The appearance of Yu Lan and the departure of Wang Zhan had completely shattered this woman's expectations.

Based on her observations over the past few days, she believed that this woman held some weight in Wang Zhan's heart and was capable of influencing him.

Moreover, given that women tend to be more emotional, they were likely to be quicker to provide help.

However, the unexpected happened. That lad casually delivered this woman to their doorstep, implying that they could do whatever they wanted with her.

The problem was, how should they proceed? In what manner should they murder or massacre her?

This woman, affiliated with the Federal Presidential Office, was a significant problem. Furthermore, she was backed by a power they dared not provoke.

Perhaps it's best to let her go… but ideally, she should believe she managed to escape through her own strength, creating an opportunity for subterfuge…

As these thoughts passed through the voluptuous woman's mind, a wave of irritation washed over her.

Wang Zhan was truly cunning. Considering his past battles, anyone attempting to harm him would proceed with extreme caution, especially if they were uncertain of his unpredictable and unconventional trump card.

However, what was the point of holding a trump card if he just ignored you!

Should they resort to clichés once more? Perhaps the hero saving the damsel, standing up against injustice, bravely fighting off adversaries, or getting into competitive disputes, all to bait Wang Zhan?

Absurd.

She had even offered herself to him, stopping just short of baring all, yet Wang Zhan remained indifferent.

Could it be that I'm indeed getting old?

She pinched her soft flesh, a flicker of self-doubt in her eyes.

No, that can't be; it's still so smooth…

...

However, from Wang Zhan's perspective:

Could any beauty compare to Yao Yao, Qin Ying, Xu Yuyu, or Yuan Mengru?

Ahem, that was just a hypothetical, no other thoughts intended.

"If Student Wang Zhan is truly interested, I can indeed go the extra mile to support you."

In fact, Wang Zhan had always been paying close attention to what was happening around Yu Lan.

After all, with his mental energy approaching 50,000, monitoring a few small city blocks was trivial. Even if there were hundreds, or even thousands, more streets, what difference would it make?

Of course, the latter was perhaps a slight exaggeration for his current capabilities.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Wang Zhan smiled faintly. He looked at Boss Liu, whom he had met once before, and said politely, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Boss Liu!"

Boss Liu was the owner of that mysterious little shop where Wang Zhan and Cheng Shu had previously gone to acquire the Five Thunder Deity Refinement Method.

As for how Wang Zhan quickly gained his approval and mutual understanding, it was rather simple.

For instance, Wang Zhan's popularity within the Federation had skyrocketed. This was especially true after Su Tao's return and the release of numerous combat recordings from that night on the Jing State Wilderness Battlefield, which had steadily won over public favor.

Secondly, as soon as Wang Zhan walked into the shop, he didn't even spare a glance at the mediocre equipment on display at the front. Instead, he directly approached Boss Liu, flaunting his abundant wealth.

He wasn't there for any other reason than to sell a few 'stones' that were just taking up space, thereby securing some liquid funds. He also nonchalantly demonstrated his ability to kill high-ranking leader-level beasts.

That was the source of Wang Zhan's confidence.

Nothing much, just billions, perhaps up to ten billion.

"HA HA HA HA! Student Wang Zhan, there's no need for such formalities. Mutual support and shared progress are the guiding principles of us Federation's people..."

For a time, host and guest were perfectly content.

Boss Liu was very satisfied, not just with the monetary value of the transaction, but also with these truly priceless resources that were unavailable on the open market.

Wang Zhan was also very satisfied with the long string of new digits in his bank account and with a small, seemingly insignificant promise Boss Liu had made.

He still hadn't figured out this man's background or who stood behind him, but this wasn't necessarily a disadvantage.

At least, if things ever turned sour, Wang Zhan could feign ignorance and say airily, "Impossible! I distinctly remember dealing with an Old Man. You're definitely trying to trick me. The audacity!…"

Wang Zhan paused, taken aback by his own train of thought.

Huh? What am I thinking? How could I do something like burning bridges?

Wouldn't it be much better to just take the bridge away entirely?

Therefore, Wang Zhan's intentions seemed exceptionally sincere, as did his smile.

Even Boss Liu was inexplicably moved. What a good lad!

Not only did he bring me business worth between one and two billion and a hefty bit of credit, but he also doesn't seem to be scheming against me at all…

「After Wang Zhan left.」

Boss Liu's relaxed expression vanished. Lost in thought, he walked into a hidden room at the back.

"Ninth Uncle, he's gone!"

A very ordinary-looking old man nodded gently.

He didn't look at Boss Liu, his gaze fixed on a hazy painting on the table as he said softly, "Since he sought us out, a few minor cultivation resources are nothing. Give them to him; it's not like we're giving them away for free. Besides, times are different now…"

The old man shook his head.

Boss Liu asked curiously, "Ninth Uncle, why do you say so?"

Ninth Uncle said meaningfully, "You may not sense the changes in Wang Zhan, but for us, it's tantamount to a signal…"

The fact that Wang Zhan possessed the "General Outline of the Supreme Pure Thunder" was enough to catch many people off guard.

Moreover, no one from the Qin Family had made a statement, let alone tried to forcibly reclaim it. This suggested they also thought highly of Wang Zhan, and perhaps had even established some kind of special relationship with him.

That's why they agreed, even when Wang Zhan requested a large batch of low-grade materials.

In any case, it was an equitable exchange; neither side lost out.

But if Wang Zhan was truly a product of the Qin Family's schemes, it meant they too might have a chance to board that truly colossal ship.

However, no one expected that...

Perhaps because the Qin Family had vanished or remained silent for too long, their traces were difficult to find. Consequently, no one dared to approach them to investigate or try to glimpse the truth hidden beneath the icy depths.

Naturally, they also didn't know that the "Supreme Scripture of Resonant Response" Wang Zhan possessed—though a small part was taught by Qin Ying—was largely imparted by Qin Family members.

But in the final analysis, all of this stemmed from the same misunderstanding—the very thing Ninth Uncle considered so unusual.

However, if the Qin Family were to find out, it would likely spell a true, earth-shattering disaster.

Boss Liu suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Ninth Uncle, didn't Amin receive orders from the Old Ancestor to find Wang Zhan? She's in secluded cultivation now. Should we inform her?"

Ninth Uncle, suddenly recalling this, nodded.

"Then let's inform her. We don't know what the Old Ancestor intends. However, we just need to do our part and not concern ourselves with the rest."

"Yes!"

...

BOOM.

Near Chu State's Black Market, in a dead-end alley.

A panicked, fleeing figure, heedless of her injuries, crashed through a wall and vanished.

"Chase!"

"Chase!"

"Chase!"

"Let's see where you can run…"

Behind her, though the pursuers hadn't arrived, their murderous shouts already echoed.

Yu Lan's face was pale. Her level 7 cultivation base fluctuated unstably within her, and she couldn't help but smile bitterly.

This time, I'm truly doomed. I don't know how Wang Zhan saw through it; he knew it was a trap at first glance.

I even suspect Wang Zhan might be watching me in secret right now, waiting to laugh at my predicament.

But even with this suspicion, her pride wouldn't allow her to ask Wang Zhan for help.

So, forcibly suppressing the urge to vomit blood, Yu Lan didn't dare to stop for even a moment and continued to flee desperately.

Little did she know...

Behind her, a pair of exasperated eyes wished they could just close tightly, unwilling to witness this absurd, frustrating scene any longer.

What on earth is wrong with this woman? I'm not trying to kill you anymore! Why are you still running? And what's the point of leading them in circles like this?

The voluptuous woman couldn't stand it anymore and slapped her forehead hard.

I never imagined that the secretary from the Federal Presidential Office, that aloof, beautiful woman, could actually get lost. It's simply unbelievable!

But...

Just then, a somewhat steady yet teasing voice suddenly sounded from behind her, making her entire body tense up. "Heh heh, what's wrong, Aunty? Could it be that after escaping the tiger's den, you're regretting not pushing things along then?"

The woman slowly turned around, a glint of green light flashing in her eyes. She spoke in a low, dangerous tone, "You… just now called me Aunty?"

Who else could it be uttering such provocative words but Wang Zhan himself!

What she didn't expect was that just when she had given up all hope of Wang Zhan appearing, he had shown up on his own accord.

Wang Zhan shrugged nonchalantly, looking somewhat playful.

"If not Aunty, should I call you Grandma then?"

You!

HOO... HOO... HOO... Calm down, calm down…

The woman forced herself to calm down. She was a bit older, true. This Wang Zhan, though young and somewhat charming, had a vicious tongue. It would be best to just kill him outright.

Meanwhile, her ample bosom, a formidable and heavy presence, constantly reminded Wang Zhan of its size and the woman's volatile temper.

Then, the woman forced a smile and said, "Student Wang Zhan, you truly are remarkable; nothing seems to escape you. However, I assure you, I came with good intentions this time, with absolutely no malice towards you. I'm just wondering what flaw I revealed for you to treat me this way?"

Wang Zhan laughed lightly.

"Simple. Next time, don't just talk the talk without walking the walk. It's quite tiring to watch, you know. Though it might strain my eyes a bit, I can promise you, Aunty, I'll watch very carefully next time. I can even write a review for you afterward!"

A goddamn review!

The woman's composure completely crumbled.

Weren't Wang Zhan's intentions obvious enough? Crystal clear: he was telling her to stop messing around.

Trying to act coy at her age, how disgusting.

Her expression instantly turned cold.

I'm done playing! Time to lay my cards on the table! Kid, you're courting death!

"Student Wang Zhan, does this mean you intend to declare war on my Original Organization?" she said gravely, making no attempt to conceal anything.

In fact, there was no need to say it. Wang Zhan must have already figured things out. Otherwise, why would he have avoided her ploys at all costs and acted so indifferent towards that woman, Yu Lan, as if he were content to sit by and watch the show with her?

He was betting that while the Original Organization might dare to kill him, Wang Zhan, they would absolutely not dare to kill the woman who only knew how to get lost during a critical moment.

Wang Zhan also replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Heh, well then, how about we have a little fight first?"

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