C17 Faang Liude Was Dead

Chen Fan had just completed the mission, and since they hadn't formed a team yet, they wouldn't receive any share of the rewards.

Being the heir of the Zhou family and losing to Chen Fan was something no one would believe. They'd rather think his abilities were lacking, that he was nothing but a buffoon. People were more inclined to believe the latter.

Wasn't this a slap in the face?

Zhou Qianlong's eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on Chen Fan. "You have two choices: quit the game now or join my team. Make your choice, and there will be no trouble. Otherwise, don't bother returning."

Quitting the competition meant walking away empty-handed, leaving everything to Zhou Qianlong and his crew. Joining Zhou Qianlong's team might allow him to keep something, but the rest would be divided among them. Neither outcome was what he wanted.

Chen Fan wasn't looking for that kind of deal.

He bowed his head, staring at his hands, ignoring Zhou Qianlong's proposition, which only fueled Zhou Qianlong's rage.

Chen Fan really didn't seem to take him seriously, maintaining his indifferent demeanor despite the circumstances.

Why?

Zhou Qianlong was desperate to understand why Chen Fan felt so confident.

As Zhou Qianlong was about to speak, Chen Fan looked up and met his gaze. "If that's what you're suggesting, I'd advise you to forget it. I have no intention of splitting my hard-earned rewards with you. Why should I?"

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely."

Chen Fan's voice cut through before Zhou Qianlong could even finish. His face was stern, clearly resolute.

Zhou Qianlong's fists tightened, his palms seemingly punctured by his nails, yet he showed no sign of pain.

After a moment, Zhou Qianlong turned to Chen Fan and said, "Fine, remember what you've said today!"

With that, Zhou Qianlong rose to his feet, turned, and walked away.

He had given Chen Fan a chance and made it clear that he wouldn't let the matter slide. Chen Fan chose not to believe him and ignored his warnings. What else could he do but acquiesce to Chen Fan's demands?

Once Chen Fan was out of the picture, everything would be his, and his reputation would remain intact.

After Zhou Qianlong departed, Chen Fan turned to Xiahou Wu, only to find, to his surprise, that Xiahou Wu's eyes were wide open. Clearly, he had overheard their entire conversation.

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness on his face, uncertain of what to say next.

Xiahou Wu, however, was not ready to drop the issue. He fixed Chen Fan with an intense gaze, as if trying to see right through him. After a moment, he finally spoke, "Who are you, really? Are you truly Prof. Wang?"

Had it not been for these recent events, Xiahou Wu might not have been suspicious. But now, recalling their first meeting—how Chen Fan had preemptively voiced all the thoughts he had yet to speak—Xiahou Wu couldn't help but wonder if it was all just a coincidence.

Chen Fan let out a sigh, stood up, and approached Xiahou Wu. Stopping beside him, he looked on with a sense of resignation.

"In your shoes, I'd say it's time to stop chasing shadows. If I were you, I'd concentrate solely on healing and not bother asking questions."

"Why?"

Chen Fan shrugged nonchalantly. "Because I'm not going to spill the beans. So, your questions are pointless. Why keep asking? You might as well save your breath."

With that, Chen Fan turned and headed for the door. Pausing just before exiting, he glanced back at Xiahou Wu.

"Listen, Feng Yuxiu is dead. I'm sure the news will break soon. You've been released, so there's no need to go back. Just focus on living a good life."

Live a good life?

Xiahou Wu was taken aback by the remark, unsure of how to respond.

He had no idea what to do next, much less how to live well. The very thought of trying to live well without a clear path was absurd to him.

Chen Fan paid no mind to the others and promptly left the area. To his surprise, before he could even reach the door, he encountered Tan Jingyao, who was holding something in his hands. Upon seeing Chen Fan, Tan Jingyao quickly approached and halted before him, giving a nod of acknowledgment.

"Prof. Wang, I'm aware of the situation there, and we owe a great deal to you and Xiahou Wu!" he said.

Chen Fan glanced at the item in Tan Jingyao's hand and cracked a smile. "You're quite thoughtful!" he remarked.

Tan Jingyao touched his neck self-consciously and let out an embarrassed chuckle. Both Chen Fan and Xiahou Wu had saved his life—one had shielded him, and the other had become his human shield. He wouldn't dream of being miserly with his saviors.

But soon, Tan Jingyao's expression soured as he remembered something troubling. He sighed in frustration. "I don't understand what's happening. Faang Liude was found dead at his home yesterday, and the cause is still a mystery. I'm concerned that this might spell trouble for us," he confessed, shaking his head in dismay.

All he desired was a quiet life, far removed from such chaotic affairs. Yet, the matter at hand seemed far from straightforward. If only he had known, he would never have chosen to become a Master of Leg Techniques—wasn't that just inviting trouble?

Chen Fan's face turned grave as he listened. His brow furrowed, and he fixed Tan Jingyao with an intense gaze. "What did you just say? Faang Liude is dead?" he asked incredulously.

That couldn't be right. Wasn't it Feng Yuxiu who had killed Faang Liude? With Feng Yuxiu now dead, and given their confrontation just yesterday, how could he have found the time to murder Faang Liude at his home?

Chen Fan rifled through his memories. If his hunch was correct, Faang Liude's death should have occurred later, not now. Could it be someone other than Feng Yuxiu? That seemed impossible. But if not Feng Yuxiu, who else could be responsible?

With a pensive frown, Chen Fan stepped around Tan Jingyao and continued forward, deep in thought.

Upon noticing Chen Fan's departure, Tan Jingyao called out, "Prof. Wang, Prof. Wang..."

Regardless of Tan Jingyao's cries, Chen Fan seemed oblivious and continued on his way to find Lu Xuanxin. As expected, when he arrived, Lu Xuanxin was already fretting over the situation.