to serve the Master!" Uncle Fu said with determination.
"I know!" Dugu Ming smiled and walked towards Uncle Fu. Then, in the next moment, he plucked a leaf and, with lightning speed, slashed it across Uncle Fu's neck. Uncle Fu, clutching his throat with difficulty, collapsed to the ground.
"Hmph! A mere servant like you dares to threaten me!" Dugu Ming cast a cold glance at Uncle Fu, who then breathed his last, filled with unwillingness.
"Uncle, he holds leverage over us. How could you kill him?" the Imperial Dragon God asked, a worried look on his face.
However, Dugu Ming scoffed, "Those who achieve great things are not bogged down by trivialities. If everyone were as timid as you, Yu Shuai's plan would have failed long ago!" Scolded by Dugu Ming, the Imperial Dragon God, though resentful, held back.
"Old fool, one day, I will make your life worse than death!" the Imperial Dragon God thought inwardly. Of course, Dugu Ming could see through his petty schemes but chose not to expose them.
"You don't need to do anything now. Just prepare for the duel!"
"Yes, Uncle!" The Imperial Dragon God said, "Zhuque has activated the miniature surveillance. Would Uncle be interested in watching the situation with me?"
"Mmm!" Dugu Ming nodded. Then, the Imperial Dragon God took out a tablet and watched Zhuque's movements. Of course, this was Zhuque's first-person perspective, so he saw Yun Fan in the screen.
"Zhuque, why are you here?" Since that day, Zhuque had returned to the Imperial Dragon God's side, which puzzled Yun Fan, especially since the Imperial Dragon God had annihilated the entire Su family. However, he didn't concern himself with others' affairs. Zhuque's choices seemed unrelated to him. Therefore, he didn't inquire.
Zhuque smiled charmingly, "Of course, I came to see you!"
"Stop joking!" Yun Fan was speechless. Why were all the women he encountered bothering him? Was he that popular?
At this, Zhuque said, "I'm not joking. Look, I've brought you a gift!" With that, she took out the box given to her by the Imperial Dragon God and opened it. Inside was a pure white pill, as smooth as jade. Judging by its appearance, it was certainly superior to Yun Fan's Minor Returning Pill. The difference in appearance was too great! In fact, the Minor Returning Pill was ugly for a reason. The Guiguzhi sect was rather casual in their alchemy, as refining pills was not their primary focus. The Minor Returning Pill was ugly enough; the Great Returning Pill was even uglier.
At this, Yun Fan asked, "What is this?"
"It's a great tonic pill, of course!" Zhuque picked up the white pill with her slender fingers and brought it to Yun Fan's lips. "Open wide!" Unable to refuse such a kind gesture, Yun Fan swallowed the pill.
In front of the tablet, Dugu Ming asked, "Is there any problem with this pill?"
The Imperial Dragon God assured him, "Uncle, please don't worry! There are no problems with this pill. I've checked, and it's identical!"
"Don't you think this plan is going too smoothly?" Dugu Ming was not a fool; he sensed something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint it.
The Imperial Dragon God stated firmly, "Uncle, you don't need to worry. I have her under control. If she dares to misbehave, she will instantly explode!"
"So much the better!" Dugu Ming breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the plan went smoothly, that was all that mattered. Afterwards, the two turned off the tablet.
At this, Zhuque also turned off the miniature surveillance and asked Yun Fan, "Was it delicious?"
"I swallowed it in one gulp; I didn't taste anything!"
"Aren't you afraid I'd harm you?" Zhuque looked at Yun Fan with a smile.
"I believe you wouldn't!" Yun Fan said seriously. Even if Zhuque wanted to harm him, it would merely be poisoning. What a joke! The head of Guiguzhi was immune to all poisons. Although he had been proven wrong several times, to Yun Fan, it was inconsequential.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Yun Fan asked Zhuque, puzzled, as he noticed Zhuque constantly staring at him, making him feel uncomfortable. At this, Zhuque said tenderly, "I just want to look at you more!"
"Huh?" Yun Fan was bewildered. He didn't understand why Zhuque was saying this, but in his opinion, Zhuque probably just wanted to admire his handsome face.
"Look on!" Yun Fan didn't refuse to have his handsomeness admired. After all, wasn't being handsome meant for others to see? After a while, Zhuque looked away, and in the moment no one could see, tears welled up. She forced herself to remain calm, wiped away her tears, and asked Yun Fan, "If one day I disappear, will you miss me?"
"Are you returning to Jinling?" Yun Fan asked, confused.
"No!" Zhuque vehemently denied it. "I was just joking with you!" Then she asked Yun Fan tenderly, "Can you hold me for a moment?"
"This..." Yun Fan was in a difficult position. Zhuque's request was too much. However, just a hug should not be a problem. He then extended his hand to Zhuque, who, without hesitation, fell into his embrace.
"What are you... doing?" Lin Tianxin, who had just arrived at the Black Dragon Society to find Yun Fan, witnessed this scene. Her eyes were indifferent, her expression icy. It was evident she was angry. It wasn't that Lin Tianxin was petty. One could ask, if your fiancé were holding another woman, wouldn't you be angry? So, she said coldly, "It seems I've come at an inopportune time!"
"No, you've come at the perfect time!"
"Scumbag!" Lin Tianxin then left in anger, leaving Yun Fan speechless. Zhuque had only made such a small request; what was wrong with him fulfilling it? However, he realized he had been a bit excessive, so he quickly pushed Zhuque away.
At this, Zhuque said to Yun Fan, "You have a duel with the Imperial Dragon God tomorrow. You must be careful!"
"It's fine. I know this fellow definitely has a trump card, but I have one too!" Yun Fan said confidently.
Zhuque moved her lips and then asked Yun Fan, "If one day, I hurt you, will you blame me?"
"Yes!" Yun Fan answered without thinking. What a joke! If you hurt me, how could I not blame you? Is this a metropolitan harem novel where the protagonist's mission is to show off, slap faces, and play with women? And no matter how much those female leads hurt the male lead, he never gets angry, and in the end, those female leads flock to him.
At this, Zhuque said stubbornly, "What if I had no choice?"
"That depends on the situation!" Yun Fan asked, puzzled, "Why do you ask this?"
"No, I was just curious!" Zhuque's heart ached. "I'm sorry!"