“Why do you want to leave? Isn’t this place good? Or are you angry because Shui Liu hasn’t found the person who poisoned you yet?
That guy really is incompetent. After all these days, he still hasn’t tracked down the poisoner. Don’t be upset—I’ll go deal with him right now.”
As he spoke, Jin Lin turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Yun Qingxue grabbed his hand. “Wait, let me finish what I have to say.”
Jin Lin looked down in surprise at his hand, now held by hers.
Yun Qingxue also realized her action might have been inappropriate and immediately tried to withdraw her hand. Unexpectedly, Jin Lin was quicker—he grasped her hand firmly in return.
That uncontrollable heartbeat started again. Jin Lin was certain he must be sick.
“What’s wrong with you? Are you okay?”
Seeing Jin Lin’s odd expression, Yun Qingxue quickly asked.
“I’m fine!”
Jin Lin smiled, reacting swiftly. He absolutely couldn’t let Xuexue know he was sick. If she thought he was some weakling, she’d be even less willing to marry him!
As for the rapid heartbeat, Jin Lin decided he’d find time to consult an underwater alchemist later.
“I plan to leave tomorrow.”
Yun Qingxue forcefully pulled her hand back. The moment Jin Lin had held it, she’d felt a fluster she’d never experienced before. She feared that if she didn’t leave soon, she might truly end up hurting the innocent Jin Lin.
“Why? Give me a reason!” Jin Lin’s gaze locked onto Yun Qingxue’s face.
“Jin Lin, you’ve known my true identity since the first time we met. I assume you’re also aware of the rumors about the Flower King of the Flora Clan—the so-called ‘foolish’ ruler, right?”
“So what? Even if your identity brings trouble, do you think I, the King of the Aquatic Clan, would be afraid?” Jin Lin lifted his chin, exuding an air of unshakable pride.
Yun Qingxue took a deep breath. “We’re not related in any way. I don’t want to drag you into my problems.”
“Marry me, and we’ll be related.”
“But I don’t like you.”
“Why don’t you like me?”
“Then why are you so insistent on marrying me?”
“Because…”
Jin Lin’s face suddenly flushed red. His earlier assertiveness faded, replaced by an almost adorable awkwardness.
“Because… because… you’re the first girl who dared to fight me and even pulled my hair.”
He looked up toward the surface of the sea. “You… you’re special!”
“Haha.” Yun Qingxue couldn’t help but laugh.
If she hadn’t escaped the Flora Clan, she would never have imagined that the King of the Aquatic Clan could be such a pure and simple person.
“Don’t laugh! I’m being serious!” Jin Lin’s expression turned solemn.
“You like me and want to marry me just because of that?” Yun Qingxue asked.
“Yes.” Jin Lin nodded earnestly.
“Jin Lin.” Yun Qingxue’s smile faded. Her eyes gleamed with seriousness. “You’ll meet a truly special girl someday, but that girl won’t be me.”
“Why can’t it be you?” Jin Lin grew anxious, flustered as he tried to argue.
“How much do you really know about me?” Yun Qingxue countered.
“I… We can take our time to learn more.”
“There’s no time…”
Yun Qingxue sighed. She had been away from the Flora Clan for so many days. There was no way Tong Yun, that woman, hadn’t reacted. She must already be searching for her…
“Has there been any news from the Flora Clan?”
“Is that what you’re worried about?” Jin Lin’s expression brimmed with pride as he answered honestly. “A few days ago, the Violet Palace of the Flora Clan issued a decree in the name of Elder Tong Yun. It stated that Flower King Yun Qingxue, dissatisfied with the clan’s elders, conspired with outsiders, murdered her personal maid, and betrayed her people!”
Yun Qingxue clenched her fists inside her sleeves. That woman, Tong Yun!!!
“And?” Her voice turned icy.
“And… Tong Yun sent letters to all clans except the Human, Ghost, Divine, and Demon Clans, requesting that if any of them found you, they must return you to the Flora Clan. In exchange, the Flora Clan would offer generous rewards!”
“Hmph!” Yun Qingxue sneered.
Jin Lin quickly reassured her. “Xuexue, don’t worry. I won’t send you back. No matter what happened in your past, I choose to believe you.”
“Thank you.”
“Marry me, and I can protect you as the King of the Aquatic Clan. If you want to return to the Flora Clan, I’ll pave the way for you. Those elders of yours? I don’t even consider them a threat—they can’t defeat me!” Jin Lin spoke urgently.
“I can’t marry you!” Yun Qingxue refused without hesitation. Even if the future was uncertain, she would never live by depending on others—especially not by taking advantage of someone as pure-hearted as Jin Lin.
“You…” Jin Lin’s face reddened. “Do you really dislike me that much?”
“Jin Lin.” Yun Qingxue sighed. “I truly consider you my best friend, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. But friendship and love are two different things.
Besides, given my status, I can’t always rely on you. No one can protect another forever.
You know my situation—I’m just a useless figurehead, a Flower King in name only. I have no magic, yet I bear a noble bloodline.
And this bloodline means I can’t live an ordinary, peaceful life. If I want to survive, I must grow stronger on my own.
Otherwise, even if I reclaim power in the Flora Clan by leaning on others, without true authority, my people will never submit to me or trust me!”
“This…” Jin Lin was at a loss for words.
After a long silence, he gritted his teeth, as if making a monumental decision, and looked at Yun Qingxue solemnly.
“Fine. I’ll help you leave.
But… the outside world is dangerous for you now. If you’re determined to go, do you have a destination in mind?”
A destination? Yun Qingxue hesitated. She wasn’t familiar with this world. Where could she go?
After a moment, she said, “I want to find a master. I want to learn magic.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?”
Yun Qingxue shook her head hesitantly. “No.”
Jin Lin frowned. “You can’t just leave without a plan… If you truly want a master… the Purple Melody Sage of Luo Yun Mountain might be a good choice.”
“The Purple Melody Sage of Luo Yun Mountain? Is he powerful?” Yun Qingxue asked.
“Of course. The Purple Melody Sage is an ancient reclusive deity. His magic is unfathomable, his demeanor noble, and his presence transcendent.”
“Where is Luo Yun Mountain?” Hope flickered in Yun Qingxue’s eyes. If she could learn from such a master, it would be ideal.
“To the northwest.” Jin Lin’s expression grew hesitant. “But… it’s said the Purple Melody Sage is reclusive and difficult to approach. He’s never taken a disciple.”
“‘It’s said’?” Yun Qingxue sensed something. “You’re not familiar with him?”
PS: Dear friends, if you enjoy *The Flower King’s Decree*, please take a moment to bookmark it *^_^*. Every bookmark is a source of motivation for the author. And of course, recommendation votes are even more welcome *^_^*
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