The forces that Mingwang Pavilion had deployed around Rose Manor had been completely eliminated with the help of Ning Fan, and after rescuing Chen Fengnan, Ning Fan did not immediately return to his country but stayed in Europe for a while.
The plan against Chen Fengnan was meticulous, and Mingwang Pavilion had made considerable preparations and invested a large number of operatives in Europe.
After moving to a safe location with Ning Fan, Chen Fengnan began to plan his retaliation against Mingwang Pavilion and also requested Ning Fan's assistance in rescuing his own friends.
For three consecutive days, the Chen Financial Conglomerate's influence in Europe struck with the swiftness of thunder, exposing many of Mingwang Pavilion's undercover networks in Europe, which then suffered the conglomerate's retribution.
And the two words "Asura" were once again dazzlingly brilliant. Under this momentum, Mingwang Pavilion had no choice but to abandon part of its assets as a distraction and then go completely underground, briefly maintaining a low profile.
Intelligence about this matter was laid out before many, including a major overseas organization known as Umbrella, which operated aboveboard as a legal consortium but covertly supported Mingwang Pavilion behind the scenes.
This plan against Chen Fengnan had also passed through their hands before it was finalized.
"Phantom Asura, truly lives up to his reputation. In just a few days, he has dealt such a heavy blow to our Mingwang Pavilion again!"
In a spacious conference room, an icy voice resonated as two middle-aged men sat opposite each other, their auras reflecting off each other like the imposing Mount Tai, commanding respect without anger.
"Tengyun, what do you think about this Asura?"
The middle-aged man wearing a monocle and sporting stubble on his chin looked across at the man he called Tengyun and asked, his eyes flashing with an unusual gleam.
Tengyun was the second-in-command of the Umbrella organization, while the one who had just spoken was the top leader, Konstantin.
As an underground organization, Umbrella's existence was barely known to most, akin to a deep-sea leviathan hidden in the pitch-black depths, creating towering waves every time they emerged.
"Can you swallow this humiliation?"
Noticing Konstantin's gaze, Tengyun seemed to guess what he was thinking, furrowed his brows, and replied with some bewilderment.
"You tell me what you think first."
Konstantin gestured with his hand for Tengyun to express his thoughts on Asura first.
"What else is there to say? He's strong, he's arrogant. First, he wiped out Yun Ci, then the Fang Guild. This young man has the same spirit we had in our youth!"
Tengyun first expressed annoyance, but later, his tone gradually took on a note of admiration.
Considering the deeds of Asura, alias Ning Fan, it must be said that he has become a legendary figure; this made Tengyun, a man who had been behind the scenes for many years, feel as if he was witnessing the old saying "the new waves push forward the old" in action.
Once young and impetuous himself, Tengyun had also reveled in life with a devil-may-care attitude, which made him both love and hate Asura.
If only Asura were not an enemy of Mingwang Pavilion, how great it would have been if he were one of their own.
"Wait, could it be that you've taken an interest in this Asura?"
Tengyun suddenly realized something and couldn't help exclaiming out loud.
Konstantin just smiled and nodded; he indeed harbored such a thought.
"I'm not optimistic. This young man has his own ideas, do you think he is the kind of person who is content to be under someone else's thumb? He's difficult to control and certainly not the sort to willingly be manipulated!"
Teng Yun Geshang seriously said to Konstantin, honestly, he didn't think much of Konstantin's ideas.
Having seen the intelligence report on Ning Fan, Teng Yun Geshang also had some understanding of Ning Fan's character; he was both rigid and adaptable, an ambitious man as well.
The reason Ning Fan was described as 'rigid and adaptable' was that his attitude towards friends and enemies was at two extremes: cold and ruthless towards enemies but comprehensive and thoughtful towards friends.
As for being ambitious, Teng Yun Geshang believed that this man, who had nearly no history for a period of time and then suddenly appeared, starting from scratch to establish the Phantom Guild, must have some ulterior motive. He didn't believe Ning Fan lacked ambitions.
Teng Yun Geshang thought that Ning Fan was not easy to control and was certainly not someone who would be content with being controlled.
"It's good that young people have their own ideas. We at Umbrella need such people, and as you also know, things are not like they used to be. If we don't bring in new blood, how long can the two of us keep it going by just struggling along?"
Unlike Teng Yun Geshang, Konstantin held a different opinion.
And he made a point that precisely hit on what Teng Yun Geshang had always been worried about.
The Umbrella was no longer the deep-sea leviathan it once was. Now it had started to decline. The two had been scouring for talents in hopes of reviving and even expanding Umbrella and prolong its existence.
Just at this time, Asura entered their line of sight, and Konstantin took a fancy to Ning Fan, considering the possibility of recruiting him.
Teng Yun Geshang pursed his lips, neither objecting nor agreeing, but he knew Konstantin well enough to know that he would stick to his idea.
"Let's decide on this. Meet this Asura and see if we can recruit him. If he is willing, we'll leave it at that; if not, you can do as you please."
Konstantin squinted, and as he spoke his final words, a strong aura burst forth from him.
Teng Yun Geshang nodded, "If that's the case, then let me handle this matter. I'm quite curious about this young man, too."
"Heh, I'll leave it to you, then."
Looking at the two men, it seemed they did not consider Ning Fan a threat, but he could be a potential threat—just not one of great concern to them.
After all, a thin camel is still bigger than a horse. Although Umbrella is not as prominent as it was at its peak, it's still not to be taken lightly. If they wish, taking down an organization like the Fang Guild would be just a matter of speaking the word.
After deciding on this matter, Teng Yun Geshang left the Umbrella headquarters.
"Prepare a flight to London for me, the sooner the better."
According to Teng Yun Geshang's knowledge, Ning Fan and Chen Fengnan were no longer in England; they were temporarily staying in London. Teng Yun Geshang planned to find him personally.
When he said he was interested in Ning Fan, Teng Yun Geshang wasn't merely speaking casually; he was serious and looked forward to Ning Fan bringing him some surprises.
"Phantom Asura, I hope you won't disappoint me."
Teng Yun Geshang looked towards the direction of London, his mouth curled up at the corner, his smile laden with meaning.