Already at chapter 58—having wealth truly allows one to do as they please.

I Became the Villain in a Novel When the tiger is away from home 2818 words 2026-03-04 23:50:22

Ye Tian’s master spoke with a hint of helplessness. Since Li Jian San had already sensed his presence and had not acted for so long, he must have his own reasons. This young man’s vision and temperament far exceeded those of ordinary people. If he truly harbored intentions toward Ye Tian, his current state might not be enough to counter him.

Li Jian San replied with a faint smile, “No need to worry, senior. There’s nothing major; I’m simply curious about the power behind Ye Tian and wanted to meet you.”

Ye Tian’s master gazed at Li Jian San’s expressionless face, unable to discern his true thoughts. Yet Ye Tian, standing to the side, stared furiously at Li Jian San, certain that his arrival meant trouble.

Unable to read Li Jian San’s intentions, Ye Tian’s master could only sigh, “I am but a remnant soul, hardly worthy of being called a senior. Young man, you are too modest.”

Li Jian San glanced at Ye Tian and said, “Even someone as useless as Ye Tian managed to improve rapidly under your guidance, senior. I think you’re being overly modest.”

Ye Tian’s face darkened instantly at Li Jian San’s words.

Noticing Ye Tian’s reaction, his master spoke with a hint of admonition, “Young man, what do you mean by that? Ye Tian’s progress in cultivation is due to his own effort, not much to do with me.”

Though his words were directed at Li Jian San, they were meant more for Ye Tian.

Li Jian San chuckled, “Without your guidance, no matter how hard Ye Tian tried, it would all be in vain, wouldn’t it?”

Li Jian San’s words made Ye Tian explode with anger. “Li Jian San, who are you calling useless?”

But Li Jian San didn’t answer directly, instead smiling at Ye Tian’s master. “With your abilities, senior, why tie yourself to a single tree?”

“Why not choose a better master…”

As he spoke, Li Jian San’s hand reached toward Ye Tian’s jade pendant, probing.

But he was quickly repelled by a powerful force.

Clearly, the old sage rejected his offer.

Ye Tian immediately burst out, “Li Jian San, you bastard! What do you think you’re doing?”

Ye Tian’s agitation was understandable; his greatest secret had been uncovered by Li Jian San. This was his strongest reliance now, and yet Li Jian San was now targeting his master. Li Jian San outmatched him in every way. If his master succumbed to temptation and left him, how could he continue on his path?

His master shook his head in disappointment at Ye Tian’s display. The boy was resilient, but his temperament was too easily swayed. Meanwhile, Li Jian San possessed an extraordinary mind and vision.

Now, his master began to feel a tinge of regret. Perhaps this young man was not a bad choice after all…

But the thought quickly faded. No, he owed everything to Ye Tian—it was Ye Tian who awakened him. How could he abandon him for a bit of petty gain?

Ye Tian glanced between his master and Li Jian San, seeming to guess something. “Li Jian San, you bastard! How dare you covet my master? Shameless!”

Li Jian San paid no heed to Ye Tian’s curses, instead smiling calmly. “Covet your master? I hadn’t thought of that, but now that you mention it, it’s not a bad idea.”

Ye Tian’s face twisted with fury, “Ah… Li Jian San, I’ll kill you!”

“Ye Tian, calm yourself! Focus your mind!” Seeing this, his master quickly sent a message into Ye Tian’s mind, urging him to regain composure.

His master was at a loss as to why Ye Tian, usually so calm, was so easily unsettled by Li Jian San’s words.

‘He’s still young—at this age, how can his temperament remain steady? His journey is still long…’

“Master, I…”

Ye Tian gradually calmed, but his face remained pale.

“If you truly care about your master, you shouldn’t bind him. Don’t you know he’s only a remnant soul now? Do you think he can last much longer in this state? Or that your current abilities could restore him to life?”

“I doubt it’s possible. If you truly want what’s best for him, you shouldn’t hold him back!”

Then Li Jian San turned to Ye Tian’s master, speaking sincerely, “Senior, these words are for you as well. With your current power, I fear your soul won’t last much longer. If you follow me, I won’t promise you’ll return to your peak, but at least your soul will be secure. And I promise, in time, I’ll help you forge a new body and restore your former glory. Even if you doubt my ability, the Shengjing Sect behind me should reinforce your trust…”

Meanwhile, Ye Tian stood frozen. If you truly want what’s best for him, you shouldn’t hold him back!

Li Jian San’s words echoed in his mind.

“Have I been holding my master back all this time?”

Ye Tian’s master frowned, sensing Li Jian San’s true intent. First, to test him; second, to disturb Ye Tian’s temperament—which was likely the main purpose of his visit. With this realization, he found Li Jian San quite frightening.

“Ye Tian, calm yourself. He’s trying to disturb your state of mind!”

His master channeled what little soul power remained, sending it into Ye Tian’s mind to help him regain clarity.

Li Jian San remarked, “Senior, to waste your dwindling soul power—what’s the point?”

Ye Tian’s master looked at Li Jian San and replied, “Young man, you needn’t say more. Ye Tian granted me new life; no matter what, I will not abandon him.”

Li Jian San seemed a little disappointed, but soon his smile returned. “Senior, consider my offer.”

“Young man, there’s no need to say more, I—”

Before he could finish, Li Jian San produced a golden pill. “This is a third-grade Soul Gathering Pill. I believe you know its effects better than I do. Though it might be trivial in your eyes, it can stabilize your soul for a time.”

Ye Tian’s master’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected Li Jian San to present him with a pill—and a third-grade one at that. Though it wasn’t a great treasure, it was exactly what he needed now. For Li Jian San, such a pill was precious, and the gesture was full of sincerity.

“With your current state, senior, keep the pill. As for anything else, I won’t force you. Please rest assured.”

“But I still hope you’ll give it careful thought.”

Seeing the change in Ye Tian’s master, Li Jian San smiled inwardly. In this world, wealth truly can accomplish anything…

Without waiting for a reply, Li Jian San left the pill and departed.

“Should I follow him?”

Truth be told, Ye Tian’s master was tempted by Li Jian San’s approach. He had always thought well of Li Jian San—such mind and magnanimity at a young age, perhaps one day he would become a great figure…