No one knows exactly how old Lin Yao is.

At this moment, her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her skin was as smooth as jade, and she exuded charm with every move. She looked to be no more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old, and compared to Shi Yujiao, she was even more pitiful and moving.

When she removed the veil, revealing her stunningly beautiful face, the entire hall seemed to be illuminated by a dazzling light.

Lin Xunhuan narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of amazement flashing in them.

Liu Ruyan subconsciously bit her lower lip, a hint of jealousy flashing across her face.

The silver-haired swordsman's hand, gripping the hilt of his sword, trembled slightly.

Shang Qiyuan and the old man with white hair exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

Even Ying Xue, Gongsun Yaoqin, Zhou Chi and Fang Qing, Ye Qianqiu and Ye Qianqian were all captivated by Lin Yao's beauty, their gazes lingering on her for a long time.

Ye Qianqiu, in particular, stared intently; even a spoiled young master like him rarely saw such a beauty.

Although Fang Han remained calm, he couldn't help but take a few more glances.

It must be admitted that the sect leader of the Poison King Sect, in terms of looks, is comparable to Gongsun Yaoqin; both are rare beauties in the world.

"Lin Yao, are you truly willing to be my maid?"

Fang Han's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Lin Yao. His voice was calm but tinged with scrutiny. "You're not planning to launch a fatal attack on me from behind when I'm not looking, are you? After all, you're the head of a sect. Aren't you afraid of losing face by serving as my maid? I think you should get up and leave before I change my mind. Of course, the Poison King Sect has a bad reputation in the martial world. I advise you to curb your evil deeds after returning to Guyue City. Otherwise, if I run into you again, I'll make sure you lose your life."

“Mr. Fang, you may have been prejudiced against me because I took in two good-for-nothing disciples, Shi Wenshan and Shi Yujiao. Now I truly submit to you, and I would never do anything to harm you.”

Lin Yao slowly rose as instructed, a hint of helplessness flashing in her beautiful eyes. She sighed softly, "The reason I took in these two foolish disciples is because I value the Shi family's influence in Guyue City. Only by joining forces with the Shi family can I control the trade in Guyue City. You should know that the head of the Shi family, Shi Tianyong, is a powerful expert at the early stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and Shi Tianyong's younger brother, Shi Tianming, is a subordinate general under Guo Tianyi, the county magistrate of Tianyuan County."

Mentioning Tianyuan County stirred a ripple in everyone's heart.

The highest official in Tianyuan Commandery was the Commander, who controlled all affairs of the commandery. The Commandant assisted the Commander in commanding the commandery troops. The Lieutenant General, as the commander of the commandery troops, was not a high-ranking official in the imperial court, but he still wielded considerable power in the local area due to his military authority.

The deputy general, in particular, who was highly regarded by the prefectural commandant, was even more imposing.

"It seems that Shi Wenshan and Shi Yujiao are determined to take revenge, and they are relying on their uncle Shi Tianming."

Fang Han frowned slightly and said thoughtfully.

However, a minor general is really nothing to him.

Not long ago, his uncle Fang Sihai killed Jiang Hong, the commander of the Demon Division Yanming City Command, whose aunt was the wife of the Prefect Guo Tianyi.

However, after learning about this, Guo Tianyi did not dare to seek revenge against Fang Han. He even came to Yanming City to deliver a letter to Fang Han apologizing.

Because Guo Tianyi knew some of Fang Han's identities.

Fang Han is the supreme guest elder of the Demon Suppression Division. This identity alone is enough to suppress Guo Tianyi, the county magistrate, completely.

Shi Wenshan and Shi Yujiao's uncle, Shi Tianming, was just a subordinate of Guo Tianyi, and he wanted to seek revenge against Fang Han.

I'm afraid that if Fang Han just sends a heart to Guo Tianyi, Guo Tianyi will deal with Shi Tianming.

“That’s right. Although Shi Tianming is a lieutenant general, he is a confidant of Commandant Guo Tianyi.”

Lin Yao nodded in agreement, "That's why no one in Guyue City dares to defy the power of the Shi family. Shi Wenshan and Shi Yujiao rely on their family's influence and are arrogant and domineering, committing all sorts of evil deeds."

After a pause, Lin Yao looked intently at Fang Han and said sincerely, "I want to stay by your side as a maid not just to survive, but because I know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me."

"You're quite clever, woman." Fang Han couldn't help but sigh softly, secretly admiring Lin Yao's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

However, Gongsun Yaoqin, listening to Lin Yao's words, felt a mix of emotions, a bitter taste in her mouth.

Lin Yao is breathtakingly beautiful. If she stays by Fang Han's side for a long time, with her beauty and cunning, she is very likely to get close to him.

Gongsun Yaoqin, as Fang Han's apprentice, has a close relationship with him, but she cannot overstep the bounds of propriety.

She certainly didn't want to see another woman become her teacher's wife.

Thinking of this, a hint of unease and anxiety flashed in Gongsun Yaoqin's eyes.

"Lin Yao, I don't need any maids. This time, you should atone for your sins with jewels."

Fang Han said, "This gem auction has been cancelled. Consider these gems as compensation for us. You can leave now. I hope you will take care of yourself."

"Thank you, Mr. Fang, for sparing my life! When I return to Guyue City, I will definitely go to the Shi family and have the head of the Shi family, Shi Tianyong, personally come to apologize to you."

Lin Yao bowed respectfully to Fang Han, his tone sincere.

Having survived the ordeal, she secretly rejoiced, yet a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes, as if she truly regretted not being able to stay by Fang Han's side.

However, it was difficult for outsiders to tell whether this was a genuine expression of her feelings or a pretense.

"By the way, where did you get these gems?"

Just as Lin Yaoyao was leaving, Fang Han suddenly asked a question.

In fact, Fang Han wouldn't want any ordinary gemstone at all.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!