Chapter 408: Chapter 396: The Man Who Lived for a Thousand Years (Please Subscribe)
After listening to Chen Fan’s words, Shi Tao’s face remained expressionless and he asked, "Chen Fan, do you know who you will face on the day you arrive at the headquarters?"
"Of course, I know."
Chen Fan gazed at him, "When that day comes, as Ling Yu’s master, you definitely won’t stand by and do nothing, right?"
"Yes."
Shi Tao sighed, "I know you want to use the Soul-Searching Martial Arts to make Ling Yu tell the truth, but you should also know that those who are affected by the Soul-Searching Technique suffer permanent mental trauma. Although some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures might compensate,
they can’t measure the damage to one’s perception and future achievements. Moreover, you want to cripple him. Whether it’s public or private, I can’t let you do that."
"Then there’s nothing more to discuss."
Chen Fan shook his head, "In any case, not killing him is already my greatest concession. Perhaps Xiao Hong wasn’t acting under his orders, but it was because of him that this series of events happened. He only has himself to blame."
"..."
Shi Tao was at a loss for words.
Ling Yu knew about this matter, and that blame also falls on him.
If it wasn’t for him informing Ling Yu, how would Ling Yu have known?
But precisely because of this, he couldn’t just watch Ling Yu get into trouble.
"Is there really no room for negotiation?"
Shi Tao softened his tone, "Is there no other way besides crippling Ling Yu that would make you drop this matter? For example, obtaining some Supreme Martial Arts manuals? A Supreme Martial Arts manual? Or perhaps Elder Wang’s guidance?"
"Elder Wang’s guidance?"
Chen Fan frowned.
His intuition told him this person might be extraordinary.
"Your strength is quite profound. You indeed have reached the point where you should know certain things."
Shi Tao paused before, after sensing a moment, continuing, "In the Jiangnan Sub-district Martial Arts Association, I’m not actually the strongest. The strongest one is Elder Wang."
"How powerful is he?"
Chen Fan asked curiously.
"Is living for a thousand years considered powerful?"
Shi Tao countered.
"Lived for a thousand years?"
Shock appeared in Chen Fan’s eyes.
"I reacted the same way when I first met this person."
A subtle smile crossed Shi Tao’s face.
To be honest, from just now till now, Chen Fan’s composed demeanor had left him somewhat bewildered.
It appears that, after all, he’s still a regular person.
At least, when it comes to emotions.
"I know you are curious about this person’s identity. I can also tell you some things; even more, if you promise to let this issue go."
"Then I’d rather not hear it."
Chen Fan decisively shook his head.
After all, with increasing strength, there were always things that he would eventually find out.
Of course, if there’s such a powerful person in the headquarters, it might affect him somewhat.
Shi Tao chuckled, as if he had anticipated it, and continued, "Elder Wang is a survivor from the last Heaven and Earth Tribulation."
"!"
Chen Fan’s eyes widened.
This was the second time he had heard the term Heaven and Earth Tribulation.
The first time was in a few cryptic words from an old man.
"It seems you’ve already heard of the Heaven and Earth Tribulation."
Shi Tao’s eyes revealed a hint of surprise, then nodded, "It’s not a secret; many in the Awakened Association know about it, and some people in the Martial Arts Association also know."
"What is the Heaven and Earth Tribulation?"
Chen Fan asked.
"It’s hard to explain with just a few words, and even Elder Wang doesn’t know much. Simply put, one day, spiritual qi appeared between heaven and earth. Both humans and animals, birds, and even plants could absorb this spiritual qi and become stronger."
"In Elder Wang’s time, there were demon ghosts. At the same time, some masters wandered the world, eliminating demons and guarding the way. Later, for some unknown reasons, the spiritual qi gradually dissipated. Those masters, despite their great powers, would eventually face death." Shi Tao sighed.
It was unclear whether he lamented those masters’ destinies or felt sorrow for his own future.
"But this Elder Wang lived for a thousand years." Chen Fan remarked.
"Yes, Elder Wang’s strength is formidable, and his cultivation technique is also quite special."
"What cultivation technique?" Although Chen Fan had some guesses, he asked deliberately.
"Sacred Heart Technique."
Shi Tao glanced at him, "A Supreme-level Technique."
"Sacred Heart Technique."
Chen Fan muttered the name.
This technique, even in its complete form, couldn’t be cultivated to the highest realm without Phoenix Blood enhancement, making a thousand years’ lifespan unrealistic.
So, had Elder Wang slain a phoenix and consumed its blood?
"Yes, besides Elder Wang, there are others who have survived through different methods. For instance, some ancient sects from a thousand years ago found Grotto Heaven Blessed Lands. The rate at which spiritual qi dissipates inside these lands is far slower than the outside world, allowing them to live till now. Even those born inside could cultivate, and some centuries-old legends were often their doing."
Chen Fan’s heart was shaken by this revelation.
"So, there are quite a few of these people?"
"Indeed, but most of them don’t bother with worldly affairs or don’t care about what’s happening in Yan Country. They hope for more spiritual qi between heaven and earth to advance further in Martial Arts. Even hiding in Grotto Heaven Blessed Lands, they will face death eventually."
"Yes."
Chen Fan nodded.
"So, Elder Wang is an exception; he cares about Yan Country’s current situation?"
"Correct."
Respect glinted in Shi Tao’s eyes, "The Jiangnan Sub-district Martial Arts Association’s creation is thanks to Elder Wang. My achievements are also due to him, but Elder Wang’s kind are still exceedingly rare. You will understand in time. Oh,"
Suddenly recalling something, he added, "Although those who survived a thousand years mostly focus on cultivation in Grotto Heaven Blessed Lands, that doesn’t mean their disciples do the same."
"Many of their disciples or relatives chose to re-enter the world, spread across three super cities, impacting Yan Country’s geopolitical situation. Even the Awakened Association treats them with courtesy. If you encounter them, you’d best avoid conflict."
At this, a deep sense of dread filled Shi Tao’s eyes.
Even he dared not provoke them, else even Elder Wang might struggle to protect him.
"I understand, thank you for the reminder, President." Chen Fan took a deep breath.
The situation in Yan Country seemed far more complex than it appeared?
If characters from a thousand years ago still existed, could there be ones from two thousand, three thousand years ago, or even beings that had lived for tens of thousands of years, observing from the shadows?
This thought sent chills down his spine.
"After this conversation, our relationship should have eased somewhat, right?"
Shi Tao smiled, "I know you still have many doubts. If you wish, I can arrange for you to meet Elder Wang. I’m sure he’d love to meet you too. If you agree, this matter ends here, deal?"
Chen Fan fell silent.
The condition offered was indeed tempting.
Everyone had curiosity, him included, especially regarding issues tied to a millennium ago.
But he was a man of principles.
Once he decided on something, he wouldn’t abandon it midway.
"Sorry, President, I can’t agree. Thank you for sharing these secrets with me. However, Ling Yu must better be uninvolved in this matter, or I will definitely cripple him."
Shi Tao’s expression grew cold, "Aren’t you worried that to prevent this, I might attack you right now?"
"I believe, judging by your character, you wouldn’t do that."
Chen Fan shook his head calmly.
Shi Tao was stunned, then laughed loudly, "You’re right. I wouldn’t do something like that."
After speaking, the atmosphere grew quiet.
Chen Fan watched him calmly.
To be precise, that was just one reason.
The second, and most crucial, reason was his confidence in his own strength.
He chose not to go to the headquarters now because he wanted to wait, grow stronger, and then deal with Ling Yu.
Of course, he sought revenge against Ling Yu only, unrelated to others. Even if Shi Tao intercepted him, he wouldn’t resort to extreme measures; at most, he’d incapacitate him temporarily.
Doing so naturally required enough strength.
Shi Tao seemed to understand Chen Fan’s thoughts and sighed, "Chen Fan, you know, our attitudes are similar. Once we decide on something, we won’t give up until it’s done. Fine, since you’ve made your decision, I’ll be waiting for you at the headquarters.
No matter the outcome, I look forward to our battle."
"I don’t look forward to it."
Chen Fan spoke frankly.
In fact, he found it troublesome.
"Haha."
Shi Tao chuckled, stood up, "Then that’s it. It’s getting late; I should head back."
Without waiting for Chen Fan to respond, he pushed the door open and left.
Chen Fan stood in the meeting room, watching him leave, sighing inwardly.
To be honest, this President was indeed an admirable person. If not for Ling Yu, they might have been good friends?
"Elder Wang..."
His eyes squinted slightly.
He had a premonition that soon, he’d meet Elder Wang.
What would it be like then?