Chapter 102: Elder Han

After leaving the villa, Yu Qian and Yang Fan drove back home. A deep curiosity about Yang Fan’s true identity had taken root in her mind. Given the events of recent days, she was convinced that his background was extraordinary—certainly more formidable than the Chen family of Jiangcheng.

"Yang Fan, who exactly are you?" she asked, her face full of intrigue. To her, this man was an enigma, a puzzle she couldn't help but want to solve.

"I’m just Yang Fan. What kind of identity could I possibly have?" Yang Fan replied with a shrug.

Yu Qian was dissatisfied with this answer. "I’m asking about your background. How else could you make the Chen family treat you with such reverence?" she shot him an annoyed glare.

"Heh, they fear me because I know how to fight," Yang Fan said with a light chuckle.

Yu Qian curled her lip and turned her gaze back to the road, focusing on her driving. She didn't believe for a second that the Chen family would be intimidated simply because he was a good fighter. In this society, raw physical strength wasn't enough to do as one pleased; even if you were strong, you’d be finished if the state decided to intervene. Not being a martial artist herself, she failed to grasp the deterrent power of a true master and dismissed his words as mere boasting. She remained convinced that his background was powerful enough to make even the Chens tread carefully.

Yang Fan couldn't be bothered to explain further. The nuances of the cultivation world were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Upon arriving home, Yu Qian received a call from the Chen family. They were offering to sell the plot of land in Mong Kok to the Yuanfu Catering Group for a mere ten million. Stunned by such an incredible bargain, Yu Qian felt her suspicion that Yang Fan was no ordinary man only deepen.

In the days that followed, Yang Fan stayed at Yu Qian’s home to cultivate. Between sessions, he spent his time refining medicine. Wang Gang had reached a critical threshold; with a bit more training and the assistance of pills, he would soon break through to the Qi Refining stage. Determined to excel at the International Martial Arts Tournament, Wang Gang trained with renewed diligence. Under the influence of Yang Fan’s auxiliary pills, he could sense the signs of a breakthrough, though the perfect opportunity remained elusive. By the standards of this world’s practitioners, he had already reached the late stage of the Houtian realm. Yang Fan was confident that Wang Gang would have no trouble facing any other Houtian expert.

This was largely due to the formidable techniques Yang Fan had provided. While they were considered low-level in the grand scale of the universe, in this world, they were top-tier.

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the International Martial Arts Tournament arrived. Fighters from across the globe gathered in Jiangcheng, ready to prove their worth. The tournament was held at the Guiyuan Martial Arts Center. Once ready, Yang Fan and Wang Gang headed over.

Upon arrival, Wang Gang saw that the venue was already packed with martial artists from all over the world, creating a vibrant, electric atmosphere. The event had attracted a massive crowd, with journalists from various nations scrambling for position, waiting for the competition to begin. Wang Gang felt a surge of excitement; he was finally taking the stage. He resolved not to disgrace Yang Fan, who had made it clear that he expected nothing less than first place and the one-hundred-million-dollar prize. Most of those in the stands were industry insiders with a deep understanding of the martial path.

"Mr. Yang, you’ve arrived! Please, this way," Chen Yanggong said, walking over with a beaming smile. Yang Fan nodded and followed him alongside Wang Gang.

Chen Yanggong led them to a viewing platform where an elderly man in his fifties sat, accompanied by two young bodyguards. Yang Fan immediately sensed the faint fluctuations of spiritual energy radiating from the bodyguards—they were practitioners, though they had yet to reach the Qi Refining stage. As for the old man, Yang Fan could tell he was a person of significant stature. He wore simple clothing but carried himself with great vigor; his eyes were bright and piercing. He possessed a certain aura—not one born of talent, but one cultivated through years of experience.

"Elder Han, this is the Mr. Yang Fan I mentioned to you," Chen Yanggong introduced.

Elder Han’s gaze settled on Yang Fan, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Indeed, a hero among youth," he said with a friendly smile, radiating an air of approachability.

Yang Fan offered a polite smile and took a seat.

"I have heard that Mr. Yang possesses profound attainments in the martial arts. Anyone who can earn the respect of Elder Chen must be exceptional," Elder Han said, watching Yang Fan closely. "May I ask where you studied?"

Elder Han had already thoroughly investigated Yang Fan’s identity, but he remained stumped regarding the origin of his skills. The Jiangcheng Yang family was not a martial arts lineage, and he was eager to uncover the identity of Yang Fan’s master.

"You are too kind, Elder Han. As for my master, I am afraid I cannot say. He gave me strict instructions never to mention him to outsiders," Yang Fan said with a wave of his hand.

He was certain that this Elder Han was a high-ranking official of the Yanhuang government. He had no intention of revealing his secrets. The elder was clearly interested in his cultivation, but Yang Fan wouldn't disclose that he was self-taught, as that would only invite unnecessary trouble. He decided to play along with the vague excuse. While he did have a master, he was certainly not in this world.

"In that case, I shall not pry," Elder Han smiled. After a moment’s thought, he asked, "Would you have any interest in serving the country, Mr. Yang? We are in great need of talent like yours."

To a nation, a Xiantian-level expert was a valuable asset, and Elder Han was clearly testing the waters for recruitment.

Yang Fan shook his head. "I am accustomed to freedom and dislike being bound. I appreciate your kind offer, but I must decline." He had no desire to become a puppet for others. In his previous life as the God of Slaughter, he had lived a life of absolute freedom, and he had no intention of changing that.

"As a descendant of the Yanhuang people, it is your duty to serve the nation," Elder Han said, his brows knitting together in displeasure.

Yang Fan remained indifferent. "I only care about my own life. I have no interest in anything else."

Seeing the elder’s expression darken, Chen Yanggong quickly stepped in to mediate. "Haha, perhaps we should focus on the tournament instead," he laughed. "As far as I know, both the Fusang and Paocai delegations have brought Houtian experts at the late stage." He looked at Yang Fan and asked, "Does your disciple have the confidence to defeat them?"

"Rest assured," Yang Fan replied coolly, his voice filled with certainty. "A mere Houtian fighter is no match for my disciple."

Seeing such confidence, Elder Han’s interest was piqued. He now found himself quite curious about this apprentice of Yang Fan’s.