Yao Xuan stopped and landed, turning to look at Qing Lin beside him, whose expression was gentle and mild...
Qing Lin had deliberately changed the subject earlier, avoiding what had happened at the Heavenly Serpent Prefecture. Such unusual behavior could not possibly escape the meticulous Yao Xuan.
After a brief pause, Yao Xuan slowly spoke:
"Qing Lin, you should know that I have always regarded you as a friend... What exactly happened to you in the Heavenly Serpent Prefecture?"
Qing Lin was slightly startled. The fingers hanging at her sides quietly curled, and an indistinctly complicated emotion flickered through her eyes...
Qing Lin raised her eyes toward Yao Xuan, forcing a gentle smile as she shook her head and said softly:
"Young Master Yao Xuan is worrying too much. Everything was well for me in the Heavenly Serpent Prefecture. The elders taught me with care, resources were never lacking, and my cultivation progressed smoothly. I did not suffer any grievance or hardship."
Yao Xuan saw it all and had already formed a few guesses.
In the original story, Qing Lin had indeed been raised as the Heavenly Serpent Prefecture's Holy Maiden, but exceptional talent and honor often became shackles as well.
In the original story, for the sect's interests, the Heavenly Serpent Prefecture had forcibly arranged for Qing Lin to marry the Young Prefecture Master, using the union to stabilize the sect's power and bind its inheritance together.
It seemed that Qing Lin had now encountered the same kind of helpless restraint.
Yet Yao Xuan did not expose it. Since Qing Lin was unwilling to speak openly, she still had concerns in her heart. Pressing her would only add to her distress.
Yao Xuan nodded slightly and said calmly:
"Since you do not wish to say more, I will not