Yun Lintian's expression remained unchanged. "And?"
Su Xinyue's fingers tightened around her sleeves. "I… I just don't want Senior Yun to walk into danger."
Yun Lintian studied her for a moment before chuckling. "Danger?"
He walked to the edge of the lotus pond, gazing at his reflection in the water.
"Tell me, Su Xinyue. Have you ever seen a place that could truly threaten me?"
Su Xinyue fell silent.
Indeed, ever since she had met Yun Lintian, she had never seen him truly challenged. Whether it was the Black Sea Pirates, Mo Yongcun, or even the Celestial Pavilion's elites—none had been able to so much as scratch him.
"The Ruins of Forgotten Time are different," she insisted. "Even True Gods have perished there."
"Thank you for your concern but I have to go." Yun Lintian said calmly.
Yue Zhihe, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Senior Yun, if you are determined to go, then I will follow."
Xiao Lan quickly added, "This lowly one as well!"
Yun Lintian glanced at them before shaking his head. "No. This time, I'll go alone."
Su Xinyue's eyes widened. "But—!"
Before she could protest, Yun Lintian raised a hand.
"The Ruins of Forgotten Time are not a place for the weak. Even if you followed, you would only become a burden."
His words were blunt, but not unkind.
Su Xinyue's shoulders slumped slightly, but she nodded in understanding.
"Then… please be careful, Senior Yun."
Yun Lintian turned to look at her and asked. "What about you? Have you contracted your family?"
"I will right now." Su Xinyue said softly and took out a transmission jade, contracting her family.
Yun Lintian raised his head to look the distant sky, where dark clouds were gathering.
For some reason, he felt that something would happen in this trip… Something that could change his fate forever…
Deep within the Celestial Pavilion's inner sanctum, Jian Feng knelt before a tall, imposing figure—a man clad in robes of silver and blue, his aura deeper than the ocean itself.
The First Elder, Jian Kun.
"Brother," Jian Feng said through gritted teeth. "That outsider—Yun Lintian—he's too dangerous!"
Jian Kun's expression was unreadable. "Lan Huiqian has vouched for him."
Jian Feng's fists clenched. "She's blinded by his strength! He could be a spy from another faction, or worse—an enemy in disguise!"
Jian Kun remained silent for a long moment before speaking slowly.
"Regardless… if he enters the ruins, we will see his true nature soon enough."
A cold smile curled his lips.
"After all… no one has ever come out of the Ruins of Forgotten Time unchanged."
Jian Feng's face twisted with frustration. "Brother, are we just going to let Yun Lintian do as he pleases?"
"And what you are going to do?" Jian Kun's gaze turned icy as he stared at his younger brother. "You are too weak to interfere."
The words struck Jian Feng like a physical blow. His hands trembled at his sides, nails digging into his palms.
Jian Kun continued mercilessly, "If not for our blood relation, do you think you'd enjoy your current privileges?"
Jian Feng lowered his head, but his eyes burned with suppressed hatred. Since childhood, Jian Kun had always suppressed him—never offering guidance, only criticism.
Jian Kun noticed the resentment but didn't care. "Tell me, what kind of power did Yun Lintian use against Mo Yongcun?"
Jian Feng forced himself to answer calmly. "He... only used divine energy. No techniques, no artifacts. Just raw power to crush Mo Yongcun instantly."
Jian Kun's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh?"
A rare flicker of surprise crossed his face before his expression turned thoughtful. After a long pause, he spoke again.
"Stay away from Yun Lintian. Wait for the right opportunity." His tone left no room for argument. Then, with deliberate coldness, he added, "Of course, if you wish to die, you may provoke him whenever you like."
Jian Feng's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
Jian Kun waved a dismissive hand. "Leave."
With great effort, Jian Feng bowed stiffly and turned to exit the chamber. As the heavy doors closed behind him, his suppressed fury finally surfaced—his aura flaring violently before he forcibly reined it in.
One day, I'll make you regret looking down on me!
The morning sun cast golden light over the tranquil courtyard as Su Xinyue approached Yun Lintian, her steps hesitant.
"Senior Yun," she said softly, "my family has arrived. I... will be leaving now."
Yun Lintian turned from where he stood by the lotus pond. "Mn."
Su Xinyue bowed deeply. "Thank you for everything. If Senior Yun ever has time, please visit Azure Mist City. My family would be honored to host you."
Yun Lintian nodded. "Perhaps."
Suddenly, a strange reluctance tugged at his chest—an unfamiliar sensation. He wasn't one to grow attached easily, nor did he fall for every woman he met. Yet, something about Su Xinyue felt... different.
She wasn't exceptionally powerful. Her beauty, while striking, wasn't unparalleled. And yet, her presence stirred something within him that he couldn't quite name.
Su Xinyue hesitated, as if sensing his thoughts. Then, with a final bow, she turned to leave.
Just as she reached the courtyard gate, Yun Lintian suddenly spoke.
She froze, looking back in surprise.
Yun Lintian flicked his sleeve, and a small jade token flew toward her. Su Xinyue caught it instinctively, her eyes widening as she recognized the intricate runes carved into its surface—a high-grade protective charm.
"Take this," Yun Lintian said. "It will shield you from one fatal attack."
Su Xinyue's fingers tightened around the token. Her lips parted, but before she could voice her gratitude, Yun Lintian had already turned away.
Her eyes shimmered briefly before she bowed once more and left.
Linlin, perched on a nearby tree branch, tilted her head. "Big Brother Yun, why did you give her that?"
Qingqing giggled. "Does Big Brother Yun like her~?"
Yun Lintian ignored their teasing, his gaze distant.
And that uncertainty bothered him more than he cared to admit.
"Let's take a walk." Yun Lintian spoke up and headed out, followed closely by Yue Zhihan.