But just as he was basking in the bliss, Yin Jiuxiao realized there was one little thing he hadn’t mentioned.

The fact of his rebirth wasn’t the main issue. In his last life, for some reason, he had never seen or heard of Lin Qinghen. It was a lingering regret he hadn’t figured out yet, but whether he brought it up or not wouldn’t affect the relationship between him and Qinghen.

Both he and Lin Qinghen understood: hiding something was one thing, but lying was off-limits.

Lin Qinghen also had some secrets of his own that were hard to explain. Yin Jiuxiao was aware of this, like Lin Qinghen’s strange alchemical abilities or that mysterious pill he suddenly popped into his mouth that night. But Yin Jiuxiao understood; Lin Qinghen had always trusted him and, after they got together, had never hidden anything he did. If Lin Qinghen hadn’t explained something, it was simply because he couldn’t explain it for now. One day, he’d be able to.

But there was still something that Yin Jiuxiao hadn’t disclosed—what he had done when he didn’t realize that both “Little Crow” and “Ugly Duckling,” the aliases he had affectionately given, were actually Lin Qinghen, and how he had schemed with the marriage pact to get close to him.

But heavens knew, he hadn’t done it on purpose. If he’d known it was the same person all along, why bother with so many tricks? He would’ve gone straight to Lin Zhongtian and asked him to betroth Lin Qinghen to him right away—everyone would have been pleased!

Though Yin Jiuxiao had gotten his treasure in the end, Lin Qinghen still didn’t quite know the truth. He didn’t realize he had been manipulated.

Honestly speaking, it was a big deal. Today, Yin Jiuxiao hadn’t planned on keeping it a secret; he just wanted to talk things through and explain everything gradually. This was definitely the last thing he intended to mention.

But somehow, the rhythm of the conversation slipped out of his control. After discussing most of the other matters, Lin Qinghen wasn’t upset anymore; instead, he was soft, sweet, and even saying those affectionate things. Overwhelmed by happiness, Yin Jiuxiao instinctively chose not to continue.

Explaining something like this also needed the right timing, and that moment had passed. Maybe he’d find a better time to bring it up later—it was a small matter, right?

When he thought of this, a pang of uncertainty hit him. He would wait until their relationship grew even stronger; his Qinghen wouldn’t be mad at him. Besides, nobody else knew about it, so he didn’t fear it coming back to bite him.

After all, there were many days ahead of them.

As long as Qinghen loved him, that was enough.

Satisfied with his thoughts, Yin Jiuxiao let the matter rest. Before he drifted off to sleep, he gave the person in his arms one last affectionate kiss, and soon after, he held him tightly and fell asleep.

The next morning, Lin Qinghen woke up on time.

As he stirred, Yin Jiuxiao opened his eyes as well, moving closer to him instinctively and mumbling for a good morning kiss.

Lin Qinghen, however, was quite calm. After a quick brush of their lips, he pushed him away and pulled up his sleeve to check the wound on Yin Jiuxiao’s arm.

Yin Jiuxiao had made sure to disperse the residual energy in his wound, so Lin Qinghen could approach without issue. He noticed that Yin Jiuxiao’s recovery was indeed remarkable, faster than most Spirit Masters. The gruesome wound from last night had visibly improved, and it wasn’t even bleeding anymore.

“I told you it’d heal; don’t worry, Qinghen,” Yin Jiuxiao said, watching him sit up and pecking him affectionately on the cheek. “Today, people from the Lang Clan are coming over. Should I have them meet Master Yu, or would you prefer they come to you?”

Even in a haze of love, Yin Jiuxiao hadn’t forgotten today’s business.

Lin Qinghen hadn’t either.

He had many things to attend to today, so he immediately got up and started getting dressed. Out of habit, he reached over, pulling Yin Jiuxiao up to help him dress as well. He quickly realized that Yin Jiuxiao could do it himself now, but Lin Qinghen paused a bit and continued anyway.

He didn’t immediately respond to Yin Jiuxiao’s question, contemplating his options. As he fastened the other’s belt, he looked up and said, “Put your eyes back to normal.”

Yin Jiuxiao could seamlessly change the color of his eyes, understanding Lin Qinghen’s meaning instantly.

“I know it’s not time to reveal everything yet,” Yin Jiuxiao replied, recounting yesterday’s events. “When I went to kill the Lang Clan leader, only a handful of people saw me. The ones who did were mainly the heads of a mercenary group, not many in total. Even if they did recognize me, it’s a small group I can control—they won’t spread word of it.”

For now, he only intended to confide in Lin Qinghen, without informing the rest of the Yin family. Although Wei Lin knew he was strong, he didn’t understand the true extent. Only Lin Qinghen knew Yin Jiuxiao’s unique Spirit Demon Body, which was one of a kind, and Yin Jiuxiao trusted only him with it.

Lin Qinghen liked discussing things with him; there was no need to say much—Yin Jiuxiao instantly grasped his thoughts.

“That’s what I think too,” Lin Qinghen replied. “Though you have immense talent, you’re only eighteen, still growing. Revealing this kind of power now might bring unwanted attention and do you no favors.”

A good cultivation prodigy drew not only followers but jealousy, as not everyone tolerated competition. Yin Jiuxiao wasn’t ready to be thrust into the spotlight just yet.

Both Lin Qinghen and Lei City needed a quiet, uninterrupted period of growth.

And if Yin Jiuxiao stayed hidden for now, he’d emerge as an unexpected trump card later on, allowing him to respond to emergencies in ways that could bolster his authority. But now wasn’t the time.

“It’s best if no one else in the Yin family knows either, not even Yin Hengxie,” Lin Qinghen said, adjusting his collar. “Many in the family don’t see you as the Young Master yet, so they reveal their true natures in front of you. Steward Wang is one of them, and that’s useful.”

The Yin family was chaotic, with people who could and couldn’t be trusted. Now was the time to observe.

Yin Jiuxiao was the rightful Young Master, and eventually, the Yin family would pass from Yin Hengxie’s hands to his. Even without exposing his strength, he could manage the family step-by-step, rooting out those who didn’t belong. By the time the Yin family was back on track, merely showing his true power would resolve any issues.

“But you’ll have to endure it for a bit longer; there’ll always be a few idiots who try to cause trouble,” Lin Qinghen said, pausing as he thought of the Lang Clan. “As for Wei Lin, have him wait. The Lang Clan’s submission needs the right timing, which will come in a few days. He can use the time to train his people.”

Thankfully, Lin Qinghen was now front and center. Even if Yin Jiuxiao had to continue playing weak, his reputation would prevent others from going too far.

Yin Jiuxiao didn’t feel the slightest bit wronged; he reached out, wrapping his arms around Lin Qinghen’s waist, pulling him close with a smile. “So you know all about Steward Wang, huh?”

Naturally, Lin Qinghen was well-informed.

“Of course I know, and you handled it perfectly,” Lin Qinghen said. “If that steward doesn’t listen, I’ll help you teach him a lesson to set an example.”

His voice was still soft when he spoke to Yin Jiuxiao, but his expression turned a bit cold at the last part.

Lin Qinghen wasn’t one to joke about setting examples.

With narrowed eyes, he looked as fierce as he had been in the Discipline Hall that day. Yin Jiuxiao found this fierce look endearing, like a little beast showing its fangs, and couldn’t resist kissing him again.

Just as the newly bonded couple shared a tender moment, someone interrupted.

“Lin Qinghen! Are you up yet? There’s so much to do today! Hurry!”

It was the loud voice of Lin Yunsi.

Lin Yunsi, who lived in the outer courtyard, had been waiting for Lin Qinghen for a while and had finally grown impatient enough to burst into the inner courtyard.

The moment he entered, he froze, face turning beet red. He quickly turned away, covering his eyes and shouting, “What are you two doing so early in the morning?!”

Hadn’t these two quarreled yesterday? Lin Qinghen’s cold, aloof attitude had made him think Yin Jiuxiao was finally falling out of favor. How had things turned around in just one night, with them seeming even closer than before?

“I’ve told you many times; we’re married, so of course, we can do whatever we want.”

When Lin Qinghen saw him enter, he remained draped on Yin Jiuxiao, casting a glance at him before saying to Yin Jiuxiao, “Come on, I’ll show you what I achieved yesterday.”

Naturally, they held hands, shared a knowing smile, and walked right past Lin Yunsi.

Yin Jiuxiao caught a glimpse of Lin Yunsi standing there, grinding his teeth before catching up, and, laughing to himself, he turned slightly to speak to Lin Qinghen. “Have you managed to trick him into joining Die Meng yet?”

With his charming ways, his Qinghen could work magic on others in no time.

Lin Qinghen shot him a look that said, “You know it.” “Almost there.”

Lin Yunsi hadn’t heard their whispered exchange, but he felt sure it couldn’t be anything good. Still, he was too drawn to everything Lin Qinghen had shown him yesterday to worry too much.

He had thought Lin Qinghen would keep those Spirit Plants hidden, but he was shocked to see several pots already planted out in the open, surrounded by a group of curious alchemists. He’d even watched Lin Qinghen calmly teaching them how to mix soil and distributing potions to demonstrate the planting process.

At first, he thought Lin Qinghen was crazy, demanding an explanation. But when Lin Qinghen patiently laid out his plans, he was genuinely shaken.

“Like I said before, there’s more than one path to becoming a famous alchemist,” Lin Qinghen told him while directing others, dirt on his hands. “Lin Yunsi, right now, you have the chance to be the chief alchemist of Die Meng. All of Die Meng’s future glory could be yours.

Return to the Lin family, and you’ll always be overshadowed by Lin Qingshuang. Leave the Lin family, and the youth of the Shen family and Fu Xin Hall will still outshine you. But here, in Die Meng, you’re special to me. I’m offering you the position of chief to show my sincerity. Think carefully, because you might not get this chance again.”