"Our boss, Long Tianze, would like to meet you. Please come with us."
The two men blocked Ning Fan's path, making clear their identities and intentions.
The one on the left, who called himself Long Yao, had long hair like a rock singer, was lean, with a gloomy complexion,
and cold flashes occasionally shot through his eyes. From the moment Ning Fan noticed him, he had never seen him smile; his pale face looked as if it belonged to a ghost.
On the other hand, Long Zhixin, standing to the right, was drastically different: a very strong and tall man, exuding a masculine air, with muscles under his white shirt swollen like those of a bodybuilder.
If one were to compare the strength of the two, a common person at a glance would probably choose Long Zhixin without hesitation.
But in Ning Fan's sharp eyes, it was likely that Long Yao was the more terrifying presence between them!
Ning Fan snorted coldly and said, "What is this, a trap? A Hongmen Banquet?"
"Whether it's a Hongmen Banquet or not, what does it matter?"
Long Yao's mouth curled into a cold smirk as he spoke slowly.
"Could it be that the infamous Ninth Master of Jianghu actually knows fear?"
Long Zhixin's mouth split into a sneer, his face showing a mocking smile.
Ning Fan spread his hands, his smile undiminished, and said, "Just because Long Tianze wants to meet me, I have to obediently go to him? Who does he think he is?"
Upon hearing Ning Fan's words, the hot-headed Long Zhixin immediately flew into a rage: "You dare disrespect our boss, Long! You're seeking death!"
Before he finished speaking, a punch thundered out, accompanied by a terrifying sonic boom!
Ning Fan's mouth curled into a cold smile, his expression indifferent as he gently pushed with his hand, effortlessly deflecting the powerful punch from Long Zhixin!
"Long Yao, what the hell are you spacing out for? Attack him!"
Long Zhixin, missing his mark, his face turning red, roared loudly.
A shadow flickered in Long Yao's eyes, and with a cold snort, he slightly bent his right index finger and pointed it at Ning Fan.
Long Zhixin's mighty punch had not shaken Ning Fan, but this seemingly mundane finger strike from Long Yao made him take notice instantly.
If he guessed correctly, this was a form of acupuncture skill, and if Ning Fan were touched, it was very likely he would be paralyzed for a short period.
Ning Fan growled lowly, his body stretched to the limit, narrowly evading Long Yao's finger and Long Zhixin's subsequent fierce blows, and with flat hands, he struck both men squarely on the shoulders.
Long Zhixin and Long Yao both reeled back several steps, their faces showing disbelief!
That someone could remain unharmed under their joint attack and even have time to counterattack had clearly broken their long-held understanding.
"A man's reputation, a tree's shadow; truly worthy of the renowned Ninth Master of Jianghu. Your actions reveal the truth; I am impressed, impressed."
A hearty laugh suddenly arose as a man stepped down from the car, holding a Bible with a genial smile on his face, dressed in a suit that made him look refined and scholarly,
and with gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. Had it not been for the instant look of utmost respect from Long Yao and Long Zhixin upon seeing him, Ning Fan might have mistaken him for a college professor.
"Ninth Master, let's dispense with the subtleties; I would like to invite you for a meal. Would you do me the honor of accepting?"
Long Tianze bowed slightly and extended his hand, with the sincere look of an invitation.
This scene took Long Zhixin by surprise—who would have thought that the dominant Dragon of Su City would be so polite to someone else!
It seemed that this Ninth Master indeed had some abilities.
Although Long Yao showed no expression, a barely detectable glint flashed across his eyes, as if he was pondering something.
Ning Fan laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Dragon seems to have good taste, but I'm afraid his favorite dishes are quite different from mine. It's fine not to meal."
"Hold on, if Ninth Master would let me know what he likes, I can arrange it anew."
No sooner had Ning Fan finished speaking than Long Tianze immediately answered with a beaming smile, determined not to give up until he had Ning Fan in his car.
"Fire pot is not bad, but I'm not sure if Dragon is accustomed to it."
Ning Fan said slowly, with a restrained smile on his face.
He wasn't afraid of Long Tianze setting up any kind of trap. He had absolute confidence in his own strength.
As the saying goes, there are a thousand days to be a thief, but not a thousand days to guard against one. Since Long Tianze was willing to step out from behind the scenes and engage with Ning Fan in the open, whatever his purpose, Ning Fan believed he had plenty of capability to handle it.
"No problem, I like fire pot as well. Let's have fire pot, go to Chongshan Fire Pot Restaurant!"
Inside the car, Long Tianze cheerfully instructed the driver.
The driver nodded, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "What about the banquet arranged at the Jade Emperor Palace..."
"Just toss it out. Ninth Master is our honored guest. If we don't host him well, wouldn't you all be ashamed?"
Long Tianze said with a smile, extending his hand toward Ning Fan.
Ning Fan raised his eyebrows and shook hands with him.
Before Long Tianze's car arrived at the fire pot restaurant, the originally bustling place had already been completely cleared out.
The customers, some of whom were discontent with being shooed away and the free meal, said loudly, "I haven't finished my fire pot yet, what gives you the right to kick me out? Is it because you have money? I'm not poor either! Believe it or not, I will call and complain about you right now!"
However, no sooner had he finished speaking than several burly men surrounded him, and with a swift beating, his former arrogance was no more.
"Bro, this fire pot is making my teeth hurt, I don't want to eat anymore, okay? My mom's calling me home for dinner, 886 everyone."
With this man's lead, the customers of the fire pot restaurant dispersed quickly.
When Ning Fan arrived, courteously received by Long Tianze, the fire pot restaurant was already empty.
"Don't take offense, Ninth Master. There were too many eyes, it's better to dine in peace."
Long Tianze, of course, knew his recent display couldn't have escaped Ning Fan's notice and explained with a chuckle.
Ning Fan, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, nodded and sat down directly. He knocked on the table and said, "Now that everyone's here, bring out whatever dishes you're hiding in your kitchen, Dragon. Let me see what you've got, and if it suits my palate."
His words clearly had deeper implications, and Long Tianze, being shrewd, understood them instantly.
"Good food is worth waiting for, Ninth Master, don't rush."
Long Tianze smiled faintly, took a bottle of fine wine passed by his subordinate, filled a cup in front of Ning Fan, and smiled, "Saint Xu was killed. I wonder if it was Ninth Master who moved against him?"
Long Tianze didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point. His manner was as casual as if he were inquiring about the price of a garment.
Ning Fan didn't find it strange, nodded faintly, took a sip of wine, and laughed, "Yes, is there a problem?"
The casual attitude caused discontent among the subordinates standing behind Long Tianze.