"Ye?." Kang Xiang gestured for him to continue.
"Ye Fan, officially does not exist. There are no identification records under his name, as if he's a ghost without any traceable identity."
Kang Xiang was not particularly surprised. After all, Ye Fan had been raised in the mountains since childhood.
"However, with some deeper investigation, I found out that someone matching Ye Fan's description was abandoned shortly after birth eighteen years ago."
"And that person, who I believe is Ye Fan, was taken as a disciple by one of the Twelve Pillars of the Eternal Academy and trained in the Heavenly Immortal Mountain."
"Do you know which one of the Twelve Pillars?" This information wasn't new to Kang Xiang and was of little use to him.
"Yes, the only pillar who has been absent frequently over the past eighteen years is Ye Tian."
"Never heard of him." Naturally, Kang Xiang had no knowledge of such low-level figures.
Of course, this did not mean the Twelve Pillars were insignificant or unimportant. Apart from the Five Great Families and the Eight Ancient Clans, almost all other powers in the capital respected them.
"Young Master, Ye Tian is a relatively well-known figure in the imperial capital, particularly for the fact that, years ago, he managed to wound one of the Grand Elders of the academy during a duel."
"Oh? Interesting. Conduct a thorough investigation on him as well." A flicker of interest sparkled in Kang Xiang's gray eyes.
"Understood, Young Master." Wang Ye replied respectfully and continued.
"Previously, three families stood at the top of this city. However, one of them has recently declined, becoming weaker than the other two."
"The Zhao Family, the Xia Family, and the Su Family. They can be said to rule over this city." Wang Ye paused for a moment before continuing.
"Based on my investigations, it seems Ye Fan has good relations with both the Su and Xia families."
"To what extent?" Kang Xiang was not particularly surprised. Naturally, as the protagonist, Ye Fan would have a few powerful connections.
"Based on my findings, it seems he saved the life of the Xia family head's son and has the closest ties with them."
"As for the Su family, it seems their young lady is infatuated with Ye Fan and consistently seeks ways to get closer to him."
The plot was the same predictable and tiresome pattern found in most Chinese novels—nothing new at all.
The protagonist forges good relations with a top family by saving someone's life, and then another powerful young woman becomes attracted to the protagonist's aura and personality.
"However, Young Master, regarding the young lady of the Su family, something seems a bit unusual... It appears she has psychological issues?" Wang Ye said with a somewhat uncertain expression.
"What do you mean?" Kang Xiang asked, intrigued and curious.
"Take a look at these documents." A folder of information materialized in Wang Ye's hands, and he respectfully handed it to his young master.
"Hmm? Interesting." A wicked smile, one resembling that of a madman, spread across Kang Xiang's face.
He hadn't expected to encounter such an intriguing woman in such a small city.
'It seems that even if fate is pre-written, there are still individuals who carve out their own paths.'
"Arrange a meeting with this girl and tell her I'm interested in investing in her company," Kang Xiang said as he set the folder aside.
Wang Ye nodded before continuing with the remainder of his report.
"The only major event occurring in the coming days is the Intercity Martial Arts Tournament. Based on what I've learned, Zhao Ning'an of the Zhao family, Su Mi of the Su family, and Xia Cheng of the Xia family are among the main participants."
"An intercity tournament?"
"Yes, Young Master. Such tournaments are very common and held almost annually. Ultimately, a team from each province competes against other provinces to determine the national champions."
"Anything else?" Kang Xiang nodded and asked.
"Nothing particularly noteworthy, but there's one more thing you should know—the previous head of the Zhao family has been secretly hospitalized at the central city hospital due to an illness."
"I see. You may go. Thank you for your efforts."
"It's my honor, Young Master," Wang Ye said before vanishing into the mist.
"Three families, Su Mi, the intercity tournament, and even the illness of the previous Zhao family leader." A playful glint sparked in Kang Xiang's eyes.
An initial plan to toy with the Heaven's favorite son began to form in his mind.
If he utilized this information correctly, he could profit greatly from his visit to this small city.
Before leaving the pavilion, he glanced again at the folder he had picked up from the table, the folder with a photograph of an exceptionally beautiful young woman on the first page.
"Su Mi, huh? We'll meet soon enough." A devilish grin appeared on his handsome face.
Meanwhile, outside the city, in the Xia family villa, two figures stood by the bedside of a sickly figure lying on the bed.
"Damn it! Which bastard dared to commit such a vile act against my brother?" The man who roared was a middle-aged man with a relatively handsome face.
He was known as Xia Tao, the patriarch of the Xia family in Donghai City.
"Old Shen!" The young woman standing beside him shouted angrily.
"Yes, young lady." An old man entered the room and bowed respectfully.
"Find out who dared to do such a thing to Ye Fan's brother!" Though her tone carried anger,
It felt as if this anger...
This anger seemed a little... fake?