Back at their lodgings, Wang Fan and the others sent a few people out to gather information.
So I went to rest early; I was exhausted from fighting all this time.
However, the news of Wang Fan's return was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.
This caused ripples among the various factions in Blazing City.
When Lieyan learned of the news, he was discussing matters in the council chamber of his home.
A servant rushed in to report, and he was taken aback at first, then a complex look flashed in his eyes.
Yan Batian, the patriarch of the Yan family, turned serious upon hearing of Wang Fan's return.
His son, Yan Feng, stood beside him, his face also filled with tension, his voice trembling slightly: "Father, what should we do?"
Yan Batian glanced at his son, though he was also worried.
But he still forced himself to remain calm, and snorted coldly, "What's there to be afraid of? In this Blazing City, does Wang Fan dare to hit me?"
Even so, he knew in his heart that Wang Fan was no pushover.
Based on his previous actions, Wang Fan's strength and wisdom should not be underestimated.
Inside the city lord's mansion, the princess was sitting lazily on a couch.
When her confidant informed her of Wang Fan's return, she was slightly taken aback.
A look of mixed surprise and delight appeared on her face, and she murmured softly, "You really aren't that easy to kill."
The next day, Wang Fan got up very early.
He frowned deeply as he looked at the information his subordinates had gathered.
Just as he had expected, the news that their entire team had been wiped out came from Lie Yan and the Yan family.
Moreover, some hidden information infuriated him.
According to the message, in order to protect themselves in many operations, the Yan family did not hesitate to betray their teammates and often used some minor forces as cannon fodder.
In the battle at the castle, the Yan family was the first to flee.
Wang Fan clenched his fists, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
The Yan family's actions are truly despicable.
Hua Nianci noticed that Wang Fan's expression was off, so she leaned over with concern and glanced at the message on the table.
His face also showed anger: "The Yan family has gone too far."
Wang Fan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and said, "Now is not the time to act impulsively. The Yan family has been operating in Blazing Fire City for many years and has a huge influence. We cannot act rashly. But this debt must be settled."
Su Yaqi chimed in, "That's right, they might already be on guard against us."
Wang Fan nodded slightly and fell into deep thought.
Just then, a voice announced from outside: "Young Master Wang Fan, the princess requests your presence at the City Lord's Mansion for a chat."
Wang Fan was taken aback, not expecting the princess to suddenly invite him.
Before he could respond, another servant came to report: "Young Master Wang, Lord Lieyan has also sent an invitation, inviting you to a gathering."
Wang Fan frowned, pondering to himself.
It was no coincidence that the two invited each other at almost the same time.
Both the princess and Lieyan hold pivotal positions in the Land of Fire.
The fact that invitations are being extended at the same time suggests that each party has its own agenda.
He turned to look at Hua Nianci and the others. Hua Nianci frowned slightly and said, "These two invited us suddenly. I'm afraid they have ill intentions. You should be careful."
Wang Fan smiled slightly, his eyes showing determination: "It's alright, I also want to meet them and see what they're up to."
"But you must be very careful while you stay here. If anything goes wrong, find a way to leave immediately."
Everyone nodded, their eyes filled with worry and concern.
After weighing his options, Wang Fan decided to go to the city lord's mansion to accept the princess's invitation first.
Upon entering the city lord's mansion, a luxurious setting comes into view, with pavilions and towers arranged in a well-organized manner, and the gardens filled with blooming flowers.
The princess had already prepared a banquet in an exquisite waterside pavilion to welcome Wang Fan.
She rose to greet him, a graceful smile on her face, like the warm spring sun: "Young Master Wang, this princess has been waiting for you for a long time."
Wang Fan bowed respectfully and took his seat, but he was extremely wary.
The princess personally poured him wine with gentle and elegant movements, saying, "Young Master Wang has survived this calamity; he will surely be blessed with good fortune in the future."
"Blazing Fire City is currently in a turbulent period, with various forces stirring up trouble. This princess hopes that Young Master Wang can lend me a hand, and I will certainly not treat you unfairly in the future."
Wang Fan understood that the princess wanted to win him over and use him for her own purposes.
He looked at the princess with a calm expression and said earnestly, "I am deeply grateful for the princess's kindness."
"However, this matter is too important, as it concerns the safety of me and my companions. Please allow me to go back and consider it carefully."
A barely perceptible hint of displeasure flashed in the princess's eyes.
But she quickly regained her gentle demeanor and chuckled, "Very well, this princess awaits the young master's reply."
Afterwards, the princess and Wang Fan began to talk, seemingly chatting about everyday matters.
In reality, they were constantly testing Wang Fan's words, trying to understand his views on the current situation and to win him over.
Wang Fan responded skillfully, his words leaving no room for error; he neither made promises lightly nor completely refused.
During his conversation with the princess, he became increasingly convinced that none of these forces were trustworthy.
The princess's words seemed sincere, but they always revealed the calculations of someone in a higher position.
They only mentioned asking him for help, but didn't mention any real benefits.
All she wanted was to use me to achieve her goals.
As for how they will treat themselves and their companions after the mission is accomplished, it is really hard to predict.
After leaving the city lord's mansion, Wang Fan leisurely made his way to where Lie Yan was.
Lie Yan was already anxiously waiting in the hall when he saw Wang Fan.
He hurriedly stood up to greet him, his face beaming with smiles: "Brother Wang Fan, I've been waiting for you! I was overjoyed to hear of your safe return."
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