"Qualification? You mean there are restrictions on entering the Land of Inheritance?"
Su Fan realized the meaning behind Su Dongsheng's words.
Su Dongsheng nodded, confirming Su Fan was correct.
"Yes, there are restrictions on entering the Land of Inheritance. It can only accommodate twenty people at a time, and participants cannot be older than thirty. If the limit is exceeded, one either cannot enter, or if they force their way in, the Land of Inheritance will collapse," Su Dongsheng explained.
"To prevent unnecessary casualties, several top ancient martial arts families and sects in the ancient martial world are holding a martial arts competition in the new city. Any ancient martial artist can participate, and twenty individuals under the age of thirty will be selected to enter the Land of Inheritance."
After explaining, Su Dongsheng looked at Su Fan.
"Are you interested?"
Ever since Su Fan had broken his ornamental piece last time, he knew Su Fan possessed considerable strength. His raw power alone could reach the Yin Yuan realm.
The ancient martial realms are divided into nine stages, from highest to lowest: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, Yao Guang, Dong Ming, and Yin Yuan.
Below these nine stages, all are considered insignificant.
"I am a bit interested. I just want to see what the ancient martial world is like," Su Fan did not hide his feelings. He was indeed very curious about the ancient martial world and saw this as an opportunity to experience it.
"It's fine to see, but don't get carried away. There are many ancient martial arts masters. Although your strength is good, you are still too weak compared to those geniuses, especially since you don't have any backing. If you offend someone, there will be no one to protect you," Su Dongsheng cautioned Su Fan. He feared Su Fan's youthful impetuosity might lead him to offend the young masters of the ancient martial families. These people were not as accommodating as those in the secular world; offending them could result in broken limbs at best, or death at worst.
"I understand, Uncle Su. Who exactly are you? How do you know so much about the ancient martial world?" Su Fan asked curiously.
He had been wondering about this for a long time but had never had the chance to ask.
"Just an ordinary person. Don't worry too much about it," Su Dongsheng waved his hand, clearly unwilling to explain further.
"Then, Uncle Su, have you heard of the Su family?" Su Fan asked cautiously.
Upon hearing the name "Su family," Su Dongsheng's body stiffened, and his expression clearly changed.
"Where did you hear about the Su family? Have you met anyone from the Su family?" Su Dongsheng asked Su Fan expressionlessly.
"No, it was that person from the Gong family I met today. He mistook me for someone from the Su family in Jincheng," Su Fan lied, concealing the fact that he had impersonated a member of the Su family. He was mainly afraid Su Dongsheng would be angry. If he were truly a member of the Su family, he would surely be upset that Su Fan had impersonated one.
"Alright, I understand. Is there anything else?" Su Dongsheng's mood had become somewhat somber, and he no longer wished to speak with Su Fan. His question was a clear indication that he wanted Su Fan to leave.
"No, I'm leaving. You focus on your work," Su Fan immediately took his leave.
Su Dongsheng watched Su Fan's retreating back, lost in thought.
"Perhaps it's time for the Su family to re-emerge," Su Dongsheng murmured to himself, then made a phone call.
"This is Su Dongsheng. The Su family will also participate in the inheritance spot competition."
Su Dongsheng spoke into the phone.
...
As Su Fan left the Su residence, he received a call from an unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Is this Su Fan? I'm Dongfang Tingyin. I apologize about last time. Do you have time to come to the company?"
Dongfang Tingyin said somewhat hesitantly on the phone.
It was the first time she had spoken so deferentially to a man.
"Okay, I'll be right there."
Su Fan thought something had happened at the company and agreed without hesitation.
Soon, Su Fan arrived at the company.
"Manager Dongfang, has something happened at the company?" Su Fan rushed into the office, asking anxiously.
"Nothing has happened. Everything is normal at the company." Seeing Su Fan rush in, Dongfang Tingyin did not scold him this time. She shook her head, indicating that everything was fine.
"Then why did you call me here?" Su Fan looked at Dongfang Tingyin with confusion.
"I apologize about last time. Please don't mind it." Dongfang Tingyin felt somewhat embarrassed about the incident, as an employee failing to recognize her boss.
"Oh, it's fine. Just manage the company well."
Su Fan didn't mind at all. It was understandable that she hadn't recognized him.
"Then if there's nothing else, I'll be going." Seeing that Dongfang Tingyin had no other business, Su Fan didn't intend to stay any longer.
"Wait, can you accompany me somewhere?" Dongfang Tingyin suddenly asked.
"To do what?" Su Fan asked cautiously.
"It's a gathering. I don't really want to go, but I can't refuse. I want you to accompany me," Dongfang Tingyin said honestly.
She didn't know any other men in the new city and had to seek help from her boss.
"It's just a gathering, why are you looking for me?"
To be honest, Su Fan was a bit reluctant.
This clearly looked like she wanted to use him as a shield, and he didn't want to be the scapegoat.
"As the boss, shouldn't you be considerate of your subordinate? If I'm in a bad mood, I won't have the energy to manage the company. If the company performs poorly, it's your money that's lost, right? Are you sure you won't accompany me?" Dongfang Tingyin said to Su Fan with a hint of amusement.
Su Fan was speechless. This woman was actually threatening him with the company? Humph! Fine, he'd go!
"Alright, you're right. Being considerate of subordinates is indeed the right thing to do."
Su Fan compromised. The key was that Dongfang Tingyin held the company's lifeline. Hongfan Jewelry was currently on the rise, and if Dongfang Tingyin made any trouble, Su Fan would be the one losing money. For the sake of money, Su Fan had to endure it.
"I'm not saying this to be mean, but as the boss, you don't even dress as well as I do as an employee. Aren't you afraid of embarrassing the company?"
Dongfang Tingyin scanned Su Fan from head to toe, showing a slight hint of disdain.
Su Fan looked down at himself. He didn't feel anything was wrong. He always dressed like this, and his clothes weren't dirty.
Su Fan's hair hadn't been cut in at least a month, and the clothes he wore were bought a long time ago. Although clean, they made him look somewhat uninspired.
"Let's go, come with me to the mall." Dongfang Tingyin drove her McLaren, taking Su Fan to the largest mall in the new city.
"What kind of gathering is this? Are you afraid I'll embarrass you?" Su Fan said speechlessly.
For this gathering, Dongfang Tingyin was even willing to spend money on clothes for him?
"Stop talking nonsense and pick out an outfit," Dongfang Tingyin urged Su Fan into an international brand store.
"This one will do." Su Fan casually picked out a black suit.
"Sir has excellent taste. This is our store's latest product, just released. I'll get you your size."
The sales assistant served Su Fan enthusiastically. For this suit, she could earn several hundred in commission, which was equivalent to her daily wage.
Soon, Su Fan changed into the suit in the fitting room. The sales assistant's judgment was accurate; the suit fit Su Fan perfectly.
A black suit with a light blue shirt underneath perfectly accentuated Su Fan's physique. Although not very muscular, under the effect of the attribute pills, his muscle lines were evident, making him the type of person who looked slim in clothes but had a good build when undressed.
Without a tie, Su Fan felt uncomfortable. Most importantly, he would be wearing a tie to sell houses at the sales office.
"Alright, let's pay."
Su Fan went directly to the counter.
"Sir, that will be one hundred and eighty-eight thousand yuan."
"Manager Dongfang, pay for it," Su Fan said to Dongfang Tingyin.
Although Su Fan thought it was very expensive, since it wasn't his money, he didn't care about the price.
"What? I have to pay? You want me to pay for your clothes?" Dongfang Tingyin pointed at her nose in disbelief, utterly unable to comprehend the cold words that had come from Su Fan, whose body temperature was thirty-six degrees.
"You asked me to buy clothes, so who else would pay? Hurry up, or we won't buy them, and I'll find someone else to accompany you. I won't serve you anymore," Dongfang Tingyin said. If she didn't pay, Su Fan was even lazier to go to her gathering.
"Fine! I'll pay!"
Dongfang Tingyin said through gritted teeth.
Now it was Su Fan's turn to threaten her.
"Swipe your card."
Dongfang Tingyin took out a gold bank card from her bag and handed it to the sales assistant.
The sales assistant looked at the two of them with a hint of gossip.
So, this handsome guy was the kept man of this beautiful woman. However, being a kept man to this extent was indeed the king of kept men, daring to talk back to his boss.
Under the envious gaze of the sales assistant, Su Fan left the clothing store.
"Where to next?" Su Fan asked Dongfang Tingyin coldly.
"Paradise Bird Bar."
"What?"
Su Fan looked at Dongfang Tingyin in disbelief.
Was he destined to have endless trouble with Paradise Bird Bar? Why was it always at Paradise Bird Bar whenever something happened?
"What's wrong?"
Dongfang Tingyin looked at Su Fan strangely.
"Do women always go to bars when something happens?" Su Fan asked curiously.
"No, I rarely go to bars. Why do you ask?" Dongfang Tingyin said, puzzled.
"Nothing."
Su Fan shook his head and said nothing more. It could only be a coincidence.
"How strange," Dongfang Tingyin rolled her eyes at Su Fan and muttered.
The two soon arrived at the bar. The main entrance was still closed, but one door was open – the one Su Fan had kicked open earlier.
"Huh? Was this door hit by a car?" Dongfang Tingyin looked curiously at the damaged door and walked straight in through it.
"Come in."
Dongfang Tingyin urged Su Fan.
Su Fan shook his head and walked in. He had just been here at noon, and now he was back.
Inside the bar, the revelers were gone. Only a few young men sat on the sofas, looking serious.
"Brother Su?"
Gong Wentao was among them and looked very surprised to see Su Fan.
"You know each other?" Dongfang Tingyin looked at Su Fan strangely. She hadn't expected Su Fan to know Gong Wentao, which made her think he wasn't a good person either.
"Heh, yes, we do."
Of course, they knew each other. They had met just that afternoon.
Besides Gong Wentao, there were several other people present, but only three were seated: Gong Wentao and two other young men.
The other two men also looked at Su Fan curiously, seeming very interested.
"Speak, what do you want me here for?" Dongfang Tingyin asked the group coldly.
These were all young masters from the capital. She didn't know why they were in the new city. She didn't want to get too entangled with them, which was why she had invited Su Fan to be her shield.
She had assumed that Su Fan, being a local, wouldn't know Gong Wentao and the others, and even if something happened, it wouldn't affect Su Fan much, as these people didn't have much influence in the new city.
But now, it seemed Su Fan knew them, implying they were birds of a feather.