Chapter 114: Descendant of Xiang Yu, Lanbao?

"Of course, it's just a visit. Ultimately, the choice, whether acceptance or rejection, is yours to make. I would never sacrifice my daughter's happiness for my own gain," Xiang Tianxiong said, revealing a more understanding side. This softened approach showed him to be a considerate father, and Lanbao seemed more at ease with this arrangement.

"So, I just need to show up and reject that idiot from the Blue Gang?" Lanbao's mood lifted, her self-reference shifting from 'old lady' to 'I'.

"In theory, yes," Xiang Tianxiong gestured nonchalantly, indicating her freedom to choose.

"Then it's settled," Lanbao declared, jubilant at the thought of thwarting the Blue Gang member's intentions.

"Hold on, what does 'in theory' mean?" Zhang Fan quickly sensed something amiss. Theoretically is one thing, but what about in practice? Were there hidden complications?

"Yes, this arranged meeting was orchestrated by the head of the Blue Gang. I'm not afraid of them, but I prefer not to clash with them. I haven't fully grasped the extent of the Blue Gang's influence, which is why I called Lanbao back from Japan," Xiang Tianxiong confessed, acknowledging the pressure the Blue Gang exerted on him.

"Damn it, I'll destroy that damn gang," Lanbao exploded in anger, appalled that the gang dared to threaten her father.

"Lanbao... Sister, calm down. If Uncle could have taken them down, he would have done it by now. No need for you to intervene, right?" Zhang Fan held her back, aware of Xiang Tianxiong's formidable strength. If even he was cautious about the Blue Gang, could Lanbao really handle them alone?

"You're right, Zhang Fan. If you think the Blue Gang is just another underworld group, you're sorely mistaken. The man chosen for the arranged meeting is Zhuge Jingxuan – a cunning fox. Many veterans have fallen to his schemes. You must be extremely vigilant against him," Xiang Tianxiong warned, his tone grave.

"Zhuge Jingxuan? A descendant of Zhuge Liang?" Zhang Fan mused thoughtfully.

"Yes, and not just him. Descendants of Cao Mengde, Zhou Gongjin, Zhao Zilong, and Guan Yunzhang are all part of the Blue Gang. There are even more hidden figures behind the scenes," Xiang Tianxiong revealed, emphasizing the gang's formidable lineage.

"What?" Zhang Fan was astonished. Were they reenacting the Romance of the Three Kingdoms?

"Surprising, isn't it? I felt the same when I first learned about it. Our Xiang family also has a notable heritage from the end of the Qin Dynasty..."

"Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu?" Zhang Fan interjected, realizing the Xiang family's prestigious ancestry.

"Ashamed as we are, we have not lived up to our ancestor's legacy," Xiang Tianxiong admitted, though his face beamed with pride at the mention of Xiang Yu.

"No wonder Teacher Lanbao is so strong," Zhang Fan glanced at Lanbao, realizing her impressive strength was a legacy of Xiang Yu.

"What are you looking at?" Lanbao gave him a sharp look, her demeanor briefly softening – a rare glimpse of her femininity.

"Now, the situation is clear. If Lanbao simply rejects Zhuge Jingxuan, all will be well. But is it that simple? What's the Blue Gang's true motive?" Zhang Fan redirected the conversation, pondering the gang's underlying intentions.

"On the surface, they seek an alliance through marriage. But beyond that, there's nothing they could gain from us," Xiang Tianxiong reasoned, confident in his own strength and understanding of the underworld dynamics.

"That's true. We'll just have to play it by ear," Zhang Fan agreed, seeing no alternative.

"No matter what those Blue Gang scoundrels plan, I won't let them off easy for targeting my father!" Lanbao clenched her fists, her eyes ablaze with fury.

"Now, let's talk about this young man. Are you sure about him?" Xiang Tianxiong suddenly turned the focus to Zhang Fan, causing Lanbao to dismissively wave off the question.

Xiang Tianxiong keenly noticed Lanbao's subtle change of demeanor, satisfied with her interest in Zhang Fan. He found Zhang Fan to be quite agreeable and, having heard of his feats, was impressed with his capabilities.

"Then, we'll leave that for later. For now, let's focus on dealing with the Blue Gang and their insidious plans," Zhang Fan concluded, ready to support Lanbao in whatever challenge lay ahead.