Chapter 469: The Wang Family of Changbai Mountain

The vast underground arena was left completely empty, except for Xiao Yufan and Wang Wei. Wang Wei was terrible at lying; his expression had already betrayed him, so how could he possibly escape Xiao Yufan’s sharp eyes?

“Now that we’re alone, is there anything you don’t want to say?”

Xiao Yufan’s lips curled into a smile as he stood with his hands behind his back, feeling the energy gathering within his body, his muscles gradually relaxing.

“Everything always escapes the young master’s discerning eyes. Some things aren’t intentionally hidden by me, and I certainly have no ill intentions…”

Wang Wei was a clever man and naturally understood the implication behind the young master’s words. A faint bitter smile appeared on his face—clearly, he had no desire to recall some painful memories.

“You think if you truly had ill intentions, you’d still be alive standing here?”

Xiao Yufan knew that Wang Wei’s silence might be out of necessity rather than betrayal. He certainly didn’t doubt this man’s loyalty; the contributions of the Shadow Hall were known to all.

Wang Wei was momentarily stunned, somewhat taken aback. He saw no blame in Xiao Yufan’s eyes, and a warm feeling involuntarily rose in his chest.

“Have you ever heard of the Wang family from Changbai Mountain, young master?”

Since Xiao Yufan had already suspected his identity, Wang Wei naturally found it difficult to hide any longer. After all, he had already grown accustomed to his current life and no longer harbored any longing for that cold place.

“The Wang family from Changbai Mountain?” Xiao Yufan furrowed his brows, searching his memory for any mention of this so-called Wang family, but predictably found nothing.

“In China, there are many hidden families, each controlling to varying degrees the nation’s economic lifelines or wielding great power. The Wang family is an extraordinary presence in the north; the well-known Gao and Bai families are far inferior in influence to the Wangs!”

When mentioning the Wang family, Wang Wei’s emotions couldn’t help but fluctuate. Back then, he had been cast out merely for a small mistake. Thinking back now, it was simply because his strength had been too weak!

“Hidden families? You mean those secret forces my grandfather spoke of? How much more is there that I still don’t know?”

In just two days, Xiao Yufan felt as if his entire world had been turned upside down. He realized he still knew far too little about many things…

“Internal energy experts may be rare in the outside world, but within these hidden families and factions, they are quite common. And since I am from the Wang family of Changbai Mountain, naturally I know of their existence!”

As if sensing Xiao Yufan’s confusion, Wang Wei continued, still considering himself part of the Wang family in his heart.

“Then why did you join the special forces, and even choose the Shadow Hall? Wouldn’t the Wang family be a better place? A hidden family like that should be something anyone would long for.”

No matter how he looked at it, Xiao Yufan could only conclude one thing from Wang Wei’s words: the Changbai Wang family was incredibly strong—far beyond his imagination. If internal energy experts were commonplace there, then it must be truly formidable.

“I was merely a discarded son of the Wang family. Once cast out, I no longer have the qualification to return!”

Wang Wei’s lips twitched bitterly as he spoke. His parents were still in the Wang family—how could he not want to return? But there were people who wouldn’t allow it.

“If even someone with internal energy cultivation can be so easily discarded, then the strength of the Wang family must indeed be formidable!”

Unconsciously, Xiao Yufan felt no fondness at all for this so-called Changbai Wang family. From Wang Wei’s conflicted expression, he could still sense the man’s deep resentment.

“That’s right. I was about to cross that threshold—I still had a chance to return to the Wang family in glory…”

In the vast underground space, only Xiao Yufan and Wang Wei remained. Wang Wei, who was incapable of lying, had already betrayed himself with his expression, and there was no way he could escape Xiao Yufan’s discerning eyes.

“Now that it’s just the two of us, don’t you have something to say?”

With a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips, Xiao Yufan stood with his hands behind his back, feeling the internal energy gathering within him as his body gradually relaxed.

“Nothing escapes the sharp eyes of the young master. There are some things I didn’t deliberately hide, and I meant no harm…”

Wang Wei, being a smart man, naturally understood what the young master was hinting at. A bitter smile appeared on his face, clearly indicating that he didn’t want to bring up certain memories he wished to forget.

“Do you think you’d still be standing here alive if you had any ill intentions?”

Xiao Yufan knew that Wang Wei might have had no choice but to conceal some things. He had no doubt about this man’s loyalty, as everyone had witnessed the contributions the Shadow Hall had made to the Dark Gate.

Wang Wei was momentarily stunned, somewhat surprised that he didn’t detect any reproach in Xiao Yufan’s eyes. A warm feeling began to stir within him.

“Has the young master ever heard of the Wang family of Changbai Mountain?”

Since Xiao Yufan had already begun to suspect his identity, Wang Wei saw no point in hiding anything further. After all, he had grown accustomed to his current life and had no lingering attachments to that cold place.

“The Wang family of Changbai Mountain?” Xiao Yufan frowned, searching his memory for any information about this so-called Wang family, but to no avail.

“In China, there are many hidden families who, to varying degrees, control economic lifelines or wield significant power. The Wang family in the north is a transcendent existence, far surpassing the well-known Gao and Bai families in terms of influence!”

When mentioning the Wang family, Wang Wei’s emotions still fluctuated somewhat. Back then, he had been cast out for a minor mistake, and now, looking back, it was simply because he wasn’t strong enough.

“Hidden families? Are these the unknown forces that Grandfather spoke of? How much more is there that I don’t know?”

In just two days, Xiao Yufan felt as though his world had undergone a dramatic transformation. There was still so much he didn’t understand about certain matters…

“Inner strength masters may be rare in the outside world, but within some hidden families and organizations, they are quite common. As a member of the Wang family of Changbai Mountain, I naturally know about the existence of inner strength masters.”

As if sensing Xiao Yufan’s confusion, Wang Wei continued, still considering himself a part of the Wang family in his heart.

“Then why did you join the special forces and choose the Dark Gate? Wouldn’t the Wang family have been a better place? A hidden family would surely be something anyone would aspire to.”

No matter how he looked at it, Xiao Yufan could only conclude one thing from Wang Wei’s words: the Wang family of Changbai Mountain was incredibly powerful, far beyond his imagination, with inner strength masters seemingly everywhere. It was anything but simple.

“I was merely a discarded pawn of the Wang family. Once cast out, I no longer had the right to return.”

With a bitter smile, Wang Wei spoke, his lips twitching. The Wang family still had his parents, and of course, he wanted to return, but there were those who didn’t want him back.

“An inner strength master can be so easily discarded? The Wang family’s strength must indeed be formidable!”

Unconsciously, Xiao Yufan felt no admiration for this so-called Wang family of Changbai Mountain. From Wang Wei’s conflicted expression, he could clearly see the man’s lingering resentment.

“Right, I’m about to cross that threshold. There’s still a chance for me to return to the Wang family in glory…”

Hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, Wang Wei’s eyes lit up. Even within hidden families, inner strength masters weren’t commonplace. As long as he reached the Qi Condensation stage, even if someone opposed him, he would have the capital to return to the Wang family. Strength was the foundation of one’s voice.

“Don’t worry, even if one day you stand against the Wang family, the entire Dark Gate will stand behind you!”

Xiao Yufan increasingly felt that the Dark Gate’s strength was becoming insufficient. While it might be enough to deal with ordinary people, if they truly encountered inner strength masters, numbers alone wouldn’t suffice.

Wang Wei nodded heavily, as if all his emotions were being released at this moment, the heavy burden in his heart slowly lifting.

When Wang Wei had chosen to join the Dark Gate, he had harbored some selfish hopes—he wanted a force that would lean toward him. As it turned out, he had gambled correctly and earned this man’s trust.

In Wang Wei’s eyes, Xiao Yufan was more outstanding than anyone in the Wang family. This man not only possessed formidable strength, but his identity as a member of the Situ family alone was enough to make him stand above the rest.

Perhaps others didn’t understand the terror of the Situ family, but as a member of the Wang family, he was well aware of their deep-rooted power. Even hidden families were reluctant to provoke the Situ clan.

“Do you feel like you need a catalyst to fully step into the ranks of inner strength masters?”

After a moment of silence, the atmosphere grew somewhat awkward. At this moment, Xiao Yufan gave Wang Wei a somewhat mischievous look, his voice carrying a hint of strangeness.

Hearing this, Wang Wei, who had been about to nod, instantly shook his head instead. Damn it, he could vaguely guess what was about to happen.

“I have an appointment with Xiao Dao for a spar. Young master, take your time!”

A chill ran down his spine as Wang Wei shivered and turned to leave. He would rather face Xiao Dao and Tian Yi, those hungry wolves, than confront this man.

“Don’t go, I’ll be gentle…”

Before Wang Wei could leave, Xiao Yufan had already moved. He didn’t mind being a good person and helping Wang Wei quickly step into the Body Refinement stage, while he himself needed to continue stabilizing his inner strength to reach the Qi Condensation stage.

In an instant, cries of agony filled the air. Even four people could only last a few minutes under Xiao Yufan’s hands, let alone Wang Wei alone. It was a one-sided massacre…

“So brutal, tsk tsk tsk!”

In a corner, three wolves watched Wang Wei in the arena, unable to help but gloat. Having been tormented by Xiao Yufan themselves, they were eager to see someone else suffer.

“Perhaps this is a good thing for Brother Wei. The Body Refinement stage and the inner strength level—we need to reach that step quickly too, or we’ll be left further and further behind!”

A smile appeared on Qinglong’s stiff face, along with a hint of determination. He needed to become stronger to be more valuable, and there were still many things he needed to do…

“Don’t worry. Even if one day you stand opposed to the Wang family, the entire Shadow Hall will stand behind you!”

Xiao Yufan increasingly felt that the Shadow Hall’s strength was insufficient. It might be enough to deal with ordinary people, but if they truly encountered internal energy experts, no matter how many people they had, it wouldn’t be enough.

Nodding heavily, Wang Wei felt all his emotions suddenly released in this moment, the heavy burden in his heart slowly lifting.

Back when Wang Wei chose to join the Shadow Hall, he indeed had some personal motives—he hoped to gain a faction that would support him. And indeed, he had bet correctly, earning this man’s trust.

In Wang Wei’s eyes, Xiao Yufan was more outstanding than anyone in the Wang family. This man not only possessed formidable strength, but even his identity as a member of the Situ family alone was enough to command awe.

Perhaps others didn’t fully understand the terror of the Situ family, but as someone from the Wang family, he clearly knew the Situ family’s depth—hidden families themselves were unwilling to provoke the Situ clan.

“Now, don’t you feel like you need an opportunity to completely step into the ranks of internal energy experts?”

After a moment of silence, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. At this moment, Xiao Yufan gave Wang Wei a lecherous glance, his voice carrying a strange tone.

Hearing this sentence, Wang Wei, who had just been about to nod, immediately shook his head instead. Damn it, he could vaguely guess what was about to happen next.

“I still have an appointment to spar with Xiao Dao. Young master, please take your time!”

A chill ran down his back, causing Wang Wei to shiver involuntarily. He turned and began walking away. He would rather face Xiao Dao and Tian Yi—those wolves—than this man.

“Don’t go. I’ll be very gentle…”

In the vast underground space, only Xiao Yufan and Wang Wei remained. Wang Wei, who was incapable of lying, had already betrayed himself with his expression, making it impossible to escape Xiao Yufan’s discerning eyes.

“Now that it’s just the two of us, don’t you have something to say?”

With a smile curving his lips, Xiao Yufan stood with his hands behind his back, feeling the gathered energy within his body gradually relax.

“Nothing escapes the sharp eyes of the young master. Some things, I didn’t intentionally hide, and I mean no harm…”

Wang Wei, being a smart man, naturally understood what the young master was hinting at. A bitter smile appeared on his face, clearly indicating his reluctance to recall certain unwanted memories.

“Do you think you’d still be standing here alive if you meant any harm?”

Xiao Yufan knew that Wang Wei’s concealment of certain matters might have been out of necessity. He had no doubt about this man’s loyalty; the contributions of the Shadow Hall to the Dark Gate were evident to all.

Wang Wei was momentarily stunned, somewhat surprised. He didn’t detect any blame in Xiao Yufan’s eyes, and a warm feeling surged within him.

“Has the young master ever heard of the Wang family of Changbai Mountain?”

Since Xiao Yufan already suspected his identity, Wang Wei saw no point in hiding anything further. After all, he had grown accustomed to his current life and had no lingering attachment to that cold place.

“The Wang family of Changbai Mountain?” Xiao Yufan frowned, searching his memory for any mention of this Wang family, but to no avail.

“In China, there are many hidden families who, to varying degrees, control economic lifelines or wield significant power. The Wang family in the north is a transcendent presence, far surpassing the well-known Gao and Bai families in influence!”

When mentioning the Wang family, Wang Wei’s emotions still fluctuated somewhat. He had been cast out for a minor mistake, and now he realized it was simply because he wasn’t strong enough.

“Hidden families? Are they the unknown forces my grandfather spoke of? How much more is there that I don’t know?”

In just two days, Xiao Yufan felt his world had undergone a dramatic transformation. There was still so much he didn’t understand about certain matters…

“Inner strength masters may be rare in the outside world, but within some hidden families and forces, they are quite common. As a member of the Wang family of Changbai Mountain, I naturally know about the existence of inner strength masters.”

Sensing Xiao Yufan’s confusion, Wang Wei continued. In his heart, he still considered himself a member of the Wang family.

“Then why did you join the special forces and choose the Dark Gate? Shouldn’t the Wang family have been a better place? A hidden family would surely be an aspiration for anyone.”

No matter how he looked at it, Xiao Yufan could only conclude one thing from Wang Wei’s words: the Wang family of Changbai Mountain was incredibly powerful, far beyond his imagination, with inner strength masters everywhere. It was anything but simple.

“I’m just a discarded pawn of the Wang family. Once cast out, I no longer have the right to return.”

Wang Wei’s lips twitched as he spoke bitterly. The Wang family still had his parents; how could he not want to return? But there were those who didn’t want him back.

“To casually discard an inner strength master, the Wang family’s strength must indeed be formidable!”

Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but feel indifferent towards the so-called Wang family of Changbai Mountain. From Wang Wei’s conflicted expression, he could see the man’s underlying resentment.

“Right, I’m about to cross that threshold. There’s still a chance to return to the Wang family in glory…”

Hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, Wang Wei’s eyes lit up. Even within hidden families, inner strength masters weren’t common. Once he reached the Qi Condensation stage, even if someone opposed him, he would have the strength to return. Power was the ultimate confidence.

“Don’t worry, even if you one day stand against the Wang family, the entire Dark Gate will have your back!”

Xiao Yufan increasingly felt that the Dark Gate’s strength was becoming insufficient. While it might suffice against ordinary people, facing true inner strength masters, numbers alone wouldn’t be enough.

Wang Wei nodded heavily, as if all his emotions were released at that moment, and the heavy burden in his heart slowly lifted.

When Wang Wei chose to join the Dark Gate, he had some selfish motives. He hoped to have a force that leaned towards him, and it turned out he had bet correctly, gaining this man’s trust.

In Wang Wei’s eyes, Xiao Yufan was more outstanding than anyone in the Wang family. This man not only possessed formidable strength but also the identity of a member of the Situ family, which alone was enough to stand above the rest.

Perhaps others didn’t understand the terror of the Situ family, but as a member of the Wang family, he was well aware of their deep-rooted power. Even hidden families were reluctant to provoke the Situ clan.

“Do you feel like you need a catalyst to fully step into the ranks of inner strength masters?”

After a moment of silence, the atmosphere grew somewhat awkward. At this point, Xiao Yufan gave Wang Wei a somewhat mischievous look, his voice carrying a hint of strangeness.

Hearing this, Wang Wei, who was about to nod, instantly shook his head. Damn it, he could vaguely guess what was coming next.

“I’ve arranged to spar with Xiao Dao. Take your time, young master!”

A chill ran down his spine, and Wang Wei shivered, turning to leave. He’d rather face Xiao Dao and Tian Yi, those hungry wolves, than confront this man.

“Don’t go, I’ll be gentle…”

Before Wang Wei could leave, Xiao Yufan had already moved. He didn’t mind being a good guy, helping Wang Wei quickly step into the Body Refinement stage, while he himself needed to continue stabilizing his inner strength to reach the Qi Condensation stage.

In an instant, cries of agony filled the air. Even four people could only last a few minutes under Xiao Yufan’s hands, let alone Wang Wei alone. It was a one-sided massacre…

“So brutal, tsk tsk tsk!”

In a corner, three wolves watched Wang Wei in the field, unable to help but gloat. Having been tormented by Xiao Yufan themselves, they were eager to see someone else suffer.

“Maybe this is a good thing for Brother Wei. The Body Refinement stage and the inner strength level—we need to reach that step quickly too, or we’ll fall further behind.”

A smile appeared on Qing Long’s stiff face, mixed with determination. He needed to become stronger to be more valuable, and there were still many things he needed to do…

In an instant, cries of agony rang out. Even four people could only last a few minutes under Xiao Yufan’s hands—how much more so for just Wang Wei alone? It was naturally a one-sided massacre…

“How pitiful. Tsk tsk tsk!”

In a certain corner, three wolves watched Wang Wei in the arena, unable to hide their schadenfreude. Having been beaten by Xiao Yufan themselves and feeling somewhat resentful, they naturally wanted to see someone else suffer.

“Perhaps this is actually a good thing for Brother Wei. Reaching the body cultivation stage of internal energy experts— we must reach that level quickly too, or we’ll fall further and further behind!”

A smile appeared on Qinglong’s stiff face, along with a determined expression. He needed to become stronger, to increase his value, and he still had many things he needed to accomplish…