Lin Yunsi was initially stunned when he saw Lin Qinghen—he didn’t recognize him at first glance. After a moment’s pause, he realized that the person in front of him was indeed Lin Qinghen.

Half of Lin Qinghen’s face had healed, and now he wasn’t unattractive at all. Although the birthmark on the other half of his face remained, its color had lightened a bit. Together, these features gave him an unusual, almost eerie allure. Before, a single glance was enough to frighten people; now, he couldn’t help but captivate attention, his unique beauty inviting further scrutiny.

His appearance made a difference, especially with his eyes now visible. Without his mask, his gaze, combined with the subtle smile on his face, seemed to carry a natural charm that easily won others over.

“You…”

“Don’t be scared,” Lin Qinghen said softly. “Yunsi, what I did at the Yin family might have frightened you. But as you know, both Jiuxiao and I were genuinely mistreated. If I hadn’t fought back, I would’ve ended up without a burial place. But you have never wronged me, and I’m very clear on that—I won’t harm you.”

Lin Yunsi looked at him suspiciously, hesitant to trust his words.

“The Yin family is under my control now. How about I arrange for them to send you back to the Lin family?” Lin Qinghen continued, his tone sincere, without a trace of deception. “Bei Zhou is chaotic, and a young alchemist who has never traveled far shouldn’t stay here. Go back to Central Continent, take the loss, and don’t come out again. Yunsi, you’re still young; it’s best to stay home.”

Lin Yunsi’s defiance flared immediately. He wasn’t much younger than Lin Qinghen! And, considering everything, he was even more skilled than Lin Qinghen, so why should he leave? Most importantly, after seeing the spirit plants in the Plantation, how could he walk away now?

After enduring a long journey to Bei Zhou and going through all this trouble, leaving now would be absurd!

Yet, Lin Yunsi was also wary of Lin Qinghen. He couldn’t figure out this person’s true character, feeling both fearful and reluctant to leave.

“I’m not leaving!” he declared loudly. “And don’t think you can control me!”

Lin Qinghen looked at him as if he were a disobedient child and replied, “Staying here won’t do you any good. Lei City is chaotic; who’s going to protect and provide for you?”

“I’m an alchemist! I can earn money!” Lin Yunsi retorted, “I’m grown up—I don’t need anyone’s support!”

Lin Qinghen’s smile deepened. He knew Lin Yunsi’s personality well. This kid had been born into privilege and never had to fight for resources. What drew Lin Yunsi in was the highest level of self-fulfillment. His obsession with Red Round Wheat was not about profit but an advanced step in the alchemist’s path, achievable only with a unique talent and skill level.

Yet, despite Lin Yunsi’s ambition, he had a cautious side. Lin Qinghen understood that simple allure wouldn’t be enough to keep him. At this rebellious age, the approach had to be multi-faceted.

Lin Yunsi wasn’t satisfied with basking in the family’s glory. Running off to Lei City without informing the Lin family, he hadn’t left a single clue about his destination; otherwise, they would have found him by now.

Lin Yunsi wanted to prove himself—to accomplish what even the entire Lin family couldn’t.

Taking him to the Discipline Hall was part of Lin Qinghen’s plan. Lin Yunsi wasn’t so fragile; otherwise, he would’ve been terrified beyond words by now. He just hadn’t adapted to these experiences, but his psychological resilience was strong. Yu Yinyin had told Lin Qinghen that after returning from the Discipline Hall, he’d been shut in his room. She had even sent someone in to check on him and bring him food. By her observations, Lin Yunsi had already recovered by noon; he was just scared. The most telling part was that he hadn’t tried to run. He even asked where Lin Qinghen had gone.

What Lin Qinghen did at the Discipline Hall was indeed frightening, but for Lin Yunsi, it had ignited a sense of resonance deep inside him, as if some part of him connected with Lin Qinghen’s resistance.

Now, seeing these spirit plants in the Plantation, that resonance reached its peak.

“Lin Qinghen, you’ve fooled everyone in the Lin family,” he said slowly. “You’re the one who’s hidden the deepest. If Uncle Lin knew about this, he’d regret sending you to Lei City.”

Lin Qinghen smiled lightly. “He won’t know—at least, not now.”

Lin Yunsi had kept his discovery of the Red Round Wheat to himself before; now, he had even less reason to mention it.

“So if you really wanted me to leave, why would you show me all this?” Lin Yunsi sniffed, realizing the truth. “You know I won’t leave or run back to the Lin family to tattle on you.”

He’d never dream of betraying Lin Qinghen now. He had seen how Lin Qinghen preferred breaking to bending, defying anyone who tried to control him—even the Lin family couldn’t rein him in.

Lin Qinghen’s expression remained as a warm smile; he was increasingly pleased with Lin Yunsi’s potential—he was capable, and quite sharp. “Yunsi, you already understand what’s going on. Look, I gave you the option to go back. But staying in Lei City isn’t going to be easy.”

“If you want something from me, just say it.”

“Join Die Meng and refine elixirs for me,” Lin Qinghen said plainly. “I’m always good to my people. Aren’t you curious where all this came from? I’ll show you.”

And the things he said next piqued Yunsi’s interest even more.

“This is just the beginning. The Lin family fights over Red Round Wheat, but if you join Die Meng, you can take as much as you want back to use. If I create something new in the future, as part of Die Meng, you’ll be the first to get it. If you want to understand deeper things, as long as you can keep up, I’ll teach you everything.”

Lin Qinghen’s words were nothing but sincere promises.

“I’ll give you three days to think about it,” he continued. “Three days from now, you can decide if you want to join Die Meng and work with me.”

To Lin Qinghen, having Yunsi truly join Die Meng wasn’t just lip service. The previous alchemists Die Meng had worked with were mere collaborators, liable to leave at any time. But a true allegiance with Die Meng was a lasting bond that, once formed, couldn’t be easily broken. Lin Qinghen was indeed looking for a long-term partner and saw this as a test of Yunsi’s suitability.

Lin Yunsi hesitated. Lin Qinghen wasn’t in a hurry, but he had backed Yunsi into a corner, his words hitting Yunsi where it mattered.

“The Lin family isn’t an alchemist clan. Their focus isn’t on alchemists. When you dueled Yuan Rongrong from Fu Xin Hall, you barely tied, and she was younger than you. Yuan Rongrong isn’t even in Fu Xin Hall’s top three in terms of talent, not to mention the Shen family in the Spirit World,” Lin Qinghen remarked. “You may be the top alchemist in the Lin family, but outside, well…you know the truth yourself. But there’s more than one path to fame and fortune for an alchemist—make your choice.”

He paused, then added, “Think it over. I’m not in a rush. And if you have free time tomorrow, I’ll take you to see something else. Lei City has many interesting things—you won’t regret staying.”

Yunsi opened his mouth to reply, watching as Lin Qinghen took Yin Jiuxiao’s hand and turned to leave, as if he genuinely didn’t care what decision Yunsi made.

Lin Yunsi didn’t have time to dwell on it, though; as soon as he returned to the Yin family courtyard, he saw several pots filled with spirit plants—the same ones he’d just been admiring in the Plantation. Lin Qinghen wasn’t stingy in the least, leaving him both reluctant to go and unsure of what to do.

What would Lin Qinghen show him tomorrow?

Squatting down in contemplation, Yunsi couldn’t help but wonder how Lin Qinghen still managed to sway him, even knowing his true nature.

Meanwhile, Lin Qinghen finally found a moment of peace as he returned to his room, leaning into Yin Jiuxiao’s embrace. He was exhausted and needed rest. Snuggling closer, he rubbed against Yin Jiuxiao like a lazy, satisfied cat—nothing like the calm, cunning person who’d schemed his way through the day.

Yin Jiuxiao held him closer, adjusting slightly so he could wrap him entirely in his arms. Lin Qinghen, feeling even more comfortable, naturally leaned up to give him a light kiss on the corner of his mouth, as if in reward. His herbal scent grew more fragrant as he leaned in, and Yin Jiuxiao, captivated, deepened the kiss.

Lin Qinghen, in a good mood, let him, until he was nearly out of breath. When Yin Jiuxiao pressed him onto the small couch, Lin Qinghen finally gave a gentle push, laughing, “Stop fooling around.”

But Yin Jiuxiao didn’t think he was fooling around.

With his fingers toying with Lin Qinghen’s waistband, his downcast eyes hid a look that would’ve been a dead giveaway.

Even without meeting his gaze, Lin Qinghen could sense that something was amiss. Pressed beneath him, one arm looped around Yin Jiuxiao’s neck while the other traced his ear.

Just as Yin Jiuxiao’s passion was about to overflow, Lin Qinghen tilted his head and asked, “Jiuxiao, why are you so strong?” Then he continued thoughtfully, “I’ve told you everything I’d kept from you; after all, we’re husband and wife. But…have you been hiding anything from me? Or… have you lied to me?”