"When the Awakened Association was first established, it faced obstacles from these noble families. However, due to our reputation, they couldn’t do anything openly. Even over the years, the relationship between the association and the noble families remained strained. This beast tide outbreak, I’m certain they won’t exert their full effort, as for the Revival Association."
Thunder Emperor let out a cold snort, "This brings us to the Elder Council."
"Some of them inherently enjoy pleasing the Feng Country people. If they can get a single word of praise from them, they’re happier than achieving a breakthrough in their realm. So, upon learning that those Feng Country people were homeless, they spared no expense to bring them back to our Yan Country across the vast ocean."
"Initially, these Feng Country people were careful, keeping their heads down. But as time passed, they became increasingly arrogant, even establishing the Revival Association, carving out a territory within Yan Country’s cities where our Yan Country people are forbidden entry. Although we reprimanded them and they restrained themselves, due to the support from the Elder Council, we couldn’t do much more. After all, just relying on the Awakened Association’s power might not be enough to resist the fierce beasts."
Chen Fan listened, engrossed.
He thought to himself that Thunder Emperor was a person of true temperament.
"Regarding this matter, I’ve heard something. According to the Song Family, it was you and people from the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association who initiated it by killing members of the Revival Association, just when Song Gang and John from the Revival Association arrived, which then led to the conflict. Is that correct?"
Thunder Emperor asked.
"Actually, the truth is quite the opposite."
Chen Fan shrugged.
"Those Feng Country people intended to harm Chairman Shen. They forced Chairman Shen to hand over his treasures, but that wasn’t enough—they wanted to kill him too. That’s when I encountered them. As for Song Gang who arrived later, he sided with the Feng Country people. I had no choice but to kill him as well."
"I knew it would be this way."
Thunder Emperor’s lips curled into a cold smile.
This matched the arrogant and domineering nature of those Feng Country people.
"So later, the Celestial Realm martial artist from the Song Family, accompanied by Carl from the Revival Association, went to the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association headquarters, where you were waiting for them."
"Yes."
Chen Fan nodded.
"Well, with your strength, killing two early-stage Celestial Realm martial artists is not difficult, but I heard this incident caused quite a stir. The Song Family and the Revival Association are gathering to discuss how to deal with you."
Thunder Emperor took a deep breath and said, "I truly despise those Feng Country people and would love to eliminate them all, but even I must admit, Feng Country people are much better at uniting compared to us Yan Country people. Maybe it’s due to their small numbers, always on the brink of extinction or national elimination, which forces them to unite. I am very aware of your Jiangnan Martial Arts Association’s strength; not even the Song Family alone can handle it, let alone the Revival Association. Of course, you are an exception, but..."
He looked at Chen Fan: "The two ancestors from the Song Family are mid-stage Celestial Realm martial artists, and the Revival Association has several werewolves and vampires with equivalent strength. Can you handle them alone? Perhaps I should step in."
Warmth surged in Chen Fan’s heart.
Then, he shook his head.
"Thank you for your kindness, Thunder Emperor, but I can manage."
"Are you worried about implicating me?"
Thunder Emperor shook his head, "Don’t worry. If the entire Elder Council opposes you, then I alone indeed wouldn’t be enough; I’d have to convince two others as well, which is quite challenging."
Chen Fan heard this and sensed something.
Because logically speaking, the three of them—Thunder Emperor, War Emperor, and Ice Emperor—fighting side by side must have an extraordinary friendship.
As long as Thunder Emperor’s requests weren’t too excessive, the other two would certainly agree.
"Ice Emperor, she belongs to a noble family."
Thunder Emperor saw Chen Fan’s inner doubt and explained.
"I see."
Chen Fan understood.
Suddenly, he felt fortunate that he hadn’t chosen to go to her for learning the Observing the Universe Technique just because she was a woman.
If she learned of his true identity...
"In truth, she struggles as well."
Thunder Emperor sighed, "Caught between the Awakened Association and the noble families, her heart leans towards the Awakened Association, but due to her bloodline and family upbringing, she has to consider the interests of the noble families. Let’s not discuss this further."
"Earlier, you mentioned that if you offend the entire Elder Council, it would be tricky. But it’s just the Song Family and the Revival Association, my influence should be enough."
His tone was unwavering and resolute.
Chen Fan felt a bit tempted upon hearing this.
Thunder Emperor’s words could resolve the whole matter.
Whereas he would have to fight for survival.
Yet after a brief hesitation, he chose to politely decline.
"Thank you for your kindness, Thunder Emperor, but the enmity between me and the Song Family and Revival Association has already been established. Even if you step in, they won’t let go that easily. They might hold back openly, but they’ll surely resort to covert actions. There’s no way to guard against this forever. Since they intend to come, let them come. I will wait for them at the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association."
"Well said!"
Thunder Emperor clapped his hands in approval.
"Since you say this, you must be quite confident. I won’t persuade further. But before that day arrives, you can change your mind anytime. If anything happens to you, it would be a significant loss for our Yan Country."
His eyes showed goodwill.
Clearly, Chen Fan’s deeds in Anshan City had impressed him.
Therefore, he was willing to share his true thoughts about the noble families and the Revival Association with Chen Fan.
"Alright."
Chen Fan agreed.
Though it was just a verbal agreement.
"Actually, these thoughts came to me after learning your true identity. What I truly want to discuss is about Anshan City."
Thunder Emperor’s expression suddenly grew solemn.
"Thunder Emperor wants to advise me to leave Anshan City as soon as possible?"
Chen Fan asked.
"Indeed."
Thunder Emperor nodded, "You’ve done well up to this point. If I were one of those in Anshan City, I’d be deeply grateful to you. But Anshan City is extremely dangerous now, and as you might suspect, Beast Emperor’s attention is now on you."
Chen Fan stayed silent for a moment, then asked: "If I leave, what will happen to the tens of thousands of people in the city?"
Thunder Emperor slightly opened his mouth.
From Anshan City to here, it was thousands of miles.
The journey was fraught with countless fierce beasts.
Even if he intervened, there was no certainty that he could safely bring tens of thousands of people here.
If he appeared, the Beast Emperor would follow, and it’s possible that Anshan City might already be under the scrutiny of several Beast Emperors.
If any of them materializes in Anshan City, the consequences would be dire.
And even if prior worries don’t come true, how would these tens of thousands be accommodated?
If they were placed outside the city, and the larger cities couldn’t hold, these people would die.
If they were placed within the city, it would be even more problematic.
Currently, countless ordinary people are outside the city.
How would they feel if they saw this? All are Yan Country people, all fleeing, why are these barred from entry while tens of thousands are let inside Flame Emperor City?
And Flame Emperor City isn’t solely his; the Elder Council would never agree to admit so many ordinary people.
Even with space, they would not be willing.
"Chen Fan, sometimes you have to choose to let go."
Thunder Emperor slowly uttered this sentence.
"Until the last moment, I’m unwilling to surrender."
Chen Fan replied calmly.
"Alright."
Thunder Emperor didn’t say more.