Don’t be like this.

Lin Xiyue’s hands and feet were ice cold, her heart pounding as if it might leap from her throat. This body was so delicate—she barely stood taller than one meter sixty-five. Yet Bai Zongnan, towering over one meter ninety, was nearly two heads above her. How could someone so tall possibly withstand such an impact?

“Don’t move,” Lin Xiyue said, grasping Bai Zongnan’s arm and pressing her hand near his wound. “Let me help expel the poisoned blood.”

Bai Zongnan’s body stiffened. He didn’t resist, only watched her in silence, his dark eyes like a tranquil lake, so serene it made her breath catch.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Lin Xiyue protested, cheeks burning. “You’re a man—just bear with it for a moment.”

Bai Zongnan lowered his head, a faint, bitter smile tugging at his lips.

After sterilizing her silver needles, Lin Xiyue inserted forty-seven of them around his wound, each placed precisely at a pressure point.

With each needle, the bleeding lessened. Bai Zongnan felt the pain recede, warmth spreading through his limbs—a comfort beyond words.

“Brother, are you feeling better?” Lin Xiyue asked.

Bai Zongnan nodded. “Much better. Thank you, little sister.”

“No need for thanks!” Lin Xiyue laughed. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

She led him by the hand, deeper into the estate.

This residence was exquisitely built, its antique charm remarkable. The front courtyard held a row of rooms: kitchens and storerooms on the left, two rows of guest rooms on the right. Lin Xiyue walked Bai Zongnan toward the row closest to the main house.

“This is your room,” she said, opening the door and gesturing to the chamber on the right.

As she pushed open the wooden door, a strong scent of herbs greeted them. The window was wide open, its sill crowded with rare medicinal plants.

“Brother, this is the herbal bath room,” Lin Xiyue explained, leading him forward. “Here’s the bathwater. Here’s the tub—go ahead and soak.”

“Alright,” Bai Zongnan agreed.

Lin Xiyue set the medicine pot on the table, then picked up a basin, wrung out a towel, and gently wiped Bai Zongnan’s face and body.

His skin bore countless old scars, densely scattered across his frame.

“These old wounds…” Lin Xiyue’s eyes grew moist.

Bai Zongnan reached out, softly stroking her hair, a gentle smile on his lips. “Silly girl, your brother is tough—it’s nothing.”

Lin Xiyue shook her head. “No, it’s all my fault. I caused this.”

Bai Zongnan sighed, rubbing her head. The lie needed completion, so he said, “Little sister, don’t let your mind run wild. You know why I left home years ago.”

Lin Xiyue hesitated.

“That year, I was eighteen. Mother passed away, and Father disappeared.” Bai Zongnan’s eyes glimmered, feigning a trace of hatred. “My own father killed my grandmother, stole her dowry, and forced me to marry a courtesan.”

Lin Xiyue gasped. “Impossible! Father isn’t that kind of man.”

Bai Zongnan shook his head. “He was meek, but he loved me. That year, I fled with him, evading pursuers. We encountered bandits who threatened him for money and property.”

Lin Xiyue’s heart clenched.

“Father would rather die than surrender our wealth,” Bai Zongnan continued. “In the end, the bandits, enraged, struck him with their blades.”

Tears streamed down Lin Xiyue’s face. “Did Father… really die?”

“No,” Bai Zongnan shook his head, his gaze dim. “I fought desperately to save him, escaped, but we were attacked again.”

Lin Xiyue gripped Bai Zongnan’s hand. “Who hurt you?”

Bai Zongnan shook his head. “I don’t know. The assailant’s face was covered, his movements swift. I couldn’t see him clearly, but I remember his build.”

“Who sent him?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never met him—but I heard his voice.”

Lin Xiyue frowned. “Who could it be?”

“Let’s not worry about that now,” Bai Zongnan said. “If he wants me dead, he’ll come again. When he does, I’ll take my revenge.”

Lin Xiyue nodded. “Mm.”

“Rest now, sister. I need a bath,” Bai Zongnan said.

Lin Xiyue stopped him quickly. “You’re injured—you shouldn’t take a medicinal bath.”

“No,” Bai Zongnan insisted. “If you don’t help me bathe today, I’ll just lie on the bed and not get up.”

“Brother, you’re still wounded—don’t push yourself.”

“I’m used to it,” Bai Zongnan replied stubbornly. “If you don’t help, I won’t move.”

“Why must you be so stubborn?” Lin Xiyue sighed. “Have you forgotten why we’re here?”

Bai Zongnan pursed his lips, silent for a moment, then finally agreed. “Alright. Let’s start now.”

“Good. Lie on the bed and take off your clothes,” Lin Xiyue instructed.

Bai Zongnan removed his shirt, revealing his strong, muscular torso, and lay down.

Lin Xiyue knelt beside him, loosened his waistband, and slipped off his undergarments.

His legs were particularly well-shaped, muscular and powerful.

Lin Xiyue took out some medicated cotton, dipped it in ointment, and applied it to his wounds.

Bai Zongnan drew a sharp breath.

“Does it hurt?” Lin Xiyue asked anxiously.

“No,” Bai Zongnan grinned. “I’m used to it.”

“Brother,” Lin Xiyue cried softly, “why is your fate so hard?”

“Foolish girl,” Bai Zongnan patted her head. “Nobody’s life is perfect.”

“Mm.” Lin Xiyue nodded, tending to his wounds and changing his bandages.

Bai Zongnan closed his eyes, enjoying her care, warmth rising in his heart, a pampering smile lingering on his lips.

Once she finished, Lin Xiyue stood, wrapped his wounds carefully, and advised, “Brother, please don’t act impulsively anymore. If you die, what will I do? I’ll be an orphan again.”

Bai Zongnan took her hand and comforted her. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect myself—I won’t let you be alone.”

“Then I’ll stick to you forever,” Lin Xiyue said sweetly.

Bai Zongnan pinched her cheek. “Alright, I’ll take care of you.”

“Mm.”

The siblings chatted for a while. Lin Xiyue prepared to leave.

“Brother, sleep now,” she said, yawning. “I’m tired.”

“You rest early too. I’ll wake you at dawn,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“Mm.” Lin Xiyue left.

She returned to her room, washed up, climbed into bed, and hugged her soft little white rabbit. Her mood brightened instantly.

She turned over, embraced the rabbit, and murmured, “Tonight, we’ll sleep here—not going back.”

“Aowu~”

...

Late at night, footsteps echoed outside.

Lin Xiyue opened her eyes, ears pricked, listening intently.

Bang! A loud crash. The door shattered, cold wind rushing in.

Lin Xiyue sat up abruptly. A shadow flickered, and in the blink of an eye, someone appeared by her bed, exuding chilling murderous intent, his gaze sharp as blades.

Lin Xiyue stared at him. “Who are you? Why break into my room?”

He wore a black robe, his face masked, only his deep black eyes visible, terrifying like an abyss, his aura cold and menacing.

“Who are you?” Lin Xiyue warned. “This is the Lin family—you’re not allowed to cause trouble!”

“Lin Xiyue, I’ve come for your life,” he rasped, his voice low and rough.

Lin Xiyue’s heart raced. “You know me?”

“Heh.”

Suddenly, Lin Xiyue felt a gust of force attack her. He grabbed her arm, yanked her hard, and threw her to the floor.

Looking down at her, his icy eyes glinted with a chilling light. “Lin Xiyue, you ruined my family, destroyed my life. Tonight, you will pay in blood!”

Truthfully, Bai Zongnan had awakened as soon as the mysterious intruder entered. He’d refrained from acting, wanting to learn more about Lin Xiyue’s past.

As the intruder raised his hand, Bai Zongnan rolled over, blocking Lin Xiyue and speaking in a deep voice, “Who are you? What business brings you here at this hour?”

The mysterious man snorted. “Who do you think you are, meddling in my affairs?”

Bai Zongnan was unafraid. “I don’t know who you are, but if you harm my sister, I’ll fight you to the death.”

The intruder’s eyes narrowed, his tone colder. “I advise you to step aside, or neither of you will leave alive.”

Bai Zongnan clenched his fists. “Your quarrel is with me—not my sister.”

“Brother!” Lin Xiyue cried, tugging Bai Zongnan. “Don’t be foolish! Leave quickly—I can handle him.”

Bai Zongnan grabbed her hand, pushed her toward the window. “Go—I’ll delay him.”

“No!” Lin Xiyue shouted in panic. “Brother, you’re no match for him—leave now!”

“Go!” Bai Zongnan barked. “If you don’t, it’ll be too late!”

He pushed her to the window, then jumped onto the sill and leapt out.

Lin Xiyue stood stunned for a moment, then screamed, “Brother!”

Whoosh! An arrow shot toward Bai Zongnan.

Lin Xiyue, terrified, lunged forward, trying to stop it.

She collided with Bai Zongnan, and both fell to the ground.

Bai Zongnan’s shoulder was pierced, blood pouring out.

Lin Xiyue wept, helping him sit up. “Brother, are you alright?”

Bai Zongnan spat up more blood. He wiped his mouth, forcing a smile. “I’m fine, sister. Don’t be afraid.”

He lifted his hand, gently stroking her hair, his eyes tender. “I truly hate to leave you, little sister.”

Lin Xiyue sobbed. “Brother, don’t talk like that.”

Bai Zongnan coughed. “Our plan is complete. I must go. Remember to take care of yourself.”

He pulled out a bottle of medicinal powder, sprinkling it on his wound.

“Brother, what’s this?” Lin Xiyue asked.

“It’s for internal injuries,” Bai Zongnan smiled. “My wound isn’t serious—I don’t need much. You take care, though.”

Lin Xiyue bit her lip. “I won’t let you leave!”

“Silly girl,” Bai Zongnan said, stroking her hair. “You’re my only family—if I die, who’ll care for you?”

Lin Xiyue shook her head. “I don’t need anyone! Just go!”

“No,” Bai Zongnan said firmly. “Today, you’re not leaving. I can’t leave you alone.”

Determined, Bai Zongnan resolved to unleash his martial prowess and defeat their enemies.

Suddenly, a whirlwind whirled about Bai Zongnan. His body grew taller, clothes flapping, hair flying.

A fierce battle spirit burned in his brow. “Tonight, you must stay.”

“Heh! You think you can stop me?”

“Try me!” Bai Zongnan sneered. “I’ll not only stop you—I’ll tear you apart.”

He struck first, his palm morphing into a claw, lunging at the intruder.

The mysterious man dodged, countering with his own moves.

Lin Xiyue seized the chance to grab a dagger from the floor.

The blade flashed cold. Lin Xiyue gripped it tightly, her gaze icy. “Tonight, I’ll send you to the underworld to honor my parents’ spirits.”

She charged at the intruder.

He seemed wary of her dagger, dodging repeatedly.

Swish, swish!

The dagger sliced the air, whistling. The intruder sidestepped.

Clang! His arm was stabbed, blood spraying onto the floor.

Enraged, the intruder shouted, “You wretched girl! How dare you!”

“Die!” He rushed at her.

Lin Xiyue raised her sword, engaging him in a fierce duel.

Sparks flew.

The intruder grew increasingly alarmed. He’d thought Lin Xiyue would be easy prey, but her martial skills were formidable—he wasn’t her match.

Clang! Lin Xiyue’s wrist trembled, her arm numb from the blow. This man’s internal energy was powerful!

His eyes glared. “Wretched girl, die!”

He swung his palms at her, intent on killing her, leaving no witnesses.

His strikes were devastating—if Lin Xiyue couldn’t dodge, she’d die.

“Brother! Help me!” she cried.

The intruder sneered, about to strike, when a silver light flashed—a stone struck his wrist.

He recoiled in pain, glaring warily at Bai Zongnan, who stood outside the window. “It’s you!”

Bai Zongnan smirked. “Surprised I’m still alive?”

The intruder scowled. “You’re harder to kill than expected. You should be grateful you’re still useful, or I’d have ended you already!”

Bai Zongnan shot him a cold look. “You’re just the leader of some shadowy organization, threatening me? Do you know who I am? I’m the Third Prince of Northern Qin. My father is the emperor. If you kill me, he’ll destroy your entire group!”

The intruder’s expression darkened, staring coldly at Bai Zongnan. “Yes, we’re indeed a sinister organization, but you can’t afford to cross us!”

Bai Zongnan retorted, “Don’t try to scare me—I don’t believe it!”

“Believe it or not, tonight I will prevail,” the intruder replied.

Bai Zongnan gritted his teeth. “What do you want?”

“Simple. Hand over the herb—or none of you leave alive!”

He gestured, and dozens of masked figures rushed in, clad in black robes and capes, looking like members of an ancient tribe.

They brandished spears, murderous intent thick, closing in on Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan.

Bai Zongnan growled, “You’re going too far!”

“You’d best obey,” the intruder said icily.

“Never!” Bai Zongnan refused. “The treasure map is Xiyue’s hard-won prize—you have no right to it!”

“In that case, I’ll keep it safe for you!” The intruder grinned slyly. “It’s damaged anyway—useless.”

Lin Xiyue stepped in front of Bai Zongnan, glowering warily.

“Don’t worry—you won’t escape tonight,” the intruder sneered. “Surrender now.”

He lunged at Lin Xiyue.

“Miss, be careful!” Bai Zongnan warned, but it was too late.

The intruder’s martial skill surpassed his, quickly gaining the upper hand.

He fought both Bai Zongnan and Lin Xiyue at once.

A stone was suddenly thrown from the roof, aimed at the intruder’s head.

He dodged, but pain struck his chest and abdomen.

Looking up, he saw a handsome man in white standing where the stone had been thrown.

Lin Xiyue cried out in joy, “Brother!”

“Xiyue, are you alright?” Bai Zongnan asked with concern.

Lin Xiyue’s eyes brimmed with tears. In that instant, she’d thought she would die—but her brother was so formidable.

She felt deeply moved. He truly was her protector.

The intruder clutched his injured chest, glaring malevolently at Bai Zongnan. “You’ve got guts, boy!”

Bai Zongnan snorted. “Don’t think I don’t know your background.”

The intruder narrowed his eyes. “So what if you do? Only I know the truth.”

Bai Zongnan mocked, “I bet you used forbidden arts to force your strength higher.”

The intruder twitched. “How did you guess?”

“Because forbidden arts are brutal—after each use, you must recuperate for months, and your skills decline. That’s why you lost to me,” Bai Zongnan said disdainfully. “If you were at your peak, you’d have torn me to shreds already!”

“Don’t slander my master! His skills are far greater than yours!” Lin Xiyue shouted.

She didn’t understand their dispute, but she knew Bai Zongnan truly protected her.

Bai Zongnan smiled. “You call him master—you know him?”

Lin Xiyue pointed at the intruder. “His name is Yan Lingchuan—my master!”

“Oh, so it’s you!” Bai Zongnan said, realization dawning.

“You know my master?” Lin Xiyue asked.

Bai Zongnan nodded. “Yan Lingchuan was once the second-ranked expert of Northern Qin. He vanished for years—I thought he’d died. Now he reappears, probably to seize the treasure map!”

Yan Lingchuan’s face darkened. “Who are you? We’ve never met—why do you oppose us?”

Bai Zongnan laughed. “Yan Lingchuan, you’re good at playing dumb—though who’s really pretending, we’ll see soon enough!”

Yan Lingchuan’s expression shifted unpredictably. Bai Zongnan had heard of his identity long ago, tracing it when they met during his travels. He hadn’t expected to confront him today—what luck!

“Bai Zongnan, this is between me and Xiyue. Stay out of it,” Yan Lingchuan said coldly. “If you interfere, I won’t be polite.”

Bai Zongnan smirked. “Try me if you dare!”

Tension crackled between them.

“Wait!” Lin Xiyue suddenly stopped them. Turning to the intruder, she said, “I’m willing to hand over the treasure map.”

The intruder squinted. “Oh? Why?”

“I don’t want you two to fight and hurt each other,” Lin Xiyue explained. “Though the map is precious, it means little to me. As long as my brother is safe, I’d destroy it gladly.”

Lin Xiyue took out the map, offering it to the intruder. “Just promise not to harm my brother.”

He glanced at the map and smiled coldly. “I agree.”

He took the map and examined it, relieved to find no damage.

Just then, Lin Xiyue flicked her wrist and the map vanished—she’d hidden it in her spatial ring. Such an item couldn’t be let out of her sight!

The intruder looked at his empty hand, then at Lin Xiyue. “Girl, you claimed to be a disciple of the Divine Physician Valley. Where did you hide the map?”

“Divine Physician Valley’s disciple… hahaha…” Bai Zongnan laughed aloud. “Do you think this is a movie? She’s just an ordinary girl.”

The intruder frowned. “Is she or isn’t she?”

“Of course not! You think disciples of Divine Physician Valley are easy to find? There are barely any in the entire continent!” Bai Zongnan mocked. “You think you can fool us?”

The intruder stared at Lin Xiyue, as if probing her soul.

Lin Xiyue met his gaze, unafraid.

Suddenly, she thought of a plan. She secretly drew her dagger and plunged it into the intruder’s shoulder.

Bai Zongnan’s eyes lit up—this girl was reliable at critical moments. He immediately channeled his inner strength and punched hard.

The intruder couldn’t evade, his right scapula shattered and blood gushing.

He glared at Lin Xiyue, furious at her ambush.

“Master!” A youth rushed forward to support him.

Lin Xiyue said coldly, “I didn’t mean it.”

The intruder raged, “You think I’ll believe you?”

“Believe it or not, it doesn’t matter,” Lin Xiyue replied calmly. “The treasure map is out of your reach. Let’s all go our separate ways.”

She grabbed Bai Zongnan and swiftly left the cave.

They ran a distance, confirming no pursuit, then stopped.

“Brother, thank you. If you hadn’t helped, I couldn’t have defeated them,” Lin Xiyue apologized.

Bai Zongnan smiled gently. “Silly girl, we’re siblings—no need for thanks.”

Lin Xiyue giggled, hugging his arm. “Right, siblings don’t need to thank each other.”

“Mm, we’re true siblings,” Bai Zongnan said seriously. “You’ll always be your brother’s little princess.”

“Alright, brother, I’m tired—let’s rest and have some tea, then I’ll cook for you,” Lin Xiyue winked playfully. “I’m quite the chef.”

“I want to taste your cooking,” Bai Zongnan smiled. “Let’s go.”

Lin Xiyue led him to a nearby town.

They sat in a teahouse, Lin Xiyue poured tea for him and herself, savoring it slowly.

“Brother, do you like tea?”

“I do,” Bai Zongnan replied. “But I prefer wine.”

“You want wine? We can buy some good wine for later,” Lin Xiyue said excitedly.

“Alright!”

Lin Xiyue told the owner, “Boss, bring a pot of osmanthus wine.”

“Coming right up!”

Soon, the owner delivered a steaming pot.

Lin Xiyue removed the seal, poured wine into two cups.

The aroma was rich and thick.

She raised her cup, clinking it gently with Bai Zongnan’s. “To our happy partnership!”

“To our partnership!”

The wine warmed her throat, and Lin Xiyue sighed in delight. She reached for some food, but Bai Zongnan stopped her.

“I’ll do it,” he said, placing a piece of tender fish into her bowl.

Lin Xiyue lowered her head, her cheeks flushed shyly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Bai Zongnan replied.

Lin Xiyue’s heart raced, sweet and tender. Her brother was so gentle and attentive—how could she bear marrying anyone else?

They chatted idly, finishing the wine without noticing.

Lin Xiyue felt dizzy, stood up, and paid at the counter.

“Your silver note, miss,” the owner said, handing it over.

Lin Xiyue paid, picked up the food box, and left with Bai Zongnan.

The street was bright and bustling.

They strolled down the stone path, Lin Xiyue clinging to Bai Zongnan’s arm, happiness bubbling within.

At that moment, Lin Xiyue overheard someone muttering, “I’ve finally found it—this is the Shennong Cauldron!”

“Sir, what did you say?”

“Shennong Cauldron?”

“Where is it?”

The townsfolk gathered, surrounding the speaker.

Lin Xiyue and Bai Zongnan joined the crowd, heading toward the spot.

It was an antique vendor, his stall filled with porcelain. Among them, a bronze cauldron stood out.

It was a full zhang tall, gleaming with metallic luster, carved with intricate patterns—dragons and phoenixes, eight trigrams and nine palaces, vivid and lifelike.

This was the legendary Shennong Cauldron!

“Oh my, isn’t that the Shennong Cauldron?”

“It really is!”

“Shennong Cauldron! It’s real!”

The crowd buzzed in amazement.

Lin Xiyue recognized it at once. She’d seen it depicted in the “Imperial Medals”—the illustration matched perfectly.

She’d thought it a fake, never expecting it to truly exist!

“Is this really the legendary Shennong Cauldron?” Lin Xiyue asked.

“Absolutely!” the vendor replied.

“Wow!”

The crowd exclaimed.

The Shennong Cauldron truly existed!

Shennong, son of the Flame Emperor, forged this cauldron as a medicinal vessel, used to heal illnesses.

Its effects were many; besides saving lives, it could increase cultivation. It was said that consuming medicine processed in the cauldron could directly boost one’s powers.

But such miraculous effects were hard to bear—even ordinary bodies couldn’t handle its spiritual energy.

So, it was only suitable for cultivators.

Listening to the vendor, Lin Xiyue was astounded. Everyone desired such a treasure—she was no exception.

Unfortunately…

Lin Xiyue smiled bitterly. “Too bad I can’t cultivate immortality. Otherwise, I’d have seized the Shennong Cauldron already!”

Bai Zongnan frowned. “Xiyue, though it’s a treasure, we don’t need it.”

Lin Xiyue looked up, puzzled. “Why not?”

Bai Zongnan hesitated, then explained, “Though valuable, using it to refine pills or cure ailments would damage its potency, reducing the medicine’s effects. And its worth is so great, it could bring disaster.”

Lin Xiyue stared at him, speechless.

Indeed—she’d forgotten, she was now a mortal, unable to refine pills.

Even if she could one day cultivate, what then? Using the cauldron might harm its effectiveness—even destroy its medicinal value.

That would be a huge loss.

Lin Xiyue lowered her head in disappointment.

Bai Zongnan patted her hair. “Xiyue, let’s keep searching. Maybe other pieces of the treasure map are hidden somewhere.”

Lin Xiyue nodded, walking with him toward the outskirts.

That night, they searched the city, but found nothing.

“Brother, let’s sleep here tonight,” Lin Xiyue said, pointing to a nearby inn. “We’re not far from the capital anyway.”

Bai Zongnan checked the sky, nodded. “Alright.”

Inside, the bed was clean and tidy.

Lin Xiyue washed and climbed in.

Bai Zongnan lay by the window, gazing at the bright moon, recalling a line of poetry.

“When will the bright moon come? I raise my glass to ask the heavens. I wonder, in the palaces above, what year is it tonight?”

Lin Xiyue rolled over, opened her eyes, and looked at Bai Zongnan.

She reached out, hugged him from behind. “Brother, sing for me.”

Bai Zongnan turned, smiling indulgently. “Alright.”

He cleared his throat and recited “The White-Robed Chancellor”: “White clouds and fleeting dogs, time flies like arrows; autumn passes in a blink.”

His voice was gentle as jade, soft and melodious, like mountain springs, pure and clear.

Lin Xiyue closed her eyes, listening quietly.

“When will the bright moon come? I raise my glass to ask the heavens. I wonder, in the palaces above, what year is it tonight?”

Lin Xiyue recalled the poem she’d written recently, “The White-Robed Chancellor.”

Its imagery was beautiful, yet lacked the tragic grandeur, feeling strangely hollow.

Lin Xiyue mused, “No wonder Master always says ‘the road in the martial world is short.’”

“Brother, you’re wonderful! Let’s continue exploring the market tomorrow!”

“Mm.”