’Damn it, I can’t let this get out of hand. The longer it goes on, the more advantages Lin Feng is likely to accumulate!’ Jiang Chen pondered, feeling a sense of urgency.
But leaving the trade fair wasn’t a viable option at the moment. Therefore, Jiang Chen had two main strategies: First, he planned to wait for his subordinate, who had obtained the Aura Finder Smoke, to find Lin Feng. Second, he intended to send someone to stop the Spiritual Awakening realm cultivator from the Zhou Clan, making sure Lin Feng didn’t receive any free resource package.
Moreover, he was determined to uncover the truth behind these events.
Keeping a low profile, Jiang Chen promptly sent his orders through his transmission jade token: "Listen, one of you keep an eye on Lin Feng, while the other heads back to block the Spiritual Awakening realm cultivator from the Zhou Clan. Remember these key points..."
The two subordinates, having received their instructions, immediately headed off in different directions to carry out their tasks.
However, it wasn’t long before Jiang Chen received a disappointing update: "Young Master, I couldn’t do it. I failed to stop the Spiritual Awakening realm cultivator from the Zhou Clan. He just zoomed past me from a distance. I had no chance to even talk to him, and there was no way I could stop him by force..."
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Jiang Chen had given him the mission of slowing down the Zhou Clan’s member who had left the trade fair, but without causing any conflict or revealing his connection to Lin Feng.
Jiang Chen didn’t blame his subordinate. Instead, he calmly gave more instructions: "Keep following him, but be careful to stay at a safe distance. Even if you can’t collect any information, make sure Lin Feng doesn’t realize you’re there."
Following these orders, the subordinate trailed the Zhou Clan’s Spiritual Awakening realm cultivator, keeping a close watch on his movements.
Before long, Jiang Chen’s two subordinates met up and quietly moved through the forest.
Suddenly, an angry shout echoed through the air: "You! How dare you kill our Zhou Clan’s Second Young Master! You will pay for this!"
The duo was shocked by the sudden outburst. The Zhou Clan’s Second Young Master, was that Zhou Yihe?
Zhou Yihe was dead? This was a significant development!
Quickly, they reported this news back to Jiang Chen.
Upon reading the message, Jiang Chen’s pupils narrowed slightly.
’Zhou Yihe is dead?’ he thought, ’And the Zhou Clan’s expert is seeking the one who killed Zhou Yihe?’
’The one responsible for Zhou Yihe’s death is likely Lin Feng. I was just a bit too late. Being the Son of Heavenly Fate really is extraordinary. In such a short time, a major event has occurred. It’s completely unpredictable.’
’Now... the only thing we can do is try to make up for this.’ Jiang Chen reflected.
He acted quickly, instructing his two subordinates not to come back. Instead, he told them to team up and venture deeper to collect spiritual plants and similar items. The main reason was to prevent Lin Feng from finding and getting rid of them, while the secondary goal was to create a legitimate excuse for leaving the city.
’Given the current situation,’ Jiang Chen mused, ’Lin Feng has slain Zhou Yihe, and that Zhou Clan’s Spiritual Awakening realm expert who went after him is likely going to be defeated by Lin Feng too.’
’This guy’s combat ability is impressive. Beating opponents from higher realms... that’s really the hallmark of a protagonist!’
’Next, Lin Feng will face off against the Zhou Clan, whereas in the original plot, it should have been with my Jiang Clan. Additionally, Du Bailei should have protected Lin Feng, giving him more time to grow.’
’But now, he’ll have to confront the Zhou Clan’s wrath alone!’ he pondered.
’Still, as the protagonist, he won’t die here. The Zhou Clan will just end up being a stepping stone for Lin Feng, endlessly providing him with experience and free items...’
’That can’t be allowed to happen!’ Jiang Chen concluded as he decided to try to reduce the tension between the Zhou Clan and Lin Feng. He then waited patiently for more news.
As expected, it wasn’t long—less than the time it takes to make a cup of tea—before news came in. Zhou Yihe had been killed outside the city, and the Zhou Clan’s patriarch was furious. Additionally, two of the Zhou Clan’s Spiritual Awakening realm experts, Ma Qiwei and Bao He, had also been killed, and the one responsible was Lin Feng.
This information was passed on by Bao He just before he died.
In contrast to the commotion outside, the VIP room where Jiang Chen was staying was a picture of silence. Inside, not a sound could be heard.
Everyone in the room stared at Qiu Liaoxi in shock. They all knew Lin Feng’s name—he was Qiu Liaoxi’s disciple!
Now, they were hearing that Lin Feng had killed Zhou Yihe? This was an absolutely astonishing turn of events, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Even Qiu Liaoxi herself was in disbelief, her eyes wide with shock, trying to make sense of the news.
Just then, Jiang Chen stood up, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. He exclaimed indignantly, "What!? Lin Feng was the killer!? How is that possible? Lin Feng is just a Soul Refining realm cultivator. How could he have killed two Spiritual Awakening realm cultivators?
This must be some kind of joke!"
"The real culprit must be someone else. Lin Feng is clearly being set up," he said with a hint of anger.
"I, Jiang Chen, will definitely get to the bottom of this," Jiang Chen declared. Only his uncle knew how impressive his acting skills really were.
Ning Xian, standing beside him, remained calm and analytically assessed the situation. "Exactly, everyone knows about Lin Feng’s strength; he’s only in the Middle-stage Soul Refining realm."
"It’s just too unbelievable to think that he could take down two Spiritual Awakening realm cultivators from the Zhou Clan, as well as several others at his own level," she remarked skeptically.
"That’s right. Lin Feng just doesn’t have the necessary power!" Jiang Xingtai nodded, agreeing with Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen returned the nod to his uncle, a slight smile on his face, and said, "So, there has to be some kind of misunderstanding in all of this!"
Just then, a senior member of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce carefully spoke up: "It’s been said that before Bao He died, he captured Lin Feng’s image with an Image Projection Stone, and it really is him..."
"Despite that, it’s obvious he was set up," Jiang Chen stated confidently.
Just as they were discussing, more news came in. Zhou Ruiyu, the patriarch of the Zhou Clan, was leading a large group of cultivators to the site of Zhou Yihe’s death. It seemed they were out for revenge and wanted to settle the score.
Jiang Chen’s brow furrowed slightly, and he mused, "Even though Lin Feng isn’t great at socializing, he’s a decent person. I know him a bit and can’t just stand by while he’s falsely accused and in danger."
"Uncle, President Du, I’m planning to go to the outskirts of the city as well," he announced, resolved to ’seek justice’ for Lin Feng.
Jiang Xingtai stood up, his face serious, and said, "I will go with you. Since he is my nephew’s friend and might be wrongly accused, I can’t just sit back and do nothing."
Du Bailei also got to his feet and expressed his opinion. "I can’t overlook this situation either. Even though I’m not directly involved, I believe my influence can be helpful."
It was clear to everyone that Du Bailei’s involvement was because of Jiang Chen, not Lin Feng.
Without hesitation, the rest of the group stood up and unanimously decided to help Lin Feng in ’clearing his name and proving his innocence’.
Suddenly, Qiu Liaoxi and Ning Xian felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Jiang Chen.
Now, a young master from the Zhou Clan had been killed. Although it was possible that Lin Feng had been framed, very few were willing to get involved in such a complicated situation.
Jiang Chen understood that supporting Lin Feng would put him at odds with the Zhou Clan, but he chose to stand up for Lin Feng anyway. How could they, as Lin Feng’s master and fellow disciple, not appreciate his display of righteousness and kindness?
Qiu Liaoxi even made a deep bow to Jiang Chen, gratefully saying, "Jiang Chen, thank you!"
Ning Xian stood up, locked eyes with Jiang Chen, and gave him a deep nod.
In that moment, as their eyes met, they both saw a flicker of approval in each other’s gaze. At the same time, Jiang Chen heard two system prompts in his mind.
[Ding! Ning Xian’s affection for you has increased, and Lin Feng’s Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 500 points of Villain Value!]
"There’s no need to thank me. Let’s get going," Jiang Chen said with a slight smile, gently taking Ning Xian’s slender arm and leading her out.
Ning Xian’s cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and she made a subtle attempt to pull away, but ultimately let Jiang Chen hold her arm.
The others in the group followed them closely.