Chapter 138: Going After the Ex-Fiance?e! Lin Qi’an Invites Zhao Yunji

    Everything Li Xuan was doing, Lin Qi’an observed clearly with his Heavenly Fated Villain Divine Eyes.

    Trying to pursue Zhao Yunji? How laughable.

    As the most aloof goddess of the Canglan Dao Domain, Zhao Yunji was known for setting her sights higher than anyone. People said she could never fall in love with any man, no matter how outstanding he was.

    Her heart was devoted solely to the Dao; if anything, she would spend her future with the Way itself.

    Yet Li Xuan, oblivious, was trying to court her. To make things more interesting, Zhao Yunji already had another Destined Child fawning over her—Ye Yun. If these two crossed paths, it would be quite a show.

    ...

    For the past few days, Zhao Yunji had stayed within her residence, occasionally wandering around or sitting in her garden, seemingly lost in thought. The maidservants couldn’t help but notice her unusual behavior.

    “What’s going on with the princess these days? She seems so restless.”

    “I don’t know... Usually, when the princess cultivates, she can go half a month without eating or drinking. But lately, she seems like a different person!”

    “I have a theory! Do you think it’s because of the Prince’s arrival?”

    “Shh! Don’t say such things carelessly, or you’ll lose your head!”

    “But wasn’t the Prince once engaged to the princess? Even if the engagement is annulled, it seems her unease began when he arrived.”

    “That actually makes sense...”

    From her pavilion, Zhao Yunji heard every word the maids whispered, given her cultivation level. Her face turned bright red, and she couldn’t help but bury it in her arms, feeling utterly embarrassed.

    Ever since she had last seen Zhao Qingmeng and witnessed her rapid improvement in cultivation, Zhao Yunji had been shaken. All of it was because of Lin Qi’an.

    Moreover, Lin Qi’an had mastery over the same lightning techniques that she practiced. If only she could be closer to him, she might gain everything she desired... But all of these possibilities vanished with the annulment of their engagement.

    When her father, the Sword Emperor, arrived in Tai’an City, she harbored a faint hope that the engagement set by their elders might still be salvaged.

    However, he didn’t mention it, not once. To her frustration, Lin Qi’an immediately went to Zhao Qingmeng’s side and even stayed at her residence. Unbearable!

    ‘Fine,’ she thought to herself. ‘Even if you come to see me in person, I’ll ignore you.’

    “Your Highness!” A maid approached, interrupting her thoughts.

    Zhao Yunji straightened herself, asking calmly, “What is it?”

    “The Prince requests an audience!”

    “Lin Qi’an?!” A flash of joy crossed her heart, but Zhao Yunji replied coolly, “Invite him in.”

    “Yes, Your Highness.”

    She quickly adjusted her attire and hair, restoring her usual dignified appearance. Soon enough, Lin Qi’an was led over by the maids.

    “What brings the Prince to see me?” Zhao Yunji asked, her tone neutral.

    “I’ve brought ancient lightning scriptures to share with the princess. Now move aside!”

    “Studying lightning techniques?” A glint of murderous intent flashed in Ye Yun’s eyes.

    Was this man sent by Lin Qi’an? If so, he had to die.

    “Fine. The princess is away from the residence. Follow me,” Ye Yun said, pretending to lead him to Zhao Yunji while actually guiding him to the city’s combat arena.

    “Why did you bring me here?” Li Xuan demanded, suspicious.

    “Fight me again. Defeat me, and I’ll let you see the princess!”

    “Another round? You really think you can win?”

    It was noon, a time when Ye Yun’s strength, bolstered by his Great Yang Heavenly Emperor Technique, was at its peak. Intent on defending the princess, he readied himself for a full-force battle.

    The two clashed once more, their duel causing tremors that shook the arena, drawing a massive crowd of spectators. Were it not for the protective barrier around the ring, the surrounding area would have been reduced to rubble.

    In the end, it was another hard-fought battle that left both parties severely injured. Ye Yun managed to gain a narrow victory, but he was left bloodied and exhausted, while Li Xuan’s condition was even worse—his body charred and scorched.

    “You’ve actually gotten stronger!”

    “Enough talk! You lost—now get out of here. Acting as Lin Qi’an’s errand boy... what a waste.”

    “Who are you calling Lin Qi’an’s errand boy?”

    “Aren’t you?”

    A silence fell between them as they both began to piece things together.

    They had been played.

    “That damned Lin Qi’an... he set this up to make fools of us!”

    “You idiot! Out of my way!”

    The two raced back to Zhao Yunji’s residence as fast as they could, but by the time they arrived, she was already gone.

    Zhao Yunji had been quietly escorted away by Lin Qi’an.

    “Damn it, search everywhere!”

    Ding! Destined Children Li Xuan and Ye Yun both suffered severe injuries. Destiny values decreased by 200 each.

    Seeing this notification, Lin Qi’an smiled to himself. His plan had worked perfectly! Thanks to their lack of intelligence, his scheme had succeeded with ease.

    Currently, he and Zhao Yunji had arrived at the secluded Tiannu Lake on the western side of the city. Dressed in plain clothes and without any attendants, they had gone unnoticed by the crowds.

    “Why... why did you bring me here?” Zhao Yunji asked, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of shyness, her beautiful face faintly flushed.

    “To study lightning techniques together, of course. Let’s board one of the boats—no one will disturb us there.”

    The lake was dotted with small boats, mostly carrying couples enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

    Zhao Yunji didn’t respond but quietly followed Lin Qi’an onto one of the boats.