Chapter 433: The Curtain Falls

The scene was silent.

A strong wind swept across.

Everyone shivered.

"Your Majesty…" Liu Xun cried out, then turned to Lin Fan. "You villains, just wait. One day, I'll level your Purple Mountain."

Perhaps he was reminded of Lin Fan's terrifying power.

Liu Xun slunk away in defeat.

"What happened to him?"

Lin Fan was puzzled. He had no idea what was going on with that man, and when he thought to ask others, the massive army of hundreds of thousands began fleeing in a panic, like a ship adrift without its captain.

This campaign to subdue them...

Ended almost like a joke. There was no intense conflict, the only action being the technique of "Moving Mountains" the Emperor tried before Lin Fan crushed him.

It was truly astounding.

Had he not encountered Lin Fan, the Emperor would indeed be the mightiest existence in the world. Even "earthly immortals" wouldn't describe him; perhaps he was a fallen celestial, a being none could rival.

The Holy Saints of Heaven and Earth had confirmed that Master Lin was indeed an immortal.

Such a terrifying Emperor had been so utterly suppressed—there was nothing left to say. Just the thought was enough to instill deep fear.

"Lin Gege, amazing!" Han Xiaoxiao clapped and cheered excitedly.

Han Yan looked at her sister with a strange expression, wondering what exactly she meant by "amazing." But after this, Han Yan no longer felt any fear of Lin Fan.

Once, she knew Lin Fan was terrifying, but she thought maybe she could survive.

Until now...

Lin Fan's absolute power had completely subdued Han Yan.

In the face of such terrifying power, fear became meaningless. All she could do was brace herself and endure, a sensation like falling from a great height—terrifying at first, so much so that her guts felt ready to burst.

Then, knowing there was hard ground below, and the outcome of her fall would mean death, the fear faded into acceptance, for there was no other path.

Might as well relax.

Seasons passed, year by year.

Though they seemed to pass slowly, they flew by.

Lin Fan prepared himself for the end of his dream, yet no signal came, as if the dream continued on.

Han Xiaoxiao's shift from lively youth to mature adulthood happened so naturally.

But compared to Han Yan, there was still a difference.

Han Xiaoxiao hadn't experienced the struggles of the outside world; she'd lived innocently, her mind always light and carefree. As she aged, the key to maintaining a youthful spirit was her relaxed attitude, always free of worries, living happily.

That way, age didn't show.

Xiaoxiao's love for Lin Fan had grown deep within her bones. Spending so much time together, even if he had been hideously ugly, the attachment would have flourished.

After so many years… the feelings they shared had become so profound that even giving her life would be easy.

Xiaoxiao always hoped for something to happen with Lin Fan.

But ever since that one failed attempt, she'd lost confidence.

Her inner turmoil was painful.

One moonlit night, Xiaoxiao snuck into Lin Fan's room, quietly pulling him to the garden for a stroll. She thought the setting would bring about romance, filling her with hope for what would happen next.

On a small wooden bridge, she lowered her head and slowly walked up to Lin Fan, facing him directly. Sincerely, she poured out her love, expressing her wish to become his wife.

It had taken all her courage to invite him out.

But the result...

"Xiaoxiao, I already have a wife." Lin Fan's answer stunned her, as if she couldn't believe her beloved Lin Gege would say such a thing.

Xiaoxiao's thoughts were simple; had she done something wrong to make Lin Gege tell such an unbelievable lie?

That night, tears brimmed in her eyes as she forced a smile.

"I was joking. Look how scared you are."

Lin Fan gently patted her head, saying seriously, "It's true—I have a wife, and I love her very much. If she knew I was with someone else behind her back, she'd be very upset."

Inside the house.

Han Xiaoxiao brushed her sister's hair, exclaiming, "Sister, I found a white hair! I'll pull it out for you."

With a swift motion,

She placed the white hair in front of her sister.

"See? It's really white."

Han Yan laughed. "I'm over fifty, Xiaoxiao. It's natural to have white hair."

"True." Han Xiaoxiao studied her sister's face; there were lines there, but she was still beautiful. This was due to the health regimen given to them by Dr. Xu, who said that with regular practice, they could stay young and beautiful even into old age.

Han Yan didn't practice as often.

But Han Xiaoxiao did daily, because she didn't want to grow old. Yet, despite her efforts, time flowed too swiftly, and even her regimen couldn't keep her skin's youthful glow intact.

More years passed.

One day, Lin Fan found Han Xiaoxiao sitting alone by the pond, looking melancholy.

"Xiaoxiao, what's wrong?"

Seeing Lin Fan, she sighed, "Lin Gege, look at you. You're always so young, but I've gotten old. There's a new wrinkle on my face… I'm so sad."

Lin Fan replied, "Aging is natural. Why feel sad?"

"No, I really am sad." Han Xiaoxiao didn't want her appearance to change, but it was beyond her control. Even with daily health practices, the effects of time couldn't be fully held back.

That night.

Thinking about Xiaoxiao's sadness and her envy at his youth, Lin Fan decided to do something to cheer her up.

Carefully, he thought about it.

What would make Xiaoxiao happy?

Soon enough, he had an idea.

He would age alongside her, letting her feel less change, which was the best solution.

Familiar with his own body, he gathered his inner energy and concentrated it, quickening his blood flow, until a rugged aura and fine lines appeared on his face.

Looking into the mirror,

He was pleased.

The next morning,

Xiaoxiao saw Lin Fan's face, shocked. "Lin Gege, your face…"

Lin Fan smiled. "Xiaoxiao, I'll grow old with you. How about that?"

Hearing such a heartfelt confession, Xiaoxiao broke down into tears, crying as she nestled into his chest, gently tapping him with her fists. "You're terrible! You made me feel so embarrassed, hmm…"

Her voice was soft, and full of tenderness.

Lin Fan was left puzzled, unsure of what had affected Xiaoxiao so much.

Twenty years later.

Many of the servants and maids of the Lin estate had left. Some married and had children, wanting to return to the city to live a normal life, so the numbers had dwindled by a third, with only those most devoted to the estate remaining.

Today,

Inside,

Lin Fan looked at the Heaven and Earth Saints, sensing their lives nearing an end. Their energy had weakened, and despite their strength, they couldn't avoid death.

"Master Lin, our time is near. We hope to be buried here," Earth Saint said weakly, his body frail and thin.

"Although my life ends here, I hope you'll pass down my way of the sword, Master Lin. I hope it will find a worthy disciple." Heaven Saint lifted the wooden sword beside him. "My swordsmanship is engraved within."

Heaven Saint hadn't passed down his fist techniques.

His fist was unique to him, and no one else could learn it. He had reached a point where technique had returned to its essence, flowing freely and naturally. Even crude punches in his hands could take down a master.

The two Saints bowed to Lin Fan.

"Thank you, Master Lin, for your guidance, helping us achieve our martial peak. We have no regrets in this life."

"Might we ask, Master Lin, how strong you truly are?"

This was their final question.

Lin Fan said, "Very strong."

The two Saints smiled, closing their eyes slowly, their energy dissipating.

"Farewell, friends," Lin Fan said quietly.

He buried the two Saints within the estate. Xiaoxiao mourned for some time after learning the two "Grandpas" had passed away.

The once-lively estate grew quieter.

Once, three people had fished with Lin Fan, but now only Xiaoxiao remained. In her heart, she still felt like a youthful, vibrant girl, though she no longer harbored those fleeting desires to confess or dream of sharing a bed with him.

The change in her mind was subtle.

Another twenty years passed.

Inside the house, an air of sorrow lingered.

In the end, Han Yan could not escape death's arrival. She had spent her life here at the Lin estate, feeling a sense of fulfillment in her final moments, her past flashing through her mind like a reel of memories.

She was content.

Because she had seen her sister safely grow to adulthood.

"Don't leave, Sister!" Xiaoxiao sobbed at her bedside, holding her hand tightly, her tears flowing freely.

Han Yan's face hadn't aged much, thanks to her practice, though her body had reached its limit. For someone of her modest abilities to last this long was quite a feat.

"Take care of yourself, Sister." Han Yan's only regret was leaving her sister, though she knew all would be well. Reflecting on her life, she felt she had somehow lived it in vain.

She hadn't enjoyed a single thing.

She looked at Lin Fan and slowly asked, "Can I ask you something?"

"Mm, sure, go ahead," Lin Fan nodded. Though they weren't very close, they had lived together for quite a long time. Maybe not best friends, but friends nonetheless.

Han Yan asked, "What was your purpose in keeping us here?"

This was her long-held question, a lingering uncertainty, and the truth she most wanted to know.

Lin Fan, a bit stunned, took a jade pendant from his waist and said, "When you first came, didn't you toss me half of this jade pendant and say you wanted to live here? I agreed to let you stay; I had no ulterior motive."

Han Yan's eyes widened, seemingly consumed by a sudden surge of anger, as if she'd broken through some barrier and was desperate to live another life. She clutched Lin Fan's arm tightly, looking like she wanted to get up and beat him.

Gradually, Han Yan released his arm and started to laugh.

"So… it was all just in my head."

Her gaze slowly dulled.

"Lin Fan… in my next life, don't let me meet you again, or I won't let you go."