"This…"
Lin Fan hesitated for a moment and replied, "If it's like this competition, then..."
"You don't even have a ten percent chance, right?"
Zhong Chen said, and burst into laughter.
"That can't be said."
Lin Fan was humble, yet this was precisely what he thought in his heart.
With the "Zhi Heng Lü Dian" in his possession, the abilities he possessed were already comparable to a deity.
No matter how powerful Li Yurou was, she was still a mere mortal.
As time went by, the gap between them would only widen.
"Good! It's good that you have this confidence!"
Zhong Chen clapped his hands in satisfaction.
It was unthinkable!
Truly unthinkable!
Li Yusheng was already the number one prodigy in the Feng Shui world.
And Lin Fan was countless times better than him!
He could even control the outcome of the competition, completely having the opponent in his grasp!
With Lin Fan in the Xing Shi Sect, they would never have to worry about the provocations from the Qi Yun Sect again!
An Hai suddenly said in frustration, "Old Zhong, are we really not going to press our advantage?"
"Haha, with Xiao Fan here, what is there to fear?"
Zhong Chen's face was radiant, brimming with pride. "Whoever is not convinced, just come and try!"
An Hai felt a pang of bitterness.
It was just one step away!
If Lin Fan were his disciple, then it would be him who would be basking in glory now!
"Since you think so, then forget it. I'm going back to rest."
An Hai left with a stomach full of pent-up frustration.
"Xiao Fan, the competition is over. What are your plans?"
Zhong Chen's eyes were filled with anticipation.
Lin Fan's talent was perhaps unparalleled throughout history!
If he could be taught by his side, within three to five years, Lin Fan could become the leader of the Xing Shi Sect!
Before he turned thirty, he could become the president of the Northern Association!
Zhong Chen seemed to envision him leading the Xing Shi Sect to ascend the throne of Feng Shui in China.
"Of course, I'm going home."
Lin Fan's answer was swift and decisive.
"My sister-in-law has urged me several times. Yesterday I told her that I would go home immediately after the competition today."
"Oh, I see."
A flicker of disappointment flashed in Zhong Chen's eyes.
Such an astonishing prodigy, why did he have no ambition?
"Xiao Fan, have you thought about bringing your sister-in-law out? I have a few villas. Whichever you like, you can choose one."
Zhong Chen tempted him subtly.
"Master, please don't try to persuade me anymore. As we agreed, I'll go back to being a doctor after the competition."
Lin Fan refused with a chuckle.
"Hmm, everyone has their own aspirations. I won't make things difficult for you."
Zhong Chen instructed, "You must keep the secret techniques I gave you safe and spend more time studying them when you have the chance."
"Mm, I've remembered, Master."
Lin Fan nodded vigorously.
Although their time together was short, he could see that Zhong Chen truly placed great hope in him and regarded him as his successor.
"Master, I will not bring shame upon you."
Lin Fan promised.
He waved goodbye with a smile and then turned to leave.
When only Zhong Chen was left in the room, he walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the bustling night scene outside, lost in thought for a long time.
"Alas~"
A long sigh represented the helplessness in his heart.
...
The next morning, Lin Fan left in a hurry.
Compared to when he arrived, he felt much more at ease now.
He first went to a shopping mall and bought a lot of things, then flew back to his hometown with an excited heart.
Evening.
A Bentley car drove along a country dirt road.
Through the gaps in the car window, the spring breeze carrying the scent of soil slowly blew in.
Lin Fan took a deep breath. Although he was almost home, his heart was still filled with a longing for home.
Zhong Chen noticed this and knew that he could not persuade his precious disciple.
Soon, the Bentley stopped at the boundary between Luofeng Village and Wangjia Village.
"Master, I've arrived home."
At the moment of parting, Lin Fan felt a touch of reluctance.
"Please take good care of your health. I'll come to see you when I have time."
"Mm."
Zhong Chen nodded and smiled, "Xiao Fan, you must diligently study the secret techniques I gave you. I will test you regularly, so don't disappoint me then."
"Yes, Master."
Lin Fan agreed earnestly.
"If you have any questions, you can ask me anytime. Communication is developed now anyway."
"I know, I'll ask if I don't understand. Master, please don't worry."
"Good, good, good. Go, go."
Zhong Chen waved his hand with a heavy heart.
"Master, I'm leaving now."
Lin Fan bowed deeply and then pushed the door open to get out of the car.
The driver had already taken the bags from the trunk.
Lin Fan, laden with items, smiled at Zhong Chen and said, "Master, our village is going to build a medicinal herb planting cooperative on the mountain over there. How about I build a villa for you next to it? You can retire here in the future."
"That would be wonderful."
Zhong Chen said with a smile, "Anyway, I have no relatives. Xiao Fan, I'll be counting on you for my old age."
"Mm."
Lin Fan nodded heavily, "Master, please rest assured, leave it to me."
"Haha!"
Zhong Chen laughed heartily. "I'm still strong now and don't need you to support me. Besides, the Northern Association still relies on this old bone of mine to coordinate things. You have no idea how many conflicts and disputes they have every day."
He waved his hand. "Hurry back, your family is waiting for you."
"Master, I'll inform you when the villa is built."
Lin Fan said, then turned and left.
"Xiao Fan!"
When he had walked five or six steps, an old voice suddenly called out from behind him.
Lin Fan turned to look.
Zhong Chen poked his head out and shouted, "Everything I have is yours!"
"Study Feng Shui techniques well, and don't bring shame upon your master!"
His earnest instructions were filled with Zhong Chen's hopes for Lin Fan.
"Master, don't worry!"
"I will work hard!"
Lin Fan, carrying his heavy belongings, waved at Zhong Chen.
Zhong Chen also waved his hand.
Only after Lin Fan's figure disappeared into the night did the Bentley car turn back the way it came.
"Master has had a tough time too."
Lin Fan walked back, reminiscing about the days he spent with Zhong Chen.
There were quite a few lonely elderly people in Luofeng Village.
Lin Fan had seen too many elderly people whose children were not around and who had no one to rely on, living such difficult lives.
Although Zhong Chen had wealth and status, his life was likely not too comfortable.
"Sister-in-law!"
"Sister-in-law!"
Before he even reached Song Yue's doorstep, Lin Fan shouted out loudly.
He had always been proud of his sister-in-law and wished the whole world knew that Xia Xue was his sister-in-law.
Every time, Xia Xue would ask in a pleasant voice, "Did you get into trouble again?"
"It's Xiao Fan, he's back!"
A surprised and excited voice sounded from the courtyard.
"It really is him!"
Creak~
The courtyard gate opened, and Xia Xue's beautiful eyes sparkled as she looked at the grinning Lin Fan before her.
"Sister-in-law, I'm back!"
"Xiao Fan~"
The two embraced tightly, and time seemed to freeze at this moment.
Song Yue watched from behind, her face, eyes, and heart filled with jealousy.
She knew that perhaps in this life, Lin Fan would never have such deep feelings for her.
But she was content.
Life is full of imperfections, and hoping for too much only brings self-inflicted trouble.