Li Yunwei knew.
The powerhouse lurking behind the scenes likely far surpassed Chu Long in strength!
Such a formidable figure was undoubtedly Linhai City's most precious asset, especially with the Blood Moon Calamity imminent—they must urgently uncover more powerful allies.
Could they truly not uncover the identity of the mastermind?!
Was he really Chen Nian?
A sudden thought struck Li Yunwei—he could call Chen Nian. If he was truly here, he wouldn't be able to answer.
Without hesitation, Li Yunwei dialed the number.
"Hello, Captain Li?"
"Chen Nian? Where are you now?"
"I'm at home. What's up?"
"Take a selfie and send it to me immediately! It's urgent!" Li Yunwei's tone was urgent.
"Captain Li... this... this isn't appropriate. I have a girlfriend."
"?!?!"
Li Yunwei nearly choked on her own blood.
After hanging up, she couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "Guess I overthought it."
That masterful fighter earlier—manipulating everything from the shadows, playing people like puppets, striking with precision and ruthlessness, wielding wind, thunder, and fire elemental arts, all while remaining completely undetected. How could that possibly be Chen Nian?
It had to be a cunning old fox!
Wait!
Li Yunwei immediately called the Enforcement Bureau's backup team.
"Quick! Pinpoint the exact location of this phone number now!"
"Yes, Captain Li. Please hold."...
"We've got it, Captain Li! He's near the docks."
"What?!"
Li Yunwei slowly lowered her phone, sucking in a sharp breath.
Chen Nian was nearby...
Was that powerful figure earlier really him?
"What's wrong, Captain? Should we apprehend him?"
"No... no need. I'll handle it."...
"Huff..."
Chen Nian exhaled a huge sigh of relief.
Who'd have thought this female law enforcement officer was so sharp? She's already suspicious of my identity—not good news at all...
Her knowing my identity alone wasn't a major issue. I could keep it hidden like I did with Qin Yu's friends.
But if the authorities found out, that would bring a lot of trouble. I might have to intervene in many places myself.
Just as he was thinking this, Qin Yu's call came through again!
"Chen Nian, where are you? I need to talk to you urgently."
"Uh, I'm at home."
"Good. Wait there. I'll come over immediately. Don't leave!"
After hanging up, Chen Nian wasted no time. Using the "Sky-Darting Serpent" technique, he soared into the air and headed straight for his residence.
.....
As for Chu Long's men, ambulances had already arrived to transport them away.
The lightly injured would need a week of rest, while the severely wounded faced ten days to half a month of recovery.
For these men, desperate to level up, it was an absolutely devastating blow!
"Boss... why didn't you fight him at full strength?"
One subordinate, propping up his battered body, asked bitterly, his face twisted with resentment.
In their eyes, Chu Long had always been an extremely proud man, never once admitting his weakness like he had today.
Humble and subdued, without a trace of arrogance...
"You don't know shit!"
Chu Long said, still shaken. "That wasn't even the real person fighting me just now. Someone else was controlling him from the shadows..."
"What?!" The group gasped in shock.
"He concealed his own form while manipulating another, unleashing attacks of wind, thunder, and fire elements. He even effortlessly blocked my 'Thunder Spear'..."
As he spoke, a chill ran down Chu Long's spine, his voice trembling.
"Unbelievable—such a formidable opponent lurking within Linhai City... You want me to fight him head-on? Are you trying to get me killed?!"
Everyone: ....
It was the first time they'd seen their leader show such deep apprehension toward a single individual.
A wave of lingering dread washed over them.
According to the boss, if that guy hadn't held back earlier, we'd probably be dead already...
"Boss, who do you think that person could be?"
"...Hard to say."
Chu Long nearly blurted out "No comment."
But upon second thought, it seemed absurd.
The people Bu Yu dealt with were the highest echelons of Disaster—far beyond the reach of a lowly minion like himself.
Why would he bother with such a trivial matter?
The beautiful women who fell for him were too numerous to count, each more formidable than the last. Someone like Qin Yu wouldn't even register on his radar.
A man so lofty and godlike—how could he possibly have the time or inclination to beat me up?
I'm just overestimating myself! Chu Long couldn't help thinking.
...
Chen Nian had barely returned home when Qin Yu and the others arrived.
"Xiao Yu, you go up alone. We won't accompany you."
"Huh? Wouldn't it be awkward for me to go by myself..."
"You're his girlfriend—why would it be awkward? It'd be awkward for us to tag along! Go on, go on."
Seeing the three of them grinning mischievously, Qin Yu had no choice but to knock on the door alone.
The door opened.
She stammered, "Chen Nian, I have something..."
"Xiao Yu, you rarely come by. Come inside and talk!"
"Exactly! Come in, we'll wait outside."
"Don't be shy, go on!"
Qin Yu was pushed through the door, which slammed shut behind her.
Only then did Chen Nian take a good look at the girl before him.
Leaning against the door, her delicate face was smudged and makeup smeared from the earlier fight.
Her gaze drifted nervously, likely from shyness.
"Come in and sit."
"Here, wipe up. What did you need?"
Chen Nian handed her a damp towel as she asked.
"I have something for you..."
"What is it?"
"A piece of gear."
Qin Yu produced the epic-tier item, the "Turtle Shell Armguards."
Chen Nian was stunned.
She actually wanted to give him something this valuable?!
"Take it, don't be shy. You gave me good gear before too," Qin Yu explained. "Besides, you're stronger than me. You'll make better use of it."
"That makes sense. I'll take it then."
"You?!"
"What?"
"You really aren't shy about taking things, are you?!"
Chen Nian chuckled. Of course he wouldn't be shy.
First, he was the one who killed the world boss.
Second, he was the one who snatched the gear back.
Only Qin Yu didn't know that.
"Well, I'll be heading out then..."
"Take a shower first. You look like a little kitten out there. Aren't you embarrassed to walk around like that?" Chen Nian teased.
"Hmph, you're mocking me! But I didn't bring a change of clothes."
"No problem. I'll find you some men's clothes to wear for now."
Qin Yu hesitated for a moment before biting her red lips and nodding.
"But don't you dare peek!"
Soon, the sound of rushing water filled the shower stall.
Chen Nian stepped outside. His three friends had already slipped away—they were practically hoping Qin Yu would sleep with Chen Nian tonight!
Chen Nian had just closed the door and hadn't even sat down on the sofa yet.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang again.
Who could be coming over this late?
Chen Nian glanced at the video feed.
The visitor outside was a girl he knew all too well.
The former campus beauty, Xia Wen.
Why on earth was she showing up at his door?