62: Chapter 62 A stunningly beautiful woman with captivating charm! The mark left by the tattoo…

Zhou Liangan was certainly not someone who would swallow a loss!

In the afternoon in the provincial capital, sunlight filtered through the glass curtain walls of the skyscrapers.

Representatives from various factions sat at both ends of the long conference table, the atmosphere heavy.

Everyone's gaze was locked onto Yong Ruxin, their eyes filled with inquiry, skepticism, and a hint of imperceptible wariness, as if they were examining a dangerous object that might explode at any moment.

Yong Ruxin was dressed in a sharp, tailored black suit skirt, which set off her skin as white as snow and her lips as red as fire.

She held a fountain pen between her fingertips, tapping it gently against the table, producing a crisp sound that broke the silence in the room.

Noticing the strange gazes cast by everyone, Yong Ruxin was not the least bit flustered. Instead, she curled her lips, revealing a meaningful smile, her voice steady and unhurried: "Director Li, if you have something to say, feel free to speak plainly. Staring at me like this makes me feel a bit uncomfortable."

Li Feng, sitting opposite her, was about forty years old. He wore a grey Zhongshan suit, his expression resolute, and his eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

He pondered for a moment, rubbing his fingertips gently on the table. His tone was indifferent, yet every word carried a probing intent: "Director Yong, you must know more about the matter of the Nangong Family ruins than any of us. That Zhou Liangan not only went in but also became the only person to come out unscathed. I don't think I need to elaborate on the implications of that, do I?"

The implication behind Li Feng's words was crystal clear—Zhou Liangan must have obtained a tremendous benefit in the ruins, perhaps even mastering a secret capable of overturning the current power structure.

Upon hearing this, Yong Ruxin narrowed her eyes, her gaze sweeping over Li Feng like a sharp sword. The smile on her lips remained, but her tone added a hint of coldness: "If Director Li has an issue with Zhou Liangan, you are welcome to confront him directly. However, I must remind you: even I am no match for him. You should think twice before acting rashly, lest you try to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice."

As these words left her lips, several low gasps sounded in the conference room.

Who didn't know that Yong Ruxin was the proud daughter of the Yong Family from the capital, with unfathomable cultivation? If even she admitted to being inferior to Zhou Liangan, then hadn't this young man's strength already reached an unimaginable level?

Li Feng's expression shifted slightly. He clearly hadn't expected Yong Ruxin to defend Zhou Liangan so straightforwardly.

Li Feng narrowed his eyes, staring fixedly at Yong Ruxin: "Director Yong, I have heard that you have been inseparable from Zhou Liangan recently. I wonder if this so-called 'inquiry' has exceeded the scope of your work?"

"What do you mean by that, Director Li?" Yong Ruxin chuckled, her tone remaining calm. "I am simply following procedure and conducting a routine inquiry of relevant personnel. Does this also require reporting to you?"

"Routine inquiry?" Li Feng laughed, a hint of mockery in his smile. "As far as I know, last night, Director Yong personally went to Zhou Liangan's villa and didn't come out all night. If this is just a routine inquiry, isn't it a bit too dedicated?"

This sentence exploded in the conference room like a thunderclap.

Everyone's gazes instantly became even more intense, and they began whispering to each other. The gossip and curiosity in their eyes almost threatened to drown Yong Ruxin.

The smile on Yong Ruxin's face vanished abruptly, her eyes as cold as ice. She looked up at Li Feng and asked, word for word: "You were investigating me?"

"Director Yong has misunderstood." Li Feng waved his hand, his tone feigning ease. "I was investigating Zhou Liangan's whereabouts and happened to discover this clue. You don't need to be so surprised."

"Happened to?" Yong Ruxin sneered, then as if remembering something, a bright smile bloomed on her face again. The smile was charming and moving, yet carried an unquestionable firmness: "Since Director Li has figured it out, I won't hide it from you either. Zhou Liangan and I fell in love at first sight, and we were indeed together last night. I wonder which regulation of the investigation team this violates?"

"Love at first sight?" Li Feng's expression instantly became serious. He stared fixedly at Yong Ruxin, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

He had expected Yong Ruxin to vehemently deny it, but he hadn't expected her to admit it so blatantly. This was clearly her standing up for Zhou Liangan.

"That's right, love at first sight." Yong Ruxin nodded with a smile, her expression calm. "Director Li, do you think there is a problem with that?"

Li Feng was silent for a moment, clearly weighing the pros and cons rapidly.

Yong Ruxin was from the Yong Family in the capital, which possessed immense power. Now that she had openly declared her stance on Zhou Liangan's side, forcing the issue against him would inevitably incur the dissatisfaction of the Yong Family.

After pondering for a long time, he spoke slowly: "Since Director Yong has this relationship with Zhou Liangan, then according to the regulations, I'm afraid you will have to recuse yourself from this case to avoid affecting the impartiality of the investigation."

"That is naturally no problem." Yong Ruxin stood up readily, smoothed her skirt, and her smile remained bright. "Director Li, please take your time with the investigation. There is no rush. I won't disturb everyone further."

After saying this, Yong Ruxin turned and walked straight out of the conference room, the sound of her high heels striking the floor crisp and loud.

Watching Yong Ruxin's retreating figure, a trace of gravity flashed across Li Feng's face, and his fingers clenched tightly.

He knew that Yong Ruxin's stance meant that Zhou Liangan had gained another powerful protective umbrella. Trying to dig out the secrets of the Nangong Family ruins from Zhou Liangan would likely become even more difficult.

Just then, a woman in a white professional suit not far away spoke up.

She had a hot figure, exquisite curves, and wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, exuding a sense of intellect and capability.

Si Liannan.

The Third Young Miss of the Si Family.

She was representing the Si Family in the investigation team this time.

A strange glint floated in Si Liannan's beautiful eyes, her tone soft yet carrying sharp insight: "It seems that this Zhou Liangan really did obtain something extraordinary in the Nangong Family ruins; otherwise, Yong Ruxin wouldn't be shielding him so blatantly."

Li Feng nodded slightly, turned to look at Si Liannan, his tone conveying a sense of consultation: "Miss Si, the situation is complex now, and it's not good to offend the Yong Family. What do you think we should do next?"

A gentle smile appeared on Si Liannan's face, but her eyes held a hint of aloofness: "Director Li, you are the leader of the investigation team. Logically, we should all listen to your arrangements. I am just a deputy; how could I dare to express my opinion casually?"

Li Feng smiled, his tone feigning sincerity: "Miss Si is joking. We are brainstorming here. You come from the Si Family and have extraordinary insight. If you have any good ideas, feel free to bring them up, and we can discuss them together."

Si Liannan cursed "old fox" in her heart.

Li Feng was clearly trying to drag the Si Family into the water, letting the Si Family come forward to test the bottom line of Zhou Liangan and the Yong Family, while he sat back and reaped the benefits.

Si Liannan pondered for a moment, a strange look in her beautiful eyes, and spoke unhurriedly: "My thought is very simple. Since Zhou Liangan is a hard nut to crack, we shouldn't go head-to-head. Yong Ruxin dares to take such a blatant stance, which means she is determined to stand on Zhou Liangan's side. The Yong Family's influence in the capital is deep-rooted; we have to consider their influence. Acting rashly will only do more harm than good."

Si Liannan paused, then continued: "Moreover, besides us, there are people from other families inserted into the investigation team. Each of them has their own ulterior motives and wants a piece of the pie from the Nangong Family ruins. At this time, whoever sticks their neck out first might become the target of everyone. We might as well wait and see how things develop."

Li Feng's brows knitted into a frown. He had to admit that Si Liannan's considerations were indeed comprehensive.

He had originally wanted the Si Family to test the waters first, but he hadn't expected this woman to be so shrewd. With a few words, she kicked the ball back to him without expressing any stance at all.

"Miss Si makes sense." Li Feng glanced at Si Liannan meaningfully, thinking to himself that this woman was truly not simple. She seemed to have said a lot, but in reality, she hadn't made any substantive commitment. She was truly a cunning little fox.

On the surface, Li Feng still wore a gentle smile: "Miss Si and Zhou Liangan are both young people, perhaps you have more in common. Regardless, we can't remain at a stalemate forever. We still need to make contact with Zhou Liangan first and feel out his bottom line. Why don't you, Miss Si, come forward and talk to him?"

Si Liannan sneered in her heart; sure enough, he threw this hot potato to her after all.

But a polite smile remained on Si Liannan's face, and she nodded: "Since it is Director Li's order, Liannan naturally has no reason to refuse. I will arrange a time as soon as possible to make contact with Zhou Liangan."

Li Feng nodded with satisfaction. He knew that even if Si Liannan was reluctant, she wouldn't openly defy his orders. After all, the Si Family also wanted to obtain benefits from the Nangong Family ruins and couldn't really sit idly by.

Meanwhile, Yong Ruxin had already returned to her residence in the provincial capital.

This was a top-floor duplex apartment in a high-end residential area in the city center, luxuriously decorated with an expansive view.

As soon as she entered, she walked straight to the study and took out a special black mobile phone from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf—this was an anti-eavesdropping and anti-tracking phone specially made by the Yong Family, used specifically for transmitting important information.

She picked up the phone and dialed Zhou Liangan's number.

The moment the call connected, there was a busy tone. After a few seconds, Zhou Liangan's slightly hoarse voice came from the other end, carrying a hint of lazy amusement: "Wife, has the trouble in the provincial capital been resolved?"

Yong Ruxin pouted, a sense of bitterness rising in her heart.

Yong Ruxin said irritably: "Resolved? Little bastard~ Your trouble this time is huge; it won't be that easy to resolve."

Zhou Liangan raised an eyebrow, the smile on his face fading slightly, his tone becoming serious: "What do you mean? Did the capital send someone troublesome over?"

"You're still as smart as ever, guessing it right on the first try." Yong Ruxin's voice carried a hint of jealousy: "Si Liannan, the Third Young Miss of the Si Family, has come. There's also Li Feng from the Li Family. Although he is only from a side branch, his status in the Li Family is not low, and he holds quite a bit of real power. Besides that, there are people from several other big families inserted into the investigation team, and none of them are easy to deal with. I really underestimated how much these old fogies value the Nangong Family ruins. To get a piece of the pie, they actually used such a big formation."

Zhou Liangan pondered for a moment, a flash of keen light passing through his eyes.

The Si Family, Li Family, and several other families—although these factions usually have interactions, they mostly operate independently. The fact that they have actually united to target him now shows that the temptation of the Nangong Family ruins is far greater than he had imagined.

"There's such a thing?" Zhou Liangan's tone was calm, but his mind had already begun to calculate.

"Indeed." Yong Ruxin's voice remained grave. "All the factions are watching you now, just waiting to dig out the secret of the Nangong Family ruins from you. You had better think about how to explain yourself; don't get besieged by them collectively, or I won't be able to save you."

Zhou Liangan chuckled, his tone carrying a trace of disdain. "Explain? Who do I need to explain to? If all else fails, if I kill a few guys in the Tongmai Realm, won't that be enough to intimidate them?"

"Are you crazy?" Yong Ruxin raised her eyebrows slightly, her tone instantly becoming stern. "I'm warning you, absolutely do not act recklessly! Especially that Si Family; their background is not simple. They are backed by a Hidden Family, and it is said that the main Family has an expert at the Tongmai Peak sitting in charge. With your current strength, wanting to use force to intimidate them is simply wishful thinking. If things go wrong, you'll be playing with fire and backing yourself into a dead end."

A Hidden Family?

Zhou Liangan's heart stirred, and he suddenly remembered someone.

He asked casually, "A Hidden Family? Which Hidden Family are you talking about? Do you know the Yu Family? How does the Yu Family compare to this Si Family?"

"The Yu Family?" Yong Ruxin's voice instantly rose a few notches, carrying a hint of incredulous bitterness. "Don't tell me you also have an affair with the Young Miss of the Yu Family? Otherwise, why would you suddenly bring up the Yu Family?"

Zhou Liangan coughed dryly, his tone nonchalant. "What do you mean by 'have an affair'? We are just good friends who know each other well; don't get the wrong idea."

Yong Ruxin rolled her eyes significantly, clearly not believing Zhou Liangan's nonsense.

However, she didn't continue to press him, instead answering seriously, "The Yu Family is indeed a Hidden Family, and their strength is quite formidable—no weaker, if not stronger, than the Hidden Family behind the Si Family. If you really know someone from the Yu Family and can get them to help you, then this matter might still have a glimmer of hope."

Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Zhou Liangan's face, and his suspended heart completely settled. "With your word, I can rest easy."

"Rest easy?" Yong Ruxin pouted, her tone carrying a bit of resentment. "Don't count too much on the Yu Family; those Hidden Families are full of schemes. Besides, our Yong Family isn't bad either. Furthermore, my talent for martial arts is considered outstanding among my peers."

Yong Ruxin said this simply because she didn't want this marriage alliance to fall through.

She knew that Zhou Liangan was surrounded by many women, and if her value in Zhou Liangan's heart decreased, this marriage might just fall apart.

Zhou Liangan naturally understood the subtext of Yong Ruxin's words. He smiled, his tone carrying a touch of reassurance. "I know you are very capable. By the way, prepare some pretty clothes, hehehe..."

"Mm~" Yong Ruxin replied, and the bitterness in her heart instantly dissipated quite a bit.

Hanging up the phone, Zhou Liangan didn't put it down but instead dialed another number directly.

The owner of this number was none other than the fifth Young Miss of the Yu Family, Yu Shuier.

After a few rings, it was quickly answered. From the other end of the line came Yu Shuier's cool yet slightly naive voice, "Hello? What is it? Calling me so suddenly."

"Can you handle the people from the Si Family?" Zhou Liangan didn't waste words, asking straight to the point.

Yu Shuier was silent for a moment, seemingly digesting this news.

A few seconds later, her voice came through, "The strength of the Yu Family naturally has no fear of the Si Family. However, those old fogies in the Family are all the type who won't release the hawk until they see the rabbit. If you want them to help you, you'll likely need to bring out something that can tempt them. Empty words won't win them over."

Zhou Liangan chuckled, his tone confident. "Aren't they curious about the matter of the Nangong Family ruins? I don't believe they wouldn't want to know what exactly is hidden inside."

"The Yu Family is naturally curious." Yu Shuier's voice paused, stopping abruptly there, as if she had some unspeakable difficulty.

Zhou Liangan smiled; he understood Yu Shuier's personality too well. This woman was a classic example of saying one thing while meaning another.

"My precious Shuier, did you block those Elders who wanted to come find me on my behalf?" Zhou Liangan's tone carried a hint of teasing, yet was incredibly certain.

"I did not!" Yu Shuier's voice instantly became proud and coquettish, carrying a hint of shyness and annoyance. "I was just worried that you are simple-minded and, by interacting too much with those old foxes, might accidentally let slip something you shouldn't, ruining the big plan."

Zhou Liangan was amused by her, his tone becoming even gentler. "Alright, alright, I believe you. However, to thank my precious Shuier, how about I gift you an Opportunity?"

"An Opportunity?" Yu Shuier's curiosity was instantly piqued, a strange glint floating in her beautiful eyes. "What kind of Opportunity? Something that you take so seriously must not be ordinary, right?"

"You're smart." Zhou Liangan said with a smile, "Are you interested in the ruins of the Hehuan Sect?"

"The Hehuan Sect?" Yu Shuier's voice instantly went up an octave, carrying a hint of incredulous excitement. "Do you have the Cultivation Technique for the Hehuan 108 Styles in your hands?"

The Hehuan Sect was a mysterious Sect from the ancient era, but because it was related to one of the Human Emperor's nine concubines, this Sect was exceptionally prosperous during the Ancient Martial Artist era.

The holy temple within it was naturally a focus of attention for all parties.

Yu Shuier naturally understood the ins and outs of this.

"My baby is so smart, guessing it right away." Zhou Liangan said with a smile, "How about it? Are you interested in exploring the ruins of the Hehuan Sect with me?"

Yu Shuier was naturally interested; her breathing became rapid, and a flash of excitement sparkled in her beautiful eyes. "Are you telling the truth? You're not lying to me?"

"Of course it's true, how could I bear to lie to you?" Zhou Liangan's tone carried a touch of doting. "As long as you can get the Elders of the Yu Family to step forward and block the harassment from those people of the Si Family for me, I will take you to explore the holy temple of the Hehuan Sect then."

"Okay! I agree!" Yu Shuier agreed without hesitation. "I will find a way to persuade the Elders of the Family to come forward, but you have to wait a few days for me; those old fogies are very stubborn and not so easy to convince."

"No problem, I'll wait for your news." Zhou Liangan said with a smile, "Good girl! Give me a kiss! Mua!"

On the other end of the phone, a faint, thin blush instantly flew onto Yu Shuier's cheeks, like a ripe apple.

She gave a coy rebuke of "Pervert~" and then shyly hung up the phone.

Putting down the phone, a smile of certainty hooked onto the corner of Zhou Liangan's mouth.

With the backing of these two major factions, the Yong Family and the Yu Family, no matter how unwilling the people from the Si Family and Li Family were, they wouldn't dare to easily lay a hand on him.

Just then, an exquisite and enchanting, stunningly beautiful face poked out.

Director Xin Linyu stared at Zhou Liangan with watery, beautiful eyes, her gaze filled with longing and anticipation. Her voice was delicate and sweet, carrying full-blown temptation, "Young Master Zhou~ can I also get a share of this Opportunity~"

She had heard the content of Zhou Liangan's calls with Yong Ruxin and Yu Shuier clearly just now.

The ruins of the Hehuan Sect, the Hehuan 108 Styles—how could Director Xin Linyu not be tempted by such an Opportunity?

Zhou Liangan looked down at Director Xin Linyu, reached out, and gently pinched her snow-white, delicate chin, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "It is possible, indeed. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. If you want to obtain an Opportunity, you must pay a price. What are you willing to pay for me?"

Director Xin Linyu's eyes instantly lit up. She sat up, looking at Zhou Liangan with her beautiful eyes with utmost seriousness, and said firmly, "Young Master Zhou~ rest assured~ I have always been very sincere towards you~ As long as I can get this Opportunity, I will do whatever you ask~"

Director Xin Linyu knew that a man like Zhou Liangan was never short of women around him. If she wanted to capture his heart and obtain his protection and Opportunity, she had to show enough sincerity and let him see her value.

Zhou Liangan nodded with satisfaction, pinching Director Xin Linyu's pink-white, delicate face, and slowly said, "Since you are so sincere, I will give you a chance."

As Zhou Liangan spoke, he picked up his phone and flipped through his photo album to find a manuscript he had hand-drawn.

On the manuscript was a complex and mysterious pattern. At first glance, it looked somewhat like a succubus tattoo, but upon closer observation, one would find that the lines of this pattern were more delicate and contained a certain special rhythm, which had a very strong auxiliary effect on gathering Spiritual Qi.

Zhou Liangan turned the phone screen around, facing Director Xin Linyu, and asked seriously, "Tattooing this mark on your body will count as you expressing your intentions to me, and also as proof of you joining my camp. Do you agree, or do you refuse?"

This tattoo could not only assist in Cultivation, but was also a symbol of a contract.

Once tattooed, Director Xin Linyu would become Zhou Liangan's person; her life, death, glory, and shame would all be closely linked to Zhou Liangan.

At the same time, this tattoo would also allow Zhou Liangan to perceive Director Xin Linyu's location and status at any time, preventing Director Xin Linyu from betraying him.

Director Xin Linyu stared at the pattern on the phone screen, her eyes flickering a few times.

She knew that once this tattoo was inked, there would be no turning back.

But thinking of the Opportunity to become an Ancient Martial Artist, Director Xin Linyu no longer hesitated.

She stuck out her tongue and gently licked her luscious, alluring lips, looking at Zhou Liangan with an incredibly firm gaze, her voice carrying a hint of determination and anticipation, "Since Young Master Zhou has said so~ then I naturally won't refuse~ Being able to do things for Young Master Zhou and earning Young Master Zhou's trust is my good fortune~"

Zhou Liangan looked at Director Xin Linyu's firm gaze, the smile on the corner of his mouth becoming increasingly profound...