The communication jade talisman had communicated to Chen Fan a message that made his expression darken.
“It’s a message from Father. The clan is facing a crisis. Our clan members were assassinated...”
A chilling light flashed across Chen Fan’s eyes, as it was an unexpected attack. Chen Zhengqing investigated the matter but failed to find anything substantial.
A few days ago, some assassins had sneaked into the Chen Clan mansion and killed three Yuanfu realm elders publicly. They even succeeded in injuring his grandfather, Chen Tianxiong.
What’s happening? Why did our people suddenly face mysterious assassinations? Is it because my clan is now as strong as some third-rate clans from the imperial city?
Chen Fan’s eyes flickered, his mind working frantically and coming up with a billion different reasons.
Looks like I need to make a trip back home and settle this matter. Otherwise, Father, Grandfather, and everyone else will be in danger.
Cold murderous qi surged in Chen Fan’s eyes, determined to uncover the instigator.
He shot into the skies like lightning, flying out of the Spring Autumn Sect and heading toward Watermoon City.
His clan would suffer even more casualties if he delayed his visit, so he had to settle this matter as soon as possible.
The Chen Clan had suffered heavy losses, losing three Yuanfu realm experts, and even Chen Tianxiong had suffered heavy injuries. Had Chen Zhengqing not appeared in the nick of time, he would have fallen as well.
“You people dare to ambush my family? You’d better pray that I don’t find you, or I’ll make you regret ever being born into this world!”
The cold light in Chen Fan’s eyes almost gained substance. His icy killing intent swept across heaven and earth.
People rarely used this road. Surrounded by mountains, one wouldn’t even find a village if they looked around. Occasionally, the eerie cries of tigers and wolves reverberated through the deep valleys.
Woo, woo, woo. The mountain wind blew, sounding mournful.
On his journey back to Watermoon City, Chen Fan streaked through the air, leaving thunderous echoes in his wake. Suddenly, he stopped, looking ahead with a grim gaze.
There, blocking his path, stood a figure cloaked in black robes, their face concealed by a chilling iron mask.
“Little beast, I've been expecting you!”
Even with the mask, Chen Fan could confirm that he was a great expert, exuding a dangerous aura.
"You've been waiting for me?" Chen Fan retorted icily, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“Hehe, of course. I have been waiting to usher you to hell!” The black-robed masked man laughed sinisterly, his killing intent surging.
Sensing the icy killing intent, Chen Fan’s pupils shrank, and he said with a low voice, “Who exactly are you? Show your face, if you dare. Why even employ such theatrics? Because I know you?”
Chen Fan's mind raced, attempting to determine their identity. While many wanted him dead, few had the ability to do so now.
A thought flashed across Chen Fan’s mind. Is he a demonic cultivator?
In the Myriad Deaths Mountains, he had massacred every demonic cultivator he had encountered, including Yin Yang Scholar and even Daoist Corpse Spirit, spoiling their plan.
Moreover, spies from the demonic path lurked within the Spring Autumn Sect, undoubtedly aware that he was responsible for the deaths in the Myriad Deaths Mountains. Therefore, it was only logical that they wanted to kill him.
Or perhaps Duan Jingtian sent him.
An icy light flashed in Chen Fan’s eyes.
Many of the sect's grand elders were on Duan Jingtian’s side. Now that Chen Fan had risen to power and had the strength to threaten Duan Jingtian, it was also reasonable that he wanted to get rid of Chen Fan.
Suddenly, a realization struck Chen Fan.
Not right! The clan is suddenly facing a crisis and someone intercepted me on the way there. These two matters are connected.
When I’m cultivating in the sect, neither the demonic cultivators nor Duan Jingtian can act against me. They can attack me only after luring me outside. And my clan is the best way to lure me out...
His current chain of thoughts explained everything from the assassination to this interception.
“Hoho, of course, I know you. Why else would I risk intercepting you here?” said the black-robed masked man with a cold laugh.
Chen Fan said icily, “Many people want me dead, but few possess the means and confidence to fight me. Tell me, are you a demonic cultivator, or do you serve Duan Jingtian?”
The black-robed man’s pupils shrank immediately. Chen Fan caught his little reaction and concluded that his assumption was correct.
“A dead man doesn’t need to know so much!” said the black-robed masked man coldly.
Chen Fan’s lips drew back into a faint smile, and he said, “I already have a rough idea, though. A demonic cultivator wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble and worn a mask. So, it’s highly likely Duan Jingtian sent you.
“Those sent by him would have a reason to wear a mask. After all, if they failed to kill me, their life would be in danger if I saw your face and spread word of it.
“However, with a mask, even if I figure out your identity and report you to the sect, you can just say that I am trying to slander you. Am I right, Merit Elder?”
The black-robed man’s pupils shrank to the size of a pin.
I knew it. Chen Fan smiled coldly inside.
“No need to talk so much, you little beast. Just keep guessing; it won’t change the fact that you’ll die today!” The merit elder would naturally not admit it.
“Hahahaha, you don’t have to admit it, Merit Elder. You want to kill me? That’s funny because I want to kill you!” Chen Fan laughed out loud. His laughter was cold, and his tone filled with icy killing intent. “I wanted to settle scores with you after dealing with Duan Jingtian; since you have walked to death’s doorstep, I will fulfill your wish and push you in.”
“Hmph, your arrogance really knows no bounds, little beast. Did your past feats give you the delusion that you are invincible? Allow me to break such delusions!” His qi surged violently, and he shot forth ferociously like a cannonball. He was before Chen Fan in the blink of an eye.
He attacked with his palm, swift as the wind and fierce as thunder. Power surged in his palms, filled with thunderous rage.