Chapter 12: The Truth!

From the very first moment Chen Fan laid eyes on Johnson, he was almost certain of one thing: Johnson was no ordinary man.

Why? Well, have you ever seen someone blocking a co-star with the intention of knocking them out? The lightness with which Chen Fan caught Johnson’s arm was only possible because it was Chen Fan. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have even been able to grab Johnson’s arm—just reaching out could have cost them the use of their hand.

And that was precisely why Johnson sought out Chen Fan for a conversation. After all, while Johnson wouldn’t claim that no one could withstand his move, it certainly shouldn’t have been so effortless. As a renowned subordinate of Ares, the God of War, Johnson was famous for his combat prowess.

“Who exactly are you?” Johnson demanded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Chen Fan replied, his gaze evasive.

Johnson’s eyes darted around, avoiding Chen Fan’s. He had thought that coming to the Dragon Kingdom, he only needed to avoid a few of the elite from the Dragon Division—no, the Heavenly Division. Yet, out of nowhere, this young man had given him a humiliating defeat.

“I asked you a question and you still haven’t answered,” Johnson growled. “And now you’re interrogating me?”

“Are you blind to the situation?” Without another word, Chen Fan drove his knee fiercely into Johnson’s stomach.

This time, Johnson was utterly numb. “Kill me!” he roared. “You’ll never get what you want from me.”

Seeing the bloodshot fury in Johnson’s eyes, Chen Fan couldn’t help but laugh. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he regarded Johnson.

“You really are an idiot,” he said. “How could I possibly be from the Dragon Division? Since you’re so curious, I won’t hide it from you.”

“I was sent by Lord Apollo,” Chen Fan declared. “Our goals are probably the same—to get the xpail file, right?”

Chen Fan decided to bluff his way through. He regretted not taking this approach from the start; after a beating, this explanation seemed a bit unconvincing, but never mind. The subordinates of Ares only knew how to fight, their intelligence was generally lacking. It shouldn’t be an issue.

Ares, God of War; Poseidon, God of the Sea; Apollo, God of the Sun—these were among the Twelve Olympians of the Western Underworld. The Underworld was based on the Continent, and Apollo and Ares were notorious rivals. Claiming to be Apollo’s man not only gave Chen Fan a reason to attack Johnson, but also fit the narrative.

Johnson’s eyes widened in shock—everything Chen Fan said was true. He really was sent by Ares to seize the xpail file. He hadn’t wanted to come in the first place—what was so special about the Dragon Kingdom? Besides, snatching a file from a mere girl seemed almost beneath him. Still, he was the only one with a plausible reason to enter the country, given his public identity as an international superstar. Investigation had revealed that Shao Zining was the sister of Meng Rongrong, who possessed the xpail file. So Johnson had accepted Song Shaocheng’s invitation, planning to kidnap Shao Zining and use her as leverage with Meng Rongrong.

But things hadn’t gone according to plan; he hadn’t even met Shao Zining, and now, as soon as he did, Chen Fan had appeared out of nowhere!

“Apollo actually sent a powerhouse like you!” Johnson exclaimed. “Impossible—you can’t be one of Apollo’s men! Otherwise, I would have met you before!”

Suspicion filled Johnson’s gaze. Chen Fan slapped him across the face.

“What’s with the long face? Who are you trying to impress?” he sneered.

“Can you use your brain for once? Did you really think Lord Apollo is as idiotic as Ares, putting all his fighters out in the open? Don’t be stupid, little brother.”

Chen Fan slapped him again. Honestly, Johnson might not be much to look at, but slapping him was surprisingly satisfying—so much so that he rewarded himself with another slap.

“With brains like yours, just sit back and watch the xpail file fall into Lord Apollo’s hands,” Chen Fan mocked. “Idiot.”

Johnson’s lips curled into a cold sneer, his expression full of mockery and contempt as he looked at Chen Fan. He was getting desperate. If he didn’t try to scare Chen Fan, would the man really think Ares was to be trifled with?

“I suppose you’re one of Apollo’s top fighters, aren’t you?” Johnson taunted. “But no matter how strong you are, could you possibly be a match if Lord Ares himself comes to the Dragon Kingdom?”

Oh? So now he’s telling the truth?