Ji Ya didn’t take it. Patiently, she replied, “Young Master Lin Qi, there’s no need for such politeness between us. We’re barely acquaintances—please take the gift back.”
Lin Qizhu gave a wry smile. He was straightforward to a fault, clueless about charming women beyond showering them with gifts. But Ji Ya accepted nothing and kept firm boundaries—not even offering the scraps of a desperate suitor. What a failure.
The outsiders called him and the Third Prince the top two “lickwolves” among Ji Ya’s pack of admirers, the male gods likeliest to claim her heart. In truth, they fared no better than the rest, managing only a few bland exchanges. His status at least ensured she wouldn’t outright ignore him.
Lin Qizhu was used to her rejections by now, but Linzaki Sayoko couldn’t stomach seeing her brother so coldly brushed off. She snorted.
“My brother rushed here the moment he emerged from seclusion, agonizing over the perfect gift—and some people respond with such callousness. Do you not take the Divine Dream Palace seriously?”
Before Ji Ya could respond, Lin Qizhu snapped coldly, “Sayoko, shut your mouth. This is no place for your prattle.”
Linzaki Sayoko pouted but held her tongue in front of her brother.
“My apologies, Miss Ji Ya. My sister was out of line,” Lin Qizhu said contritely.
“It’s fine. I won’t stoop to arguing with children,” Ji Ya replied coolly. “Is there anything else, Young Master Lin Qi? If not, please excuse us. We’re just heading out and can’t entertain guests.”
Linzaki Sayoko opened her mouth again, but the Protector Elder silenced her first.
“There is indeed important business,” Lin Qizhu said, composing himself. “I’ve heard Miss Ji Ya has found a dual cultivation partner to treat her hidden ailment. Is this true?”
Ji Ya’s brows furrowed slightly. She was about to politely deflect with “This doesn’t concern Young Master Lin Qi,” but his earnest expression made her nod instead.
“Yes.”
At the confirmation, Lin Qizhu paled. His gaze shifted to Yan Zhen standing beside her.
“No man has ever stood this close to Miss Ji Ya… He’s the one, isn’t he?”
Ji Ya said nothing, which served as tacit agreement.
Lin Qizhu turned to Yan Zhen and cupped his fists.
“I am the Divine Dream Palace Young Sect Master, Lin Qizhu. Might I have your name, Lord Yan Zhen?”
Yan Zhen blinked his big, limpid eyes.
“I’m Yan Zhen. What can I do for you, Young Master Lin Qi?”
“To be frank, Lord Yan Zhen, I envy that Miss Ji Ya chose you. Regrettably, I know nothing of pill refining or refining Extreme Flame. I was powerless to help with her illness and could only watch her suffer.” Lin Qizhu sounded dejected. “It’s clear your treatment has filled out Miss Ji Ya’s aura nicely. Her condition must be improving, yes?”
Yan Zhen replied indifferently, “It’s almost fully healed.”
“That’s wonderful news.” Lin Qizhu pivoted sharply. “That said, I must ask: Are you merely treating Miss Ji Ya’s illness, or do you intend to become her husband?”
Yan Zhen frowned. “What does that have to do with you, Young Master Lin Qi?”
“Everything,” Lin Qizhu said earnestly. “If you’re just the healer, I’ll keep pursuing her until I win her heart. But if you’re to be her husband, I’ll step aside and wish you both a century of harmony.”
—I don’t buy that for a second!
Yan Zhen pursed his lips as Ji Ya looped her arm through his. He heard her declare, “Truth be told, once the treatment ends, we’ll announce our engagement.”
Yi Xian’er shot her a glare, as if demanding what nonsense she was spouting.
Yan Zhen knew his Good Big Sister just wanted to shake off this sticky taffy of a suitor, so he played along.
“Exactly. We’ve already decided to get engaged. Kindly stop bothering my fiancée, Young Master Lin Qi.”
Yi Xian’er quickly realized it was all an act but still looked miffed.
Across from them, Lin Qizhu bowed his head, his expression one of Mystic disappointment.
Nearby, Linzaki Sayoko shot a glance at Yan Zhen and Ji Ya. Suddenly, a mutter slipped from her lips: “Shameless pair.”
She’d tried to keep her voice down, but everyone present heard it clearly.
Before the pair in question could even react, Yi Xian’er’s face darkened. Her eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on Linzaki Sayoko.
“Are people from the Divine Dream Palace all so ill-mannered?”
Yan Zhen, who had just opened his mouth to speak, froze. Xian’er, you stole my line? he thought.
Linzaki Sayoko bristled like a cat with its fur standing on end. She jabbed a finger toward Yi Xian’er.
“You dare insult the Divine Dream Palace?”
Remembering poor Han Feng, Yan Zhen quickly pulled Yi Xian’er behind him. In a cold voice, he said, “She’s right. You were the one who spoke rudely first, tarnishing your own sect’s reputation.”
“You—”
“Enough, Sayoko! Shut your mouth!” Lin Qizhu barked. “If you keep this up, go back to the sect. Don’t follow me anymore.”
“Brother!”
Linzaki Sayoko looked utterly aggrieved. She shot Yan Zhen a vicious glare, as if to say, I’ll remember this.
Lin Qizhu turned to Yan Zhen as well.
“Since Lord Yan Zhen intends to wed Miss Ji Ya, I can only withdraw with regrets. But before I do, may I see what makes Miss Ji Ya’s chosen one so remarkable?”
And there it is—the real intent revealed, Yan Zhen grumbled inwardly. Out loud, he replied, “Young Master Lin Qi, speak your mind plainly.”
Lin Qizhu’s expression grew solemn.
“I wish to challenge Lord Yan Zhen. The two of us will duel on the arena stage. If you win, I’ll withdraw willingly and never bother Miss Ji Ya again. After all, the weak have no right to court a mate.”
Blah blah blah, Yan Zhen thought. Earlier he sounded so gracious: “If Lord Yan Zhen wishes to become Miss Ji Ya’s husband, I’ll step aside voluntarily.” Now he’s quietly adding conditions and twisting his words.
The weak have no right to court? It was just because his own cultivation was higher, so he wanted to force Yan Zhen away from Sister Ji Ya through a show of strength.
No, wait. In the script, Lin Qizhu strikes to kill every time. He clearly wants to eliminate his romantic rival outright.
I could really laugh. Why pretend, you white lotus!
Yan Zhen inwardly sneered with contempt. He turned to Sister Ji Ya—it was her cue to step in.
Little Brother Yan Zhen is younger than you, only at Nine-Star Mystic Practitioner, while you’re four or five years older and a Six-Star Mystic Scholar. How could it be a fair duel?
…That was supposed to be Sister Ji Ya’s line.
Strangely, Yan Zhen stared at Good Big Sister for a good while, but she said nothing. She just met his gaze.
“…”
Say your line! The plot’s right there—why aren’t you speaking?
“Wait.” It was Yi Xian’er who spoke up. “You’re older than Yan Zhen, and your cultivation is higher too. How could it possibly be a fair duel?”
Lin Qizhu shook his head.
“Between men, there are only the strong and the weak—no elder or younger. I trust Lord Yan Zhen shares this understanding?”
Well played! If Yan Zhen hadn’t read the script and known what kind of person Lin Qizhu really was, those manly words might have fired him up.
