Yin Jiuxiao was truly stunned.

As soon as he heard the question, a shiver ran down his spine.

Lin Qinghen had that kind of power. Despite being the one pinned down, clearly in a weaker position, he still somehow maintained control.

For instance, who in their right mind would dare to make a move on Yin Jiuxiao now?

The silence between them lingered briefly. When Yin Jiuxiao looked up again, his gaze reverted to that previously pitiful, helpless look.

In truth, his mind was in a fog, a bit panicked, not knowing how to respond, so he instinctively relied on the way he usually handled Lin Qinghen.

“Qinghen, I…”

He opened his mouth but found himself unable to continue. After a moment, he instinctively pulled Lin Qinghen into a tight embrace, as if holding him close would settle his heart a little.

“I didn’t… didn’t lie to you,” Yin Jiuxiao murmured. “This really is all the strength I have. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Lin Qinghen laughed, pausing for a moment before replying, “No.”

Then he asked, “Why are you so nervous? I was just asking a question.”

Although Lin Qinghen was smiling, Yin Jiuxiao didn’t dare respond so casually.

It wasn’t that he wanted to keep secrets from him. He had been planning to reveal things gradually, and maybe it was finally time. But timing mattered here.

At first, Yin Jiuxiao had just found Lin Qinghen intriguing, guarding his secrets carefully, as if sharing them with others would strip away his mystery. But soon enough, things changed, and his own feelings shifted faster than he could keep track of.

Lin Qinghen had become far too precious to him. Who wouldn’t adore such a treasure if they were lucky enough to marry him?

This change happened so quickly it was hard to believe. Lin Qinghen’s actions in the Discipline Hall, every movement, struck right at Yin Jiuxiao’s heart.

He thought, marrying this person by some twist of fate was, without a doubt, the best and luckiest decision he’d made in two lifetimes.

But Yin Jiuxiao, experiencing love for the first time and still not fully recovered in strength, was nowhere near prepared for Lin Qinghen’s sudden probing question. The Demon Emperor and Sword Master, who had lived two lives, found himself truly panicking.

If he laid it all out now, the hidden power might be easy enough to explain, but how would he address everything else?

In their interactions, he had often acted a bit pathetic to take advantage.

Trying to get attention from someone you like can make you do crazy things, and he’d become a master at it naturally. Before he even recognized his own feelings, his possessiveness had already appeared.

When Lin Qinghen became absorbed in his research, Yin Jiuxiao wasn’t thrilled. Though he knew it was serious work and didn’t interfere, he couldn’t resist trying to keep Lin Qinghen’s attention on him during breaks.

Pretending his eyes hurt or other such minor complaints were commonplace. Lin Qinghen would then come over, rubbing his eyes gently, resting his head on Yin Jiuxiao’s shoulder, sometimes even stealing a quick kiss, speaking softly, a hint of tenderness in his voice.

In these moments, Lin Qinghen became so soft and pliable, agreeing to anything Yin Jiuxiao wanted. Yin Jiuxiao secretly enjoyed it, delighted by the idea that this side of Lin Qinghen was exclusively his.

So, he claimed his eyes hurt, feigned coldness in bed to snuggle closer, constantly saying this hurt or that was uncomfortable, anything to make Lin Qinghen care for him and treat him well.

This method worked flawlessly, every time.

Yet in enjoying this short-term pleasure, Yin Jiuxiao had unwittingly dug his own grave. Now that the truth was on the verge of coming out, Lin Qinghen would likely realize he’d been lying all along.

And that was the least of it; more importantly, if they started pulling on this thread, Lin Qinghen might trace it back to their marriage arrangement, and then it’d be truly over.

Though Lin Qinghen was forced to marry by Lin Zhongtian, there was still Yin Jiuxiao pulling the strings behind the scenes. He’d contributed his fair share of manipulations, which left him with quite a guilty conscience.

He feared Lin Qinghen might treat him differently once angry, even finding him repulsive. His hold on Lin Qinghen’s waist tightened, thoughts and words bubbling inside but left unspoken.

… Just a few more days.

Yin Jiuxiao thought nervously.

He’d tell Lin Qinghen everything, straightforwardly, answering whatever he asked. But timing was crucial, and he couldn’t come empty-handed when asking for forgiveness.

He’d considered reforming the Yin family for Lin Qinghen’s comfort, so once Lin Qinghen was happy, maybe he’d brush off the past mistakes. Yet recently, Lin Qinghen had handled that matter himself, leaving no room for him to step in.

So, Yin Jiuxiao’s thoughts turned to the troublesome Lang Clan Mercenary Group.

They posed a hidden threat to Lin Qinghen, so handling them himself would at least serve as a kind of gift.

Seeking his wife’s forgiveness deserved a gift that could stand up to scrutiny, right?

With that thought, Yin Jiuxiao quietly resolved his plan.

The man who’d lived two lives now resembled an inexperienced boy, unable to speak, clutching Lin Qinghen tightly, as if afraid he’d slip away.

Qinghen had such a good temper; surely he wouldn’t truly abandon him, right?

He thought anxiously, and his mind began to twist into darker thoughts.

They were bound by a marriage stone. Even if Lin Qinghen wanted to leave, he couldn’t. He’d stay by Yin Jiuxiao’s side, even if it meant keeping him locked up.

But the thought hadn’t even fully formed before Yin Jiuxiao dismissed it.

Forget it. His Qinghen was clever, but physically fragile. There was no way he could go through with it; he couldn’t even bear the thought.

So he held onto him tightly, mind in turmoil, unaware of Lin Qinghen’s expression.

Lin Qinghen didn’t look the slightest bit angry. A sly, fox-like smile, similar to when he tricked Lin Yunsi, curved his lips.

His gaze toward Yin Jiuxiao was different from that toward others; this man was special. But that didn’t mean Lin Qinghen would lose his wits. He had long noticed Yin Jiuxiao’s secrets.

He thoroughly investigated people like Yin Hengxie, Yin Miao, Mu Jiu, and Lin Yunsi for his plans. But with Yin Jiuxiao, he didn’t dig too deeply.

At first, he hadn’t thought much of it, but later decided it didn’t matter.

Yin Jiuxiao treated him sincerely, undeniably so.

After entering the Spirit World, he had finally found someone who could hold him safely. He protected Yin Jiuxiao, and Yin Jiuxiao protected him.

This sentiment was genuine, something Lin Qinghen clearly understood. A few little lies weren’t such a big deal.

But in recent days, Lin Qinghen began sensing that the matter was more than just “small lies.”

When Xu Yaoyang attacked, Yin Jiuxiao had stood in front of him, and Lin Qinghen had noticed an odd shift in Yin Jiuxiao’s aura.

Things were chaotic, spiritual energy wildly fluctuating due to Xu Yaoyang’s death, so he didn’t dwell on it.

But he couldn’t forget the look Xu Yaoyang gave Yin Jiuxiao before he died, and recalling that gaze, he sensed something was off.

Why was Xu Yaoyang looking at Yin Jiuxiao?

Not to mention that night, after all the kissing, Yin Jiuxiao still played the victim, acting as though he could see.

Was a blind man really capable of that?

The next morning, Lin Qinghen had no time to ponder as he hurried to meet with the Alchemist Association. Yet, certain marks on his skin looked far from accidental bruises and more like…

Piece by piece, thought by thought, Lin Qinghen realized that something was amiss with Yin Jiuxiao.

With that little crack of doubt, he remembered their past encounters, realizing Yin Jiuxiao’s peculiarities were many. He just hadn’t thought too deeply about them before.

Even today, as he’d posed that casual question, Yin Jiuxiao’s reaction needed no further analysis. It was clear he was hiding something.

When had he ever panicked like this? Not even when Xu Yaoyang died before him.

Lin Qinghen boldly guessed that the eye issue was a ruse, and the so-called Mysterious Level One Star strength was likely fake too.

As for the rest? Probably even more concealed.

Sharing a life together requires openness on both sides. Although they hadn’t started as husband and wife, by now, their feelings were clear. Mutual honesty was essential.

But Lin Qinghen wouldn’t push him into it. That would spoil the fun.

Yin Jiuxiao could reveal it whenever he wanted, with however much hesitation he felt necessary. Until then, though, no more liberties would be allowed.

After all, they hadn’t clarified things yet, so how could they be a real couple?

When Yin Jiuxiao had tried to loosen his waistband earlier, Lin Qinghen wasn’t oblivious. His clothes had nearly been pulled off. So when Yin Jiuxiao avoided the truth, Lin Qinghen had purposefully cut him off.

And now, he gave Yin Jiuxiao a light shove.

“Don’t press on me; you’re heavy,” he said. “I’m going to rest.”

Yin Jiuxiao pretended not to hear, but then Lin Qinghen twisted his ear. “Get up. I’ve got important things tomorrow, and so do you.”

Lin Qinghen even huffed lightly, as if realizing how unnecessary his previous worries had been. With Yin Jiuxiao’s true self revealed, he’d probably be even more fearsome than him.

That night, Yin Jiuxiao didn’t dare make any bold moves. It took a long time before he cautiously placed an arm around Lin Qinghen’s waist, feeling slightly reassured.

Lin Qinghen noticed his guilt-ridden caution, finding it somewhat deserved.

The next morning, Yin Jiuxiao’s mood was gloomy.

Lin Qinghen had already left early, bringing Lin Yunsi with him. That foolish boy looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. When he saw Lin Qinghen, his eyes lit up, bombarding him with questions.

Lin Qinghen simply gestured for him to wait until later, but as they left, Lin Yunsi asked a question that cut right into Yin Jiuxiao’s chest.

“Hey, aren’t you bringing Yin Jiuxiao with you today?” He seemed unsettled not seeing the two of them together. “He’s staying here? Aren’t you worried?”

Yin Jiuxiao watched Lin Qinghen glance back at him.

“Yes, he’s staying here,” Lin Qinghen said, his gaze calm and unreadable. “Why worry? He’s got plenty to do.”

And with that, Yin Jiuxiao watched as Lin Qinghen, usually warm and gentle, walked away without looking back.

His mind echoed with one word: Finished.

Lin Qinghen must’ve sensed something was wrong yesterday. Even with just a hint, he was this mad. If he’d come clean last night, would he even be seeing Lin Qinghen today?