The Rich Go Wild

Beneath the night sky, the city shimmered with dazzling lights, concealing countless surging desires and undercurrents. Lin Fan drove the car, taking the three Saints—who had just reached a preliminary "agreement" with the authorities—back to the rental apartment. The atmosphere in the car was somewhat subtle. Yuanshi Tianzun sat with his eyes closed, resting, as though the meeting had been no more than a trivial matter. Taishang Laojun still held his enamel mug, gazing out at the busy traffic with a deep look in his eyes, lost in thought. Goddess Nüwa furrowed her brow slightly, as if sensing something.

Lin Fan's feelings were even more complicated. On one hand, their initial contact with the authorities had gone fairly smoothly. At least they had temporarily avoided the worst-case scenario of open conflict and secured some room to maneuver. On the other hand, the news that the "Qingre Pill" had cured late-stage brain cancer had landed like a nuclear bomb. The chain reaction it had triggered had only just begun, and he could practically see countless troubles coming their way.

Sure enough, his premonition came true soon enough.

Just as their car was about to enter the Residential Complex, Lin Fan's phone began vibrating furiously like a death knell. Countless unfamiliar numbers flashed across the screen, while text messages and notifications from social media apps kept pouring in. He gave them a quick glance. They were all much the same—

"Is this Mr. Lin? I'm the chairman's secretary at XX Group. I heard you know Divine Doctor Li. Our chairman is seriously ill. We beg you to make an introduction. We'll reward you handsomely!"

"Mr. Lin Fan, we're from the XX Foundation. We'd like to collaborate with Divine Doctor Li to develop the 'Qingre Pill.' Name your terms!"

"Mr. Lin, please save us! My father has late-stage liver cancer. Please give us a chance. We'll pay anything!"

"I'm warning you: hand over the formula for the 'Qingre Pill,' or else..."

Calls, texts, and even private messages sent through special channels came pouring in like snowflakes. The messages ranged from pleas and tempting offers to outright threats. Clearly, news of Wang Jianguo's "return from the dead" had spread at astonishing speed through high society and even certain shadowy circles. And as the person publicly known to be closest to "Divine Doctor Li," Lin Fan had naturally become everyone's target.

Lin Fan felt his scalp prickle. He hurriedly silenced his phone, but the flashing lights on the screen still left him on edge.

"You can't quiet a tree when the wind won't stop blowing." Yuanshi Tianzun slowly opened his eyes in the passenger seat and spoke in an even tone, as if he knew exactly what was happening outside.

Laojun chuckled and took a sip of tea. "Wealth moves the heart, and what could move it more than a person's life? It's only natural."

Nüwa sighed softly. "I fear this 'natural response' will bring no end of trouble."

When the car entered the Residential Complex, the sight before them made Lin Fan suck in a sharp breath. The old complex, which had been relatively quiet, was now jammed with luxury cars of every kind! Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, and Audis were practically ordinary. Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis were everywhere, and there were even several black sedans with special license plates, clearly belonging to the authorities. Men and women dressed in fine clothes, all with an air of distinction, waited anxiously downstairs or surrounded people who seemed to be residents, asking them questions. The whole place was in utter chaos.

Lin Fan couldn't get the car anywhere near the entrance to their building.

"This... This is way over the top!" Lin Fan exclaimed.

"It seems this is no longer a suitable place to stay," Yuanshi said, glancing at the scene outside and furrowing his brow.

In the end, Lin Fan had no choice but to park farther away, outside the complex. He then walked through the "jungle" of luxury cars and people with the three Saints. Their appearance immediately caused a commotion.

"It's Lin Fan!"

"That's Divine Doctor Li!"

"Divine Doctor Li! Please save us!"

"Mr. Lin, please wait!"

The crowd surged toward them like a rising tide. Bodyguards, assistants, family members, and all sorts of people surrounded the four of them, all talking at once. Some handed over business cards, others pressed envelopes into their hands—clearly containing checks or bank cards—while still others pleaded outright. A few even tried to kneel. The scene descended into complete chaos.

Lin Fan was shoved from side to side, feeling as if he'd fallen into a pot of boiling porridge. He desperately tried to shield the three Saints, but Yuanshi, Laojun, and Nüwa seemed to have invisible walls of energy around them. No matter how hard the frenzied crowd tried, they couldn't get within a meter of the three, and could only reach out and shout helplessly from beyond the invisible barrier.

Laojun faced the chaos with his usual beaming smile, as though he were watching a spectacle that had nothing to do with him. Yuanshi's expression was cold, and a hint of impatience showed in his eyes. Nüwa shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with pity for all living beings, driven as they were by desire.

"Silence."

Just as Lin Fan was about to lose his mind from the noise, Yuanshi Tianzun spoke calmly. His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an invisible authority. It cut clearly through the din and rang directly in everyone's soul!

In an instant, every sound within ten meters of the four of them stopped dead. The people who had been shouting, pleading, and even weeping seemed to have their throats suddenly squeezed shut. Their mouths hung open, but not a sound came out. Their eyes were filled with shock and confusion. Those farther away were also cowed by the eerie silence and stopped clamoring without thinking.

An uncanny pocket of silence settled over the entire entrance to the complex.

Yuanshi's cold gaze swept over the now silent crowd. He spoke slowly. "Doctor Li is not seeing patients today. Please leave."

His words carried an unquestionable force. Though the people silenced by his power were frantic inside, their bodies began to stiffly retreat against their will, as if an invisible force were driving them away. Before long, the entrance to the building had been cleared.

Lin Fan seized the opportunity and hurriedly escorted the three Saints into the building, temporarily shutting out the chaos and frenzy outside.

Back in the rental apartment, which felt more cramped and precious than ever, Lin Fan finally let out a long breath. He felt as if he'd just fought a battle. He glanced into the corner and saw that Gong Gong was still asleep—or rather, digesting the memories that had broken through his seal. Master Tongtian sat cross-legged nearby, his sword intent held in check. He swept a sharp glance over them, lingering for a moment on Yuanshi. He seemed to have sensed what had happened outside and noticed the traces of Yuanshi's intervention, but he didn't ask.

"This can't go on," Lin Fan said, rubbing his throbbing temples. "Those people outside won't give up easily. And although the authorities have tacitly allowed Senior Laojun to practice medicine, they're bound to be keeping an eye on us with all this commotion."

"Don't worry." Laojun sat down on his little stool, calm and unhurried. "This was to be expected. We can use the opportunity to sort through them."

"Sort through them?" Lin Fan asked, confused.

"When seeking treatment, sincerity matters. But those with corrupt hearts who care only for gain often suffer from greed, hatred, and delusion. Medicine cannot cure such ills, nor do I wish to treat them." Laojun spoke leisurely. "Besides, since we've already decided to move, we can use this 'buzz' to find a suitable place."

Lin Fan's eyes lit up. "You mean... we can get the people seeking our help to find us a place?"

"That's one way to look at it." Laojun nodded with a beaming smile. "The mortals of this world have convenient ways to find a residence and acquire property. We need only let word get out, and some 'person of destiny' will take care of it for us."

Lin Fan understood. They were going to use the resources and connections of wealthy magnates to find and secure the abandoned sanatorium in the suburbs! That would be far more efficient than him going around asking everywhere like a headless fly, then having to deal with all the red tape himself!

As expected, experience really did count.

Just as Lin Fan was wondering how to "let word get out," his phone began vibrating again. The caller was an unfamiliar number labeled "Real Estate Agent," but its last digits were exceptionally auspicious. He hesitated, then glanced at Laojun, who gave him a slight nod.

Lin Fan answered and turned on speakerphone.

"May I speak with Mr. Lin Fan?" A man's voice came through the phone, extremely respectful and even a little obsequious.

"This is Lin Fan. Who's this?"

"Hello, Mr. Lin! Sorry to bother you! I'm Little Wang from Wansheng Real Estate. I'm contacting you on behalf of our chairman, Mr. Wang Jianguo!" The other man sounded so enthusiastic it was almost absurd. "I heard that you and Divine Doctor Li are looking for a quiet place to live. Our chairman took a keen interest as soon as he found out and immediately ordered us to use all our resources to find some properties that meet your requirements! In particular, there's Jingxin Garden on the west side of the city. It used to be a sanatorium for government officials. It's nestled against the mountains and faces the water, with an excellent environment, a private courtyard, and all the facilities you could need. The title is clear, too! If you and Divine Doctor Li approve, Wansheng Group will handle all the paperwork from start to finish. We can complete the transfer in as little as three days!"

Jingxin Garden! It was the very abandoned sanatorium Yuanshi had set his sights on!

Lin Fan was secretly startled. Wang Jianguo had moved so fast! And how could he have such influence, easily securing even a property with such a special background?

He covered the phone and looked at the Saints for their opinion.

Yuanshi nodded slightly. Laojun smiled but didn't commit. Nüwa also nodded gently.

Lin Fan understood. He turned back to the phone and said, "Thank Mr. Wang for us. We're indeed interested in Jingxin Garden. But we'll need Divine Doctor Li to see the place in person before we can decide whether it's suitable."

"No problem! Absolutely no problem!" Little Wang's voice rose several pitches with excitement. "Anytime! Just let us know when you and Divine Doctor Li are free, and we'll send a car to pick you up! No, I'll drive over myself! We'll make sure you receive the best service!"

After hanging up, Lin Fan felt as if none of it were real. The problems of funding and finding a place, which had troubled him for so long, had been solved just like that, all because of a single "Qingre Pill"? Was this... the resources and efficiency of top-tier billionaires?

But Wang Jianguo's show of gratitude was only the beginning.

Over the next half day, Lin Fan's phone was nearly blown up by calls, and there were too many messages to keep track of. Offers of "help" kept pouring in through all sorts of channels—

The CEO of XX Pharmaceutical Group offered ten billion yuan to buy out the formula and patent rights for the "Qingre Pill."

An overseas billionaire offered to donate a Pacific island, asking only that Divine Doctor Li become his family's personal health consultant.

A prominent patriarch from a powerful family sent over a black card with no spending limit and the keys to a top-tier mountain villa, asking only for one "Qingre Pill" to keep on hand in case of emergency.

Even some shadowy forces with a whiff of blood about them sent vague threats and tempting partnership offers, hinting that they could help "take care of" any problems with the authorities or the secular world.

Looking at these bizarre messages, steeped in money and power, Lin Fan felt dazzled—and a chill ran through him again and again. He realized profoundly that the "Qingre Pill" represented more than the hope of curing terminal illnesses. It was also a terrifying force capable of overturning the existing balance of interests and unleashing countless bloody storms!

And the "madness" of these wealthy people, powerful figures, and even underworld forces had only just begun to reveal the tip of the iceberg.

"Well?" Laojun asked with a smile, seeing how overwhelmed and exhausted Lin Fan looked. "Have you experienced the power of 'wealth' and 'influence' in this world?"

Lin Fan nodded with a bitter smile. "I have... It's insane."

"This is one aspect of the myriad beings." Laojun spoke evenly. "Use it wisely, and it can be of help. Become consumed by it, and it can be dangerous. We stand above worldly concerns. We can borrow its power to accomplish our own aims without letting it entangle us."

Lin Fan took a deep breath and nodded. He knew he had to adapt to the situation as soon as possible. He needed to learn to maneuver between the various forces and use their resources to serve the Saints, while staying clearheaded and resisting the lure of immense wealth and power.

He sorted through the messages, recording the relatively "clean" offers from people with clear backgrounds who could genuinely help. He paid particular attention to the details of transferring ownership of Jingxin Garden and renovating it afterward, and held preliminary discussions with the professional team Wang Jianguo had sent.

Just as Lin Fan was busy beyond measure, Gong Gong, who had been asleep all this time, began to tremble violently again. A suppressed, beastlike growl escaped his throat. The three remnants in his arms flickered erratically, and a chaotic, violent aura of the Ancestral Witches—tinged with boundless sorrow—spread through the room once more.

Master Tongtian abruptly opened his eyes. His sword intent locked onto Gong Gong, ready to stop him if he lost control again.

Yuanshi, Laojun, and Nüwa all turned their gaze toward him at the same time.

Gong Gong's memories seemed to be coming back further. The truth of the Primordial Era's destruction, the fall of Mount Buzhou, and the mysterious "they" was gradually being revealed.

Meanwhile, the frenzy among the wealthy, sparked by the "Qingre Pill," continued to intensify, beginning to develop in a more dangerous and uncontrollable direction.

Lin Fan put down his phone and rubbed his brow. He looked out the window at the crowds and traffic still milling about unwilling to leave, then glanced at Gong Gong, whose aura was unsteady, and the Saints standing ready around him.

He knew that their peaceful days were gone for good. Their tiny "Primordial Era Office in the Mortal Realm" was about to be drawn into a vast whirlpool woven from money, power, desire, and ancient grudges.

And all of this was only the beginning.