Chapter 670: Mom...

Yanhai City.

The whole group had arrived.

Both Bok and Archimonde had refused to return to their own domains, wanting instead to see the place where Lin Fan lived. They had initially imagined Lin Fan's home to be a place teeming with powerful beings. Arriving in Yanhai City, however, they realized they had overthought it.

There were many weak individuals. A large number even lacked any cultivation whatsoever. It was quite different from what they had envisioned.

The architecture, however, was novel. Buildings unlike any they had ever seen before.

Just then, a figure approached.

They had just been remarking on the lack of powerful presences, but now, a potent aura washed over them. Archimonde and the others exchanged puzzled looks, wondering who it could be.

Ming, tasked by Lin Fan to protect Yanhai City, had sensed Lin Fan's return immediately. Without a second thought, he rushed over to meet him.

"You're back," Ming greeted expectantly.

He had a reason for guarding this place. A prior agreement had been made: Lin Fan would venture into the Starry Forbidden Grounds and bring back something for him. He had been anticipating this for a long time.

Lin Fan smiled. "Yes, I've truly troubled you during this time."

Whether it was troublesome or not was irrelevant.

The key question was…where was the item?

Ming inquired, "So, about that item…"

His meaning was clear. What else was there to discuss? Just hand it over. He wouldn't involve himself in any of Lin Fan's affairs. He didn't even particularly want to stay here, just eager to return and await his reward.

Lin Fan suddenly slapped his forehead. "Oh dear, I forgot! I'm so sorry. I was so overjoyed to find my daughter that I completely forgot about the task you entrusted me with. But it's alright, I'll definitely find it for you next time I have the opportunity."

The anguish in Ming's heart was difficult for most to comprehend. What could he do when faced with someone like Lin Fan?

The other party had broken their promise, failing to deliver the agreed-upon item.

Should he lose his temper and give Lin Fan a beating?

Absolutely not.

With Lin Fan's strength, he'd be risking his life. Whether the item was brought back or not, the outcome would be the same. Even if Lin Fan bluntly stated, "I simply don't want to bring it back for you," he could only fume in silence.

He could, at most, depart with a heavy heart.

Storm off in a huff.

Just as Ming was about to offer some polite farewells, Lin Fan patted his shoulder. "I still have some matters to attend to, so I won't chat any longer. I'll look for you after I'm done. See you later."

Before Ming could utter a word, Lin Fan departed with his group, leaving Ming dumbfounded, staring at his receding figure.

Bok noticed the stares directed at them and whispered, "Arch, your appearance seems a bit frightening. Look, the beings here are all terrified of you."

Archimonde glanced at Bok without saying anything. Someone dead for over one hundred thousand years naturally emitted a certain decaying odor. He didn't want to acknowledge Bok. Dead was dead. Why come back to life and compete for air?

He knew who Bok's nauseatingly sentimental last words were intended for when he died. It was a blatant attempt to tug at Lin Fan's heartstrings, hoping he'd return and resurrect him.

Despicable!

He had seen through Bok's charade from the very beginning.

"Ke Lan, are you nervous?" Lin Fan noticed Ke Lan's tense demeanor, which had persisted since earlier. He could understand; it was their first meeting, so nervousness was natural.

Ke Lan replied, "Dad, will Mother dislike me?"

Lin Fan stroked Ke Lan's head. "Don't worry, she won't dislike you. Our Ke Lan is so adorable."

"Mm." Encouraged by Lin Fan's words, Ke Lan felt slightly relieved, though a trace of anxiety remained visible on her face.

Mu Qing had already settled into a residence in Yanhai City. Staying in a hotel indefinitely wouldn't do. Fortunately, she had ample funds, so purchasing a house was a minor matter.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell rang.

"Coming, coming…"

Standing outside the door, Ke Lan heard the crisp voice from within and the approaching footsteps. Her recently calmed nerves tightened once more.

The door opened.

Mu Qing's expression was one of surprise as she saw the group outside, especially at the sight of Archimonde's visage. She seemed startled, almost frightened.

"You're back?" Mu Qing smiled. "Come in, everyone."

Regardless of who appeared before her, as long as they accompanied Lin Fan, she had grown accustomed to it. However, she was particularly curious about the young woman standing beside Lin Fan, clinging to his arm.

Could she be…another woman from outside?

This thought left Mu Qing feeling a pang of jealousy. Though her expression remained neutral, her mood soured. You big liar, you truly are a big liar.

Bok and Archimonde already knew that this woman before them was Lin Fan's most important person, Ke Lan's mother. Her status was high, demanding respect and flattery.

In the living room, Lin Fan smiled. "Let me introduce everyone. This is Pope Bok, Abyss Lord Archimonde, and Dragon God."

Bok and Archimonde faced Mu Qing, displaying what they believed to be the most radiant smiles of their lives.

They were almost tempted to join Ke Lan and call her…Mom.

If Lin Fan and Mu Qing didn't mind, they certainly wouldn't object.

"This is Little Yellow, my pet. I've raised him for a long time," Lin Fan continued, introducing Little Yellow.

Despite his immense power, Little Yellow's sycophantic nature was ingrained. He lay at Mu Qing's feet, wagging his tail obediently.

Mu Qing responded with a smile, but her mind was in turmoil. It seemed her suspicions were correct. The most important person was always introduced last, wasn't she?

As for the other women introduced previously…

He had claimed they were the ones pursuing him.

And he had said he had no feelings for them.

Now, with this young woman, was he trying to tell her, I like her, and she likes me. I couldn't refuse. Can you accept this?

If that were truly the case…

Mu Qing didn't know what to say.

Unaware of Mu Qing's inner thoughts, Lin Fan continued, "This is Ke Lan, our daughter. She has missed you very much and wanted to meet you as soon as we returned. Ke Lan, greet your mother…"

"Mother," Ke Lan said nervously, her voice sweet.

Mu Qing was stunned, utterly bewildered.

What?

She had called her "Mother" directly.

She had heard Lin Fan mention having a daughter, but she had always taken it as a joke. But now…

Mu Qing's thoughts were in disarray. I'm still so young. I haven't…done that sort of thing yet, and now I'm suddenly a mother? And the child is already this old? This…

Lin Fan said, "Wife, Ke Lan has suffered a lot. She's waited for us for over one hundred thousand years."

Mu Qing was shocked again.

Eyes wide.

Mouth agape.

One hundred thousand years?

She felt as if Lin Fan had lost his mind, but judging by the current situation, it didn't seem like that was the case.

"Can I have a moment?" Mu Qing stood up and walked towards the bathroom.

"Of course."

Ke Lan looked at Lin Fan. "Dad, does Mother dislike me?"

Lin Fan replied, "Silly child, how could that be? Your mother is just overjoyed. So overjoyed that she needs a moment to compose herself. Don't feel pressured."