Wedding day

"This seems rather inconvenient," Ziyi murmured softly, declining Lin Haojie's offer, though she seemed inclined to accept. Lin Haojie's eyes paused as he watched Ziyi's shy demeanor, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

"If Miss Ziyi harbors any misgivings or suspicions about me, I can relinquish all accommodations, spending the night outdoors myself," Lin Haojie declared nobly.

"That won't be necessary. I naturally grant Master Lin's offer," Ziyi hurriedly interjected, causing both Ziling and Lin Feng to pause, while Lin Haojie chuckled. "So, Miss Ziyi, you've accepted?"

"If it's inconvenient for Miss Ziyi, I hope Master Lin won't take offense," Ziyi lowered her head, a hint of shyness evident.

"What talk of inconvenience? It's my honor," Lin Haojie chuckled.

"Sister Ziyi, how could you agree to stay at someone else's place?" Ziling tugged at Ziyi's arm, whispering softly.

"Ziling, Master Lin is a rare young talent. Can't we trust him? Come with me," Ziyi persuaded.

"Naive."

A cold voice sounded, causing everyone to glance, their gazes falling on Lin Feng.

At this moment, Lin Feng's gaze met Lin Haojie's, and he said calmly, "When we were at the foot of the mountain, you said that staying together with them in the grass hut might tarnish their reputation. Yet now, you invite them to your residence. Won't that affect their reputation as well? Is this what a young talent does?"

Lin Haojie's gaze faltered for a moment, then he looked at Lin Feng coldly and sneered, "Do you think you can compare yourself to me?"

"Ridiculous," Lin Feng said coldly. "Doesn't this matter of reputation also involve status and position?"

"Hmph!" Lin Haojie snorted and turned to Ziyi. "If Miss Ziyi thinks the same as him, then I won't mention what was just said. I'll take my leave, then."

After saying that, Lin Haojie turned to leave.

"Master Lin, wait," Ziyi called out, stepping forward and following Lin Haojie, saying, "I certainly don't share his views."

Turning back, Ziyi cast a cold glance at Lin Feng before saying to Ziling, "Ziling, are you coming with me?"

"No, thank you," Ziling shook her head.

"Very well. Be careful of certain people," Ziyi said before leaving with Lin Haojie.

Watching Ziyi's departing figure, Lin Feng shook his head inwardly. He had advised her, but since Ziyi insisted, there was nothing he could do. In any case, he had fulfilled his promise to ensure their safety and escort them to the Purple Mansion.

"Why didn't you go with them?" Lin Feng asked Ziling after the three had left.

"Perhaps what you said is true. What our eyes see may not necessarily be the truth. Although Lin Haojie is extraordinary and powerful, I feel he's somewhat hypocritical," Ziling pouted, looking into the distance and speaking softly.

"In that case, why didn't you listen to your sister?" Lin Feng chuckled softly. Lin Haojie was indeed quite hypocritical.

Ziling turned to look at Lin Feng, giggling, "If certain people weren't good, there was already an opportunity back at the grass hut at the foot of the mountain. Why wait until we arrive at the Purple Mansion?"

Lin Feng looked at her with slight surprise, a slight curve forming at the corner of his mouth. What the eyes see may not necessarily be the truth, especially when it comes to people. Despite appearing somewhat carefree, beneath Ziling's lively exterior lay a perceptive heart, even more insightful than Ziyi's composed demeanor.

Though it was a simple truth, Ziyi couldn't see through it and was ensnared by it.

"But don't get too smug. While your strength is commendable, I, Ziling, am destined to marry a powerful sword cultivator. I won't be interested in you," Ziling chuckled, then walked away, ready to find a place to rest casually.

"Sword cultivator?"

Lin Feng murmured softly, shaking his head with a smile as he followed.

...

In a mansion within the Purple Mansion, outside a room, there came a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Ziyi's voice came from inside the room, and the door was promptly pushed open, revealing Lin Haojie's figure.

"Miss Ziyi, may I come in?" Lin Haojie asked from outside.

"Of course, Master Lin, please come in," Ziyi replied.

In the dim light, Lin Haojie looked at Ziyi, noticing that her clothes were still not completely dry. Her delicate figure accentuated by the damp clothing ignited a flame within him.

"Ziyi, you're truly beautiful," Lin Haojie said softly, his voice gentle.

Ziyi's head lowered slightly, blushing shyly, her voice barely audible as she replied, "Not at all!"

"Beautiful all over!" Lin Haojie intentionally misinterpreted the phrase 'not at all', and said softly, "Ziyi, from the moment I saw you in the grass hut, I was captivated by your beauty. It feels like fate that we meet again so soon."

Ziyi remained silent, her face slightly flushed.

"Ziyi, if you don't speak, do you think I, Lin Haojie, am a frivolous person? If so, I'll leave now," Lin Haojie continued, and before Ziyi could respond, he had already approached her, and they were standing very close to each other.

"Ziyi!"

Lin Haojie's gaze was full of tenderness, his voice as gentle as water.

"Mm!"

Ziyi's face grew redder, her gaze meeting Lin Haojie's with a hint of affection.

She hadn't expected things to develop so quickly, but Lin Haojie was indeed outstanding. In terms of appearance, background, and talent, he was the top choice. Being courted by him, the adopted daughter of the Purple Mansion, was undeniably tempting for Ziyi, especially considering her deep fondness for Lin Haojie. Therefore, when Lin Haojie confessed, she couldn't resist, even though they had only recently met.

"Are you willing to be the woman destined for me?"

Lin Haojie took another step forward, his body almost touching Ziyi's, as he spoke tenderly.

Ziyi's heart thudded, her face flushing crimson with sudden happiness.

"Mm!"

She nodded slightly, and then felt a strong pair of hands embrace her. Soon after, Lin Haojie's warm lips met hers in a passionate kiss.

Ziyi felt her body stiffen, as if struck by lightning. Sensing Lin Haojie's passion, after a moment, she also wrapped her arms around him in response.

Lin Haojie's hands roamed her body, exploring, until they settled on certain areas, gently caressing them. This caused Ziyi's body to heat up, and she couldn't help but gasp for breath.

The two bodies collapsed onto the bed, clothes flying off one by one. Before long, a voice filled with a mixture of pain, relief, and ecstasy echoed from the room as their bodies fused together completely, engulfed in passion.

...

As the first light of dawn appeared, the Purple Mansion began bustling with activity. Today was the wedding day of the young master of the Purple Mansion, Ziqiong.

On a cliff, two figures sat, their feet dangling above the abyss, gazing at the rising sun in the distance, appearing unusually relaxed and at ease.

"So beautiful!"

Watching the red sun slowly rise amidst the rolling sea of clouds, Ziling couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"It is indeed beautiful," Lin Feng agreed, speaking up. In his past life, he had longed to witness a sunrise from a mountain peak, but he had never found the right time and opportunity. In this life, he finally experienced that feeling firsthand.

Moreover, with his attainment of the unity of man and nature, he felt the warmth and vitality so intimately, as if they were a part of himself.

"I never expected that the first time I would watch the sunrise would be with you by my side, but unfortunately, you're not the person I'm looking for," Ziling said playfully, then stood up. "Let's go back. Father said that Ziqiong's wife is stunningly beautiful. Today, I can see for myself if the rumors are true."

Lin Feng also stood up, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. He wanted to see the bride, not for her beauty, but to confirm if she was indeed the Snow Moon Princess, Duan Xinye!

If it were truly Duan Xinye, how could she be marrying Ziqiong? Was she really being coerced as the rumors suggested? If so, what should he, Lin Feng, do?