"Situ Mulan," Chen Fan murmured the name.
He clearly remembered the tentacle-like light screens that had surged from Situ Mulan's head at his family's traditional Chinese medicine clinic.
"Were those mental powers?"
"It seems I need to find Situ Mulan and get to the bottom of this." Having decided, Chen Fan stood up, intending to search for Situ Mulan.
He put away the silver needles, chatted with his mother for a few more sentences, and then opened the door to leave.
Outside the door stood two bodyguards, their waists bulging, clearly armed.
However, a graceful figure also stood outside the door. Seeing her, Chen Fan asked, "Are you waiting for me for something?"
It was Song Wenting who stood outside the door. "My godfather asked me to follow you."
"Follow me for what?" Chen Fan was confused.
Song Wenting's cheeks flushed, appearing somewhat unnatural. Previously, the masked man had told her to follow Chen Fan from now on, to be Chen Fan's woman, and to assist him.
But these words, she could not possibly say in front of Chen Fan.
"Where is your godfather?" Chen Fan asked when Song Wenting remained silent.
"He's left. He asked me to tell you that he has already announced your succession and that you are to handle the rest yourself," Song Wenting replied.
Chen Fan's brows immediately furrowed. Announcing him as the successor so quickly, wasn't this pushing him into a fiery pit?
"But I'm very curious," Song Wenting spoke again.
"Curious about what?" Chen Fan looked at Song Wenting, who was appraising him.
"Weren't you very disdainful of associating with people like us before? How did you suddenly change, and even agree to take over the position of the Underworld King?"
"Underworld King?" Chen Fan was once again confused.
"You don't even know your godfather's identity, do you? And you dare to take his place?" Song Wenting looked at Chen Fan in surprise.
"I don't know," Chen Fan shook his head.
Song Wenting was speechless. "Come with me. I hope you'll still have the courage to take this position after you know."
With that, Song Wenting turned and walked towards another room.
Chen Fan's expression grew heavy. He could tell that Song Wenting's words held deeper meaning, implying that the masked man's position was not easily attained.
Arriving in the room, Song Wenting, who was sitting on the sofa, gestured for Chen Fan to sit down.
Chen Fan didn't think much of it and sat opposite Song Wenting.
"My godfather is the king of the underground forces, controlling the underground powers of several provinces. He is known as the Underworld King," Song Wenting explained to Chen Fan.
"His influence is that great?" Chen Fan was somewhat surprised.
Song Wenting smiled faintly and said proudly, "My godfather has operated in the underground forces for twenty years to achieve his current status. He is also ruthless and never shows mercy, so no underground force dares to oppose us."
"How does that compare to families like the Long family?" Chen Fan asked the question he most wanted to know.
"The Long family is a top-tier aristocratic family. On the surface, our capabilities are naturally inferior to theirs. However, we are the kings of the darkness, and even the Long family would not easily offend us," Song Wenting replied.
Chen Fan was somewhat shocked. He had not expected such a vast underground force to be outwardly inferior to the behemoth that was the Long family.
"I want to tell you today that the underground forces are not like other places, full of darkness and deceit, where people will do anything to achieve their goals. Furthermore, each province has a leader in charge. Do you remember Qiao Long? I can tell you that more than one person has similar ambitions. Because once people gain power, they gradually lose themselves. The position of the Underworld King is coveted by almost everyone. You becoming the successor to the Underworld King, do you know what your fate will be?"
Chen Fan fell silent. He naturally understood what Song Wenting meant.
Becoming a successor meant constantly worrying about the schemes and conspiracies of those around him. The leaders controlling the underground forces would all regard him as a thorn in their side.
However, Chen Fan had no choice. He knew that if he didn't become the successor, it would likely take him at least another decade to openly stand before the Long and Huangfu families to avenge his mother.
He could not afford to wait that long.
"Is that all?" For a moment, Chen Fan seemed like a different person, looking at Song Wenting with a calm expression.
Song Wenting's delicate brows furrowed. "Is that not enough?"
"Oh, and there's Long Zhihai of the Long family. He has already put out a bounty for your life. And Huangfu Qin Yuan, do you think he will remain indifferent after you stole his wife? You need to understand that before you've even taken the position, you've already provoked two top-tier aristocratic families. With internal and external troubles, do you think you still have a chance?"
Chen Fan stood up. "Since I have already chosen, there is no possibility of retreat. If they want my life, they will have to have the ability to take it."
"Anyone can boast. Chen Fan, you need to think clearly. Once you truly embark on this path, there is no turning back," Song Wenting seemed to be trying to persuade Chen Fan.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I have already chosen." With that, Chen Fan turned towards the door.
However, as he opened the door, he stopped. "Help me find someone. A few days ago, he appeared in Zhu Liang County. His name is Situ Mulan. He has a grandfather, and they have been challenging traditional Chinese medicine families. Find them."
"Also, give me all the information on Long Zhihai and all the information on Huangfu Qin Yuan."
As he finished speaking, Chen Fan pushed the door open and left the room.
Seeing Chen Fan leave, Song Wenting's expression seemed to show anger at Chen Fan's decision, her chest heaving violently.
She had told Chen Fan all this because she didn't want him to step onto this path of no return.
But what surprised her was that even after she had laid out all the difficulties, Chen Fan remained so resolute. She truly did not understand what her godfather had said to Chen Fan to make him so determined.
An hour later, Song Wenting handed all the information on Long Zhihai and Huangfu Qin Yuan to Chen Fan.
That night, the lights in Chen Fan's room never went out. He was constantly reviewing the detailed information of the two men.
As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles. Chen Fan understood this principle equally well.
Also sleepless was a villa in Mingzhou City.
Several middle-aged men sat on the living room sofa, all with worried expressions.
"What is the boss thinking? Why would he suddenly announce that kid as his successor?!"
"Mr. Ma, you have followed the boss for so many years, working diligently and loyally. This successor position should have been yours. Isn't the boss doing this disheartening the brothers?"
"Yes, Mr. Ma. We are all on your side in this matter. We support you!"
Hearing everyone's words, a man in his thirties sitting in the middle scanned the crowd, a curve forming at the corner of his mouth. His gaze fell on someone. "E Kui Ping, do you think I don't know what you're plotting?"
"Don't think that just because I've been abroad recently, I don't know what's happening here. You offended that kid before. Are you afraid that after he takes that position, he'll come after you?"