The Black-Clothed Man's words just now proved that he had begun to waver. As long as Fan Lang pressed the advantage, he could resolve this crisis.
As for swearing a poisonous oath, Fan Lang did not care in the slightest. He could simply refrain from retaliating against the mastermind in the future. It was not as if he had suffered any losses—not even a single hair had been harmed.
A gentleman's word was as good as gold. Though he was no gentleman, he still valued promises and oaths greatly. Once he gave his word, he would keep it.
"I, Fan Lang, swear here and now: if I settle accounts after the harvest over today's events and seek revenge against you, may heaven strike me with five bolts of lightning and grant me a miserable death!" Fan Lang raised his hand and swore.
The four Black-Clothed Men exchanged glances again. One of them nodded, while the other three silently accepted. The icy killing intent that had erupted earlier gradually subsided and returned to calm.
"We have offended you today. Let us pretend nothing happened; that will be best for everyone. The same thing will not happen again. Farewell."
One of the Black-Clothed Men offered these polite words, then leaped away and quickly vanished into the woods. The other three Black-Clothed Men departed as well, abandoning their attempt to assassinate Fan Lang.
This truly had been all thunder and no rain. The Black-Clothed Men had arrived menacingly, yet Fan Lang scared them off with just a few words. They had not even exchanged blows.
Of course, the danger had been real. Had Fan Lang not remained calm and handled things properly, the outcome would never have been this favorable. He and Li Yunyan had taken a trip to the Gates of Hell.