The ticket was purchased by the Zhao Family, and as always, it was first class.
After boarding the plane, Ian Song squinted his eyes, leaned back in his seat, and quietly reviewed the harvest from his trip to Flame City.
First, in terms of money, he’d earned 1.03 billion yuan. Even though he lent Mira Su a billion, he still had just over 600 million left in his hands.
Second, he’d obtained three martial arts manuals, a medical classic, and ten Vital Essence Pills—none of which could be bought with money.
He’d also advanced further in cultivation, reaching Innate Second Layer.
Of course, what really excited him was winning the beauty’s heart. Although Mira Su still had some reservations and hadn’t officially confirmed their relationship, he believed that was only a matter of time.
Finally, he’d gained the support of the Zhao Family. With their backing, he wouldn’t have to risk everything head-on when facing powers like the Nangong Family. As his wisdom increased, he realized not every problem could be solved by force—after all, there were plenty of people in this world stronger than him. If he relied on brute strength every time, he might be able to handle the weak, but what about the truly powerful?
As for Edward Zhao’s promise to groom him as the next clan head, at first he was excited—felt like he’d been hit by a pie from the sky. But after calming down, he realized it was just Edward Zhao’s way of winning him over. Of course, he didn’t rule out the possibility that Edward really meant it.
But Ian Song wouldn’t pin all his hopes on Edward Zhao’s intentions—that would be way too passive. It was best to build up his own team.
Although he’d already used Puppet Mastery to control three Innate experts, it still wasn’t enough. He already had a few candidates in mind, and once he got back to Riverstone City, he planned to invite them out for a talk.
The seat gave a gentle shake, and Ian Song knew his neighbor had arrived. A faint, orchid-like fragrance drifted to his nose—he could tell his seatmate was a girl.
But he didn’t open his eyes to check if she was a beauty. After all, they were just passing strangers—maybe they’d never meet again after this. Why invite extra trouble?
He calmed his mind and started thinking about Fame Points.
So far, Fame Points had three main uses: first, for lottery draws; second, for upgrading existing skills and abilities; and third, for learning martial arts techniques.
That’s why he felt more and more that Fame Points weren’t enough.
Who knew if Fame Points would have other uses in the future? The urge to earn more was only getting stronger.
He analyzed all his skills and abilities one by one. Aside from the Piano Master skill, none of the others seemed to generate much Fame Points. Was he really going to have to keep developing on the piano path?
Apparently, the final round of the Riverstone City Piano Competition was coming up the day after tomorrow.
But to him, winning first place in the piano competition wasn’t that important anymore. Even if he got first, it wouldn’t earn him much Fame Points, and as for the 100,000 yuan prize—compared to his current net worth, it was nothing.
After the announcement, the plane surged into the blue sky, accompanied by a strong sense of weightlessness.
"Sir, may I get you something to drink?" A familiar voice sounded in his ear. Ian Song opened his eyes and saw that the flight attendant asking him was the very same one who’d almost gotten slapped by Brandon Zhang last time.
Clearly, she recognized him too—there was a hint of surprise and delight in her eyes.
"Thanks, just a glass of plain water, please."
Ian Song smiled as he spoke. At the same time, he glanced sideways at his seatmate and was a bit surprised—she was another absolute stunner: long legs, stockings, a voluptuous figure, and a face so beautiful it could be sweet or sassy. She easily outclassed any so-called online goddess by a mile.
"Please wait a moment, sir." The flight attendant gave Ian Song a sweet smile and walked away.
Ian Song withdrew his gaze. His neighbor might be gorgeous, but he had no intention of making a move. Besides, even though her figure was hot, her face was icy cold—clearly not someone easy to approach. Once the plane landed, they’d go their separate ways, so why bother asking for trouble and ruining his mood?
It was the first time Serena Tang had met a guy who didn’t care about her looks. He only glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and then lost interest. For a moment, she wondered if her charm stat had dropped.
Or maybe he was just playing hard to get?
Of course, it was just a passing thought. She wasn’t about to go ask Ian Song for confirmation.
Soon, the flight attendant brought him a glass of water and, thoughtfully, asked if he needed anything else.
Ian Song smiled and politely declined.
The next hour of the flight passed uneventfully. Just as Ian Song thought they'd arrive safely, a faint scent of blood began to drift through the cabin.
Ian Song’s heart skipped a beat. He activated Clairvoyant Vision and quickly scanned the entire plane—what he saw left him shocked.
In the cockpit, both the captain and co-pilot had been killed and tossed onto the floor. Each had a thumb-sized hole in the center of their forehead, with fresh blood still gushing out.
Now, a gloomy-looking young man in black, about thirty, had taken over flying the plane. He’d already changed course from Twin River Airport to head toward the East Sea.
Meanwhile, all the flight attendants were being held at gunpoint by two burly men in black, forced to crouch together in one corner of the cockpit.
"Are they terrorists?" Ian Song wondered, feeling a sudden heaviness in his chest.
Ian Song kept up his calm facade while using Clairvoyant Vision to check the plane again. He found eight terrorists with guns in economy class, and two more in first class—these two didn’t have guns but radiated a dangerous aura, clearly powerful martial artists.
In other words, there were thirteen terrorists on board.
With a cramped cabin, hundreds of regular passengers, and most of the terrorists armed, even as an Innate Second Layer, Ian Song couldn’t guarantee he could take them all down without collateral damage.
What should I do?
Ian Song’s mind raced, searching for a solution.
Just then, the two suspected terrorists in first class suddenly stood up and started walking toward Ian Song.
Crap, did they notice me?
But Ian Song quickly realized their target wasn’t him—it was the icy beauty sitting next to him.
The two men stopped in front of her, their eyes cold and menacing. One of them said, "Miss Tang, hand over the item!"
"You people are relentless—even chased me onto a plane!" Serena Tang didn’t show the slightest hint of fear. She glanced at them calmly and spoke in an even tone.
"Don’t force us to get rough, Miss Tang. We’re on a plane—you can’t escape!" the other man threatened coldly.
"Who are you guys, anyway? What, trying to rob this beautiful lady?" Suddenly, a flashy-looking young man stood up. He glared at the two, then flashed a big smile at Serena Tang. "Don’t worry, gorgeous—with me here, these guys wouldn’t dare hurt you. How about grabbing dinner together after we land?"
Serena Tang couldn’t help but feel amused by his attempt to play hero. You’re just a regular guy—why butt in? She replied coolly, "I appreciate your kindness, sir, but please return to your seat."
"Uh—"
The flashy young man froze, clearly annoyed. Seeing the two men still standing there, he pointed at them and cursed, "You idiots, didn’t you hear me? Get lost—"
Shing!
A flash of cold light ended his words abruptly. His eyes went wide with disbelief, and he made a choking sound, pain twisting his face. Clutching his neck with both hands, blood streamed through his fingers...
Gradually, his eyes dimmed. His body slumped to the floor, lifeless.