novelraw Chapter 146: Lin Fan Was Caught!
Chapter 146: Lin Fan Was Caught!
Although Yang Qingxi didn’t fully understand his intention and was curious about this golden paper, she didn’t question it. She could already sense the approaching life signatures closing in rapidly. There was no time for discussion.
A faint blue energy gathered around her fingers before quickly shifting into a deeper brown—the energy of earth. The ground beneath them responded as small fragments of rock rose into the air. The golden talisman floated in front of her as the stones began to gather around it.
Layer by layer, the rock condensed, forming a solid mass. Within seconds, it had grown into a compact stone roughly the same size as the original meteorite. Its surface was rough and natural, indistinguishable at a glance.
Su Mo took the formed rock and threw it back into the centre of the crater. It landed precisely where the meteorite had been.
Without delay, he raised his hand again and summoned a fireball. Instead of releasing it normally, he controlled the flames carefully, spreading them across the surface of the rock. The heat intensified rapidly, but only on the outer layer.
The stone began to glow from yellow to orange and red.
Until it resembled molten lava, radiating heat just like the original meteorite.
From a distance, there was no visible difference.
Su Mo lowered his hand. "That should do it."
This timing was perfect. The approaching presences were already close.
Without exchanging further words, the two disappeared from the spot.
Not leaving any sound or trace.
Only the crater remained there, with the "meteorite" quietly resting at its centre, radiating heat into the cooling night.
---
Soon, the sound of wind cutting through the air echoed across the forest as figures descended one after another.
The red-robed group had arrived. Their robes fluttered briefly before settling, the bold Chinese numerals on their backs standing out even in the dim light.
They spread out instinctively, forming a loose perimeter around the crater. Each of them remained alert, their gazes sharp.
"Is this the meteorite the leader mentioned?" the one with the number 10 on his back muttered, tilting his head slightly as he looked at the glowing rock. "Looks pretty ordinary to me."
Another scoffed immediately. "That’s because you’re too weak to notice anything. I can sense the powerful energy inside it."
In truth, he sensed nothing. But admitting that was not an option. If the leader wanted it, then it had to be something extraordinary. That alone was enough reason for him to act confidently.
Number 10 clicked his tongue but didn’t argue further.
"Enough," the man with number 4 said. His tone was calm but carried weight. He was the veteran among them. "Keep watch. No one is allowed to get close."
He turned his head slightly. "How long until the leader and deputy arrive?"
Number 5 replied promptly, "Deputy leader just sent word. They’ll be here soon."
"Good."
Number 4 folded his arms and fixed his gaze on the molten "meteorite" in the centre of the crater. "Then we just wait."
No one questioned him. Even the more reckless ones quieted down. They might behave unruly most of the time, but when it came to something important, and especially when it’s something their leader has especially warned them about, they didn’t dare act carelessly.
Not far away, hidden within the forest, Su Mo and Yang Qingxi observed everything in silence. The night had deepened, and the shadows provided perfect cover for them to remain unnoticed.
"Miss Yang," Su Mo said softly, "do you think this new protagonist will be strong?"
"Maybe..." Yang Qingxi replied. Her tone was vague, but her expression was serious. The system notification earlier had already confirmed that another protagonist was involved.
That meant unknown variables, and unknown variables must be treated with caution. She kept her gaze forward, then sensing the fluctuations in the distance. Her chin lifted slightly.
Su Mo’s lips curled faintly. "Lin Fan is here."
Almost at the same moment, the red-robed group also reacted. Their relaxed posture vanished instantly.
"Someone’s coming."
"Don’t tell me it’s those guys..."
The moment those words were spoken, tension spread through the group. Even Number 4’s expression turned colder. The casual arrogance from before disappeared, replaced by sharp vigilance.
"Ten," he ordered, his voice low but firm. "Go check."
Number 10 felt his back stiffen. If it really was those people, then this wouldn’t end well for him. But under Number 4’s gaze, he didn’t dare refuse. He gritted his teeth and dashed forward.
His speed was fast, as he rushed to the source of the disturbance. However, as he got closer, his tense expression gradually relaxed.
"...What the hell."
It was just a guy riding a bicycle.
The man moved quickly, skillfully manoeuvring through the rough terrain of the forest. It was impressive for an ordinary person, but that was all it was. To them, all ordinary people are the same. Those so-called skills don’t make any difference.
Number 10 felt a surge of irritation.
They had been on edge because of this?
With a burst of force, he rushed forward.
Lin Fan’s pupils shrank as the figure suddenly appeared in front of him. He hadn’t expected anyone else other than Butcher Deng to be here, let alone someone this fast. Before he could react, a sharp pain exploded across his cheek.
The slap landed heavily.
His vision went black instantly.
His body lost all strength and collapsed from the bicycle.
Number 10 grabbed him by the collar as if picking up trash and turned back without another glance. The bicycle, having lost control, slammed into a nearby tree with a dull crash.
When he returned to the group, he tossed Lin Fan to the ground casually. "Nothing to worry about. Just some random guy."
The others visibly relaxed.
Number 8 frowned slightly. "Then why bring him back? You should’ve just killed him."
"Forget it," Number 4 said. His gaze flicked briefly toward Lin Fan before returning to the meteorite. "Let the leader decide."
He paused, then added, "Tie him up with the other one."