Jian Lin smiled and walked up, greeting her brother familiarly, the man who went by the alias Lin Yan. He responded skillfully and without revealing anything, their tacit cooperation preventing any slip-ups.
After their brief reunion, Jian Lin solemnly introduced her master. The Sword Immortal nodded silently, uninterested in idle chatter. He spoke only a few words, stating he would go for a walk.
Jian Lin had no objections. She instructed the old man not to wander too far before confidently following Miss Jin and her fake brother into the main hall.
As the three took their seats, Miss Jin spoke first, politely mentioning Jian Lin's abrupt departure last time. "You left in such a hurry, you didn't even wait for my brother and me to have our wedding ceremony. It's truly a shame."
At the time, Jian Lin had genuinely believed the Demon Lord was to marry Miss Jin. She couldn't sit still and had fled as quickly as possible.
Who knew it was all the Demon Lord's scheme? Jian Lin now realized how impatient she had been.
As things stood, she could only force out an excuse. "At that time, I chanced upon an opportunity. If I wanted to become a disciple of a master, I had to leave immediately. It was a rare chance, and I knew my brother and I were closest, so he would naturally understand my choice."
Lin Yan spoke slowly, affirming her words. "Indeed, your master's demeanor is extraordinary, like an immortal from beyond the mortal realm. In my opinion, becoming his disciple was a wise decision, well worth your efforts."
The fake siblings exchanged a knowing smile, everything unspoken between them.
After a period of pleasantries, Miss Jin stood up, saying she would check on the food and wine in the kitchen. Only the fake siblings remained in the room.
Lin Yan rose and gestured for Jian Lin to follow him to the back. They found an empty room, and after closing the door, Lin Yan turned to Jian Lin and bowed respectfully.
"Miss A'Pei, the Demon Lord has informed me of everything. You need not have any reservations. If there is anything you require me to do, please speak freely."
This man was straightforward and efficient in his dealings, appearing quite reliable. The Demon Lord truly had good judgment.
Jian Lin had intended to probe indirectly, but seeing how capable he was, she decided to ask him directly. "We both know Lin Yan is fake, and you are here to replace him. Are you truly willing to marry and have children with a fabricated person? Do you like Miss Jin?"
Lin Yan smiled slightly and replied calmly, "Miss A'Pei may not understand. I am someone without a name or origin. I live for the Demon Lord; his command is my will. As for whether I like Miss Jin, that point is not important."
This was an outrageous and inhuman arrangement, yet facing Lin Yan's candid expression, Jian Lin found herself speechless.
She repeated to herself three times that in this world, this was normal. They were willing participants with the Demon Lord, and it wasn't her place to intervene.
Jian Lin fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "Lin Yan, I won't interfere with your matters with the Demon Lord. I only wish to speak for Miss Jin. You are fake, and Miss Jin believes you are real. She is the most pitiable in this entire affair. You must always be good to her within your capabilities, understand?"
Lin Yan paused, then nodded silently. "Miss A'Pei, please rest assured. The Demon Lord has commanded me to treat Miss Jin well, and I will do so."
"It's not a command, it's your own will. Do you understand the difference between these two things?" Jian Lin persisted, still trying to make a point.
Lin Yan frowned, a look of confusion on his face, and said hesitantly, "Please enlighten me, Miss A'Pei."
Jian Lin felt helpless and began to explain the difference seriously to Lin Yan, but it seemed too difficult for him. Soon, his expression turned to one of pain.
Jian Lin noticed and immediately stopped, deciding not to lecture him further, lest she do more harm than good.
She quickly changed the subject, mentioning her primary purpose for visiting the Golden Scale Sect: to ask Lin Yan to look after the disciples who had escaped from Crimson Scale Peak.
"There's no need for special attention. If they are injured, help heal them. If they have nowhere to stay, provide lodging. As for apprenticeship and cultivation, they must consider that themselves," Jian Lin said solemnly. "I trust you know your limits. Try not to trouble Miss Jin. I will speak to the Demon Lord later; if you need spirit stones or anything else, ask the Demon Lord."
Jian Lin was merely using the Golden Scale Sect as a cover. In reality, she felt too embarrassed to trouble Miss Jin. If possible, it was better to rely on her own people for assistance.
This was not a difficult request, and Lin Yan understood Jian Lin's intentions, readily agreeing.
After they finalized their arrangements, they opened the door and returned to the main hall, finding Miss Jin had been waiting for a long time. Facing her calm gaze, Jian Lin inexplicably felt a pang of guilt.
Although Miss Jin said nothing, Jian Lin had a feeling she knew everything.
Just as Jian Lin was about to probe, she heard Miss Jin announce that the food and wine were ready and invited the guests to the side hall. Jian Lin had no choice but to go and find her master first.
Jian Lin had assumed her master was simply out for a stroll, but as she stepped out of the main courtyard, she suddenly heard a commotion and cheers from the side courtyard. A casual glance revealed her master's sword energy.
Having stayed at the Golden Scale Mansion for a few days previously, Jian Lin knew the side courtyard was where the mansion housed unaffiliated cultivators. She immediately changed direction, curiously heading over to watch.
She saw the old man enthusiastically sparring with the unaffiliated cultivators, occasionally offering pointers, which elicited sounds of continuous admiration from them.
Jian Lin's eyes widened in surprise. Earlier, in the Sword Immortal's cave, disciples of the sect had to undergo trials, and only those with talent would receive a few words of guidance from him.
How was it that now, facing a group of unaffiliated cultivators with mediocre talent, the old man had become so accommodating, even offering them pointers?
Jian Lin pondered the situation and concluded there was only one reason: the old man had been too deeply affected by the events at Guanlan Sect, leading him to abandon his previous rules and show signs of gradually going mad.
Regarding this behavior, Jian Lin had only one assessment: the old man had it tough. If he wanted to go mad, let him. Only after venting could he return to his senses.
Jian Lin waited by the side for a while. Only after he finished sparring with an unaffiliated cultivator did she call out to him, inviting him for a drink.
Upon hearing that the old man was leaving, the unaffiliated cultivators were very reluctant.
The old man waved his hand gallantly. "No matter, we shall fight again tomorrow."
Jian Lin glanced sideways, astonished. What did he mean? Had the old man become addicted to staying? When would she be able to return to the Demon Realm to find the Demon Lord? It was the first time they had been apart for so long, and she truly missed him.
She agonized for a long time but dared not urge the old man to leave. After all, he was her master, and as a disciple, she should make some concessions.
At the welcoming banquet, the old man naturally took the head seat. Jian Lin felt awkward and belatedly realized that after being there for most of the day, she hadn't seen Mr. Jin.
However, glancing at Miss Jin's composed face, Jian Lin didn't dare to ask where Mr. Jin was until the banquet concluded.
After eating and drinking their fill, Jian Lin followed a maid to her assigned room. She lay on the luxurious and comfortable large bed, her mind filled with thoughts of the Demon Lord.
She wanted to know if he was doing well, if his problems had been solved. He must be very sad. She should be by his side, fulfilling her duty as a girlfriend.
Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, she suddenly felt a warmth at her waist from her Qiankun bag. She reached out and found the bamboo tube she used to communicate with Xie Jin. It was emitting heat, signaling she had received a new message.
Jian Lin opened it with curiosity. She had been too busy lately to gossip with Xie Jin, so she wondered what he wanted.
To her surprise, upon opening it, Jian Lin gasped in delight. It was a letter from the Demon Lord.
He asked where she was, if she had encountered any trouble, to be careful in all things, not to act impulsively, and if she couldn't handle something, not to force herself. He would help her brainstorm ideas when she returned.
Jian Lin hugged the letter, feeling incredibly sweet, her heart pounding. For the first time, she understood what longing felt like; it was truly heart-wrenching.
For the next two days, the Sword Immortal continued to mingle with the unaffiliated cultivators. Jian Lin grew anxious, eager to return to the Demon Realm. To distract herself, she decided to visit her senior brother and sister, wondering if they had destroyed her memorial tablet and if they were living peacefully and joyfully.
Their parting had been hasty, and they hadn't left specific addresses. Jian Lin only remembered that her senior brother was in the business of selling medicinal ingredients for alchemy.
She went to inquire at various businesses, asking if there was a merchant named Wen. After a long search, she actually found him.
They lived in the northern part of Daliang City. As she followed the address, Jian Lin surveyed the surrounding houses. She noticed that the houses here were all neatly built with blue bricks and tiles. Although not as ostentatious as the Golden Scale Mansion, they belonged to affluent families.
Her dear senior sister, Lin Zhi, having survived a near-death experience and now living a peaceful life without worries about food or drink, had found a good home.
Upon reaching the Wen family residence, Jian Lin knocked on the door. A delicate female voice responded from within. When the door opened, a young maid with her hair in twin buns appeared.
Jian Lin announced her name, and the maid quickly ran back into the main hall to inform them. The curtain was lifted, revealing Lin Zhi's rosy and radiant face.
She seemed to have gained a little weight and looked much healthier. She still wore her hair and attire as a female cultivator, but the maid addressing her as "madam" clearly indicated she was married.
Lin Zhi was delighted to see Jian Lin. She still didn't recognize her junior sister, only calling Jian Lin a great benefactor. She invited Jian Lin inside and asked the maid to go to the teahouse on the street to fetch her husband.
Jian Lin smiled and entered, observing the interior decoration, once again confirming that Lin Zhi was living well.
They chatted warmly for a while. Wen Mingyuan hurried back, and the three reunited. Jian Lin felt deeply touched. Seeing them living well put her mind at ease.
The three sat down for tea and snacks. Jian Lin inquired about the memorial tablet. Wen Mingyuan replied that shortly after returning from Guanlan Sect, he had hired someone to purchase "Three Flavors True Fire" at a high price and burned the unlucky item completely.
He said with surprise, "To be honest, benefactor, since that unlucky item was burned, our health has improved greatly. We used to experience occasional chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing, but now we have no such symptoms."
Jian Lin smiled slightly. "That's right. Speaking of which, although you two are living peacefully, I must advise you not to give up cultivation. The world is about to descend into chaos; you must protect yourselves well."
This was also Jian Lin's purpose for seeking out her senior brother and sister. The war between immortals and demons was inevitable, and Jian Lin wanted to warn them in advance and have them prepare.
Wen Mingyuan and Lin Zhi exchanged glances. They did not doubt Jian Lin's words and nodded solemnly, promising not to abandon their cultivation.
They were very hospitable, and Jian Lin stayed for dinner before leaving. As they saw her off, the couple stood at the doorway for a long time. Jian Lin could feel their gaze but insisted on not looking back.
Their bond as fellow disciples in this life had come to an end. They might never have the chance to meet again in this life. Perhaps in the next life, they would find a good master and become fellow disciples once more.
With the farewell complete, Jian Lin returned to the Golden Scale Mansion with a sense of melancholy. To her surprise, her master was waiting for her in the courtyard, happily telling her, "Good disciple, today master met a very talented young man and has taken him on as your junior brother. Come, come, get to know each other."
"Huh?" Jian Lin was shocked. "Master, shouldn't you discuss taking on disciples with me? How did a junior brother suddenly appear out of nowhere!"
Before Jian Lin could finish, a boy with a bright smile darted out. He wore a coarse cloth Taoist robe, his hair disheveled, and he familiarly bowed to Jian Lin. "Is this Senior Sister? Hello, Senior Sister! Ning Xiao greets Senior Sister. Please guide me often; I will definitely study diligently and practice hard to bring glory to our sect!"
Jian Lin took two steps back, her shock now mixed with alarm. She pointed at the boy's nose and said, "What did you say your name was? Which two characters?"
"Ning Xiao," Ning Xiao said proudly. "Ning from 'chicken and dog unrest,' Xiao from 'riding a horse and whistling in the west wind.'"
Good heavens, Jian Lin knew this name. This was the male protagonist, Jiang Xueyin's husband!
How did he become her junior brother! The situation seemed to be getting more and more chaotic!