Three Knockings at the Door! A Tentative Deal!

After the two left, Li Bufan shut the door and sat down. He let out a long breath of stale air, his mind teeming with thoughts.

"I never expected this to be so troublesome. A tiny Pill Combat Tournament has dragged so many matters into it. The Ruan Family, the Danxuan Sect, and those two masters..."

Lin Zhiyan walked over, sat beside him, and gently took his hand. "It's all right, Bufan. Whatever happens, I'll be with you."

Li Bufan nodded. "Mm. With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything." Yet inwardly, he continued to ponder. He truly could not make out the intentions of those two old men.

Both of them had been probing for information about Elder Chen, while Elder Chen had told him not to speak of his affairs to anyone else. What exactly was their relationship? Were they enemies or friends? He shook his head, pushing the matter from his mind and refusing to dwell on it further.

Just as Li Bufan was lost in thought, there came another knock at the door.

Li Bufan and Lin Zhiyan exchanged a look, a trace of helplessness flashing through their eyes.

"What's going on today? One wave after another, like it's market day," Li Bufan muttered under his breath as he rose and walked toward the door.

Lin Zhiyan focused slightly, her true essence quietly circulating as she prepared for any sudden turn of events.

Li Bufan opened the door.

Standing outside was a familiar face.

Ruan Zhiwei.

She had changed into another outfit—a plain white long dress. Her hair was simply pinned up behind her head, making her seem somewhat less sharp and somewhat gentler than before.

She looked at Li Bufan, bit her lip, and said softly, "Li Brother, forgive me for disturbing you