Chapter 42: The Ultimate Goal-Sua bandeira do Imperador Humano já está exalando aura maligna, e ainda finge ser um genro agregado?(Grandes Esperanças)

To Xu Feng, the Feng residence was merely a place to stay. Had he not needed to conceal his true identity, he would have left the moment he arrived in this world.

He and Hong Lian arrived at a private villa. He had intended to decline her kindness, but she was so incredibly enthusiastic that she had practically dragged him there.

"Don't look down on it. While this courtyard may not compare to the Feng estate, it is among the best in the city. It is perfectly suited for you; there is a secret chamber beneath the bedroom, and the backyard has already been converted into a training ground."

It was more than just suitable—it was tailored specifically for Xu Feng. The Feng residence was ill-suited for martial arts practice; he felt restricted even while merely swinging a sword. Now, on his own turf, he could finally train without restraint. The function of the secret chamber went without saying; it would help him hide his other identity.

"Well? Is there anything you would like to modify? If anything isn't quite right, just tell me and I will arrange it immediately. You can move in right away; the deeds are in my hands, and I can have them transferred to your name directly."

Hong Lian gave him a brief overview of the villa's features. Xu Feng dared not accept such inexplicable generosity. Whenever something seems too good to be true, there is usually a trap. They had only known each other for three or four days; if he wasn't mistaken, Hong Lian must have some ulterior motive for investing so much in him. There was no such thing as kindness without reason in this world.

Even Dong'er, his maid, felt uneasy. A villa this magnificent, offered as a gift so casually—who would dare accept it? She looked at Xu Feng with concern, half-wondering if her young master was planning to move from the Feng household straight into another family’s home as a live-in son-in-law.

"Miss Hong Lian, forgive my bluntness, but why are you helping me like this? First, you gave me the credit for slaying the barbarians, and now you are gifting me such a large villa. I cannot believe you have no ulterior motive. I do not like taking advantage of others for no reason, so I must ask you to be clear."

Hong Lian’s identity was clearly not simple. She could not merely be a mountain bandit; what bandit could walk openly into a courthouse or own such an estate in Gusu City? What she was offering felt more like an investment, which didn't fit the typical methods of a bandit.

"Can’t it simply be that I think highly of you, Master Xu? There are no hidden agendas."

Hong Lian covered her mouth and chuckled, finding Xu Feng increasingly interesting. He was powerful, courageous, and resourceful, but most importantly, he could resist temptation. Anyone else would have snatched these offerings up without a second thought. His refusal did not anger her; instead, she admired him even more. She became increasingly convinced that Xu Feng was no ordinary man. It was best to invest in him early; putting the icing on the cake would never compare to providing help in a time of need. In some respects, Hong Lian was much like Miss Rong—both offered him respect and provided crucial support while he was still finding his footing.

"I am unworthy of such praise. I am merely a common man. In this world, there are thousands like me; I cannot fathom why you value me so highly."

The two engaged in a subtle game of verbal maneuvering.

"There are indeed many martial artists in this world, but only one who has made such breakthroughs in just a single month..."

Before Hong Lian could finish, Xu Feng’s gaze turned as sharp as a blade. His martial cultivation was his greatest secret, tied to his trump card, the Human Emperor Banner. He had thought his concealment was sufficient, but it seemed he was no secret to a true expert. For a fleeting moment, he felt a surge of killing intent and seriously considered whether to dispose of Hong Lian right then and there. Ultimately, however, his reason prevailed.

Although Hong Lian was a bandit by background, she was not a wicked person. Furthermore, she was his benefactor, and he already owed her two favors. If he were to kill an innocent, how would he be any different from the villains of the underworld? The Human Emperor Banner was a demonic tool, but that did not mean Xu Feng had to become a great demon himself.

Hong Lian remained calm, her expression unchanged. "Master Xu, do not misunderstand. I am not investigating you, nor do I wish you harm. I am simply curious about you. Rest assured, this is between us alone; I will never speak of it to another. Making several breakthroughs in a month is nothing extraordinary; there are martial geniuses who achieve enlightenment and reach the pinnacle of martial arts in a single day. Compared to them, your progress is hardly unique."

Xu Feng thought about it and realized she was right. He was no longer a novice; he knew of various divine pills and elixirs. This level of breakthrough would not draw the attention of true masters.

Their conversation left Dong'er completely bewildered. In her memory, her young master was nothing more than a scholar—how had he become involved with martial artists?

"Miss Hong Lian, let us be clear. What exactly do you want me to do for you? If you can explain it, I might weigh the pros and cons and accept your kindness. If you cannot, I will not accept a single thing—not even the credit for the barbarian kill."

The barbarians and the Great Shun Dynasty had been at war for years, and the two nations were bitter enemies. The previous Emperor had declared on his deathbed that there could be no peace until one side had completely eradicated the other. Slaying a barbarian was a merit of great value to anyone, and many noble families scrambled for such honors. It was precisely because of this that the Feng family had driven Xu Feng out just to claim that credit for themselves; it was a stepping stone for their own kin.

Xu Feng had expected that, having spoken so plainly, she would no longer hide her intentions. Yet, Hong Lian remained tight-lipped.

"Master Xu, please settle in for now. When the imperial rewards are issued in a few days, I will tell you everything. I will keep nothing from you then. I can tell you this much in advance: I will never harm you, nor will I force you to do anything against your will."

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, Xu Feng realized that pressing further would only make him appear petty. After a moment of thought, he decided to accept her offer.

"Then I shall trouble you, Miss Hong Lian. I will keep this kindness in my heart. If you ever require my services in the future, just send word."

Hong Lian nodded with a light smile, looking perfectly satisfied. She had gone to great lengths precisely to secure a favor from him; otherwise, she never would have bothered to make this trip herself. Fortunately, the result did not disappoint. The two visited the magistrate’s office to register the property, and the villa was transferred from her name to his.

"A villa this large will be too much for the two of you to manage. You should hire a few reliable maids; you can handle those trivial matters yourself."

Xu Feng nodded. He did not intend to live an extravagant life; finding a few people to help maintain the courtyard would suffice. By comparison, he preferred the peace and quiet.