"Daddy!" Seeing her father, Leng Ruoxue's playful demeanor changed as she ran to Cold Feng.
Cold Feng scooped her up into his arms, scolding her indulgently, "Xue'er, you worried me to death. Don't sneak out again."
"I know, Daddy!" Leng Ruoxue nodded obediently.
The father-daughter affection was a stab to Xiao Fan's heart, as if it were being torn apart.
Someone as evil as Cold Feng didn't deserve such a lovely daughter or a happy life.
Seeing Cold Feng's facade of a courteous and gentle man made Xiao Fan want to vomit. He had witnessed Cold Feng's true nature, knowing him to be a deranged villain.
The events of that fateful night eight years ago were still vivid in his mind, unforgettable.
Xiao Fan watched Cold Feng impassively, his gaze devoid of emotion.
Cold Feng had also noticed Xiao Fan, observing him while feigning indifference. Seeing Xiao Fan's composed demeanor and the extraordinary aura he exuded, Cold Feng was cautious. His experience as a bandit had taught him that such presence indicated someone far from ordinary.
Unsure of Xiao Fan's intentions in approaching Leng Ruoxue and the Leng family, he decided to tread carefully.
Leng Ruoxue, nestled in Cold Feng's arms, began excitedly recounting her encounter with Xiao Fan.
When she mentioned that Xiao Fan had repelled the bullies with a burst of inner force rather than physical combat, Cold Feng's heart skipped a beat, and his gaze grew more intense. Unlike the ignorant villagers, he knew of the existence of cultivators.
Years ago, before becoming a bandit, he had encountered a cultivator whose incredible abilities had left a lasting impression. This experience had driven Cold Feng to seek cultivation methods, eventually finding a Body Refining technique.
This technique had made him a notorious bandit, but his progress had stalled without a Qi Refining technique. Living a comfortable life now, he had almost forgotten about cultivation.
Hearing that Xiao Fan could use Qi Refining techniques, Cold Feng's joy was barely contained. If Xiao Fan taught Leng Ruoxue, she could pass the techniques on to him.
Determined to keep Xiao Fan around, Cold Feng approached him, carrying Leng Ruoxue.
"Thank you for saving my daughter, sir. My steward offended you earlier; please forgive him."
Cold Feng glared at the steward, who reluctantly apologized, bowing respectfully to Xiao Fan.
Xiao Fan felt resentment towards the steward, now a servant to the Leng family. He considered ignoring him but decided it would be unwise to show undue hostility and risk raising Cold Feng's suspicions.
"It's fine," Xiao Fan said flatly. "You were just doing your job."
"Thank you, sir," the steward said, feeling an inexplicable familiarity with Xiao Fan.
Cold Feng seized the moment, "My daughter said you've taken her as a disciple. May I ask which sect you belong to, so she can honor your teachings?"
Cold Feng's eyes sparkled with expectation. He hoped Xiao Fan was from a cultivation sect, which would elevate the Leng family's status and provide advanced techniques.
Xiao Fan saw through Cold Feng's intentions immediately. The man hadn't changed, still driven by greed and ambition.
Glad he had restrained himself from seeking immediate revenge, Xiao Fan assessed Cold Feng's steady breathing and unwavering posture. Cold Feng likely had reached the peak of Body Refining and sought Qi Refining techniques.
Aware of his limitations and the toxins ravaging his body, Xiao Fan decided to bide his time.
"I belong to no sect, merely a wandering cultivator," Xiao Fan said coolly.
Cold Feng's eyes dimmed with disappointment but regained hope, knowing Xiao Fan was a cultivator.
"Then please, stay at our residence and teach my daughter," Cold Feng insisted, turning to the steward, "Prepare the best room for our guest!"
Before Xiao Fan could respond, Leng Ruoxue cheered and dragged him inside.
Watching her innocence and joy, Xiao Fan felt a pang of guilt. If he killed Cold Feng, what would happen to her? Would she become consumed by hatred, like him?
For the first time, Xiao Fan's heart felt more than just vengeance.