Chapter 506: Chapter 506

"May I know the honorable friend’s name?" Yi Sword Venerable diverted the conversation, starting with a simple inquiry about the name.

Lin Fan replied, "Surname Lin, given name Fan. Lin Fan."

"Good, a fine name." Yi Sword Venerable praised him, gritting his teeth as he contemplated for a moment before speaking frankly, "In that case, I shall be direct: I hope Brother Lin can release Zhang Zhixian."

"He has committed such disgraceful acts that tarnish the reputation of his sect and cannot be easily forgiven. What you have done as a friend is reasonable, but no matter what, he is still an elder of the Thief Sword Pavilion. I hope Brother Lin can be magnanimous and let him off this once."

After much maneuvering, all due to Lin Fan’s apparent lack of understanding of social etiquette, Yi Sword Venerable had no choice but to spell it out. If Lin Fan still feigned ignorance, then he was clearly pretending on purpose.

Lin Fan responded with a smile. The request to let him go was a bit excessive.

If it had been in the beginning, before he’d shown the Five Elements Nirvana Emperor Scripture to these "piglets," he might have given the other party some leeway due to their conduct—maybe just broken three of the guy’s legs before them at most.

But now? That wasn’t realistic.

Do I, Lin Fan, look like a generous, broad-minded person?

Well, perhaps I do—it’s true I am quite magnanimous.

But it depends on the situation.

After reading the Five Elements Nirvana Emperor Scripture, and still hoping to leave alive? That’s highly unlikely.

"Alas!" Lin Fan sighed deeply, his sigh causing Yi Sword Venerable’s face to change drastically, an ominous premonition rising in his chest.

He listened intently.

Prepared for the worst.

"I fear I must disappoint you, friend. You’ve come too late—he’s already dead." Lin Fan’s expression turned sorrowful. "Your request was so gracious and so modest, yet I couldn’t fulfill it... I am deeply ashamed before the elixir you gifted."

No falsehood; it was all real.

I, Lin Fan, am deeply saddened now, profoundly apologetic over this matter. You’ve seen it for yourself, you can surely understand. As for what you choose to think, that’s beyond my control.

If you want a fight, then let’s fight.

Yi Sword Venerable’s face maintained a faint smile—even upon hearing such dreadful news. The smile remained, though his heart harbored subtle changes.

His purpose here was simple.

To retrieve Zhang Zhixian without spilling blood and negotiate peacefully.

With Zhang Zhixian slain, negotiations were naturally off the table.

"Truly slain?" Zhang Zhixian questioned.

Lin Fan replied, "Truly slain."

Qin Yang observed and remarked, "Brother Lin slays whom he wills—does he need anyone’s approval?"

He remembered that Brother Lin hadn’t actually slain Zhang Zhixian.

But instead suppressed him.

Looking at the old-timer before him, it was obvious he wasn’t a good person. Ignoring him and tricking him seemed pretty satisfying, honestly.

Yi Sword Venerable’s mentality teetered. He had arrived here last night, accompanying Lin Fan in awkward silence all through the night. As morning broke, after just a few words, events escalated suddenly.

Never would he have thought.

Things would turn out .

This was ridiculously unfair.

"Friend, lend me your hand." Yi Sword Venerable extended his hand toward Lin Fan. His intent was evident: he wished to test Lin Fan through a martial exchange and gauge his abilities.

Lin Fan laughed aloud, "Hahaha, it’s the first time someone’s acted this way with me. Fine, I’ll give you some face."

He extended his hand, allowing their wrists to touch.

He sensed the opponent launching an aggressive tactic—a direct probing of his mana and Divine Skills.

Every successfully mastered Divine Skill leaves traces.

Yi Sword Venerable’s smile gradually faded, replaced by a solemn expression. Such profound mana—his initial assumptions were mistaken.

After the probing, he discovered the reality was different from his expectations.

The opponent wasn’t weak.

On the contrary, he was tremendously strong.

When Yi Sword Venerable observed Lin Fan’s sheer quantity and level of mastery in Divine Skills, his mind surged with turbulent waves.

Is this even achievable by a human?

Humans can achieve it.

But absolutely not one this young.

Yi Sword Venerable released his hand, having seen all he needed.

The conflict between Zhang Zhixian and this Lin Fan had two potential outcomes: either neither could overcome the other, or Zhang Zhixian would end up suppressed.

Neither outcome suited his goals.

There was no need to take unnecessary steps down an unwinnable path.

Yi Sword Venerable understood the result and exhibited a mind far beyond the reach of ordinary men.

"Brother Lin, by killing Zhang Zhixian, you can expect that the Thief Sword Pavilion will relentlessly pursue you. Having seen the result, I shall not linger longer. Farewell." Yi Sword Venerable cupped his hands in respect.

He thought this would lead to an intense battle.

But judging by the current situation...

There was only disappointment.

"You’re leaving just like that? Not avenging him?" Lin Fan asked. This was slightly different from the others he had faced, somewhat intriguing.

Surely, a fight would happen first.

Then he’d open the pig farm gates to welcome new piglets into the fold.

Yi Sword Venerable stood and revealed faintly visible under his robes were not feet, but two Immortal Sword tips resting on the ground.

To cultivate to such a degree—even with legs severed—he could regrow them.

This could only mean one thing.

Some people have peculiar tastes—not that they are incapable, but that they simply choose not to.

Yi Sword Venerable said, "I’ve seen the outcome—the process means little. Any outcome would not serve my purpose. Therefore, why waste time?"

"Hmm, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying, but it sounds profound. Take care, won’t see you off." Lin Fan mused, perhaps the man’s state of mind had reached a level beyond comprehension for ordinary folks.

"Farewell." Yi Sword Venerable soared into the air as the door opened automatically, transforming into a streak of light disappearing into the distant horizon.

Without a shred of hesitation.

Qin Yang muttered, "I think that old guy might have a few screws loose. I can’t comprehend why; he arrived last night, spent the night saying nothing, and in daytime had a brief chat then hurried off without doing anything."

"He’s clever. Let’s go—this place doesn’t feel too friendly toward us. Better to leave, just in case." Lin Fan said.

Lin Fan preferred a carefree life.

A little bit of opportunity.

A little respect too.

But now, with Yi Sword Venerable’s appearance, he’d sensed a certain unease—as if they were being forewarned that staying longer could lead to a deadly ambush.

They quickly packed up their belongings.

The group retreated immediately.

Leaving behind only a decrepit shack amidst the quiet mountain forest, the surroundings appearing starkly desolate.

After a long time. Original content can be found at novel fire.net

Lin Fan and his companions were long gone. Several figures appeared.

Yi Sword Venerable had returned, bringing along several allies. Hovering in the sky, his toe lightly pressed down, and sword aura shattered the old hut—it was empty inside.

"It seems they’ve already fled—fast indeed," Yi Sword Venerable remarked. After departing earlier, he returned to the Thief Sword Pavilion to gather reinforcements for a swift return, hopeful of revising events.

But ultimately, things didn’t go as planned.

Heaven wasn’t giving him such an opportunity.

"Senior Brother, where do you think they might’ve gone? Let’s chase in that direction," suggested an elder.

Yi Sword Venerable responded, "No need. I’ve seen the conclusion—any efforts now would be futile. Let’s return and strike next time when they’re discovered."

Lin Fan and company had long since escaped—moving through Southern Ridge casually without a clear direction, venturing wherever their whims led them.

The likelihood of tracking them?

At present, the young lass’ stomach growled loudly, and they managed to find an unfortunate mountain chicken nearby. Lin Fan swiftly slaughtered and plucked it.

The single chicken wasn’t enough to satisfy the little lass’ hunger.

But it could at least stave off her pangs temporarily.

"Brother Lin, what are your plans next? If you haven’t decided, how about we use the earth as a chessboard and throw wood to determine the path forward?" Qin Yang suggested.

He was slightly thrilled to be in Southern Ridge.

Before, possessing an Immortal Treasure and having servants follow him, he never dared go beyond Northern Desolation.

At least there, when facing foes, he could trust that his opponent wouldn’t dare kill him, even if outmatched. Venturing elsewhere had always felt like a gamble, one he wouldn’t wittingly risk.

"Whatever you want. However you decide to play is fine." Lin Fan replied.

Xiang Fei remained ever vigilant, observing their surroundings. Coming to Southern Ridge and gaining such tremendous fortunes seemed hard to fathom—but the crucial hitch was, they’d also made an enemy of one faction.

The speed with which they offended others was startling.

Ordinary folks couldn’t keep up with their pace.

"Got it." Qin Yang grinned while picking up a tree branch, preparing to use it as a random guide.

There was no specific purpose; everything left to fate.

Lin Fan inspected the Universe Tripod’s interior, readying himself to deal with the "piglets."

The Five Elements Nirvana Emperor Scripture had already been granted to them.

The Time Venerable Immortal’s eyes extended across eras.

Sufficient for cultivation.

After all, every use incurred a life toll—a price ordinary people wouldn’t withstand.

Only he could endure it.

The piglets inside the Universe Tripod each harbored their own thoughts, though most aligned similarly.

This Emperor Scripture was unimaginably terrifying.

If mastered, perhaps they’d manage to escape this place and crush Lin Fan underfoot—show him that some individuals may be trifled with, but others absolutely cannot.

Even if he hadn’t realized this before, he’d soon grasp it.

Time swiftly elapsed.

Thanks to the Time Venerable Immortal’s eye—a power to manipulate time—such an ability was flat-out absurdly heaven-defying.

Gradually, Lin Fan came to understand—not fearing Immortal Kings, nor Immortal Emperors, but the most frightening were Immortal Venerables.

Perhaps Immortal Venerables could swat down hordes of Immortal Emperors with a single strike.

Arrogance was dangerous.

Or else death may claim you unknowingly.

For now, those concerns were secondary.

He watched the piglets, hoping they’d show some promise. Of course, among them were prodigies—perhaps one held potential.

Sigh, what a headache.