F-class thief? Sorry, I can steal anything.

Chapter 296 The entire school is shaken! A massive explosion occurs in the Black Forest!

The next morning, an explosive piece of news swept through Kyoto like a tsunami.

"Breaking News! Breaking News! A massive explosion occurred last night at the 'Black Forest Manor' in the western suburbs of Kyoto, suspected to be a terrorist attack!"

Exclusive! Footage from the scene reveals a manor comparable to a military fortress razed to the ground; casualties unknown!

"Latest official report: The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Preliminary assessment indicates it was caused by high-intensity alchemical explosives, and multiple abnormal energy residues were found at the scene!"

The campus network forums and internal channels of various student organizations were flooded with this news almost simultaneously.

Holographic light screens suspended throughout the campus continuously play aerial footage taken from above.

That once heavily guarded, mysterious manor, where not even a bird could fly in, is now a massive sinkhole billowing with thick smoke. The scorched earth, twisted steel bars, and shattered walls silently tell the story of last night's horror.

The entire Kyoto University of Science and Technology was in an uproar.

"Holy crap! Black Forest Manor? Isn't that a property under the Li Group? I heard its security level is like a military base, how could it be blown up like that?"

"The Li Group? You mean that biotechnology company? I've heard they have powerful connections. Who's bold enough to mess with them?"

"Have you seen the official report? 'Abnormal energy residue'! This is definitely not simple; it's most likely the work of a professional, and a master among masters at that!"

"Hiss... To cause such a commotion in a place like this and escape unscathed, what level of expert must that be? A third-tier expert? Or even higher?"

The students gathered in small groups under the light screen, discussing animatedly, their faces filled with shock and curiosity.

For these privileged students living in their ivory towers, this level of conflict is something they've only ever seen in textbooks or the news.

Now, it's happening right here around me, and the impact it has is unparalleled.

The atmosphere in dormitory 404 was equally lively.

"Fanzi! Fanzi! Look at the news! Something terrible has happened!"

Wang Fugui, holding his communicator and spitting as he rushed to Chen Yifan's bedside, his face beaming with excitement.

He didn't sleep well all night, his mind filled with Chen Yifan's words when he left, "to settle some scores." Now, seeing the news, he immediately connected the two things.

"This...this couldn't have been done by you, could it?" Wang Fugui asked in a low voice, his eyes wide like saucers.

"Me?" Chen Yifan was sitting at the table, slowly eating the breakfast Lin Xiaoyu had brought him. Hearing this, he raised his eyelids slightly and retorted, "Me, a freshman who just enrolled, do you think I have the ability to blow up a place comparable to a military base?"

His expression was calm, and his tone was composed, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

"Uh...that makes sense." Wang Fugui scratched his head, agreeing with Chen Yifan's point.

Although Chen Yifan was practically a god in his heart, blowing up an entire manor was just too outrageous.

"But... isn't this too much of a coincidence? You just said yesterday that you were going to deal with Li Yuantu..."

"Li Yuantu?" Chen Yifan took a sip of soy milk and said casually, "I waited for him downstairs at his company yesterday, but he didn't show up all night. Who knew his house was ransacked? He's just unlucky."

This explanation is reasonable and there's nothing wrong with it.

Wang Fugui was skeptical, but seeing Chen Yifan's calm demeanor, he could only suppress his suspicions.

"Is Li Yuantu... dead?" Lin Xiaoyu asked softly from the side, a hint of nervousness on her fair face.

She knew how much of a threat Li Yuantu posed to Chen Yifan.

"I don't know." Chen Yifan shook his head. "The official report says the casualties are unknown. But even if he didn't die, he's in serious trouble now."

He knew perfectly well that Li Yuantu had been completely wiped out of the world by the "Cleansers," leaving not a trace.

But he couldn't tell anyone about this.

Now, all he needs to do is play the role of an "unaware" ordinary student.

"Serves him right! This kind of scum deserves to be struck by lightning!" Wang Fugui said fiercely.

Just then, Chen Yifan's communicator rang.

He glanced at the caller ID; it was an unfamiliar, encrypted number.

He pressed the answer button.

"Chen Yifan?" Xia Nan's signature voice, carrying a hint of a refined scoundrel, came from the other end of the phone.

However, today his voice carried an undisguised weariness and... awe.

"It's me," Chen Yifan said succinctly.

Where are you now?

"Dormitory, time for breakfast."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, as if they were speechless at Chen Yifan's nonchalant attitude.

"...You really have a lot to eat." Xia Nan's voice sounded like a wry smile. "Do you know what's going on outside?"

"Oh? Really?" Chen Yifan continued drinking his soy milk. "What does that have to do with me?"

"It's none of your business?" Xia Nan's voice rose slightly. "You brought me back an S-class live experimental subject from Li Yuantu's lab! The entire Kyoto underworld is frantically investigating this! And you're telling me it's none of your business?"

"Isn't she with you? The Xia family is so powerful, can't you even handle this little thing?" Chen Yifan retorted.

"..." Xia Nan was speechless again.

He took a deep breath and lowered his voice: "I'll handle Su Qingxue's matter. I called you to tell you something else."

"explain."

"News of the 'Cleansers' appearing has already spread through certain channels within high-level circles. Although most people don't know the specifics of what happened, everyone knows that the destruction of the Black Forest Manor is related to the 'Heretical Path.'"

Xia Nan's tone became more serious than ever before.

"Right now, the school's higher-ups, the student council, and those eyes lurking in the shadows are all watching anyone who might be associated with 'heretical sects.' You... you've been too conspicuous lately, be careful."

"Thanks," Chen Yifan replied casually.

Xia Nan's reminder was exactly what he expected.

It would be strange if no one suspected him after he caused such a big commotion.

However, he didn't care.

Suspicion is one thing, but without evidence, no one can do anything about it.

What's more, he still has the token given to him by student council president Xiao Zhan, which can be a lifesaver in critical moments.

"There's one more thing," Xia Nan paused, then said, "Lin Tian... the president of 'The Scavengers,' he's looking for you. It's urgent."

"understood."

Chen Yifan hung up the phone.

Lin Tian sought him out simply because of what happened last night.

That guy is probably terrified by the power he just displayed, and is now eager to reassess his position in their partnership.

Good, it's time to have a serious talk with him.

He finished the last bite of the steamed bun and stood up.

I'm going out for a bit.

"Fanzi, where are you going again?" Wang Fugui asked.

"Clubs." Chen Yifan uttered two words and turned to leave the dormitory.

He was going to see more than just Lin Tian.

And that thing he took out of Li Yuantu's safe.

That dark red [Flesh and Blood Source Crystal], beating like a heart.

He had a feeling that this thing, combined with his newly acquired ability [Flesh Mutation], could be used to create many interesting things.