The rain fell thick and fast, but the murderous intent lingered.

Lan Xing, who was hiding in the distance, knew clearly that Li Yu was speaking to them.

A chill ran through him; he knew it was time. He took a deep breath and abruptly waved his hand: "Let's go!"

The elites from the Thunder Bureau immediately stood up and followed Lan Xing as they quickly broke through the rain curtain and rushed towards the center of the ruins.

Upon approaching, Song Qingyi and Lan Xing exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

Neither of them had expected that, as official forces, they would not lend a hand when the Ye family in Ningcheng encountered external enemies, but instead stand by and watch the situation unfold. In the end, after the Ye family's destruction was settled, they both chose to stand on Lu Fan's side.

Only the two of them truly understand the tacit understanding, subtle nuances, and calculations involved.

Just as Lan Xing and his men were standing still, Judge Duan and his team returned from another direction.

After quickly reuniting, Judge Duan strode over to Lan Xing's side and gave him a barely perceptible nod.

Seeing this, Lan Xing felt a weight lifted from his heart, and he straightened his back even more.

In the rain, the Ningcheng Thunder Bureau stood in neat rows.

Lan Xing strode forward, stood at attention and saluted Lu Fan, his voice firm and resonant:

"Lu Fanxingjun, Lan Xing of Ningcheng Thunder Bureau, has led his team to completely wipe out the Ye family army."

He looked at Lu Fan, his gaze firm, and continued:

"The main force of the Ye family army has been completely annihilated, and all resisters have been executed on the spot. Please rest assured, Star Lord!"

Lu Fan's eyes flickered slightly, their expression unfathomable, making it impossible for anyone to discern his thoughts.

Lan Xing's heart tightened slightly, but there was no turning back now. He took a deep breath, raised his voice, and declared both to Lu Fan and to everyone present:

"The Ye family has been entrenched in Ningcheng for many years, their roots run deep. If they are not completely eradicated, they will surely become a future threat. Since the Ningcheng Thunder Bureau has chosen to pledge allegiance to the Star Lord, it will naturally clear all obstacles for you."

After speaking, he turned to the Thunder Bureau members standing in neat rows behind him: "From this day forward, all members of the Ningcheng Thunder Bureau are willing to serve Lord Lu Fan as our master and swear to be loyal to him to the death!"

"We swear to be loyal to the death!" Nearly a hundred members of the Thunder Bureau shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the rain.

Judge Duan stepped forward at the opportune moment, his tone steady yet tinged with a bloodthirsty edge: "We have already dispatched men to take control of the city's defenses and close all entrances and exits. The remaining Ye family forces within the city are being wiped out, and we will soon have complete control of Ning City."

Li Yu watched with great interest, chuckling and teasing, "What a swift and decisive move! Lu Fan, your ability to retake Ning City so quietly is truly impressive."

Lu Fan neither argued with Li Yu nor responded to Ningcheng Thunder Bureau's pledge of loyalty; he simply watched Lan Xing quietly.

Back in Yangcheng, although he had agreed to Lan Xing and Judge Duan's offer of allegiance, he had only agreed casually. He never expected that after Lan Xing returned to Ningcheng, he would actually begin to consolidate the Thunder Bureau and eliminate dissidents, ultimately reaching this point.

This proactive decision and execution took Lu Fan by surprise.

Looking at the Thunder Bureau members who had betrayed the Ye family, Lu Fan seemed to be assessing the value of their defection.

If Lan Xing hadn't personally led the team, he really wouldn't have considered accepting this group of awakened individuals who had betrayed the Ye family.

Rainwater slid down Lu Fan's cheeks, making it impossible to see the emotions in his eyes.

Lan Xing stood there straight and motionless, waiting for the final response.

After a long silence, Lu Fan finally spoke, his voice carrying a chilling warning:

"Since you've chosen this path, don't regret it."

Lan Xing pounded his chest heavily with his right hand: "Having sworn allegiance to the Star Lord, we will never turn back. From this day forward, we will follow only the lead of Star Lord Lu Fan!"

At that moment, a communications soldier from the Thunder Bureau ran over quickly and whispered a few words in Lan Xing's ear.

Lan Xing's expression changed slightly, and he immediately turned to Lu Fan to report: "A small group of remnants of the Ye family has been spotted attempting to escape outside the city, but they have been intercepted. What should we do, Star Lord?"

Lu Fan's gaze remained unwavering; he simply looked up at the distant rain curtain.

"Leave no one alive."

"Yes!" Lan Xing responded without the slightest hesitation, as if it were the most routine command, and immediately gave the order to those behind him:

"Team One, execute the elimination order immediately, ensuring no one survives!"

An elite squad immediately followed the communications officer away.

Hearing this cold order and the icy tone in the voice, Song Qingyi felt a chill run down her spine.

It seems that Lu Fan intends to wipe out the Ye family completely.

He clenched his fist instinctively, but was unable to loosen it.

Song Qingyi understood that this was the bloody price that had to be paid for the establishment of the new order.

However, Lu Fan was even more ruthless than he had imagined.

All he can do now is try his best to maintain stability in Ningcheng, even if it means getting the law enforcement bureau to cooperate with Lu Fan.

Seeing Lu Fan's resolute attitude towards annihilating the Ye family, Lan Xing felt much more at ease and immediately began making arrangements with swift and decisive action:

"Judge Duan, you lead a team to continue clearing out the remaining remnants of the Ye family within the city. The rest of you, come with me to strengthen the city's defenses. We must not let a single one escape!"

"Yes!" The Thunder Bureau members responded in unison, and under Lan Xing's leadership, they quickly and orderly dispersed.

Only after the Thunder Bureau had disappeared from sight did Lu Fan withdraw his gaze, glance at Song Qingyi who was standing there like a supervisor, and then look at Li Yu beside him who was watching the show with an air of detached amusement, and said softly:

"It seems I'll have to stay in Ningcheng for a while."

"Don't worry, I'll keep in touch anytime." Li Yu simply waved her hand lazily.

Looking back at the enormous sea beast behind him, bound tightly by golden threads and still struggling, a satisfied smile crept onto his lips.

Although I didn't put in much effort during this trip to Ningcheng to find Lu Fan, I gained a lot.

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