The middle-aged man, despite his deep reluctance, could only leave the room with his tail between his legs after hearing the Great Elder’s roar.
However, as he reached the doorway, he couldn’t resist casting a vicious glance at Ye Fan and the others.
“This man is narrow-minded and will surely seek revenge madly. He cannot be left alive,” Ye Fan thought to himself, observing the man’s sinister gaze.
“Brother Zhang Hao, here is two million as a deposit. As long as the information you provide is accurate, the remaining three million will be delivered immediately.”
The Great Elder took out a card from his pocket and placed it on the table.
Being as cunning as he was, he would never trust anyone easily.
Hearing the Great Elder’s words, Zhang Hao frowned, clearly unwilling.
Ye Fan, standing beside him, patted his shoulder and feigned a look of emotion.
“Brother Zhang, the Great Elder is a man of utmost integrity; I can vouch for that. Besides, these few million are mere pocket change to the Great Elder; he will certainly not shortchange you. For my sake, please tell us quickly.”
By the end of his speech, Ye Fan’s face showed a hint of anxiety.
Zhang Hao, though still hesitant, considered for a moment after hearing Ye Fan’s words and finally nodded.
“Since that is the case, I will agree, for Brother Ye’s sake, to wait for the money.”
Saying this, he took the card with two million.
Then, Zhang Hao took out a piece of paper from his chest and handed it to the Great Elder.
“Many people have come to Taiping Town recently, including those from the Dark Alliance who came with Brother Ye. The leader is called Liu Yuan. Someone saw this Liu Yuan, along with several others, entering and exiting a hotel on the night of the incident. They were seen carrying a large, heavy-looking trunk. Due to fear of the Dark Alliance, the hotel staff did not dare to intervene and let them do as they pleased. I believe it was they who abducted your companions.”
Zhang Hao spoke plainly, his face full of sincerity.
However, upon hearing his words, the Great Elder frowned, “Impossible. Liu Yuan died tragically. How could he have appeared at the hotel to capture our people?”
Clearly, the Great Elder had also received news.
“Liu Yuan died tragically? Great Elder, where did you get this information?” Ye Fan asked, looking at him with surprise.
The Great Elder paused slightly at Ye Fan’s question but then spoke in a deep voice, “I received news that Liu Yuan and Zheng Zhiyuan died at the location of the treasure in Taiping Town’s Fushan. It seems Brother Ye was also involved, wasn’t he?”
As he spoke, his cloudy eyes fixed on Ye Fan, his aura continuously rising as if he intended to seize Ye Fan completely.
Ye Fan, playing along, feigned a moment of bewilderment, a flicker of confusion crossing his eyes.
But then, his eyes filled with rage.
“Nonsense! Who spread this rumor? I’ll skin him alive!”
With that, Ye Fan slammed his fist onto the table.
“At that time, President Zheng and I went to search for the treasure together. We had already found it, but that scoundrel Liu Yuan secretly intercepted us. Not only did he take the treasure, but he also murdered President Zheng. One of his accomplices, Wang Qingfeng, a vicious individual, helped Liu Yuan subdue us. Captain Shen and I almost died. We managed to escape stealthily when they weren’t paying attention. I never expected to be framed like this now. It’s outrageous!”
Ye Fan’s voice was filled with righteous indignation, his body trembling as a fiery glare erupted from his eyes, as if ready to burst into flames at any moment.
Seeing Ye Fan’s reaction, the Great Elder’s brow furrowed. Ye Fan’s words didn't sound like a lie, and his anger seemed genuine, not feigned. Could his own intelligence be mistaken?
Seeing the Great Elder lost in thought, Ye Fan roared again, “If the Great Elder doesn’t believe what I say, he can send people to investigate. Those scoundrels from the Dark Alliance disappeared from Taiping Town after obtaining the treasure. I don’t know if they returned to Jiangcheng, but there are still a few people left here, including the treasure hunting experts invited by President Zheng. The Great Elder will know as soon as he asks.”
Looking at Ye Fan’s earnest assertion, even the astute Great Elder couldn’t help but doubt his own judgment.
With a sigh, he signaled his subordinates to investigate immediately.
With their capabilities, investigating this matter was not difficult.
Half an hour later, a young man entered and whispered a few words into the Great Elder’s ear.
Upon hearing this, the Great Elder’s expression changed drastically, and a chilling aura emanated from him.
“You may go,” the Great Elder said tightly, his teeth gritted.
The young man respectfully withdrew, and the Great Elder took out another bank card and handed it to Zhang Hao.
“I appreciate your help with this matter. If I need anything else, I will send someone to contact you.”
Zhang Hao, beaming with joy, accepted the card. Then, the Great Elder turned to Ye Fan.
“Brother Ye, thank you for your assistance in this matter. I will express my gratitude later. However, I have some urgent matters to attend to, so please excuse me.”
With that, the Great Elder stood up and left quickly, disregarding Ye Fan’s reaction.
Watching the Great Elder’s retreating figure, a cold smirk played on Ye Fan’s lips.
“Let’s go. We’re going to watch the show.”
Taking Zhang Hao along, Ye Fan left with a smile.
At the same time, in the hotel where the Great Elder and his group were staying, the Great Elder entered a room with a heavy expression.
“Great Elder, this is Mr. Sun, the expert invited by Zheng Zhiyuan.”
The Great Elder looked up and saw Mr. Sun seated on the sofa, nodding slightly.
“I have long heard of ‘Groundhog’s’ reputation.”
Hearing the Great Elder’s words, Mr. Sun quickly rose and bowed respectfully.
“I dare not presume before the Great Elder. May I ask why the Great Elder has summoned me?”
Mr. Sun was extremely respectful, even somewhat servile, towards the Great Elder.
However, this was understandable. Although Mr. Sun was famous within their circles, he was ultimately just an individual. Compared to someone like the Great Elder, who had powerful backing, the difference was too vast, hence the need for respect.
The Great Elder waved his hand, signaling him to sit down.
“My second young master disappeared in Taiping Town. Rumor has it he was captured by people from the Dark Alliance. I would like to ask Mr. Sun about the process of the Taiping treasure incident.”
Without beating around the bush, the Great Elder got straight to the point.
Every minute he delayed meant a greater danger for his second young master, so he couldn’t afford to hesitate.
Upon hearing the Great Elder’s words, Mr. Sun was stunned, and then his brows furrowed deeply.
“The Dark Alliance again? Those damned bastards deserve to die.”
A look of intense anger appeared on Mr. Sun’s face.
“What does Mr. Sun mean by that?” the Great Elder asked, frowning.
Mr. Sun clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with rage, his chest heaving. Clearly, he was greatly provoked.