The Player

News of Ran Jianli's death was undoubtedly disastrous news for Xu Yuan.

After all, that big old man was someone as important to Big Ice Block as a father, and could be considered half of his future father-in-law.

Yet for some reason, the instant the news truly sank in, Xu Yuan's tightly clenched heart began to calm.

He had almost instantly digested the news, and almost instantly digested the heart-rending pain Ran Jianli's death would bring Ran Qingmo.

So quickly it was nearly cold-blooded.

In the silence, where even heartbeats and breathing could be heard, the father who had been watching Xu Yuan spoke:

"Who did it?"

Xu Yinhe slowly turned away and continued toward the study, his voice echoing through the narrow inner-courtyard lane:

"It's good that you don't show it, but your heart is still somewhat unsettled."

"..."

His words fell, and silence followed for a moment.

Xu Yuan also realized that, in his usual state, he would never have asked such a foolish question.

Who did it?

Who else could it have been?

Across the entire world, there were only a scant few who could accomplish such a thing.

Footsteps rustled softly.

Xu Yinhe's voice was as calm and solemn as an ancient well, carrying a note of admonition:

"Changtian, the existing rules have been shattered by the submission of your Flat-Tax Immortal Law. Across the world, rites have collapsed and music has decayed. Before new rules are established, anyone may perish before your eyes. Changge, Xin Yao, Lou Ji, Hua Hong—even myself—may vanish from before you forever due to forces beyond our control."

"Changtian, "This is no child's play, much less a tale from an opera. Since you chose to personally set foot upon the path of ushering in a chaotic age, you must be prepared