43: Section 43

Qing Yuan's expression was respectful; her life was given by the Xiao Family. If not for the Xiao Family, she would have died long ago.

No matter what punishment Xiao Fan proposed, even if it was her life, she would not hesitate.

Xiao Fan was about to speak, but someone behind him was displeased.

"Commander Qing, our assembly speed was already very fast. This isn't our fault, so why should you be punished?"

A tall, thin man, about thirty years old, stepped forward to retort.

"Lan Tu, shut your mouth! And kneel down to apologize to Young Master!"

Qing Yuan snapped sharply.

"What 'Young Master' nonsense? Does he really think he can just pick up a feather and act like an imperial decree? I, Lan Tu, started martial arts at three and broke through to Grandmaster Realm before thirty.

Am I supposed to take orders from this young brat?"

Lan Tu looked at Xiao Fan with disdain. In his opinion, Xiao Fan was nitpicking and trying to scheme against Qing Yuan.

Qing Yuan was the woman Lan Tu had his eyes on.

"Clap, clap, clap."

Xiao Fan clapped his hands.

"I've long heard that the War Department is the Xiao Family's sharpest blade. I didn't expect this blade to now want to kill its master."

"You... don't talk nonsense..."

With Xiao Fan's heavy accusation, even Lan Tu panicked a little.

If this accusation were proven true, what awaited him would be the Xiao Family's endless pursuit.

Lan Tu didn't believe that a Grandmaster like himself could escape the Xiao Family's pursuit unscathed.

"I just think you shouldn't punish Commander Qing Yuan."

"Oh? Then tell me, what should I do?"

Xiao Fan's expression turned cold. When did subordinates dare to teach their master how to do things?

As he spoke, he had already sentenced Lan Tu to death in his heart.

"Naturally, there should be no punishment. Everyone diligently works for the Xiao Family, yet you reward no merit and punish without fault. How can you command respect?"

Lan Tu spoke loudly, trying to see affirmation from the rest of the War Department.

However, he was disappointed. No matter who it was, their eyes showed incomprehension and pity.

These people were orphans from a young age. From the moment they entered the War Department, they were instilled with the belief of lifelong loyalty to the Xiao Family.

Seeing Lan Tu speak ill of Xiao Fan, not a single person would stand up and speak for him.

"Lan Tu, aren't you going to kneel and apologize to Young Master? Perhaps Young Master might be merciful and spare your life."

Qing Yuan reprimanded him.

Although she also felt that Lan Tu was in the wrong, he was, after all, her subordinate.

She didn't want Lan Tu to die here today.

However, good advice often falls on deaf ears for those doomed.

Seeing Qing Yuan say this, Lan Tu's anger burned even fiercer.

"What crime have I committed! Haven't I just stood up for Commander Qing?"

Seeing that Lan Tu was still unrepentant, Qing Yuan shook her head helplessly.

"My Xiao Family raised you, fed you, clothed you, and provided you with Cultivation Methods for your training.

Is this how you repay the Xiao Family?"

"Qing Yuan, do it."

Xiao Fan's tone was indifferent. His mood was already a bit sour from not intercepting Lin Yan today.

Now, with Lan Tu causing trouble, his last bit of patience was gone.

"Yes!"

Qing Yuan, holding a short blade, attacked Lan Tu.

Unexpectedly, Lan Tu ignored her and instead charged at Xiao Fan.

He knew that there was no turning back from today's events.

At the same time, he hated Xiao Fan to the core. With Xiao Fan so close to him now,

as long as he could seize Xiao Fan, he still had a chance to escape unscathed.

Against Qing Yuan's blade, Lan Tu merely activated his protective qi to defend with all his might.

"Lan Tu, what are you doing!"

Seeing Lan Tu charge at Xiao Fan, the members of the War Department panicked.

They all rushed towards Lan Tu, wanting to stop him.

They never imagined that Lan Tu would be so audacious.

The blade directly cut a deep, bone-visible wound on Lan Tu's back.

Lan Tu, however, ignored it, using the impact of the blade to accelerate his rush towards Xiao Fan.

As he got closer and closer to Xiao Fan, a trace of relief flashed in Lan Tu's eyes.

So what if you're the Young Master of the Xiao Family?

Looking at the frenzied Lan Tu, Xiao Fan shook his head helplessly.

Does any random cat or dog think they can bully him?

Facing Lan Tu's right-hand grab, Xiao Fan directly activated his qi and punched out.

Pale blue qi enveloped his entire fist.

Fist and palm met, causing ripples in the air.

"Ah!!! My hand, my hand..."

Lan Tu wailed incessantly. Everyone looked over to see that his entire arm had been violently shattered, flesh and blood gone.

Only stark white bone remained.

It was only then that the War Department members realized that this Young Master, besides being handsome, also possessed such formidable strength.

The next moment, Qing Yuan brandished her short blade and directly slit Lan Tu's throat.

"Qing Yuan was ineffective in managing her subordinates. I ask Young Master for punishment!"

Xiao Fan waved his hand, "This matter can't be entirely blamed on you. After all, there are always a few traitors in any team."

"I need to go out for a while. Finding Lin Yan's whereabouts will be up to you.

Remember, after finding him, you are not allowed to act without authorization. You must wait for me to arrive.

Also, this operation is only for experts at or above the intermediate Grandmaster Realm."

If their strength was insufficient, they would likely just be delivering themselves to Lin Yan.

Xiao Fan planned to set off now to acquire the treasure from the Xiao Family ancestor's secret realm.

The Heaven-rank Cultivation Method within the secret realm could very likely allow him to break through to the Grandmaster Realm.

As for Lin Yan, the monk can run, but the temple can't. Xiao Fan wasn't too worried.

What truly made Xiao Fan somewhat wary was Su Yuan. Compared to him, Lin Yan was practically a beginner-level bonus monster.

"Issue a city-wide warrant for Lin Yan, blockade all exits, and absolutely do not let him escape."

Chapter 39: Setting Off for Treasure

"Yes!"

Upon receiving the order, Qing Yuan immediately took the War Department personnel and began to act.

"Uncle Zhou, drive to the Tang Family."

Xiao Fan took out his phone and dialed Uncle Zhou's number. The secret realm was in Qingfeng Mountain, Yuanjiang City, several hundred kilometers away, so he naturally couldn't walk there.

"Hello, Yinyin, have you missed me?"

"Mmm~ Just a little bit."

Mu Yinyin's soft, sweet voice came from the other end of the line.

"I'm going out. Do you want to come with me?"

"Okay... Where are you?"

Mu Yinyin was a little surprised. Ever since that incident,

her parents' attitude towards her had completely changed.