Chapter 013: Blood Moon

Du Fan let out a soft sigh and said, “You noticed that?”
Ringtone glanced at Du Fan and replied, “What’s there to not notice? Your status in the Gavin Empire isn’t low either. If you came here, even if that Mr. Xiao Yulong is incompetent, he would at least inform the governor, right? Yet, under these circumstances, the city lord still dared to attack us like this. No matter how you look at it, it can’t be for someone as insignificant as me. If I’m guessing correctly, they probably want to keep you, Young Master Du Fan, as a permanent guest.”
Du Fan shook his head slightly and said, “If even you can see that, how is it that I can’t figure it out? This is truly a crude scheme.”
“Crude, but effective!” Ringtone said. “If you keep not using your current strength, in a situation like just now, if no one came to rescue us, how long do you think we could hold out? Half a day? Or an hour?”
Du Fan gave a bitter smile and said, “I guess we couldn’t even last half a day. Of course, with my current strength, if I wanted to leave, no one could stop me. It seems the mastermind of this scheme doesn’t want to kill me right away. I think this incident is more of a test than anything else. It’s a pity that Xiao Yulong ruined their plans. I’m afraid they must hate him deeply by now!”
“Who would do such a thing?”
“Who knows?” Du Fan shrugged, but then smirked coldly. “But we’ll find out soon. To get rid of this mess, we might as well see how many people will come to visit tomorrow. Miss Ringtone, do you believe that the person who orchestrated this scheme will definitely come to see me tomorrow? Of course, when he’ll arrive is beyond my guess!”
Ringtone nodded slightly and said, “Then see you tomorrow. And today, thank you…”
“For what?” Du Fan sighed. “In the end, those girls still died at the hands of the empire’s defense forces! Hmph, the empire’s defense forces—failing to protect their citizens, yet pointing their guns at them over something almost meaningless. The term ‘defense forces’ is truly amusing!”

He slowly stood up, gazing at the full moon outside that seemed tinged with blood, and suddenly sneered, “Tomorrow, I really want to ask that governor what the term ‘imperial city defense force’ actually means under his rule…” As he spoke, it seemed he suddenly remembered something; Du Fan turned to look at Ringtone and said, “What, have you decided to stay with me tonight?”
“You… you… what are you talking about?”
“If not, then what are you doing in my room so late at night?”
“I… I… you’re shameless!”
Ringtone rushed out, her face red, knocking over several decorative statues in her haste—truly in extreme panic.
Du Fan watched her retreating figure and smiled faintly, murmuring, “Today’s events weren’t entirely pointless. At least this most troublesome Miss Ringtone has begun to show some loyalty. Hmph, a woman—just a woman. Can’t I, Young Master Du Fan, handle her? Hmph… Well, time to rest. There’s still a lot to do tomorrow!”
…
Early the next morning, Xiao Yulong personally came to report the progress to Du Fan. As requested, he had used special methods to send word about the attack. The empire and the Holy Church were furious and had ordered a thorough investigation; they wouldn’t rest until the truth was uncovered.
As for what happened in the square last night, Xiao Yulong hadn’t issued any orders to suppress the news. So, though it was just one night, the whole city of Moduo was already abuzz with rumors.
It seemed the Hai Xin brothers had long been tyrannical in Moduo, relying on their power. Even after their deaths, they couldn’t rest in peace—their heads were hung in the square all night. By morning, there were already several baskets of rotten eggs thrown at them. The people of Moduo were deeply grateful to Du Fan. Coupled with the widespread discussions about Du Fan’s actions these days, his reputation continued to rise.
As for the final incident, the governor didn’t say much. When the Temple Knights raided his residence, he even sent his guards to help, though their offer was declined. From this, it seemed the governor did understand when to keep a low profile.
Du Fan merely nodded without saying much. Though Xiao Yulong was known as the God of War of the North, he didn’t dare overstep in front of Du Fan and simply stood there silently.

After a moment, Du Fan finally smiled slightly and said, “Alright, you’ve done a great job. I’m very satisfied. As for the rest, it doesn’t matter. Interrogate that city lord’s family thoroughly. No matter what you ask, even if it means uncovering their ancestors’ secrets over eighteen generations, that’s fine.”
“Lord Du Fan, what do you mean…?” Xiao Yulong hesitated for a moment before asking.
Du Fan touched his nose and sneered, “It’s easy to understand. If you dig up their ancestors’ secrets over eighteen generations, what’s there left that you can’t find out? Also, that city lord might feel lonely after his death, so go ahead and send his family to him as a good deed!”
Xiao Yulong was shocked and said in disbelief, “Lord Du Fan…”
Du Fan snorted and said, “Since you call me ‘lord,’ you should follow my orders. Eradicate every last one of his family members. Although I don’t like killing, I dislike leaving any survivors even more… If you don’t root out the problem, it will resurface. That’s not fun at all!”
Xiao Yulong’s expression changed, but he didn’t dare say much and only replied with an affirmation.
Seeing his expression, Du Fan smiled gently and said, “Lord Xiao, do you think I’m too cruel? Do you want to tell me to leave some leniency?”
Xiao Yulong’s expression shifted slightly, and he said, “I dare not!”
Du Fan replied calmly, “Then tell me, based on your investigation, how many evil deeds have these two brothers committed over the years? I assume you’ve already investigated thoroughly last night, right?”
“Yes!” Xiao Yulong said, “I’ve already found out that these Hai Xin brothers have committed all sorts of atrocities in Moduo City—abducting women, embezzling and accepting bribes, to name a few. There are already several wealthy merchants who died at their hands, and even some nobles have perished as well. But the governor of Kote trusts these two brothers greatly, so no one has been able to do anything about them!”
“I see!” Du Fan nodded. “Since you’ve already figured it all out, do you still think I don’t leave any room for mercy?”
“But Lord Du Fan, don’t let the disaster affect their families!” Xiao Yulong raised his head and shouted.

Du Fan smiled faintly and said, “What you say is not wrong. But there are many things where excessive mercy only brings disaster. Do you think it’s useful to keep the family of Brother Hai Xin alive? If they stay alive, they will eventually become a trigger for chaos in the north. From last night’s events, you must have realized that there’s a hidden hand behind Brother Hai Xin trying to take my life. Under such circumstances, if I don’t be ruthless, do you think I could ever leave this northern land? In times of chaos, strict measures are necessary. But when disaster strikes, it’s understandable why I have to be ruthless. This family must be destroyed, and these people must be killed. I need to make it clear that whoever tries to deal with me, Du Fan, will pay the price! If Lord Xiao is unwilling, then transfer them to the governor. I believe with just one word from me, he will torture them to death. But under your care, those people might still get a quick death. Decide for yourself what to do!”
As he spoke, Du Fan cast a cold glance at Xiao Yulong. Within Du Fan’s mental space, the essence of a deity existed, and the pressure carried by that cold glance was almost on par with divine power—how could an ordinary person resist it?
Xiao Yulong’s face turned pale, and he finally nodded slightly and said, “I shall obey your orders!”
Du Fan sighed, but after a moment, he suddenly smiled and said, “The people outside must be getting impatient. If nothing else, why don’t you come with me to meet them? I suppose the governor himself has also arrived by now.”
How could Xiao Yulong dare to refuse? His previous calmness and composure had completely vanished at this moment, replaced by confusion. This young master Du Fan, who was said to be utterly useless, seemed to possess both a remarkable mindset and insight!
Under the protection of several Temple Knights, the two slowly walked out of the cathedral. From afar, they saw a large group of people standing at the entrance, looking extremely respectful—truly showing no respect at all!
From a distance, the middle-aged man in the crowd had a sickly pale face, with a very traditional-style mustache. Just by looking at him, one could tell that this unremarkable-looking middle-aged man was likely the governor of the Kot Province.
Du Fan vaguely remembered that the governor of Kot Province was named Brandon, a hereditary count whose family had intricate connections with a major family in the imperial capital. Although his own influence was far greater than that of Governor Brandon, in terms of status alone, he was nowhere near as high!

With these thoughts in mind, Du Fan hurried over to meet him.