C9 The Number One Xiahou Wu of the Martial Arts World

"You should pick the softest persimmons, but I doubt that's how you see things, right?"

"Oh?"

Feng Yuxiu arched an eyebrow, eyeing Chen Fan with a hint of amusement.

"Fine, then tell me who the strongest is. If you can name the strongest, I'll take your word for it. Deal?"

"Alright, I'll tell you now. Have you ever heard of Xiahou Wu, the martial arts instructor for the police force?"

Xiahou Wu?

Upon hearing the name, Feng Yuxiu's brow creased in thought. He was familiar with the name, but there had been no word from Xiahou Wu recently, and Feng Yuxiu had never really considered him a threat. Now Chen Fan was suggesting that Xiahou Wu was a force to be reckoned with.

Noticing Feng Yuxiu's reaction, Chen Fan nodded affirmatively. "As the police force's martial arts instructor, his legwork is unsurpassed. You might not have encountered him, but in my eyes, he surpasses even you!"

Feng Yuxiu's response was immediate; he seized Chen Fan's collar, his glare fierce as if he could devour Chen Fan whole.

Chen Fan remained unfazed, holding Feng Yuxiu's gaze steadily.

Xiahou Wu, the main character, my apologies. It's not ideal to claim you're the world's number one, especially since you're currently behind bars, but you'll be alright!

This is merely a stopgap solution. If you want to capture Feng Yuxiu, you need a strategy.

And this is the best strategy!

Feng Yuxiu has been vying for the title of the world's top fighter for quite some time; he's not one to give up easily.

If I can just draw him out, then I can figure out how to apprehend him. It's the perfect plan!

Chen Fan's face betrayed no fear as he watched Feng Yuxiu; instead, he smirked and laughed loudly, his gaze dripping with scorn.

"You aspire to be the preeminent martial artist, but killing me won't help you achieve that. If you're truly capable, go find Xiahou Wu. Defeat him, and I'll acknowledge you as the martial world's foremost expert!"

"Fine!"

With a swift motion, Feng Yuxiu released Chen Fan and spun on his heel toward the door, his voice icy as he addressed Chen Fan, "If that's the case, then I'll show you what it means to be the martial world's top expert. Xiahou Wu will soon be just another ghost beneath my feet!"

After Feng Yuxiu finished speaking, he left the area.

Lu Xuanxin, upon seeing Feng Yuxiu emerge, raised her gun. Tan Jingyao frowned at her action, his face showing a hint of dissatisfaction. "Prof. Wang is still inside. We should check on him first!"

Was Feng Yuxiu truly a match for him? Did Lu Xuanxin really think that a handful of people and bullets could take down Feng Yuxiu? The thought was laughably absurd.

Upon hearing Tan Jingyao's suggestion, Lu Xuanxin hesitated briefly before she ultimately holstered her weapon. Feng Yuxiu had departed without sparing them another glance.

Watching Feng Yuxiu's retreating figure, Lu Xuanxin gestured with a wave of her hand. Someone approached her side, puzzled by her actions, unsure of what she intended.

Narrowing her eyes as she watched Feng Yuxiu walk away, Lu Xuanxin spoke softly, "Follow him!"

"Understood!"

With the response received, Lu Xuanxin wasted no more time and headed straight into the warehouse. Inside, they found Chen Fan standing unharmed, which allowed everyone to relax.

Lu Xuanxin advanced a couple of steps and fixed her gaze on Chen Fan, carefully observing every nuance of his expression. "What did you say to him? Why did he spare you?"

Chen Fan shook his head, replying, "I didn't really say anything. I just mentioned that Xiahou Wu is the world's foremost martial artist. He's probably off to settle accounts with Xiahou Wu now!"

Lu Xuanxin's frown deepened, her face betraying a touch of discontent. Truth be told, she didn't have any particular affection for Xiahou Wu, but she respected him for his integrity.

Tan Jingyao also looked at Chen Fan, perplexed as to why he had acted as he did.

Chen Fan, seeing their reactions, didn't beat around the bush. "Did you really think you could take him on? Are any of you a match for him?"

The answer was a resounding no.

So why go after Feng Yuxiu? Was it a death wish? Since a direct confrontation was out of the question, they needed to find another angle. And Xiahou Wu was just the opportunity they needed.

Chen Fan's expression grew solemn as he fixed his gaze on Lu Xuanxin. "He's going to confront Xiahou Wu to settle their dispute. During this time, you must ensure Xiahou Wu is well-protected. Set up an ambush, capture the assailant—I'm sure you're more adept at this than I am, right?"

Lu Xuanxin understood immediately.

Indeed, if his goal was to claim the title of the top martial artist, he would certainly challenge Xiahou Wu. What better opportunity to ambush and capture Feng Yuxiu than during their duel?

Lu Xuanxin nodded at Chen Fan, her face still etched with gravity.

"Thank you, Prof. Wang, for everything. And about my earlier demeanor, I hope you won't take it to heart," she said with gratitude.

Chen Fan gestured dismissively and replied, "Now's not the time for such talk. Aren't you worried he's already on his way to confront Xiahou Wu? You should be on your way."

With a jolt of realization, Lu Xuanxin turned to her companion and commanded, "We're leaving!" She then strode off, her entourage quickly falling in step behind her.

Once they had departed, Tan Jingyao turned to Chen Fan and, with a respectful bow, said, "My thanks to you, Prof. Wang. Without your intervention today, I might not have survived."

"How about I treat Prof. Wang to a drink as a token of my gratitude?"

Chen Fan gave a wry smile and a shake of his head. "Let's not worry about that now. I'm not in the mood for drinks; I've got other matters to attend to. Besides, you're no longer in danger, so you can relax."

Undeterred, Tan Jingyao persisted, "I insist, Prof. Wang. My cellar houses some fine wines. Why not come and sample them?"

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow, pondering the offer.

Truth be told, he wasn't concerned with the quality of the wine. But now that Tan Jingyao's safety was secured and Xiahou Wu was under Lu Xuanxin's watchful eye, there were no pressing issues at hand. It seemed like the perfect time to enjoy a drink.

Chen Fan raised his hand to his chin, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment, he nodded and said, "In that case, let's head over together. I have a feeling your family's wine will be quite good!"

"Absolutely!" Tan Jingyao replied.

With that, Tan Jingyao gestured ahead and started walking, taking the lead.

His interactions with Chen Fan had been limited since they had only recently met. Yet, it was clear to Tan Jingyao that Chen Fan was far from simple. Cultivating a good relationship with Chen Fan could only be beneficial. This was an opportunity not to be missed!