As mentioned before, Zhang Chulan's situation in this world was even more precarious.
Countless greedy eyes lurked in the shadows, coveting the mysteries of the Qi Source Technique.
Feng Baobao, though she had uncovered the fog around her origins, still retained that unique innocence of hers.
She was someone who kept her promises—once she'd agreed to protect Zhang Chulan, she would see it through unwaveringly.
However, over the past two days, she had unintentionally upset Zhang Chulan. Now, standing by his side, her lips moved slightly, yet she couldn't find the words to comfort him.
So, she chose the most straightforward way.
She quietly followed behind him, using her presence to express her support and protectiveness.
Zhang Chulan looked at Feng Baobao beside him, her face filled with quiet determination, and felt both touched and helpless.
He knew her actions came from a place of care, but the person he was going to meet today was too important—he didn't want her involved.
Recalling what she had said earlier that day, an idea suddenly came to Zhang Chulan.
He stopped in his tracks, turned to face Feng Baobao, and a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes.
"Bao'er-jie, earlier this afternoon, you said you'd do everything I told you to—was that true?"
Feng Baobao was caught off guard for a moment, but quickly nodded without hesitation.
Looking into her clear eyes, Zhang Chulan knew she wasn't lying.
"Alright then," he continued. "I sentence you to stand right here and not move until I get back."
A sly grin appeared at the corners of his lips.
He knew Feng Baobao was simple and straightforward—she would definitely obey such a "punishment."
Just as he expected, she nodded again and stood still on the spot, not budging an inch.
She looked exactly like a scolded elementary school kid, obedient and pitiable.
Seeing her stand there so earnestly, Zhang Chulan felt a twinge of guilt.
He knew he was being a little cruel, but to achieve his goal, he had no other choice.
He shoved the guilt aside and quickly headed toward his destination.
He had things he needed to understand, and Hikaru clearly wouldn't share them freely.
So, he would find the answers himself.
Not long after, he arrived at a remote and quiet location.
After confirming no one was following him, he shouted loudly:
"Come out! You're the one who arranged for me to be called here, right?"
As his voice faded, a breeze swept through, rustling a few fallen leaves.
Then, a figure slowly emerged from the shadows, revealing his form.
A man wearing a green T-shirt and sporting a bowl-cut hairstyle appeared before Zhang Chulan.
Sizing Zhang Chulan up, he smirked with a hint of amusement.
"Zhang Chulan, you've got guts, showing up here alone. Aren't you afraid word will spread about your secret dealings with Quan Xing?"
Zhang Chulan gave a cold chuckle and replied:
"And if it does? Do you think it'll make fewer people chase after the Qi Source Technique? If I dared to come here, then I'm not afraid of the consequences."
Lü Liang was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.
He pointed at Zhang Chulan. "Good! That's some spine! I didn't misjudge you—you're going to be fun."
As he spoke, he raised his palm, revealing a glowing light dot.
Under its flickering glow, his expression shifted between light and shadow, as if hiding some unknowable secret.
"This light contains the final vision your grandfather saw before his death," he said enticingly. "Interested?"
But to Lü Liang's surprise, Zhang Chulan didn't show the slightest curiosity.
Instead, he looked... off—his expression plainly said: "This? That's it?" Like Lü Liang's trick wasn't even worth his time.
Seeing this, Lü Liang frowned.
He had thought this little stunt would hook Zhang Chulan's interest, making it easier to lure him in.
But things had gone completely against expectations—Zhang Chulan's response caught him off guard.
Then Zhang Chulan asked, "Is there anything else you want to say? If not, I'm heading back."
Lü Liang was now thoroughly confused.
He let out a puzzled "Eh?" and scrutinized Zhang Chulan's expression, trying to read any sign or hint.
But Zhang Chulan looked entirely indifferent—bored, even.
Lü Liang realized—he really wasn't interested.
This baffled him to no end. He couldn't help but ask:
"Aren't you curious about your grandfather's death? This could reveal the killer's identity."
Zhang Chulan remained expressionless.
"If you're going to say it was Feng Baobao, then don't bother. I already know the truth—and I know she's not the real killer."
Lü Liang was dumbfounded.
He turned in the test before I even handed out the paper. What am I supposed to do now?
Seeing his plan crumble, Lü Liang panicked and prepared to leave.
There was no point sticking around—it would only get more dangerous. Who knew if Zhang Chulan had people from Wherever Hall waiting nearby?
But just as he was about to turn away—
A large hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.
The unexpected touch made Lü Liang's hair stand on end. Instinctively, he activated his Flex Strength and struck to the side.
But shockingly, his attack vanished into thin air, as if swallowed by a void—no reaction, no impact.
Then, an overwhelming pressure descended from above, pinning him in place.
He couldn't move an inch.
A familiar voice whispered into his ear:
"I knew I forgot something… So it was you, brat. Trying to leave? Not so easy."
Lü Liang's heart sank.
He looked up in terror to see Hikaru standing between him and Zhang Chulan—when did he get here?
Hikaru looked at him with a playful, unreadable glint in his eye.
Zhang Chulan also noticed Hikaru's arrival. He froze at first, then quickly plastered on a fawning smile.
"Big bro! What brings you here? Need anything from your little bro?"
Hikaru gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing about the flattery.
"I'm not here for you," he replied flatly.
Zhang Chulan's smile stiffened, but he recovered quickly.
He shamelessly leaned forward. "Don't joke, big bro. Whatever you need—I've got you."
Hikaru found Zhang Chulan's bootlicking a little amusing.
Suddenly in the mood for some mischief, he grabbed Lü Liang—and tossed him straight at Zhang Chulan.