Chen Yang and He Xiran leave the corporate building to secure Liuhe Village. They visit He Xiran's desolate family villa, where she reminisces about her parents' murder and retrieves a mysterious wooden box. As they depart, Chen Yang discovers they are being tracked. He confronts the pursuers, two ordinary men sent by President Yi to report their location.
"It appears the situation is more complex than it seems," Chen Yang mused, his brows knitted in thought. Initially, he perceived no issues with Yi Dingxiang, especially given the strong trust Uncle Chen Tianmin and others placed in him. However, the suspicious actions of the two individuals trailing them earlier put Chen Yang on high alert, hinting at deeper complications. He remained uncertain of Yi Dingxiang's true motives. Why were these individuals tailing him? Was it a lack of trust in his identity, or were there ulterior motives at play? If it was distrust, there were numerous other methods of verification available, unlike this approach. But if other intentions were involved, why allow him and He Xiran to depart? Perplexed, Chen Yang couldn't decipher the exact circumstances. Unable to find answers, he didn't linger on the matter and promptly returned to the car.
"Chen Yang, you're back," He Xiran inquired with concern the moment he re-entered the vehicle. "So, were you followed?"
"Yes, I handled them. They were sent by Yi Dingxiang," Chen Yang replied.
"What?!" He Xiran exclaimed, astonished. "How is that possible? Why would Mr. Yi send people to follow us? Does he not trust us?"
"If it were merely distrust, that would be a straightforward issue to address. I am concerned about the alternative," Chen Yang stated with gravity.
He Xiran, being perceptive, immediately grasped Chen Yang's underlying meaning, which left her even more shocked. Yi Dingxiang had presented a thoroughly dependable image. How could he possibly be involved in such subterfuge? After all, he was the sworn brother of the former Alliance Hierarch, and his grief upon hearing of the hierarch's demise had seemed utterly genuine. Furthermore, Chen Tianmin placed immense faith in him. Could there truly be something else at play?
"So... should we still go tonight?" He Xiran tentatively asked after a brief silence.
Chen Yang was currently contemplating that very question. Neither proceeding nor abstaining seemed entirely appropriate. Nevertheless, after careful deliberation, he resolved to go and observe the situation firsthand. Firstly, the resources Yi Dingxiang possessed were crucial for the current opposing alliance. Secondly, they could seize this opportunity to ascertain Yi Dingxiang's current standing. If nothing else, he could potentially be utilized to achieve certain objectives within the capital in the future.
"We still need to go, but we must be cautious. If any issues arise, we can manage them," Chen Yang informed He Xiran.
"Okay, alright," He Xiran agreed, nodding. She had no alternative suggestions. Since Chen Yang had decided they would go, then they would go.
...
Subsequently, as nightfall descended, Chen Yang escorted He Xiran to the location previously arranged with Yi Dingxiang: a villa situated on the outskirts of the capital city. Due to its distance from the main city, the surrounding area was devoid of lights, steeped in darkness. However, the villa itself blazed with illumination, resembling a radiant pearl against the inky night.
Upon their arrival at the villa with He Xiran, Chen Yang immediately spotted Yi Dingxiang emerging from within. Several bodyguards clad in black accompanied him. Even from a distance, Chen Yang could discern that these individuals were no ordinary men; they possessed at least Qi Refinement cultivation.
"Mr. Yi," He Xiran greeted him first upon seeing Yi Dingxiang.
"Haha, you've arrived. The items are inside; would you like to come in and take a look?" Yi Dingxiang inquired with a natural smile.
At this moment, Chen Yang also alighted from the car. He surveyed his surroundings but detected no immediate anomalies.
"Let's go inside and have a look; the transport vehicle hasn't arrived yet anyway," Chen Yang suggested.
"Very well, please come inside," Yi Dingxiang said warmly, ushering them into the villa.
The villa's interior was opulently adorned, reminiscent of a palace. Upon entering, Yi Dingxiang promptly led Chen Yang and He Xiran to the second floor. Within several rooms on this level, Chen Yang observed the items Chen Tianmin had requested: hundreds of Spirit Stones, various cultivation resources, and medicinal herbs. It was an immense fortune.
"In addition to these, there are also five billion yuan. Carrying cash is inconvenient, so I've placed it all on this bank card for you to take," Yi Dingxiang stated, withdrawing a bank card from his designer suit's pocket and presenting it to Chen Yang.
"Alright," Chen Yang accepted the bank card without hesitation.
Just as Chen Yang was beginning to let his guard down, having confirmed the arrangements, he suddenly sensed a significant concentration of cultivator energies surrounding the villa. The villa was encircled!
Chen Yang immediately turned his gaze towards Yi Dingxiang.
"Hmm? What is it? Is there a problem?" Yi Dingxiang's expression remained nonchalant, feigning confusion at Chen Yang's intense stare.
Chen Yang fixed his gaze upon him. "You summoned the Blood Bat Hall."
Yi Dingxiang feigned ignorance, offering a smile and stating, "Whatever are you implying? I haven't the faintest idea."
With his words, he subtly retreated, ensuring a deliberate gap remained between himself and Chen Yang.
"What is it, Chen Yang? Are members of the Blood Bat Hall present?" He Xiran inquired, her voice laced with unease as she moved closer.
"Indeed, we are completely encircled," Chen Yang confirmed.
A wave of shock washed over He Xiran, and her attention immediately shifted to Yi Dingxiang.
Despite having steeled themselves for potential dangers beforehand, the reality of their predicament proved difficult to truly grasp.
"Mr. Yi! How could you possibly do this? You shared such a close bond with the former Alliance Hierarch! To betray him like this!!" He Xiran, with her sharp intellect, swiftly deduced the treacherous turn of events.
