Chapter 32

Luo Han’s smile gradually froze.
She had thought that as long as she quietly stashed the clothes into her storage pouch, Ling Qingxiao wouldn’t notice. Afterward, the attendant would use her card to settle the bill, and once she erased the transaction record, it would be as if this had never happened.
But why...why did the attendant have to say it out loud?
She had just claimed she only took one piece, and in the blink of an eye, she was exposed.
Luo Han could feel Ling Qingxiao glance at her. Though he didn’t say anything, she had the distinct feeling that he was holding back laughter.
This world was no longer worth staying in. Truly. Life had lost all meaning.
The attendant had only meant to be polite and encourage business, but as soon as she spoke, an inexplicable awkwardness settled over them. Realizing something was off, she hesitated, unsure of what she had done wrong. With a hint of unease, she asked, “Did I offend the two immortals with my poor choice of words?”
“It’s fine,” Ling Qingxiao replied calmly, raising a hand to reassure her. He was a naturally indifferent person, but he was never harsh or condescending toward attendants, guards, or lower-ranked cultivators. Even when dealing with strangers of lower status, he always let them finish speaking before responding.
After easing the attendant’s nerves, Ling Qingxiao turned to Luo Han. Though he found the situation amusing, he didn’t let it show. His expression remained cool and composed as he stood up and said, “We still need to look at artifacts, and time is short. Let’s go.”
Luo Han quickly nodded and seized the opportunity to escape.
This time, they didn’t stop anywhere else and went straight to Xuanji Pavilion.
Xuanji Pavilion was a magnificent three-story establishment with a prime location and sprawling grounds. It was the most renowned artifact shop in Tianzhao City, attracting a steady flow of customers from dawn to dusk.
The attendants in a place like this were quick to recognize important guests. The moment Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han approached, a refined-looking attendant immediately stepped forward to greet them warmly—but without overstepping. “Second Young Master Ling, it has been a while since your last visit. And this young lady—this must be her first time at Xuanji Pavilion? I don’t believe we’ve met before. If I fail to serve you well, please forgive my shortcomings.”
Luo Han instantly understood what it meant to feel truly welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy.
With the polished attendant leading the way, they crossed the threshold of Xuanji Pavilion. Just as they entered, Luo Han caught sight of someone familiar.
Ling Zhongyu and Yun Menghan were also here, browsing the artifacts. From the looks of it, Ling Zhongyu had brought Yun Menghan to pick one out.
Xuanji Pavilion was vast, and the higher the floor, the more expensive and refined the artifacts. Yun Menghan’s cultivation level was relatively low, so she could only use the most basic artifacts, all of which were displayed on the first floor.
At that moment, Yun Menghan was listening to an attendant’s explanation, carefully examining the artifacts one by one. She heard movement behind her and turned around instinctively—only to see someone completely unexpected.
She froze in place.
Sensing her change in expression, Ling Zhongyu followed her gaze. His eyes met Ling Qingxiao’s for the briefest moment before both of them swiftly looked away, as if the other were nothing more than a stranger.
Yet Yun Menghan found herself unable to look away.
Since that fleeting encounter at Qianyang Sect, she hadn’t seen Ling Qingxiao again. At first, she harbored some faint hope that she might run into him. But after several days of waiting in vain, she had no choice but to accept the truth.
Ling Qingxiao had never been waiting for her.
She had been deluding herself.
That day, the person Ling Qingxiao was waiting for had most likely been Luo Han.
She didn’t know whether they had met earlier than planned or later. All she knew was that after that day, she never saw Ling Qingxiao in that place at that time again.
Of course, she still heard news about him daily within the sect.
But none of it had anything to do with her anymore.
She knew that every morning, without fail, Ling Qingxiao practiced spellcasting at Feiyun Terrace. Every afternoon, he went to the library pavilion, never missing a day. His discipline put the other disciples of Zhongshan Sect to shame. And wherever he went, there was always a veiled woman beside him.
No one knew who she was.
The sect had been rife with speculation about her identity. After much inquiry, no one had ever seen her face or learned her background. They only knew that her surname was Luo.
It wasn’t until the ranking lists were announced and a previously unheard-of name appeared—“Luo Han”—that people finally put the pieces together.
There were many theories. Some said Luo Han was the daughter of a prestigious family, sent to Zhongshan Sect for a political marriage. Since the eldest son was already engaged to his maternal cousin, the arranged marriage had fallen to the second son instead. Ling Qingxiao had no choice but to bring her along due to family pressure.
Others speculated that she had saved Ling Qingxiao’s life and was now leveraging that debt to stay close to him.
The most outlandish theory claimed that Luo Han was the illegitimate daughter of a high-ranking celestial official, and that some secret political deal was at play. Ling Qingxiao had received orders to protect her.
Yun Menghan knew a little more than the others.
For instance, she knew that Luo Han was breathtakingly beautiful. The reason she always wore a veil wasn’t because she was disfigured, or hiding from the world as an illegitimate child—it was simply because she was too beautiful.
But at the same time, Yun Menghan felt as though she knew nothing at all.
She didn’t know Luo Han’s true identity or why she had appeared at Ling Qingxiao’s side.
Was it a political marriage? A life-saving debt? A hidden noble background?
Every rumor seemed plausible.
Just today, Yun Menghan had learned from a senior martial sister that she had been selected for an upcoming battle.
She had never even considered the possibility of being chosen, so she had made no preparations.
Now, with only two days before she was to set out for Western Sea to suppress the Devourer Beasts, she was in a state of panic.
That was when Ling Zhongyu sent her a message, offering to help her pick out a weapon. To Yun Menghan, it was a lifeline. She accepted without hesitation.
In truth, she should have replaced her artifact long ago.
On the day of the Ya Yu attack, Ling Zhongyu had promised to help her choose a new one. But before they could leave the sect, Su Yinyue had called him away.
Later that day, she was injured by Yayou at the sect’s entrance, and after that came days of recovery, a period of cold distance, and various other distractions. The matter of buying a weapon had been entirely forgotten.
Now, as she found herself at a loss for what to do, Ling Zhongyu had come to her aid once more.
His kindness filled her with gratitude.
So much so that she failed to realize—this was something he had promised her long ago.
And even more so, she failed to realize that the reason she had been chosen for this battle in the first place…was also because of him.
Ling Zhongyu had brought Yun Menghan straight to the largest and most extravagant artifact shop in the city. He had then summoned an attendant and instructed them to show Yun Menghan the best artifacts available.
“Pick whatever you like,” he had said.
“I’ll pay.”
But as Yun Menghan struggled to compare the quality of each artifact and determine which one suited her best, Ling Zhongyu simply left her to it, feeling that he had already done his part.
From the start, she had been nothing more than a pawn in his game.
Translation:
Yun Menghan had no choice but to brace herself and do it on her own. At this moment, she couldn't help but think of Ling Qingxiao. If the Second Young Master were here today, he would never act like this.
But if he wouldn’t, then what would he do? Yun Menghan couldn’t say for sure. Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard someone approaching outside. She turned her head—and saw the very person she had imagined, dressed in white as pure as snow, untouched by dust, ascending the steps.
Yun Menghan froze. Her eyes couldn’t focus on anyone else until Ling Qingxiao turned slightly, revealing Luo Han standing beside him.
The fragile bubble in Yun Menghan’s heart burst and turned cold. She realized that the engagement, the life-saving benefactor, the high-status transaction—perhaps all of it was true.
She knew she should withdraw her gaze, focus on her magical artifact, and avoid making a fool of herself in front of everyone. But she just couldn't control her eyes. She noticed that the two of them had walked in together from outside—not like a chance encounter, but as if they had planned to go shopping together. Luo Han had even changed outfits, and judging by the style, it was from the Yi Luan Pavilion. Could it be that the Second Young Master had accompanied Luo Han to try on clothes?
The thought startled Yun Menghan. How could that be? Since when would the Second Young Master do something so trivial and time-wasting? Yet, the countless little details pricked at her eyes, noisily reminding her that this was real.
"Miss?" A servant called softly. Yun Menghan snapped back to reality, realizing she had been staring at the entrance, unmoving, for quite some time. But now, there was no one at the threshold anymore.
Yun Menghan let out a self-mocking smile, withdrew her attention, and dared not look at Ling Zhongyu’s expression. She lowered her head and continued listening to the servant’s introduction.
Perhaps it was because cultivators had excellent hearing, but the conversations from the other side of the hall kept drifting over. She heard a voice, clear and cold like breaking ice:
“What kind of magical artifact do you want?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then what kind of weapon do you like? Saber, spear, sword, halberd, axe, mace, hook, fork? Or perhaps whip, club, or silk ribbons?”
Luo Han thought for a moment and still shook her head. “I’ve never trained before, so I don’t know what I like or what I’m good at. But I’d like to try the sword.”
Even though Luo Han had no martial background, if given the chance, the first weapon she wanted to learn was undoubtedly the sword—especially after witnessing Ling Qingxiao wielding his sword with such an imposing presence. It made her yearn for swordsmanship even more.
The sword was the king of weapons, and Ling Qingxiao himself used one, so he naturally had no objections to Luo Han’s request. He nodded and said, “Alright. But mastering swordsmanship is not something that can be achieved in a day. Until you do, you’ll still need other magical artifacts.”
This was completely unfamiliar territory for Luo Han, leaving her at a loss. Seeing her confusion, Ling Qingxiao added, “You’re more suited for long-range combat. Close-quarters fighting isn’t ideal for you.”
A servant stood nearby, but Ling Qingxiao didn’t need any introduction. He led Luo Han directly to a section displaying long-range weapons. “Take a look at these. Do any interest you?”
The counter displayed various long-range weapons, such as whips and bows. Luo Han examined them one by one. If she didn’t understand something, she only had to ask, and Ling Qingxiao would provide the most thorough evaluation.
Although Ling Qingxiao was cold in temperament, his observations were meticulous. He was, in fact, an incredibly attentive person. Sometimes, before Luo Han could even figure out what she wanted to ask, Ling Qingxiao had already pointed it out.
Having someone like him by her side was incredibly reassuring.
The servant, originally responsible for explaining things to the customers, quickly abandoned his duty. Instead, he discreetly took out a jade slip and started recording Ling Qingxiao’s analysis.
On the other side, Yun Menghan listened as Ling Qingxiao patiently compared the pros and cons of each magical artifact for Luo Han. Then she looked at her own situation and suddenly felt disheartened.
That day, when the monster Yayu wreaked havoc, Yun Menghan had invited Ling Qingxiao to browse magical artifacts with her. But he refused. She had assumed it was because he was naturally aloof and disliked unnecessary trouble. Now she finally understood—he just didn’t like being troubled by her.
She had taken his presence for granted, never truly cherishing it. Only when it was lost did she realize what a privilege she had once enjoyed.
Yun Menghan’s mood sank, and Ling Zhongyu wasn’t feeling any better. To keep things simple, he had brought Yun Menghan to the largest magical artifact store—only to run into Ling Qingxiao here. Ever since those two arrived, Yun Menghan had been distracted and absent-minded, while everyone in the store had shifted their attention toward them. Even the servant leading Yun Menghan and Ling Zhongyu had stolen several glances in Ling Qingxiao’s direction.
If Ling Zhongyu weren’t still present, the servant would have likely run off already.
After all, an expert’s evaluation was far superior to their rote-learned sales pitches. If they could pick up even a little of Ling Qingxiao’s insight, their sales commission might skyrocket in the future.
Ling Zhongyu grew irritated at the sight of everyone’s wandering focus. He cleared his throat in displeasure, snapping the servant back to attention. The servant immediately bowed and apologized.
“Please forgive me, Young Master. I was negligent.”
Ling Zhongyu waved him away impatiently. “Enough, leave.”
The servant hesitated as if wanting to defend himself but ultimately dared not speak. After bowing once more, he left with a dejected expression.
Once the servant was gone, Ling Zhongyu cleared his throat and said to Yun Menghan, “If you have any questions, you can ask me.”
Yun Menghan looked confused. “Ask you what?”
Ling Zhongyu was momentarily stunned. He was unwilling to let Ling Qingxiao steal the spotlight, so he wanted Yun Menghan to ask him something. But now that she had turned the question back on him, he found it strange. Why ask why? He wanted to show off his knowledge—Yun Menghan only needed to ask, so why hesitate?
Ling Zhongyu sighed internally. Yun Menghan was still too dull. Her lowly background meant she lacked the proper etiquette and quick reactions. A fleeting thought crossed his mind—if Yun Menghan were to become his principal wife one day, could she truly uphold the dignity of Zhongshan’s matriarch?
The thought passed as quickly as it came, and Ling Zhongyu suppressed it. There was still plenty of time—no need to rush a decision. He could observe as things progressed.
Having made up his mind, he no longer consulted Yun Menghan’s opinion and instead directly decided for her. “This one is good. It works for both close and long-range attacks, has great lethality, and is suitable for self-defense.”
Yun Menghan glanced in the direction Ling Zhongyu was pointing and gave a faint, bitter smile.
He was recommending a heavy weapon. But Yun Menghan was small in build and slow to react—she didn’t like heavy arms in the slightest. That weapon wasn’t meant for her. It was simply the kind Ling Zhongyu preferred.
He was a favored son of heaven, raised under a spotlight since birth. For someone like him, considering another’s perspective might be the hardest thing of all.
He had never cared what Yun Menghan thought, never bothered to ask what she wanted. And now this weapon—how was she supposed to wield it?
Yun Menghan didn’t answer. A strange silence settled between them. As their side quieted down, the conversation on the other side of the hall became all the more distinct.
As Ling Qingxiao passed a display, he stopped at a set of slender needles. Without a word, he motioned for the attendant to take them out.
The attendant hesitated. “To be honest, Second Young Master, these were a failed forge. The materials—frost-iron essence—are of the finest quality, and the shopkeeper couldn’t bear to discard them. We only left them out as clearance. We wouldn’t dare offer such items to you, let alone mislead you. Please, take a look at something else.”
Luo Han had followed over and quietly sent Ling Qingxiao a voice transmission. “What’s wrong?”
“These needles were a forging failure. The tips were too finely drawn, and the final stage of heating caused internal instability—they can’t channel spiritual energy.”
Luo Han nodded. “So the shop is being honest. That’s good. They didn’t try to scam you.”
Ling Qingxiao saw she hadn’t caught his real meaning. He clarified, “Because they can’t hold spiritual energy, they produce minimal spiritual fluctuation during use.”
“…And that means?”
“Perfect for stealth attacks.”
Realization dawned. Of course—these needles were long, sharp, and incredibly fine. If used as hidden weapons, they could silently strike a target without alerting them. Practically impossible to guard against.
Luo Han looked at Ling Qingxiao with newfound respect. So calm and refined on the outside, and yet so...cunning beneath. Truly, still waters ran deep.
She silently gave him a thumbs-up. Ling Qingxiao caught her hand and gently pressed it down. “Behave.”
Then, as if nothing had happened, he told the attendant calmly, “Understood. Wrap this set with that earlier talisman shield as well.”
The attendant looked uneasy and went to consult the shopkeeper. A short while later, the shopkeeper himself emerged and bowed deeply. “Second Young Master, thank you for supporting our humble store. We would not dare charge you for a defective product. Consider this set of frost-iron needles a gift from our pavilion.”
Ling Qingxiao gave a polite nod. “Much appreciated.”
Luo Han looked between the bowing shopkeeper and the unruffled Ling Qingxiao, and couldn’t help but sigh. The old saying was true: never judge a book by its cover.
Once the shopkeeper had left with the payment token, she sidled over, still in awe. “So...what about the sword? Still planning to buy one?”
“No need,” Ling Qingxiao replied. “Use the basic spirit sword to get a feel for it. After we return from Mi Sea, I’ll forge one for you myself.”
That gave her pause. “Wait...you know how to forge weapons too?”
“I’ve studied it. Haven’t practiced much. I’m no expert.”
Luo Han nodded. When Ling Qingxiao said “not an expert,” it probably meant he could reforge divine weapons in his sleep. Just like how he once said he only knew the basics of formation arts—and then casually dismantled a god-tier formation.
She understood now. Academic humility from the overpowered. Classic.
Their entire discussion took only a few minutes. It was simple, efficient—and even the matter of her next sword was settled. Their voices hadn’t been loud, just occasional murmurs floating through the air, yet both Ling Zhongyu and Yun Menghan had heard it.
Ling Zhongyu scoffed quietly to himself. He clearly disapproved of Ling Qingxiao stooping to use second-rate weapons. A sense of superiority rose in his chest. He turned to Yun Menghan and declared grandly, “Whatever you want, just say the word. Price doesn’t matter—nothing is too expensive.”
His words caught the attention of several customers nearby. They looked toward Yun Menghan with envy and admiration. But Yun Menghan only lowered her gaze, feeling...oddly empty.
In the past, she would’ve been elated to receive lavish gifts from Ling Zhongyu. But today—she couldn’t muster the joy.
Maybe it was because it had been so long since they’d spoken, maybe she was still dwelling on the matter with Su Yinyue. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because of that other pair across the room.
Ling Zhongyu’s gesture sounded generous, but everyone knew he was never short on money. A few thousand spirit stones was nothing but pocket change to him. Whereas Ling Qingxiao—he had personally accompanied Luo Han to choose her weapons, and even offered to forge her next sword.
Compared side by side, it was painfully obvious who cared more.
As Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han waited for the bill, two more customers entered the store, chatting along the way.
“Did you get a ticket for tonight’s auction?” one asked. “I heard they’re putting up a Crane Orchid.”
“No.” The other sighed. “I almost had one, but it’s the same day as the Zhongshan conscription. All the disciples came down from the mountain and drove the price up threefold. I can’t afford that.”
They went on lamenting how tough cultivation life was—how every step drained your spirit stones.
Ling Zhongyu froze when he heard the words “Crane Orchid.” He immediately turned toward the speaker. “Friend, did you say there’s a Crane Orchid in tonight’s auction? Is that true?”
Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao exchanged a glance.
Crane Orchid?
The man seemed startled to be approached, and eyed Ling Zhongyu warily. “What do you want?”
“Please, don’t misunderstand,” Ling Zhongyu said with a light bow. “My cousin has damaged meridians and cannot cultivate. A Crane Orchid would help rebuild them. If the news is true, I will offer you a generous reward.”
“No need,” the other man replied, still keeping his distance. “I don’t have an auction pass anyway. But it’s true—I heard it from the black market. Whether or not it’s accurate, I don’t know. But since the Biyun Secret Realm opened this year...it just might be real.”
So the Orchid came from the black market? That explains it.
Ling Zhongyu nodded and offered a cupped-fist salute. “Many thanks.”
Luo Han was already in a rather indescribable mood, and hearing the name “Biyun Secret Realm” only made it worse.
The Crane Orchids from Biyun Secret Realm? But...aren’t all ten of those in my possession?