After the fair, Shen Yue and Li Yueru ended up staying in the house that Lin Xian had rented. They only planned to stay one night, but since the secret realm wouldn't open for another month, they decided to stay longer and enjoy some peace in the mortal world.
Lin Xian never asked about their real identity or background. He acted like they were just normal girls. He cooked for them, helped with chores, and treated them kindly every day.
He never showed any signs of bad intentions.
---
One morning, Lin Xian brought them a small wooden box. Inside were two glowing pills.
"These are Marrow Cleansing Pills," he said with a smile. "They help normal people clean their bodies so they can start cultivating."
Li Yueru looked surprised. "Why are you giving these to us?"
Lin Xian just smiled. "I'm a cultivator myself, and I these found these once during a trip to secret realm . I thought maybe you two would find them useful."
Shen Yue's eyes lit up, and she happily took the pill. "Thank you, Big Brother Lin Xian!"
Of course, both girls were already high-level cultivators, but they acted like this was their first time learning about cultivation.
---
Each day passed peacefully.
In the mornings, Lin Xian taught Shen Yue some basic breathing techniques. He praised her a lot.
"You're really smart," he said, patting her head. "I'm sure you'll become great someday."
Shen Yue felt happy every time he said that. She had always wanted an older brother who would care for her.
In the afternoons, Lin Xian and Li Yueru cooked together. Sometimes they laughed while chopping vegetables or argued about what dish to make. It was warm and simple — like a real home.
At night, the three of them ate dinner together. Shen Yue told funny stories, and the room was full of laughter.
---
One evening, while Shen Yue was practicing quietly in the garden, Lin Xian and Li Yueru sat together on the porch.
The sunset made the sky orange and purple.
Li Yueru looked at Lin Xian and asked, "Why are you being so kind to us?"
Lin Xian was quiet for a moment. Then he said softly, "I had a little sister when I was younger. She was cheerful, just like Shen Yue. But she was a mortal… and she died from illness."
He looked down. "I couldn't protect her. That's why I want to protect others now. Especially girls like Shen Yue."
He looked at Li Yueru. "You don't have to keep guarding yourself. I just want to be good to you two. Nothing more."
Li Yueru stayed silent, then nodded slowly. "Alright. But I may still act cold sometimes."
"That's okay," Lin Xian chuckled. "You're kinder than you let people see."
From that day on, Li Yueru started relaxing around him more. She didn't smile much, but she stopped keeping her distance. She began to enjoy their quiet time together.
---
Shen Yue also changed.
She started calling Lin Xian "Big Brother" without thinking. She practiced with him happily, listened to his stories, and loved how he always noticed her.
For the first time, she felt like someone truly cared about her — not because of her bloodline, but because of who she was.
Even Li Yueru started feeling something in her heart. But every time she thought about her future — her fate being tied to Shen Tian — she forced herself to stay calm.
"I can't fall for him… right?"
---
But good times never last forever.
After a month, the secret realm was about to open. Shen Yue and Li Yueru had to leave.
They met their sect members outside the town, ready to return.
Shen Yue looked back at Lin Xian with sad eyes. "Big Brother Lin Xian… will we see you again?"
Lin Xian smiled softly. "Of course. One day soon."
As they walked away, Lin Xian turned around, his eyes calm.
Now the seeds are planted. The real game begins.
---
[Villain Points: 4200]
[Objective Update: Emotional Bond Formed. Future Manipulation Easier.]