Chapter 201: I Am Lin Fan (IV)

Just as he was about to turn around, a sudden sense of reluctance welled up in Meng Li's heart.

It was as if something important was drifting away from her; a soft corner of her heart was torn open, and the pain spread.

"Do not leave me!" She lunged forward almost instinctively, wrapping her arms around him. Her voice trembled, as if she were helpless and yearning for a shred of warmth.

Lin Fan froze. He gently stroked her shoulders and whispered:

"Meng Li, you will only suffer if you follow me. I am nothing more than a bad person; you should let go of this emotional entanglement."

Meng Li's eyes were slightly red. She looked up at him firmly: "I know, but you are Lin Fan, the Lin Fan I cannot let go of in my heart."

Lin Fan sighed softly, his complex feelings indescribable.

He had originally thought that Meng Li had let go of her feelings for him over these years, but her gaze and that whisper made him realize she had not completely let go.

"Meng Li, my path is fraught with danger. You deserve a better life, not to be held back by me."

Lin Fan lowered his head, lost in thought for a moment, then said with a choked voice, "But I cannot let go, do not leave me."

Lin Fan no longer refused and pulled her gently into his embrace.

"I owe you too much. If you must follow me, I will protect you for a lifetime of peace."

Meng Li looked up, tears welling in her eyes, but a satisfied smile appeared on her face.

Lin Fan looked down at Meng Li's teary eyes, a wave of tenderness surging in his heart.

He gently raised his hand to wipe away the tears on her face, the touch of her skin making his heart tremble slightly.

In this quiet moment, Meng Li slowly stood on tiptoe, her lips trembling slightly, as if waiting for his final response.

Lin Fan's gaze was deep and complex; his heart was in constant turmoil.

He knew that this kiss might bind Meng Li's heart to him once again, but at this moment, her silent anticipation made him unable to refuse.

Lin Fan slowly lowered his head and pressed his lips gently against hers, with a hint of tenderness and pity.

Meng Li closed her eyes, immersed in this moment, her hands tightly wrapping around Lin Fan.

That night, Meng Li released the emotions she had pent up in her heart, like a flower that had waited for many years finally blooming.

The candlelight illuminated her silhouette, appearing faintly on the gauze window. Her graceful figure was as soft as water, making Lin Fan unable to stop.

As the sky grew slightly bright, Meng Li was still nestled in his arms, fast asleep, with a satisfied smile on her face.

Lin Fan gently tucked the blanket around her. His gaze lingered for a moment on her face, which was cold yet gentle, before he finally rose slowly and put on his clothes.

Now that he had revealed his identity to the three of them, Lin Fan had to hurry.

He took one last look at the still-sleeping Meng Li, feeling a trace of reluctance in his heart, and quietly walked out of the room.

The VIP courtyard was surrounded by a lush bamboo forest, with a clear stream murmuring in the courtyard, and the air was filled with the faint scent of orchids.

Su Wanqing was sitting at a stone table, holding an ancient book in her hands, a thoughtful expression on her brow.

The morning light spilled through the gaps in the leaves onto her, casting a gentle glow on her lovely face.

She gently put down the book and looked into the distance, as if waiting for something.

Just then, Lin Fan walked into the courtyard, his steps light and composed, his gaze carrying a touch of solemnity.

Su Wanqing gently put down the book, looking at Lin Fan with a soft gaze and a knowing smile.

"You finally arrived; I have been waiting here for a long time. Tell me, when are we going to the Tianji Pavilion?"

Lin Fan paused slightly, a flash of embarrassment in his eyes. "I did not come today to talk about going to the Tianji Pavilion, but to tell you my true identity."

A touch of curiosity appeared in Su Wanqing's eyes. "True identity? Alright, tell me."

Lin Fan paused for a moment and said solemnly, "I am actually not 'Bai Fan'."

Su Wanqing nodded gently upon hearing this. "Hmm, I had already figured that out. But I really do not know who you actually are."

Lin Fan took a deep breath and slowly removed the dark iron mask, then peeled off the imitation thousand appearance mask, revealing his true face.

A handsome face, with a hint of coldness, suddenly appeared before Su Wanqing.

"Phew… I was just thinking about whether I should consider breaking off our friendship, but fortunately, your true face is even better-looking than the illusion."

Lin Fan felt a bit helpless for a moment, a look of wry amusement flashing in his eyes. "Are you not going to ask what my real name is?"

Su Wanqing's smile remained. "Names are secondary. I value looks; if you were too ugly, you should find another girl."

"Then how about now? Do my looks pass, and am I worthy of you, respected Heavenly Lady?"

Su Wanqing raised an eyebrow, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Before, it was barely passable. Now, it is so-so; you can barely be considered worthy of me."

Lin Fan could not be bothered to argue with her anymore. "Alright, it seems you do not want to know my name. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

As soon as he finished speaking, he strode towards the direction of Yin Miaoxue and the others.

Su Wanqing shouted from behind: "Hey, remember to come back after you finish your business; I am still waiting to return to the Tianji Pavilion to claim credit!"

"Understood!"

Lin Fan's voice echoed in the air, carrying a hint of impatience but also a touch of doting.

As he walked, he lowered his head to take out his phone and quickly sent a message to the three of them.

As their accompanying attendant, Lin Fan had naturally already arranged phones for them, making it convenient to stay in contact at any time.

After sending the message, Lin Fan continued walking, passing through a hidden path.

The exit of this path was surrounded by green vines and dense branches; almost no one knew of it, and it was extremely well-hidden.

Lin Fan walked into this quiet place and waited silently.

A moment later, Princess Hu Qinlan, Yin Miaoxue, and Princess Jin Xuan arrived one after another.

Princess Jin Xuan, draped in golden robes, had an extraordinary Aura; beauty and elegance were perfectly combined in her.

Yin Miaoxue was cold and refined, wearing a white gauze dress.

Princess Hu Qinlan wore a light red long dress; her gentle temperament revealed a touch of tenderness and elegance, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

The appearance of the three, whoever it was, radiated a unique temperament that left Lin Fan dazzled.

Princess Jin Xuan spoke hopefully, "Great, are we going on a mission?"

Lin Fan's mind raced. He understood that the reason these three followed him was because they believed he was the Human Emperor Bai Yi.

If his identity were exposed, they would likely leave him immediately. After all, the three of them were high-and-mighty princesses with noble statuses; how could they associate with a nobody?

Lin Fan coughed awkwardly, slightly lowered his head, his gaze flickering.

"Actually, I am not your Old Ancestor. The appearance of Bai Yi was just something I transformed into using a Spirit Treasure. Doing so… was only to boost everyone's morale."

He paused and continued, "My true cultivation level is actually just as you see; I am not some reclusive expert."