"Boss, you'll be living there from now on," Xiao Han said, pointing to a thatched cottage not far away.
The small plain had a total of five houses—three for sleeping, one for storage and cooking, and the last one serving as a toilet. In front of the huts, two vegetable gardens were planted with various fruits and vegetables. A gurgling stream flowed behind them, providing fresh water for daily needs.
Although the lifestyle was simple, Ye Chen felt content. If he hadn't come here, he would likely still be on the run, constantly looking over his shoulder. When he was in Heizhou, he had often fantasized about this kind of peaceful, carefree existence—living like an idle wanderer among the mountains. Now that it had become his reality, he couldn't help but feel a little excited.
Ye Chen walked over to the vegetable garden, picked up a wooden ladle, and scooped water from a bucket. He began irrigating the plants, completing the task Deng Changfeng had started earlier. Meanwhile, Xiao Han headed straight back to the hut where Deng Changfeng was staying.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Ye Chen fully embraced the tranquility of mountain life. His days were spent practicing martial arts, tending to the vegetable garden, and soaking up the sun. Slowly, he found himself falling in love with this peaceful existence—no life-or-death battles, no betrayals or schemes.
In his free moments, he would seek Deng Changfeng's guidance on cultivation, immersing himself in martial arts. The days passed in quiet contentment.
Jiangbei City, Ivy Villa
Jiang Che reclined on a rocking chair by the pool, basking in the warm sunlight. Behind him, a maid massaged his shoulders.
"By now, Ye Chen should have reached Baiyun Mountain," he murmured, eyes narrowing in thought.
He knew he had to act before that fool Lin Fan returned. This was the perfect opportunity to head to Baiyun Mountain—once Lin Fan was back, slipping away unnoticed would be much more difficult. Plus, once he returned from the mountain, he could still make it in time for the upcoming business dinner and meet Lin Fan's stepmother.
Having made up his mind, Jiang Che immediately called Tian Sha. After freshening up, he got into his Maybach and set off toward the remote Tianhai City.
Tianhai City was only a two-hour drive from Jiangbei. After exiting the highway, Jiang Che checked his location and, along with Tian Sha, made his way to the foot of Baiyun Mountain.
As they walked along the rugged mountain path, Tian Sha suddenly asked, "Master, are we going there to kill someone?"
Jiang Che smirked. "What, are you scared?" he asked playfully.
Tian Sha shook his head. "Not scared—just a little excited."
Since Jiang Che had summoned him into this world, Tian Sha hadn't had the opportunity to kill anyone. The thirst for blood had been building up inside him for too long, and now, he could finally let loose.
"I'll let you do it yourself today," Jiang Che said with a faint smile. Ye Chen and Xiao Han would be enough to keep Tian Sha entertained for a while.
The two of them made their way through the dense bushes until a small village came into view. Jiang Che recognized it immediately—it was part of Xiao Han's storyline.
He knew there was a hidden trail behind the village leading directly to Deng Changfeng's residence halfway up the mountain. Instead of passing through the village, Jiang Che led Tian Sha around it and straight to the concealed mountain path.
The winding trail was steep, but without hesitation, they pressed forward, steadily making their way up.
Jiangbei City, Detention Center
Mu Xiaoyao sat at her desk, listless, her vacant eyes staring into space.
It had been five days since Ye Chen and Xiao Han vanished into the forest. For five long days, she had been scouring the woods, searching tirelessly, yet not a single clue had turned up. Frustration weighed heavily on her.
Could it be that even the heavens were protecting those two?
Just then, a police officer hurried into the office, breaking her daze. "Captain, we have news!"
Mu Xiaoyao snapped back to attention, her eyes sharpening. "You found Ye Chen?" she asked, hope flickering in her voice.
"Yes, Captain. We traced his whereabouts."
She sprang from her chair, her heart pounding. "Where is he now?"
"The detention center in Tianhai City reported that he was last seen near the road at the foot of Baiyun Mountain."
Mu Xiaoyao sucked in a deep breath. So Ye Chen had likely entered Baiyun Mountain.
Finally!
Without wasting another second, she gathered her team for an emergency meeting.
"Wang Da, you and the first team will remain here to handle any urgent matters. The second team will follow me to Tianhai City—we're bringing him in!"
"Yes, Captain!"
With her orders given, they mobilized without delay.