With Lu Lingyi leading the way, Yang Cheng's journey went surprisingly smoothly.
Two days later, in the northern region of the Horn Constellation Realm—Lin City.
Light shimmered from the teleportation array as Yang Cheng and Lu Lingyi stepped out side by side.
The moment they arrived, Lu Lingyi looked like a bird freed from its cage, her eyes full of bright excitement. She pointed to the buildings on both sides of the street and chattered nonstop. "My lord, look! That's Lin City's most famous Hundred Flavors Tower—their osmanthus cake is unbeatable! And over there is Treasure Artifact Pavilion. They say you can even buy Insight God–grade weapons there!"
Normally calm and reserved, she now showed a rare, lively side after returning to her hometown.
Yang Cheng listened patiently, occasionally nodding in response.
As they walked along a bustling commercial street, Lu Lingyi was laughing and pointing out a silk shop when her steps suddenly halted. The smile on her face froze, and panic flickered in her eyes.
Across the street, a young man in a brocade robe was walking toward them. His face was handsome like carved jade, a warm jade pendant hanging at his waist, his whole presence radiating noble arrogance.
It was her fiancé—Xin Ziye, the third young master of the Xin family.
Years ago, she had fled the Horn Constellation Realm because of him. Xin Ziye had a twisted nature—he delighted in holding mixed gatherings of men and women, and when displeased, he beat his servants mercilessly. Unable to endure his perversions, Lu Lingyi had joined the Myriad Phenomena Dao Academy and escaped to the Wasteland Realm.
"Lu Lingyi?"
Xin Ziye had clearly recognized her. Surprise flashed in his eyes before turning to fury. "So that's why you've been hiding from me! You found yourself a pretty boy?"
He stormed across the street, ignoring the onlookers' whispers, and reached out to grab Lu Lingyi by the hair.
"Hmph."
A hand, swift as lightning, clamped around Xin Ziye's wrist before he could touch her.
Xin Ziye glared at the young man blocking his path. The youth's refined face, his noble bearing—he outshone Xin Ziye by far.
"Where'd this wild brat come from, daring to meddle in my affairs?"
Jealousy flashed in his eyes as he tried to yank his arm free, but Yang Cheng's fingers were like forged black iron—utterly unmoving.
"Talk properly. Don't use your hands. That kind of behavior doesn't suit your so-called status."
Yang Cheng's tone was calm, but his eyes carried a chill sharp enough to cut.
"Presumptuous!"
Xin Ziye's followers immediately surrounded them, each puffing up with arrogance. "Do you even know who this is? This is the Third Young Master of the Xin family! If you know what's good for you, get lost—or we'll make sure you leave Lin City lying flat!"
Yang Cheng frowned slightly, ready to act, when a cold voice suddenly rang out. "Enough!"
Everyone turned toward the sound. A young man in dark robes was striding toward them, his features resembling Xin Ziye's but his aura far steadier and colder. It was Xin Ziyou, the eldest son of the Xin family.
He reached them in a few quick steps. Without even glancing at his younger brother, he raised his hand—
"Pa!"
The slap echoed crisp and clear through the street.
The entire crowd went silent.
"Big brother! Why did you hit me?" Xin Ziye shouted, clutching his face in disbelief and anger.
Xin Ziyou ignored him completely. Turning toward Yang Cheng, he cupped his fists respectfully, his tone deferential to the extreme. "I am Xin Ziyou. It is an honor to meet Lord Yang Cheng."
Yang Cheng smiled faintly. "You know me?"
Xin Ziyou nodded quickly. "When you destroyed the Ouyang clan, I happened to be present. I saw with my own eyes how you cut down their patriarch with a single sword. That scene left me awestruck—it's something I will never forget."
Xin Ziyou felt secretly relieved—thankfully, he had arrived in time. Otherwise, with Xin Ziye's reckless temper, he might've dragged the entire Xin family straight into ruin.
Yang Cheng's fearsome name had already spread across the Horn Constellation Realm. The Ouyang clan, the Ning clan, Kong Shen… how many powers had fallen to his hands?
The Xin family was strong, but not arrogant enough to cross a demon star like him.
Seeing Xin Ziyou's respectful attitude, Yang Cheng couldn't be bothered to argue further. He released Xin Ziye's wrist and said indifferently, "Keep your family under control."
"Yes, yes, Lord Yang is right!"
Xin Ziyou nodded repeatedly, his glare toward Xin Ziye filled with cold fury.
Lu Lingyi stood beside Yang Cheng, her heart calming as she watched him suppress the overbearing Xin brothers with just a few quiet words. The panic she'd felt moments ago completely vanished, replaced by a deep sense of safety.
When Yang Cheng and Lu Lingyi had gone far down the street, Xin Ziyou finally turned back, staring thoughtfully at their retreating figures.
"Big brother, why were you being so polite to that guy?"
Xin Ziye rubbed his swollen cheek, fuming.
"Polite?" Xin Ziyou's eyes turned icy. "When we return, you'll immediately dissolve your engagement with Lu Lingyi."
"What? Why?"
Xin Ziye jumped up in outrage.
"Why?" Xin Ziyou sneered. "Because Lord Yang might have taken an interest in her. So you have two choices—either break off the engagement obediently, or return home and take one hundred lashes. Choose."
"One hundred lashes?!"
Xin Ziye's face went pale. He knew how terrifying his brother's whip was—one strike would flay the skin, and a hundred would cripple him.
He trembled and nodded frantically. "I'll do it! I'll end it right away!"
Xin Ziyou looked at his cowardly brother with a flash of disgust, then turned again in the direction Yang Cheng had gone, frowning deeply.
Yang Cheng's sudden appearance in Lin City… there was no way it was just coincidence.
On the other side.
Yang Cheng and Lu Lingyi were walking along the street when a young maid in an emerald-green dress hurried up to them. She bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, this servant is Miss Lin Shu's maid. My lady invites you to come with me."
Yang Cheng nodded and followed the maid toward a lavishly decorated carriage waiting by the roadside.
The curtain lifted, revealing Lin Shu seated gracefully inside. When she saw Yang Cheng, she immediately rose and bowed. "Your Highness."
Behind him, Lu Lingyi covered her mouth in shock.
She recognized Lin Shu. She knew her as Yang Cheng's trusted attendant—but she'd never imagined that this "maid" was actually the jewel of Lin City's ruling clan.
The Lin family's power in the southern region of the Horn Constellation Realm far surpassed that of the Ouyang clan in the Wasteland Realm. They controlled the city's entire economic flow and commanded countless experts—a true aristocratic giant.
"How does the Lin family treat you?" Yang Cheng asked directly as he sat down.
Lin Shu lowered her gaze. "Though there are whispers in the clan, my grandfather, father, and mother have treated me very well. They haven't wronged me."
She lightly twisted the corner of her silk handkerchief. "It's just… some in the family still resent me. I fear this birthday banquet might not go smoothly."
Yang Cheng said calmly, "If they haven't wronged you, there's still room to maneuver. As for any other troubles—leave them to me."
Warmth flickered in Lin Shu's eyes. She looked up and turned toward Lu Lingyi with a gentle smile. "Miss Lu, thank you for escorting His Highness. I have important matters to discuss with him now. Will you return to the Lu family, or shall I arrange a place for you to stay?"
Lu Lingyi quickly shook her head. "I'll go visit my family. That's fine."
She knew Lin Shu and Yang Cheng had official business to discuss and didn't wish to intrude.
Lin Shu nodded and instructed her maid, "Send two people to escort Miss Lu back home safely."
Once Lu Lingyi departed, the carriage began rolling slowly toward the Lin family's ancestral estate.
Outside the window, a few richly dressed young nobles were leaning on a railing, chatting idly. As the carriage passed, one of the girls in a pink gown gasped. "The man and woman inside that carriage—they look perfect together! Like a pair straight out of a romantic tale."
A young man in blue beside her frowned slightly. "That girl's face… looks familiar somehow."
He watched the carriage disappear into the distance, then suddenly slapped his thigh. "I remember now! She's Lin Shu of the Lin family!"