Chapter 2

He Lan Ling was the eldest disciple under her father Lin Fu Feng, gentle as jade with an excellent temperament. He was a naturally gifted cultivator who, despite his young age, had not only achieved mastery in the sword path but was also proficient in various Spells and Talismans, even dabbling in the Divination Path.  

Most importantly, he was exceptionally good-looking, adored by everyone in the sect—even the geese Lin Sa Sa kept in the lake liked him.  

Only Lin Sa Sa was the exception.  

She didn’t like He Lan Ling. From the moment she first saw him as a child, she disliked him. If she had to name a reason, it was Qiu Hui.  

At first, she found He Lan Ling frighteningly intelligent—though she didn’t like him, she could still interact with him normally. Later, after her father brought Luo Shui Wei back to the sect, seeing He Lan Ling shower Luo Shui Wei with gentle care turned her dislike into outright annoyance.  

What was the use of being smart and handsome if his judgment was flawed? The man was blind.  

Now that Lin Sa Sa had finished reading the entire book, it proved her dislike for He Lan Ling was justified. Beneath his mild and harmless exterior hid countless secrets. Even by the time she died, she had never managed to see through him.  

Truly worthy of being the male lead.  

Lin Sa Sa had always been acutely sensitive to danger. If not absolutely necessary, she truly didn’t want to interact with He Lan Ling. But now that she had taken on the villain’s role, she had no choice but to do her duty—finding ways to make life difficult for the male and female leads.  

The moment she threw herself into He Lan Ling’s arms, the warning chime in her ears vanished. At the same time, Lin Sa Sa realized just how tall he was.  

She prided herself on being tall and well-proportioned, but after rushing into He Lan Ling’s embrace, she barely reached his shoulders. It was the first time she had been so close to a man. She caught a faint, cool fragrance and, unsure, buried her face deeper to sniff twice more—confirming that this man had secretly used scented powder.  

A bit perverted, really.  

“Junior Sister Lin?” He Lan Ling probably hadn’t expected Lin Sa Sa to throw herself into his arms either. Stunned for a moment, he didn’t push her away.  

Lin Sa Sa had two tanghulu stuffed in her mouth, her face scrunching from the sourness, rendering her speechless. She swallowed with effort, tilting her face up to meet He Lan Ling’s gaze. Her rouged lips, more tempting than the tanghulu, curved into a deep smile.  

Seeing her smile, He Lan Ling lowered his face slightly, long lashes fluttering as he returned a faint smile.  

Lin Sa Sa was momentarily dazzled by his smile. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed, “Brother Ling, did you miss Sa Sa?”  

She had assumed He Lan Ling would be flustered, uncomfortable, or even annoyed by her teasing. But He Lan Ling was harder to handle than she expected. The man showed no discomfort at all, casually uttering a single word as if humoring a child, “Yes.”  

Tsk. Now Lin Sa Sa was the one at a loss.  

Thanks to her antics, Luo Shui Wei’s hand, which had been resting on He Lan Ling’s arm, had long since withdrawn. Seeing Luo Shui Wei standing stiffly to the side, her smile gone, Lin Sa Sa’s mood improved considerably. She released He Lan Ling and took a few steps back.  

“Where’s my father?” When she looked at He Lan Ling again, her earlier enthusiasm had completely faded.  

He Lan Ling wasn’t surprised, answering gently, “Master is healing his injuries in the main hall.”  

“My father is injured?!” No wonder the first thing he did upon returning wasn’t to see her.  

Lin Sa Sa’s heart clenched. She immediately lifted her skirt and hurried up the steps. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to toss away Luo Shui Wei’s tanghulu, muttering, “What kind of garbage is this? So sour it makes your teeth weak. Even dogs wouldn’t eat it.”  

Luo Shui Wei’s face paled, then flushed, her eyes welling with tears.

“Senior Brother,” she sniffled, somewhat dejected. “Junior Sister still dislikes me so much. What should I do?”

He Lan Ling lowered his gaze to his sleeve, where a small stain of syrup marred the pristine white fabric—left there when Lin Sa Sa had nestled in his arms eating candied hawthorns earlier. The lingering sweetness of the girl’s unique fragrance still clung to his senses as he calmly reassured his junior sister, “It’s alright. In such a vast Sect, very few can earn her favor.”

“You must be one of those rare few, Senior Brother.”

Luo Shui Wei said it almost jokingly, with a hint of cautious probing. “Junior Sister seems to like you quite a bit.”

“Is that so?” He Lan Ling raised an eyebrow, his two simple words giving no hint of his thoughts as he turned his gaze toward the main hall.

Inside the hall, Lin Fu Feng had just changed out of his bloodstained robes. Exhausted, he leaned back on the couch, his jet-black hair spilling onto the floor, his face pale and drained of color. Before he could activate another Spirit Technique, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. Without waiting for an announcement, the door was pushed open, and someone strode in.

“Sa Sa,” Lin Fu Feng called out helplessly. In the entire Sect, only she would dare to be so bold.

Lin Sa Sa rushed to the couch in a few steps. Seeing Lin Fu Feng’s loose robes hiding any signs of injury, she knelt before him anxiously. “I heard you were hurt! Where? Let me see!”

Lin Fu Feng intercepted her reaching hand, coughing lightly to reassure her. “Your father isn’t badly hurt. It’s nothing serious.”

“But your face is so pale.”

Lin Fu Feng: “It’s just age catching up. These days of rough living have worn me out.”

The excuse was so flimsy it sounded like he was talking to a fool.

Lin Fu Feng was a cultivator at the peak of the Great Ascension Stage, a name that ranked among the most prominent figures in the Cultivation World. He had long since achieved Bigu, no longer partaking in mortal sustenance. Unless he had encountered something truly formidable, there was no way he could have been injured like this.

Yet Lin Sa Sa believed him.

As a novice who had just reached the Qi Refining Stage, she knew very little about cultivation. She eyed Lin Fu Feng suspiciously for a few moments before finally saying, “Then you should rest well these days. Eat more meat to regain your strength.”

She had always thought her father ate too little.

This exchange between father and daughter was overheard in its entirety by He Lan Ling, who had just arrived at the threshold, leaving him unsure whether to enter.

Lin Fu Feng noticed him and tried to steady his breathing. After hearing Lin Sa Sa’s words, he chuckled softly and gently stroked her cheek.

“Let your father take a good look at you,” Lin Fu Feng said, coughing again.

His high cultivation had frozen his appearance in time, leaving him with refined, youthful features that made him look more like an older brother than a father when standing beside Lin Sa Sa.

“It’s good that you’re awake.” Seeing her conscious now, the knot of worry in his heart loosened considerably, and he finally felt at ease.

Lin Fu Feng was too severely injured to maintain his composure for long in front of Lin Sa Sa. After exchanging a few more words, he urged her to leave, citing Sect duties as an excuse. Though Lin Sa Sa wanted to stay and talk longer, she understood the situation and reluctantly nodded before departing.

“Then you must rest properly.”

As she walked out and He Lan Ling walked in, the two passed each other. He Lan Ling politely greeted her as “Junior Sister.” In the past, Lin Sa Sa would have ignored him, but things were different now. She glanced up at him and softly replied, “Mm.”

This change did not escape Lin Fu Feng’s notice.

After Lin Sa Sa left, he couldn’t help but remark to He Lan Ling, “After going through all this, that child has finally learned to rein in her temper.”

Due to his severe injuries, Lin Fu Feng decided to go into seclusion for half a year. Before retreating, he delegated most of the sect’s authority to He Lan Ling, along with a few lingering concerns.

“Although Sa Sa has awakened, her body remains weak and hasn’t fully recovered. The infusion of Spiritual Power must not be interrupted.”

He Lan Ling understood Lin Fu Feng’s meaning and lowered his gaze in promise. “This disciple will ensure to infuse Spiritual Power for my junior sister daily.”

Lin Fu Feng nodded. “She’s just entered the Qi Refining Stage—her foundation is unstable, and she’s still playful. Keep an eye on her and teach her some appropriate techniques when needed.”

“This disciple understands.”

“And as for Wei’er…” Lin Fu Feng paused, his lips moving as if hesitating to speak.

He Lan Ling grasped his meaning swiftly. “Junior sister has always been well-behaved. This disciple will also take good care of her and ensure no mishaps befall her.”

Having cultivated to Lin Fu Feng’s level, his discernment was sharp enough to see through most matters. Half a year ago, regarding Lin Sa Sa’s fall from the cliff, he had already uncovered the truth and knew just how much his daughter despised Luo Shui Wei.

He did favor Lin Sa Sa, but Luo Shui Wei was even more innocent. He couldn’t allow his daughter to act recklessly.

“This is a burden on you,” Lin Fu Feng closed his eyes briefly.

He Lan Ling smiled faintly. “It is merely this disciple’s duty.”

“…”

When Lin Sa Sa learned of Lin Fu Feng’s seclusion, she wasn’t surprised—if anything, she felt a little tense.

In the book’s plot, the story truly began on a certain day after Lin Fu Feng entered seclusion. This meant Lin Sa Sa could enter the main storyline at any moment. Entering the plot wasn’t terrifying—what was terrifying was that the plot could push the male and female leads’ romantic development at any time. At this stage, it was hard to gauge what intentions He Lan Ling harbored toward Luo Shui Wei.

Lin Sa Sa had always been carefree, never one to overthink or dwell on troubles. This was the first time she had pondered so deeply.

The result of excessive thinking was that she fell ill again that night. In her feverish haze, she dreamed alternately of the moment she had kicked empty air and plunged off the cliff, and of herself dying miserably mid-air. Her death had been far too gruesome—even now, she didn’t know who had killed her.

Was it the male lead? Or the second male lead? Or perhaps both scoundrels together?

In her stupor, she felt as though someone had taken her hand. After a brief pause, fingertips brushed against her slender wrist, lightly stroking. The touch tickled, and Lin Sa Sa instinctively tried to pull her hand back. The movement jolted her fully awake.

The bed curtains swayed gently as Lin Sa Sa fluttered her eyes open, sensing someone seated by her bedside.

Spotless white robes gleamed almost blindingly under the sunlight. The man’s raven-black hair was half-tied with a silver crown, his lashes thick and lips a delicate red. His slightly lowered face bore a vivid Magic Crest, lending his handsome features an otherworldly, almost bewitching allure.

Wasn’t this—?

“He Lan Ling?!” Lin Sa Sa was fully alert now. Why was he in her room?

Noticing he was holding her hand, she immediately tried to pull away, but He Lan Ling tightened his grip, interlacing their fingers firmly. “Don’t move,” he said calmly.

A tingling, wave-like sensation spread from their joined palms. Lin Sa Sa saw Spiritual Power flowing between their clasped hands and realized he was infusing her with energy. But did Spiritual Power infusion require their fingers to be locked so tightly?

Previously, Lin Sa Sa had always been unconscious during the process, so she truly didn’t know.

After about another half an incense stick’s time, Lin Sa Sa felt a warm current flowing through her meridians, and her sickly body began to improve. She stopped overthinking things. Seeing that He Lan Ling showed no intention of speaking to her, she simply yawned and lay back on the couch, her bright eyes restlessly scanning the room before finally settling on He Lan Ling’s face.

Sunlight slipped through the gaps in the window, casting a glow on his profile. His fair skin had a porcelain-like quality, and his long lashes cast faint shadows as they rested—beautiful, like a painting. Though He Lan Ling had poor taste in some matters, Lin Sa Sa had to admit that his looks were truly unparalleled.

Everyone likes to gaze at beautiful things, and Lin Sa Sa was no exception.

After staring at his face for a while, her gaze drifted to the center of his forehead. There, He Lan Ling bore a crimson-gold tattoo, about the size of a fingernail, resembling the floral adornments Lin Sa Sa loved most.

When she first met him as a child, she had noticed the mark on his forehead. Out of curiosity, she had even tried to touch it, but he had refused her.

What exactly was this thing?

Lin Sa Sa had read the entire book, yet it never explained the origin of the Magic Crest on He Lan Ling’s forehead. However, she did notice that in certain scenes, whenever the crest flickered, his mood would become erratic, and he would often retreat into seclusion, behaving suspiciously—as if hiding something.

Perhaps her stare was too intense, because He Lan Ling suddenly sensed it. His long lashes lifted abruptly, revealing dark, cool eyes as he called her name calmly, “Junior Sister Lin.”

“What are you looking at?”

A chill ran down Lin Sa Sa’s spine, as if an inexplicable draft had swept through the spring air.

She quickly averted her gaze, her excuse weak and unconvincing. “What’s wrong with looking…?”

It wasn’t like staring would make it fade.

To ease He Lan Ling’s wariness, she played dumb and asked, “That thing on your forehead—it’s not just drawn on, is it?”

He Lan Ling studied her quietly for a moment before the corner of his lips curled slightly. “Yes, it is.”

He truly didn’t care about saving face.

Lin Sa Sa’s expression shifted, once again thrown off by He Lan Ling’s response.

Just then, Chu You entered with medicine, bowing to He Lan Ling before saying, “Miss, it’s time for your medicine.”

Before Lin Sa Sa could respond, she added, “Miss Luo is here too.”

“What’s she doing here?”

Lin Sa Sa was about to order someone to stop her when Luo Shui Wei stepped inside, carrying bundles of tonics. She seemed unaware of He Lan Ling’s presence, pausing in surprise before greeting him softly, “Senior Brother.”

Ding—

The chime sounded in Lin Sa Sa’s ears again. She knew her cue had arrived.

Extending her slender, fair fingers, she lightly tugged at He Lan Ling’s sleeve twice. When he lowered his gaze to her, she presented her delicate wrist before him. “Look, it’s red.”

Before he could get a clear look, she pulled her sleeve back down, wrapping it tightly, and shamelessly accused him without blinking. “You grabbed me so hard just now.”

“My hand can’t lift anymore.”

“My head is spinning, and my whole body feels weak.”

“If I don’t take my medicine soon, I won’t be able to breathe.”

“…I’m about to pass out.”

He Lan Ling listened calmly to her theatrics. When she finally finished her whining, his lips parted slightly. “So?”

Lin Sa Sa smoothly replied with four words: “You have to feed me.”

He Lan Ling: Hmph.

Author’s Note:

Sad.