Tian Heng Society

Nanjiang Second Research Institute.

Chen Yun, wearing a white lab coat, walked briskly out of the experimental building, carrying a lunchbox as she hurried toward the employee cafeteria.

"It's this late, I hope there's still food left."

Her face showed exhaustion, but Chen Yun's eyes were bright, full of anticipation.

The knowledge of physics and mechanics was indeed vast as the ocean, and every new discovery she made filled her with a sense of fulfillment.

If she kept this up, maybe she really could summarize a better set of experimental methods.

Or even reach new research conclusions.

Tap tap tap tap tap!

Then, with light footsteps, she brushed past a finely dressed young woman halfway there.

"Chen Yun."

"Gao Xue."

They exchanged smiles and a greeting. Chen Yun didn't dwell on it and quickly headed to the cafeteria.

In contrast, the woman named Gao Xue paused mid-step, turning her head to watch Chen Yun's retreating figure.

"Heh."

Her smile faded, and Gao Xue curled her lips in disdain.

Gold earrings swayed as she turned, and she soon reached the institute's main gate. The security guards along the way nodded at her amiably.

Glancing over, she saw a Lailaosi with a Flying Eagle Emblem parked by the roadside, a young driver standing nearby, and two Flying Speed brand black sedans flanking it front and back.

Seeing her approach, the young driver quickly opened the rear door for her.

"Xiao Xue." A middle-aged man sat in the back seat, calling out to her with doting affection.

"Dad, how much longer do I have to stay in this dump?"

Gao Xue asked as she got into the car, her face full of impatience. "I'm sick of putting on an act with these people every day."

"Especially that Chen Yun, with her cheap, poverty-stricken vibe."

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow at her words. The driver understood the cue and soon drove off.

"Wait until the experiment is over. Play it safe."

"Ah, that long? No, I can't stand it anymore." Gao Xue complained.

"Be good."

"Everything's already arranged. You at least need to stay long enough to leave a credible trail, so nothing slips."

His tone was calm, his gaze deep.

"As for that Chen Yun, she's your best stepping stone. I've already sent people to look into her family."

"It's ordinary, but you still need to be patient, like a hunter."

His tone gradually turned serious. After hearing his words, Gao Xue reluctantly gave in.

[Lin Hao: That car belongs to the Tian Heng Society. See if it's this one.]

Inside the supermarket, Chen Feng looked at the message on his phone.

Lin Hao had sent a picture. He opened it—sure enough, it was identical.

[Lin Hao: Did you piss someone off?]

[The Tian Heng Society isn't some small gang. They own a lot of businesses, almost on par with some corporate groups.]

More messages came through. Chen Feng frowned, his confusion deepening.

The Tian Heng Society—he'd heard of it.

Or more accurately, the original body had.

It was a major gang in Nanjiang City, controlling plenty of gray-market industries.

It used to be called the Tian Heng Gang, but after expanding, it became the Tian Heng Society.

But still—

When had he ever crossed paths with this organization?

Chen Feng was puzzled. His gaze drifted to the supermarket window.

The black car was parked by the roadside. Inside, both men had rolled down their windows, smoking and casually flicking their cigarette butts onto the street.

They'd tailed him three times in a row, but yet, they hadn't made any move against him.

Chen Feng couldn't help but question their motives.

"Waiting for the right moment to strike?"

"Or investigating me?"

The thought crossed his mind, and Chen Feng felt a trace of impulse to have a proper chat with those two stalkers.

Buzz!

His phone vibrated again. Lin Hao had sent another message.

[Lin Hao: Don't go head-to-head with Tian Heng Society. Those guys have firearm permits.]

A tactful reminder. Chen Feng's thoughts reined themselves in.

He really was an amateur eighth-dan now.

But if he ran into firearms, it would still be a rough go.

"Adapt on the fly."

He stayed alert inwardly, feeling a surge of pressure.

In the end, Chen Feng sent Lin Hao a thank-you reply. He could only choose to endure for now.

Time slipped away quietly. He lost all other interest, constantly on guard against the black car staking out the place outside.

Until finally, nearing midnight.

Vroom!

The engine roared. The black car's lights flicked on as it slowly drove off.

The malice in his Perception dissipated. Chen Feng's taut nerves relaxed slightly.

"Xiao Yao, pack up. We're heading home soon."

Li Hongxia's voice rang out. Chen Feng's thoughts gradually pulled back.

Then, he helped her clean up the supermarket. Xu Yao also took the initiative to put the mop back in its place.

With a clatter.

The three of them walked out of the supermarket. The rolling shutter door was pulled down and locked.

"Let's go, Xiao Feng."

"Alright, Sister Hongxia. Take it slow on the road."

"Goodbye, Brother Chen Feng."

This time, without needing Li Hongxia to prompt her, Xu Yao sat behind her on the electric scooter, hugged her tight, and called out on her own.

Chen Feng gave her a light wave. They parted ways.

Watching the mother and daughter disappear around the street corner, Chen Feng quietly scanned his surroundings.

His gaze was wary. His Perception stretched to the limit.

Tap, tap!

Footsteps sounded as he walked slowly, more alert than at any other moment.

By the roadside, a barbecue stall had charcoal burning, white smoke rising.

The faintly charred aroma of meat rushed toward him. A few drunk men beside the stall were red-faced and rowdy.

He withdrew his gaze, passing several alley entrances.

A full fifteen minutes later, Chen Feng finally returned to the apartment in the complex.

Click!

The door opened, then gently closed.

Only after observing the indoor environment and carefully sensing everything did Chen Feng let out a breath.

"No one's been in."

Confirmed. With the rare moment of relaxation, hunger in his stomach quickly surfaced.

Chen Feng immediately opened the fridge. He ate three packs of bread, two cartons of milk, and two Energy Bars before the hunger subsided.

Then, he glanced at the empty fridge.

Only a few packs of bread and milk remained, plus half a bag of frozen beef.

Chen Feng shook his head to himself.

"I'll need to restock tomorrow."

The thought rose. He let out a breath.

Maybe it was the influence of being followed, plus the hidden presence of Tian Heng Society.

He felt a trace of irritation creep into his heart.

Without deliberately using his will to suppress it, Chen Feng soon went into the bathroom and turned on the showerhead.

Patter, patter!

Water cascaded down, soaking his entire body.

Muscle lines stretched deep and distinct. Veins and blood vessels flickered in and out of view.

Under the dim yellow light, accompanied by the cool rush of water, Chen Feng's thoughts gradually grew clearer.

"First, find out who's pulling the strings behind the scenes."

"If we can talk, we talk. If we can make peace, we make peace."

Chen Feng's eyes regained their calm as he casually twisted the showerhead switch, turning off the water.

"If the conflict can't be resolved..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He grabbed a towel, wiped off the water, and, taking advantage of his body's fatigue, returned to the bedroom and lay down on the bed.

His fist training had just started to show results, and he was about to come into contact with the Martial Dao School.

He absolutely would not allow anyone to interrupt the path he had set for his future.

So.

Slowly closing his eyes, Chen Feng sank his consciousness, once again entering the Dream World.

"No matter who you are, don't push me."