The old man's methods were ruthless, each move capable of taking a life. He was especially terrifying when facing Lin Fan, a raging inferno of anger erupting within him. The price of trifling with him was death.
"Five Venom Divine Palm."
This was a long-lost, incredibly difficult technique to cultivate. It required enduring the torment of countless venomous insects, with a high mortality rate. Successful cultivation was rare.
Even so, many still yearned to master it. Upon successful cultivation, its power was said to be earth-shattering, unstoppable by gods or demons.
This old man was truly a remarkable individual.
Not only had he succeeded in cultivating it, but he had also reached this age with unfathomable power, making him a top-tier expert in the martial world.
Moreover, it was a known fact that evil often held an advantage. Unless you were a chosen one, righteous individuals were often unjustly defeated. This was an immutable law, and it had always been this way.
As the palm struck out, five of the most venomous creatures materialized. These weren't mere illusions but forms condensed from poisonous mist. Anyone facing this attack would perceive themselves surrounded by these five venomous creatures—a testament to the technique's mystique.
To explain it scientifically, the toxins affected the nerves, inducing hallucinations.
Hallucinations were terrifying, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, making it impossible to discern the truth.
"How do you find the power of my Five Venom Divine Palm?"
The old man's palm landed on Lin Fan's forehead, enveloping his head in a thick poisonous mist. Anyone struck by this palm, unless the old man himself administered the antidote, was beyond saving. Even the greatest physician could only prolong their life for three days. After three days, the victim would dissolve into pus, and the surrounding area for miles would wither and die.
"It stinks," Lin Fan said.
"What?"
The old man's expression changed drastically. In the next instant, Lin Fan casually pushed against the old man's chest. With a bang, the old man's internal organs were violently churned, his blood and Qi surging. He was sent flying backward, crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
Pfft!
A mouthful of blood sprayed onto the ground.
"Phew!"
Lin Fan exhaled deeply, waving his hand to disperse the surrounding air. "How long has it been since you've bathed? You really stink. It's almost unbearable."
The old man's face contorted. This was impossible.
His Five Venom Divine Palm had been tested in countless battles. No one, not even the most venomous toad, could neutralize its poison, let alone counter it with another poison.
"Who are you?" Lin Fan asked.
Someone who emanated such a stench couldn't possibly be related to the old butler. The butler was a meticulous man and would never associate with someone like this. He wondered where this person had come from, daring to impersonate a relative.
If the man truly had difficulties, he was willing to help.
However, this man's heart...was malicious.
He wasn't very inclined to help.
"Hahaha..." The old man laughed, like a dying oil lamp flaring brightly one last time, his face flushed. "Unexpectedly, we all underestimated you. You knew we were coming from the beginning. My second brother was completely fooled, thinking you were oblivious. Admirable, truly admirable. I never imagined your scheming ran so deep."
"You want to know who I am? I won't tell you."
The old man's face turned fierce. He raised a hand and struck his own forehead, instantly expiring.
Lin Fan stared at the scene in stunned silence.
He was truly shocked.
He couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
He hadn't intended to harm the old man, but who could have predicted such a drastic self-inflicted end?
Boom!
A thunderclap split the sky, illuminating the area outside.
Han Yan stood outside, her face calm, but a tempest raged within her. She knew Lin Fan was hiding something deep, orchestrating everything from the start, all under his control.
Lin Fan smiled at Han Yan.
But to Han Yan, standing in the darkness, that smile was terrifying. She fled back to her quarters, the image of Lin Fan's chilling smile seared into her mind.
The black-armored guards appeared.
Each one wore a grim expression, kneeling on one knee to apologize.
"Master, forgive us. A thief managed to intrude."
Fortunately, they hadn't encountered the old man; otherwise, they would be meeting Yama, the King of Hell.
Lin Fan waved his hand. "Bury him."
"Yes."
The black-armored guards carried the old man's body away. For them, escaping punishment for this incident was fortunate. Their failure to prevent the intrusion was a clear dereliction of duty.
"Sigh, it seems this dream isn't very friendly. Many people seem to have suicidal tendencies."
Lin Fan identified this serious issue.
He was powerless in this regard.
There was truly nothing he could do.
One month later.
Every day was filled with joy. The scenery was beautiful, and he didn't care about the outside world, or how wonderful it might be. He felt content here.
Recently, Lin Fan had taken up a new hobby: fishing.
He hadn't initially considered it, but after discovering a fishing set in his room, he began spending his free time sitting by the pond. At first, he found it rather dull, but gradually, he discovered the joy of fishing.
Especially the sense of accomplishment when a fish took the bait.
He released every fish he caught, enjoying the process and the result.
"Brother Lin, I have a fish!" Han Xiaoxiao, sneaking away while her sister wasn't looking, joined Lin Fan by the pond. She found fishing incredibly interesting.
Lin Fan said, "Take it easy, don't rush. Fishing requires patience. Even when a fish bites, you mustn't be hasty. A relaxed approach maintains a peaceful mind."
"Mm, I know." Han Xiaoxiao nodded, her bright eyes filled with anticipation, hoping to catch a big fish.
But soon, her face fell in disappointment when she reeled in only a small fish.
"Such a small fish."
Lin Fan patted her head. "It's alright, take your time. You'll definitely catch a big one someday."
"Mm, I'll definitely try my best."
The passing maids, seeing their master fishing, were curious. Over the past few months, they had noticed a change in him.
How to put it...
Before, there was a sense of gloom, the entire estate shrouded in a deathly stillness. The atmosphere was oppressive.
But now, things were different.
At least compared to before, the difference was stark.
The most obvious sign was the absence of dead maids or servants.
Gradually, the maids witnessed a horrifying scene.
A black-armored guard, gripping a maid's hair, dragged her towards the pond.
The maids whispered amongst themselves.
"Isn't that Xiao Ju?"
"Yes, what did she do? We just said no one was dying anymore, but it seems it's happening again."
"Does anyone know what happened?"
"No, I just saw this."
They learned the truth only after asking a passing servant.
Xiao Ju had been caught stealing from the master's room while cleaning.
This was a grave offense.
Xiao Ju was doomed.
By the pond, Xiao Ju was thrown to the ground by the black-armored guard.
"Reporting to Master, this maid was caught stealing from your room. I have apprehended her and await your judgment."
The surrounding maids all recognized Xiao Ju.
They lowered their heads, their faces etched with helplessness.
No one could save her.
Stealing...was a serious crime.
Xiao Ju's face was pale as she knelt and kowtowed. "Master, spare me! I won't dare to do it again."
Her fear was palpable.
She knew the gravity of her actions and what awaited her.
She desperately wanted to live.
Everyone wanted to live.
Even a maid.
Lin Fan set down his fishing rod, turned, and asked patiently, "Stealing is wrong, do you understand?"
Xiao Ju placed her hands on the ground, resting her forehead on them. "Master, I just received news that my mother is gravely ill and needs treatment in the city. The medical expenses are high, and I can't afford them. That's why I was greedy and tried to steal something to sell for money to treat my mother."
"Please, Master, spare my life."
The black-armored guard glared coldly at Xiao Ju, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to execute her at the master's command.
"Get up," Lin Fan said.
Xiao Ju trembled. "I know my mistake, I don't dare."
Lin Fan walked over to Xiao Ju and helped her up, nodding in understanding. "Although stealing is wrong, I understand your reasons. Go to the accounts department and collect some money. Also, have one of the doctors here accompany you back home. You can stay and care for your mother. If you can't return, you don't have to. If you want to come back, do so after your mother recovers."
He then patted the black-armored guard's shoulder. "Don't be so bloodthirsty. It affects the heart."
"Dismissed."
He returned to fishing with Han Xiaoxiao.
Everyone around them was dumbfounded, as if they had seen a ghost. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.
Some even checked their ears, as if they had misheard.
The black-armored guard's mind was reeling. He couldn't discern whether his master's words were genuine or a cruel jest, whether there was a hidden meaning.
Xiao Ju stared at Lin Fan in shock, kowtowing gratefully. "Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master! After I've cared for my mother, I will definitely return."
"It's alright." Lin Fan waved his hand dismissively, a smile playing on his lips.
Deep misunderstandings were troublesome, and it would take time to resolve them. But he wasn't worried. He was confident he could change the current situation. Misunderstandings never lasted forever; one day, they would disappear.
That day, the incident spread throughout the estate.
Every maid and servant who heard the story initially refused to believe it.
How could such kindness be possible?
Only when Xiao Ju returned from the accounts department with the money and left the estate with a doctor did they finally accept the truth.