Chapter 662: Rounding Up the Net [Part 2]

Chapter 662: Rounding Up the Net [Part 2]



Fang Che chuckled, "Now that you're an old bird, you can stay in your nest and wait for the little birds to show filial piety."

Fang Yunzheng became even more displeased, "Are you saying I'm old?"

"..."

Fang Che noticed that after spending more time with his father, he had become more open and was even starting to lose his temper? He mumbled with his head down, "You're getting along well with Mom now, and even your temper is becoming similar to hers."

Fang Yunzheng was furious, "Are you saying I'm acting like a woman now?"

Fang Che: "..."

He raised his hands in surrender, "I was wrong."

"What did you do wrong?"

"I was wrong about everything."

"Let's talk about serious matters. Where are the things?" Fang Yunzheng asked bluntly.

Fang Che took out a small pile of resources and handed them to Fang Yunzheng, then took some unimportant items for his father, "These are for the family's children. You decide how to handle it, but give them a little at a time, so they don't get used to it."

"You know more about human relationships than I do. I'm not as good as you at remembering favors and grudges," Fang Yunzheng rolled his eyes.

"I'll leave ten jars of wine for you," Fang Che continued to take out items, ignoring Fang Yunzheng's request.

"Give me another ten jars!" Fang Yunzheng demanded. He was very insistent on this because it was the only thing that belonged to him.

Fang Che rolled his eyes and reluctantly took out another ten jars.

"That's about it..." Fang Che stretched lazily.

"That's quite a lot," Fang Yunzheng said with relief.

Then he asked, "What about the Heavenly Jade Flower? Did you only bring back one?"

"How is that possible? But one is enough for Mom."

"Leave a few more for me," Fang Yunzheng calculated, knowing that some of his old brothers' families also needed it.

"That's not possible!"

Fang Che refused outright, "If others want more, that's fine. But not you!"

Fang Yunzheng was furious, "You good-for-nothing, who do you think I am? I haven't seen anyone for three thousand years, and you're worried that I'll be tempted by flowers and women?"

"You might even have an old flame... But it's just not possible!"

Fang Che mumbled, but his attitude was firm.

Fang Yunzheng was exasperated, but there was nothing he could do.

"You ungrateful brat! I'm doing this for my old brothers!" Fang Lao Liu sputtered, swearing vehemently.

But Fang Che clenched his teeth, determined not to give in.

"You don't even trust your own father's character!" Fang Lao Liu was getting frustrated.

"Even if it rots in my hands, I won't give it to you! Give up on that idea!"

Fang Che was adamant, regardless of who he was giving it to.

"What if you use this to seduce a woman and bring her back as my stepmother? I wouldn't even have time to cry. There's still a chance, but this is non-negotiable. How dare you try to take something for flirting from your son... What are you thinking? Should I tell Mom?"

Fang Che was as stubborn as a mule. He wouldn't give Fang Lao Liu any chance to take advantage, as the Heavenly Jade Flower was a powerful tool for seducing women, and one had to be cautious. Who knew how many female admirers this old man had over the years? Even if he didn't have any, it was still necessary to be cautious!

A hero? Not even a hero could get away with this!

Fang Lao Liu was so angry that his stomach felt like it would explode. He gnashed his teeth in rage, but there was nothing he could do, so he had to give up.

After a while, the father and son chatted some more.

"Old man, when you were with your brothers back then, what did they call you? Did you have a nickname?"

Fang Che suddenly became curious about this question.

As they spent more time together, he gradually felt that his father's temper was a bit... eccentric. Knowing this, there must have been plenty of embarrassing moments in the past.

Fang Yunzheng's face turned serious, "No!"

"Really?!" Fang Che asked.

"Really!!!" Fang Lao Liu asserted firmly.

"Then I really don't believe you."

Fang Che said.

"Hehe..."

"Hehe..."

"Then tell me about the time you jumped into a pit of feces to dig for ginseng," Fang Che asked fearlessly.

"Hehe..."

Fang Lao Liu smirked, half-smiling, and half-drawing his belt.

"I was wrong..."

Fang Che quickly surrendered, raising his hands, "I won't ask anymore."

"Having a filial son like you is a blessing! Being unconscious for three thousand years is well-deserved!"

Fang Lao Liu gritted his teeth, "Heaven's punishment!"

"Hehe... You got a son for free, but you're being too strict," Fang Che felt he was in trouble as soon as he spoke.

"Nonsense? What do you mean by 'free'? I worked hard for this..."

Fang Lao Liu was indeed about to explode, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"I was wrong!"

After a standoff between father and son, Fang Yunzheng sighed and shifted the topic first.

"I'll help you analyze the situation."

They started discussing seriously, and Fang Che became more focused, "I've arranged for her to enter the Southeast Headquarters."

"That's not enough, not nearly enough."

Fang Yunzheng emphasized.

"I understand."

Fang Che's heart sank a little.

It was already the end of the Yin hour.

"You're not sleeping tonight?"

"No, I'll stay up and chat with you. You'll leave at dawn..."

Fang Yunzheng was a bit reluctant. Although this guy was annoying him, he couldn't bear to see him go.

Fang Che paused for a moment, then said, "You and Mom are still young. Why not have another child? I'd love to have a younger brother or sister."

Fang Yunzheng smiled faintly, "Am I still young?"

"You know what I mean."

Fang Che said seriously, "I'm being serious!"

"No!"

Fang Yunzheng asserted firmly, "If you die, our family line will end!"

Fang Che's heart trembled.

He fell silent for a moment, then laughed softly, "I might not die."

The night deepened.

The lamp flickered slightly.

It was the end of the Yin hour.

Fang Che stood up and spoke softly, "I should be going. Although this trip can be traced, I came back secretly."

"I understand."

Fang Yunzheng nodded, smiled lightly, and patted Fang Che's shoulder, "Out there, put your mind at ease and focus on each task. Don't spend all day thinking about unnecessary things."

"With me at home, even if the entire Only Righteous Sect comes, I'll protect Mom and escape. There's no problem."

Fang Yunzheng said calmly, "Your father is an indestructible fortress!"

Fang Che laughed, "I understand. If you had returned home a few years earlier, I could have been a second-generation heir, and it would have been so enjoyable."

Fang Yunzheng laughed, "Could it be more fun than now?"

Fang Che laughed, "Indeed, it's more fun now."

The father and son turned their dangerous journey into a thrilling adventure, walking a tightrope in the face of the King of Hell Sect.

And they all had a look on their faces as if they were really having fun.

It has to be said that their minds are as tough as they come.

"It's late, and I haven't bid farewell to my mother yet. There's also a trap set up over there. If I return late, I'm afraid the fish will be gone."

Fang Che knelt down: "Take care, you two elders! That divine essence, use it quickly."

Fang Yunzheng received his son's kneeling with a solemn expression: "I am relieved, and I am proud!"

Fang Che stood up.

The father and son exchanged a slight smile.

The soundproof barrier was lifted, and the window silently opened.

The night outside was deep.

Fang Che's body, like a wisp of light smoke, floated out and soared into the sky.

He left without looking back.

Fang Yunzheng looked at the wide-open window, the refreshing breeze blowing in, his gaze distant.

"I want another child... but I can't have one. Che'er's current work doesn't allow for any emotional fluctuations..."

"If you truly come to harm... then the Fang family will truly be without descendants. Son! I, your father, will never hold you back for a moment!"

He gently blew out the oil lamp and returned to the bedroom, lying down lightly.

Fang Qian Yi, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly asked in a soft voice: "Is Acher gone?"

"He just left... aren't you sleeping?"

Fang Qian Yi didn't make a sound, snuggling her body into her husband's embrace, remaining silent for a long time before letting out a soft sigh: "How can I sleep... that's my son."

...

Fang Che traveled with the wind, and this time, leaving home, for some reason, felt much lighter in his heart than before.

The fear and worry about the future also diminished greatly.

"Your father is an unbreakable mountain!"

These words made Fang Che feel that there's a mountain behind me!"

This sentence made Fang Che feel as if there was truly a mountain behind him.

Lofty and unbreakable! This made his mood calm and his mind even more peaceful.

He stepped into the void, traveling as fast as lightning.

Very soon, he found Lu Sihai's convoy.

He saw that the place they were staying at actually had shining lights, and there were quite a few voices of cheerful conversation.

This... they're drinking? Tsk, these guys indeed have a refined taste.

"As expected. I was right, these guys couldn't hold back their anger after hearing about Qian Shanfeng's encounter." Fang Che smiled lightly in his heart.

He pushed the door, and it opened.

Fang Che, with a smile, took a glance, whoosh, there were indeed many people.

Besides Lu Sihai and several escorts, the rest of these people filling the room weren't from the escort agency. Fang Che's eyes shot out dazzling golden light.

The light of gold.

These were the meal money of the Nirvana Martial Academy.

Inside, they were discussing and drinking merrily.

Fang Tu had said that he wouldn't be returning tonight and would only be back tomorrow afternoon.

It was rare for the heroes of the Three Mountains and Five Peaks to gather so completely, so everyone drank their fill, and if there were any grudges among them, they would bring it up here and directly settle the score with alcohol.

Everyone had a high alcohol tolerance, and as martial artists, it was impossible for them to get drunk. They wanted to drink like this.

Moreover, such an experience was also a once-in-a-lifetime event.

This was drinking at Fang Tu's convoy, something he could boast about for a lifetime.

Although Fang Tu wasn't here...

Moreover, this time, he also found out clearly that Qian Shanfeng was indeed killed by everyone, and Fang Tu currently didn't have any intention of taking action against everyone... so he felt even happier.

Just as everyone's enthusiasm was high... the door was pushed open with a loud bang.

A gust of cold wind howled in.

The cold and heat clashed, and many people shivered.

Some with explosive temper almost cursed out loud.

Such cold weather, and you push the door like that, the warm air inside is gone.

But everyone suddenly discovered that Lu Sihai, sitting in the upper seat facing them, had a strange expression, and the wine bowl in his hand actually trembled, spilling wine, before he stood up abruptly.

This dumbfounded look made everyone suddenly feel... as if they had seen a ghost.

The various bandit kings all froze for a moment before turning their heads.

They saw a black-clothed youth standing at the door.

His collar shimmered with golden light, his sleeves crossed with swords, his face handsome, his figure tall, and he wore a black cloak.

The snow and light illuminated him, emitting a dazzling and enchanting glow.

Just seeing this attire, half of everyone's drunkenness wore off.

Then, their hearts shivered, and the other half of their drunkenness wore off.

Some even trembled, and their teeth started to chatter.

Everyone was as stiff as wooden chickens, suddenly silent.

!!!

The black-clothed youth walked in, then calmly closed the door, and smiled: "Lu Zongbiaotou, it's so lively tonight."

He took a step forward.

This calm action of closing the door was usually very normal, but now it made everyone feel like they were 'closing the door on a dog.'

They couldn't help but feel dizzy, as if they were drunk again.

The highest-ranking bandit king, his face pale, held a glimmer of hope and whispered to Lu Sihai: "Lu Sihai... who is this person?"

But they saw that Lu Sihai had already stood up in a flustered manner, bowing: "Fang Che... how did you return so soon?"

Fang Che!

These three words were like a loud thunderclap striking their heads.

Instantly, the entire hall was in chaos.

No one dared to escape, and no one dared to move.

But those who couldn't control their bodies, those who couldn't stand, those who fell to the east and west, those who knelt, those who sat and fell to the ground, were indeed many.

The chairs they were sitting on creaked and cracked...

Clang clang clang, several wine cups also shattered.

The few people drinking with Lu Sihai also became completely stiff.

In their eyes, a look of despair emerged involuntarily.

It's over!

It's all over! Fang Tu had returned, and he blocked them right on!

Many people's hearts turned green in an instant: Why did I have to drink at this time? It could have been two or three months later. Why rush now? It's just the death of Qian Shanfeng. What's the hurry?

Among them, there were also five or six latecomers who wanted to cry but had no tears.

These guys were drinking here, and I didn't come at first, but these guys kept urging me not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show off...

So, with a slight temptation, I came.

They had been drinking for half the time before I arrived... and the result... you call this a good thing?!

What deep grudge do you have that you had to drag me right into Fang Tu's hands!

I really believe your eighteen generations of ancestors are evil! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show off? This is a road to the underworld, and it's a whole group of people!

The last to arrive and Fang Che were almost like two sides of the same coin.

At this moment, he held a cup of wine he hadn't had a chance to drink yet, feeling like crying without tears.

Why did I rush over to drink this bowl of 'beheading wine'? I hurried, not wanting to waste a single moment, riding my horse at full speed, fearing I'd be late.

Looking at the crowd shivering and trembling in the hall, and Lu Sihai with a face full of desperate pleading.

Fang Che smiled slightly.

He had a plan, and that's why he returned early. It was all part of a scheme to intercept these guys. But now, he felt good, filled with family warmth. Moreover, Lu Sihai was a decent person, and these bandits... they were truly endless.

Kill one batch, and another would emerge.

It was better to stick to the original plan.

So, with a smile, he walked forward: "Lu Zongbiaotou, it's not right to drink behind my back. How come there's no seat for me?"

"There is! There is!"

Lu Sihai quickly vacated his seat.

Then he gestured with his eyes.

There was no need for further gestures.

The group of thieves had already obediently made way, clearing a path.

Then, Lu Sihai quickly instructed: "Clear the table, clean up, and serve the dishes again."

In an instant, everyone transformed into waiters.

They were all so diligent.

The table was cleared in no time. Fang Che was quite impressed; these people were all experts at cleaning.

Fang Che sat down comfortably in Lu Sihai's seat, smiling as he asked, "Who are all these people?"

Countless pleading gazes fell upon Lu Sihai's face.

Lu Sihai coughed, his voice anxious: "Lord Fang, these... they're all my friends from the jianghu. They knew I was resting here, so they all... came to see me."

Fang Che laughed, "Since they're Lu Zongbiaotou's friends, why be so nervous? I, Fang Che, am not some high official... Seeing all of you so restrained, sit! Sit down! Serve the food!"

The crowd trembled, carefully taking their seats.

They sat as if on pins and needles.

Their minds were a jumble of thoughts, but one thought stood out: You may not be a high official, but no matter how great an official we meet, we're never as nervous as when we meet you...

As dishes and wine were served, Lu Sihai found it too slow and directly pulled out plates from his spatial ring, one after another.

All the bandit kings were eager to help, arranging the dishes and plates. They all washed their hands with spiritual energy, their faces respectful, their attitudes proper. Each one tried to make their faces look kind to prove they were good people.

Those who didn't get to serve sat as straight as sticks, like clay statues in a temple.

Even the most well-behaved students in class couldn't compare to how straight they sat.

Each one felt like they were dreaming.

I... today, I'm actually sitting with Fang Tu, drinking at the same table? The aroma of wine filled the air.

The fragrance of the food also wafted through the room.

Fang Che sat in the main seat, his body completely relaxed, leaning lazily in the chair. He raised his eyes and said casually, "Lu Zongbiaotou, I'd be grateful if you could be my deputy."

Lu Sihai quickly moved to sit across from Fang Che.

He knew in his heart that Captain Fang had surely seen through the identities of these people but was giving him face by not making a scene.

The bandit kings in the room also understood this.

If Captain Fang couldn't see through their identities, he wouldn't be Captain Fang.

Fang Che sat upright, his body relaxed as he leaned back in the chair, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the crowd.

His eyes were gentle, sweeping across each person's face, and then he turned to look at the other table.

The crowd sat straight as arrows, silent as crows.

Even the usually unruly ones now showed their most well-behaved side. When Captain Fang's gaze fell upon them, they quickly revealed nervous, fawning smiles, trying to please.

Fang Che's gaze returned, his body still leaning back in the chair. He extended one hand, a white, clean, slender, and powerful hand, for everyone to see.

He lifted a cup of wine, swirling it in his palm, watching the liquid sway in the cup. Fang Che said casually, "You've all come from far away, and it's been a hard journey. But now you're here, and it's like you're home."

The faces of the bandit kings paled further.

Home?

His words were chilling.

I... I don't want to go home.

"It's one thing to talk and laugh, but who are you all? I know, too. Since we've met, it's fate. I won't pretend."

Fang Che looked at the wine in the cup, saying casually, "However, I personally think that being a mountain bandit and robbing and pillaging isn't a long-term plan. What do you all say?"

"Yes, Captain Fang is right."

The person closest to Fang Che quickly nodded.

"Today I told Lu Zongbiaotou that I'd return late at night, but I returned early by surprise. So, by chance, I met all of you."

Fang Che said casually, "For Lu Zongbiaotou's sake, today, I invite everyone to drink. Today, I won't kill!"

Today, he won't kill.

These five words made everyone feel like their heads were still attached to their necks.

Their hearts pounded in their throats.

They actually felt a sense of relief.

"Thank you, Lord Fang, for your mercy! Thank you, Lu Zongbiaotou!"

The crowd felt a weight lifted.

"I said I won't kill today, but I didn't say I won't kill tomorrow or the day after."

Fang Che spoke casually.

Everyone's hearts tightened again.

They heard Captain Fang say, "Of course, tomorrow and the day after, the ones killed might be others."

Their hearts pounded again.

Fang Che arranged with the person beside him, "With so many unfamiliar faces, I don't know how to address you all. How about I get to know everyone?"

This person hurriedly stood up, bowing deeply: "Of course, of course!"

He immediately started introducing Fang Che: "This is the king of such-and-such mountain... This is the chief of such-and-such stronghold..."

Lu Sihai was grateful beyond words.

Because this task should have been his. But if he did it, it would create a deep grudge.

As each person was introduced, they stood up and bowed respectfully, one by one.

Their hearts raced.

As each person was introduced, Fang Che nodded slightly, his eyes holding a hint of coldness as they circled the faces of these people.

A nameless, faint killing intent swirled in the hall.

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat, their buttocks clenched and their bodies hunched over as they nodded and bowed obsequiously.

Finally, the introductions were over.

"It's a pleasure to meet so many heroes of the jianghu today," Fang Che said with a smile. "Now that we've exchanged names, you're all registered with me. Are you happy about that?"

The crowd cried out in unison with mournful faces, "We're happy!"

How could I be happy about this? Who would willingly register with you...

"I still haven't introduced myself," Fang Che added.

The crowd: Do you even need an introduction?

Fang Che spoke slowly, "But I believe everyone should recognize me, right? My name is Fang Che. Remember, I'm not particularly fond of the name Fang Tu."

The crowd's hearts trembled.

"Lord Fang is majestic!" they exclaimed.

Fang Che laughed, "Whether I'm majestic or not, it's up to all of you to make it so."

No one spoke up.

Make it so? How?

No one wanted to be the one to make Lord Fang majestic.

"Since we've all introduced ourselves, we're now acquaintances. I have a habit of giving life advice to my acquaintances."

Fang Che said cheerfully, "Come, let's drink this cup of wine, and I'll make a few requests and suggestions. Anyone who drinks this wine, I'll consider as having agreed to my terms."

Fang Che lazily raised his cup, "To all of you, let's drink."

Everyone immediately picked up their cups, tilted their heads back, and drained them.

No matter the conditions, they would agree! Fang Captain had said, 'Anyone who drinks this wine, I'll consider as having agreed,' but he didn't mention what would happen if someone didn't drink.

But did he even need to say it? Wasn't the example of Qian Shan Feng clear enough? His base had been raided!

Seeing that everyone had finished their drinks, Fang Che leaned back in his chair, relaxed as ever, and slowly raised his cup to take a small sip before setting it down.

But everyone felt that this was how Fang Captain should act, giving them face.

If Fang Captain had asked them to drink with him, it would have likely been a farewell drink.

"My first request is that in the future, when doing business, you must follow the rules. You should know what to rob and what not to rob, and if your judgment differs from mine, it won't be tolerated."

The crowd's faces turned pale, listening with bitter expressions.

"My second request is to be a decent person. Don't be like Qian Shan Feng; I'm sure you all understand this, right?"

"My third request is for all of you to contribute. Our Southeast Headquarters is currently in dire financial straits; even the rats have to donate some rice. So, since the rats are donating, it's only right for you all to contribute as well."

"I'm not asking for much; just half of your assets will do. This request should be fulfilled within half a month by delivering it to the Life and Death Squad's courtyard at the Patrol Hall of the Southeast Headquarters. From now on, this will be an annual contribution, always half. The time is now, how does that sound?"

Fang Che smiled, "These three requests aren't unreasonable, are they?"

"Not at all! It's more than reasonable!"

Everyone voiced their agreement.

Just as Fang Captain had said, since they were already registered with him, who would dare not comply?

Would their entire family and the whole mountain stronghold survive otherwise? We don't want to be the next Qian Shan Feng!

Fang Che smiled in satisfaction, "Then it's settled?"

"Settled, settled!"

"Mmm, I don't know how many good things you have in your mountain strongholds, so it's up to you to decide. But since we're acquaintances now, if anyone tries to cheat, you can tell me."

Fang Che smiled, showing his teeth, "I'll give them a light punishment."

"We dare not cheat!" the crowd shouted in unison.

Fang Che nodded, pleased, "Thank you for your contributions to the Southeast Headquarters!"

The crowd responded in unison, "Contributing to the Southeast Headquarters is our honor and duty!"

Lu Sihai almost spat out his drink.

Fang Captain had just used a cup of wine to rob all these bandits!

And he had made them all willingly accept it.

This level of skill was truly beyond reach.

Lu Sihai finally understood why Fang Che had said that Qian Shan Feng's actions pleased him.

Because... with this banquet, Fang Che had subdued all the bandits in the area, not only increasing the Southeast Headquarters' income but also ensuring the safety of merchants and commoners traveling on this route.

Without making a fuss, he had intimidated the entire Greenwood.

Lu Sihai was filled with admiration, but also felt a bit inadequate in his intelligence—he had planned to eliminate Qian Shan Feng, but Fang Captain had turned the tables and used his own plan against him.

How did these people come here? It was his own doing.

The news that Fang Tu was temporarily away from the camp was also spread by him.

This chain reaction of tactics left Lu Sihai in awe.

Fang Che raised his cup, "Since it's like this, let's drink."

The crowd tilted their heads back in unison.

"Tonight is truly a night of merriment."

"I'll be sitting here, so you might feel restrained, Lu Zongbiaotou."

"Yes, sir!"

"Represent me and treat your acquaintances well."

"I'll head back to rest. We can leave a little later in the morning. Give me a list later; I'm afraid I might forget. Also, give me a list of those who didn't come. Since they didn't come, I'll naturally pay them a visit when I have the time."

Lu Sihai smiled bitterly, "Lord Fang, rest assured. I'll discuss the list with my brothers."

Fang Che gave him a meaningful look, "Then, you'd better discuss it thoroughly."

The crowd stood up in unison, "Lord Fang, why not have something to eat?"

"Never mind, never mind. How can you eat with me here?"

Fang Che pointed to the table filled with wine and dishes, "Don't waste all this good wine and food."

"Of course, of course."

"In the future, we may meet again in the mountains and rivers."

Fang Che smiled, "Sit, drink, and open your hearts. Let's have a good meal."

He smiled as he sat in his seat.

The crowd stared, and Fang Captain's body slowly dissipated, turning into wisps of green smoke that rose into the air.

He seemed to evaporate into nothingness.

The chair was empty.

But Fang Captain's smile seemed to linger.

It was as if he was still leaning back in the chair, his cold gaze fixed on their faces.

With a chilling intent to kill.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end