88 Tang Yuanqin of The Hu Dong Province (2/2)

Chen Fan cracked a smile and didn't say a word.

He didn't take Tang Yuanqin seriously since, at his level, only a Transcendent Master such as Lei Qianjue could have piqued his interest.

He looked toward Guo Wei who was still recovering from his injury.

”Have you heard anything from the Hong Sect?”

Guo Wei bowed slightly and said, ”Master, my overseas sect brothers told me that Lei Qianjue didn't announce any further comment after his disciple's defeat. However, some of his other disciples had claimed to avenge their sect brothers. A friend of mine from Zhong Hai City told me that they have picked up activities of the Hong Sect in their territory. The infiltrating force was small in number, but I wager that there will be more coming. I wonder if they are targeting you.”

He paused a second and then said cautiously, ”You have made a name for yourself by defeating Lin Hu. Many friendly martial artists wanted to pay tribute to you.”

”I don't have time.” Chen Fan shook his head.

Chen Fan wagered that the so-called Friendly Martial Artist was all of the similar prowess as Guo Wei. In other words, they were all weaklings.

Seeing Chen Fan was not interested, Guo Wei decided to keep other information to himself.

Chen Fan's surge in popularity not only earned him admiration but also suspicions and doubts. Many people in the martial arts field questions the possibility of a young boy possessing as much power as a Transcendent Master.

That being said, Chen Fan had earned a significant number of admirers. Even some reputable masters bought into the story of Chen Fan.

However, since Chen Fan had disappeared for a few months right off the bat of the tournament, his fanboys had finally given up their pursuit.

Chen Fan watched as his guests discussed the time and location for the meeting to rally for unity.

The Jiang Bei region was situated at the northern part of the province and compared to the southern part where the Tang family hailed from, it was much larger in land mass but smaller in economic prowess. The Jiang Bei region had been in disarray for a very long time. If someone were to take up the challenge and unit all factions under one banner, the Jiang Bei region was able to take over the Hu Dong Province.

”If Master Chen could consolidate the power in the Jiang Bei Region, he would definitely need my help in managing and delegating the factions. By then, I would be the number one underboss of the entire Jiang Bei Region.”

Of all the magnets in the Jiang Bei region, he had always been the weakest. None of the other tycoons consider him worthy of their company.

Everyone was convinced that Zhou Tianhao was nothing but a lap dog of the Wei Family of the North Bank. Therefore, he could not pass up such an opportunity of a lifetime to change his outlook.

Meanwhile, The Third Lord Wei was also daydreaming about the prospect of success. ”The old man always looked down on me; I can finally prove him wrong.

”Yes, my two brothers might be smarter than me, but neither of them knew Master Chen.

”To be able to control the entire Jiang Bei was not a small feat. If Master Chen were successful, he would become one of the most powerful figures in the Hu Dong Province. Like all business leaders, he would need political backing and who would be better than my family to fill that role? No one!

”I want to look at my brother's face when I bring such a powerful ally into our family.”

With that in mind, the two deliberated on the topic with new found enthusiasm.

As their ambitions grew, so did the scale of the meeting they were planning. What started out as a simple meeting had grown into a fully fledged out banquet, and an organization came with the board of directors and a hundred different committees.

Chen Fan kept his silence all the while; however, he had seen through his guests and knew exactly what they were after.

”You guys have grossly underestimated the difficulties.”

Chen Fan shook his head.

He knew he couldn't rule the Jiang Bei region with fear; he would have to earn the right as a leader.

These magnates were seasoned warriors on the battlefield of money and power. It wouldn't be easy to convince them to hand over their hard earned control unless they were pushed to the last leg, but at what cost?

If Chen Fan was a mortal, he might seriously consider spending five or ten years to consolidate the power and eventually dominate the Hu Dong Province.

However, Chen Fan had neither the time nor the interest in such trivial matters.

”I know they each have their own agenda, and none of them are good for me.

”But so what?

”As long as I have the absolute power and strength, I can always squash anyone who dares to oppose me.”

With that thought in mind, Chen Fan slowly closed his eyes and no longer pay attention to his guests.