C7 Heavenly Girl of Lin Family

The young man's face contorted with displeasure at the thought of having to kneel and apologize to Lin Yurou. She had been relegated to the Outer Mansion, and her status was barely above his own. In his eyes, she was merely a woman, and the idea of submitting to her was intolerable to him. Yet, if he refused to kneel, the icy look in Xiao Yu's eyes left no doubt that he would follow through on his threat to break the young man's hands.

"Who would have thought you could actually harness a Spirit River!" Out of nowhere, a young girl appeared in the distance, approaching with measured steps. She seemed to be in her mid-teens, clad in a flowing jade gown, her figure lithe and her face delicate. Her gaze was fixed on Xiao Yu, her eyes betraying a complexity of emotions that were hard to define.

"Miss Xuehan!" The young man's face lit up with delight as he quickly moved to stand behind her. His eyes shone with utmost respect and a hint of adoration as he looked at her. In this world, strength commanded respect, and gender was irrelevant; a woman with formidable power could command the allegiance of anyone.

Miss Xuehan was a prodigy among the Lin Family's younger generation, unrivaled by her peers. She was also Lin Wentian's daughter, and at just seventeen, she held considerable sway within the family. Even the most accomplished men and respected elders of the Lin Family treated her with deference.

With her presence, Xiao Yu's possession of the Grandmaster Battle Spell seemed inconsequential. Against overwhelming power, all techniques were rendered moot.

"Are you okay? How are your injuries?" Lin Xuehan inquired as she approached Xiao Yu, her expression laden with concern.

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern," Xiao Yu replied, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of detachment.

"Do you resent me for not intervening when Father banished you from the Inner Mansion?" Lin Xuehan asked, her smile tinged with sadness.

"I wouldn't presume to do so. May I ask if there's something you need from me, Miss Xuehan?" Xiao Yu responded, maintaining his composure.

Lin Xuehan's expression grew even more complex. She clearly understood Xiao Yu's implications. Having been sent away to the Outer Mansion, Xiao Yu was now viewed by the Lin Family as no more than a servant, while she held the esteemed status of the Lin Family's Heavenly Girl. Xiao Yu's words might have seemed respectful, but didn't they also create a sense of distance between them?

"Go back and tell the steward that they are not to be given any more menial tasks in the future," Lin Xuehan instructed, turning to address the young man beside her.

"Uh... Yes!" The young man was visibly perplexed but dared not question Lin Xuehan's command.

"You're dismissed," Lin Xuehan said with a wave of her hand, signaling the young man to leave.

The young man, brimming with curiosity about Lin Xuehan's kindness towards Xiao Yu, knew better than to pry further due to his status and promptly made his exit.

"Thank you, Miss Xuehan. Should my mother and I kneel to express our gratitude?" Xiao Yu asked, his tone laced with irony, showing no real appreciation for being spared from the menial work.

"Xiao Yu, I understand you're upset with me for not intervening with Father, but after you crossed the young master of the Wang Family, Father had to act. If he hadn't, the Wang Family would have taken offense. Our potential marriage alliance with the Wang Family is crucial to the Lin Family's prospects. I had no choice but to support Father's decision," Lin Xuehan explained, her voice tinged with regret.

"Hehe, I'm well aware that you're set to marry into the Wang Family. Your marriage will elevate your status and further strengthen the Lin Family's power. For your happiness and the Lin Family's future, what does it matter if I, an outsider, am sacrificed?" Xiao Yu's words dripped with sarcasm.

The Lin Family's intention to forge a marriage alliance with the Wang Family involved Lin Xuehan herself. Once, Xiao Yu had been her childhood friend, growing up alongside her as close as two peas in a pod.

Now, the young Miss of the Lin Family watched without protest as Xiao Yu was nearly beaten to death by Lin Wentian. Even when they were sent to the Outer Mansion by Ye Wentian, she remained silent. Given her status, a single word from her could have prevented these events, but she chose not to intervene. She arrived only to relieve them of menial tasks such as laundry and cooking, offering a few perfunctory words of greeting.

"Xiao Yu, you're mistaken. My father and I did all this not just so I could marry into the Wang Family, nor solely because of their power, but for me to gain entry to the Imperial City Martial Academy!" Lin Xuehan explained.

"The Imperial City Martial Academy?" Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow.

Indeed, the Imperial City Martial Academy was an esteemed institution dedicated to the cultivation of martial arts, nestled within the Imperial City. Giant Stone City paled in comparison, being a mere speck against the backdrop of the Imperial City, which commanded dozens of cities of comparable size, boasting far superior strength.

For any family in Giant City, having a descendant accepted into the Imperial City Martial Academy was a mark of prestige and power. It meant a significant boost in status, ensuring that within the city walls, they would be beyond reproach.

"In three months, representatives from the Imperial City Martial Academy will arrive to select outstanding young talents from our city to join their ranks. The Wang Family's young master has a brother who is already a distinguished member of the academy and held in high regard," Lin Xuehan continued.

"With my abilities, I'm certain to be admitted to the Imperial City Martial Academy in three months. But the academy is filled with prodigies. With the support of Wang Fei's brother, once I secure my place there, the Lin Family's influence will soar to new heights!"

With this revelation, Xiao Yu finally grasped the Lin Family's eagerness to ingratiate themselves with the Wang Family. It was a strategic move for empowerment.

As Lin Xuehan had pointed out, should she establish herself within the Imperial City Martial Academy, the Lin Family could very well ascend to become the fourth most influential clan in Giant Stone City.

Why should they be forced to sacrifice themselves and their son just to bolster their own power?

"I'm not sharing this with you in hopes of receiving your forgiveness. I simply want you to understand that I'm powerless to change my father's treatment of you," Lin Xuehan said once more.

"Ha, then I wish Miss Xuehan all the best in smoothly entering the Imperial City Martial Academy in three months and reaching new heights." Xiao Yu offered a cold laugh, then said no more, escorting Lin Yurou back to the house.

As Xiao Yu walked away, Lin Xuehan watched with a gaze filled with complexity.

Memories of their shared past surfaced unbidden in her mind. That retreating figure had once frolicked with her in their youth, growing up alongside her, so close they were practically inseparable.

At ten, Lin Xuehan, like all young members of the Lin Family, embarked on the journey of cultivation. But her talents were not exceptional; in fact, they were quite ordinary, and she lagged behind her peers in her training.

Her father, Lin Wentian, was openly disappointed in her, often speaking harshly, while others in the Lin Family would mock and ridicule her at every turn.

Then, one day, the young Xiao Yu confided in her about strange fragments in his mind, which included a mysterious cultivation technique.

Xiao Yu shared this technique with her, and from that point forward, her cultivation advanced rapidly, soon outstripping her contemporaries and earning the respect and attention of the entire family, along with her current prestigious status.

This secret, however, was known only to her and Xiao Yu.

As they grew, her strength only increased, to the point where no one of her age could withstand a single blow from her. Those who had once laughed at her now only gazed upon her back with awe.

Xiao Yu, on the other hand, had failed to condense even one Spirit River, becoming the laughingstock of the Lin Family, increasingly scorned and despised by his kin.

Their paths diverged more and more; she became the Lin Family's shining prodigy, while Xiao Yu was deemed the most worthless, an outsider by blood.

"Even though you once aided me, your talents are simply too lacking. Despite having condensed two Spirit Rivers, you're still too far behind your peers!"

Lin Xuehan pulled herself back from her reverie, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Her eyes steadily grew more resolute. "Once I gain entry to the Imperial City Martial Academy, my innate talent will surely see me rise to great heights. But you... you're simply too far behind me. To secure my footing in the Academy, I have no choice but to sacrifice you."

The complexity that once clouded her eyes faded away. She turned and walked off, vanishing from the area before long.