Chapter Forty-Five: Father’s Secret

After reaching an agreement, Yan Yuanqing immediately took Shi Chengren away; he did not let him off so easily. Although he had made a promise to this man, Yan Yuanqing would never fully trust someone as shrewd and cunning, who had now even turned against his own family.

"Yuanqing, regardless of what you think, I am still Yurou's uncle. Escorting me in this manner—don't you think it's a bit inappropriate if others see us?"

Yan Yuanqing said nothing.

"I'm not saying this just because I'm uncomfortable. If anyone sees me like this, they're bound to think about Yurou as well. Why don't you let me go? I can walk on my own!"

Shi Chengren was in considerable discomfort; his hands were bound behind him, making it impossible to move. The force with which Yan Yuanqing restrained him made it even more unbearable. But Yan Yuanqing acted as though he hadn't heard a word, giving no response whatsoever. In the end, Shi Chengren could only resign himself to his fate—after all, he had fallen into Yan Yuanqing's hands.

"Go inside."

Yan Yuanqing brought him back to his own home, and led him into a secluded house that was rarely visited by others. Regarding the secret of his father, Yan Yuanqing did not wish for more people to know.

Walls have ears, as the saying goes. This hidden place was far more suitable for secret conversations.

"You can tell me now—what really happened to my father? Where is he? How is he? What must I do to find him?"

"You will answer every question in detail. If I sense the slightest deception or concealment, I will show you no mercy."

"It doesn't matter who you are, nor what your relationship with Yurou is. I will tell you this: your fate is sealed."

As he finished, a flash of golden light appeared in Yan Yuanqing's palm. Though Shi Chengren could not see clearly what he was holding, the brilliance left him deeply shaken. Only now did he understand why, after sending men twice to capture Shi Yurou, every attempt had failed.

The useless son-in-law, it turned out, had secretly mastered some powerful martial art and possessed formidable strength.

"Alright, alright, I will do exactly as you say. Please, don't do anything rash—we're all family, after all. There's no need for violence."

Yan Yuanqing let out a cold laugh, crossing his legs and sitting nearby in a relaxed manner. Yet it was precisely this posture that put immense pressure on Shi Chengren. He felt as if Yan Yuanqing might erupt at any moment and end his life on the spot.

"Your father disappeared all those years ago because he went to a certain place."

"That place lies in the deepest reaches of Kunlun. It's said to conceal the greatest secrets and treasures of this world. Though no one has ever offered proof, these legends have been passed down since ancient times and may well hold some truth."

"It's said that the place is shrouded in mist year-round, and within dwell remnants of ancient beasts. It is extremely dangerous; anyone who enters becomes hopelessly lost."

"The closer one gets to the center, the greater the danger. Your father entered the depths of Kunlun and never returned—he vanished inside."

Shi Chengren spoke as if recounting some myth or legend, slowly describing the events of years past. As Yan Yuanqing listened, his brows furrowed ever more tightly.

"You say my father entered Kunlun, but why? He already had me, he had a family—why risk his life for some adventure in a place like that?"

"I know my father. He was not the type to abandon his family and risk his life for some elusive goal. Why did he go? What was he after?"