Chapter 653: Old Zhang is the Biggest Sycophant

"Sorry!" Lin Fan nodded slightly at the old man. Words were useless. Just like before, explanations wouldn't be believed, so it was better not to explain. Once everything was done, they would understand.

The surrounding people were shocked to see the base's strongest master so easily defeated. Despair filled them. When the old man appeared, they had held onto hope, believing he could repel the Light Traitors. But now… it seemed their demise was near.

Lin Fan arrived at the rear of the underground base, the most crucial area. Those with combat abilities watched him warily. They had fought Light Traitors before, but never like this. Even the master with the power of light was no match. What could they possibly do?

Despite the odds, they exchanged glances, roared, and charged towards Lin Fan. Even knowing the danger, they had to fight. They had something to protect.

But they couldn't even get close. An invisible barrier repelled them.

"Damn it! What's going on? Why can't we get closer?" These brave warriors roared, their faces red with exertion. It was like an impenetrable wall blocked their path.

A familiar aura drew closer.

The old man shouted, "Don't let him near there…" That place held the most important thing, what the Light Traitors sought. Even destruction was preferable to letting them have it. That's why he cried out so desperately.

But it was too late.

Lin Fan reached a giant container holding a white, teardrop-shaped crystal. He looked up. This was what felt familiar.

As he reached for the crystal, a laser beam shot from the side, striking the back of his hand.

"Yes! We hit him!" The attackers were the young people who believed they had brought disaster upon the base. They had been lying in wait, ready to ambush Lin Fan.

But they quickly realized something was wrong. Even a sneak attack hadn't harmed him.

Lin Fan looked at them, a smile on his face. He wasn't angry about the attack. He understood their feelings.

He took the crystal in his hand.

"This is…" He felt a wave of sadness emanating from it. Though long past, the sorrow remained.

"You are the light I left here," Lin Fan murmured. "I want to know what happened."

The crystal glowed, and images flooded his mind. As he watched, his expression grew grave.

He had indeed been to this world and left his light here, hoping everyone would have light in their hearts. But he hadn't foreseen this.

Long after he left, the light remained, permeating the world. As he intended, people had light in their hearts, and everything progressed towards a brighter future.

But when light became commonplace, they began to covet it, to desire it for themselves.

Eventually, the light manifested into a human form, wanting to experience life in this world filled with light. But it was betrayed by the very people it protected.

In that moment, the light wept, and its tears formed the crystal, which was found by those who supported the light. They called those who sought to steal the light's power "Light Traitors." A long war ensued.

The Light Traitors possessed the power of light. Those who defended the light only had the light's tears. The power imbalance was vast; they were no match and were forced to hide underground.

"Sigh…" Lin Fan sighed. Knowing the truth, he felt heavy-hearted. This wasn't what he wanted, not what he intended.

Power truly could corrupt.

Long Shen looked at Lin Fan, puzzled. He didn't understand what had happened. He saw the sudden shift in Lin Fan's mood, the deep sadness.

"Let's go. I know now," Lin Fan said.

Long Shen stared, bewildered. He had no idea what Lin Fan was talking about. He knew, but they didn't. It was frustrating.

"Okay," Long Shen replied. Not understanding didn't matter. Feigning comprehension was key.

Those who had tried to fight Lin Fan were astonished. They didn't understand the situation. When he touched the crystal, it glowed. They had never seen such a thing.

Lin Fan looked at them, his expression calm. "It will soon be over. I apologize for the trouble I've caused."

Then, he led them away, leaving them staring at each other, completely baffled.

"Why did they suddenly leave?"

"I don't know. Do you think they might not be Light Traitors?"

"Surely not."

"What did he mean by 'it will be over'?"

"I have no idea."

Outside, Long Shen asked, "Lin Fan, you seem upset. Is it because of something that happened here?"

"Yes. I left my light here, hoping they would keep it in their hearts and live in peace. I never imagined this would happen," Lin Fan replied.

Long Shen found conversations with Lin Fan exhausting. He understood each word individually, but the overall meaning remained elusive. It was truly vexing.

Old Zhang offered comfort: "Don't be sad. Be happy, okay?"

Seeing Lin Fan sad made Old Zhang's heart ache. He wanted to beat up whoever upset him. How could they be so cruel as to hurt Lin Fan? It was infuriating.

Lin Fan smiled. "It's okay. I'll be happy."

Old Zhang asked, "Where are we going now?"

"Follow me."

Lin Fan wanted to find the light's consciousness. It was powerful, so why was it captured? He wouldn't have been so careless.

Even after so long, the city's name hadn't changed.

Blackstone City of Hope.

"Old Zhang, I know this city. It was beautiful when I was here," Lin Fan said, reminiscing. Though now in ruins, the name remained etched in his memory.

Old Zhang asked, "And now?"

Lin Fan shook his head. "It's not beautiful. It's changed so much. It's become ugly."

"Yes, I agree," Old Zhang readily concurred.

Long Shen glanced at Old Zhang. He was the most spineless person, always agreeing with whatever Lin Fan said.

Simply put, Old Zhang was the biggest sycophant. And he did it so well that it seemed like genuine camaraderie.