Chen Fan walked over a hundred meters and rounded a mountain hollow to find Ping Yihong still waiting.
Seeing Chen Fan, he smiled, "Mr. Chen, have you achieved your wish?"
Chen Fan nodded calmly and said, "Barely."
Ping Yihong's expression faltered slightly at this, unsure how to respond, so he led the way in silence.
They returned to the hall, then exited it and followed the path they had come.
After walking for a while, Ping Yihong finally couldn't help but say, "I hope Mr. Chen won't blame me. The testing was actually my old self's idea."
"Oh?"
Chen Fan glanced at him indifferently, offering no comment.
Given Ping Yihong's meticulous nature, it was unlikely the tests originated from him.
Ping Yihong saying this felt more like an explanation and apology for his master.
"Mr. Chen is no ordinary person. After my master confirmed you were searching for the Dragon Pattern Compass, she became extremely curious and interested in you," Ping Yihong continued.
Chen Fan's expression remained indifferent; he couldn't be bothered to reply.
Seeing this, Ping Yihong went on, "The Royal Prince is no ordinary individual. I also know of the Feng family. Feng Qianyuan was hailed as a martial arts prodigy, a once-in-a-century talent, yet he fell by your hand."
Chen Fan's expression was calm as he said, "We're here."
His steps had been quick, and they had now reached the parking spot.
A rather inconspicuous Mercedes-Benz van was parked there.
"I'll drive Mr. Chen back," Ping Yihong said, opening the car door.
"No need," Chen Fan replied calmly. "Tell your master that since she could find out about me, she can find me herself when I've gathered all the fragments. I won't send anyone else to notify her."
Ping Yihong's expression stiffened slightly, then he nodded, "Understood, Mr. Chen."
Chen Fan retrieved his phone and turned to get into the car.
Although he had obtained the fifth compass fragment, he didn't feel much joy.
Nine fragments in total: one in Sakura Country, one in the hands of the lone wolf, one in Su Yuhua's or her backer's possession, and the last one's whereabouts unknown.
Furthermore, there was the possibility of overlap among these three fragments.
The Prophet had already sent people to investigate. The current intelligence indicated that Su Yuhua's backing was extremely powerful and mysterious, not to be underestimated.
There might be a connection between that power and the lone wolf in North America.
Therefore, it was possible that Su Yuhua's fragment was the same one held by the lone wolf.
Of course, this was all speculation, and he would have to verify the final result himself.
The driver pulled out, leaving the rather mysterious area of Fangshan.
Chen Fan dialed Jiang Tiansheng's number.
"Mr. Chen?"
"Prepare to return to Hangjiang," Chen Fan said.
"Did you get the fragment? Good, I'll head back to the hotel and wait for you."
...
Hangjiang.
A long motorcade drove through the streets.
Police cars led the way, and military vehicles escorted them from behind.
In addition, several helicopters hovered in the sky.
Wherever they passed, traffic was controlled, and all vehicles except the motorcade were forbidden to proceed, forced to wait until it passed.
Countless onlookers on both sides of the road stared in astonishment.
"What kind of important figure has come to Hangjiang to warrant such a grand display?"
"My goodness, they've even blocked the roads!"
"The international summit didn't even have this much of a procession!"
...
The citizens of Hangjiang speculated widely.
The motorcade traveled westward and soon arrived outside the old Su family residence.
Everyone in the Su family was stunned.
The Su family had witnessed such scenes a few times before, both good and bad.
For instance, the most recent was a few days ago when Gu Yueqing visited the Su family, and the Gongsun family's motorcade had been quite impressive.
However, compared to this occasion, it seemed like child's play.
After all, helicopters were deployed this time, and not just one.
Old Mrs. Su, who was taking her afternoon nap, reacted with nervousness upon hearing that an outrageously grand motorcade had arrived at the Su family residence.
She shakily got up and, supported by Su Yufang, walked outside.
Before she could reach the entrance, a group of people rushed in.
Leading them was a woman whose true age was indistinguishable, with a graceful figure but an extremely formidable aura.
It seemed that wherever she appeared, she was the most eye-catching and attention-grabbing presence.
Her gaze brought immense pressure, causing the Su family members to involuntarily lower their heads, as if facing a being they could only look up to.
"Where is Su Yingxue?"
The woman, without even glancing at Old Mrs. Su, Mother Su, or the others, asked with a hurried and sharp tone.
Upon hearing that they were looking for Su Yingxue, the Su family members felt a sense of relief, but also a strange disappointment.
Judging by the display and the aura, this woman was clearly no ordinary person. If they could establish a connection, it would undoubtedly benefit the Su family.
Although the Su family had already connected with the Gongsun family, such relationships were never a burden.
It was just a pity that this person was looking for Su Yingxue.
They could only hope that this person was here to cause trouble for Su Yingxue.
At this moment, Father Su stepped forward, forcing down his fear, and asked, "Who... who are you?"
"I'm asking if Su Yingxue is here?"
The woman, however, was impatient and asked with a cold face.
Father Su hesitated, then said, "Su Yingxue is no longer a member of the Su family."
"Hmm?"
The woman frowned and asked, "Where is she?"
Father Su shook his head, "Su Yingxue has no relation with the Su family anymore..."
Before he could finish speaking, with a loud *slap*, he was sent flying.
*Bang!*
Father Su crashed heavily onto the ground and immediately lost consciousness.
"Yuming?" Old Mrs. Su was startled, her body swaying, almost collapsing.
The other members of the Su family also cried out in fear.
Mother Su stared, then screamed as she tried to rush forward, but looking at the domineering and fierce woman, her legs felt weak.
Behind the woman, police officers entered, but they paid no attention to the woman who had committed violence.
"I'll ask again, where is Su Yingxue?"
The woman asked sternly, her icy voice sending chills down their spines.
The Su family members dared not speak.
Su Yuxin, watching her father being knocked unconscious by a single blow, mustered her courage and spoke with trembling fear, "She... she's at Xiangshan Tanfu Villa Number One!"
This woman had arrived with such ferocity and domineering manner, she was likely here to cause trouble for Su Yingxue.
Of course, it was also to prevent the Su family from suffering further undeserved harm.
Having received her answer, the woman cast a cold glance at the Su family members and turned to leave.
They had arrived quickly and left just as fast.
However, they saw that the woman did not get into a car, but instead signaled a helicopter to lower a rope.
As she grabbed the rope, a scene that filled them with horror unfolded.
The woman, holding the rope with one hand, leaped up and nimbly entered the open cabin door of the helicopter.
Such strength and skill, such precision, were impossible for an ordinary person.
Father Su regained consciousness after a long time, and when he opened his mouth, he spat out a mouthful of bloody teeth.