Chen Fan left with the crowd.
He naturally did not bid farewell to Zuo Lizhou.
As he departed, he glanced at Su Yingxia.
The latter was also watching him, and as their eyes met, the resentment and hatred in Su Yingxia’s gaze were evident.
Just like in Hangjiang, after countless encounters where she tried to deal with Chen Fan and caused him trouble, Chen Fan was once again unharmed.
At times, she felt this man was surely sent by heaven to torment her.
Otherwise, why was he always lingering, like a persistent leech that could not be shaken off?
Her gaze turned complex and full of emotion, and Su Yingxia shifted her eyes to Yan Siyu.
Although Yan Siyu had been injured by Chen Fan’s punch earlier, thanks to Fu Qinglei’s intervention, her injuries were not severe.
However, the plan to use her martial aunt Yan to deal with Chen Fan and resolve her inner demons had clearly fallen through.
She didn’t know what to do next, or what other methods she had to deal with Chen Fan.
Of course, she had considered training hard herself and defeating Chen Fan personally, trampling him underfoot and repaying him a thousandfold for the humiliation she had suffered.
But this was merely a thought; she knew the possibility was minuscule.
Even though her master and the entire Misty Rain Sect praised her talent, calling her a rare martial arts prodigy not seen in a century.
Yet, martial arts training was truly arduous, and achievements were not made overnight.
…
Retracting his gaze, Chen Fan strode out of the training ground.
Shang Rulong and his daughter left with him. As for Master Hui Xing and Chong Xuzi, they were some distance behind, having stopped to greet Zuo Lizhou.
“Father, after this incident, many people have joined the Hero Alliance. The Alliance’s power has grown even greater than before. Our Shang family’s situation will only become more difficult. This is likely why Zuo Lizhou sent out the hero’s invitation, isn’t it?”
Shang Wushuang said with a worried tone.
“Mm!”
Shang Rulong nodded and replied, “With the threat of Yin Yazhi and others, even sects and families with martial arts grandmasters will consider joining the Hero Alliance for self-preservation.”
“They probably don’t realize that by joining the Hero Alliance, they will be under Zuo Lizhou’s control. Should we secretly remind them and spread the word?”
Shang Wushuang asked, frowning.
Shang Rulong gave a wry smile and shook his head.
He glanced at Chen Fan beside them and said, “We’ve already offended Zuo Lizhou and Fu Qinglei with what just happened. Engaging in such matters now would only lead to a complete breakdown of relations between our Shang family and them.”
“Then what should we do?” Shang Wushuang’s worry deepened.
Shang Rulong shook his head. “There’s no choice but to cooperate with them and be at their mercy.”
He said with self-deprecation, “Our Shang family is not the only one in this predicament within the Hero Alliance. The Hang family, the Bai family, the Liu family, including Ji Cang and the others, are all under their control.”
Chen Fan said, “Uncle Shang, thank you for stepping forward bravely just now. I will remember this kindness and if you ever need help, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Shang Rulong smiled and said, “My Wushuang was worried sick just now, and as a father, I couldn’t even stop her!”
“Father?”
Shang Wushuang’s face turned red upon hearing this, a mix of shyness and annoyance.
“Haha.”
Shang Rulong laughed heartily and said, “Let’s not dwell on these troublesome matters. Mr. Chen, before today, I had heard your name from Wushuang countless times. My ears are practically calloused.”
“Last time Wushuang was imprisoned, I thank you for your help. Since we meet today, allow me to host you as a token of my gratitude. Would you honor me with your presence?”
Shang Wushuang’s face turned even redder, but she looked at Chen Fan with a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
“Uncle Shang, please just call me by my name.”
Chen Fan smiled. “As for hosting, how can Uncle Shang do that? Wouldn’t that be an insult to me as the junior? Of course, I should be the one to host and welcome Uncle Shang. Uncle Shang, please don’t argue.”
“Haha, alright!”
Shang Rulong readily agreed.
Chen Fan understood his intentions perfectly; it was to seek a strong ally.
However, since Shang Wushuang was his friend, and given Shang Rulong’s actions earlier, Chen Fan naturally would not refuse Shang Rulong’s gesture of closeness.
As they were speaking, the three of them had reached the main entrance.
“Brother Chen, Brother Chen!”
Ye Yunchen was ahead, walking briskly towards them.
Three cars had already driven far away, leaving the Imperial Dragon Villa. They were clearly from the Wang family.
“Patriarch Shang, Miss Shang!”
Ye Yunchen greeted them as he ran over.
Shang Rulong nodded. Being an experienced man of the world, he understood that Ye Yunchen had something to say to Chen Fan privately. He smiled and said, “Tianjiao, we’ll get in the car and wait for you.”
Chen Fan smiled and replied, “Alright, Uncle Shang.”
Shang Rulong and Shang Wushuang got into the car.
“What is it?” Chen Fan asked Ye Yunchen.
“I’ve arranged to visit the Wang Mansion with Wang Shuhuan tomorrow, and Brother Chen must help me.”
Chen Fan looked towards the parking lot. Ye Yunchen’s senior brother, Raman, had already gotten into a car. Ye Yunchen had deliberately avoided Raman.
“Okay.”
After a moment of consideration, Chen Fan nodded in agreement.
He hadn’t interacted with the Wang family at all earlier, and Ye Yunchen was clearly a bit displeased by this, though he didn’t show it.
This matter was not only a promise Chen Fan had made to Ye Yunchen, but Chen Fan also wanted to try and gauge the Wang family’s attitude through this contact.
“Then I’ll be counting on you, Brother Chen,” Ye Yunchen said. “This matter is extremely important to me.”
Chen Fan smiled and said, “I’m just afraid the Wang family won’t be willing to let go of the item.”
Ye Yunchen’s eyes flickered. “Let’s at least try our best.”
This was not a suitable place to talk. After saying this, Ye Yunchen also took his leave.
“Chen Tianjiao!”
Just then, a voice that Chen Fan found somewhat familiar called out.
It was Ji Cang and Ba Zhuo, two martial arts grandmasters.
“Grandpa Ji,” Chen Fan nodded.
“Do you have time to sit down together?” Ji Cang asked.
“I’ve already made arrangements with the Patriarch of the Shang family. Would you like to join us?” Chen Fan asked, narrowing his eyes.
Ji Cang pondered for a moment. “That would be acceptable, but it’s not ideal to all be together. Ba Zhuo and I will leave first. I’ll call you later.”
“Grandpa Ji has my number?” Chen Fan asked in surprise. “Are you still in contact with Zhao Quan?”
Ji Cang gave a knowing smile and left with Ba Zhuo in a Rolls-Royce.
Chen Fan waited for a moment longer, and then Chong Xuzi and Master Hui Xing also emerged.
After a brief exchange, the three of them parted ways.
Unlike Ji Cang, neither Master Hui Xing nor Chong Xuzi were very interested in martial world disputes or the Hero Alliance.
In contrast, they had closer ties with the secular authorities and therefore did not get too involved in martial arts affairs.
Their attendance today was actually to show support for Chen Fan and to prevent him from being cornered and put in danger.
Of course, this was an unspoken understanding between Chen Fan and them, and it was never spoken aloud.
Only then did Chen Fan get into his car. He first called Gu Weidong to book a place, and then he called Shang Wushuang and Ji Cang respectively.
Upon learning that Ji Cang and Ba Zhuo would also be attending, Shang Rulong was not particularly surprised, nor did he refuse.
Thus, an hour later, Chen Fan drove his car to a private dining restaurant.
Shortly after entering the reserved private room, the Shang father and daughter, as well as Ji Cang and Ba Zhuo, arrived one after another.