Chapter 419: Chapter 419: The Two Mighty Guardians Will End You
Han Yan looked at her younger sister's innocent demeanor and shook her head.
"My silly sister, why are you so pure-hearted? I really want to save you, but I don't know how to."
I have already fed myself to the demon.
Yet, this demon's ability to manipulate hearts is too overwhelming; I am powerless.
The next morning.
Lin Fan was already waiting by the carriage. Han Xiaoxiao hurried over with their belongings, and Han Yan, worried about her sister being alone outside, insisted on going along, no matter what.
The two masked Guardians of Heaven and Earth followed them. If they revealed their true identities, it would definitely cause trouble.
They were highly respected in the martial world, and many people knew them.
After disappearing for years, their sudden appearance would certainly stir things up.
Earth Sage advised the Han sisters to wear black veils, so as not to reveal their true faces and risk arousing people's curiosity, which could lead to unwanted attention from the imperial court.
"Do I really have to wear this thing?" Han Xiaoxiao pouted, finding the veil ugly.
Han Yan replied firmly, "You must wear it."
Since there was no stopping her from going out, it was best to be prepared, at least to avoid being recognized too easily.
Reluctantly, Han Xiaoxiao complied. Her sister's authority still held weight.
"If you don't want to wear it, it's fine. No problem," Lin Fan said.
"Wow!" Han Xiaoxiao was delighted with his words, excitedly clutching his arm and snuggling up to him. "Brother Lin, you're the best."
At the same time, she shot her sister a triumphant look, as if claiming her position: See? My relationship with Brother Lin is much closer, and he didn't push me away, which means I hold a higher place in his heart than you do.
Even a young girl could be strategic.
Although it was a bit childish, this was their little competition.
The two Guardians of Heaven and Earth exchanged helpless glances and decided to let it be. When Han Yan first came here, her appearance was already set, but Han Xiaoxiao was younger and had changed over the years. It was unlikely anyone would recognize her.
Besides, they were only going to a city near Mount Zi, not the capital; it shouldn't be that dangerous.
"Master, would you like us to accompany you?"
The maids asked.
Lin Fan looked at them and smiled. "Would you like to come?"
In the past, this question would've meant the beginning of their troubles.
But things were different now.
"Yes, Master, we would all love to go. It would be nice to take care of you along the way."
They had been cooped up here for so long and wanted to see the city.
"Prepare a carriage and follow along then," Lin Fan said.
He didn't mind; if they wanted to go, they should just say so. No one can read minds. Besides, having more people would make it lively, and there'd be company for the journey.
The Guardians of Heaven and Earth were amazed. He truly had no fear of being noticed.
Since he was so confident in his decision, there was no need to worry.
If Master Lin wasn't concerned, why should they be?
Over the years, they had learned a lot from Lin Fan, even though most of it was their own realization. But they credited all their progress to him.
Moreover, they couldn't fathom Lin Fan's true strength.
They knew he was powerful but couldn't gauge how powerful.
The maids were all smiles, thrilled that their master allowed them to go.
"Let's go."
Han Yue City!
The closest city to Mount Zi, a bustling hub of commerce where people from all over gathered for trade.
Two carriages slowly entered the city.
Han Xiaoxiao lifted the carriage curtain, curiously peeking outside. She hadn't seen such a lively scene in a long time, and her heart was excited, like a child who had never seen the world.
She held onto Lin Fan's arm, pointing and commenting on everything around them.
"Look here, look there…"
The Guardians of Heaven and Earth rode ahead like guards, staying alert to their surroundings. They believed it was better to be cautious.
"What a beautiful woman!"
People on the street gasped at the sight of Han Xiaoxiao, looking as if a fairy had descended to the mortal world.
"What a nuisance," Earth Sage muttered.
"What?" Heaven Sage didn't understand what he meant.
"Look behind us."
Heaven Sage turned and saw a group of men following the carriage. Seeing Han Xiaoxiao's appearance, he immediately understood the issue.
"Haven't these men ever seen a woman before?" Heaven Sage grumbled.
Earth Sage chuckled, "They've seen women, just not one this beautiful."
Heaven Sage shook his head, "Beauty truly brings trouble. These are just ordinary townsfolk, let them follow. They'll leave soon enough. Or do you want to yell at them to scram?"
"That should be your job, not mine," Earth Sage replied.
Heaven Sage shot him a look, thinking, You say you're not suited for it, but I am? I don't buy that at all.
Han Yan noticed the situation and pulled her sister closer, closing the curtain and preventing her from drawing more attention. Little did her sister know the chaos she was causing outside.
Han Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue, unaware of the stir she'd created.
Lin Fan smiled and said, "It's alright. If they want to follow, let them follow. Xiaoxiao is beautiful, so it's normal for people to admire her."
"Yes, yes." Han Xiaoxiao nodded fervently, delighted by Lin Fan's words, feeling a surge of happiness.
She glanced at her sister smugly.
It was a new form of provocation, as sisterly affection couldn't stop the rivalry.
Han Yan remained composed, unaware that her sister's glance was a challenge, as her mind drifted to other matters.
What was Lin Fan's true motive?
He surely knew that Xiaoxiao drawing attention could invite trouble, and even reveal his identity. But he didn't seem to care at all. Just because of his strength? The imperial court's power was unimaginable.
The situation could only mean one thing.
He was prepared to go to war with the imperial court, using this to attract their attention.
In her mind, Han Yan envisioned it: the imperial court, unaware of Lin Fan's strength, would first send powerful warriors. When they failed, they'd mobilize an army to crush Mount Zi. But just as the troops advanced, he would strike at the imperial heart, taking advantage of their weakened defenses.
He'd use himself as bait, luring the enemy to him.
And when things became dangerous, Lin Fan would surely abandon Mount Zi and take her and Xiaoxiao away. With his power, even if he couldn't withstand a massive army, escaping with them would be no problem.
The thought left Han Yan shaken, her gaze at Lin Fan filled with dread.
He wasn't taking her sister out for a stroll—he had a scheme!
After all these years, why act now unless everything was in place?
Lin Fan was unaware of Han Yan's thoughts, though he could sense something was off with her state of mind.
At the Tavern
Lin Fan reserved two private rooms, one for the maids, one for themselves. Few would give their maids the luxury of a private room to dine.
The innkeeper was flustered, annoyed by the crowd outside gawking at the door.
Meanwhile, a curious man approached one of the onlookers, asking what was going on.
"Just now, a fairy-like lady went inside. She's absolutely stunning, like a goddess descended to earth. Never seen anyone like her."
The bystander's enthusiasm was clear, his admiration for beauty written on his face.
"A fairy?"
The man's eyes gleamed with interest.
He was Zhao De, a notorious thief in the martial world.
Recently, he had targeted the granddaughter of a powerful martial artist but was discovered before he could act and had to flee here. Now, hearing about a "fairy," he felt a new spark of malice.
"Yes, a fairy! From a wealthy family, no less. They're so lavish they even reserved a private room for their servants. Imagine that!"
Zhao De loved targeting the wealthy, especially pampered young ladies. Guarded, but much easier than those from martial clans.
He swaggered into the tavern, and the inn's servant immediately recognized him as someone of status by his attire, escorting him to a seat.
"Sir, take a seat."
Zhao De nodded and slipped a small silver piece into the servant's hand. "I heard a fairy came in. Which room is she in?"
The servant's eyes sparkled at the coin and immediately pointed out the information.
Zhao De leaned in closer, guiding the servant into the shadows.
For the servant, a little info in exchange for silver was a fantastic deal. If only such things happened every day.
A few moments later, Zhao De had donned a servant's outfit, carrying a tray as he made his way upstairs.
Originally, he planned to act at night, but the servant's description had fired up his curiosity. He couldn't wait any longer.
As he approached the door, he could hear voices inside.
Soon, he would see the "fairy" they had all been praising. He hoped she would live up to the hype; he was picky, not one to settle for less.
Knock, knock!
He then entered, head down, and said softly, "Your dishes are here, sirs."
One step…
Two steps…
Just as he was about to approach them, Zhao De's eyes lit up. He abruptly raised his hand, swung his arm, and scattered red powder.
Di Sheng frowned and swiftly flicked his robe, drawing the red powder into his sleeve.
Zhao De was startled. Just as he was about to strike again, he cried out in shock,
"Tian Sheng!"
His pupils dilated, clearly frightened. Then, he slowly shifted his gaze, and when he saw Di Sheng, he became even more unsteady, blurting out,
"Di Sheng!"
His entire body turned ice-cold. A chill surged from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
Weekly Power Status
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