The better part of the day passed quickly. As dusk began to fall, a text message appeared on Chen Fei's phone from Secretary Dong Wencheng. The message stated that Elder Mr. Xiao would be hosting a dinner for him at 7:30 PM at the Caesar Grand Hotel in Tongzhou City, and requested that he be there on time.

"Tonight at seven-thirty, at the Caesar Grand Hotel?" Chen Fei muttered irritably as his phone vibrated. He reached out, grabbed the still-glowing device from the bedside table, and held it up to his eyes. With a purse of his lips, he ruffled his nest-like hair and sat up straight.

Although he didn't know where the Caesar Grand Hotel was, it was already past six o'clock. If he didn't get up and rush over, he was afraid he'd be late.

About ten minutes later, Chen Fei quickly washed up, showered, and left the underground parking lot of the Dongyun International Private Club in a low-key but luxurious Phaeton, a car that had been arranged for him by Brother Zhou Shang.

「」

Meanwhile, in front of the Caesar Grand Hotel, one of Tongzhou City's most renowned five-star hotels, two elderly men who appeared to be in their fifties or sixties were waiting quietly. Though their attire seemed modest and unremarkable, the aura they exuded, combined with their sharp eyes and authoritative posture, was enough to reveal their importance. These two were likely not as simple as their understated clothing suggested; they probably held significant status and may have even held high positions for a long time.

These two men were none other than Xiao Zhengguo's eldest son, Xiao Pengcheng, and his third son, Xiao Lingshan.

Originally, Elder Mr. Xiao had three sons and a second daughter. Unfortunately, fate was unkind, and his second daughter and fourth son passed away one after the other, leaving the old man with only two sons to accompany him in his later years.

True to the saying "like father, like son," the two sons Xiao Zhengguo still had did not bring him any shame. His eldest son, Xiao Pengcheng, was the incumbent Commander of the Provincial Military Region of Jiangnan Province. His third son, Xiao Lingshan, was also an influential figure, serving as the Director of the Provincial Organization Department, with a truly bright future ahead of him.

Yet now, both of these accomplished sons of Elder Mr. Xiao had been summoned by the old patriarch's stern order. Not only did others find it strange, but they themselves were also quite baffled.

"Big Brother, what's going on with Dad? Is it really such a big deal that he had to summon both of us?" Xiao Lingshan, Elder Mr. Xiao's third son, glanced at his watch and grumbled with discontent. He hadn't wanted to come tonight, as he had an urgent and important matter to attend to, but Elder Mr. Xiao had insisted. The forced attendance inevitably left him feeling a bit annoyed.

"Alright, that's enough. If I'm right, something major has happened," Commander Xiao Pengcheng said, his tone solemn as he glanced at his younger brother.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Xiao Lingshan, the provincial department director, asked, his expression shifting slightly. Having been brothers for nearly sixty years, he knew that his elder brother would never make such a statement recklessly or without being certain.

"I just got word that Third Uncle... and Qian Rang have been arrested," Commander Xiao Pengcheng said gravely.

"What!?" Minister Xiao Lingshan nearly jumped in shock, his experienced face filling with utter disbelief. "Big Brother, are you joking? Qian Rang is one thing, but Third Uncle... in Jiangnan Province, is there any department with the authority to touch him?"

His words were not spoken lightly. Their third uncle, Xiao Nanshan, was the Director of the Special Security Bureau of the Provincial Military Region of Jiangnan Province and held a high rank. Unless his elder brother, Xiao Pengcheng, personally gave the order, no one else had the authority to move against him... unless one of the two top figures in the province had made a firm decision. But that seemed highly unlikely, didn't it?

After all, if the Xiao Family were to be called second in Jiangnan, no other person or family would dare claim to be first. So even those two figures wouldn't make such a move before a complete fallout with the Xiao Family, would they? Besides, wasn't the relationship between the Xiao Family and those two quite good? And there hadn't been any rumors circulating...

"Why not? Have you forgotten about the Flying Leopard?" Commander Xiao Pengcheng's words made Xiao Lingshan's expression freeze.

"The Flying Leopard? This..." Even a man of Xiao Lingshan's status was momentarily at a loss for words. Others might not know what those two words signified, but how could he not? It was a special department composed entirely of 'non-humans' who not only wielded terrifying authority but also acted outside the bounds of convention. They were a group to be avoided at all costs, but now...

Just then, Elder Mr. Xiao and the old man in the goat-horned hat, Alan, arrived. Xiao Pengcheng and Xiao Lingshan immediately ended their conversation, composed themselves, and went to greet them.

"Dad, Uncle Alan," they said in succession, addressing Elder Mr. Xiao and the old man with the utmost respect.

"Let's go inside. Waiting out here like this is probably not a good look," Elder Mr. Xiao said with a slow nod.

"Dad, what is this all about tonight?" Xiao Lingshan couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his expression a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.

"We'll talk as we walk." Elder Mr. Xiao glanced at his two sons and, while entering the Caesar Grand Hotel, shook his head slowly. "Tonight, I'm hosting a banquet for a very important person. So, both of you had better be on your best behavior. Don't ask what you shouldn't, and don't say what you shouldn't. Just listen quietly."

"Dad, is this related to Third Uncle's situation? Could it be Chief Luo Yuanzhi?" Xiao Pengcheng hesitated for a moment before asking.

"Luo Yuanzhi? If it were him, this matter wouldn't be so troublesome." Elder Mr. Xiao shook his head helplessly. "From the looks of it, this person is even more formidable than that fellow Luo Yuanzhi. That's why I insisted both of you come tonight—to show our sincerity."

A sharp hiss of breath escaped them. Hearing their own father say such words, both Commander Xiao Pengcheng and Minister Xiao Lingshan, despite their high status, couldn't help but gasp. A look of dread swept through their eyes. An important figure even more powerful than Chief Luo Yuanzhi? Damn it, it couldn't be one of those few from the Capital City, could it?

"Pengcheng, Lingshan, remember this: if you see anything surprising later, do not let it show on your faces. Don't give our guest any reason for displeasure. Furthermore, if the talks don't go well tonight, do not force a confrontation. We should take a long-term view," Alan, the man in the horned hat, suddenly interjected.

"Uncle Alan?" Both Xiao Pengcheng and Xiao Lingshan were even more startled. To hear such words from Uncle Alan was unthinkable. Outsiders might not know, but how could they not? Within the Xiao Family, Uncle Alan's status was on par with their father, Elder Xiao Zhengguo. It was no exaggeration to call him the other Sea-Calming Divine Needle of their family.

And that wasn't even the most important part. They knew Uncle Alan's true background. He was their Xiao Family's one and only Strong Innate Ancient Martial Artist! The man with the most Extraordinary Martial Power! Yet now, he was saying such words himself. If the talks don't go well, don't force a confrontation... Is he... afraid?

At this thought, even men of their stature couldn't help but turn slightly pale, their fingers trembling. After all, this was an Innate Ancient Martial Artist they were talking about! This was no joke. But now, someone of Uncle Alan's caliber was showing... fear!?

"Don't forget what Alan and I told you. Let's go, get inside." Seeing his two sons looking so discomposed, Elder Xiao Zhengguo shook his head slightly and entered the hotel. On any other day, he would have likely scolded them, "What is this behavior?" But at this moment, even the tips of his own fingers were subconsciously trembling. What right did he have to lecture anyone?

Just as they disappeared into the Caesar Grand Hotel, Chen Fei's car pulled up.

"Brother Fei!"

"Chen Fei, what are you doing here?" As Chen Fei got out of the car to enter the hotel, two somewhat familiar voices called out from behind him.

He turned his head and saw that one was Guo Kun—Kun Zi—the childhood friend of Dong Jianhui whom he had briefly met at the Dongyun International Private Club. The other person surprised him slightly. It was Guan Shiyin, the great beauty, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

Wasn't she in Northern Mountain? Why did she suddenly show up in Tongzhou City?

"Hello, Brother Fei. You two know each other?" While Chen Fei was still puzzled, Guo Kun had already approached, greeting him respectfully before asking with curiosity.

In truth, although he had arrived with Guan Shiyin, they weren't well-acquainted. It seemed she was a friend of a female acquaintance of his, whom he had invited along for dinner tonight. Such things were normal, so besides a few extra glances at her beauty, he hadn't paid her much mind. But now, he discovered she actually knew Brother Fei? This was a shock. After all, this was Brother Fei, a big shot who even Brother Hui had to address respectfully. How could a man of his stature know this minor female host—she's a host, right? They actually know each other?

"Yes, she's my friend." Chen Fei smiled and nodded, not paying much more mind to Guo Kun, the son of the standing deputy director of the Provincial Public Security Department. Instead, he turned to Guan Shiyin and asked with a smile, "What brings you here? Just having fun?"

Today, Guan Shiyin was dressed casually. Her long, shapely legs were wrapped in stretchy, form-fitting athletic pants, paired with a pair of small, pink sneakers that perfectly highlighted her impeccable curves. It was a very eye-catching sight. For her top, she wore a Korean-style embroidered white t-shirt with a slim denim vest, a look that was both playful and cute.

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