"Chen Bufan, I don't care who you are, nor do I care how capable you are. In Liyang, my Kirin Hall is the overlord! You dared to cross me, Xing Ao, and I will make you regret ever coming into this world!"
While Kirin Hall was making its moves, on the other side, ever since Bai Ruobing instructed Uncle Hui to investigate Chen Bufan's identity and background, Uncle Hui had been running around for the past few days. Yet no matter what resources he mobilized, the only thing they could ultimately find out was that Chen Bufan had married into the Han Family as a live-in son-in-law.
The years before he married into the Han Family, and the four years after he vanished from the Han Family—what he had experienced during all that time remained completely unknown, as if he had simply vanished into thin air.
Until his reappearance this time, which was immediately followed by the annihilation of the Han Family. Yet there was no evidence proving that Chen Bufan had done it. It was as if he carried endless secrets about him, yet those secrets proved impossible to decipher.
When Uncle Hui told Bai Ruobing all of this, she fell into deep thought.
"Four years ago he was still a live-in son-in-law, and now he has actually become so formidable that even you, Uncle Hui, were forced back by him. It seems he must have obtained some kind of opportunity over the past few years, but one thing is certain: his background is completely ordinary..."
Bai Ruobing pondered to herself, and suddenly an idea flashed in her mind.
"I have a way to make him help, and I can even confirm whether he was the one who destroyed the Han Family!"
...
A day later, a subpoena suddenly arrived in Chen Bufan's hands. It came from a certain police precinct, expressing suspicion that he was connected to the destruction of the Han Family, and demanding that he go to the Pure Wind Pavilion for a talk.
Although the Demon God Hall had made a grand entrance upon arriving in Liyang, under his warning, no one should have dared to leak the news, so it could be considered confidential. It was hardly surprising that some police officers unaware of the truth were investigating him.
"Hall Master, would you like me to make a call? It's just a minor matter," Canglong said.
"No!" Chen Bufan waved his hand. If ignorant police officers truly suspected him and wanted to investigate him, they would have already come knocking to arrest him.
Inviting him over proactively, with the location set at the Pure Wind Pavilion rather than an official department, indicated that this was no major matter.
The other party had another motive!
"I'd like to see what kind of game they're trying to play." A confident smile appeared on Chen Bufan's face. He immediately greeted Yurou, and had Canglong drive him to the Pure Wind Pavilion.
Chapter 23: Fire Wolf Army Commander, Lei Tiansheng!
Half an hour later, the car came to a stop. Chen Bufan raised his head and looked at the building before him.
A three-story small building with a small courtyard—this was the Pure Wind Pavilion, a rather famous teahouse in Liyang where many big figures chose to meet and discuss matters.
"You are Chen Bufan?" A young woman suddenly walked out from the courtyard, wearing a black uniform, though not the kind worn by ordinary police officers; it looked more like the attire of special forces.
With her hair tied in a high ponytail and wearing martensitic boots, she wasn't tall, but her chest was puffed out and her chin held high, giving her an extremely capable and energetic aura.
She quickly walked up to him and stared at Chen Bufan with an indifferent gaze. "I'm talking to you!"
Her tone was stern, as if leaving no room for refusal.
Chen Bufan glanced at her without a word and walked straight toward the courtyard.
The cold and arrogant woman's eyes narrowed. What an arrogant fellow, he actually ignored her!
"If you refuse to answer, I have reason to suspect you are a security risk and can arrest you!" As soon as the petite woman finished speaking, several men dressed in black emerged from the surroundings and quickly surrounded Chen Bufan and his companion.
Military men? Chen Bufan glanced around and found that the attire of these people, as well as the aura emanating from them, were exceptionally like those of military personnel!
"I am merely here to assist with an investigation, not to pick a fight. If you don't want things to turn serious, you'd better have these people back off, or I cannot guarantee their safety."
The petite woman was infuriated. This guy had too much nerve, actually turning around to threaten her!
"You're involved in a murder case and you still dare to be this arrogant? Looks like I need to teach you a lesson. Arrest him for me!"
A sharp gleam flashed in Chen Bufan's eyes.
"Stop!" At that exact moment, a cold shout rang out, and a man in his forties appeared at the teahouse entrance. He had thick eyebrows, wide eyes, and a majestic demeanor.
"Xiaolei, what are you doing?"
"Commander Lei, I asked him who he is, and he simply refuses to say. He's likely a security risk, so..." Before Li Xiaolei could finish explaining, she was interrupted by the authoritative man.
"Enough, I know."
He then cast his gaze toward Chen Bufan, carrying a scrutinizing intent.
"Chen Bufan!" Chen Bufan said coldly.
The middle-aged man's expression turned one of surprise. How swift and decisive, not a single word of nonsense—just the name Chen Bufan, and that was enough!
The confidence he exuded inadvertently made it impossible to fathom his true depth.
Although the middle-aged man was not a towering figure of the realm, to ordinary people he already held a prominent official position. Especially with his military background and formidable aura, the fact that Chen Bufan remained so calm in his presence showed that this man was no ordinary person.
"May I ask if you've called me here to assist with an investigation, or to place me under direct arrest?" Chen Bufan asked coldly.
The middle-aged man wore an awkward expression. "Xiaolei was just taking precautions. Please bear with her."
Instead of a single word of apology, he was openly shielding his subordinate. Chen Bufan furrowed his brow slightly.
"Please come inside with me, Mr. Chen."
With that, he took the lead. Chen Bufan remained silent and followed him, exuding a fearless aura that made it seem as though he were the host instead.
The interior of the teahouse was elegantly designed, with carved doors and windows adorned with landscape paintings, and the lingering fragrance of tea filled the air.
The middle-aged man led Chen Bufan into a private room.
Canglong was about to follow when two people blocked his path, one of whom was the petite woman.
"What is the meaning of this?" Canglong's brows rose in anger. As one of the Eight Dragon Kings of the Demon God Hall, how dare these people casually block his way?
"Commander Lei is interrogating a suspect. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted inside!" Li Xiaolei stated.
"Canglong, wait for me outside," Chen Bufan instructed. With his level of strength, he had no need to fear anyone.
Inside the room, only Chen Bufan, the middle-aged man, Li Xiaolei, and another guard remained. They stood behind Chen Bufan like guards watching over a criminal.
"Speak your mind!" Chen Bufan casually took a seat, his expression calm.
"You're a straightforward man, so I won't beat around the bush. You've heard about the destruction of the Han Family, haven't you?" the middle-aged man asked, his eyes sharp as a wolf's, staring fixedly at 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 Liyang Fire Wolf Army!" the middle-aged man declared proudly.
So he really was a military man!
Chen Bufan was not surprised.
However, he knew nothing about the background of this Fire Wolf Army.
"Even if there were suspicions connecting me to the destruction of the Han Family, it should be handled by the local police department. It's not your place as the Commander of the Fire Wolf Army to step in, is it?"
"The Fire Wolf Army serves Liyang's local departments. We can take charge of any tricky issues. Do you have any other questions?" Lei Tiansheng demanded.
"I do!"
"What question?"
"What is your actual purpose in bringing me here? If you have no intention of speaking directly, I'm afraid I don't have that much time to play along!" Chen Bufan said bluntly.
"Chen Bufan, I am investigating you, and you will tell me everything!" Lei Tiansheng said with authority, unleashing his full aura.
Chen Bufan remained unmoved, his expression still completely calm. Lei Tiansheng was dreaming if he thought he could intimidate him with such tactics!
"It's not that I can't tell you, but I won't say it to you. Bring out the person who actually wants to hear it." Chen Bufan implied.
Lei Tiansheng's expression suddenly shifted, shock flashing in his eyes. Could Chen Bufan see right through what he was thinking?
"I have no idea what you're talking about, or I could just slap handcuffs on you right now!" Lei Tiansheng warned.
"You don't understand, you say? Then please excuse me, I won't keep you company any longer." Chen Bufan stood up instantly and walked toward the door.
Li Xiaolei and the other guard immediately moved to block him.
"Until you explain yourself clearly, don't even think about leaving this place, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
As she spoke, she placed her hand on her waist, preparing to draw her gun.
"You think you can stop me with just that? Even if you summoned the entire Fire Wolf Army, it wouldn't be enough!" Chen Bufan said forcefully.
"Step aside!"
"Don't be so arrogant. I am one of the finest operatives in the Fire Wolf Army. Don't think that just because you're a man I'll be afraid of you. Believe it or not, I can subdue you in a single move!" Li Xiaolei's brows knitted in anger.
"Then believe me, if you don't step aside right now, I can suppress you with a single finger!" Chen Bufan said coldly.
An intangible aura burst forth, crushing down like an avalanche.
Li Xiaolei and the other guard felt as though they were facing a ferocious beast, their hearts tightening involuntarily.
Lei Tiansheng furrowed his brow deeply. He had intended to knock Chen Bufan down a peg, but instead, he was the one being put in his place. Playing mind games with this man was completely useless.
The two sides stood locked in a tense standoff, swords drawn and bows bent!
"Mr. Chen, it was I who asked to see you!"
At that moment, a clear, exquisitely pleasant voice drifted in.
Following that, a tall woman wearing cropped jeans and a white French shirt walked in. She was a beauty with a cold and stunning temperament.
"It's you!" When Chen Bufan saw her, he still had some recollection of her. Her name was Bai Ruobing, and she 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, showing great respect to Bai Ruobing, though his expression was somewhat awkward. He had been asked to play a dual act with her, but the plan had fallen through.
"Sorry to trouble Commander Lei. I'll handle the rest." Bai Ruobing offered a polite smile, then looked at Chen Bufan. "Mr. Chen, we meet again. I'm the one who wanted to hear your answer."
"I destroyed the Han Family. If you want to stand up for them, feel free to make your move. I, Chen Bufan, will accompany you to the end!"
Chen Bufan's words were utterly astonishing!
In an instant, the entire teahouse fell into a dead silence.
Chapter 24: A Man Walks, the Earth Shatters!
Bai Ruobing, Lei Tiansheng, and everyone else present froze in place.
The destruction of the Han Family had spawned countless rumors on the streets.
Some suspected it was connected to Chen Bufan, but there was no direct evidence, and nobody actually believed it because Chen Bufan simply didn't have that kind of capability!
When she paid her visit last time, Bai Ruobing knew Chen Bufan possessed a certain level of strength, but she still dared not confirm that he was the one who wiped out the Han Family.
Therefore, she had used her connections to have the Fire Wolf Army Commander stage a play with her, using an investigation as a pretext to force Chen Bufan into a full confession.
She never expected Chen Bufan to be so sharp that he would immediately see through the fact that someone else stood behind Lei Tiansheng.
And that person was none other than her, Bai Ruobing!
She had thought the plan was a complete failure, yet Chen Bufan had casually admitted to destroying the Han Family, completely defying everyone's expectations.
"Mr. Chen has misunderstood. We are not here to avenge the Han Family, but to discuss something else. Might we sit down and talk in detail?" Bai Ruobing said courteously, her previous icy demeanor entirely gone.
"There's 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 confirm things in advance. If I have offended Mr. Chen in any way, I, Bai Ruobing, apologize to you!"
Chen Bufan didn't even glance at her as he strode toward the door.
Whatever business she had, she could have stated it to his face. Resorting to such petty tricks would only achieve the exact opposite effect.
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 intervene, but Lei Tiansheng stopped her.
"Chen Bufan, you admitted with your own mouth that you destroyed the Han Family. If I decide to pursue this investigation, you won't be able to escape."
"I said it before: if you want to make a move against me, feel free. I will accompany you to the very end!"
That single retort left Lei Tiansheng's face looking exceptionally unsightly.
As the Commander of the Fire Wolf Army, his status and standing were barely inferior to the highest-ranking figures in Liyang. This was the first time he had ever encountered someone who showed him zero respect.
"Chen Bufan, do you know about Kirin Hall?" Bai Ruobing suddenly asked.
Huh? Chen Bufan stopped in his tracks, turning his head to look at Bai Ruobing. "What are you trying to say?"
"Han Lie was the deputy master of Kirin Hall, and Kirin Hall is the number one power in Liyang, commanding five hundred Blade warriors alongside a number of hidden experts. Their hall master, Xing Ao, is a ruthless figure himself. Since you killed their deputy hall master, Kirin Hall will never let you go!"
Chen Bufan sneered, "Everything you just said, I already knew."
"Since you already know, you should understand how dangerous your situation is. I'm not asking for your help for nothing; as long as you're willing to cooperate, I'll find a way to make Kirin Hall spare your life," Bai Ruobing said shrewdly.
She was an exceptionally clever woman, adept at leveraging situations to achieve her goals. Unfortunately for her, the man she was dealing with was Chen Bufan—someone 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 actually understand Kirin Hall at all, to dare utter such wild words?
"Young man, you are far too arrogant and have no real understanding of Kirin Hall. Even my Fire Wolf Army has no way of dealing with them, let alone just you by yourself!" Lei Tiansheng said coldly.
"That only means the Fire Wolf Army is too weak!" Chen Bufan retorted.
Those words instantly sent a surge of fury rushing straight to the heads of Lei Tiansheng and his subordinates!
"The Fire Wolf Army has protected Liyang for all these years—how dare you insult us!" Li Xiaolei flared up.
"If you've been protecting it for so long, why do entities like the Han Family and Kirin Hall still exist?" Chen Bufan countered sharply.
Li Xiaolei's face flushed red, completely at a loss for how to refute him.
"Talk is cheap. If you can actually wipe out Kirin Hall, the entire Fire Wolf Army will take your orders, and even I, Lei Tiansheng, will come to your door to beg for forgiveness in chains!"
"Then you'd better prepare yourself in advance." Chen Bufan chuckled and turned to leave.
"Brother, pray for your own fortune." Canglong glanced at Lei Tiansheng with a deeply complicated look in his eyes, squeezed out those words, and hurried after Chen Bufan.
"Putting on an act! I don't know how badly I've wanted to get rid of Kirin Hall, but I've never had the capability. Just him? What a joke!" Lei Tiansheng said stubbornly.
"Commander, you should have just let me teach him a lesson!" Li Xiaolei protested in dissatisfaction.
"Crack, crack, crack!"
Just as her voice trailed off, a series of explosive sounds echoed through the room.
Everyone looked down at the floor, only to see the floor tiles suddenly cracking apart, forming a trail of deep footprint shapes—as if someone had walked across snow—stretching all the way out the door.
It was precisely the path Chen Bufan had just walked!
"Hiss..."
A chill swept through everyone present, leaving them utterly dumbfounded.
Li Xiaolei was frightened out of her wits. Teach Chen Bufan a lesson? With her skills?
Lei Tiansheng stared at Bai Ruobing in shock. "Miss Bai, just what kind of background does Chen Bufan have?"
Bai Ruobing forced a wry smile. "You've been in Liyang for all these years and you don't know—how could I possibly know?"
Everyone rushed out of the teahouse, but Chen Bufan had already boarded his car and driven away.
...
In the car, Chen Bufan asked, "Canglong, what's the general situation with the Fire Wolf Army?"
"They're the local garrison stationed in Liyang. You can't call them a regular main force, but rather a special operations squad of about three hundred people codenamed 'Fire Wolf'. Their captain is Lei Tiansheng, tasked with maintaining security across all of Liyang. However, the local departments lack the authority to command them directly, making them a rather unique entity."
"Their standing isn't low either." Chen Bufan pondered for a moment before instructing, "When you have time, help me look into Bai Ruobing's background."
"Does the Hall Master intend to make a move against that woman?" Canglong asked.
"Move your head!" Chen Bufan was so exasperated he laughed. She was just Bai Ruobing; he had no deep grudges with her, so there was no need to target her.
During his very first visit, Chen Bufan had known she was no ordinary person, given that she kept an expert by her side.
He simply hadn't expected that she could even mobilize the Fire Wolf Army. Judging by Lei Tiansheng's attitude toward her, Bai Ruobing was far more extraordinary than he had imagined.
That was why Chen Bufan wanted to investigate her background, just to see what kind of situation Bai Ruobing was facing that made her go to such lengths to enlist his help.
"How is the investigation into Kirin Hall coming along?" Chen Bufan asked.
"Still tracking them down. We should have news shortly," Canglong replied.
"We might not be able to wait for the results!" Chen Bufan said coldly. Kirin Hall was bound to seek revenge, and after the previous incident where Sisi was abducted, Chen Bufan had no intention of dragging things out.
Some people were forever more ruthless than one could imagine; never give evildoers a single chance!
...
When they returned home, Yurou had already finished cooking, and Sisi eagerly helped set the bowls and chopsticks.
"Cough, cough, Bufan, go wash your hands quickly, dinner's ready." Jiang Yurou coughed repeatedly from the cooking fumes.
Chen Bufan felt a pang of heartache as he watched. "Yurou, this place is too small, and nothing is convenient. Let's move house sooner."
"True, especially since Sisi doesn't even have room to play here. Besides, my salary has gone up anyway; once my commission is paid out, we'll rent a bigger place," Jiang Yurou decided.
"Why rent another big place when there's a villa already waiting? We'll move tomorrow," Chen Bufan said.
"That wouldn't be appropriate, would it?" Jiang Yurou felt hesitant.
"What's inappropriate about it? Weren't they bought to be lived in? Besides, my friend mentioned it to me in advance," Chen Bufan laughed. What friend? The villa belonged to them to begin with.
"Well, alright then."
...
Chapter 25: Moving House, the Overlord of Dongzhou, Zhennan Mansion!
Early the next morning, Chen Bufan's family was busy packing their things.
Hearing that they were finally moving, Sisi was overjoyed.
They busied themselves until noon, packing a large truck full of belongings, and headed straight for Yunlu Academy.
One had to admit, Yunlu Academy was high-end. Situated in the new district, it boasted a picturesque environment complete with mountains and water.
The villa area, in particular, resembled a Jiangnan classical garden with its small bridges, flowing streams, and winding, secluded paths.
Villas were nestled within lush greenery, offering exceptional privacy.
Having worked at the real estate firm that developed the project, Jiang Yurou had visited many times, but this time her mood was entirely different.
Previously, she had only ever brought clients to look at houses; this time, she was moving in to live there herself, filling her with a deep sense of fulfillment.
"Honk, honk!"
At that moment, a Range Rover drove toward them from the front, frantically flashing its headlights and blaring its horn.
"How are you driving?! Back up!" A bald man with a thick gold chain hanging around his neck leaned out of the car window.
"Clearly his car is driving against traffic, why should we back up!" Jiang Yurou said indignantly, getting out of the car to reason with him.
Before she could even speak, a young woman stepped out of the Range Rover, wearing high heels, a tight hip-skirt, and heavy makeup.
"Yurou? What a coincidence, fancy running into you here," the alluring woman greeted her.
"Yin Xue!" Jiang Yurou stared in surprise 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 developing your career in Guangling? How come you're back?"