Chapter 416: Lin Fan's Crisis

Atop the mountain.

"Are you really staying here?" Tian Sheng knew Di Sheng's obsession with fist techniques had reached an admirable, even frightening level. It was a madness that instilled fear.

He just hadn't expected Di Sheng to choose to stay and learn from him.

"Yes, my mind is made up." Di Sheng gazed into the distance. The endless mountains and rivers resembled fist techniques, continuous and boundless. He deeply felt the power of Lin Fan's fist technique. It was truly formidable. In just a brief moment, he felt his own fist technique was a joke, like a child's play in front of Lin Fan.

The gap between them was vast. It was no longer something that could be bridged with perseverance alone. It required guidance from a true expert, someone who could lead him across countless obstacles to reach the peak.

Tian Sheng's anger towards Lin Fan hadn't subsided. He was still fuming. The damage to his giant sword had hindered his swordsmanship. If he couldn't overcome this, he feared he would make little progress in his life.

"What about the Imperial Court? If they find out you're at Purple Mountain learning fist techniques from him, forgetting our mission, they won't let you off."

The Emperor reigned supreme. Although martial artists were strong, they couldn't contend with a vast army. True Qi was potent, but it had limits. One could kill thousands, tens of thousands, but how long could they last against an endless tide of soldiers? Moreover, the Imperial Court had more experts than just them. Once surrounded, even those who had cultivated to their peak would struggle to survive.

Di Sheng said, "I've contributed enough to the Imperial Court. Now that I've encountered a master like Manor Lord Lin, no one can stop my pursuit of fist techniques. Tian Sheng, you go back. You don't need to be involved in this. Do what you need to do."

He was prepared. He even knew what the consequences might be, but he wouldn't give up. Even if he died, being able to witness true fist technique before his death would be enough. He would die without regrets.

Hearing this, Tian Sheng became furious. "What are you talking about? We've been brothers for decades, and now you're telling me to go back? You want me to tell the Imperial Court that you're staying at Purple Mountain to learn fist techniques? The Emperor will be enraged, send troops to besiege Purple Mountain, and everything will end in ruin!"

The Heavenly and Earthly Saints weren't just empty titles. They hadn't known each other in their youth, but their strengths were comparable. They often sparred, fostering a deep bond, and assisted the Imperial Court in subduing the martial arts sects, unifying them under the Emperor's rule. This earned them great renown in the martial arts world, and they became known as the Heavenly and Earthly Saints.

They once had names. But their titles became more prominent. People called them by their titles so often that their names were forgotten. Eventually, they embraced these titles, and it felt quite fitting.

Di Sheng pondered for a moment, then said meaningfully, "I have a feeling that even a vast army wouldn't be able to harm Manor Lord Lin."

"Are you crazy?" Tian Sheng stared at him in shock. "Even if you want to learn from him, there's no need to be so blindly devoted! There's no one in this world who can withstand a vast army. Do you think he's a god?"

"No, you don't understand. You haven't felt that fist intent. It's vast as the abyss, covering the heavens. I'm too weak to comprehend it. If I had to say he's a god, then I just saw one." Di Sheng could sense it. His understanding of fist techniques was deeper than others. That feeling couldn't be wrong. It was just that he was too weak. Even when he saw it, he couldn't see it all.

Tian Sheng felt Di Sheng had gone mad, completely obsessed. As a master of swordsmanship, he struggled to understand Di Sheng's thoughts.

"Forget it. We're brothers. You're at Purple Mountain, so I'll stay with you. If I return to the Imperial Court, I won't be able to explain myself. It won't be long before the Emperor decrees an attack."

Tian Sheng had no choice but to stay with Di Sheng at Purple Mountain. As long as they didn't return, no one would know where they were, although they couldn't keep it a secret forever. But even a day was a day.

Di Sheng patted Tian Sheng's shoulder, as if saying, Good brother… I knew you wouldn't abandon me.

Night fell.

Han Yan paced back and forth in her room, anxiety etched on her face. Seeing her sister's cheerful demeanor only intensified her worry. She had already considered Lin Fan dangerous, but she hadn't expected to underestimate him so much. He hid himself too well. She had never noticed.

Neither of the Heavenly and Earthly Saints were his match. His strength was terrifying.

What made Han Yan feel Lin Fan was even more frightening was that despite his power, capable of suppressing the Heavenly and Earthly Saints, a true powerhouse in the martial arts world, he remained hidden at Purple Mountain. What was he plotting?

Was he trying to lull someone into a false sense of security?

Then, a terrifying thought struck Han Yan.

Was he aiming to become the most powerful person?

The treasure contained not only unparalleled techniques but also unimaginable wealth. With such wealth, he could raise a massive army.

The more she thought, the more frightened she became. She felt like she wasn't facing a normal person, but a devil with terrifyingly cunning schemes.

She thought about why Lin Fan had become so close to her sister.

After much deliberation, she arrived at a single possibility.

With Lin Fan's current status, overthrowing the current dynasty and establishing his own wouldn't be stable. It would definitely draw significant opposition. However, she and her sister were of the previous imperial bloodline. Even now, many wished for the restoration of the former dynasty. If he gained their support, it would be much easier.

As for why Lin Fan hadn't approached her, it was because he knew she wouldn't be easily controlled.

Her sister was the perfect choice.

Innocent, naive, easily influenced. He could nurture her, build a close relationship, and when the time was right, use her as a tool to ascend to the peak of power.

By then, with the support of the people and the remnants of the former dynasty, their imperial bloodline would continue.

At this thought…

Her face paled.

"Sister, promise me you'll never be with Lin Fan." Han Yan gripped Han Xiaoxiao's shoulders, her expression grave. She didn't want her sister to become a tool.

She deserved a brighter future, a man who would cherish her, not a devil who would exploit her.

Hearing this, Han Xiaoxiao blushed. "Sister, what are you talking about? That's impossible!"

It seemed impossible, but in truth, Han Xiaoxiao thought otherwise. If Lin Fan agreed, she would wholeheartedly accept. However, being confronted by her sister like this made her shy.

Her sister's reaction made Han Yan even more despairing.

With such a reaction, it was as if she was offering herself up.

Han Yan felt deep remorse. She had failed as an older sister, sending her sister into a pit of fire. She would rather be the tool herself than let her sister face the cruel reality that was to come.

"Sister, it's for your own good."

"Yes, I know it's for my own good."

Han Yan knew her sister hadn't taken her words to heart. After a few more words, she opened the door and stepped into the darkness. Han Xiaoxiao watched her sister's retreating figure curiously, lost in thought, mostly with curiosity.

If Headmaster Hao were here, he would definitely present Han Yan with his psychiatrist credentials.

He would seriously tell her,

Your condition is serious and requires immediate attention. It'll be difficult to cure without a considerable sum of money.

Inside the room.

Lin Fan sat reading a comic book. It was late, but his diligence was admirable. Such dedication and energy, it was a pity it wasn't used elsewhere.

Knock, knock!

A knock came at the door.

"Come in."

Han Yan pushed the door open. Seeing Lin Fan sitting there calmly, she felt a sense of dread. There had been no beatings or insults, but due to their prolonged interaction and her own overthinking, the situation had become dire.

This was a classic case of thinking too much.

Lin Fan put down his comic book and asked curiously, "It's so late. Why aren't you sleeping? What's the matter?"

He sometimes wondered what he had done wrong. Why did Han Yan always look at him with such vigilance?

He truly wanted to get along with them.

Making new friends was a joyful thing.

Just like with Xiaoxiao, they got along well. He liked that kind of relationship.

"I know your purpose." Han Yan stood before Lin Fan, her gaze fixed on him. "I hope you'll leave my sister alone. I can do anything you want."

"Xiaoxiao and I are good friends." Lin Fan said.

He didn't understand why Han Yan was acting this way, but he had a clear thought forming in his mind: this woman definitely had a problem, likely a mental one.

A serious one.

He didn't say it aloud, afraid she wouldn't be able to handle the blow. So, he maintained a calm demeanor throughout their conversation, not showing any signs of treating her like a mental patient.

Han Yan's face turned pale.

Lin Fan was sending another signal.

To Han Yan, it was as if Lin Fan was whispering in her ear, Your sister is under my control. Her trust in me is beyond your imagination. Do you think you can protect her?

If Headmaster Hao were present, he would have identified the root cause of the illness.

As long as you, Lin Fan, stay away from them, I guarantee she'll recover without medication.

At this moment,

Han Yan's emotions were turbulent. Clenching her fists, her face darkened ominously. She felt Lin Fan was provoking her, even telling her outright, Don't bother. No one can take what I want.

Suddenly,

Lin Fan gaped, unable to believe his eyes.

"Why are you doing this again?"

She had done this a long time ago.

She started taking off her clothes again.

Han Yan lunged at Lin Fan. "Don't touch my sister, touch me!"

"I won't!" Lin Fan struggled, trying to push Han Yan away. This was truly annoying. Even though he knew she was ill, it didn't give her the right to do this.

"Touch me!"

"I won't!"

"Touch me…"

"I won't…"

In this perilous moment, Lin Fan could only think of his wife, even crying out in his mind, Wife, save me! Someone is after my body! She wants to defile me…