After bidding farewell to Ming Ren and the others, Li Tan proceeded straight into the depths of the Zhuixian Region. Along the way, he deftly evaded all manner of large and small ferocious beasts based on his experience. Occasionally, when pursued by ravenous predators, he effortlessly dispatched them with his dagger, turning them into his midday meal.
As for the Tenglin he had caught earlier, Li Tan released it.
As for the reason, it was simply the phrase: “An ordinary man has no crime, but possessing a treasure becomes a crime.”
Killing the Tenglin could indeed be exchanged for many needed items, but relatively speaking, whether in the black market or at an auction, it would definitely attract attention. Currently, he had no cultivation base, was alone and vulnerable. If someone discovered clues about his identity, the level of trouble would skyrocket, which was completely not worth it.
In addition, there was another small reason.
The Tenglin was a demonic beast, theoretically impossible to appear so close to the outskirts of the Zhuixian Region unless there was some kind of rare treasure about to emerge nearby, whose rich spiritual energy had drawn them in.
This meant that the desire to hunt monsters for money could be put on hold for a while, and there was no need to venture too far.
But that was a side note, so no need to say too much for now.
In short, after going deeper for a few miles, Li Tan, restricted by his strength, worried about unexpected incidents. After searching for a while without results, he reluctantly returned the way he came.
This time entering the Zhuixian Region was originally just an attempt. He still had some time before the toxin in his body erupted, which was enough for him to handle.
“That Ming Ren is indeed somewhat interesting.”
At the riverside of Green Willow, Li Tan strolled leisurely with his hands clasped behind his neck.
“He has the funds and ability to hire someone like Zhou Tong, an experienced mercenary, which rules out ordinary families. Yet, he shows no interest in cultivation, which also rules out minor clans. As for the three major families, at least Li and Lin can be excluded. The Liu family is also unlikely.” Li Tan thought for a while and soon came to a conclusion.
“Could he be related to the City Lord’s Mansion?”
“It’s probably the only place where the old City Lord would allow his son to neglect cultivation.”
This made Li Tan reflect on his own situation. He sighed helplessly, looked at the crimson clouds across the sky and the women pounding clothes nearby, then slightly quickened his pace. Soon, a grand and luxurious mansion appeared in his sight—undoubtedly the Lin residence.
Although the Lin family’s power was weaker than the Liu family, they were surprisingly strong in the commercial sector, renowned throughout Linjiang. Unfortunately, this advantage could not bring them much benefit, as everything eventually came down to strength. These enviable business holdings might change hands after just one lost battle.
“This place is ultimately hard to enjoy.”
Muttering to himself, Li Tan entered through a side gate, weaving through exquisite pavilions and pavilions. Suddenly, a loud voice stopped him.
“Do you have something to say?”
Li Tan turned around to see Lin Cui, her face slightly angry.
Lin Cui snorted coldly, “What do you think?”
“Then there’s nothing. Goodbye.”
Li Tan turned to leave.
“Damn it, stop!”
Lin Cui quickly stepped forward to block his path, hands on her hips. “Do you even remember your own identity?”
Li Tan smirked. “My memory is fine. I haven’t forgotten that I’m your husband.”
“You… forget it. I won’t argue with you,” Lin Cui almost threw a punch in anger but barely restrained herself.
Li Tan replied indifferently, “So what is it? If there’s nothing, don’t waste my time.”
“Hmph!”
Lin Cui slapped the pillar so hard it echoed. “Rake! You dare ask that?”
“How am I a rake?”
Li Tan looked a bit speechless.
Lin Cui gritted her teeth. “Don’t you know what you did yesterday?”
Li Tan rolled his eyes at her. “I think I didn’t do anything to you. Besides, even if I did do something, it would be perfectly natural. Where does the term rake come from?”
“You…” Lin Cui was so angry her chest hurt. She patted her chest to calm herself. “Fine, I won’t argue with you. I just want to ask one thing—where did you go all day?”
Li Tan replied casually, “Just collecting some herbs.”
“I don’t care what herbs you collected. Remember this: without permission, you are not allowed to leave the Lin estate. If you must go out, someone must accompany you.”
Lin Cui’s gaze turned cold, and her tone was firm. “I’ll let this go today, but no more of this. Otherwise…”
“Otherwise what?”
Li Tan looked at her carelessly, almost amused.
Hearing this slightly provocative question, Lin Cui sneered, “You can try it, but don’t expect to have a chance to regret it.”
“I admit you’re not as useless as the rumors say, but now that you’re in the Lin family, you’d better not have any unnecessary ideas. That’s all I have to say. What you do next is up to you.”
With that, Lin Cui strode past Li Tan and walked away.
After she had gone some distance, Li Tan sighed helplessly, “That’s exactly why I can’t stand this place—people and things alike.”
With that, Li Tan shook his head and headed toward the steward’s residence—he planned to move to an unoccupied guest room.
It wasn’t out of fear, mainly because he needed to do some things, and it was inconvenient with people constantly coming and going in Lin Cui’s quarters.
Li Tan walked through several courtyards to reach the steward’s residence, only to find Lin Long sitting inside, sipping tea with a slightly furrowed brow.
Li Tan asked, “What brings the head of the Lin family here?”
Lin Long took a sip of tea, his gaze somewhat cold. “I heard you can cure the butler’s strange illness?”
Strange, the butler isn’t even here. Li Tan roughly grasped the situation and replied casually, “What a coincidence, I’ve picked up some obscure techniques.”
As the saying goes, when one is under someone else’s roof, one must bow low. Li Tan was currently restraining himself; otherwise, with his temper, Lin Long would already have been beaten into a pulp.
Unaware of the danger, Lin Long still maintained his lofty attitude. “You indeed aren’t as useless as the rumors say, but in my Lin family, you’d better act smartly and do what you’re supposed to do.”
“May I ask what exactly I’m supposed to do?”
“To keep you like a pet monkey?”
Li Tan asked mockingly.
Lin Long didn’t care much. “You can think however you want. It’s none of my concern.”
“Family head Lin, your prestige is indeed impressive.”
Li Tan said with obvious sarcasm.
Lin Long snorted, then slammed his teacup down with a bang.
“As for the steward’s overstepping, I will naturally handle it. But concerning Cui’er, you must give me an explanation.”
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