"You're daydreaming!" Xu Yintian had never realized so clearly before that his own sister harbored ambitions that reached the skies.

"Having dreams is better than a mundane existence. Given the lukewarm relationship I share with my brother, I need to establish some connections. The Zhu family's influence will remain significant even without Zhu Rongwei. We have our people everywhere in the government, military... everywhere." Xu Jingyi believed she could lead the family, and without the hindrance of Zhu Rongwei, perhaps she'd even enjoy it more.

Xu Yintian tossed her a list, stood up, and said, "Check it. If anyone's missing, they're lucky." He left the living room, leaving Xu Jingyi trembling as she held the paper.

"This can't be! How could I lose? Everything was going according to plan..."

News reached all corners of Yangcheng; not only was Lizhi Mansion saved, but the news of the deaths of Zhu Rongwei and his wife spread rapidly.

"After all this fuss, it's a wealthy family feud," Wang Shengqian said to his father. "Dad, we don’t have any business dealings with the Zhu family, do we?"

"Even if we did, it wouldn’t threaten the city lord."

"Xu Yintian is ruthless. To kill his own sister... I wonder if Zhou You's group was orchestrated by him?"

"If he was that capable, why would he act now? Did you see what incapacitated thousands in an instant? That's not something Yangcheng could produce."

"Who knows what dark magic they used? There are all sorts of strange techniques in different sects nowadays; maybe there's one like this."

Wang Mang, without arguing with his son, instructed his trusted aide, "Withdraw our men."

Zhou Huajin struggled to come to terms with the outcome. Mrs. Zhou couldn't take her eyes off Master Fan, eagerly suggesting to Zhou Huajin, "It seems Master Fan is familiar with them. Zhou Chen has been longing for a suitable weapon. Maybe Zhou You can help. In all of Yangcheng, or even the country, Master Fan is the best weapon smith."

Zhou Huajin joked, "Didn’t you not want to associate with Zhou You before?"

Of course, Mrs. Zhou had her reservations. But seeing the recent events, Zhou You's capabilities were apparent. Even if not him, his friends were exceptional. Especially now when they needed Master Fan's weapon, an opportunity that rarely came.

She touched her hair, giving an embarrassed smile. "It was just unfamiliarity. With time, things will change. Aren’t we all family?"

Zhou Huajin didn’t blame her. The relationship between stepmother and stepson is complex. Zhou You's distance wasn't just because of one side. He sincerely said, "I'll ask for his help, but there’s no guarantee. You know how temperamental Master Fan can be. He might not favor Zhou You without a relationship."

Zhou Huajin assumed Master Fan and Zhou You weren't close. While it was their first meeting, Master Fan was already familiar with Zhou You, allowing him access to his Yanwu and even choosing any weapon from his collection.

"I've heard quite a bit about the recent upheavals in Lizhi Mansion. It seems like a great place. Young Master Zhou, reserve a room for me. I might drop by occasionally."

"I’d be honored to have you as a guest," Zhou You replied joyfully. "It's getting late, would you like to stay tonight, Master Fan?"

"No, I need to bring the Yanwu back. Otherwise, this place might turn into a tourist attraction by morning. I can't let my prized possession be so exposed."

Su Tinger prepared snacks for everyone. He scoffed at Master Fan's pretentious behavior. Back in the day, Fan Li was just a small mechanic when he dealt in arms. What's there to show off about a big chunk of metal?

"Master Fan is now a sought-after figure. His hands are golden. It might be risky for him to stay here, especially with that huge contraption outside. If it gets stolen, we couldn't compensate even if we sold off the entire mansion."

"Isn't that Su Daqiang? You seem to have downgraded. No matter how you try to cleanse yourself, you can't shake off the stink of cheapness. Had they not been here, I wouldn't even bother stepping in."

"Indeed, it's hard to get you to visit. I failed to appreciate that."

Master Fan snorted, then turned to Zhou You. "Young Master Zhou, how about becoming my apprentice? Weapons you forge yourself are the best, and there's good money in it. Plus, you'd become sworn brothers with Mr. Shao."

Shao Qi is Master Fan's disciple? This was news to many. There had been no such rumors. The secrecy was impressive.

Zhou You declined, "Firstly, I have no interest in that field. Secondly, I don't want to call him my senior."

In his heart, Shao Qi silently added, "Why call him 'senior brother'? He should be called 'husband'."

That day, everyone was running around, tense and exhausted, too worn out to even play games, and they all retreated to rest.

Shao Qi personally escorted Master Fan home. With the colossal Yan Wu accompanying them, curious onlookers blocked the streets. Fortunately, Master Fan's home wasn't in the city center and was not far from Litchi Villa, preventing a citywide sensation.

However, online speculations about Yan Wu varied widely. Master Fan's name once again became legendary, and the wealthy and influential lined up to visit him, only to be turned away at the door.

The next day, when paparazzi captured photos of Shao Qi, Zhou You, and others visiting the Fan residence, people's esteem for Litchi Villa heightened. "Who exactly are these individuals? They can challenge the Zhu family, face hundreds single-handedly, command elite military units, and are close to Master Fan?"