Chapter 1498: Time for a Hot Spring
The bloody battle has ended, and after a series of maneuvers, the final hiding place of Nagano Yoko and Charles was pinpointed, surrounding them with heavy troops, enabling the alliance of enemies to be entirely annihilated, securing the final victory.
With Nagano Yoko and Charles dead, Hose, Ying Zi, and their people lost their mental support and were thrown into chaos without a leader.
Faced with powerful assaults and a fierce killing intent, death was the only thing awaiting them.
Even though Ying Zi and Hose’s side had a numerical advantage, when it came to strength, they were far inferior, especially with those around Sigu Xiu being an entire tier lower in overall combat prowess compared to Zhang Lu’s team, nullifying their numerical advantage directly.
The scene of slaughter became much simpler, ending in the complete defeat and gruesome deaths of Ying Zi, Hose, and others.
With the battle concluded, the map fragment that Nagano Yoko held was found.
"Finally accomplished, all the efforts and sacrifices were worthwhile," Zhang Lu exclaimed joyfully, full of delight.
"All invading enemies are dead, thanks to Ma De’s timely decision to retreat, otherwise, it would have been a path of no return," Yang Shu declared with uncontrollable happiness.
Having achieved such a significant victory, everyone, including Left Boss and Zhang Lu’s team, was ecstatic beyond measure.
The three map fragments were pieced together, presenting a complete treasure map.
Translating the text on the map and combining it with the depicted landscapes and architecture, the treasure’s location was no longer a mystery.
"Finally found you," Zhang Lu cheerfully gazed at the treasure map.
The group was very happy, as the plan concerning personal honor and organizational dignity had finally triumphed.
"Next, we must go treasure hunting. We should act immediately lest dreams be long when the night falls?" Yang Shu suggested to Ye Fan, seeking his opinion, recognizing the urgency of this undertaking—to find the treasure after so much effort.
Only this final stretch remained, and the urgency was naturally unbearable.
"Treasure hunting is for you to handle, I won’t join in this excitement," Ye Fan decisively replied.
"After all the battles, wasn’t the treasure the goal?" Yang Shu questioned bewilderedly, "Instructor, why not go? Didn’t you say you would pick some items as a token for this endeavor? It’s all successful now; why back out?"
Ye Fan didn’t explain; he had said that merely to challenge Old Fu, without other intentions.
Moreover, being a Han Family man, contributing naturally when possible to combat foreign forces and protect ancestral treasures was a morally commendable action.
So, Ye Fan joined unhesitatingly, unconcerned about the alleged benefits.
"I can’t understand you anymore, making Old Fu wage an internal battle so long before he agreed to your demands, and now, with the opportunity to share benefits looming, you wish to withdraw. I truly don’t know what thoughts swirl in your mind," Zhang Lu remarked meaningfully, puzzled by Ye Fan’s current mindset.
"Stop overthinking; the treasure hunt is for you to manage, I have no interest." Ye Fan stated.
"Instructor, even witnessing the grandeur of the treasure is a unique encounter; why the lack of interest?" Yang Shu persistently expressed her unclear feeling.
"What remains is your responsibility," Ye Fan instructed firmly without further explanation.
"Okay," Zhang Lu nodded seriously.
"Mr. Ye, we must bid farewell," Left Boss and the Peng Bird team approached Ye Fan with respect and awe.
"Of course, we’ll meet again when the opportunity arises," Ye Fan responded courteously.
Left Boss and the Peng Bird team departed.
Ye Fan also left, driving towards the Lu Family private residence.
Concerning the final treasure hunting task, it was perfectly reliable for Zhang Lu’s team to handle it.
The enemies needing elimination were dealt with, and there was no longer any powerful threat lurking in the shadows, allowing Ye Fan to retire successfully.
At the Lu Family residence, Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue were chatting with Mengyao.
Upon Ye Fan’s arrival, Mengyao smiled and asked, "Is everything done?"
"Yes, nothing more for me," Ye Fan responded with a smile.
Lu Qianqian eagerly inquired, "Mr. Ye, has the treasure been found? Is it filled with wonders?"
Regarding the treasure, Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue naturally knew about the secret.
"Do you have an interest in that treasure?" Ye Fan asked, intrigued.
"Not really interested, just curious. For a treasure causing such a stir and contention among various forces, it surely isn’t simple; seeing it would be a huge boon," Lu Qianqian spoke with gleaming eyes, animatedly.
"After piecing together the complete map, I left; I have no interest in subsequent affairs," Ye Fan remarked casually, "If you’re interested, I could recommend you to join Zhang Lu’s group in the treasure digging, as it’s a promising experience."
As the host of the auction, Lu Binwang could immediately facilitate Lu Qianqian’s interaction with the treasure hunt, should interest arise.
"Better not; compared to treasure hunting, soaking in hot springs is more appealing," Lu Qianqian laughed.
"Mr. Ye, we’re planning a hot spring trip; your arrival is perfect for joining us," Qi Sixue suggested with a smile.
Initially, Mengyao, Lu Qianqian, and Qi Sixue intended to visit the hot springs, Ye Fan’s arrival added another to the group.
In recent times, Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue had been secluded and tense, making the hot springs a perfect relaxation choice, thus they invited Mengyao along.
With external dangers vanished, there was nothing left to worry about.
Ye Fan’s appearance confirmed the resolution of all crises, granting Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue complete peace of mind.
Observing Mengyao’s expression, Ye Fan immediately sensed her decision.
Without hesitation, he declared, "After such efforts, relaxation together would be splendid."
Combining work and rest perfectly—this delightful moment was naturally one to be enjoyed.
The four prepared briefly, and under Lu Qianqian’s guidance as host, left the Lu Family residence and headed directly to their destination.