This Is What a Villain Is Like

Chapter 205: Chapter 99: Why Is Lin Fan Already Dead? He Has Returned to Take Revenge on All His Past-Life Enemies.

Jiang Lan put away the Ancient Scroll, lost in thought.

’The National Master of Great Xia is named Ge Qixing, a man once as famous as my own father. He’s always presided over the Observatory Platform. Rumor has it he can read the heavens and the earth, observe the sun and moon and the shifting stars, know the past and future, and divine fortune from calamity. In the original story, he was a formidable character as well.’

’Of course, the reason I’m thinking of Ge Qixing is because of the National Master’s illegitimate son, Xiao Teng.’

’Xiao Teng is the illegitimate son of Ge Qixing and the Palace Master of the Divine Maiden Palace. But because of the National Master’s public status, the truth couldn’t be revealed and has always been concealed.’

’In the original story, after being defeated by the protagonist, Lin Fan, Xiao Teng was so impressed he wanted to become Lin Fan’s disciple. Lin Fan refused, so Xiao Teng instead began to act as his follower and servant.’

’During the story arc in the Imperial Capital Jingyang City, Lin Fan was being mocked by some people. Xiao Teng showed up, addressed Lin Fan as "Master," and gave everyone a resounding slap in the face.’

’Xiao Teng’s current identity is that of the third son of Prince Zhenbei, Xiao He.’

’Because Xiao He admired the Palace Master of the Divine Maiden Palace, he willingly helped raise her son and conceal Xiao Teng’s identity. He has always passed Xiao Teng off as his own illegitimate son, treating the boy as his own flesh and blood and holding him in the highest regard.’

’And Xiao Teng hasn’t disappointed him. As one of Jingyang City’s most renowned Celestial Prides, he’s young but possesses immense talent and strength. He dominates his generation, with few who can be considered his rival.’

’Xiao Teng doesn’t know the truth of his birth. Years ago, the National Master Ge Qixing took him in as a disciple and taught him meticulously, causing his strength to improve by leaps and bounds.’

’And it’s because of his connection to Xiao Teng that, in the original story, Lin Fan gradually learned the true identity of Empress Xia Junxi, the woman he once accidentally saved...’

Jiang Lan pinched the bridge of his nose, sorting through these relatively important plot points.

"Young Master, Saintess Zhu Yun of the Jasper Pool Sect is outside the manor to see you."

Just then, a servant’s announcement came, interrupting Jiang Lan’s thoughts.

’Ling Zhuyun?’

"Show her in."

Jiang Lan wasn’t particularly surprised. He waved his hand, and Chu Chan, seeing the gesture, took the hint and withdrew.

Soon, a servant led Ling Zhuyun into the pavilion where Jiang Lan was waiting.

"Saintess Zhu Yun..."

Jiang Lan extended his hand, gesturing for her to sit.

Ling Zhuyun didn’t stand on ceremony. She gathered the hem of her dress and gracefully sat on the stone stool next to him, though her expression was hesitant, as if she had something to say but was holding back.

"If you have something to say, just say it. We’re hardly strangers, so why be so formal?" Jiang Lan said casually, glancing at her before taking a sip of tea.

"I came to thank you, Young Master Jiang, for what happened a few days ago at the entrance to the Purple Mist Mountain Secret Realm."

"You left before I could thank you properly. I was delayed because various matters at the Sect kept me from getting away," Ling Zhuyun said softly, tucking a few loose strands of dark hair behind her ear.

"It was nothing. Don’t give it a second thought," Jiang Lan replied, his demeanor still just as casual.

Ling Zhuyun bit her lip lightly and looked at him. "Young Master Jiang, are you still angry with me because Ye Ming escaped from the Secret Realm that night?"

Internally, Jiang Lan was intrigued, but his expression remained casual and impassive. "Not at all," he said. "Why would I suspect you? And why would I be angry with you?"

"You and Ye Ming have known each other for a long time, after all. Even if he colluded with the Blood Immortal Sect, it’s only natural that you’d let him go for old times’ sake. I understand completely, so why would I be angry?"

"..."

Ling Zhuyun was rendered speechless by his words.

’He said he didn’t suspect me... and he wasn’t lying. There’s no suspicion when you’ve already decided I’m guilty—that I let Ye Ming go on purpose.’

’And for him to say that... he’s definitely angry...’

"I really didn’t let Ye Ming go on purpose. I can swear on my Dao Heart."

Ling Zhuyun couldn’t stop herself from explaining. She felt if she didn’t make things clear now, she never would. She didn’t want Jiang Lan to misunderstand her—especially not when his words made it sound as if she still harbored old feelings for Ye Ming.

The thought had weighed heavily on her heart for days. She was so distracted she couldn’t even focus when speaking with the Elders. She knew she had to find a chance to clear the air with Jiang Lan.

"Swear on your Dao Heart?"

"Then why did you suddenly stop your attack? Don’t think that just because I had no cultivation back then, I couldn’t tell you were communicating with Ye Ming via voice transmission," Jiang Lan said, suddenly looking at her with a very serious expression.

"I..."

"I... I was just afraid I had the wrong person. I just wanted to confirm his identity, that’s all. We weren’t talking about anything..." Ling Zhuyun explained hurriedly, her unusually fast pace causing her to stumble over her words.

"If that’s the case, why are you so flustered and tripping over your words? Do you have something to hide?" Jiang Lan pressed, clearly not ready to let the matter drop.

"I... I was just afraid you would misunderstand," Ling Zhuyun said in a small voice, not quite daring to meet his gaze.

Jiang Lan seemed to understand then. He nodded. "Oh," he said. "So, I was the one misunderstanding you all along."

"No, it’s all my fault for not explaining clearly at the time."

Seeing that he understood, Ling Zhuyun breathed a sigh of relief. A wave of inexplicable cheerfulness washed over her, lightening her mood considerably.

"It’s good that you know it was your fault..."

Jiang Lan said, "But... is it really necessary for you to care so much about what I think?"

"It is. For the past few days, the thought of you misunderstanding me has weighed on my heart, and I don’t know why. I can’t even quiet my mind to cultivate or meditate..."

"If I don’t make this clear, I’m worried it will become my Heart Demon," Ling Zhuyun explained earnestly.

"Are you sure it’s a Heart Demon? And not that you’ve just inexplicably fallen for me?"

Jiang Lan looked at her and suddenly reached for her veil.

Fearing he would take liberties with her again, just like that day in the side hall of the practice hall, Ling Zhuyun started to rise and dodge backward.