Chapter 974: Chapter 974

"Years ago, the patriarch of our Wang Family was saved by the patriarch of your Zhao Family. In truth, your Zhao Family has always been benefactors to us. Now that the Zhao Family is in trouble, it's natural for us to lend a hand. On one hand, I'll select outstanding disciples from our family to go assist the Zhao Family. On the other hand, I'll personally make a trip to the Spirit Sect to see if we can bring reinforcements along."

The Wang Family Patriarch patted his chest as he spoke.

"If that's the case, I must thank the Wang Family Patriarch for his righteous intervention." Zhao Yan appeared very pleased.

"Many thanks to the Wang Family Patriarch," Ling Zhu chimed in from the side.

Although the Wang Family Patriarch spoke fervently and passionately, Ding Fan couldn't help feeling that things weren't quite so simple.

Currently, the Ghost Sect's influence is growing like the sun at its zenith. The Wang Family is merely a minor family within the Hidden Sects. To openly talk about opposing the Ghost Sect without hesitation, and to appear as though he's eager to lead an attack against them, seemed rather suspicious.

Ding Fan hadn't been involved with the Wang Family for very long, but based on observations so far, he felt he had a decent grasp of their nature.

The Wang Family had already succumbed completely to the greed-driven society. Martial arts had long since declined within this family.

Simply put, the Wang Family now operated more like a profit-seeking business establishment rather than anything resembling a righteous martial family...

Considering everything, the fact that the Wang Family didn't immediately decline to intervene against the Ghost Sect was understandable. However, their outright and unhesitant agreement seemed far too easy and suspicious.

"Should we accompany the Wang Family Patriarch to the Spirit Sect? That way, we can explain the Zhao Family's plight directly to them." Ding Fan asked.

The Wang Family Patriarch shook his head slightly. "You're all juniors from the Zhao Family, and you don't have any connections with the Spirit Sect. Fortunately, I share a good relationship with Zhang Shanlian of the Spirit Sect. As long as I approach him, he would never disregard my request."

Upon hearing the Wang Family Patriarch's statement, Ding Fan felt even more suspicious.

Ding Fan knew exactly what sort of person Zhang Shanlian was, even if others didn't. Based on his personality, Zhang Shanlian would never associate with a shallow and materialistic person like the Wang Family Patriarch.

Though Ding Fan harbored a great deal of doubt regarding the Wang Family Patriarch, he didn't let it show.

"Wang Jianchuan, escort the guests to their rooms," instructed the Wang Family Patriarch. Then, addressing Ding Fan and the other two, he added, "Please stay here and rest well for the next few days. Tonight, I shall make my departure, and within three days, I will deliver a response."

Zhao Yan and Ling Zhu didn't seem to notice anything amiss. "Everything depends entirely on the Wang Family Patriarch," Zhao Yan said sincerely.

"There's no need for formality," the Wang Family Patriarch replied with a smile, promptly escorting Ding Fan and the other two out of the guest hall.

Wang Jianchuan led the trio to two rooms on the second floor.

"Here are two rooms for you. Later, I'll send someone to deliver supplies. If you need anything, feel free to ask the servants," Wang Jianchuan said.

Ding Fan and the others nodded in acknowledgment.

Shortly after, Wang Jianchuan left. Zhao Yan, nursing an injured leg, was helped by Ling Zhu back to her room early.

Ding Fan retired to his own room as well.

Using his Divine Sense, Ding Fan began probing the surroundings.

The small villa was covertly rigged with numerous formations, including arrays designed to negate telekinesis and Divine Sense.

Although these arrays slightly impacted his abilities, Ding Fan's Divine Sense was exceptionally potent. He could still monitor everything within a twenty-meter range. Official source ıs novel※fire.net

He then focused his Divine Sense on the guest hall where the Wang Family Patriarch had previously received them...

Having seen Ding Fan and the others off, the Wang Family Patriarch was now leisurely savoring a cup of fragrant tea.

"Patriarch, the Zhao Family members have been settled in," Wang Jianchuan reported upon returning.

"These people truly don't know their place, daring to think they can challenge the Ghost Sect," the Wang Family Patriarch scoffed, shaking his head.

Wang Jianchuan nodded agreement. "The Ghost Sect's influence is overwhelming. Even the Immortal Sect has been entirely sealed off into another dimension by them, and the Spirit Sect has suffered multiple defeats. Opposing the Ghost Sect now is nothing short of seeking death."

"Indeed, the Zhao Family is courting their own demise," the Wang Family Patriarch remarked.

"Patriarch, what's our plan now? How do you intend to handle these Zhao Family members?" Wang Jianchuan asked.

"For now, we simply keep them placated," the Wang Family Patriarch replied nonchalantly. "Later, I'll contact the Ghost Sect. Considering they're currently besieging the Zhao Family, they surely won't miss the opportunity to eliminate these few escapees. In turn, we'll undoubtedly reap some benefits."

Wang Jianchuan nodded in agreement. "This move is brilliant, Patriarch. We've been unsure how to establish contact with the Ghost Sect, but presenting them with an offering now will surely pave the way for a good relationship."

Taking another sip of tea, the Wang Family Patriarch spoke with satisfaction. "Your task now is to keep a close eye on them and ensure they don't escape."

"Rest assured, Patriarch. I'll immediately mobilize our family's strongest members to guard them closely," Wang Jianchuan assured.

"Good," the Wang Family Patriarch replied, his mood visibly buoyant as he gazed at the scenery outside the window, a smile of smug satisfaction spreading across his face.

"This must surely be heaven's favor..."

Ding Fan overheard the entire conversation between the Wang Family Patriarch and Wang Jianchuan using his Divine Sense.

The Wang Family Patriarch was indeed as unscrupulous as Ding Fan had suspected. These people had no intention of repaying their debts; their every thought revolved around personal gain...

Still, Ding Fan chose not to alert Zhao Yan and Ling Zhu to the Wang Family's scheming.

Even if he explained it to them now, they probably wouldn't believe him.

Ding Fan mulled over his options before finally placing a call to Wu Die.

Wu Die was currently with Luo Li, and Ding Fan wanted Luo Li to immediately head to the Spirit Sect and arrange reinforcements to come and assist.

Ding Fan determined that fleeing wasn't an option.

The Ghost Sect's dominance was well-known. If left unchecked, many sects would eventually flock to their banner.

Therefore, the current situation required a decisive blow to the Ghost Sect—something that would showcase the might of the Spirit Sect to the world.

This battle, Ding Fan decided, would take place right here at the Wang Family estate.

Wu Die fully understood Ding Fan's instructions and relayed them to Luo Li.

Luo Li, being highly committed to fulfilling Ding Fan's requests, promptly departed to seek assistance from the Spirit Sect.

Given her familiarity with the Spirit Sect Mountain's location, Luo Li was the ideal candidate for the task.

Ding Fan had specifically called Luo Li for this reason.

With Luo Li's arrangements in motion, and nothing pressing at hand, Ding Fan took out the Emperor Pit Bronze Mirror and began honing his Divine Sense.

In the cultivation world, techniques for cultivating Divine Sense were incredibly rare, let alone a magic artifact capable of enhancing it. Ding Fan considered himself exceptionally lucky to have obtained such a treasure.

After a night of cultivation, dawn broke unnoticed.

Opening his eyes, Ding Fan realized his Divine Sense had grown remarkably stronger within his spiritual sea.

Despite the villa's restrictive arrays inhibiting Divine Sense and telekinesis, Ding Fan could now easily monitor every corner of the estate.

Soon, someone arrived to deliver breakfast.

The breakfast spread was reasonably lavish. Ding Fan used his Divine Sense to inspect it first; finding nothing amiss, he ate modestly.

After breakfast, Ling Zhu and Zhao Yan visited Ding Fan's room.

Having spent days constantly fleeing for their lives, the two women hadn't had much opportunity to rest well. After this period of respite, their complexions had noticeably improved.

Currently abroad with few known allies around, the two women naturally began relying on Ding Fan as their pillar of support.

Their conversation revolved around trivial matters. Ding Fan refrained from divulging the Wang Family's hidden agenda.

Even if the women were aware of the Wang Family's treachery, there was little they could do to alter the situation. Reacting overtly might only complicate matters unnecessarily.

Earlier at breakfast, Ding Fan had already noticed six Heavenly Level martial artists stationed around the villa. These were clearly Wang Family members positioned to prevent their escape.

Knock, knock, knock...

Suddenly, a knock echoed from outside the door.

Using his Divine Sense, Ding Fan probed the visitor's identity—a surprising revelation. It wasn't anyone else but Wang Enming, the arrogant man they had encountered at the pharmacy yesterday.

"Come in," Ding Fan said calmly, despite being unsure of the visitor's intentions.

Due to the villa's formations, Zhao Yan and Ling Zhu lacked the ability to probe outside. However, upon seeing Wang Enming enter, they both frowned.

The two women held no favorable views of Wang Enming and couldn't fathom the reason for his appearance now.

"Esteemed guests... I've come today specifically to apologize to you. My behavior before was far too rash. I hope you all won't hold it against me," Wang Enming said.

"It's not a problem," Zhao Yan replied, noting his unusual gesture of offering an apology.

"To express my remorse, I've brought three jade pendants as gifts for the three of you. I hope you won't refuse my gesture," Wang Enming said while pulling out the jade pendants.

Acts of unwarranted kindness often signaled ulterior motives.

Wang Enming, with his obvious debauched demeanor, would hardly lower himself to apologize and even bring gifts without reason.

Using Divine Sense, Ding Fan examined the jade pendants.

Soon, Ding Fan discerned the peculiar nature of the pendants.

Each jade pendant bore a Spiritual Imprint. Whoever carried them could be tracked to the ends of the earth.

Ding Fan quickly grasped the situation. The Wang Family had clearly gone to great lengths to ensure he and Zhao Yan remained under surveillance.

"Such valuable gifts—we really shouldn't accept them," Ding Fan said indifferently.

Wang Enming waved his hands emphatically. "How can you say they're valuable? They're merely tokens of our sentiments. Please don't reject them."

As if worried the trio might refuse, Wang Enming resolutely handed the jade pendants to each of them.

"These jade pendants symbolize my sincere regret. Please keep them..."