As Xiao Yufan stepped out, the girls were already waiting outside. Gazing at their breathtaking beauty, a faint smile curled his lips.
“The Ancient Martial Arts Conference is just a few days away…”
His hoarse voice carried a trace of weariness. A few days of isolation felt like ages. Fortunately, the Soul-Enhancing Pill had given him a pleasant surprise.
“Counting today, we have three more days. Many hidden clans from the south have already started their journey. It’s said that numerous families and conglomerates from the secular world have also received invitations!”
Pu Xian’er spoke softly. She was more familiar with the Ancient Martial Arts Conference and had been closely monitoring the hidden Gu clan’s movements over the past few days.
“It seems the hidden Gu clan has big ambitions. However, I fear they might end up hurting themselves with their own schemes!”
A glint of coldness flashed across his eyes. Xiao Yufan’s lips curled into a sinister smile. This time, he was determined to settle scores with the hidden Gu clan. They dreamt of becoming the supreme hidden clan, but he was determined to dash their hopes.
“The hidden Gu clan might have the backing of a guardian temple, or even multiple forces. Therefore, Brother Xiao, I advise you not to act rashly!”
Although urged several times to leave first, Hong Zhong had stayed behind. He vaguely knew about the feud between Xiao Yufan and the hidden Gu clan, a feud so deep it had reached the point of mutual annihilation. Hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, he couldn’t help but worry that the young man might act impulsively.
Such concern was understandable. The hidden Gu clan had made thorough preparations for their emergence into the world. By inviting numerous influential families and conglomerates from the secular realm, they were paving the way for their future dominance. If they truly became the supreme hidden clan, their power might skyrocket to the level of a guardian temple—an exalted existence.
“Don’t worry, Brother Hong. I wouldn’t do anything without careful consideration…”
Confidence radiated from his smile. Even Hong Zhong was momentarily stunned by Xiao Yufan’s expression. What had given this guy such unwavering confidence?
Was it his strength? Thinking about it, Hong Zhong’s eyes twitched slightly. He could no longer sense Xiao Yufan’s power. At this moment, Xiao Yufan seemed like an unfathomable abyss, his strength impossibly deep.
“Monster!” Hong Zhong knew Xiao Yufan’s strength had already rivaled his own. He couldn’t help smirking. When Xiao Yufan was merely at the early stage of condensing power, they had been evenly matched. Now, if they fought again, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Since we still have three days, let’s set off now!”
Xiao Yufan paid no heed to Hong Zhong’s displeased expression. His eyes burned with intensity as he gazed toward the hidden Gu clan’s direction. A grin spread across his face—his revenge against the hidden Gu clan and that old dog was about to begin…
Though all the girls wished to accompany Xiao Yufan, only Tianxuan, Yanran, Xian’er, and Yingluo joined him. Having so many beautiful women appear together would surely cause a sensation.
“By the way, Yingluo, your Fourth Grandpa said where we should meet?”
If Xiao Yufan had once felt apprehensive about Yingluo’s Fourth Grandpa, he no longer did now. If that old man truly intended to take Yingluo back to Britain, he would never allow it.
“Fourth Grandpa and An管家 had already gone ahead to the hidden Gu clan. They will know once we arrive there!”
Though that Fourth Grandpa was an old-fashioned traditionalist, Yingluo held him in high regard. The reason was simple—he had always treated her kindly. The only stubborn point between them was regarding her marriage.
“It’s better to meet early. Otherwise, if Grandpa wants to take you away, there might be unpleasantness. But I won’t let anyone take you from me again—not even the Hu family!”
Gently stroking Yingluo’s silky hair, Xiao Yufan pulled her into a firm embrace. She looked up at him with loving defiance, but surprisingly didn’t resist, quietly resting in his arms.
“Can you two stop showing off your affection in front of your brother? Don’t you know how painful it is for a single man? A well-fed man never understands the hunger of a starving one…”
Hong Zhong lamented bitterly. Even though he knew Yingluo had never loved him, he had once loved her deeply. Watching the two being so intimate now made him feel uneasy. What made it worse was that this guy had so many beautiful women around him.
“Do I really bother you that much? Want to fight again?”
Xiao Yufan replied calmly. He was absolutely confident that if they fought again, he would crush Hong Zhong effortlessly.
“You two carry on, carry on!”
Hong Zhong twitched his lips, turning his head away. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. He was even beginning to regret giving that Soul-Enhancing Pill to Xiao Yufan—the guy’s power had become terrifyingly strong.
Although the journey was somewhat dull, being accompanied by the girls made Xiao Yufan quite content. However, the news continuously reaching his ears reminded him of the hidden Gu clan’s grand ambitions.
Not only had they invited powerful secular families and conglomerates capable of influencing the current political landscape, but they had also extended invitations to underground forces and secret sects from the south. It was clear—the hidden Gu clan was determined to step into the open world…
Among the invited clans, one hidden family particularly surprised Xiao Yufan—the hidden Cheng family from the south!
Back in the capital, he had encountered members of the Cheng family. However, that idiot had eventually left the capital in disgrace. These details weren’t important to him. What mattered most was that he knew Cheng Ying belonged to this hidden Cheng family.
The hidden Cheng family was the force behind many southern conglomerates, though they had always kept a low profile. They also had deep ties with one of the guardian temples. Although he hadn’t understood why Cheng Ying had chosen to leave before, ever since he had visited that cave with Lanyue, a vague realization had formed in his mind.
Cheng Ying’s departure had not been simple…
At this thought, Xiao Yufan fell into contemplation. That woman had hurt him countless times. Even though his life had changed dramatically since then, the wound in his heart had only deepened. First loves always left the deepest impressions.
No matter what, if he ever met Cheng Ying again, he would demand answers. If only he had swallowed his pride and asked a few questions at Mateng’s wedding, perhaps he might have understood Cheng Ying better back then…
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