The surrounding subordinates were left dumbstruck. As expected of their Lord, a man titled "Demon God"—his ferocity was truly overwhelming!
Chen Bufan swept forward like an unstoppable force. The factory’s interior was a complex maze, and he felt the urge to manifest as a sword deity of the nine heavens and smash the entire structure to pieces.
*Whoosh!*
Suddenly, a sound pierced the air, aimed straight at the back of Chen Bufan's head!
Chen Bufan’s reflexes were exceptionally sharp. He veered violently to the side, a bullet grazing his shoulder before smashing through the wall with a loud *bang*.
Someone was lying in ambush!
Missing the shot, the ambusher gasped in cold shock. Was this even human? His reflexes were so fast that he could dodge a bullet!
Before the ambusher could fire a second round, Chen Bufan was already upon him. In the next heartbeat, a domineering fist smashed down.
*Bang! Bang!*
Several iron drums exploded, and the chest of the hidden ambusher caved in instantly, blood gushing wildly from his mouth.
"Where is Sisi?" Chen Bufan asked coldly, his fist pressing firmly against the man’s chest.
"In… in the basement…" the ambusher wheezed, his mouth full of blood.
*Boom!*
Chen Bufan exerted force, launching the man away with one punch, and rushed toward the basement without a moment’s delay.
Only a few steps later, another ambusher hiding in the shadows opened fire. Chen Bufan moved with lithe agility, sprinting straight to the man’s position.
*Crack!*
With a twist of the neck, the man was dead.
After eliminating several waves of ambushes, Chen Bufan successfully arrived before a heavy iron door. "Once I open this, I should be in the basement."
Instead of using his hands to push, he drew his sword and slashed out.
*Shrieeek!*
The immense force turned the blade into an electric drill, instantly rending the rusted iron door. Behind it stood a dozen men clutching gleaming machetes, clearly stunned. They had been waiting for Chen Bufan to push the door open and charge in, never expecting him to be so cautious as to slice the door open while still keeping his distance.
"Kill him!" The men reacted and surged toward Chen Bufan.
"Ants, get lost!" Chen Bufan snarled. Without another word, he moved like a dragon, sword in hand.
*Pfft, pfft, pfft...*
The men didn't even have time to react; they only felt a sudden chill at their throats before blood gushed out and they collapsed with heavy thuds.
Chen Bufan stepped over their corpses, rushed into the basement, and bolted to the very end. With a loud *bang*, he shattered the second door. An empty hall appeared before him, and in it stood several people, their faces filled with panic.
"Han Feiyun!" Chen Bufan’s gaze locked onto the young woman, his killing intent surging.
"Daddy!"
At that moment, an excited voice cried out. Chen Bufan glanced over and saw an iron cage in the corner, with Sisi inside.
"Sisi, your hero is here. Don't be afraid, Daddy will take you home in a moment!" Chen Bufan said, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Chen Bufan, I didn't think you’d find this place so quickly," Han Feiyun said coldly.
"A bunch of ants thought they could stop me? Wishful thinking. I’ve already sent them all to their graves!" Chen Bufan replied sternly.
"You killed my father too?" Han Feiyun’s tone shifted sharply.
"Now it’s your turn!" With that, Chen Bufan raised his sword and charged at her.
"If you dare kill me, I’ll end her!" Han Feiyun threatened viciously.
*Rumble!*
As soon as she finished, the sound of machinery began to whir. Chen Bufan looked up and saw a massive stone block, weighing several tons, lowering from the ceiling—positioned directly above the iron cage. If it fell, the cage wouldn't stand a chance, and Sisi would be crushed into pulp!
"Stop!" Chen Bufan shouted decisively. The block ceased its descent.
"Chen Bufan, you still want to kill me?" Han Feiyun asked provocatively, crossing her arms with immense arrogance.
"You wretch, picking on a child—are you even human?" Chen Bufan’s voice was icy.
"You're wrong; this isn't a child. In my eyes, she's just a little dog. It’s not cruel to kill a dog, is it?" Han Feiyun laughed loudly.
Chen Bufan stifled his killing intent. "Four years ago, the Han family conspired against me—what was the true purpose?"
"Want to know the reason? Then kneel down and beg me!" Han Feiyun said playfully.
"You think a bitch like you is worthy of saying that to me?" Chen Bufan retorted with disdain.
Han Feiyun flew into a rage. "Chen Bufan, I want you to kneel immediately, or I’ll kill your daughter!"
"Why don't you try it!" As his words fell, Chen Bufan lunged toward her. The control switch was in her hands; only by neutralizing her could he guarantee Sisi’s safety!
"Stop him!" Han Feiyun screamed, and her subordinates rushed to intercept him.
"Get out of my way!" Chen Bufan’s sword moved in a blur.
*Pfft, pfft, pfft!*
The subordinates dropped instantly.
"Ho… how is this possible..." Han Feiyun stood stunned. Was this really the loser from her memory? How had he become so formidable?
While she was distracted, Chen Bufan reached her!
"Chen Bufan, even if I die, I'm taking your daughter with me!" Han Feiyun roared, slamming the remote control.
*Rumble!*
The massive stone block plummeted!
"Damn it!"
He was a step too late. Chen Bufan was forced to abandon Han Feiyun and rush toward Sisi at his maximum speed.
"Then let’s all die together, ha ha!" Han Feiyun laughed maniacally.
In the next second, she went dumb. The stone block had stopped!
**Chapter 21: The Han Family Becomes History**
Chen Bufan had caught the block with one massive hand. The intense impact shredded his sleeves, revealing muscular arms with veins bulging like ropes, housing terrifying power.
*Cr-crack!*
The floor beneath Chen Bufan’s feet shattered like a spiderweb, crumbling instantly.
"Sisi, don't be afraid. Daddy is here. Even if the sky falls, I will hold it up for you!" Chen Bufan said powerfully. With his other hand, he shattered the cage and pulled Sisi into his arms.
Then, carrying the stone block, he walked toward Han Feiyun, leaving a deep crater with every step.
"Tell me, four years ago, why did you, Han Lie, and your family plot against me?" Chen Bufan asked coldly. If not for this question, he wouldn't have wasted his breath on this woman.
Han Feiyun was completely petrified, staring at Chen Bufan as if he were a monster. Her cold arrogance had vanished, replaced by sheer terror. He was too terrifying—a devil capable of lifting such a massive stone block with his bare hands!
"It... it was Kirin Hall!" she confessed, not daring to hesitate. "Four years ago, the Kirin Hall master, Xing Ao, issued the order. It was only after you were killed that my father was promoted to Deputy Hall Master of Kirin Hall..."
"So that’s it," Chen Bufan nodded. Back at the Han family, he had never understood the connection between Han Lie and Kirin Hall. It turned out he had traded his life for a promotion.
"Why did Kirin Hall do it?" Chen Bufan pressed.
"I don't know! Everything was done by Kirin Hall. Please, I beg you, spare me!"
"If you don't know, then die!" Chen Bufan took a heavy step forward.
*Thump!*
Han Feiyun dropped to her knees, her head slamming into the ground. "Chen Bufan, I’m kowtowing to you! Please, for the sake of the fact that I was once your wife, spare my life! If you’re willing, I can continue to be your wife, or even your mistress!"
"You and I were only together for the sake of benefit; how could there be any bond of husband and wife? As for now, Yurou is a thousand times better than you. You aren't even qualified to be my dog," Chen Bufan said. Canglong had arrived with his men.
After handing Sisi over to them, a loud explosion echoed inside the room. Shortly after, Chen Bufan emerged from the factory. Thousands of the Demon God Palace’s troops had gathered there.
*Thump! Thump!*
Canglong led dozens of men in dropping to their knees. "It is our fault for failing to protect the Lord’s daughter. Please, punish us!"
These were the men assigned to protect Sisi and Yurou. They felt immense guilt and responsibility for Sisi’s abduction.
Chen Bufan sighed and ordered, "Canglong, everyone, get up!"
"We have failed; we have no face to stand," Canglong lowered his head further.
Just then, a large hand rested on Canglong’s shoulder and patted it gently. "You are all my brothers in the Demon God Palace. I have no intention of blaming any of you. If blame is to be cast, it belongs to the wicked enemies who would resort to such despicable tactics."
Hearing this, Canglong’s heart trembled, and his nose stung.
"By the rules of the military, a failure is a failure. We are willing to accept punishment!" Canglong still refused to stand.
"But this isn't the military! I am now commanding you as the Lord of the Demon God Palace—get up! Stop acting like children!" Chen Bufan scolded.
Only then did Canglong and the others stand.
"You’ve worked hard tonight. Go back and get some rest; there are even stronger enemies to deal with later," Chen Bufan said. The main force departed, leaving only a few men with Canglong.
"Lord, I..."
"Say no more. Drive me home; your sister-in-law must be worried sick." Chen Bufan interrupted.
"Yes!" Canglong nodded decisively, his resolve to follow the Lord for the rest of his life becoming firmer than ever.
It was four in the morning by the time they reached home. The light in the humble house was still on; Jiang Yurou had stayed awake all night, standing by the door and unable to find a moment’s peace.
When she saw the car, she rushed forward. "Bufan, how did it go?"
Chen Bufan gestured to his back; Sisi was slumped over his shoulder.
Jiang Yurou was overcome with emotion, bursting into tears. "Si—"
"Shh," Chen Bufan signaled gently. Sisi had been through a lot and was finally asleep.
After tucking Sisi into bed, Jiang Yurou finally exhaled, but she immediately turned to him with worry. "Bufan, how did you save Sisi? What happened to the Han family?"
"Everything is settled. The Han family won't be bothering us anymore. It’s late, get some rest," Chen Bufan comforted her.
"Bufan."
"Yes?"
"Thank you!" Jiang Yurou’s eyes were red.
"Silly wife, Sisi is my daughter, too. What is there to thank? Sleep now." Chen Bufan held her and kissed her cheek.
After Yurou fell asleep, Chen Bufan issued a few more orders to Canglong before the house finally grew quiet.
...
The next morning, several news headlines hit the press, shaking the calm of the morning!
"Han Lie and his entire household wiped out overnight."
The headline alone was enough to make the citizens gasp. Han Lie—the underground emperor of Liyang, the second-in-command of the Han family. He was a man of great power who had expanded the Han family’s commercial reach, a true titan of his era. Yet, overnight, he had met a tragic end, his entire household wiped out—the same fate as his older brother, Han Youwei. Their villa had been razed, and their entire lineage ended.
At the same time, all businesses under the Han family were forced to close. It was as if an invisible hand had wiped everything related to the Han family from the city of Liyang!
The police issued a statement saying that Han Lie and his daughter were involved in a kidnapping and died in an unidentified conflict, and the case was under investigation.
The news shocked Liyang once again. The last time there was such a sensation was only a few days ago, when Han Youwei’s family was wiped out! Now, in such a short time, Han Lie’s family was gone too! No matter how the police investigated, the fact remained: the Han family had completely vanished from Liyang!
The premier influential family that had dominated the area for decades had become history.
Rumors swirled: just who had the Han family offended to be exterminated within days? A man as powerful as Han Lie, who controlled both the underworld and the legitimate sphere, had met such a grim end. It made people wonder what kind of hidden powerhouse possessed such terrifying strength.
The official announcement from the police department also hinted at something deep, as if there were powerful figures behind the scenes that couldn't be named.
Some suspected Chen Bufan. From the day he appeared, Han Youwei’s family was wiped out, their bodies were found in a hotel, and then Han Lie had rushed back... Everything seemed to lead back to Chen Bufan, yet there was no concrete evidence. Furthermore, the most glaring point was that no one could believe a mere Chen Bufan had the power to flatten the Han family.
...
**Chapter 22: Banquet at Qingfeng Pavilion!**
While the outside world was in turmoil, the three of them had returned to a peaceful life.
After a night’s rest, Sisi and Yurou had regained their energy. First thing in the morning, Sisi hugged Jiang Yurou, as if afraid of being separated again.
"Mom, Daddy is so amazing! He fought so many people by himself and even lifted a giant stone ball with one hand!!"
"Sisi, you mustn't lie," Jiang Yurou said, feigning severity.
"Sisi isn't lying, it’s all true," Sisi insisted earnestly.
Chen Bufan tried to intervene, but it was too late. Jiang Yurou turned to look at him, her eyes suspicious. Was her husband really that capable?
"Bufan, I think we need to have a serious talk," she said, looking ready for a showdown.
"Are you not going to work today?" Chen Bufan asked. Previously, he had kept quiet to avoid making her panic, but now he was afraid of her digging too deep. Telling her everything might not be a good idea.
"I’ve taken time off. Don't worry about me." Jiang Yurou was prepared. She wanted to get to the bottom of things; she had always felt Chen Bufan was hiding many secrets.
In the living room, they sat facing each other.
"Start with the truth—what was going on with that woman? And back then, how did you get injured?"
"Are you sure you’ll believe my explanation?" Chen Bufan asked.
Jiang Yurou considered it, then nodded.
"Alright, I’ll tell you!" Chen Bufan began from the time he married into the Han family, explaining his relationship with Han Feiyun and the various grievances with the Han family.
"So that’s how it was." Jiang Yurou felt a wave of realization. She hadn't imagined so much had happened to him. "So, Han Feiyun was actually your wife?"
Women always focused on such strange points. Chen Bufan had to explain in detail. "My family faced a crisis, and at the request of Uncle Gu, I entered the Han family as a son-in-law to avoid danger. So, Han Feiyun and I were never truly husband and wife..."
Speaking of Uncle Gu, Chen Bufan sighed deeply. He wondered how the old man was doing.
Six years ago, the Chen family of Guangling had been wiped out overnight in a sea of flames. It was Uncle Gu who had helped him survive. It was also under Gu’s guidance that he had gone to Liyang to live in the Han household, buying him a chance to stay alive.
That night, the destruction of the Chen family was brutal—rivers of blood and countless corpses. All his relatives and friends had stayed away, either cutting off contact or turning off their phones. Only Uncle Gu had risked everything to help him.
The image of the old man surfaced in his mind, and Chen Bufan felt a surge of gratitude. Four years apart—the young man you saved has now become a titan. I wonder if you are well?
"Bufan, are you okay?" Jiang Yurou asked, noticing his somber mood.
"I'm fine. Just thinking about the past," Chen Bufan smiled.
"Does it have to do with what happened to your family? Can you tell me?" she asked curiously.
"Maybe another day." Chen Bufan chose to remain silent; speaking of it only added to the pain. One day, he would return to Guangling with unparalleled power and settle the score.
"Alright, I won't force you," she said, sounding disappointed. "And then what?"
"After that, it was what I told you last time..." Chen Bufan repeated the story. This time, Jiang Yurou didn't interrupt and listened patiently to the end.
"Do you believe me now?" Chen Bufan asked with a smile.
"I believe at least a tiny bit," she giggled.
"As long as you believe, even if it's only one in ten thousand," Chen Bufan said gently. He then briefly described saving Sisi, though he omitted the gory details. He didn't want her to know about the bloodshed and the darkness of the underworld. He would face that darkness alone; he would hold up the sky with his own arms, and leave the sunlight for his wife and daughter.
*Whatever I owed in the past, I will repay for the rest of my life,* he thought.
"Bufan, even if there are parts of your past I still don't know, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side," Jiang Yurou declared firmly.
"Thank..." Before he could finish, a pair of warm, soft lips pressed against his.
...
For the next two days, Yurou stayed home, worried that Sisi might have lingering trauma. It was a rare time for the family of three to enjoy their domestic peace. Finances were looking up, too; after closing a fifty-million-dollar mansion deal, her commission alone was hundreds of thousands, and with her promotion to manager, she finally felt that the future was full of hope.
...
The outside world remained in turmoil. News of the Han family’s destruction reached Kirin Hall. Xing Ao could hardly believe that the plan had failed so thoroughly. Han Lie and his family were all dead, leaving no one behind. From that day on, the Han family no longer existed in Liyang!
*Cr-crack!*
Xing Ao’s anger boiled over. He crushed the corner of his desk as if he were squeezing Chen Bufan to death. Han Lie was a Deputy Hall Master of Kirin Hall; killing him was a direct affront to the organization. Plus, the boy had killed two of their top experts—it was an enmity that only grew deeper!