Chapter 29: Rest

“Let’s rest for a while. After dinner, we’ll set out again,” Bai Zongnan said.

“Mm-hmm.” Lin Xiyue nodded. “Let’s find a place to make a fire and prepare dinner first.”

Lin Xiyue pulled Bai Zongnan along, searching nearby for a cave where they could take shelter for a while. Before long, they found a rather spacious cave.

“Heh, I knew it!” Lin Xiyue clapped her hands. “We’re lucky today!”

She pointed to a protruding stone on the cave wall. “If you remove that, we’ll have a dry platform.”

“Oh, oh, okay,” Bai Zongnan nodded.

He squatted down and used his spiritual power to move the stone, which slowly shifted aside, revealing a space large enough for them to enter.

“Wow! The view from here is quite nice!” Lin Xiyue stood at the cave entrance, gazing outside, when suddenly a flash of blue light caught her eye.

“Wow! There’s Blue Crystal Grass over there!” she exclaimed, leaping out immediately.

Blue Crystal Grass, as its name implied, contained exceptionally pure water elements and was a rare medicinal herb. It was truly a treasure, hard to come by.

Lin Xiyue quickly picked it and stored it in her spatial pouch, then continued searching the area for other herbs.

This world was full of treasures; even random grass could be a precious herb. She felt like she was making a fortune!

The two of them had stayed in this world for several days. Each time they went hunting, they returned with abundant harvests.

One day, Lin Xiyue had just returned to the cave when she heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw it was Bai Zongnan.

Bai Zongnan entered the cave. “Xiyue, did you get anything today?”

Lin Xiyue frowned slightly. She was penniless now and couldn’t always rely on Bai Zongnan to provide for her.

“Brother Bai Zongnan, don’t worry. This world is beautiful. Once I become stronger, I’ll repay your kindness for saving me!” Lin Xiyue said firmly.

Bai Zongnan was taken aback. This girl was being so formal with him?

“I don’t want you to repay me,” Bai Zongnan said. “I hope we can help each other and benefit together.”

“I know, but I still have to thank you. If not for you, I wouldn’t have survived this long. I owe you too much.”

Bai Zongnan forced a smile. “Xiyue, do you know that in this world, many people are greedy and shameless, vile and despicable?”

“I know!”

“If you know, why are you still willing to help me?” Bai Zongnan asked.

“Because you’re kind.” Lin Xiyue answered seriously. “Not just because you saved me, but because I can see clearly who is trustworthy. I believe in you. If one day I fall on hard times, I’ll ask you for help.”

Looking at her youthful face, Bai Zongnan’s eyes reddened. He reached out and gently ruffled her soft hair.

Lin Xiyue sat quietly beside him, waiting patiently. They were about three or four meters apart.

“Xiyue, when we graduate from the academy, I’ll marry you,” Bai Zongnan pledged solemnly.

“Alright.” A sweet smile curled at Lin Xiyue’s lips.

“When we finish at the academy, I’ll take you home to see my grandfather. He’s from my grandfather’s generation, so he should agree to our marriage,” Bai Zongnan said.

“Who is your grandfather?” Lin Xiyue asked curiously.

Bai Zongnan thought for a moment, then decided to make something up. “My grandfather is Zhao Yun, current head of the Zhao family, and a master craftsman. He’s an eighth-grade alchemist and holds the highest position in the Zhao family. As long as he nods, even if my grandfather doesn’t like you, he must agree to our marriage.”

“The Zhao family holds a lofty status in the Gulan Empire, ranking among the top families on the continent.” Bai Zongnan’s eyes were filled with longing.

He had always dreamed of setting foot on the path to immortality, but his talent was poor, and he feared he’d never have the chance in this life. He only had a year left to live, and he didn’t want to waste his remaining time. He intended to accompany his beloved sister to the end of their journey.

“Rest assured, as long as you marry me, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you and your parents,” Bai Zongnan promised.

He’d made up his mind: rather than let her die alone out there, it was better for her to marry him. At least, during his lifetime, he would never let her suffer. He’d already planned that when his time came, he would lay her to rest as well.

“Brother Bai Zongnan, didn’t we agree that when I become strong enough, I’ll help you?” Lin Xiyue said seriously.

Bai Zongnan smiled gently. “Silly girl, it just feels like such a waste for you to die so young. I can’t bear it.”

Warmth surged in Lin Xiyue’s heart. The feeling of being protected was wonderful.

“Alright, let’s not talk about these unhappy things,” Bai Zongnan waved his hand, trying to act cheerful. “By the way, did you notice this river?”

“What’s wrong with the river?”

“Last night I was catching fish nearby and encountered a group of men in black,” Bai Zongnan said seriously. “I saw many corpses in the river, all decayed.”

“What about those people?” Lin Xiyue asked.

Bai Zongnan was silent for a moment, then shook his head. “No survivors caught—they probably escaped far away.”

Lin Xiyue frowned. What exactly was the target of these men in black? They’d killed so many, yet not even a complete corpse was left behind. Could it be… magical beasts?

“Alright, let’s keep moving,” Bai Zongnan said.

“Mm.” Lin Xiyue nodded. “By the way, brother Bai Zongnan, are there a lot of magical beasts in this world?”

“Yes,” Bai Zongnan nodded. “The forest is filled with all kinds of magical beasts. We don’t dare provoke them, lest we bring trouble. But they don’t dare come after us either. We’re a mercenary group—so long as we work together, we’re not afraid of magical beast attacks.”

Lin Xiyue nodded, half-understanding, finding it rather interesting.

“By the way, we haven’t had lunch yet—are you hungry?” Bai Zongnan patted his stomach. “Are you hungry?”

Lin Xiyue grinned. “I’m not, I had porridge this morning.”

“Then let’s go to the river to wash up and catch some fish. How about grilled fish for dinner?”

Lin Xiyue’s eyes sparkled, nodding eagerly. “Yes, yes! I want grilled fish!”

Lin Xiyue picked up her bundle and walked with Bai Zongnan toward the riverbank.

The place was quite hidden, deep in a valley where few people ever came.

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan washed themselves, then sat by the riverbank, set up a pot, and began cooking.

“Brother Bai Zongnan, what should we cook today?” Lin Xiyue asked.

Bai Zongnan pointed to some dried meat. “Let’s use the dried meat.”

Lin Xiyue nodded, skewered the meat with a stick, and tossed it onto the fire.

Soon, the delicious aroma of roasting meat filled the air, making mouths water.

Lin Xiyue took the skewers off the fire, handed one to Bai Zongnan, and tore off a piece for herself.

The dried meat melted in her mouth—rich and savory, with a satisfying chew.

“Brother Bai Zongnan, try this—it’s really tasty.” Lin Xiyue stuffed the remaining half of her meat skewer into Bai Zongnan’s mouth.

Bai Zongnan bit into the meat, chewing slowly. “Mm, it’s indeed better than what the taverns sell.”

“Hehe, my mother made it. She’s the best,” Lin Xiyue said proudly.

“I’ve met your aunt too—she’s beautiful and gentle. I admire her,” Bai Zongnan praised.

Lin Xiyue giggled. “Brother Bai Zongnan, isn’t my mother a great beauty?”

Bai Zongnan paused, then smiled. “Of course. She’s the only woman I’ve ever seen who can rival your mother.”

“Haha, then I’m relieved. Though my mother is ordinary, my father loves her dearly, and I’ll always honor her. I want to be a gourmet like her! Someday, I’ll build my own kitchen and open my own restaurant. I’ll invite the best chefs to teach me, and I’ll create the most delicious dishes!”

Bai Zongnan was surprised. “You want to build a kitchen?”

“Mm, it’s my dream,” Lin Xiyue insisted. “Brother Bai Zongnan, will you support me?”

Bai Zongnan hesitated. “I think your main task now should be cultivation. Cooking can wait.”

Lin Xiyue frowned. “Brother Bai Zongnan, I’m already at the peak of Level Two Warrior. With a few more days’ effort, I’ll break through to the Warrior Apprentice rank.”

“That’s not acceptable!” Bai Zongnan’s eyes widened.

“I’ve decided. I will build my own kitchen!” Lin Xiyue clenched her fists, resolute.

Bai Zongnan wavered slightly. “Are you sure?”

“I am!” Lin Xiyue said determinedly. “Once we reach the imperial city, I’ll open a grand restaurant. I want everyone to dine at our place.”

Bai Zongnan thought for a while. “Xiyue, you’ll need to discuss this with your grandfather.”

“Alright.” Lin Xiyue nodded. “I’ll find Grandfather now.”

Lin Family Village was not far from the imperial capital—just three days’ journey.

As they approached the city, Lin Xiyue sensed a thick surge of elemental energy. She opened her eyes in surprise, discovering that the air around her contained traces of metallic elements!

What was going on?

She remembered her master saying that every continent had varying numbers of spiritual roots, but most people couldn’t absorb elements or gather battle energy.

The purer the elements, the denser the spiritual energy.

Lin Xiyue’s soul was stronger than her previous self, allowing her to sense elemental fluctuations. If her soul was weaker, she might not notice a trace.

The imperial capital was a vast city, grand and majestic.

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan approached the city gate, ready to enter, but were suddenly stopped.

“Stop!”

Lin Xiyue looked in confusion at the guard. “Is there a problem?”

“This is the inner city. Strangers are forbidden to enter,” the guard swept a cold glance over them. “Leave at once.”

Bai Zongnan frowned. “We’re here for the selection test!”

“Selection test?” The guard sneered. “You two haven’t even grown your hair, and you dare take the test? Absurd!”

“Who says eighteen is the minimum age for the selection?” Bai Zongnan retorted, recalling that in the Kaiyang Sanctuary, there were no such restrictions; he himself had begun at fourteen.

“Hmph!” The guard mocked. “This time, we’re picking disciples who are at least eighteen—if not older. Who do you think you are?”

“We really are here to register!” Lin Xiyue said. “Look, we even have the test papers.”

Lin Xiyue pulled out two test papers and handed them to the guard.

The guard’s rough, dark hand turned the papers over several times before saying, “The writing is crooked, and there are all these strange symbols. I can’t understand a thing. You think you can take the test? Ridiculous! Get lost! Don’t be eyesores here!”

“You!” Lin Xiyue was furious. “Do you know who I am?”

“Oh, feisty little girl! Listen, my surname is Qin! I’m deputy captain of the Qin family’s guard. My father is Qin Zhongyong, and my grandfather is the elder master of the Qin manor! You dare question me? Believe it or not, I’ll slaughter you right now!” The deputy threatened.

“Qin Zhongyong?” Bai Zongnan was surprised and quickly searched his memory.

Qin Zhongyong was a direct descendant of the Qin family, their second son. His parents Qin Zhongren and Qin Xuelian died early, and he inherited the family business.

“So, Deputy Qin…” Bai Zongnan cupped his hands politely. “Forgive us.”

Deputy Qin smirked. “Good, you understand.”

The Qin family, as a noble house, was generous to juniors.

Deputy Qin looked at Bai Zongnan. “Is this young lady also here for the selection?”

“Yes!” Bai Zongnan nodded. “Uncle Qin, please let us in.”

“That’s impossible. It’s the family head’s rule. If I break it, I’ll be punished.”

Lin Xiyue muttered, “Grandfather says I’m useless—how can I be selected?”

Deputy Qin eyed her. “So you dare insult the Qin family?”

“I didn’t, I was just stating the truth,” Lin Xiyue defended.

Deputy Qin snapped, “You little brat! Still arguing! What are you all waiting for? Grab them and throw them out!”

“Stop!” Lin Derong came running from a distance, urgently. “Brother Qin, this is my granddaughter. Please don’t harm them!”

Deputy Qin frowned. “You know the family head’s orders! If you defy them, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

“She’s my granddaughter!” Lin Derong insisted.

“What? She’s your granddaughter?” Deputy Qin was astonished.

“Yes.” Lin Derong nodded seriously. “My granddaughter is highly talented—though young, she already has the combat strength of a ninth-tier spiritual beast!”

He pointed to Lin Xiyue’s Red-Tailed Fox.

Deputy Qin scrutinized Lin Xiyue, his gaze flickering. “Fine, I’ll do you a favor—let her try!”

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan passed smoothly through the city gate’s protective barrier.

Lin Derong was ecstatic, patting Bai Zongnan’s shoulder. “Bai Zongnan, thanks to you! If you hadn’t helped, I wouldn’t know what to do with these two little troublemakers.”

Bai Zongnan smiled awkwardly. “Uncle Lin, you’re too polite.”

Deputy Qin eyed Bai Zongnan. “Who are you?”

Lin Derong introduced him. “This is Bai Zongnan, an abandoned infant I found by the roadside and raised.”

Bai Zongnan greeted Deputy Qin politely.

“Are you here for the selection too?” Deputy Qin’s gaze was sharp.

Bai Zongnan replied, “Yes, I want to participate in the selection.”

Deputy Qin scoffed. “You’re overconfident. You haven’t even awakened your spiritual vein!”

“I just want to try. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll withdraw,” Bai Zongnan said calmly.

Lin Derong couldn’t help but praise, “I like your open-mindedness.”

Bai Zongnan smiled quietly.

Lin Derong gave Bai Zongnan a long pep talk before reluctantly leaving.

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan followed a guard forward.

“This is the testing ground,” the guard said, pointing to a stone-carved platform. “Wait beneath it. Once the selection begins, no one is to trespass—otherwise, you’ll be expelled!”

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan nodded obediently. “Thank you for the reminder.”

They waited beside the platform for the selection to start.

The Qin family’s recruitment had three stages.

First, testing the spiritual practitioner’s potential.

Second, testing the alchemist’s talent, as well as martial and magical skills.

Third, assessing the warrior’s qualifications and cultivation.

These were the most challenging.

“Miss!”

“Miss, why did you come here? This is dangerous. Let's hurry back!”

“No, I want to join the selection!”

“Miss, have mercy on your servant.”

“If you say another word, get lost!”

“Oh dear, Miss, you’ve become so irritable!”

Lin Xiyue looked up, seeing two maids bickering noisily, and rubbed her ears in annoyance, glaring at them.

The maids were startled and instantly fell silent.

Then, two elders responsible for testing approached, checking everyone’s talent and aptitude.

Actually, the Qin family held a test every half year. This time, because of the family’s big tournament, they delayed it by half a month.

Deputy Qin and Lin Derong approached and respectfully greeted the two elders.

“Deputy Qin, what’s going on?” A white-haired elder in gray robes asked sternly. “Wasn’t the test supposed to be in half a month? Why are so many children already here?”

Deputy Qin forced a smile. “I have no idea.”

“I have to report this to the family head and request stronger practitioners for testing,” said a handsome middle-aged man.

Deputy Qin said, “Elder Li, this Bai Zongnan has promising talent. Though he hasn’t awakened his spiritual vein, he possesses fifth-grade dual wood-fire attributes! He’s a good seedling—properly nurtured, he’ll achieve much!”

“Nonsense!” Elder Li rebuked. “Our Qin Dynasty’s selection never accepts useless candidates! He’s not qualified!”

Deputy Qin sighed. “Forgive me—I failed in my duties.”

Elder Li turned to Lin Derong. “Family head Lin, your granddaughter’s bones aren’t good—she’s not fit to be a Qin family bride.”

“Elder Li, you misunderstand,” Lin Derong sweated. “She’s my illegitimate granddaughter, not a Qin family bloodline! Her father is a fraud. I tried to find him, but he wouldn’t admit it.”

Lin Derong explained everything.

Lin Xiyue was furious upon hearing her father had stolen the Lin family’s treasure.

“Outrageous! How could the Lin family do this? I, Lin Xiyue, am Lin family—if I die, my bones stay with Lin family!”

Her voice rang out with conviction.

Lin Derong was moved. “Xiyan, I knew you still loved Grandfather!”

Lin Xiyue rolled her eyes.

Love? She only said it so Lin Derong wouldn’t try to stop her from joining the selection.

However, the Qin family’s selection was tough, and she’d have to give her all.

“Enough, quiet down,” Elder Li snapped. “You two, listen!”

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan fell silent, listening attentively.

Elder Li scanned the crowd. “I declare the first stage officially begins! Round one: aptitude testing! Those who pass may proceed. The higher the aptitude, the closer to the ultimate goal!”

As he spoke, a surge of elemental energy enveloped the plaza.

Lin Xiyue was surprised—so, elemental energy was formed from soul power. She wondered what it was for…

A buzzing sound, and a blue flame hovered above Lin Xiyue’s head.

“Fourth-grade water-attribute spiritualist!” Elder Li exclaimed. “Excellent! You pass!”

Lin Derong breathed a sigh of relief, smiling. “Thank you, Elder Li!”

“Wait,” Elder Li stopped Lin Derong.

Lin Derong asked, “Is there more?”

Elder Li snorted. “The talent test was judged by normal standards. But your granddaughter seems not just an ordinary water practitioner.”

Lin Derong’s pupils trembled. “Is Elder Li certain?”

Elder Li replied proudly, “I am an elder of the Qin family—I wouldn’t lie! Your granddaughter is hiding her true strength!”

Lin Derong gritted his teeth. “She isn’t hiding anything. Her attribute is earth, not water!”

“That’s impossible!” Elder Li shook his head. “I checked carefully. Your granddaughter has at least fourth-grade earth-attribute talent—no doubt! Don’t argue! If you deceive the Qin family, I’ll kill you myself!”

Lin Derong’s veins bulged, his face darkening in anger. The old man was clearly making things difficult.

“Fine, let’s test her spiritual power!” Lin Derong suppressed his anger.

Elder Li said, “If you want solid proof, let’s begin.”

He extended his hand, a small blue spiritual seal appearing in his palm.

“Go!”

Elder Li opened a talisman.

The talisman burned away.

A wisp of smoke formed into a miniature bird, circling Lin Xiyue.

Lin Xiyue was stunned, then tears of excitement welled up.

She could summon a bird-like beast!

Did this mean she qualified as a beast-tamer spiritualist?!

“Haha!” Bai Zongnan’s smile was brilliant. He’d thought such melodramatic scenes only happened in real life, yet here they were in this mythic world.

“I have beast-tamer talent! Wonderful!”

Lin Xiyue was overjoyed. Eager to test her combat power, she rushed at the little bird.

The bird deftly dodged her attack.

Undeterred, Lin Xiyue chased after it.

She gathered all her strength and struck hard!

Boom—a loud explosion.

Lin Xiyue staggered back two meters.

The bird dispersed into blue light, vanishing.

With a gasp, Lin Xiyue spat blood.

It hurt!

She wiped her mouth, glancing at Elder Li, then glared at Lin Derong. “Lin Derong, what kind of lousy rules are these? Not even martial masters are spared?”

Lin Derong blushed. “Elder Li, this girl is too mischievous.”

Elder Li frowned. “Young lady, you’re only at the ninth stage of Qi training, yet you dare use spirit arts against a martial master?”

Lin Xiyue’s expression stiffened, then she retorted, “I just wanted to try. Maybe I’d get lucky. My spirit art level is the highest!”

Elder Li was speechless, and snorted coldly. “Don’t think your spiritual talent lets you act as you please. Our test isn’t just about talent—we test loyalty and perseverance too!”

Lin Derong asked, “How do we test those?”

Elder Li said, “You can ask your village elders to help! Your village has three elders—bring us to them now!”

Lin Derong hesitated.

His goal was to recommend Lin Xiyue to the Qin family. Bringing in the other two elders would complicate things.

But refusing meant Lin Xiyue would miss this chance.

“I’ll send someone to fetch them,” Lin Derong agreed.

Lin Xiyue’s eyes brightened. “Hurry, I’ll wait.”

After Lin Derong left, Lin Xiyue deflated like a punctured ball.

“Xiyue, don’t worry—your grandfather will secure your place,” Lin Derong’s wife comforted. “I’ve told your uncle and second uncle—they’ll come soon.”

Lin Xiyue nodded. “I understand, Mother.”

For some reason, a sense of foreboding rose in her heart.

“My spirit art talent test begins!” Elder Li shouted.

Immediately, a giant stone stele rose in the plaza’s center.

The stele was five fathoms tall and seven feet wide, carved with intricate patterns and ancient inscriptions, exuding a vast, timeless aura.

On its surface were numbers.

“Name: Lin Xiyue (Bai Zongnan), Age: sixteen. Spiritual power: 0.9. Bone talent: basic wood attribute.”

“Test complete.”

“Next, I’ll check your mental strength.”

Elder Li drew a silver sword from his waist, its blade flashing coldly.

Elder Li swung the sword in midair, the moves dazzling.

Clang—

The sword rang, a brilliant white light shot from its tip, transforming into a fierce silver dragon.

The strike was formidable!

The disciples around gasped. Elder Li was so powerful—no wonder he was a Qin family elder.

Lin Xiyue was alarmed. Though she could ride a sword, she couldn’t unleash such a dangerous move in a single strike.

Clang—

The sword sang again, another white dragon sprang from its tip!

“Wow, that’s peak spirit practitioner level!” Bai Zongnan, observing, was surprised. This didn’t match the original setup—Lin Xiyue had become the protagonist, while he was an NPC.

Thinking this, Bai Zongnan silently activated his divine sense, trying to contact the real world. Surely Director Li Sikai wouldn’t ignore him in his confusion.

But… he failed.

In this illusion, there was no concept of time.

Bai Zongnan estimated he’d been in the illusion almost a month, yet only hours had passed in reality—he was still the original.

“Looks like the laws of time and space here differ from the real world!” Bai Zongnan mused. “Maybe my power has surpassed the illusion’s limits and reached a state of simplicity.”

When Bai Zongnan opened his eyes again, he heard Elder Li announce, “Lin Xiyue, your spirit art talent is 0.8! Do you accept this?”

Lin Xiyue smiled, nodding. “I accept. But I have a request.”

Elder Li said, “Speak.”

Lin Xiyue said, “I hope Elder Li will give me a Marrow Cleansing Pill. I believe my spirit art talent isn’t 0.8, but 0.4.”

The Marrow Cleansing Pill could improve aptitude and raise the grade of spiritual roots—a dream treasure for ordinary cultivators!

Lin Xiyue wasn’t inexperienced, but this pill was so precious, her heart raced.

“You want to join the Qin family?” Elder Li narrowed his eyes.

“Yes!” Lin Xiyue replied seriously.

“I won’t accept you as a registered disciple,” Elder Li said coldly. “Our Qin lineage doesn’t need useless people.”

Lin Xiyue was stunned, anger rising. “So what if you’re Qin? Why look down on the weak?”

“Because you are weak!”

Elder Li’s tone was icy. “Your aptitude is terrible! If I took you as a direct disciple, I’d lose all face!”

Lin Xiyue gritted her teeth. “Didn’t you say everything has its variables? What if my aptitude is better than yours—can’t you take me as your last disciple?”

Elder Li scoffed, shaking his head with arrogance. “I am a Qin elder, the oldest and most senior. My teaching methods are different. I’ll choose the harshest punishments to stimulate your potential. These are your trials!”

Lin Xiyue’s pupils contracted, feeling a strong sense of danger. “You can’t do this! I’m a grade-one warrior—you can’t bully me. My father is a martial general! You can’t kill me!”

Elder Li looked at her disdainfully. “So what if he’s a martial general? In all of Qinzhou City, I fear no martial general.”

Lin Xiyue was frightened. “I don’t want to die here!”

Elder Li snorted. “If you want to live, I’ll grant your wish! Let’s go!”

With a flash, Elder Li vanished.

The other four elders disappeared too, leaving Bai Zongnan bewildered and Lin Xiyue anxious.

“Master… they’re gone. Will they hit me?” Lin Xiyue was terrified, clutching Bai Zongnan’s arm, sobbing softly.

Bai Zongnan smiled bitterly. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. If anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll kill them!”

“Really?” Lin Xiyue wiped her tears, looking up with big, expectant eyes.

Bai Zongnan smiled warmly, ruffled her soft hair. “Really. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let anyone hurt you—even if I’m killed myself.”

“Who are you?” Lin Xiyue’s eyes widened. “Why protect me?”

Questions flooded Lin Xiyue’s mind.

She didn’t seem to know this “Bai Zongnan”—she even suspected he was deliberately approaching her for some scheme.

But his eyes were sincere and frank, not fake.

“Hehe…” Bai Zongnan smiled, though inwardly he was frustrated. The girl seemed to have lost her memory again, or been “reset.” What should he do?

His only option was to deceive her. If he lied long enough, she’d trust him, just like girlfriends in modern society.

“You’re my fiancée,” Bai Zongnan said with a smile.

“You’re lying!” Lin Xiyue instantly rejected. “How could I have such an ugly fiancé?”

Bai Zongnan: “…”

Lin Xiyue crossed her arms, wary, stepping back two paces. “Hey, ugly, stay away!”

Bai Zongnan’s handsome face darkened, feeling desolate.

She’d forgotten him again.

Not only forgotten, but disliked him. She hated him!

That idiot!

Didn’t she realize how much she liked herself?

Lin Xiyue saw Bai Zongnan suddenly silent and glaring at her, so she grew more guarded. “Hey, ugly! Don’t try anything funny—this is the academy. School rules are strict. If I get hurt, my father won’t let you off!”

She wouldn’t let anyone hurt him.

Elder Li was a vicious old man—she had to strike first.

Bai Zongnan’s fists clenched in frustration.

“Achoo~”

On his way to the imperial palace, Lin Haotian sneezed, raising his brows and thinking: Is someone after my daughter again?

Footsteps approached.

Lin Haotian turned to see his excited daughter-in-law, Qin Yu.

“Father, we’re here.”

Qin Yu pointed to the stone steps before the palace hall, where three golden characters were engraved: Imperial Plaza.

It was noon, and crowds were gathered around the plaza.

“Look, look! His Majesty and Her Majesty have arrived.”

“Oh, today is their birthday! Congratulations, Your Majesty—may you be vigorous and blessed forever!”

…

A mass of people vied to flatter.

Qin De, dressed in red robes, stood at the plaza’s center, his face gentle. He cupped his hands to the crowd. “Dear ministers, rise. Today, I’ve invited you all to the banquet.”

The crowd responded enthusiastically.

“Your Majesty, may I speak?” Minister of War Liu Dayuan walked forward, sweeping his gaze toward the stage. “Your Majesty, that girl…”

Qin De frowned, following Liu Dayuan’s gaze to the stage.

Qin De’s expression stiffened, feeling awkward. He coughed twice. “Liu, you’re right. That girl is too indiscreet, embracing a man in public, ruining propriety.”

Liu Dayuan sneered. “Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness—this girl is not only disheveled, but reeks of filth. Such a woman is unworthy of Your Majesty and the Qin family! I boldly propose canceling her qualification for the alchemist guild test.”

Liu Dayuan was Qin De’s most loyal supporter.

He’d long envied Lin Xiyue. He’d had a lovely daughter, but she died young. He’d dreamed of his granddaughter-in-law inheriting his legacy, ascending the throne, becoming emperor!

But now, the Qin family’s daughters were all married!

His dream was shattered!

And Lin Xiyue, wild and untamed without parental guidance, arrogant because of her alchemy talent, was unbearable to him.

Liu Dayuan’s proposal won widespread approval, everyone opposed Lin Xiyue joining the alchemist guild test.

“I object!” Lin Xiyue glared at the crowd. “I passed the guild test on my own merit—why can’t I join?”

Liu Dayuan snorted, “Because you’re ugly and useless.”

Bai Zongnan was furious. “Liu Dayuan, don’t insult my sister.”

No one could insult his sister.

Liu Dayuan’s eyes sharpened, staring at Bai Zongnan. “Who are you?”

Bai Zongnan replied coolly, “Just a nobody.”

Liu Dayuan narrowed his eyes, studying Bai Zongnan. The more he looked, the more familiar he seemed. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “You’re Bai Zongnan?! Weren’t you dead?”

Bai Zongnan smiled, a mischievous light in his violet eyes. “Yes, I’m Bai Zongnan. Now you can leave.”

“You!” Liu Dayuan’s face turned purple. “Bai Zongnan, I am an imperial official—how dare you insult me!”

“Liu Dayuan, insult my brother again and I’ll beat you up!” Lin Xiyue said, hands on hips.

She was fiercely protective. Anyone who bullied her family—even kin—would get beaten!

Bai Zongnan’s expression eased.

Little sister was truly sweet~

Liu Dayuan stormed off in a fury.

“Hey, wait for me!” Lin Xiyue called.

“Miss…” Donglan, anxious, wanted to speak but hesitated.

Miss, how could you be so intimate with a man?

“Let’s go,” Bai Zongnan took Lin Xiyue’s hand. “I’ll escort you into the Imperial Hall.”