Chapter 8: The Disappearance of the Great Villain

“Father, I’m perfectly fine.”
Chen Die’er nestled in Chen Changsheng’s arms, her bright eyes wide and clear, without a trace of impurity. She raised her small hand to wipe the sweat from his brow.
In her heart, she breathed a secret sigh of relief—thank goodness she had dealt with the villain in time, so her father wouldn’t see. Her father disliked violence above all else.
Seeing that Chen Die’er was unharmed, Chen Changsheng finally relaxed and asked, “Die’er, did you see a bad man rush out from here just now?”
Chen Die’er shook her head, replying, “No, Father, I didn’t see anyone.”
Chen Changsheng frowned slightly. “That’s strange. Tuoba Ye was clearly heading for the manor’s entrance…”
At that moment, Huanfu Meng hurried over as well. Seeing Chen Die’er safe and sound, she too let go of all worry.
“Miss Huanfu, Die’er says she did not see Tuoba Ye come out,” Chen Changsheng told her. “I fear he may still be inside the manor. It would be best if your people conducted a thorough search of the entire grounds.”
“Tuoba Ye didn’t come out?”
Huanfu Meng was taken aback, then bowed respectfully to Chen Changsheng. “You are absolutely right, Master Chen. I will immediately send my people to search every corner of the estate.”
She acted as though she had received an imperial edict, full of awe and urgency as she departed.
How could she not be in awe? This Master Chen was a reclusive sage, after all.
“What’s gotten into this Miss Huanfu? Her attitude toward me seems to have changed all of a sudden…”
Chen Changsheng frowned, watching her departing figure. He was quite perplexed. Had she suddenly realized how handsome he was?
He did not join the subsequent search, but instead waited with Chen Die’er at the manor gates for the results.
Tuoba Ye was too dangerous; he dared not leave Die’er alone.
It was clear that Huanfu Meng and her people found nothing.
When she returned empty-handed, her gaze toward Chen Changsheng and his daughter was full of awe.
Since Tuoba Ye was not in the manor, there could be no doubt—he had been slain by Chen Die’er!
In the blink of an eye, Tuoba Ye had been utterly erased, not even a trace left behind!
How terrifying!
Huanfu Meng’s very soul trembled.
“This is most peculiar. Did Tuoba Ye simply vanish into thin air?”
Chen Changsheng was more confused than ever. Seeing Huanfu Meng so nervous, he frowned again and said, “Miss Huanfu, I am but a mere mortal. You really needn’t be so uneasy.”
If he was only a mortal, then what were they—less than ants?
Huanfu Meng nearly cursed aloud. But then she realized: this peerless sage insisted on calling himself a mere mortal—clearly, he wished to avoid worldly entanglements.
She exhaled quietly, forced herself to relax, and said, “Thank you, Master Chen, for your timely assistance. As for Tuoba Ye, the matter ends here.”
“You’re too kind, Miss Huanfu. I really didn’t do anything,” Chen Changsheng replied casually, waving his hand. “I regret that I could not help you capture Tuoba Ye.”
Yet, to Huanfu Meng, these words meant something else entirely. Not seeking credit—truly the bearing of a sage. Just his composure alone put ordinary folk to shame.
If this were reported, it would be a great merit. Yet the sage cared nothing for such things!
In that moment, Huanfu Meng’s respect for Chen Changsheng deepened to the utmost.
The crowd began to disperse.
The townspeople who had gathered earlier were still waiting anxiously nearby.
When they saw Chen Changsheng and his daughter returning unharmed with Huanfu Meng and the others, they finally let go of their fears and rushed forward to greet them warmly.
“Master Chen, we’re so relieved to see you and Die’er safe and sound. You gave us quite a fright.”
“It’s good you’re back! That’s all that matters!”
“And what of that villain Tuoba Ye? Has he met his end?”
“Rest assured, everyone—Tuoba Ye will never do evil again, thanks to Master Chen’s timely help,” Huanfu Meng replied, casting a look of deep admiration at Chen Changsheng and smiling gently.
“Huanfu Meng, you really are too polite. I didn’t do a thing,” Chen Changsheng said, shaking his head. “Now that all is well, we’ll be heading home. Farewell!”
Yet he was still bewildered—where on earth had Tuoba Ye gone?
But the world of cultivation was too deep and treacherous; he wanted no part in it, nor to investigate further, lest trouble come knocking.
As Chen Changsheng and his daughter walked away, Huanfu Meng hesitated a moment, then, summoning her courage, called out, “Master Chen, might I visit your home for a while? It would be a great honor if you would allow it!”
“Miss Huanfu, you are much too polite,” Chen Changsheng replied, pausing and turning to her with a smile. “You are most welcome, of course.”
After all, Huanfu Meng was not only a cultivator but also a government official. If he could befriend her, why not?
Not to mention—she was a rare beauty!
Who wouldn’t wish to know a beautiful woman?
Perhaps only eunuchs would turn down such a chance!
Upon receiving his invitation, Huanfu Meng was overjoyed. She gave instructions for her subordinates to return and then accompanied Chen Changsheng and his daughter up the mountain.
“What an abundance of spiritual energy…”
As they neared Chen Changsheng’s residence, Huanfu Meng could already sense the dense spiritual energy in the air, richer than anything she had ever experienced.
“A true sage indeed—his home is suffused with more spiritual energy than even a spirit-gathering array!”
Shocked and delighted, Huanfu Meng breathed in the aura greedily, savoring the sensation as every pore of her body seemed to open in delight.
A place so blessed with spiritual energy—she might never encounter another like it in her lifetime. She must seize the chance to absorb as much as she could.
“Miss Huanfu, are you all right? I hear your breathing is a little labored—you must be tired from climbing the mountain,” Chen Changsheng said, glancing at her with a peculiar look.
“Oh…”
Huanfu Meng flushed deeply, embarrassed. “It’s just that the air here is so fresh and invigorating—it makes me want to take deep breaths. Your secluded home is truly a paradise, Master Chen.”
Chen Changsheng only smiled in response.
He didn’t know about paradise; all he knew was that if not for being tricked by that system, he would never have chosen to live in seclusion here.
Wouldn’t it be better to show off?
To pursue romance?
To live boldly and passionately?
After bringing Huanfu Meng indoors, Chen Changsheng said, “Miss Huanfu, earlier I bought some saplings in Qingshui Town. They shouldn’t be left too long or they’ll wither—so, if you don’t mind…”
“Master Chen, please—don’t trouble yourself with me. I’m already deeply honored to be allowed here,” she replied.
Chen Changsheng said no more, and took Chen Die’er outside to plant the saplings.
Huanfu Meng’s eyes sparkled as she looked around, taking in every detail of the house. Left alone in the home of a sage, she could finally study it to her heart’s content and satisfy her curiosity.
This, after all, was the abode of a true master!