Chapter 23: Unable to Marry? She Clings On, Offering Herself Up

"You still remember that? You said you’d take responsibility for me, but you’re just a big liar, you—" As soon as she said this, Ling Shuo, who was standing nearby, widened his eyes. Well, well, who would’ve thought his big brother was such a heartbreaker? At such a young age… He snickered slyly and turned his head away, dutifully pretending not to listen out of loyalty.

Naturally, their boss wouldn’t want a matter like this to become public knowledge. The other diners around them felt their gossiping souls ignite—imagine coming out for a meal and stumbling upon such juicy drama! Look at that little girl: adorable and pitiable; and that boy, he just looked like a scoundrel. The world really had changed—so young and already… Many shook their heads and sighed. The girl was clearly destined to be a beauty, yet the boy had acted so early and didn’t even cherish her. People really are infuriating by comparison!

Ling Tian noticed the shifting expressions around him and his own face darkened a shade. “Don’t say such misleading things! What I said back then was that I’d take care of you, not that I’d marry you!” He felt compelled to set the record straight—those two phrases meant entirely different things.

“You already treated me that way, now I’ll never be able to marry…” Lin Xue’s words hadn’t finished before Ling Tian, flustered, clapped a hand over her mouth, sweat beading on his brow. How had things gotten so far out of hand?

“Let’s eat first. We’ll talk alone after the meal,” he said, not in the mood to argue in public and feeling he’d gotten himself into a mess. Lin Xue quieted down, resting her chin in her hands and staring intently as Ling Tian ate.

Ling Tian… Not long after, he set down his chopsticks. “I’m full.” Having someone gaze at you while you eat would ruin anyone’s appetite, even if it was a beautiful girl.

“Boss, I really don’t know how to repay your kindness. You see, I have here…” Out in the courtyard, Ling Shuo knew it was his cue to leave and began rummaging in his pocket.

“Cultivating diligently is the best repayment you could give me.” Ling Tian, seeing Ling Shuo’s movement, knew what he was about to pull out and quickly stopped him, pointing him to a more appropriate path.

Ling Shuo, seeing Ling Tian’s reaction, could only turn to leave. Halfway out, he retrieved a sacred artifact from inside his robe, scratching his head. “No wonder he’s the boss—even a sacred artifact doesn’t interest him?”

Had Ling Tian known, his face would have darkened further. The boy retrieved a little sketchbook and a sacred artifact with the exact same motion—how was he to know what would come out?

Once Ling Shuo was gone, only Lin Xue and Ling Tian remained, wandering through the Ling family estate. Ling Tian, walking ahead, suddenly stopped, and Lin Xue, with her head lowered, bumped right into him.

A soft sensation pressed against his back, and Ling Tian was suddenly beset by odd thoughts… No, he couldn’t keep letting things go on like this—it was just too improper.

“I’ve founded a new force called the Celestial Court. I wonder if you…” He turned to her, extending an invitation. Truth be told, this was also why he wanted to speak with her privately: above her head, the words [Childhood Companion!] shone bright. She was his grandfather’s disciple; it was only natural their paths had crossed.

“Can I join?” Lin Xue blurted out before Ling Tian could finish.

He hadn’t expected someone to deliver herself to his doorstep. “Of course you can. By the way, you just said you couldn’t get married…”

Ling Tian had no reason to refuse, and with that matter settled, the conversation returned to Lin Xue’s earlier words.

[Celestial Court members: 2/100]

[Mission reward: Dao Origin +1]

“When we were children, during that competition, Master told me that the first time is reserved for your Dao partner. Since you accidentally saw it, you have to take responsibility. I—you—I won’t let you off!” Lin Xue finished, her face scarlet, and fled in haste, leaving her words behind.

It took all her courage. She had always been rather naïve and timid, and after that incident, her master had taught her all the rules of etiquette between men and women. The incident with Ling Tian was among them, and ever since, just thinking about it made her blush. She was afraid Ling Tian wouldn’t own up, and only after hearing from her master that he had returned did she finally muster the courage to bring it up. Perhaps her delivery was a bit too blunt, but what bad intentions could a little girl have? She was simply afraid no one would want her.

Ling Tian watched her retreating figure and could not help but smile wryly. His grandfather truly had no scruples—deceiving a little girl like that at his age! Ling Batian just wanted to matchmake them and had concocted a perfect excuse. So his promise to “take care” of her—did that mean for life? But if he didn’t, wouldn’t that make him a scoundrel for real? What a headache…

“Who would have thought, at your age, you’d have so many admirers?” A familiar voice sounded. Dressed in a black dress, Luo Qingqiu appeared at Ling Tian’s side, teasing him with interest.

“Have you just arrived, or…” Despite not having seen each other for three years, the two remained close.

“Three years to me is but a cup of tea,” Luo Qingqiu replied with a shake of her head.

Ling Tian couldn’t help but sigh. No wonder everyone aspired to become an Emperor—just the longevity alone was so tempting. No one knew how long an Emperor could live; to the world, most Emperors died in battle, rarely of old age.

“What are your plans now?” Luo Qingqiu’s beautiful eyes fixed on him as she spoke coolly. Truth be told, for someone of Ling Tian’s age and cultivation, continuing to train in the family was not a bad option.

“I want to go with you to the Chaos Dao Domain, enter the secret realm as Tian Ling, and compete with those prodigies. I need to see just how high the heavens are and how broad the earth,” Ling Tian answered after a moment’s thought, his eyes shining with determination. In his heart, he was also plotting—Yan Chen’s matter was unresolved, Xiao Ling’er had yet to become his mount, and if he ventured out, perhaps he’d meet more childhood friends. As for Dao Origin, who would ever find it excessive?

“Then let’s go,” Luo Qingqiu said, her eyes glinting with admiration. For someone so young to have such resolve was rare indeed.

“Huh? So soon? I haven’t even seen my parents yet,” Ling Tian protested, surprised by her decisiveness.

“They’re not here,” Luo Qingqiu replied, assuming that after three years in the Blood Spirit Pool, Ling Tian missed his parents. His next words, however, left her speechless.

“I just wanted to ask them for some spiritual artifacts as compensation…”

Luo Qingqiu stared at his serious expression, thinking to herself: What goes on in that head of his? What an odd way of thinking!

Without further ado, she took Ling Tian and left the Ling estate. Of course, the family had consented—they felt that venturing out under this identity would be much safer for him.

Arriving at Luo Qiu Holy Land, Ling Tian donned a mask, his figure appearing taller and more imposing. His features, though changed, still bore a striking resemblance to his own—about seventy percent similar. His black robe had turned white.

No sooner had they arrived than a figure hurried over.

“Luo Changsheng greets the Supreme Elder.”

“What is it?” Luo Qingqiu’s tone was unreadable as she glanced at him.

“The two guests from the Fire God Sect insist on leaving. They said the Fire Domain’s secret realm is about to open, and after staying here so long, they can’t bear to impose any further.” These two were guests Luo Qingqiu had brought back, and if they wished to leave, her permission was required.

Luo Changsheng straightened, his gaze landing on Ling Tian. He squinted, sensing Ling Tian’s terrifying cultivation—after just three years, the youth had grown to such heights. What a pity he refused to become the Holy Son…

“Perfect timing. You handle this matter,” Luo Qingqiu said, looking at Ling Tian. It could not have been more convenient.

“Naturally,” Ling Tian agreed—after all, it was his business to deal with.

With that, Luo Qingqiu vanished. Luo Changsheng seemed about to speak, but Ling Tian preempted him. “If this is about making me Holy Son, there’s no need to say anything…”

“Mei Ruoxi and her sister are well settled—especially Lin Ruoxi. She’s become a true disciple,” Luo Changsheng said instead, having no choice but to switch topics.

“Oh?” Ling Tian was surprised. That little girl’s talent wasn’t supposed to be that high. Had he misjudged her?

“Thank you,” he said at last. Whatever the relationship, Luo Changsheng had gone to the trouble, and gratitude was due. It also served as thanks for bringing Xiao Ling’er and Yan Chen back last time.

And then he left. The second time is always easier than the first.

Ling Tian flew straight to the spirit peak where Xiao Ling’er resided.

“Ling’er, I told you, that boy is just toying with us. I tried to leave months ago, but they kept making excuses. Even now, they won’t let us go. What does that make us? Prisoners!” After three years, Yan Chen had reached the third realm of divine arts and his confidence had soared—he was practically strutting. He’d hoped that, with Ling Tian absent, he could leave with Xiao Ling’er, win her affection on the way, and perhaps even her heart. But the people here kept stalling, which was infuriating.

“Don’t say that! He’s not that kind of person!” Xiao Ling’er frowned, her tone displeased. After what happened with Mei Ruoxi, and three years of fine cuisine, her heart had already tilted toward Ling Tian. She missed home too, but she didn’t believe he was behind it all.

“Not that kind of person? Hmph, Ling’er, you can never truly know someone’s heart—” Yan Chen’s words had not finished before he was sent flying backward by a cold voice:

“You can never truly know someone’s heart? Well said. But do you really think you’re qualified to judge mine?”