C16 Don't Force Me

He glanced at Chen Fan before shifting his focus back to Xiahou Wu, giving him a nod.

"You guys are quite the pair, daring to lay a hand on me now!"

Feng Yuxiu strode up to Xiahou Wu, seized him by the collar, and tossed him aside. He advanced towards Xiahou Wu, this time lifting him up and slamming him against the cage. Feng Yuxiu drew back his fist and struck Xiahou Wu.

In no time at all, Xiahou Wu's face began to swell, obscuring his original features.

Chen Fan stepped forward, resting his hand on the iron bars, and addressed Feng Yuxiu with a sharp tone, "It was me who caged you. Why take it out on him? If you're so tough, come at me instead. Let's see what you've got!"

"Feng Yuxiu, stop right there!"

Feng Yuxiu paused, then turned to face Chen Fan with a sly grin. "You think I'm a fool? If you've locked us both up, naturally I'm going to make sure I'm not the only one to suffer!"

He then turned his attention back to Xiahou Wu, shaking his head in scorn. "You're pathetic, letting them manipulate you like this. Isn't it laughable?"

"Tell me, was it worth it? Sacrificing yourself just to catch me?"

"Do you think they'll be grateful?"

No, they only see Xiahou Wu as a murderer. They're on guard against him; gratitude is out of the question.

It was clear he couldn't fathom Xiahou Wu's reasoning.

Xiahou Wu shook his head, his speech unclear as he faced Feng Yuxiu, "It's worth it!"

All he sought was peace. He didn't want to die, but if his life was the price for that peace, he was ready to pay it.

Chen Fan, driven by desperation, pounded on the cage. There was no way for him to enter now, so everything hinged on Xiahou Wu. If Xiahou Wu could overcome Feng Yuxiu, he would live to see another day. If not, death was the only path left.

Chen Fan had given Xiahou Wu the Dragon Dagger. If not now, when would he use it?

Upon hearing the words "worth it," Feng Yuxiu raised his head and burst into loud, mocking laughter.

He had never truly grasped the meaning of "worth it."

Once, he had shared Xiahou Wu's belief that anything done in this world was worthwhile. But he eventually realized that no matter how much you do, nobody cares whether you live or die. They aren't interested in how kind you are; they only want to measure your strength.

If you're strong enough, they—and the world itself—will treat you well!

Seizing the moment, Xiahou Wu pulled out the Dragon Dagger given to him by Chen Fan and plunged it into Feng Yuxiu. Feng Yuxiu let out a scream and looked down at the blade embedded in his chest. He raised his hand, intending to retaliate.

But Xiahou Wu didn't wait for him to act; he yanked the Dragon Dagger downward, ending Feng Yuxiu's life.

Yet, Xiahou Wu saw no blood. There were no wounds on Feng Yuxiu's body, nor on the dagger. Had he not been certain that the dagger was in his hand, he might have doubted whether it was all a dream.

How could this be? He had clearly...

Shock and terror written across his face, Xiahou Wu then looked up at Chen Fan. Seeing Xiahou Wu alive, Chen Fan breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew Xiahou Wu had discovered the secret of the Dragon Dagger. Still, if he wanted to save Xiahou Wu, this was the only option.

Regardless, the case was resolved, and everyone was safe—that was the best possible outcome.

Chen Fan turned to leave. He had barely taken two steps when Lu Xuanxin entered with her team.

Chen Fan stopped in front of Lu Xuanxin, his face impassive, giving nothing away.

"The case is closed. I've saved Tan Jingyao. Xiahou Wu has sacrificed the most for this case. May I take him with me now?"

Lu Xuanxin glanced at Xiahou Wu, nodded, and signaled to someone behind her. That person went to operate the mechanism, and the cage finally ascended.

Chen Fan approached Xiahou Wu and steadied him to his feet.

Xiahou Wu, caught off guard by Chen Fan's gesture, froze in place, unsure of how to react.

He just stared at Chen Fan, clutching the Dragon Dagger, completely bewildered.

Before they could even step outside, Xiahou Wu passed out. With no other option, Chen Fan had to rush him to the nearest hospital.

Thankfully, Xiahou Wu's wounds, though numerous, were not life-threatening. Proper rest would ensure a full recovery.

Chen Fan sat in the hospital room, the Dragon Dagger still in his grasp.

He gazed at the dagger, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

Once this incident was reported, his mission would be complete, and he could return home. But...

Truthfully, he sometimes envied movie characters who could choose their own life paths.

As time ticked by, Xiahou Wu remained unconscious, and a knock sounded at the door.

Chen Fan didn't get a chance to answer before the door swung open, revealing Zhou Qianlong.

Upon seeing Zhou Qianlong, a hint of resignation crossed Chen Fan's face. He tucked away the Dragon Dagger and faced Zhou Qianlong, asking, "What brings you here this time? Just spit it out."

"Chen Fan?"

Had he been recognized?

Chen Fan simply nodded, offering no denial.

Zhou Qianlong responded with a laugh, his hands resting on his arms, but his eyes betrayed a chilling coldness, devoid of any real mirth.

He mused aloud how Chen Fan couldn't possibly know so much, and how Prof. Wang always seemed to arrive just in time. Now, everything seemed to fall into place.

After a moment, Zhou Qianlong's smile faded, and he fixed Chen Fan with a cold stare. "I only know your name, and you know my identity. Isn't it time you reveal yours?"

Chen Fan quirked an eyebrow, puzzled by Zhou Qianlong's words.

"What are you getting at, Mr. Zhou? The Zhou family's reputation precedes them; it's hard not to know of you, even if I tried."

At Chen Fan's response, Zhou Qianlong's expression turned icier. He clenched his fists and glared at Chen Fan, his voice icy, "Chen Fan, I have no desire to harm you, but don't push me."

Yes, Mr. Zhou is the eldest son of the Zhou family, and the others came with him in hopes of reaping greater benefits and advantages. Moreover, he's already boasted so much that there's no taking back his claims.