"Chen Bufan, I don't care who you are or what skills you possess. In Guangling, Kirin Hall is the undisputed master. Daring to cross me, Xing Ao, I will make you regret ever being born!"
While Kirin Hall was making its moves, on the other side, ever since Bai Ruobing had ordered an investigation into Chen Bufan's background, Uncle Hui had been running around for days. Yet, no matter what resources he mobilized, the only thing he could dig up was the fact that Chen Bufan had once been a live-in son-in-law of the Han family.
As for the years before he married into the Han family, and the four years after he vanished from it, there was simply no record. It was as if he had evaporated into thin air.
It wasn't until his recent reappearance that the Han family was instantly destroyed, though there was no direct evidence linking Chen Bufan to the deed. He seemed wrapped in endless secrets that defied all attempts at decryption.
When Uncle Hui reported all of this to Bai Ruobing, she fell into deep contemplation.
"Four years ago he was just a live-in son-in-law, yet now he has become so powerful that even you, Uncle Hui, were driven back by him. It seems he must have encountered some extraordinary opportunities over the past few years, but one thing is certain: his background is entirely ordinary..."
Bai Ruobing thought to herself, and suddenly, inspiration struck.
"I have a way to make him help us, and I can even verify whether he is the one who wiped out the Han family!"
...
A day later, an official summons was suddenly delivered to Chen Bufan from a certain police department, suspecting him of involvement in the destruction of the Han family and requesting his presence at the Qingfeng Pavilion for questioning.
Although the Demon God Temple's arrival in Guangling had been grand and imposing, under his warning, no one should have dared to leak the news, keeping it relatively confidential. It was hardly surprising that some uninformed police officers were investigating him.
"Palace Master, shall I make a phone call? It's just a trivial matter," Canglong said.
"No!" Chen Bufan waved his hand. If uninformed police officers genuinely suspected him and intended to investigate, they would have already come knocking on his door to make an arrest.
Inviting him voluntarily, and doing so at the Qingfeng Pavilion rather than an official department building, meant this wasn't a serious police matter.
The other party had a different agenda!
"I'd like to see what games they are trying to play." A confident smile appeared on Chen Bufan's face. He greeted Yurou, had Canglong drive, and headed straight for the Qingfeng Pavilion.
Chapter 23: Fire Wolf Army Commander, Lei Tiansheng!
Half an hour later, the car came to a halt. Chen Bufan raised his head and looked at the building before him.
A three-story building with a small courtyard—this was the Qingfeng Pavilion, a rather famous teahouse in Guangling where many high-profile figures chose to discuss business.
"You must be Chen Bufan?" A young woman suddenly walked out from the courtyard. She was dressed in a black uniform, though not of the standard police variety; it looked more like the combat gear of special forces.
With her hair tied in a high ponytail and wearing Martin boots, she wasn't particularly tall, but her chest was puffed out and her chin held high, giving her an extremely capable and energetic appearance.
She quickly approached and stared at Chen Bufan with an icy gaze. "I am talking to you!"
Her tone was harsh, brooking no refusal.
Chen Bufan glanced at her indifferently, said nothing, and walked straight toward the courtyard.
The arrogant woman's eyes narrowed. What an immensely arrogant fellow, actually ignoring her!
"If you refuse to answer, I have every reason to suspect you are a security risk and place you under arrest!" As soon as the petite woman finished speaking, several men in black emerged from all sides, swiftly surrounding Chen Bufan and his companion.
Military personnel? Chen Bufan glanced around, noting that their attire and the aura they exuded were distinctly characteristic of the armed forces!
"I am merely here to assist with an inquiry, not to pick a fight. If you don't want things to escalate, you had better call these people off, or I cannot guarantee their safety."
The petite woman was furious. This guy had a death wish—he was actually turning the tables and threatening her!
"Implicated in a homicide case and still this arrogant? Looks like I need to teach you a lesson. Arrest him!"
A sharp glint flashed in Chen Bufan's eyes.
"Stop!" At that exact moment, a stern shout rang out. A man in his forties appeared at the teahouse entrance, possessing thick eyebrows, wide eyes, and an imposing demeanor.
"Xiaolei, what are you doing?"
"Commander, I asked him for his name, but he refused to say a word. He's likely a security risk, so—" Before Li Xiaolei could finish explaining, she was interrupted by the authoritative man.
"That's enough, I know."
He then turned his gaze toward Chen Bufan, carrying a scrutinizing weight.
"Chen Bufan!" Chen Bufan replied coldly.
A look of surprise crossed the middle-aged man's face. How decisive and swift, not a single word wasted—a simple "Chen Bufan" was all it took!
The casual confidence radiating from him made it impossible to fathom his true depth.
Though the middle-aged man was not a titan who could prop up the heavens, to ordinary people he was already a high-ranking official. Especially with his military background, his presence was formidable. Yet Chen Bufan remained completely composed in front of him; this man was clearly no ordinary person.
"May I ask if you brought me here to assist with an investigation, or to place me under arrest?" Chen Bufan asked coldly.
The middle-aged man wore an awkward expression. "Xiaolei was just taking precautions. Please bear with it."
Instead of offering an apology, he excused his subordinate. Chen Bufan frowned slightly.
"Please come inside with me, Mr. Chen."
With that, he took the lead and walked ahead. Chen Bufan followed without a word, exuding a fearless aura that made it seem as though he were the host of the estate.
The interior of the teahouse was designed with classic elegance—carved wooden doors and windows, landscape paintings on the walls, and the lingering fragrance of tea.
The middle-aged man led Chen Bufan into a private parlor.
Canglong started to follow inside, but was blocked by two people, one of whom was the petite woman.
"What is the meaning of this?" Canglong's brows locked in a fierce glare. As one of the Eight Dragon Kings of the Demon God Temple, how dare these people casually block his path?
"Commander Lei is interrogating a suspect. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted inside!" Li Xiaolei declared.
"Canglong, wait for me outside," Chen Bufan instructed. Given his strength, he had no need for fear.
Inside the room, only Chen Bufan, the middle-aged man, Li Xiaolei, and a guard remained, standing behind Chen Bufan like prison guards watching over a criminal.
"Speak your mind!" Chen Bufan sat down casually, his expression entirely calm.
"You're a straightforward man, so I won't beat around the bush. You've heard about the annihilation of the Han family, haven't you?" the middle-aged man asked, his wolf-like eyes locked onto Chen Bufan.
Chen Bufan nodded.
"I suspect you are connected to the destruction of the Han family, so I hope you will honestly confess everything," the middle-aged man said.
"Allow me to ask your identity," Chen Bufan said indifferently.
"Lei Tiansheng, Commander of the Guangling Fire Wolf Army!" the middle-aged man declared proudly.
So he really was a military man!
Chen Bufan was not surprised.
However, he had no prior knowledge of what kind of organization the Fire Wolf Army was.
"Even if you suspect that the Han family's destruction is linked to me, that is a matter for the local police department to handle. It is hardly the place for you, a Fire Wolf Army commander, to step in."
"The Fire Wolf Army serves the local region of Guangling. Any thorny problems fall within our jurisdiction. Do you have any further questions?" Lei Tiansheng demanded.
"I do!"
"What question?"
"What is your actual purpose in bringing me here? If you have no intention of speaking plainly, I'm afraid I don't have the time to keep playing games with you!" Chen Bufan stated bluntly.
"Chen Bufan, I am conducting an investigation, and I demand that you confess!" Lei Tiansheng said with an imposing authority, unleashing his full pressure.
Chen Bufan remained unmoved, his expression as calm as ever. If Lei Tiansheng thought he could use this tactic to intimidate him, he was sorely mistaken!
"It's not that I won't talk, but I won't say it to you. Bring out the person who actually wants to hear the answers." Chen Bufan implied.
Lei Tiansheng's expression suddenly shifted, a look of shock flashing in his eyes. Could Chen Bufan see right through his thoughts?
"I have no idea what you're talking about, or I would have you clapped in irons right now!" Lei Tiansheng warned.
"You don't understand, do you? Then please excuse me, I won't keep you company any longer." Chen Bufan instantly stood up and headed for the door.
Li Xiaolei and the other guard immediately moved to block his path.
"If you don't explain yourself clearly, don't even think about leaving this place, and don't blame me for being unpolite!"
As she spoke, her hand drifted to her waist, hovering near her holster.
"Do you really think you can stop me? Even if you summoned the entire Fire Wolf Army, it wouldn't be enough!" Chen Bufan asserted forcefully.
"Step aside!"
"Don't be so full of yourself! I am one of the finest operatives in the Fire Wolf Army. Just because you're a man doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. See if I don't take you down in a single move!" Li Xiaolei glared furiously.
"Then see if I don't subdue you with a single finger if you don't move out of the way," Chen Bufan said coldly.
An invisible wave of pressure erupted, overwhelming like a tidal wave.
Li Xiaolei and the other guard felt as though they were standing right in front of a ferocious beast, their hearts tightening with sudden panic.
Lei Tiansheng furrowed his brows deeply. His original intention was to take Chen Bufan down a peg, but instead, Chen Bufan had turned the tables on him. Playing psychological games in front of this man was entirely useless.
The two sides stood locked in a tense standoff, the atmosphere taut like a drawn bowstring!
"Mr. Chen, it was I who asked to see you!"
At that very moment, a cool, melodious voice echoed through the room.
Following the voice, a tall, cold, and breathtakingly elegant woman walked in, dressed in cropped denim jeans and a white French-style blouse.
"It's you!" When Chen Bufan saw her, he still had some recollection; she was the woman named Bai Ruobing who had come looking for him a few days prior.
Walking right behind Bai Ruobing was Uncle Hui, whom Chen Bufan had also met before.
"Miss Bai!" Lei Tiansheng hurried forward, treating Bai Ruobing with great respect, though his expression was somewhat awkward—he had attempted a coordinated play, but the operation had completely fallen apart.
"Thank you for your trouble, Commander Lei. I'll handle the rest." Bai Ruobing offered a polite smile, then turned her gaze to Chen Bufan. "Mr. Chen, we meet again. I am the person who wanted answers."
"I wiped out the Han family. If you want to stand up for them, feel free to make your move. I, Chen, will gladly accompany you to the end!"
Chen Bufan's words were earth-shattering!
In an instant, the entire teahouse fell into absolute silence.
Chapter 24: Walking Earth Shatters!
Bai Ruobing, Lei Tiansheng, and everyone else present froze in place.
Countless rumors had circulated regarding the destruction of the Han family.
Some suspected Chen Bufan, but there was no direct evidence, and moreover, nobody actually believed he possessed the capability to do so!
During her previous visit, Bai Ruobing had learned that Chen Bufan possessed a certain level of strength, but she still hadn't dared to confirm whether he was the one who destroyed the Han family.
Thus, she had used her connections to enlist the Fire Wolf Army commander to stage a play, using an "investigation" as a pretext to force Chen Bufan into a confession.
She never expected Chen Bufan to be shrewd enough to instantly see through the fact that someone else was pulling Lei Tiansheng's strings.
And that person was none other than herself!
Just as she thought the plan had completely failed, Chen Bufan admitted so casually that he had destroyed the Han family, exceeding everyone's expectations.
"Mr. Chen has misunderstood. We are not here to avenge the Han family; we sought you out for another matter. Might we sit down and talk in detail?" Bai Ruobing said courteously, dropping her previous icy demeanor.
"No need. If you have something to say, just spit it out," Chen Bufan replied.
Sensing Chen Bufan's displeasure, Bai Ruobing offered an explanation: "Because this matter is of the utmost importance, I had to ask Commander Lei to help verify it in advance. If I have caused any offense to Mr. Chen, I, Bai Ruobing, offer you my apologies!"
Chen Bufan didn't even spare her a glance as he turned and strode toward the exit.
Whatever business they had could have been brought to him directly and openly; resorting to such petty schemes only yielded the opposite result.
What he hated most in life was being schemed against—what good was a simple apology?
"Our commander hasn't given you permission to leave. Take another step and see what happens!" Li Xiaolei shouted.
Chen Bufan acted as though he hadn't heard a thing, completely ignoring the warning.
Li Xiaolei made a move to intercept him, but was stopped by Lei Tiansheng.
"Chen Bufan, you admitted with your own mouth that you destroyed the Han family. If I choose to pursue this investigation, you won't be able to escape."
"I said it before: if you want to make a move against me, go right ahead. I, Chen, will play along to the very end!"
That single response left Lei Tiansheng's expression looking utterly dreadful.
As the commander of the Fire Wolf Army, his status and standing were scarcely inferior to Guangling's highest official; this was the first time he had ever encountered someone who showed him zero respect.
"Chen Bufan, have you ever heard of Kirin Hall?" Bai Ruobing suddenly asked.
Eh? Chen Bufan halted his steps and turned back to look at Bai Ruobing. "What are you trying to say?"
"Han Lie was the vice master of Kirin Hall, and Kirin Hall is the preeminent power in Guangling, commanding five hundred blade-wielding enforcers alongside several formidable experts. The hall master, Xing Ao, is a ruthless individual himself. You killed their vice master; Kirin Hall will never let you go!"
Chen Bufan sneered. "Everything you just mentioned, I already knew."
"Since you already know, you should understand just how dangerous your situation is. I'm not asking for your help for nothing; as long as you are willing to cooperate, I will find a way to keep Kirin Hall from killing you," Bai Ruobing said shrewdly.
She was an exceptionally clever woman, adept at manipulating situations to achieve her goals. Unfortunately for her, she had crossed paths with Chen Bufan—a man who had long since conquered the world and feared no faction whatsoever!
"A mere Kirin Hall? I will flatten them myself!" Chen Bufan said coldly.
Bai Ruobing's expression shifted. Did he truly understand what Kirin Hall was? How could he dare utter such wild boasts!
"Young man, you are far too arrogant. You have no idea what Kirin Hall is truly capable of. Even my Fire Wolf Army cannot easily resolve Kirin Hall, let alone a single person like you!" Lei Tiansheng said coldly.
"That only proves the Fire Wolf Army is too weak!" Chen Bufan retorted.
Those words instantly sent Lei Tiansheng and his subordinates into a rage!
"The Fire Wolf Army has protected Guangling for so many years! How dare you insult us!" Li Xiaolei burst out, unable to contain her anger.
"If you've been protecting it for so many years, why do entities like the Han family and Kirin Hall still exist?" Chen Bufan countered sharply.
Li Xiaolei's face flushed red, completely lost for words.
"Talk is cheap. If you can truly wipe out Kirin Hall, the entire Fire Wolf Army will answer to your commands, and I, Lei Tiansheng, will come to your door to beg for forgiveness in chains!"
"Then you had better prepare yourself in advance." Chen Bufan chuckled lightly and turned to leave.
"Brother, pray for your own good fortune." Canglong glanced at Lei Tiansheng, his expression deeply complicated. He could only squeeze out those words before hurrying off to catch up with Chen Bufan.
"Putting on a show! I don't know how badly I've wanted to deal with Kirin Hall, but I've never had the strength to do it. Just him? What a joke!" Lei Tiansheng said indignantly.
"Commander, you should have let me teach him a lesson!" Li Xiaolei complained, unwilling to let it go.
"Crack, crack, crack!"
Just as her voice trailed off, a series of sharp popping sounds echoed through the room.
Everyone looked down at the floor, only to see the ceramic floor tiles suddenly shattering, fracturing into shapes that resembled footprints—as if someone had walked across a layer of snow—stretching all the way out the door.
It was the exact path Chen Bufan had just walked!
"Hiss..."
A chill swept through everyone's bones, leaving them utterly dumbfounded.
Li Xiaolei was scared witless. Teach Chen Bufan a lesson? With her skills?
Lei Tiansheng stared at Bai Ruobing with utter shock. "Miss Bai, what on earth is Chen Bufan's background?"
Bai Ruobing gave a bitter smile. "You've been in Guangling for so many years and had no idea. How could I possibly know?"
The group rushed out of the teahouse, but Chen Bufan had already boarded his car and driven away.
...
Inside the car, Chen Bufan asked, "Canglong, what's the deal with the Fire Wolf Army?"
"They're a local garrison stationed in Guangling. Not quite a regular mainline army, but rather a special operations squad of around three hundred personnel, codenamed Fire Wolf. Commanded by Lei Tiansheng, their duty is to maintain security across the entire Guangling region. However, local departments don't have direct command authority over them, making them a rather unique entity."
"Their status isn't low either." Chen Bufan pondered for a moment before giving an instruction: "When you have time, help me look into Bai Ruobing's background."
"Does the Palace Master intend to make a move against that woman?" Canglong asked.
"Move your head!" Chen Bufan was amused and exasperated. Bai Ruobing was just a woman with whom he had no deep enmity; there was no reason to target her.
During his initial visit, Chen Bufan had already realized she was extraordinary, given the formidable martial artist trailing her.
He simply hadn't expected that she could actually compel the Fire Wolf Army to step in. Judging by the attitude Lei Tiansheng had displayed toward her, Bai Ruobing was far more extraordinary than he had imagined.
That was why Chen Bufan wanted to investigate her background, to see what kind of situation could possibly drive Bai Ruobing to go to such lengths to enlist his help.
"How is the investigation into Kirin Hall coming along?" Chen Bufan asked.
"We are still tracking them down. We should have news shortly," Canglong replied.
"We might not have the luxury of waiting for results!" Chen Bufan said coldly. Kirin Hall seeking revenge was an absolute certainty. Remembering the previous incident where Sisi had been abducted, Chen Bufan had no intention of dragging this out.
Some people were far more ruthless than one could ever imagine; you must never give villains even a single opening!
...
When they returned home, Yurou had already finished cooking, and Sisi eagerly helped set the bowls and chopsticks.
"Ahem, Bufan, go wash your hands quickly. Dinner is almost ready." Jiang Yurou coughed repeatedly, choked by the cooking fumes.
Chen Bufan felt a pang of heartache as he watched. "Yurou, this place is far too small, and nothing is convenient here. Let's move to a new place sooner."
"That's true. Besides, Sisi doesn't even have room to play here. Anyway, my salary has increased, and once the commission comes through, we can rent a larger apartment," Jiang Yurou decided.
"Why bother renting a larger apartment when we already have a ready-made villa? We'll move tomorrow," Chen Bufan said.
"That wouldn't be appropriate, would it?" Jiang Yurou felt somewhat embarrassed.
"What's inappropriate about it? It was bought precisely to be lived in, and besides, my friend mentioned it to me well in advance," Chen Bufan smiled. Of course, there was no friend—the villa belonged entirely to them.
"Well... alright then."
...
Chapter 25: Moving, the Supreme Overlord of Dongzhou, Zhennan Mansion!
Early the next morning, Chen Bufan's family began packing their belongings.
Upon hearing that they were moving to a new home, Sisi was so excited she couldn't stay still.
They stayed busy until noon, packing a large truck full of belongings before heading straight for the Yunlu Academy.
It had to be said that the Yunlu Academy was high-end indeed, nestled in the new district amidst picturesque natural scenery complete with mountains and rivers.
The villa district, in particular, resembled a classical Jiangnan garden, featuring small bridges over flowing water and winding, secluded pathways.
The individual villas were nestled among lush greenery, offering exceptional privacy.
As a salesperson for the developing company, Jiang Yurou had visited the property more than once, but this time, her feelings were entirely different.
In the past, she had only ever brought clients to view the homes; this time, she was moving in to live there herself, filling her with a profound sense of fulfillment.
"Beep, beep!"
Right at that moment, a Range Rover approached from the opposite direction, frantically flashing its headlights and blaring its horn.
"How are you driving? Why aren't you backing up!" A bald man wearing a thick, chunky gold chain stuck his head out of the car window.
"Clearly his car is driving the wrong way down a one-way lane! Why should we be the ones to back up?" Jiang Yurou stepped out of the car, feeling thoroughly indignant, and went to reason with them.
Before she could even speak, a young woman emerged from the Range Rover, wearing high heels, a tight hip-skirt, and heavy makeup.
"Yurou? What a coincidence, fancy running into you here." The glamorous woman greeted her.
"Yin Xue!" Jiang Yurou stared in astonishment at the woman before her. This was her college classmate and one of her closest former best friends, though they had gradually lost touch over the years.
"Weren't you building your career in Guangling? What brings you back?"