Chapter 418: A Quiet Night — A Beauty Comes Knocking
Lin Fan shook his head. "No, let's stay here in the Nine-Tails Village for now. If we go back too soon, Xu Zhong might become suspicious. We'll regroup in half a month."
"Alright," Xiao Yan nodded, fully agreeing with the plan.
"By the way, I killed Meng Shan—will that be a problem for you when you return?" Lin Fan suddenly asked.
"Don't worry, Big Bro, I can handle it," Xiao Yan laughed. "In half a month, I'll come back to meet up with you."
With that, the tower-like Xiao Yan stood up, his sheer presence imposing.
"Just be careful when you get back," Lin Dong reminded him. "Once we reunite, we'll make sure that Beast Marshal pays what he owes."
"No worries, Second Bro. I've waited over a year for this—I'm ready," Xiao Yan grinned fiercely, blood pumping with anticipation at the thought of what was to come.
As the three of them walked downstairs from the pavilion, the previously bustling scene outside fell into a sudden hush.
Groups of Nine-Tails girls, who usually had the courage to joke or chat with Lin Fan and Lin Dong, now didn't dare to approach.
And the reason… was clearly the tower-like figure that walked beside them.
"Lord Lin Fan, Lord Lin Dong," Aunt Xin quickly came forward to greet them. After exchanging greetings, she looked toward Xiao Yan with a respectful nod. "General Yan."
"No need to be so formal, Chief Xin," Xiao Yan replied with a courteous fist-salute. "If my brothers were able to come here safely, it's thanks to your Nine-Tails Clan. I'm truly grateful."
Those nearby who had heard of the infamous First Fierce General of Thunder Abyss Mountain couldn't help but exchange shocked glances.
Was this really the same fearsome general who was rumored to bathe in blood? Thanking someone so sincerely?
But Xiao Yan paid no attention to their thoughts. He continued, "From now on, if the Nine-Tails Village runs into any trouble, just come find me. As for the yearly tributes—you won't have to pay those anymore."
"Thank you, General Yan!" Aunt Xin exclaimed in joy.
The annual tribute had always been a heavy burden on their clan. Lifting it was like taking a huge weight off their shoulders.
Xiao Yan waved casually, then turned to Lin Fan and Lin Dong. "Big Bro, Second Bro, I'll head back first."
"Be careful. Let us know if anything happens," Lin Fan nodded.
Xiao Yan didn't say anything more. With a single leap, he vanished into the distance.
The moment he arrived, the Tiger Devouring Army stationed outside—whose presence had put immense pressure on the village—awakened like a sleeping beast.
"Move out!"
Xiao Yan landed among them, and with a sharp command, the army roared to life.
The earth trembled as the black torrent of soldiers surged away like a hurricane, carrying with it an overwhelming aura of slaughter.
As they departed, the dark cloud of pressure that had loomed over the village seemed to finally lift.
With their exit, the Nine-Tails girls quickly swarmed around Lin Fan and Lin Dong again, their excited chatter echoing through the night.
"Lord Lin Fan, that General Yan is really your brother? He's amazing!"
"Ehehe, but Lord Lin Fan is even stronger! You killed that evil Meng Shan in just one move!"
"Lord Lin Dong is super strong too! I saw you go toe-to-toe with Meng Shan!"
…
Aunt Xin watched Lin Fan surrounded by the smiling girls and chuckled softly. She gently patted Xinqing's head, then sighed—her expression shifting as if she'd made up her mind.
…
The moon hung high and bright, casting silver light across the land and over the vast mountain ranges.
Inside his room, Lin Fan sat cross-legged on the Yuan Gathering Mat, eyes closed as he cultivated. Thick waves of natural energy surged around him, steadily refining his strength.
Outside the room, a slender figure stood quietly, her hands clenching and unclenching nervously, biting her lip with hesitation.
Bathed in moonlight, her delicate face shimmered. It was Xinqing—the one who had led Lin Fan to the Nine-Tails Clan.
She had been standing there for nearly an hour. When she sensed the flow of yuan energy inside begin to settle, she took a deep breath and lifted her head. A flicker of self-mockery passed through her eyes before she finally stepped forward and knocked gently.
"Lord Lin Fan…"
Lin Fan had sensed her presence long ago but waited. Now hearing her voice, he finally said, "Come in."
Xinqing bit her lip again, gently pushed open the door, and stepped inside.
As the door creaked open, moonlight streamed in, illuminating her slim figure. Her eyes trembled slightly with nervousness.
She quietly closed the door behind her, keeping her head down, hands tightly clasped together, not daring to meet Lin Fan's gaze.
Lin Fan stood up from the mat and smiled gently. "Xinqing, it's late. What's the matter?"
She bit her lip harder, her fingers turning pale from how tightly she was wringing her hands. Clearly, she was struggling inside.
Eventually, her eyes filled with tears. Then—she suddenly knelt.
"Lord Lin Fan…"
Startled, Lin Fan quickly moved forward to lift her up. "What's wrong? Did someone bully you? Tell me, and I'll handle it."
"No one bullied me…" she whispered, head lowered and eyes red. "Lord Lin Fan… may I stay with you tonight?"
"This was your mother's idea, wasn't it? Hoping I'll protect the Nine-Tails Clan in return?" Lin Fan asked softly.
"…I'm sorry…" she choked, tears beginning to spill from her big eyes.
"I know I'm betraying Sister Xinlian by doing this, but for my clan, I'm willing to give anything—even my life… or my body."
"I just want my people to live in peace, without fearing that they'll be caught, abused, or enslaved…"
"…What does this have to do with Sister Xinlian?" Lin Fan's brow twitched slightly, then he met her gaze and said seriously,
"You're beautiful, no doubt. As a Nine-Tails clanswoman, you're very alluring to men. But do you really think I'm the kind of man who would take advantage of you?"
"No, that's not what I meant," Xinqing quickly said, voice shaking. "I know… Mother's plan won't work. But please, let me stay just for tonight. I'll explain it to her tomorrow."
Lin Fan gently seated her on a chair, leaned down, and rubbed her head.
"We've been through a lot together—from the Chaotic Demon Sea to the Demon Domain, and now the Nine-Tails Clan. We're friends, aren't we? Let your mother rest easy. For your sake, I'll never turn my back on your clan."
"Besides, my brothers and I plan to conquer the entire Beast Battle Region starting from Thunder Abyss Mountain. When that time comes, your Nine-Tails Clan will be part of our family. No one will dare lay a hand on you."
"And you can take this chance to grow stronger. One day, I hope your people will stand on their own in this realm. Now go get some rest."
As he finished, Lin Fan stood and prepared to escort her out.
"Thank you, Lord Lin Fan…" Xinqing suddenly stood, walked up behind him, and gently wrapped her arms around his waist.
"…Please… let me stay."
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