Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixty-Nine: Connections

“Miss Lin, is there nothing you want to say to me?” As they walked along the road, Fang Tian glanced at Lin Shuang.

“My lord, I know you’re somewhat upset by what I’ve done, and if you wish to blame me, I have nothing to say in my own defense.” Lin Shuang answered gravely; after all, she hadn’t made herself entirely clear. Fortunately, Fang Tian had agreed, and no matter what harsh words he might utter in anger, she would bear them without resentment.

“You misunderstand me, miss. I don’t mean to blame you. In circumstances like these, we both simply get what we need. What I want to say is—taking this path may have consequences for your future happiness. Do you not care at all?” Fang Tian couldn’t understand why Lin Shuang would accept such an arrangement. He knew that from now on, if she were to fall for someone else, she could never be with them. To ask a woman to pay such a price was truly a pity.

“I understand what you mean, sir. But some things are not ours to decide. I can only obey my father’s arrangements. After all, the happiness of one person cannot compare to the survival of an entire clan.” With these words, Lin Shuang’s expression dimmed, her spirit sinking.

“So this is what it means to belong to a family,” Fang Tian thought with a sigh. Life is not easy—once ties are formed, so many things must be considered. He realized he was no different; for the sake of a sliver of hope in his heart, he, too, pressed onward.

“In this world, who really lives as they wish? Sometimes, we must present a different face to the world. Isn’t that so, sir?” Lin Shuang smiled softly, her bright, clear eyes fixed on Fang Tian.

“You already know who I am, don’t you?” Fang Tian asked directly, meeting her gaze.

Lin Shuang nodded. “When you first appeared at the Spirit Tool Pavilion, I only half-suspected. But soon after, I was certain it was you.”

“You truly have remarkable insight, miss. I am deeply impressed.” Fang Tian smiled, cupping his hands in admiration. Now he finally understood why Lin Shuang had singled him out, and all his doubts vanished.

“You flatter me, sir. My little schemes are hardly worth mentioning. My cultivation isn’t strong, so I have no choice but to rely on my wits.” Lin Shuang flashed a sly, endearing smile.

Fang Tian could only smile wryly. He was, after all, inexperienced in worldly matters; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so easily led by this young lady. Fortunately, she meant him no harm—if she had, his fate might have been far less pleasant.

“Very well, I admit defeat. I just hope you won’t do this again in the future.” Fang Tian resigned himself to the situation.

“Rest assured, sir. I have never forgotten the debt I owe you for saving my life. I would never do you harm, and your secret is safe with me. Also, the Island Assembly won’t begin for another four months. During that time, you may come and go as you please—only, when your presence is required, I hope you’ll attend.”

“No problem,” Fang Tian agreed easily.

“By the way, sir, from now on, just call me Shuang’er. Since I am already your betrothed in name, such a title will invite less suspicion.” Lin Shuang spoke earnestly.

“Then what should you call me, to make us seem close?” Fang Tian asked in return.

“I… I’ll call you Brother Yu.” Lin Shuang’s voice dropped to a whisper. This was the first time she had addressed someone so intimately, and she blushed, too shy to speak clearly.

“What? I didn’t quite catch that. Could you repeat it, miss?” Fang Tian feigned ignorance and asked again.

“Brother Yu.”

“Still didn’t hear you.”

“Sir, you…” Lin Shuang’s cheeks flushed a deep red, her bashful expression on full display.

“I really didn’t hear. Why would I trick you?” Fang Tian continued to play dumb.

“I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person,” Lin Shuang said, half-annoyed.

By this time, they had reached the residence arranged for Fang Tian.

“Sir, we’ve arrived. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” With that, Lin Shuang turned and walked away, not looking back, as if truly angry.

“Take care, Shuang’er!” Fang Tian called after her with a laugh, teasing her once more.

“Hmph!” Lin Shuang stomped her foot in frustration, quickening her pace.

Fang Tian watched her retreating figure with a satisfied smile, murmuring to himself, “Now we’re even. Let’s see you outmaneuver me again.”

Entering his quarters, Fang Tian flung himself onto the bed, closed his eyes, and summoned Elder Tian in his mind. Soon, Elder Tian responded.

“Elder Tian, do you think the Lin family can be trusted?” Fang Tian remained cautious.

“Xiao Tian, all you can do is take things one step at a time. Stay vigilant.”

“I understand, Elder Tian.” With that, Fang Tian withdrew his consciousness, stretched his limbs, and settled in for a rest.

Meanwhile, Lin Shuang had returned to her own chamber. Her maid, seeing her mistress’s troubled expression, dared not speak. Lin Shuang waved her away.

Once the maid had left, Lin Shuang sat on her bed, fuming. She glared at her pillow, then pounded it with her small, delicate fist—again and again, venting her frustration. After a while, her anger faded, and she hugged the pillow to her chest.

She couldn’t believe that she, usually so composed, had been so unsettled by Fang Tian today. She never imagined that the outwardly refined and courteous Fang Tian could tease her so mercilessly. If he kept this up, what would she do? She felt a pang of regret, but there was nothing to be done.

“Forget it. He was probably just joking.” Lin Shuang muttered softly to herself.

She sat in a daze for a long time. Outside, day faded into night, and eventually a knock came at the door.

“Miss, the family head wishes to see you.”

“I understand.” Lin Shuang rose, opened the door, and left.

Inside a study, Lin Shanyuan, the head of the Lin family, was speaking with Lin Shuang, who had just arrived.

“Daughter, in the letter you had Shen Xingfeng deliver, you said the one who tried to harm you was the Third Prince?”

“Yes, Father. Who would have thought that as soon as His Majesty entered seclusion, the Third Prince would strike so eagerly.”

“This time, His Majesty’s seclusion will likely last until the Island Assembly begins.”

“Not only that—the First and Second Princes are also preparing for the Assembly. Most matters now fall to the Third and Fourth Princes. Their cultivation is lacking, so the throne will surely go to one of them. During this power struggle, they’ll try to win support and take drastic action.”

“You’re right. I just didn’t expect our Lin family to be the first target.” Lin Shanyuan understood his daughter’s reasoning.

“If not for someone rescuing me that day, I would have been used as a bargaining chip against you.”

“Hmph, he’s ruthless enough to use even a princess in his schemes. The lure of power truly is strong.”

“Still, since he failed this time, he probably won’t make another move for a while.”

“That may be, but we must stay alert. By the way, have you found your rescuer?”

“No,” Lin Shuang replied after a moment’s thought. She decided not to reveal that Tian Yu was her savior, since she had promised to keep it secret; besides, she had seen the bounty on Fang Tian and thought it best to say nothing.

“If you haven’t found them, then let it be. But don’t go out alone in future.”

“I understand, Father.”

“I’ve already spoken to the clan elders about your engagement to Tian Yu. None objected. I plan for you two to marry soon. In the meantime, you and Tian Yu should spend more time together, to avoid giving people grounds for gossip. I know this is hard on you—do you blame me?”

“Your daughter is willing. As long as I can serve the family, I have no regrets.” Lin Shuang spoke with conviction.

“Good. You truly are my daughter.” Lin Shanyuan glanced outside. “It’s getting late. Go and rest.”

“I’ll take my leave, then. Father, rest early too.” Lin Shuang bowed and left the room.

Time passed quickly; several days slipped by. During this time, Fang Tian didn’t go out—he remained indoors cultivating. Time was precious, and he had no desire to waste it; every moment of cultivation counted. Already, he felt signs of a breakthrough in his realm.

Just as Fang Tian finished his training and was about to rise from bed, someone knocked and called at the door, “Young Master Tian Yu, Her Highness wishes to see you.”

“So the little princess has really come. Well, I might as well get out for a walk.” Fang Tian opened the door and, guided by a maid, made his way to a parlor. Inside, Zhao Xue’er was sitting, with Lin Shuang beside her. The two were chatting and laughing together.

As soon as they noticed Fang Tian’s arrival, they stopped talking. Lin Shuang rose and said gently, “Brother Yu, you’re here.”

“Impressive—she’s getting into character so quickly,” Fang Tian thought to himself as he entered.

Hearing Lin Shuang address Fang Tian so intimately, Zhao Xue’er’s eyes widened in astonishment. She couldn’t believe Lin Shuang would call him that—it sounded far too affectionate.

“Lin, what did you just call him?” Zhao Xue’er asked incredulously.

“Brother Yu. Why?” Lin Shuang replied.

“When did you two become so close?” Zhao Xue’er pressed further.

“I forgot to tell you—we’ll be married soon.”

“Is that true, Little Yu?”

“It’s true,” Fang Tian replied with a smile, stepping forward to take Lin Shuang’s delicate hand.

Lin Shuang’s cheeks flushed rose-red. She tried to pull her hand away, but remembering their supposed relationship, she let Fang Tian hold it.

Seeing Lin Shuang’s bashful face, Zhao Xue’er was stunned. After a long pause, she finally recovered and looked at Fang Tian. “Well, Little Yu, you’ve really done it—winning over a peerless beauty like Lin. That’s impressive.”

“It’s nothing, really.” Fang Tian rubbed his nose modestly.

After a while, watching the two still holding hands, Zhao Xue’er felt a little deflated. She couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t have someone to hold her hand like that. The more she thought about it, the more jealous she became. She said crossly, “I don’t know what luck you have. You’re not even handsome—why would Lin ever fall for you?”

“Perhaps I’m just personally very charming,” Fang Tian replied with a smile.

“Shameless,” Zhao Xue’er shot him a glare.