Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 266: Full lockdown

Chapter 266: Full lockdown

Little Bai was about to continue outlining the little bunny on Han Zhan’s collarbone when Han Zhan’s brows furrowed, and he sat up abruptly. Little Bai opened his mouth to reprimand him, but Han Zhan cut him off. "We are going into full lockdown." Little Bai’s confusion was evident, but he didn’t ask.

He carefully dressed the fresh tattoo on Han Zhan’s collarbone, his hands steady despite the tension in the air. Han Zhan was on the phone, his voice low and urgent as he accessed the villa’s security system. "I sm done," Little Bai said, stepping back to admire his work.

Han Zhan nodded, his eyes still on his phone. "Pass me my t-shirt," he instructed. Little Bai helped him slip it on, the fabric soft against Han Zhan’s skin. "Thanks," Han Zhan said, his tone brisk. "Take the twins to the safe room."

The safe room in the seaside villa was a far cry from the one at the tattoo shop. It was as spacious as a studio apartment, equipped with everything they could possibly need. Little Bai nodded, but as he realised Han Zhan wasn’t coming with them, he grabbed his hand. "Wait, you are not coming?"

Han Zhan shook his head, a reassuring smile on his lips. "No, but I will be fine." He ruffled Little Bai’s hair affectionately before walking away, his expression hardening as he called for Butler Qing. The butler emerged, a duffle bag filled with guns slung over his shoulder.

"You should take care of the girls and Little Bai," Han Zhan said, his voice firm.

Butler Qing, who had been itching for a fight, nodded eagerly. He holstered a handgun behind him and strode towards Lian and Mei, who were already walking into the villa, wrapped in towels. The sunny seaside villa quickly plunged into darkness as bulletproof shutters rolled down over every window and door. Outside, several cars drove onto the property, men spilling out with guns drawn.

Han Zhan barked orders, directing his men to their posts. "Old Lan you are in charge. Anyone who trespassing shoot them on sight no matter who they are," he said before pulling Ran Lan aside. "Drive me to the office. We need to find Xiang Yu," he commanded.

The black car sped out of the driveway, Han Zhan in the passenger seat, loading a gun with practised ease. Ran Lan, his hands gripping the wheel tightly, glanced over. "Is it really going down today?"

Han Zhan handed him a loaded gun, his expression grim. "That uncle of mine is definitely up to something shady." The feeling gnawed at him, the same one he had as a child when his parents died. His father had been rumoured to have betrayed the seven dragon heads, and the clan leaders had demanded an explanation. But before that could happen, their car had driven off a cliff. Han Zhan knew his uncle had orchestrated it, but he had been too powerless to act.

Now, as an adult, he understood that when his uncle felt threatened, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate anyone, family or not. The stakes were high, and Han Zhan was ready to face whatever came next.

***

Han Xin walked into the Han family mansion, the grand hall echoing with the weight of history and power. The clan heads were already seated around the imposing round table, their expressions stern and intimidating. The room fell silent as he entered, all eyes turning to him with a collective intensity that could make anyone else quiver. But Han Xin, unfazed, casually unbuttoned his suit jacket and took the only empty seat at the table.

His father sat at the head, his crystal glass poised mid-air, glaring at him. Han Jing tapped the table in long, drawn-out intervals, his jaw clenched tight. He had hoped to simply order his son to hand over Xiang Yu, believing Han Xin would comply. But upon discovering their relationship, his temper had flared. He had called Han Xin multiple times, and each call was ignored, leading him to this drastic measure.

"Now you don’t even have respect for your elders," Han Jing spat, his voice dripping with disdain.

Han Xin met his father’s gaze evenly. "I do, but not when my elders go behind my back and have people follow me."

Han Jing’s anger simmered, but he restrained himself. "What is wrong with me sending people to watch you? You are my son! You came from my ball sack so what can you hide from me?!"

Han Xin crossed his legs, exuding a relaxed air. "You should be sending people to watch your other son, not me."

Han Xin had every right to say that. Since being brought into the Han family, he had been under constant surveillance and treated with suspicion. He had never caused trouble for his father and had made the Han family more money than three generations combined. The power his father wielded was largely due to Han Xin’s efforts, yet his father never appreciated him. Han Jing guarded against him like a watchdog, while his half-brother could do as he pleased, causing trouble that Han Xin had to clean up. If Han Jia wanted anything that belonged to him, he had to give it up.

Han Xin remained silent, his expression indifferent. Han Jing snorted, wishing he had never brought this child into his family, that he had left him to rot outside. He gestured to the butler, who handed Han Xin an envelope filled with pictures. Han Xin glanced at it but didn’t touch it.

"This is exactly why I had you followed," Han Jing roared, his voice echoing through the hall. The butler scattered the pictures across the table, images of Han Xin and Xiang Yu hugging, holding hands, and kissing, for all the clan leaders to see. The clan leaders watched with interest, like passersby enjoying a public spectacle. Many had envied Han Jing for having such a talented son.

Han Xin’s methods were effective and efficient, making the Han family an unshakable force. But they also knew that someone like Han Xin wouldn’t be easy to suppress in the future. He wasn’t suited to follow orders blindly.

"Hand Xiang Yu over to me," Han Jing demanded, his voice cold. "He interfered with matters of the seven heads and needs to be eliminated."

Han Xin clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes hardening. "No," he replied, his tone icy.

The clan leaders exchanged glances, the tension in the room thickening. The battle lines were drawn, and Han Xin knew there was no turning back.