Chapter 015: Parting Ways

Du Fan’s words carried a strong tone of sarcasm—how could Ordas not notice?
He snorted and simply said, “Young Master Du Fan, you’re too kind…”
Du Fan smiled faintly and replied, “Young Master Ordas, what are you saying? No matter how you look at it, it’s still me, Du Fan, who lost today’s match. So, as agreed, you may take those ten assassins with you. I also captured hundreds of prisoners, who will serve as slaves for Young Master Ordas… Please, don’t be polite with me!”
Ordas was frustrated but merely nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
The two had fought fiercely just moments ago, yet now they seemed on good terms—quite interesting. Though both sides wanted the other dead, neither family had officially fallen out, so they still had to put on a show of goodwill.
Soon, the four of them slowly descended to the ground. Allen blew a horn, and within moments, a large group of cavalry from the Northern Legion entered the jungle to bring warhorses for the four. The last girl was also quickly found. Du Fan, unusually generous, ordered ten warhorses to be given to those ten girls, even providing each with a cloak so they wouldn’t remain naked.
After all this, the group slowly returned to the main camp.
The noble young men and women present could roughly guess what had happened, but none were foolish enough to say anything outright. Seeing Du Fan’s smiling face and Ordas followed by dozens of girls, they all knowingly stepped forward to flatter him.
Of course, these flattery was directed at Ordas. After all, it seemed that Du Fan had implied earlier these girls belonged to the Belinger family, and now he gave them to Ordas—clearly showing weakness. Perhaps it was Du Fan who lost during their fierce battle… On the Roland Continent, the strong rule… So it made sense for Du Fan to show weakness to Ordas, who was after all a genius from the capital and the pride of the Belinger family!
Du Fan didn’t really care about any of this. Or rather, this situation was precisely what he had carefully arranged after doing so much.
Standing at the edge of the camp, watching Ordas surrounded by the crowd from afar, Du Fan couldn’t help but feel a bit amused.

After watching for a while, he waved at a cavalryman beside him and said, “Go call my second brother over!”
Soon, Allen appeared before Du Fan. He glanced in the direction of Ordas from afar, sneered, and said, “Ordas really has some face this time!”
Du Fan replied calmly, “Second brother, we can’t judge things from just one side. He may have face now, and we might suffer a small loss… but what does that matter? As long as we can achieve our ultimate goal, that’s enough.”
Allen chuckled and said, “That’s true. But third brother, are you really prepared for everything?”
Du Fan smiled and said, “Of course. I, Du Fan, wouldn’t do anything without being sure of it… Alright, second brother, have there been any news from Modo City?”
Allen glanced around before whispering, “The leader has sent word. Your men have brought back the people you wanted… Right now, those two are guests at the cathedral!”
A glint appeared in Du Fan’s eyes as he said, “Very good… Then after I deal with Ordas, I’ll head back right away. I think once I’ve taken care of Ordas, those nobles won’t dare to bother me with nonsense… By the way, there’s one more thing I need you to help with.”
Allen nodded and asked, “What is it?”
A sinister smile appeared on Du Fan’s face. He slowly took out several bottles of magic potions from his space ring and handed them to Allen, whispering, “These are the Weakness Mist potions. These are the antidotes. Taking them in advance will prevent poisoning… If I’m not wrong, Ordas must have brought more than just these people this time. He must have hidden troops somewhere. Second brother, go look around. If you find them, give them some Weakness Mist, then bring them all back alive… I still have important things to do these days!”
Allen chuckled and said, “Why didn’t you say this earlier? I’ll send people to handle it right away… Hmph, everyone thinks Ordas has gotten a huge advantage this time, but who knows how much loss he’s actually suffered?”
Du Fan laughed heartily and said, “Alright, second brother, just go handle it. On my end, although there’s nothing major, I can still keep Ordas occupied for an hour. I think an hour should be enough.”
Allen sneered and said, “Of course. In an hour, I guarantee Ordas will know what it means to suffer in silence.”
Du Fan smiled, made a gesture, picked up a glass of red wine from a table, and slowly walked in the direction where Ordas was.

Those who had originally planned to fawn over Du Fan now eagerly patted down Aldas, though some who noticed Du Fan approaching quickly made way for him. The noisy surroundings suddenly fell silent as everyone stared at Du Fan, wondering what this third young master of the Green family would do next. Du Fan slowly walked up to Aldas. By now, Aldas had regained his usual graceful demeanor; just in terms of appearance, Du Fan was far inferior to him. Recalling how he had once given away his best opportunities to others, Du Fan couldn’t help but feel a bit amused. Their eyes met briefly in the air—though restrained, the tension was still palpable. Du Fan held his red wine, gestured as if inviting Aldas, took a small sip, then said calmly, “Honorable Young Master Aldas, I hope this small hunting banquet today meets your approval… I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy yourself at the banquet I’ve organized…” Aldas glanced at Du Fan and replied sternly, “Young Master Du Fan, you’re too kind. What could I possibly be dissatisfied with about today’s hunting banquet? Your generous hospitality will be unforgettable for me, Aldas. And the gift from our last bet is exactly what I need right now… So, what else can I say besides thank you?” Du Fan laughed and said, “Young Master Aldas, you really have a funny way of speaking. How about this? It seems you’re not having much fun today and might be a bit angry. How about I host a banquet at the governor’s residence tonight so you can vent your anger?” With that, Du Fan glanced at Governor Brandon in the crowd and sneered, “Governor Brandon, I’m using your governor’s residence—do you have any objections?” Governor Brandon, who had been flattering Aldas, was terrified of being seen by Du Fan. Now that Du Fan had called him out, he broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly said, “It would be an honor for me if both young masters would visit my humble residence. How could I possibly object? I’ll go prepare right away!” Just as he was about to leave, Aldas snorted and said, “Wait!”

“Young Master Du Fan,” Aldas said calmly, “It would be rude of me to show up uninvited today. So, I really can’t attend this banquet tonight. How about this… When I return to the capital in the future, I’ll host a banquet for you, Young Master Du Fan. I hope you’ll grace me with your presence then!”
Du Fan sneered inwardly. He knew full well that even if Aldas had ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare enter Modu City. Modu City was now surrounded by the Northern Army like an iron barrel. If Aldas really wanted to attend the banquet, he’d likely be torn to pieces by Du Fan’s men before even tasting the wine!
Though Du Fan wouldn’t go that far, given their current relationship, such a possibility couldn’t be ruled out.
Hearing Aldas’s words, Du Fan didn’t insist. He just laughed and said, “Since Young Master Aldas isn’t interested, then it’s fine. I, Du Fan, still have to deal with searching for the assassins and their accomplices. If you have any clues, please let me know!”
Aldas’s face darkened. He wanted to explode but ultimately held back.
The nobles around them could sense the tension in their conversation, but none dared to intervene.
After exchanging some trivial talk like how nice the weather was and inviting each other to visit, Aldas finally couldn’t hold back any longer.
After saying a few more polite words, he bowed slightly and said, “Young Master Du Fan, I’m truly sorry for showing up uninvited to today’s hunting banquet. I had a great time, but I have urgent matters to attend to now and must take my leave… Please don’t hold it against me.”
Du Fan gave a strange smile and said, “Since Young Master Aldas puts it that way, I, Du Fan, naturally can’t keep you… Someone! Bring over all the gifts belonging to Young Master Aldas!”