After saving Shen Yue and Li Yueru in the Secret Realm, Lin Xian rested inside a quiet cave with them. The poison still lingered in his body, but thanks to the pills and formations he had set up, the danger was slowed for now.
The past few weeks had changed everything.
Shen Yue had become deeply attached to Lin Xian, calling him "Big Brother" and clinging to him like family. Her feelings had grown into love, and even she didn't try to hide it anymore.
Li Yueru, the cold and distant beauty, had also opened up to him. Cooking meals together, talking late at night, watching over Shen Yue — they had slowly become like a small family.
One evening, as the wind howled outside the cave, Li Yueru quietly sat beside Lin Xian while Shen Yue was meditating.
"Lin Xian," she said softly, "thank you for everything you've done. I used to believe in fate. That I was supposed to marry Shen Tian. But now… I'm not so sure."
Lin Xian didn't answer right away.
Then he smiled and gently held her hand.
"I'm glad you feel that way."
From that moment, their bond deepened. They didn't need many words. Their eyes spoke for them.
Later, Shen Yue came over, eyes shining. "Big brother! I want to stay with you forever. Not Shen Tian. I don't care about him!"
Lin Xian looked at both girls.
A strange look appeared in his eyes. Behind his soft smile, his mind was working like a true villain.
> "They both love me now. But if Shen Tian finds out, he'll explode in rage. That could ruin everything… unless I use this."
---
The Manipulation Begins
Lin Xian stood up and sighed.
"I can't stay with you two anymore," he said sadly.
Both girls froze.
"What? Why?" Shen Yue's voice cracked.
Li Yueru looked panicked. "Is it because of Shen Tian?"
Lin Xian nodded, looking away. "If he finds out about us… he'll turn the whole sect against me. I'm not strong enough to protect you yet."
"No!" Shen Yue shouted. "I don't care about Shen Tian! I only love you!"
Li Yueru, for once, showed emotion. "We don't belong to him. We choose who we love."
Lin Xian looked at them with a fake bitter smile. "Then promise me something. Until I become strong enough to protect you… we must hide our relationship. No one can know."
The girls looked heartbroken, but nodded.
"We'll wait," Li Yueru said.
"Forever, if needed," Shen Yue added, wiping her tears.
---
[Relationship Deepened: Shen Yue – Love]
[Relationship Deepened: Li Yueru – Devotion]
[Fate Changed: Shen Tian's Destiny Damaged – -600 Luck]
[New Ability Gained: Devouring Dao Technique]
→ Can devour rare physiques and bloodlines to strengthen host
→ Bonus Effect: Gains partial affinity with devoured power
Lin Xian smirked inwardly.
> "Their feelings, their fate, even their gifts — all mine now. Slowly… everything that once belonged to the Son of Destiny will become mine."