After leaving the market, Li Tan wasted no time and headed straight to his family’s estate.
The Li family was one of the three most powerful clans in Linjiang. Despite suffering heavy losses from the demonic invasion, like a centipede that remains lethal even in death, they retained formidable strength. Under Li Zhen’s resolute leadership, they remained an immense force that few other families could contend with.
As they entered the Li family’s territory, aside from ordinary shops, most stores were selling spirit stones and related products.
The Li family controlled the largest mine in Linjiang, which was a key reason they could maintain their dominance over the Liu and Lin families.
Li Tan led Lin Cui, who was curiously looking around, to a shop called “Treasure Gathering Pavilion” located at the end of a bustling street. The interior was simple and elegant, with wooden shelves and counters displaying spirit stones of various qualities used for cultivation, as well as colorful handicrafts. The most expensive items were the spirit stone pendants, considered luxury goods that only the wealthy and noble could afford. Those who wore them were either rich or influential, much like the hairpin Lin Cui wore.
“Why did you come here instead of going home directly?”
Lin Cui asked, glancing around.
“To meet someone.”
Li Tan casually replied, stepping behind the counter and then lifting a curtain leading elsewhere as he called out.
“Second Uncle, are you here?”
Before his voice had even faded, an excited childish voice rang out.
“Brother Li Tan!”
Following the voice, a pink figure darted into Li Tan’s arms.
It was a girl of about eleven or twelve years old, wearing a light pink ruqun, laughing joyfully.
“It’s been a long time.”
“Long? It’s only been a few days.”
The girl tilted her head in confusion. Li Tan offered a rare smile, lifted her small frame effortlessly, and ruffled her hair.
“Is your father here?”
“Daddy went to see the eldest uncle and won’t be back for a while. Brother, sit here. I’ll go get some tea. Oh, who is this big sister? Is she your friend?”
Noticing Lin Cui beside Li Tan, the girl curiously blinked her bright eyes.
Li Tan glanced at Lin Cui indifferently.
“She’s not exactly a friend. Maybe half an enemy.”
“What! Enemy? Thinking about it, it really is true. Ever since you showed up, I haven’t had any good luck.”
“That’s just you looking for trouble. Don’t blame me for that.”
Li Tan and Lin Cui seemed uncomfortable unless they exchanged a few barbs.
The girl looked up.
“My name is Li Jiaying. What’s your name, big sister?”
Jiaying’s voice was soft and pleasant, making people feel especially comfortable. Perhaps due to maternal instinct, Lin Cui felt an inexplicable sense of protectiveness toward her. Using a playful tone usually reserved for children, she replied.
“My name is Lin Cui. How old are you, little Ying?”
“After my birthday, I’ll be thirteen! Um, big sister, are you the famous Lin Cui who is said to be very powerful?”
“Famous? Well, yes, that’s me.”
Lin Cui had exceptional cultivation talent, reaching the middle stage of Later Heaven, and was on the verge of breaking through to the late stage. Her reputation in Linjiang was excellent. Although many people had never seen her, they all knew of her. Li Tan also enjoyed similar fame, though his reputation was completely opposite.
“Then are you my brother’s wife?”
Jiaying suddenly asked. Lin Cui was momentarily stunned, while Li Tan deliberately stayed silent, wearing an expression that seemed to say, “You do whatever you want.”
“Yes, I, I am.”
Although Lin Cui originally wanted to deny it, for some unknown reason, the two words “not” somehow transformed themselves as they reached her lips.
“Then what should I call you, brother’s wife?”
Jiaying smiled innocently. She had no ill intentions; in her eyes, Li Tan taking a wife was probably something worth celebrating.
“Just call me sister.”
“Daddy says that’s impolite.”
“Who cares about so many rules? Just call her however you want.”
Jiaying and Lin Cui were getting along quite well, while Li Tan watched silently nearby, feeling a warmth in his heart.
After many years, he had finally seen this lively and adorable little girl again.
In his past life, after being poisoned and cast into the Fallen Immortal Realm before returning to Linjiang, the little girl had already vanished without a trace. He scoured the entire Li family but found no sign of her. She must have perished in that horrific assault, leaving behind only an empty grave. This had always been a lingering regret for Li Tan, a sorrow that never faded. Now, seeing her again and hearing her laughter—this very moment was nothing short of a miraculous wonder.
“What are you thinking about, brother?”
Jiaying interrupted Li Tan’s thoughts. He smiled slightly and replied that it was nothing. Jiaying then clung to him for a while before going inside to prepare tea.
At this moment, Lin Cui seemingly casually asked.
“What’s your relationship with Jiaying?”
“Jiaying is my second uncle’s daughter, naturally my younger sister.”
“You two seem extremely close. I heard many people in the Li family don’t like you. Why does she like you so much?”
Li Tan gave a somewhat speechless expression.
“I’m the eldest son of the Li family, not a rat running across the street. It’s not like everyone shouts to chase me away. Isn’t it strange that someone wouldn’t dislike me?”
Lin Cui nodded without hesitation.
“It’s very strange. with your solitary personality, how could anyone like you?”
Li Tan shot her a glare.
“I’ve told you not to make assumptions. My solitude is only in your opinion.”
Li Tan’s actions indeed seemed like those of a solitary person, but in reality, it was simply that he didn’t want to interact with certain people. The difference in their levels was just too great.
“The tea is here!”
As Li Tan and Lin Cui seemed about to argue, Jiaying came out carrying a tray that was bigger than herself, walking unsteadily.
“Give it to me. Be careful.”
Li Tan took the tray, and Jiaying immediately felt her arms sore and weak. After exchanging a few words with Lin Cui, she sat down and began drinking tea.
“I’ll wait here for my second uncle to return. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go back.”
Li Tan said to Lin Cui.
“Now that I’m here, how can I leave empty-handed? I’ll stay with you.”
“Suit yourself.”
Li Tan wore an indifferent expression, while Lin Cui sat angrily to one side. Jiaying tidied herself slightly and then sat on Li Tan’s lap, happily chatting about some recent amusing incidents.
This was completely self-explanatory, forcing him to reveal things he didn’t want to say.
A breeze blew in from outside, not cold but warm, making people feel quite comfortable. On the street, people bustled about, each attending to their own business. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared at the door.
“Clack, clack, clack. Jiaying, I’m back.”
Footsteps sounded, and a middle-aged man with a limp entered.
Li Tan immediately became alert, standing up from his chair.
“Second Uncle!”
The middle-aged man was startled, but upon looking closely, his face immediately lit up with joy.
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