In short, he's not dumb, and you need to be more open-minded and understanding of others .

I get what you mean, but he kind of trust the old man at this point and also want to return the favor. Therefore, it's understandable why he said so even when it was a risky choice to make.

This MC is different, a very smart guy if I remember it correctly.

Also, as someone who vaguely remembers the story, it's funny to see the points you raised; this MC is going to decimate them to oblivion, just wait and see (you'll come to realize how being able to kill anyone at his realm, even if he is only at level 1 of the said realm, is nothing significant to this MC).

You're reading too much into it. It was simply mentioned to show that he has a hidden ace that could be used quite effectively in a place with low-level cultivators. Besides, have you never heard taking the opponent by surprise? Your flawed assumptions and lack of understanding make it hard to take you seriously. Anyway, no need to create mountains out of a mole. You sound like it's your first time reading novels of this genre.

Nope, any sane person can see the difference between them. Just because he also has to perform the 'act' doesn't make them the same; he also needs to follow the same steps to be called the same. Besides, unlike those women who would kill males for their benefit, his method not only doesn't kill them, it also increases their cultivation. Yup, anyone who paid attention so far would never make a fool out of themselves by thinking that Ning Fan and those women to be of the same kind. In short, do not skim through the text if you want to make a public comment, unless you're one of those shameless people who don't mind to be looked down by others (for legit reasons too).

Looks like he was talking about his own bitter experience as well, which really scarred his soul and brought a change in his personality and perspective.

It serves as a form of self-encouragement and self-validation, among other things.

Not a plot hole at all. You'll realize the reason once you find out how he's different from your typical "evil" cultivators. There's many types of evil people (not all of them act in the exactly same manner), and you should be aware of it too for your own sake.