Underhanded Tactics

Clad in black stealth attire, Lin Zhong swiftly navigated through the veil of night. With his cultivation at the mid-stage of Qi Refinement, he had mastered the art of moving gracefully across rooftops and walls, a skill honed without the guidance of a teacher. Moreover, as a cultivator, his senses were heightened compared to ordinary mortals, enabling him to detect even the slightest shifts in the air around him.

In the quaint town of Wuliu, Liu Town Mayor's residence was nearby. Lin Zhong wasted no time, cautiously proceeding with each step until he reached the perimeter of the mayor's estate. After a moment of focused observation, ensuring there were no traps or defenses, he swiftly vaulted over the wall, his movements smooth and effortless.

Once inside the Liu residence, an ethereal figure appeared amidst the night shadows, almost like a specter. 

"This lad is indeed cautious and possesses commendable determination; he shows promise," Yang Fan mused to himself, following Lin Zhong with a nonchalant grace. He had already entered a state of omniscience, blending seamlessly with his surroundings, able to perceive every subtle change in the environment.

With a swift motion, Yang Fan followed suit, leaping over the wall. However, he had a firm grasp on the situation unfolding within the Liu household, paying close attention to Lin Zhong's every move.

Both men infiltrated the estate under the cover of darkness, yet their approaches were markedly different—Lin Zhong was tense and meticulous, while Yang Fan exuded an air of relaxed confidence.

Upon entering the courtyard, Lin Zhong barely paused, heading straight toward a room on the southern side with practiced familiarity. Yang Fan's expression grew contemplative as he continued to observe.

Reaching the door, Lin Zhong crouched down, scanning his surroundings once more before placing his palm on the door, channeling his spiritual energy into it.

Creak! 

The door swung open effortlessly, and he slipped inside, quickly shutting it behind him. The room was enveloped in darkness, but Lin Zhong's vision, sharper than that of ordinary people, revealed it to be a girl's chamber, perfumed with an enticing aroma.

He approached the bedside with utmost caution, his gaze falling upon the serene figure of the young woman nestled in sleep. A complex mixture of emotions washed over him as he reached out to gently caress her face. 

"Manxiang… Manxiang…" 

He whispered tenderly into her ear.

Moments later, the young woman stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open. Upon seeing him, she gasped, ready to scream.

"It's me!" 

Lin Zhong swiftly covered her mouth, lowering his voice.

"It's you…" 

After a heartbeat, the girl, Liu Manxiang, Liu Town Mayor's daughter, recognized him, her expression shifting from surprise to a blend of joy and embarrassment.

"Lin Lang, it's the middle of the night! Why are you in my chamber?" 

Yang Fan, concealed just outside the door, regarded the scene with a bemused expression, pondering, "Since when did Lin Zhong become acquainted with the mayor's daughter?"

"In just a few days, Young Master Yang will face off against Hu Banshen in a medical competition. You're a key player in this matter; is there any new development regarding your condition?" 

Lin Zhong grasped Liu Manxiang's hands, concern etched across his face.

"Wuwuwu…" 

Liu Manxiang burst into tears, collapsing into Lin Zhong's embrace.

"What happened? Please tell me." 

Lin Zhong urged, his voice steady.

"Hu Banshen has done something to my health; he can trigger my illness at any moment. When it strikes, my body becomes numb and weak, and I suffer from high fever, unable to eat or drink. He even threatened me, saying if I didn't cooperate, he would harm my father…" 

Liu Manxiang sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Lin Zhong felt his heart ache for her. After soothing her, he pressed on, "What does Hu Banshen want you to do?"

"He wants me to assist him during the medical competition… no matter the outcome, Young Master Yang must ultimately lose…" 

Liu Manxiang murmured softly.

"Such despicable tactics! How could Hu Banshen sink so low? Young Master Yang's foresight is indeed remarkable." 

Lin Zhong gritted his teeth in anger.

"Lin Lang… what should I do?" 

Liu Manxiang's eyes filled with confusion and helplessness.

"Don't worry; Young Master Yang is highly skilled in medicine, and we will ensure your family's safety." 

Lin Zhong spoke with confidence.

"By the way, I heard you were injured. Your father has been strict, preventing me from coming to see you…" 

"My condition was dire, but ever since Young Master Yang returned, I've shown remarkable improvement. I'm not only healed but my spiritual power has greatly increased, enough to stand against Hu Banshen." 

Lin Zhong smiled broadly.

"Young Master Yang possesses such incredible abilities! I've heard tales of his prowess in the town." 

Liu Manxiang's curiosity piqued.

"Indeed, he is a benefactor of mine." 

Lin Zhong nodded seriously.

"I wonder if Young Master Yang can cure my illness?" Liu Manxiang asked hesitantly.

If the root of her ailment couldn't be eradicated, she would remain at Hu Banshen's mercy.

"I've examined your condition and found no discernible clues. I'll arrange for Young Master Yang to see you soon," Lin Zhong contemplated aloud.

"But… Hu Banshen is scheduled to visit in two days. He will expect my final response, and if I refuse, he will target my father," Liu Manxiang said, worry etched on her features.

"There are still two days left, with the medical contest in three days," Lin Zhong's expression shifted slightly. "I'll bring Young Master Yang to see you tomorrow night."

"Alright." Liu Manxiang nodded in agreement.

"Why wait for tomorrow? Let me examine you right now, Liu girl." 

A gentle voice resonated in the dimly lit room.

"Who is it?" Liu Manxiang gasped, her face paling in fear.

"It's Young Master…" Lin Zhong's countenance darkened.

Creak!

The door swung open, revealing Yang Fan, who strolled in with a calm demeanor, as if entering his own home.

Lin Zhong quickly rose and closed the door behind him, whispering, "Young Master, be cautious."

Yang Fan chuckled. "There's no one nearby; why worry about the door being open? It's you two, sneaking around in the dark…" 

At this, Lin Zhong and Liu Manxiang's faces flushed. The latter buried her head under the covers, too embarrassed to meet anyone's gaze. Inside, she thought, *If this gets out, I would be utterly humiliated.*

As a refined young lady, meeting a man in her boudoir at such an hour would certainly ruin her reputation.

"Apologies for the intrusion, Young Master…" Lin Zhong, with his thicker skin, quickly regained his composure.

Yang Fan's smile faded, and he shot Lin Zhong a pointed glance. "We will discuss this matter later."

He then communicated with Lin Zhong through his consciousness: "The divide between the immortal and the mortal realms is but a thought away; be wary."

Lin Zhong's face drained of color, a chill running down his spine as cold sweat broke out upon him.

While he was astonished at Yang Fan's ability to transmit his thoughts, he was even more shaken by the warning.

In the realm of cultivation, romances do occur, but they are often limited to fellow practitioners. 

Consider a foundation-building cultivator with a lifespan of two hundred years; if he were to fall in love with an ordinary girl whose lifespan is merely decades, what fate awaits them? 

He would have to watch helplessly as his beloved ages, her youth fading until she becomes frail and gray-haired. 

In the end, not only would he endure immense heartbreak, but all his years of cultivation and the arduous path to immortality would crumble to dust, leaving behind only sorrow.

Romances between immortals and mortals are considered taboo in the world of cultivation, viewed as a significant transgression. Thus, when Yang Fan issued the warning, Lin Zhong reacted with such alarm.

"To be brief, Liu girl, allow me to examine your ailment." 

Yang Fan approached the bedside once more.

"Yes, Young Master." 

Liu Manxiang's cheeks still bore a hint of color, but in the darkness of the room, she couldn't see the pallor of Lin Zhong's expression.

Yang Fan naturally placed his hand on Liu Manxiang's wrist, closing his eyes to investigate her condition.

Lin Zhong watched anxiously as Yang Fan meticulously examined her.

Moments later, Yang Fan withdrew his hand and exhaled a breath of relief, his eyes glinting with clarity.

"Young Master, how is Manxiang's condition?" Lin Zhong asked, urgency lacing his voice.

"Stay calm, stay calm." 

Yang Fan stood, hands clasped behind his back, pacing the room as if contemplating something.