Yanjing, Li family residence.
“What did you say?”
Mu Chunfeng rose in shock, staring at her trusted subordinate Huang Shuyi as though she could not believe her own ears.
Like Zhong Shuhui, Huang Shuyi was one of Mu Chunfeng’s most capable aides. She had always been Zhong Shuhui’s deputy, and after Zhong Shuhui went to Tianhai City, Huang Shuyi had taken over her duties.
“Madam, news has just come from Tianhai City. They say the young master killed Chen Haotian, the young master of the Hongmen.” Huang Shuyi spoke gravely.
“That’s impossible.” Mu Chunfeng’s face was full of disbelief. Her understanding of Li Feng had remained frozen more than a year in the past. Although reports from Tianhai City over recent months had shown he had changed, she still found it hard to accept that he would kill the Hongmen young master. It was not that she doubted Li Feng had the ability; there were many ways to kill someone. She simply did not believe Li Feng was the sort of person who acted without weighing the consequences. Moreover, as the Hongmen young master, Chen Haotian would surely have been protected by experts. How could Li Feng possibly have succeeded?
“What word from Zhong Shuhui?” Mu Chunfeng drew a deep breath and asked solemnly.
“Zhong Shuhui says it was not the young master who killed Chen Haotian. Someone framed him. Madam, here is the detailed intelligence she sent.” Huang Shuyi handed over a sheet of paper.
Mu Chunfeng took it and scanned the contents. Cold fury flashed in her eyes. “What a cunning Zhu Yuanyang. What a Zhu family.”
“Madam, what should we do now? Zhong Shuhui is worried about the family’s reaction,” Huang Shuyi asked.
“Huang Shuyi, tell Zhong Shuhui to set her mind at ease. I will handle everything here at the family. Li Feng is my son. I will never allow anyone to drive him out of the Li family.” Determination glinted in Mu Chunfeng’s eyes as she spoke.
“Yes, Madam.” Huang Shuyi quickly withdrew.
Mu Chunfeng watched her leave, a sharp light in her eyes. In her heart, no matter how useless Li Feng might once have been, he was still her son, her only son. She would never permit anyone to harm him. Originally, given Li Feng’s former personality, he had not seemed suited to become the family heir. Now, however, she realised she had been wrong. It was not that Li Feng lacked the qualifications; he had simply never been given the chance to prove himself.
She had originally been unhappy when Li Chuanwei arranged for Li Feng to go to Tianhai City, but now she felt that move had been brilliant. At the very least, it allowed Li Feng to mature. As long as he showed a little resolve, with her and Li Chuanwei’s support, he could absolutely become the Li family heir.
With that thought, Mu Chunfeng made a phone call. “I want to select a few people from the outer courtyard. Arrange it at once.”
Earlier, Zhong Shuhui had already reported the plan to choose personnel from the outer courtyard, but at the time Mu Chunfeng had only wanted Li Feng to live safely, so she had postponed the decision. Now, after everything that had happened in Tianhai City, especially after seeing the detailed files on Li Feng from the Fengyuan Group press conference, Mu Chunfeng knew her son had completely transformed. The change was almost too much for her to accept, yet from his every action she could see that Li Feng now intended to fight for the position of family heir. Since he had made that choice, she, as his mother, had no reason not to support him.
After hanging up, Mu Chunfeng fell into thought, then suddenly addressed the empty air behind her. “Tell me, should I send a few helpers to Tianhai City?”
An old man materialised from the void beside her and bowed his head. “Madam, this subordinate believes it is unnecessary. The young master is no longer the person he once was. Madam need not shield him from every storm. Let this be a test for him. Success or failure, it will benefit his growth. Moreover, with that person at his side, Madam need not worry about the young master’s safety.”
After a pause, the old man continued. “On the contrary, the troubles within the family are far more pressing. This time everyone believes the young master killed the Hongmen young master Chen Haotian. Certain people will surely seize the chance to make things difficult. Madam’s energy should be focused here.”
A sharp glint flashed through Mu Chunfeng’s eyes. “It seems I will have to sacrifice some interests this time. But if Li Feng can weather this crisis in Tianhai City, I will make sure, no matter what, that he becomes the Li family heir.”
Noon, bright sunshine.
Li Feng was strolling around Tianhai City with Ge Ying. Whether it was Chen Junyi’s retaliation or the family’s reaction, he had already made all the arrangements. There was no point living in fear. What was coming would come regardless, and worrying would change nothing. He would simply continue doing what he wanted.
Unlike Li Feng, Ge Ying had no idea of the enormous trouble looming over him. With Li Feng accompanying her, she was having a wonderful time. Ge Feng, on the other hand, was a true martial fanatic. After receiving the thousand-year ice dew from Li Feng, he had spent most of his time holed up cultivating.
Watching Ge Ying happily bungee-jumping in the park, Li Feng could only shake his head with a wry smile. With her lightness skill, bungee jumping held no challenge at all, yet she was clearly enjoying herself immensely.
Sitting on a bench, Li Feng swept his gaze across the surroundings and a cold smile curved his lips.
From the moment he and Ge Ying had left Tianya Pavilion, people had been tailing them. To Li Feng, these small fry were beneath notice. They were merely scouts from various factions. Shaking them off would be child’s play, but he saw no need. As long as they were not assassins, he could not be bothered with them right now.
Besides, his current strength gave him confidence. Unless an innate-realm expert appeared, he could handle anyone. Even the four great families of Tianhai City no longer worried him. Unless the powers behind those families intervened, he could deal with them single-handedly.
Still, Li Feng understood that not every problem could be solved with martial force. Take the current difficulties facing Fengyuan Group: their opponents were using legitimate business tactics. He could hardly go around killing rival executives. If he did, how could Fengyuan Group ever do business again?
His thoughts then turned to his fourth uncle, Li Zhengxiang. By blood, the man was family, yet he was leading the charge against Fengyuan Group.
“Hey, Li Feng, what are you thinking about?” At some point Ge Ying had come over and playfully patted his shoulder.
Li Feng looked up at her and froze for a moment. He suddenly realised how stunning Ge Ying looked when she smiled like that. Normally he did not notice, but that bright, carefree smile just now could put a hundred flowers to shame.
Seeing him stare, Ge Ying felt her cheeks grow warm. She touched her face with a delicate hand and asked uncertainly, “Li Feng, is there something on my face?”
Li Feng met her eyes and said, “Ge Ying, I never realised you were this beautiful.”
Ge Ying blinked, lightly biting her lip. Her bright eyes gazed at him, a complicated emotion flickering within them.
“Really?” She touched her flushed cheek, asking shyly.
“Of course.” Li Feng stood up. “Come on, let’s head to the next place.”
“Mm.” Ge Ying gave a soft acknowledgment and followed close behind.
“Ge Ying.”
Just then a voice called from the side. Several young men approached. One of them looked at Ge Ying and smiled. “Ge Ying, I didn’t expect you to really come to Tianhai City. This is wonderful.”
The youth appeared to be in his early twenties. He had refined features, bright spirited eyes, a tall and straight bearing, and a handsome face that radiated natural nobility. Clearly he was no ordinary person.
“You?” Ge Ying’s expression changed slightly when she saw him. She asked coldly, “What are you doing here?”
“Wherever you come to Tianhai City, that’s where I come. Ge Ying, who would have thought we’d meet here? It must be fate.” The youth smiled.
“Who’s fated to meet you?” Ge Ying’s face darkened. She turned to Li Feng. “Li Feng, let’s go back.”
“Alright.” Li Feng nodded.
“Stop right there.”
The youth’s figure flashed, blocking Li Feng’s path. “Who are you? Why are you with Ge Ying?”
“Murong Kang, who I’m with is none of your business,” Ge Ying snapped coldly before Li Feng could speak.
“Ge Ying, I’m only looking out for you. There are plenty of bad people out there. I’m worried you’ll be deceived,” Murong Kang said.
“Hmph, I told you, it’s none of your concern.” Ge Ying snorted, grabbed Li Feng’s hand, and started walking away.
Li Feng glanced at Murong Kang, a glint passing through his eyes.
Murong Kang’s strength was roughly at the fourth stage of the post-natal realm. For his age, that made him a young expert. Since he knew Ge Ying, Li Feng guessed he came from the same kind of background as the Ge siblings.
Previously, out of respect for the Ge brother and sister, he had not pried into their origins. But now, seeing Murong Kang, Li Feng began to take the matter seriously.
He knew why the Ge siblings had come to Tianhai City. Murong Kang had just said his purpose was the same, which put Li Feng on guard.
He had learned earlier that the Nine Dragon Jade was a target for many powers. At the time he had wondered which forces, besides the eight great families, could contend for it. Now, with the Ge siblings and this Murong Kang in the picture, Li Feng realised he had underestimated the hidden players. Had his own strength not advanced unexpectedly, he would not have been a match for any of them.
Still, after a single glance, Li Feng looked away.
With his current power, Murong Kang was nothing more than a small fry, hardly worth his attention.
Seeing Ge Ying pull Li Feng away, Murong Kang frowned and stepped forward, staring coldly at Li Feng. “You’re Li Feng?”
He lifted his chin slightly, looking down at Li Feng with arrogant disdain.
“That’s right,” Li Feng replied indifferently.
Murong Kang narrowed his eyes when he saw that Li Feng showed no reaction to his imposing manner. “Li Feng, whoever you are, Ge Ying is not someone you can approach. Otherwise, you will pay a heavy price.”
