Although Chen Fan did not do much in the subsequent events, his mere presence here was like an anchor.
Without him, would Tie Wu and the others have been so obedient?
Or, in this city of Wen Lan, were there really people who wished to see the Wemos family rise again?
Old Tie Wu, a man of great ambition but little talent, was someone everyone was happy to see in charge of the Wemos family.
But Ashidai was different. Despite her young age, she had learned much from old Wemos since childhood, almost inheriting his true teachings. Moreover, this girl had been intelligent since she was young.
If she were to control the Wemos family, even if she were not as capable as old Wemos, she would not be far off.
Many people wished for the Wemos family to fall.
However, Chen Fan was here.
A mysterious Easterner, whose depth could not be fathomed, dispelled everyone's thoughts.
Ashidai's expression remained respectful, and she bowed, saying, "For Ashidai to regain control of the Wemos family, sir's contribution is immense. From now on, whatever you command, the Wemos family will fulfill it to the death."
"Good."
Chen Fan nodded.
He did not ask about the fate of Old Tie Wu and the others.
They were not good people to begin with; death was their only end.
"I need you to collect all information about the Angelic Holy Assembly for me," Chen Fan said.
"Yes."
Ashidai noted it down. "Anything else?"
"That's all for now."
"Oh, right."
Ashidai seemed to recall something. "Sir, the Cardinals and others have not left, including those from the Skull Society. They are still lingering in Wen Lan City. Other factions are also keeping an eye on the Wemos family."
"Don't worry."
Chen Fan reassured Ashidai. "Just focus on your tasks. Leave these matters to me."
"Yes."
Ashidai was relieved.
...
As night fell.
Wen Lan City was still brightly lit.
With its developed economic system, the nights in Wen Lan City were almost indistinguishable from the days.
The bustling city had no less foot traffic than during the day.
However, where there is light, there is darkness, existing in tandem.
In the darkness...
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh."
A figure darted through the darkness with extreme speed, as if blending into the shadows, approaching the Wemos manor.
The manor's guards did not notice the presence in the shadows at all, allowing the intruder to flow into the Wemos manor like water.
"Go and rest."
Chen Fan said to the servant in the room.
"Yes."
The servant left the room, closing the door softly.
Chen Fan remained still. After a long pause, he spoke, "Friend, since you are here, why not show yourself?"
"..."
Silence, cold and bleak.
"Do you want me to force you out?"
Red wine flowed like blood in the glass. "Entering uninvited is theft. If I have to force you out, the nature of the matter changes."
"..."
"Fine."
This visitor was not friendly.
If they were friendly, they would have shown themselves by now, given what he had said.
"Swish!"
The red wine flowed and leaped from the wine glass.
A snake of blood-red wine shot out, aiming for a corner of the room.
This strike was accompanied by a piercing whistling sound.
The shadow flowed like water, a hand reached out, caught the little snake, and crushed it.
"How did you discover me?" a cold, sinister voice asked.
"Heh."
Chen Fan smiled nonchalantly, not answering.
As for how he discovered them, well... could they fathom his true capabilities?
He had to admit, the intruder's stealth technique was extremely powerful. If not for the warning from the Dragon Mark Compass, even Chen Fan would not have detected them.
"Your Excellency, are you from the Skull Society?" Chen Fan asked.
"..."
Silence meant tacit consent.
Indeed, Chen Fan realized with a start that things would not pass so easily.
His appearance had disrupted the Skull Society's plans.
As the largest power beneath the Dark Church, how could they swallow such a loss without a sound?
"So, you are here to kill me?" Chen Fan asked.
"Heh heh, offending the Skull Society, you should have expected this day," the shadow spoke.
"Mm."
Chen Fan acknowledged the other party's statement, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. "They underestimated me. They sent only one person to kill me."
"One is enough."
The hidden figure was extremely confident. "You are strong, I cannot see your depths, but... I am enough. I, this King, am enough."
"Is that so?"
With his rhetorical question, the conversation stalled.
"Buzz."
Instantly, the shadows began to spread.
The entire room plunged into darkness, devoid of any light.
Killing intent permeated everywhere.
Darkness was the enemy's domain.
Not a single sound, yet an endless stream of killing intent.
"Chhh chhh chhh."
Killing blows struck, landing on Chen Fan.
He stood as unmoving as a mountain.
Chen Fan closed his eyes, quietly listening to and enduring the attacks from all directions.
Flames erupted, dispelling the darkness.
Chen Fan opened his eyes, his gaze like a god's, piercing all things.
The shadows burned and twisted, and the shadows also devoured the darkness.
This was an arduous battle.
In the confined space, invisible attacks stirred up a tempest.
"Ch."
A shadow as fine as a hair pierced through the flames, landing on Chen Fan's wrist.
A drop of blood seeped out.
"You are strong."
The shadow's voice became grave. "However, you cannot find me, nor can you escape my domain of darkness. How long can you last? Death... is your ultimate destination."
"So confident?" Chen Fan smiled, a cold smile.