Watching their father, Song Linhui, appear listless after his first encounter with Chen Nan, his four sons felt their hearts ache. He was their pride, always in control and unfazed by glory or disgrace. But today… he seemed almost withdrawn, as if crushed by Chen Nan.
The third son, Song Feiheng, sighed, "Even if we don't make an enemy of Chen Nan, we can't be friends either!" Chen Nan's strength was too terrifying. Missing out on a friend like him would be a tremendous loss. Not to mention, Chen Nan was skilled in alchemy. Such a friend was worth cultivating.
Song Feiyang added, "Indeed! If, as Father said, Chen Nan discovers today's events were a scheme by our Song family, he will surely bear a grudge."
Song Feipeng, however, scoffed, "Chen Nan is too cunning and terrifying. Becoming friends with such a person isn't necessarily a good thing, as we never know when he might betray us."
Song Linhui weakly said, "I'm telling you this so you understand Chen Nan's formidable nature. Remember, do not provoke him for the next six months. If you see him, it's best to avoid him." Song Linhui no longer dared to act against Chen Nan. He feared the Song family might fall before Chen Nan was even dead. Of course, Chen Nan only had six months left to live. Within that time, he would surely die. Even with his near-supernatural intelligence, he couldn't possibly solve the case of the Zhenyao Division Director's bizarre death. It was an unsolved mystery.
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Under the cloak of night, Chen Nan strode home with a spring in his step. Recalling the events at the Song family, he felt a surge of joy, like tasting a spoonful of honey. "My trip to the Song family today was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I acquire a lot of medicinal herbs for free, but I also obtained 1.3 million mu of fertile land. This land is truly a godsend to me! And then there are the one hundred pieces of Xuanyin Stone. This is undoubtedly my best achievement since arriving in the underworld. I believe after this confrontation, Song Linhui will understand my capabilities."
Why did Chen Nan deliberately smash the wine cup to draw out Mu Yifeng? It was to display his skills to Song Linhui, to make him abandon any thoughts of harming him. After all, he was Song Ziwei's father. Unless absolutely necessary, Chen Nan wouldn't kill him and cause Song Ziwei grief. "Although I haven't interacted much with Song Linhui, his performance today shows he is a very cautious person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have invited so many people as witnesses today. But he calculated everything except… my overwhelming strength! Given his caution, he should not bother me again. However… this is far from enough! I must bring him to my side. This way, perhaps I can find the five lost pages of the Book of Life and Death."
Chen Nan knew Song Linhui would definitely instruct his sons to keep their distance from him. But that was not what Chen Nan wanted. He wanted to forcibly drag Song Linhui onto his ship… no, he wanted Song Linhui to become his ally. Not to mention, the fact that he could reveal tonight that the Zhenyao Division Director might have died because of the Book of Life and Death proved that the old man knew a lot of information. Although Yuan Zun had also promised to help him investigate, Yuan Zun had only been in Tongcheng for about five months. His roots and influence here were far less profound than Song Linhui's. If he could make Song Linhui an ally, the investigation into the Zhenyao Division Director's bizarre death would be almost certain to succeed.
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"You sisters haven't slept yet?" Upon arriving home, Chen Nan found Lu Bailing and Lu Qingqing whispering in bed. Seeing Chen Nan return, the sisters appeared very happy. Lu Qingqing, her face flushed, rested her chin on one hand as she lay on her side, revealing her alluring figure. She whispered softly, "Without Young Master Chen's return, we sisters feel an emptiness in our hearts. We are filled with a kind of loneliness that makes us feel bloated and uncomfortable. We can't sleep at all!" She showed a hint of petulance on her face.
Chen Nan's mouth twitched inexplicably. What did this mean? Were they trying to take advantage of his being tipsy to make him act recklessly? Their words were truly tempting.
"Young Master Chen, please sit for a while. I'll go prepare a basin of foot-washing water for you!" Compared to Lu Qingqing, Lu Bailing was clearly more mature and expressed her respect for Chen Nan through her actions. She quickly brought a basin of foot-washing water. However, it wasn't hot. She knew Chen Nan had suffered a backlash from the fire element law. Cold water would actually make him feel more comfortable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have held her and her sister close to sleep.
After he washed his feet, Lu Bailing helped Chen Nan off with his brocade robe, her face blushing. "Young Master Chen, it's getting late. Let's rest soon!" Lu Qingqing lay on the inner side of the bed and patted the empty space beside her. "Hurry, I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
Chen Nan felt so awkward he wished he could disappear. In truth, his relationship with the Lu sisters was one of mutual benefit. But Lu Qingqing's words always led to suggestive thoughts. The speed at which she spoke was alarming and difficult to guard against.
"Forget it, I need to reach the Soul Devouring Realm as soon as possible! If I can reach the Soul Devouring Realm, I will definitely be able to control the backlash of the fire element law." Chen Nan sighed inwardly and then lay down on the bed. The next moment, Lu Bailing and Lu Qingqing quickly nestled beside him. Chen Nan held both beauties, one on each side, enjoying the pleasure of having two companions. Especially the subtle fragrance emanating from them and the cool sensation felt incredibly comfortable to him. Yes, even without doing anything, it was exceptionally pleasant.
"It's late, let's sleep!" Chen Nan tried hard to calm his mind, not daring to think of anything extraneous. He feared he might truly surpass his idol, Xu Xian. After all, Xu Xian only had Bai Suzhen, while he had the Lu sisters beside him…
Seeing Chen Nan close his eyes, Lu Qingqing exchanged a glance with Lu Bailing. Lu Bailing hesitated, not wanting to do what they did last night. After all… her mouth was sore. But finally, with a blush, she blew a breath towards Chen Nan. The next moment, Chen Nan's breathing evened out, and he was entranced by Lu Bailing's toxic breath, falling unconscious.
"Qingqing, I feel like this is disrespectful to Young Master Chen!" Lu Bailing said with a trace of embarrassment. Lu Qingqing raised an eyebrow and mischievously asked, "If it's disrespectful, then why did I knock Young Master Chen out?" Lu Bailing lowered her head with a blush. Lu Qingqing's face showed a rare seriousness. She stared at Chen Nan, her eyes full of complex emotions. "Sister, have you noticed that Young Master Chen has entered the ninth level of the Transformation Realm? If nothing unexpected happens, he will soon reach the Soul Devouring Realm. If that happens, he will surely be able to suppress the fire poison within him. This means that once he breaks through, our relationship as bedmates will end." Lu Bailing understood her sister's meaning and was greatly surprised. "So, you want to take advantage of his unconscious state to make things permanent?"