"Xu Fan, wait a moment…"

Xiao Lan was very aware of the situation between Xu Fan and Xia Xiaodie.

For this trip, Xu Fan was definitely not going to turn back.

"Xu Fan, wait a moment. You're not familiar with Dongling Village either, so let me have Zhou Zhanlong and his people find some men to go with you."

Xiao Lan knew that with Xu Fan's skills, even the experts from Lingyan Pavilion might not be of much help. But if a few more people went along, at least there'd be some support.

At the very least, they could act as guides and help drive Xu Fan around.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

Lan couldn't easily refuse such kindness, and since he was also unfamiliar with the Dongling Village area, Xu Fan nodded and patiently waited.

After Xiao Lan and He Si made some calls, it took less than half an hour before three Toyota Prados pulled up right in front of the supermarket.

Xu Fan and Xiao Lan went outside and saw Zhou Zhanlong and his men jump out of the vehicles.

"My lord, I have recruited the people as you requested."

"These few are quite familiar with that area, and their skills are also quite decent…"

Zhou Zhanlong briefly introduced the five men he had brought; standing in front of Xu Fan, they all puffed out their chests and held their heads high, their faces filled with awe.

After all, if Xu Fan took a liking to them, they might rise to a higher position in the future.

"Alright, if you're prepared, let's go."

Zhou Zhanlong's choices were naturally trustworthy to Xu Fan, who nodded and then got into Zhou Zhanlong's car.

It was now just after six, and it had already grown dark; they would probably arrive at Dongling Village around ten.

The group did not delay and set off immediately.

"Zhou Zhanlong, I'm going to rest for a bit. If anything happens on the road, make sure to tell me."

The drive was not short, so after instructing Zhou Zhanlong, Xu Fan shut his eyes and took a brief nap.

…

"My lord, we've arrived."

When Zhou Zhanlong woke him, the three SUVs had already reached their destination.

Xu Fan opened his eyes and checked the time; it was about a quarter to ten at night.

"Alright, let's get out."

After jumping out of the car with Zhou Zhanlong, through the dim night light, one could see the entrance to Dongling Village not far away.

At this time, nearly everyone in Dongling Village had already retired for the night, leaving only a few lights on. The surroundings were eerily quiet, save for the sounds of insects and birds.

"You guys lead the way."

Zhou Zhanlong turned on his flashlight and ordered his subordinates to lead the way.

The men he had brought with him had hunted game in this area earlier and had interacted with the villagers.

With their guidance, the group quickly arrived in front of a civilian house.

"Folks, are you asleep? I'm the one who visited your house before…"

There were still lights on in the house, and one of the subordinates now stood at the door, knocking and shouting.

After a short wait, a series of footsteps could be heard from inside the house. Soon, the door was cracked open.

Light from inside the house shone out, revealing a man in his forties wearing very modest attire, standing at the door looking sleepy.

With dark skin and a face that looked honest and straightforward, he was obviously a typical farmer.

This villager's character was also straightforward, rubbing his eyes and chatting a few words with the subordinate, then inviting the group inside to sit down.

"My lord, let's go in."

Having driven for several hours, Zhou Zhanlong was also somewhat tired and thought about going in for a drink of water first.

Xu Fan nodded, and immediately followed the group into the house.

The house was very simple, indicating that the family was not wealthy. Xu Fan quickly looked around and then sat down with the group in the living room.

"Come, you must be tired, have some water first."

The middle-aged man was now carrying a jug of water and began pouring it for the group.

Due to the hierarchy, the followers didn't dare take water first. Zhou Zhanlong chuckled and muttered, "I'm dying of thirst here," as he reached for the water cup on the table.

"Master..."

But before he could take it, Xu Fan reached out and blocked him.

"Uh..."

The caution Xu Fan had shown had taken the middle-aged man by surprise.

Seeing Xu Fan's sheepish grin, he laughed and said, "Fellow, I just saw the photos hanging on your wall. There are three people in your family, right?"

"Ah, yes, three people."

The middle-aged man eyed the jug and said, "My daughter is studying in Jinling, and my wife is asleep in the room."

"Oh, really?"

Xu Fan looked up toward the bedroom, then said, "With all the noise outside just now, it didn't wake your wife. She isn't sick, is she?"

"Hmm?"

Surprised, the middle-aged man glanced at Xu Fan and then said, "Ah, yes, she has been ill. Her spirits have been quite low lately..."

"You all must be tired from the journey; have a drink of water first."

The middle-aged man said as he looked at the jug.

"No rush to drink the water. Rather, I want to see what you have in your pocket."

As the man reached into his pocket, Xu Fan, with a stern face, rushed toward him.

"You!"

The middle-aged man instinctively tried to scatter the contents of his pocket, but before he could, Xu Fan reached out and firmly grasped his wrist.

"Let... let go!"

As Xu Fan forcefully snatched the yellow paper package from his hand, the middle-aged man struggled vigorously.

His face turned red and his veins bulged, clearly putting all his strength into the struggle.

"This..."

Clearly something was off, and Zhou Zhanlong, looking at the water, turned pale.

Lucky for him that Xu Fan had intervened, otherwise, he might not even know how he would have died.

"Boss, this..."

It was hard to believe that the villagers who had been hospitable just days before were now intent on killing them, his subordinates looked innocent.

Zhou Zhanlong kicked him directly in the butt and cursed, "What the hell are you staring at? Start searching!"

"Ah, ah..."

At that, several subordinates quickly rushed into the surrounding rooms.

Soon, they brought out a sickly middle-aged woman from the bedroom.

"Boss, there's only one person, and she seems to be really sick."

That must be the villager's wife. Zhou Zhanlong glanced at her, then looked over at Xu Fan.

"Master, how did you figure it out?"

Zhou Zhanlong didn't understand how Xu Fan could have sensed something was off.

Holding the middle-aged man, Xu Fan turned and gave Zhou Zhanlong a pointed look.

"Do you sleep in your clothes?"

"This..."

Having driven for a long time and trusting his subordinate's familiarity with the family, Zhou Zhanlong had not paid much attention. Only now did he notice that the man was dressed neatly.

Clearly, he had been waiting for them to arrive.

The delay in the house earlier must have been to prepare to poison the water...

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