489: Chapter 489 That Man's Terrifying Strength

As soon as these words were spoken, Professor Ye Zhiren's body suddenly trembled.

That refined face could no longer maintain its calm expression, and a brilliance never seen before burst forth from the eyes behind his lenses.

He muttered to himself, as if witnessing some unimaginable miracle:

"You have actually grown to this extent..."

Li Dingjian widened his eyes even further, stuttering speechlessly:

"You mean to say that not only did you deal with Xuanzhen, but you also beat back... that person who wanted to teleport over?"

Having previously followed the professor on operations, he had heard many deeds regarding that mysterious leader, and his heart had long been on high alert, filled with dread.

Hearing abruptly at this moment that his own nephew could actually contend with an existence of that level, he couldn't help but be jaw-dropped.

Fang Cheng did not conceal this, and immediately briefly explained what had happened after he arrived in Tiannan Province.

From accepting the commission from Naihe Bridge to enter the Chen family for investigation, to discovering the secrets within the black building.

And then discussing a plan with Second Young Master Chen Xuan, holding a water-and-land grand ritual to cremate Old Master Chen Hongye's corpse.

Afterwards, Xuanzhen resurrected by borrowing a corpse; Fang Cheng first defeated his Physical Body, then entered the mental Secret Realm and completely destroyed his Domain.

Suspecting that Xuanzhen had left behind a contingency, they tracked the remnant soul and rushed to Haoting Hotel.

In the end, the mysterious leader summoned by Xuanzhen before his death attempted a true-body descent, but Fang Cheng made a move to stop it and destroyed the spatial passage.

After listening to Fang Cheng's narration, both Li Dingjian and Professor Ye Zhiren were stunned on the spot, the look of shock on their faces difficult to fade for a long time.

Fang Cheng's gaze fell upon Professor Ye Zhiren, his eyes calm and profound.

The reason he recounted these matters in such detail was not to show off his own ability.

Rather, it was to dig out more intelligence regarding Utopia and that mysterious leader from the mouth of this person known as the professor.

Professor Ye Zhiren did not continue speaking, as if finding it difficult to digest this fact for a moment.

He merely sat down slowly, the light in his eyes flickering as he fell into deep thought.

The living room suddenly became quiet.

Lin Chuqiao looked at Fang Cheng beside her, then glanced at the silent professor, and amidst her shifting gaze, she thought of something.

Thus, she quietly gave a light cough and turned her head to look at Second Young Master Chen Xuan:

"Young Master Chen, we have some matters to discuss in private. Wonder if you could lend us a place?"

Hearing this, Second Young Master Chen Xuan immediately understood.

He knew that the matters these people were going to discuss probably involved many secrets and were not suitable to be discussed in front of the Chen family members.

He hurriedly made a gesture of invitation, his tone respectful:

"Of course you can. Everyone, please follow me."

Afterwards, he led Fang Cheng and his party through the corridor to a secluded lounge on the west side of the Chen family's grand residence.

This lounge was hidden in location, far away from the main hall and other guest rooms, with a serene surrounding environment where very few people passed by.

Pushing open the door, the indoor furnishings were simple and elegant.

Right in the center stood a mahogany round table, alongside a few carved chairs.

In the corner of the wall was a set of tea utensils, next to which was a pot of verdant asparagus fern, adding a bit of vitality to the room.

Outside the window was the Chen family's back garden. At this moment, the morning light was just right, spilling in through the window and casting mottled light and shadows on the ground.

"Everyone, please sit. Just give instructions if you need anything."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan had the servants serve hot tea, then tactfully retreated and closed the door behind him.

The irrelevant people retreated, leaving only Fang Cheng, Lin Chuqiao, Bailing, Pan Wendi, Li Dingjian, and Professor Ye Zhiren in the living room.

Everyone found their own chairs and sat down one after another.

Out of caution, Li Dingjian reached out to grope and check everywhere in the room.

He even lifted the edge of the tablecloth and carefully inspected the asparagus fern potted plant in the corner.

After confirming that no eavesdropping devices existed, he nodded slightly toward Professor Ye Zhiren to signal.

Fang Cheng also closed his eyes, silently sensing the flow of Qi around him.

The air was filled with a faint tea fragrance, which made one's mind peaceful.

Yet the atmosphere in the room inexplicably became heavy.

Neither of them spoke first.

Outside the window, a few crisp bird calls occasionally came, which instead set off the silence inside the room.

Professor Ye Zhiren raised his head, his gaze falling upon Fang Cheng sitting opposite him.

Then taking a deep breath, he brought up the doubt in his heart straight to the point:

"Fang Cheng, did you inherit some kind of Bloodline ability from your father?"

His tone appeared exceptionally solemn, no longer concealing the secret of his acquaintance with Fang Shijie, and his eyes were full of inquiring intent.

Although back at Miwu Mountain, he had once witnessed with his own eyes Fang Cheng's whole body burning with raging flames, shattering the golden bumpa bottle with a single punch.

But recalling it at this moment, he still felt it was unimaginable.

Fang Cheng did not answer immediately, but simply opened his eyes and looked quietly at Professor Ye Zhiren.

A pair of pupils were as bright as cold stars, seeming capable of piercing through a person's heart.

Professor Ye Zhiren felt somewhat uncomfortable being stared at by this gaze, and subconsciously pushed his glasses.

Lin Chuqiao, Li Dingjian, and others sitting aside also felt an invisible pressure, unable to help exchanging glances and looking slightly constrained.

After a long while, Fang Cheng slowly opened his mouth, his voice low and powerful:

"Professor, I want to know, how exactly did my father die, and who is the murderer?"

Fang Cheng did not directly answer Professor Ye Zhiren's question, but instead used another question as a response.

Hearing this, Professor Ye Zhiren was slightly startled, a trace of a complex expression flashing across his eyes.

He deliberated for a moment, as if weighing something, and then asked a sentence:

"You should have already learned quite a lot of past matters from Xuanzhen, right?"

Fang Cheng nodded slightly, without replying, waiting quietly for him to continue speaking.

Professor Ye Zhiren sighed, his tone carrying a bit of reminiscence and melancholy:

"That's right. Back then, your father, myself, and Xuanzhen were all members of Utopia."

"Seventeen years ago, after the Guangwumen Shooting Incident occurred, Utopia was wanted by the authorities, and the organization completely fell apart. Members were displaced and scattered; some were arrested and imprisoned, some fled abroad, and others... never had any news again."

He paused, a trace of indescribable bitterness emerging in his eyes:

"At that time, my identity was leaked, and I was pursued with all out effort by the Special Investigation Team. In a hurry, I boarded a fishing boat and smuggled myself across to Nanyang."

"During that period, I lived like a stray dog, only caring about fleeing desperately to avoid pursuit and investigation, having simply no time to attend to what happened back in the country."

"Therefore, regarding your father's death, I truly do not know the specific circumstances."

Fang Cheng's brows furrowed slightly, appearing very disappointed:

"Even you don't know?"

Professor Ye Zhiren shook his head, then added:

"After the storm subsided a bit, I secretly inquired about news of other members, and also heard sporadic things about your father."

"Shijie could have stayed out of it originally. It seems that during the Special Investigation Team's rigorous pursuit, in order to cover other companions, he ultimately chose to self-immolate."

Fang Cheng sat upright without speaking, a trace of dim light flashing across his eyes.

These words were much the same as what he had heard from Xuanzhen, failing to provide more valuable clues, and the sense of loss in his heart grew a bit heavier.

"However—"

Professor Ye Zhiren changed the subject, his tone abruptly turning sharp:

"Although I do not know the murderer who directly harmed your father to death, I am clear on who the chief culprit causing all this is!"

Fang Cheng instantly raised his eyes, his gaze sharply locking onto him.

Professor Ye Zhiren pushed his glasses, the lenses flashing a ray of light in the morning light, as if kindling a cold flame:

"Back then, due to internal ideological struggles within the organization, certain people seized the opportunity to usurp power, killed the original leader, and turned around to defect to the authorities, selling out the identities of other members in secret."

"They were disloyal and faithless, their hands stained with the blood of their companions; they are all traitors who deserve to die."

"As long as we find them out one by one and execute them on the spot, we can both seek justice for the dead companions and thoroughly investigate all matters of that year."

Professor Ye Zhiren paused and said in a deep voice:

"Among these traitors, there must be the murderer who killed your father. Perhaps from their mouths, we can ask out the truth regarding your father's case."

Hearing this, Fang Cheng fell silent for a moment, and finally nodded slowly:

"Good. In the future, when you find the whereabouts of these people, you must tell me at the very first instance. I must participate in every operation."

Professor Ye Zhiren took a deep look at him and also nodded in agreement:

"Very well."

"Also, Uncle."

Fang Cheng suddenly turned his head to look at Li Dingjian, who had a constrained expression on the side.

Li Dingjian was holding a tea cup. Hearing Fang Cheng call him, his hand shook slightly, and the tea almost spilled out.

Fang Cheng said with a serious expression:

"In the future, you can no longer risk participating in operations of this sort."

Hearing this, Li Dingjian was startled, then his face flushed red as he stood up excitedly:

"How can that do? This is our family affair. How can I stay out of avenging my brother-in-law?"

Fang Cheng shook his head decisively, his tone calm yet unquestionable:

"The organization we are dealing with has formidable strength and numerous experts inside."

"Although you have special abilities, you lack practical combat experience and combat capability. When encountering danger, you won't even be able to protect yourself, and you'll also distract me."

Li Dingjian was flushed red, opened his mouth to retort, but was momentarily at a loss for words.

He knew what Fang Cheng said was a fact.

Previously following the professor, he had always done intelligence collection and logistical work, and had almost never truly fought against anyone.

Lin Chuqiao gently persuaded from the side:

"Fang Cheng is right. The degree of danger of the organization Utopia far exceeds the past, and one could lose their life with the slightest carelessness."

"Your ability is indeed important, but it can only play a role under the premise of safety. Staying behind to support can instead help even more."

Bailing also nodded repeatedly in agreement:

"That's right, that's right, Crow. Just listen to White Ghost big boss; we're all doing this for your own good."

Looking at everyone's concerned gazes, Li Dingjian had mixed feelings in his heart.

He dejectedly sat back down in his chair and finally sighed:

"Alright... I know."

Seeing him agree, Fang Cheng's tone softened slightly:

"Uncle, if there is a place in the future where your ability is needed, I will contact you at the first instance."

"In the future, you just need to stay in a safe place and provide backup support for us."

Li Dingjian nodded helplessly, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. The tea entered his throat, but he couldn't taste the slightest flavor.

After both sides spoke openly, the suspicions between each other decreased a lot, and the atmosphere instantly became less tense.

Professor Ye Zhiren then spoke of some deeper secrets involving Utopia.

Fang Cheng listened silently, which could be considered preparing to deal with this organization in the future.

"Now, although Xuanzhen is already dead, the threat of Utopia has not been lifted."

Professor Ye Zhiren pushed his glasses, and his tone sank again:

"Instead, because of Xuanzhen's fall and the failure of the organization's plan, it will arouse their vigilance and retaliation."

"Especially that man... He has always held himself in high esteem and does not allow anyone to provoke his majesty."

While speaking, Professor Ye Zhiren looked at Fang Cheng, his gaze full of warning intent:

"Fang Cheng, by preventing that person's true body from descending, you have already been exposed to their line of sight. From now on, you must be exceptionally cautious and careful, pay attention to hiding your own whereabouts, and try your best not to use your abilities in front of outsiders."

Fang Cheng's expression was calm, as if he had long anticipated this result.

He merely nodded slightly without saying much.

However, Lin Chuqiao knitted her delicate brows tightly and asked with a bit of anxiety:

"Professor, don't you possess the ability of the 'Formless Barrier'? You should be able to help Fang Cheng hide his whereabouts."

A bitter smile appeared at the corner of Professor Ye Zhiren's mouth. He reached out to rub his temples, a trace of fatigue flashing in his eyes:

"I can indeed use the 'Formless Barrier' to disrupt the heavenly secrets, shield Karma, and make it impossible for pursuers to find the target through conventional means."

"But facing an enemy of that magnitude, if there is no sufficient preparation and arrangement, I dare not guarantee that I can conceal it from the other party's perception one hundred percent."

He shook his head, his tone appearing even heavier:

"Furthermore, Fang Cheng once fought head-on with that person; his Qi is probably long firmly remembered by the other party."

"Under this circumstance, the effect of the 'Formless Barrier' will be greatly discounted. Using it by force may backfire, and might not even be able to hide the whereabouts of others, potentially exposing everyone."

Fang Cheng suddenly raised his eyelids, looked at Professor Ye Zhiren with a sharp gaze, and spoke in a deep voice:

"What on earth is that person's strength like?"

This was what he cared about the most, and also the most important question.

Hearing this, Professor Ye Zhiren's expression changed slightly, as if he were instantly pulled back into distant and terrifying past events.

After remaining silent for a few seconds, he slowly spoke:

"That person is extremely mysterious. Even when I was in the organization back then, I had only seen him a few times."

"As for his specific strength, I have only heard some rumors from the mouths of other members."

As Professor Ye Zhiren spoke, his gaze drifted outside the window, and his tone grew increasingly low:

"His terrifying strength has long exceeded conventional reasoning. Every gesture he makes carries an oppressive sense. Even an existence like Xuanzhen, who is considered an evil ghost in the eyes of outsiders, is like a mouse seeing a cat when meeting him, not daring to even breathe loudly."

"Once, an S-rank superhuman spoke disrespectfully to him and had his heart crushed from afar on the spot, without even a chance to resist."

"Another time, because his whereabouts leaked, he was besieged in a certain country. Hundreds of SWAT officers and a dozen superhumans joined forces to set up an inescapable net, and even mobilized heavy military firepower such as airplanes and tanks."

Professor Ye Zhiren paused, a bit of chill added to his tone:

"As a result, he calmly walked into the encirclement alone, and in less than ten minutes, made all people and weapons lose their combat effectiveness."

"As someone described afterwards, that scene was just like a Heavenly God descending to the Mortal world in mythology; Mortals were simply unable to contend against it."

Speaking up to here, Professor Ye Zhiren could not help but let a trace of fear emerge in his eyes:

"What's even more terrifying is that some suspect he might have already lived for hundreds of years, or even longer."

"There is an aura transcending time about him, as if he does not belong to this era..."