Chapter 157

The next day, Taoyuan Plaza.

As soon as Zhang Fan arrived at the company, he was called into the office by Bai Buhan, where a thick stack of documents lay on the table.

"I give up, I really give up; what exactly are you the reincarnation of?"

Bai Buhan rubbed his temples, one hand pressing down on the thick stack of documents, his eyes bloodshot.

Originally, for a Daoist priest like him with such cultivation, even if he didn't sleep or rest for three days and three nights, he would be full of vigor and vitality; yet after just one night of staying up, he was this haggard, clearly having expended a great deal of mental energy.

Last night, Bai Buhan's phone was almost blown up, with four or five calls from the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance, naturally inquiring about the relationship between Night of No Brightness and Xiao Xiao Xiaole.

Even though Bai Buhan tried his best to clarify that the two only had business dealings, he was still invited to the Daoist Alliance for tea.

By the early hours of the morning, the calls from Profound Heaven Sect had not stopped; after all, Xiao Xiao Xiaole was an industry under the name of Profound Heaven Sect, and now that such a big incident had occurred, involving Zhang Fan from Night of No Brightness, they naturally had to ask for clarity.

"I just don't understand, the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance was making arrests, why did you appear there?"

Bai Buhan covered his face with his hands, feeling as if his head was buzzing and splitting apart.

Ever since Zhang Fan came to Night of No Brightness, Bai Buhan, as the boss, had been frequently called in by relevant departments for tea and talks; he now even had the illusion that something was wrong with his family's ancestral grave, leading to such bad luck.

"If I say I was out for a midnight stroll and got distracted, leading me there, is that explanation reasonable?"

"If you had strolled two more steps, you would have been out of Bai Yujing City!"

Bai Buhan glanced at him sideways and threw the thick stack of documents in front of Zhang Fan with a wave of his hand.

"You've really made a big name for yourself this time; Profound Heaven Sect is even sending people to Shangjing City to attend the briefing meeting at the Daoist Alliance headquarters."

"Ah? Do I have to go?" Zhang Fan was stunned for a moment; he hadn't expected this matter to have such a large impact.

But thinking about it, it made sense; after all, it concerned the 【Three Corpses Primordial Pill】. This thing was a soul-aspect backup left behind by Daoist Three Corpses; although it had no consciousness of its own, once combined with a human soul-aspect, it had the possibility of reviving and transforming.

Zhang Fan's thoughts raced; he would have to go to Shangjing City sooner or later, but not now, and certainly not in this way...

One must know that he had a pile of secrets on him, the least able to withstand investigation; if they found something wrong...

Zhang Fan's affairs, if not weighed, don't amount to four liang, but once put on the scale, a thousand jin wouldn't hold them down.

With his family background, whether it was his mom or dad, either one pulled out alone would cause a world-shaking disturbance, not to mention he himself had many unspeakable secrets.

"You don't have to go for now." Bai Buhan looked at Zhang Fan with deep meaning.

Profound Heaven Sect was protecting Zhang Fan very well.

Bai Buhan obtained information through special channels that they had already communicated with the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance, deliberately downplaying Zhang Fan's existence and role, only speaking of the problems with Xiao Xiao Xiaole and Meng Meng Qingtong.

Regarding this, Bai Buhan didn't know if Profound Heaven Sect was protecting Zhang Fan like this because he had fused with the Profound Heaven Jade Tablet, or if there were other reasons.

"That's good."

Zhang Fan breathed a sigh of relief; he was originally just acting out of righteousness, and if he had to go to Shangjing City because of this, it would truly be an unprovoked disaster.

"By the way, if you have nothing to do this morning, go to the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance."

Bai Buhan stared at Zhang Fan, and with one sentence, he pulled his thoughts back.

"Is there anything else?" Zhang Fan's expression tightened slightly.

These days, it was better for him to keep a low profile and show his face less, especially that place, the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance; he would rather not go if he could avoid it.

"Meng Meng Qingtong caused such a big mess, he can't continue as the director," Bai Buhan said indifferently.

"The intention of Profound Heaven Sect is for you to concurrently serve as the director."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhang Fan was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes lit up.

He had heard from Liu Liu Xingyu that Xiao Xiao Xiaole Funeral Home paid over 30 million in taxes alone every year; where else could you burn dead people and make so much money? If he were made the director...

"That's not right..." Zhang Fan raised an eyebrow and quickly realized the problem.

"Xiao Xiao Xiaole had such a big incident, can it still stay open?"

Last night, Xiao Xiao Xiaole Funeral Home was sealed by the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance; looking at the situation, it probably wouldn't be able to open for a while.

"Of course it can't stay open; it's currently suspended for rectification, but the employees in the funeral home are still there, and they are under your management," Bai Buhan said indifferently.

"I was wondering what kind of good thing could fall on my head," Zhang Fan squinted, feeling somewhat speechless.

The employees of Xiao Xiao Xiaole, wouldn't that just be...

"Those two Liu brothers?" Zhang Fan said with a strange expression.

He had a deep impression of the two brothers, Liu Liu Xingyu and Liu Liu Xingchui; that day at Xiao Xiao Xiaole, they were the first to strike at Meng Meng Qingtong, and although they claimed to be upholding justice and assisting the Daoist Alliance, a large part of the reason was to clear their own names.

Just this cleverness alone counted as talent.

Besides that, the cultivation of these two brothers was not weak; both practiced Daoist fire techniques, and Liu Liu Xingyu's 【Jianggong Li Huo】 and Liu Liu Xingchui's 【One-Inch Ding Fire】 were both considered to have received the true teachings of Profound Heaven Sect.

"These two brothers have strong talent; they were originally down the mountain for two years of training to temper their character, and they were to be well-cultivated upon returning."

Bai Buhan pointed to the documents in Zhang Fan's hand, and after opening them, the information on Liu Liu Xingyu and Liu Liu Xingchui came into view.

"Now that such a thing has happened, they can't return to Profound Heaven Sect for the time being."

"Do they have any problems?" Zhang Fan looked at the information in his hand and asked casually.

"As of now, there don't seem to be any problems," Bai Buhan said in a deep voice.

Last night, the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance interrogated these two brothers all night, even using some methods that couldn't see the light of day; currently, it seems they are clean.

But this matter cannot be concluded in a short time, and during the investigation period, their activities are restricted.

"So, you are to supervise them," Bai Buhan said indifferently.

"Me?" Zhang Fan raised an eyebrow.

"Why let me be responsible?"

"Xiao Xiao Xiaole was taken down by your own hands; you are now their direct superior."

Bai Buhan pointed to the documents in Zhang Fan's hand, and flipping two more pages, it was his appointment letter.

"You don't even have to think about it; getting involved in this kind of thing, black and white can't be explained clearly with just one mouth," Bai Buhan said, stopping at the point.

The stakes involved were self-evident; how many scapegoats, how many favors, how many entanglements... often have nothing to do with the truth. Behind Zhang Fan, who knows how many times Profound Heaven Sect has wiped his backside.

Now, letting him put in some effort to lead the people back is only right.

"I understand."

Zhang Fan nodded; his current mindset was no longer what it used to be.

"Before this matter is concluded, keep a close eye on them; otherwise, if the Daoist Alliance comes to you and you can't hand them over, that will be trouble," Bai Buhan reminded him.

"Got it."

Zhang Fan nodded, took the documents, and went out the door, immediately setting off for the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance.

Upon arriving, Sui Brother Chunsheng personally received him and handled the procedures for Zhang Fan.

Although his situation is special, whether it's the past of his mom and dad or Jiang Lai's identity, they could all become the fuse for an explosion, but at least now in Bai Yujing City, he is safe.

Seeing no one around, Sui Brother Chunsheng muttered in a low voice.

Last night, the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance sent twenty or thirty people; if Meng Meng Qingtong had wiped them all out, such a huge accident would have meant Lou Lou Hechuan would definitely be the scapegoat. To have such a lapse before retiring, that would be more than just losing his reputation.

To put it bluntly, this president of the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance, behind closed doors, should thank Zhang Fan's ancestors for eight generations.

"Don't just thank me verbally."

Zhang Fan had already figured out the routine of the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance and no longer engaged in hypocritical politeness, getting straight to the point.

"I already filed an application report for you last night."

As he spoke, Sui Brother Chunsheng stuffed an envelope into Zhang Fan's hand; the latter weighed it, and it was indeed much thicker than last time. Upon opening it:

3,000 yuan in cash, which was indeed more than double the previous reward, and they didn't use supermarket vouchers to fill the quota.

However, the Daoist Alliance was a large organization, and compared to Zhang Fan's performance last night, a 3,000 yuan bonus was somewhat stingy.

"The bonus is secondary..." Sui Brother Chunsheng looked at Zhang Fan with envy and patted him on the shoulder.

"You've really hit the jackpot."

Zhang Fan's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but ask.

"Is there anything else?"

"Look over there." Sui Brother Chunsheng pointed casually, and Zhang Fan looked up to see Zhan Xinyue walking towards him carrying a silk banner, on which was written:

Advanced Individual Honor of the Daoist Sect in Bai Yujing City, Jiangnan Province. "..."

"I knew it," Zhang Fan squinted.

"Within a month, you've been awarded honorary titles twice; you can be considered a figure in the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance now," Sui Brother Chunsheng said with envy.

One must know that in an organization like the Daoist Alliance, to climb up, one relies on connections, two on ability, and three on seniority.

These silk banners and honors seem useless, but they become very useful when it's time to move to a new position.

"I'm not one of your people," Zhang Fan curled his lips, muttering to himself.

"Brother Fan, congratulations."

Zhan Xinyue solemnly handed the silk banner to Zhang Fan, her eyes full of envy.

They wanted to advance too much, but unfortunately, they didn't have Zhang Fan's strength and luck.

"..."

"That... how is Ma Ma Buting?" Zhang Fan tucked the silk banner away and changed the subject.

Last night, when he saw Ma Ma Buting being carried away, he only had one breath left.

"I don't know whether to say he's lucky or unlucky."

Sui Brother Chunsheng's mouth moved, and he couldn't help but say: "I suppose Meng Meng Qingtong was trying to harvest his soul-aspect, so he avoided the vital points, which saved his life, but his injuries are too severe..."

"I'm afraid he'll need a long time to recover."

A heavy blow through the chest; that he didn't die is already a sign that his ancestral grave was smoking with good fortune.

Ma Ma Buting can be said to have had a run of bad luck; as a dignified disciple of the Three Sovereigns Sect and a young talent specially recruited by the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance, after coming to Bai Yujing City, his bad luck came one after another.

The Zhang family's old house was almost roasted by Zhang Fan, he had just recovered from serious injuries, was promoted to High Merit, and originally thought it was the time to be high-spirited and proud, but...

"His luck seems to have gotten worse after he was promoted to High Merit," Zhan Xinyue couldn't help but say.

"Don't talk nonsense," Sui Brother Chunsheng said in a deep voice: "He can also be considered injured in the line of duty."

"As long as he's alive, that's good," Zhang Fan couldn't help but laugh out loud.

After chatting for a while, the Liu brothers were finally brought out and handed over to Zhang Fan.

"The people are handed over to you," Sui Brother Chunsheng said with implication.

"Thanks."

Zhang Fan understood, said goodbye, and led Liu Liu Xingyu and Liu Liu Xingchui out of the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance compound.

On the way, he even told the two about the decision from Profound Heaven Sect.

"We know."

Liu Liu Xingchui listened to Zhang Fan's words and nodded: "We already spoke on the phone with the sect last night."

"You can make phone calls inside?" Zhang Fan asked curiously.

"We are only assisting in the investigation right now," Liu Liu Xingyu couldn't help but clarify for himself.

"Alright."

Liu Liu Xingchui raised his hand to interrupt him: "Regardless, I still have to thank Brother Fan for stepping in last night; otherwise, we wouldn't know if we were dead or alive right now."

"From now on, we'll follow Brother Fan."

It must be said that the older brother is much more perceptive than the younger one, and even the way he addressed him was extremely natural.

Liu Liu Xingyu was stunned for a moment, and under Liu Liu Xingchui's glare, he finally said somewhat uncomfortably: "Brother Fan..."

"Alright, you guys go back first; if there's anything, I'll call you," Zhang Fan nodded.

The skills of the two Liu brothers naturally go without saying, and they practice Daoist true fire; they can be considered first-class experts in Bai Yujing City, and most importantly, they come from a famous orthodox sect.

Although Zhang Fan already had the two little demons Shi Shi Shougong and Su Su Shiyu under his command, their identities were sensitive; they were fine to use in secret, but in some situations, if manpower was needed, he might really have use for the two Liu brothers.

"Take care, Brother Fan," Liu Liu Xingchui's attitude was very proper as he watched Zhang Fan leave.

"Brother, what's going on now? Meng Meng Qingtong is finished, and they're letting us follow him?" Liu Liu Xingyu looked at Zhang Fan's retreating back and couldn't help but mutter.

"This is our only choice now," Liu Liu Xingchui said with deep meaning.

Meng Meng Qingtong got into trouble, and they were implicated as well; after all, they were also people from Xiao Xiao Xiaole. Now, it's like yellow mud falling into their pants—even if it's not shit, it's still shit. Even if they are eventually found innocent and return to the sect, it won't look good on their resumes, and it's unknown if they will be valued.

Just at this moment, Liu Liu Xingchui seemed to see their dim future.

However, Zhang Fan made him see a glimmer of hope.

His strength and cultivation naturally go without saying; being able to kill Meng Meng Qingtong in that state, his Daoist arts are so strong that even the two brothers have no choice but to be convinced. Most importantly, involving the 【Three Corpses Primordial Pill】, as the last person to have contact with Meng Meng Qingtong, he was able to walk away unscathed, without isolation or investigation, and even Profound Heaven Sect handed them over to Zhang Fan...

This explains the problem.

Liu Liu Xingchui guessed that although he had never heard of a figure like Zhang Fan in Profound Heaven Sect before, his status and position in Profound Heaven Sect were definitely not simple.

Since there was no other choice, it was better to follow him and go all the way; perhaps they could find a way out of a dead end and have a turning point.

"If picking a side is useful, he is the only side we can rely on," Liu Liu Xingchui whispered in a deep voice, looking at Liu Liu Xingyu with deep meaning.

"Stupid brother, put away your other thoughts."

As he spoke, Liu Liu Xingchui patted Liu Liu Xingyu on the shoulder and turned to leave.

At this time, Zhang Fan took a detour and arrived at Rongyang Plaza, two streets away; he had an appointment with Li Li Yishan to eat here at noon.

"I've arrived, where are you?"

Zhang Fan took out his phone and sent a message to Li Li Yishan.

"I've arrived, at the street corner."

Li Li Yishan's message was replied to almost instantly.

Zhang Fan looked up and saw a Maybach parked at the street corner; the car door opened, and Li Li Yishan jumped out, seeing Zhang Fan from far away, waving his hand and greeting him.

"Who sent you here?" Zhang Fan looked at the car and couldn't help but ask.

"Mom Yun!" Li Li Yishan said casually.

Zhang Fan knew that when Li Li Yishan was very young, his dad married another woman, who was his stepmother; after his dad died, he was raised by his stepmother.

Li Li Yishan's name for his stepmother was Mom Yun; it's likely that his stepmother's name had the character "Yun" in it.

"I suddenly thought of a question," Zhang Fan said seriously.

"What question?" Li Li Yishan asked.

"Why don't you call your stepmother 'step-mom'?" Zhang Fan asked suspiciously.

Li Li Yishan was stunned, squinting his eyes and saying: "If a stepmother is called a step-mom, then what is a stepfather called?"

"That would naturally be called..." Zhang Fan's words stopped abruptly, and then he laughed loudly: "Nothing, nothing, let's eat, let's eat..."

As he spoke, Zhang Fan hooked his arm around Li Li Yishan's shoulder and walked into Rongyang Plaza.

At this time, the Maybach at the street corner slowly drove away; the rearview mirror reflected a graceful, slender, and beautiful young woman.

"Sister Yun, that woman has returned to Bai Yujing City, and the young master should know about it; a few days ago, she met with Meng Meng Qingtong from Xiao Xiao Xiaole."

Just then, in the passenger seat, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit turned his head and said.

"Interesting, she still has the face to come back?"

In the back seat, that lazy voice slowly rang out, carrying a hint of mockery.

"Since she's back, she doesn't need to leave."

The beautiful woman's slender fingers tapped lightly, but her voice became as cold as frost.

"Sister Yun means..."

"Li Li Linglang, she should really want to die in Bai Yujing City."

The car window slowly opened, the wind whistled, blowing up her messy dark hair, slowly suppressing that cold voice.

(End of chapter)