In a simple room that was much more ornate and luxurious than the surrounding sheds, Zuo Lizhou’s face was ashen.
He stared towards the ancient city walls, a dark premonition appearing in his eyes.
Xiao Kai, the Wolf Emperor of the grasslands, had been close to him. Though not his subordinate, they had known each other for many years.
But now, Xiao Kai had been defeated and killed by a martial arts grandmaster from the Land of the Rising Sun?
Furthermore, Chen Fan’s fierce roar could be heard from outside.
Of course, these were not the most important matters. What truly infuriated him to the point of wanting to kill was the defeat of the Seven Grandmasters.
Wu Zhao had already received news, and naturally, he had too, learning of Fu Qinglei’s death and the crushing defeat of the Seven Grandmasters.
He had believed that sending out, or rather convincing, the Seven Grandmasters to act was foolproof.
But he hadn’t expected Jing Wusheng to interfere, and Fu Qinglei, the Vice Alliance Leader, had already perished!
What was most unacceptable was that Chen Fan dared to march to Guancheng Ridge and demand his cooperation with an investigation.
What else could this so-called cooperation with an investigation be but an attempt to arrest him?
He, a dignified martial arts grandmaster and leader of the Heroes’ Alliance, was being apprehended by Chen Tianjiao in full view of everyone, practically in front of the entire martial arts world?
This was simply unbearable!
In this simple flat room, several other people were seated, their gazes all fixed on him.
These individuals included Xin Beitian, Yan Siyu, True Master Chongxu, Master Huixing, Feng Chengmo, Wang Yucheng, and others, all of whom were martial arts grandmasters of considerable status and prestige.
Facing their scrutiny, Zuo Lizhou suppressed the rage in his heart and chuckled, "The grandmasters' battles have seen our homeland's martial arts world outmatched by an enemy nation. Such a situation is intolerable, and yet there are minor figures causing trouble. Let’s go out and see!"
He stood up and walked towards the exit.
The others naturally rose as well, following him out to assess the situation.
"Chen Tianjiao, do not spout nonsense. The Seven Grandmasters besieged the General? Who did they besiege? Who is worthy of being besieged by Seven Grandmasters?"
Seeing Xiao Kai’s defeat, Zuo Tian Ce’s heart was also greatly shaken. Recalling himself, he roared angrily at Chen Fan, "You couldn't possibly be in league with the Land of the Rising Sun, deliberately causing trouble at this time and leading to Grandmaster Xiao Kai’s demise, could you?"
Chen Fan glanced at Zuo Tian Ce, thinking to himself that this young alliance leader was indeed not an easy person to deal with.
However, shifting the blame for Xiao Kai’s defeat was a tactic Chen Fan had seen countless times.
He coldly sneered at Zuo Tian Ce and suddenly raised his hand.
*Click-clack*, the bolt was drawn back. The iron-blooded soldiers of the Seventh Brigade aimed their rifles at Zuo Tian Ce.
Zuo Tian Ce’s expression involuntarily changed.
At such close range, with dozens of guns pointed at him, Zuo Tian Ce had no confidence in surviving.
Moreover, Chen Fan was also a martial arts grandmaster.
The surrounding martial artists were also shaken.
The soldiers of the Iron-Blooded Camp were meticulously selected from the entire army, all veterans, with excellent military discipline, and many of them had also practiced martial arts.
While their martial arts might not be exceedingly powerful, they were more than capable of handling ordinary practitioners.
Such an iron-blooded aura could be recognized at a glance, and Zuo Tian Ce could not help but feel a sense of awe.
"Those who obstruct military affairs will be dealt with according to military law!"
Chen Fan spoke indifferently, "Zuo Tian Ce, weigh the consequences yourself!"
Zuo Tian Ce’s face was grim, but he dared not make a move.
His martial arts were not bad, but the Iron-Blooded Camp's soldiers were no joke. He decided to wait for his father to arrive before doing anything.
"You named Chen, what you just said is false! You're just bragging! How could you possibly kill my master?"
Zuo Tian Ce did not move, but Duanmu Liang, standing beside him, could no longer restrain himself. His eyes were bloodshot, and he shouted fiercely, "My master's martial arts are so powerful, and other grandmasters were present. How could he have died?"
"Fu Qinglei has indeed been brought to justice."
Looking at Duanmu Liang, who was in a state of frenzy, Chen Fan said calmly, "Why would I lie to you?"
"This is impossible!"
Duanmu Liang roared fiercely and lunged forward, "Where is my master? Where is he?"
Chen Fan reached out with one hand.
With a bang, Duanmu Liang was grabbed by the collar and pinned to the ground.
As Duanmu Liang struggled to resist, Chen Fan struck the back of his head with his palm, channeling his internal energy and knocking him unconscious.
"This person knows about Fu Qinglei’s affairs and is Fu Qinglei’s disciple, thus clearly an accomplice. Bind him and take him aside."
"Chen Tianjiao, how dare you?"
"Let go of Senior Disciple Brother!"
"Chen Tianjiao, do you think no one can deal with you? In front of all the heroes of the world, you dare to be so brazen. Ask anyone if they will agree!"
"Fellow martial artists, how can we let this official lackey bully us? Let's all attack together and teach them a lesson. Let's see who can do anything to us!"
"..."
The disciples of the Changbai Sect began to stir up trouble, instigating the situation.
Chen Fan snatched a rifle from a soldier and pulled the trigger, aiming at the sky.
*Da-da-da*.
The muzzle flash spat fire, and the deafening gunshots drowned out all the noisy chatter.
The martial artists immediately fell silent.
Firearms alone did not make them fearful, but below the level of martial arts grandmasters, they were wary of powerful firepower.
Even the physical bodies of martial arts grandmasters could not withstand bullets, let alone them?
He threw the gun back to his subordinate and said indifferently, "Changbai Sect, do you wish to be annihilated?"
"Chen Tianjiao, you... are too brazen!"
The Changbai Sect disciples were furious but dared not approach.
The martial artists were also filled with indignation.
"Those who break the law with their martial arts, do you martial artists wish to challenge the national and military laws?"
The captain of the Seventh Brigade questioned sternly.
The martial artists remained silent.
It was none of their business, and they had no reason to step forward now.
Even Zuo Tian Ce remained silent.
"Chen Tianjiao, you are seeking death!"
A domineering voice rang out, and the crowd parted. It was Zuo Lizhou and his group striding forward.
He stared coldly at Chen Fan and scoffed, "Do you think you can arrest me by bringing soldiers here?"
"Zuo Tian Ce, you sent the Seven Grandmasters to try and kill me. Do you know their fate?"
Seeing Zuo Lizhou emerge, Chen Fan’s expression remained calm, and he spoke softly.
The crowd erupted in discussion.
When Chen Fan spoke of Fu Qinglei’s matters earlier, they had already suspected that Fu Qinglei and others had been besieging Chen Fan.
Now, it was completely confirmed.
Chen Fan, fighting alone, withstood the siege of seven grandmasters without dying, and instead defeated Fu Qinglei and the others?
If this was true, it was simply terrifying!
In today's world, possessing such combat power could be considered invincible.
"Chen Tianjiao, what are you proud of? You merely relied on Jing Wusheng’s power. If not for that, you would be dead by now!"
Zuo Lizhou said coldly.
The mention of Jing Wusheng’s name again caused a stir among the crowd.
"So what? Jing Wusheng is the Martial Sage who guards the nation. Those who dare cause trouble in the capital should be brought to justice!"
Chen Fan said indifferently, "Zuo Lizhou, Fu Qinglei and others disregarded the national laws and ambushed a general of the army. All were under your command. Now, please surrender yourself and cooperate with the investigation!"
Rage flared in Zuo Lizhou’s eyes. Upon hearing this, he let out a hearty laugh, "Chen Tianjiao, if Jing Wusheng were here, I would give him some face. But you, what are you? How dare you try to arrest me?"
"You mean to refuse arrest?"
"What if I refuse arrest?"
Zuo Lizhou laughed heartily, "Do you think these soldiers behind you can do anything to me?"
"If you dare to open fire, Guancheng Ridge will be bathed in blood today. Even if you are a war god of the army, can you bear such responsibility?"
Chen Fan’s expression was serene. Suddenly, he waved his hand and said, "All personnel, take three steps back and clear the path!"
The three detachments of soldiers responded and moved.
The space was suddenly expanded.
"This is a theater operation. We are only apprehending Zuo Lizhou. All other unrelated individuals, descend the mountain immediately and leave, or bear the consequences!"
"Let me repeat, we are only apprehending Zuo Lizhou. Unrelated individuals leave, or bear the consequences if you are caught in the crossfire!"
As Chen Fan repeated himself, the rumbling sound of engines could be heard.
Helicopters, one after another, flew in and hovered over Guancheng Ridge.
Beneath the helicopters, airborne missiles were clearly visible.
Outside the cabins, snipers were seated, their rifle barrels pointing towards Guancheng Ridge.
The entire martial arts world turned their attention, and the expressions of many less powerful martial artists changed.
"You say I can't bear the consequences?"
Chen Fan said to Zuo Lizhou, "What consequences are there that I cannot bear?"
"There are many martial artists present, but how many are willing to lay down their lives for your Heroes’ Alliance?"
Zuo Lizhou's expression changed slightly.
"All martial arts grandmasters, listen up. Those who assist the theater in carrying out this military mission will be specially awarded the Friendly Medal by the authorities."
"The authorities will issue official documents to all regions, providing policy conveniences within permissible limits!"
Chen Fan spoke again.
His gaze fell upon Feng Chengmo, True Master Chongxu, Master Huixing, and others.
These individuals' expressions shifted as they considered the weight of Chen Fan’s words.
True Master Chongxu and Master Huixing did not hesitate for long before stepping to Chen Fan’s side.
"Amitabha, Alliance Leader Zuo, I apologize."
Master Huixing clasped his hands together and said, "Shaolin is a part of the secular world. I believe Alliance Leader Zuo should cooperate with Benefactor Chen."
"Given Alliance Leader Zuo's standing and influence in the martial world, the theater will certainly not dare to trouble you!"