Zhai Bifan Arrested

"Answer the phone. I'll go ask around."

Leaving those words behind, Zhai Bifan entered the office's Quiet Room. He took out his phone, saw a number saved as "Brother-in-Law," and tapped call.

After ten seconds of ringing music, the call connected.

"Hello, Brother-in-Law. What is it?" The voice on the other end sounded somewhat lazy.

Zhai Bifan smiled. "Can't I contact you if there's nothing wrong?"

"Brother-in-Law, just say what you need. You know perfectly well what my life is like. Every day, I'm either spending money having fun or spending money. I've got plenty of time, but you're a busy man."

Wang Yecheng's tone was helpless, and he was clearly deeply dissatisfied with his life. If someone else were in his position, they would probably be thrilled beyond words.

The Wang Family was one of the Underground Alliance's nine great families. Since it was called a family, its numbers were naturally enormous.

Those in the family who could cultivate, cultivated; those who could run businesses, ran businesses. Those without ability would never lower themselves to work under others. Most idled away their days in pleasure.

Zhai Bifan did not waste any more time and said directly, "Do you remember what I asked you to arrange last month? Something unexpected has happened. They say a materials inspector from the Limitless Martial Arts School has gone over. What should we do?"

"The Limitless Martial Arts School!"

Wang Yecheng cried out in alarm. As a descendant of the Wang Family, he naturally possessed a certain network of connections, and some people would give him face. That was how he could borrow the family's power.

But how could a useless Wang Family descendant, even with connections, compare to the Limitless Martial Arts School? Let alone him—even the Wang Family, or the Underground Alliance formed by the nine great families, had to obediently bow their heads before the Limitless Martial Arts School.

"Brother-in-Law, are you sure it's personnel from the Limitless Martial Arts School?" Wang Yecheng felt a sharp ache in his teeth.

Zhai Bifan knew the gravity of the situation as well. He said solemnly, "My supplier said that if I don't go, they'll arrest me directly and treat it as fleeing in fear of punishment. That kind of domineering attitude and hardline stance—it should indeed be the Limitless Martial Arts School."

Wang Yecheng said hesitantly, "Then I'll ask around first. If the Limitless Martial Arts School really stepped in, Brother-in-Law, you'd better prepare yourself. I definitely can't withstand it on my end."

"Alright."

Zhai Bifan also understood how serious it was and began considering whom to use as a scapegoat.

Less than a minute later, his phone rang. Seeing that it was Wang Yecheng, he hurriedly answered.

"Brother-in-Law, did you find anything out?"

Wang Yecheng said in a terrified voice, "Brother-in-Law, abandon that company!"

"I didn't even get the chance to ask anyone. The family sent me a warning instead. Director Dongfang of the Limitless Martial Arts School personally stepped in. The people I contacted have already been placed under disciplinary investigation, and the family is going to punish me too."

Wang Yecheng wore a bitter smile. What kind of person was a director of the Limitless Martial Arts School? The War Gods supported by the Wang Family had to serve them carefully. Meanwhile, the directors of the Limitless Martial Arts School had ties of kinship, friendship, and loyalty with War Gods.

Though their apparent status might be slightly lower than the Clan Leader's, once they mobilized their influence through the upper ranks of the Limitless Martial Arts School, they were even more formidable than the Clan Leader.

"You've really ruined me. My peaceful days are over. Brother-in-Law, take care of yourself. I advise you to make a decisive choice!"

Bang!

The sound of a door being kicked open came through from the other end of the phone.

"It's over. The family's Law Enforcement team is here."

"Beep beep beep..."

The line was filled with a busy signal. Zhai Bifan's eyes were full of terror. He had merely plotted against a small company, yet it had drawn out such a major figure.

Gritting his teeth, Zhai Bifan decided to abandon Fuxin Company, a subsidiary of Flagship Group.

This company was one of the group's core businesses. It dealt in Combat Suits, a hugely profitable industry, and was Flagship Group's cash cow.

But with the Limitless Martial Arts School investigating, he could only find someone to take the blame and subject the entire company to a rigorous inspection.

Judging by their previous practices, the company definitely could not be saved. What could stand up to an investigation?

Fortunately, it was only indirectly controlled. Although it truly belonged under Flagship Group and the two companies appeared to have a subordinate relationship, legally speaking, they were not deeply entangled. It was merely under one of his trusted subordinates.

After arranging everything, Zhai Bifan returned to the chairman's office, restless and distracted.

"Dad? How is it? Can we still keep the Shu Family under control? Should we consider another plan?" After receiving several calls, Zhai Yanko's heart had already gone cold. But as long as Flagship Group did not run into trouble, he had not truly lost. He felt that he only needed to find another opportunity.

But what greeted him was a slap.

The moment Zhai Bifan heard that, his anger flared. How could a core business be so easily abandoned?

Once it was lost, it would be like cutting off one's own arm to survive. The entire group would shrink drastically, involving nearly ten billion Huaxia Coin in capital!

Without its core business, Flagship Group, which had once been considered one of Yangzhou City's top companies, would directly fall into the second tier.

Slap!

A crisp, resounding sound rang out.

Zhai Bifan said in disappointment and fury, "Women, women, all you think about is women! Do you know the Limitless Martial Arts School has stepped in? Do you know what that means? Our business is finished!"

"If Flagship Group stops backing you, you'll have nothing! Go to the Wilderness Area and kill monsters, then! You still want to compete with them? You're nothing!"

Zhai Yanko was completely stunned by the blow. He was now a martial artist, so the slap did not hurt much, but his father's words frightened him.

Zhai Bifan had simply lost his temper. One move of his, along with a company he had operated for more than a decade—how could he not be furious?

Before this, he had always been extremely cautious, avoiding any involvement with major figures.

It was not easy to employ commercial schemes now. The Base City had only recently been established, and the situation had not been stable for long. Those who had survived the Great Cataclysm possessed exceptionally upright principles. Martial artists were tied to the safety of the Base City, and in most people's eyes, no impurity could be tolerated.

Dare to counterfeit? Dare to cheat martial artists?

No amount of money would be enough! Naturally, these people's inspections were extremely strict.

Of course, scum existed everywhere.

The Zhai Family had painstakingly arranged a seemingly flawless plan. They bribed Shu Niandong, used the Underground Alliance to exert pressure during inspections, and had their own core company step forward to enhance credibility. Only by joining forces on all three sides could they ensure the destruction of a company without fail. Even though he could use the Underground Alliance's connections, he did not dare truly sell counterfeit goods. At most, he played some commercial tricks.

But he had never imagined that it would reach Director Dongfang's ears.

Why had the world's first- and second-strongest people established the two great martial arts schools, colossal entities comparable to the five great nations?

It was not only because martial artists were special. Martial prowess could lead to lawlessness; they were difficult to manage, had strong individual wills, and loved freedom. Protecting martial artists' interests required building a special force to manage them and give special training to those with talent.

More importantly, during the era of Base Cities, extraordinary circumstances demanded extraordinary measures. Three sides needed to balance one another!

At a time when humanity's survival was at stake, the spread of humanity's darker nature had to be curbed, preventing corruption caused by concentrated power!

Connections were not a problem. They were tradition. Favoring those close over those distant was an inevitable human instinct, even something shared by all living things. It was understandable.

In some situations, exceptions could be made, favors could be granted, and privileges could be given!

But one must never cross the line!

Martial artists could fight monsters only because they had Combat Suits and weapons. If problems arose in that area, countless martial artists would instantly become more savage and demonic than monsters!

Just think about how martial artists killed monsters in the Wilderness Area. Their brutality was terrifying enough already. If those people flew into a rage, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Naturally, although the Limitless Martial Arts School was called a martial arts school, it wielded immense authority over many affairs within the Base City! It even stood above numerous other forces.

Zhai Yanko did not understand at all. "Dad, what exactly happened?"

"Fuxin Company is finished! The Shu Family found Director Dongfang of the Limitless Martial Arts School!" Zhai Bifan slumped weakly against the sofa.

Even if they had not truly sold counterfeit goods, what could withstand investigation? He had used plenty of underhanded methods to seize business before. Otherwise, as an ordinary person, even with the Wang Family behind him, he could not have built such a large business.

Now, it was all over.

The only reason he had retained some rationality was that he had suppressed his greed and never truly counterfeited anything. Otherwise, there would have been no escaping it, and he would not have lasted until now.

"Fuxin Company!" Zhai Yanko's pupils abruptly contracted. The profits created by that company accounted for more than eighty percent of theirs!

Once that company was finished, the group's industrial chain would be broken and its market value would plummet. If that batch of Combat Suits was dragged down with it, they would even have to pay out of pocket. Ordinary people's businesses merely handled scraps and leftovers. Who dared to earn outrageous profits from Combat Suits? That would mean digging up their own foundations to fill the hole.

"How could the Shu Family possibly know such a major figure?" Zhai Yanko was full of disbelief. Then a flash of insight struck him, and he shouted hatefully, "It's Ning Ze! Even his father couldn't possibly speak to someone like that! But he's different. The Four Giants all love recruiting geniuses. He must have met the director!"

A bloodshot vein appeared in Zhai Yanko's eyes. Jealousy drove him nearly mad. Even he had never met such a major figure.

"That kid?" Zhai Bifan's eyes widened. His thoughts raced, and he understood as well.

Someone capable of defeating a genius from the Thunderclap Martial Arts School could indeed have attracted a director's attention.

For a moment, hatred filled his heart.

He should have thought of it, but his habitual way of thinking had made him careless.

In his eyes, Ning Ze was merely a boy who had grown up alongside his own son. They had even become martial artists at about the same time.

Previously, he could casually arrange for people to harm the Warfire Squad. Those people had been lucky not to die, but their lives had still rested in his palm.

He had never expected that this insignificant person would silently grow beyond his control—and cause such a disaster in this matter!

Bang!

Just then, the chairman's office door was kicked open.

Three uniformed young men walked in. Their eyes swept across the room before settling on the middle-aged man. "Who is Zhai Bifan?"

"I am." Zhai Bifan struggled to remain calm. He had already made arrangements. The company could be sacrificed, but he himself should be fine. "What do you want with me?"

"I am Ji Zixian, a materials inspector from the Limitless Martial Arts School. Fuxin Company, which you indirectly control, has been found to have major material safety and quality issues. I now summon you on behalf of the martial arts school..."

"Take him away!"

At the command, the two inspectors behind him immediately stepped forward and cuffed Zhai Bifan.

"Watch over the company." Zhai Bifan calmly gave Zhai Yanko one instruction.

The three inspectors paid no attention to anything else and directly took him away.

Watching his father be taken away, Zhai Yanko fell silent. For someone as important as Director Dongfang, it was already good enough if he handled matters according to the rules. The most frightening possibility was being taken away directly without even being given a reason.

"Ah!"

With a stifled roar of fury, Zhai Yanko grabbed the ashtray beside him and smashed it onto the floor. It shattered with a bang. Then he seized the documents on the desk and viciously hurled them to the ground.

Just then, the office door suddenly opened.

Zhai Yanko jumped in fright. He thought people from the Limitless Martial Arts School had come again. After seeing who it was, he sighed in relief and angrily shouted, "Bastard! What are you coming in for?"

The chubby general manager at the door was badly frightened too. Trembling, he replied softly, "Director Zhai, Fuxin Company's final payment has not been settled. Now that the company has been frozen, our group has no money. But Lihua Company has come demanding the final payment for another project..."

"Get out!"

"What are you rushing for?"

"Tell them to wait!"

Zhai Yanko roared in fury.

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

The chubby general manager meekly left the office. Once outside, his expression changed as he sneered. Yelling at me? Flagship Group is about to collapse! If they don't pay my wages, I'll resign next month. Lante Group tried to recruit me before. Should I go?

Another day passed.

After receiving the notification, Ning Ze headed to the Shu Family home to propose marriage!

Before even getting out of the car, he spotted the beautiful girl waiting at the entrance to the villa district from far away.

His family actually owned a car, but Ning Hua did not like driving, and Ning Ze did not like it either.

It was only a car. Even a sports car was nothing novel.

Driving in the city was not even as fast as running, and parking was less convenient than taking a taxi. The car was generally only used when Li Wan went grocery shopping.

If Ning Ze truly wanted to drive something, he wanted a fighter jet. That was what men should play with. A sports car was merely a big toy within the Base City; it could not even leave the Base City.

The car stopped at the entrance to the villa district.

Ning Ze opened the door and got out. The driver hurriedly got out as well, opened the trunk, and took out the gifts inside.

Seeing Shu Yi repeatedly examining him from head to toe, Ning Ze asked in confusion, "What is it?"

He lowered his head and looked over his sky-blue silk shirt, pure white casual trousers made of fish membrane, white casual leather shoes, and martial artist combat watch. This outfit was fairly formal; there should not have been anything improper about it.

Shu Yi happily helped straighten his clothes and praised, "You look so handsome today!"

Ning Ze spread his hands, somewhat helpless. "Do I? Maybe it's just because it's new? These clothes aren't as comfortable as cultivation. They also don't make me feel as safe as a Combat Suit."

"Sir, your things."

The driver enthusiastically ran over carrying a pile of gifts. Looking down, he saw Changbai Ginseng Maotai, a Qiluo Yujin skincare gift set, and several other items he did not recognize. Every single one was something he could not afford.

"Alright, thank you."

Ning Ze accepted them and asked, "The medicinal liquor for Grandpa can replenish his blood and qi and slow the decline of his strength. The tea is for your father. There's also a 2001 Little Overlord learning machine. It's an antique—the salesperson said people of that generation would like it. For your mother, there are skincare products from the Base City's top brand. Your two younger brothers are around the same age, so I got them things for trainees to use in cultivation. I also casually bought something for that aunt. Do you think it's enough? If not, I'll go buy some more?"

The driver secretly swallowed. He did not know about the rest, but he had gone to look at those martial artist supplies with his son before. One set of nourishing supplements cost ten million Huaxia Coin!

"It's enough. It's enough to bring things for Grandpa and my brothers."

"This is an important occasion. We can't be lacking in manners. Let's go."

Shu Yi happily hooked her arm through his. She was practically skipping as they walked.

The driver watched them go with envious eyes. This one trip was enough for him to brag about for an entire year!

The two entered the villa. The moment Ning Ze opened the living room door, he saw the middle-aged man sitting on the sofa. He politely greeted him, "Uncle."

Shu Heng turned around. When he saw Ning Ze, his cheerful smile gradually froze. He frowned tightly and said impatiently, "Why are you here again?"