Qing Yi frowned and said, "You know that fragment was left to me by my father!"
"I know."
Jing Wusheng said, "That's why we have to fulfill his wish. If your father were here, knowing his identity and what he has done, he would only support him."
"Oh?" Qing Yi looked at Chen Fan and asked, "What is his identity?"
"The Undefeated Heavenly King," Jing Wusheng replied. "The Battle of Jue Mo, which repelled the enemy from encroaching on our borders and stabilized the empire for thousands of miles. He is Chen Tianjiao."
Qing Yi seemed somewhat surprised. "The Undefeated War God, not staying in the army, but coming to seek the Dragon Patterned Compass?"
"Let's fulfill his wish," Jing Wusheng said. "The current situation is a bit complicated. If he doesn't act, I will have to. You wouldn't want this old body of mine to engage in fighting and killing, nor be bothered by all sorts of trivial matters, would you?"
Qing Yi still hesitated.
"With these youngsters handling things, someone like me can have more peace of mind. Don't you think so?"
"Besides, he has shown great sincerity. After he deals with those trivial matters, he will hand over all the Dragon Patterned Compasses he possesses to you, allowing you to study them for a while, right?"
It was clear that Jing Wusheng had overheard the conversation between Chen Fan and Qing Yi in the front courtyard earlier.
This was astonishing, as the distance between the front and back courtyards was no less than thirty meters, with buildings in between, yet Jing Wusheng could still hear clearly.
"Fine, for your sake, I'll wait a moment. I'll go get it."
Qing Yi said, and turned to retrieve the item.
Chen Fan's heart couldn't help but feel pleased.
To obtain the sixth Dragon Patterned Compass fragment was undoubtedly worth the trip.
"Actually, Chen Tianjiao, Qing Yi is worried that you won't be able to keep these Dragon Patterned Compasses, and they will end up benefiting strangers."
Jing Wusheng chuckled. "The closer you get to collecting all the fragments, the more you need to be wary of the 'Sanren' (the recluse). His scheme has been decades in the making, and he will surely appear."
"I suspect it has something to do with who holds the Dragon Patterned Compass. He wants to use your hand to merge the fragments into one, and to achieve some goal through you."
Chen Fan nodded. "This junior understands. Thank you, senior, for your fulfillment!"
"You don't need to thank me."
Jing Wusheng said, "I am already old and frail, and my time is drawing near. This country, this era, will ultimately be in the hands of you young people."
"People like you carry many burdens, and some people disregard what you bear, leaving your passion unfulfilled."
"But there will always be people, like Xiao Wang, like me, who will offer you support, so that your hearts don't grow cold, and you don't have to walk alone!"
He said leisurely, "Under normal circumstances, it is not convenient for me to act. But if the situation truly necessitates it, I, Jing Renkuang, will not hesitate to put my life on the line!"
Chen Fan's heart grew solemn. "I will do my utmost and not disturb you to the point where you need to act!"
"That would be for the best."
Jing Wusheng nodded.
As they spoke, Qing Yi returned, holding an ancient wooden box, which she placed on the table.
She looked at Chen Fan and said, "Chen Tianjiao, remember what you said. In a while, hand over all your fragments to me, and let me study them for a period."
"Senior, rest assured, I will not go back on my word!"
Chen Fan stood up and agreed.
If it were anyone else, he might have been uneasy, but with Jing Wusheng present, he had nothing to worry about.
He also didn't fear that Qing Yi would keep all the Dragon Patterned Compass fragments for herself. A senior, a guardian of the nation's spirit, should not be doubted.
Some people, unknown to the world, have shed blood and sweat for their country.
He and Jing Wusheng were of the same kind.
Taking the wooden box, Chen Fan didn't need to open it to sense the aura within. He then stood up to take his leave.
Jing Wusheng did not try to keep him, nor did he see him off. He merely said, "Go. If you ever find yourself unable to bear it, there will always be someone like you, fearless of death, who will help you!"
Chen Fan bowed and, along with Jun Ruowang, walked out of the small courtyard.
His heart was filled with many emotions.
With unwavering loyalty to the country, he was not alone.
From the Dragon Head to the old man, from Jun Ruowang to Jing Wusheng.
And also Xiang Jingzhu, Han Jing, and those iron-blooded soldiers who stood behind him, ready to charge at his command...
It was precisely because of the many people he knew and didn't know, who wanted to make the world a better place and acted without hesitation!
Back in the car, Jun Ruowang said, "I've pestered Qing Yi so many times, I never expected you to succeed on your first try!"
"It's mainly because of Jing Wusheng, isn't it?" Da Feng Xiao Shuo Wang
Chen Fan chuckled. "Let's drive."
"Does obtaining this item have such a significant effect on you?"
Perhaps due to their growing familiarity, Jun Ruowang no longer concealed his curiosity.
"As you just heard, the Dragon Patterned Compass fragment contains a mysterious power that benefits me."
Jun Ruowang couldn't help himself and asked, "How much benefit is there? Is it convenient to tell me?"
"It's hard to say."
Chen Fan replied, "It's hard to say, and it's only useful to specific people. Even if others obtain the complete Dragon Patterned Compass, it will be useless to them."
This was something he was certain of. Otherwise, with the fragments scattered among so many people, not everyone would be able to utilize them properly.
Currently, he knew of only three people, including himself, who could utilize this item: himself, Gongsun Zheng, and this Qing Yi.
As for others, including Su Yingxia, they had merely handled the fragments.
Jun Ruowang then stopped asking.
By the time the car brought Chen Fan back to the Iron Blood Camp, it was already noon.
"Tianjiao, if you need anything, feel free to call me. You don't have to carry everything alone."
Seeing Chen Fan about to get out of the car, Jun Ruowang grabbed his arm and said with a sincere expression, "Putting you in charge of Operation Dawn is to support you, not to pressure you."
Chen Fan looked deeply at Jun Ruowang. "Don't be so sentimental. If I need to, I will absolutely not hesitate to ask."
Jun Ruowang then let go. "Then I'll wait for your good news."
After getting out of the car, Chen Fan did not linger at the Iron Blood Camp and drove straight home.
Upon returning to his residence, he took out the other Dragon Patterned Compass fragments.
This particular fragment was undoubtedly crucial, perfectly connecting a single piece.
Thus, these six fragments could be joined into a whole.
Chen Fan, familiar with the process, sat down cross-legged, cradling the compass, which was only one-third incomplete, in his hands. He began to channel the mysterious power within his body.
This went on for a long time.
When Chen Fan opened his eyes again, a look of joy appeared in them.
He had gained a great deal this time.
Noticing that it was getting late, he put away the incomplete compass and drove out again.
Before he even reached the company, he received a call from Wu Chaoyang, informing him that the car to pick him up had arrived at the Long Teng branch, and giving him the license plate number.
Chen Fan acknowledged and unhurriedly made his way to the Long Teng branch parking lot.
A Bentley was waiting there with its hazard lights on.