Chapter 14 – Shadows That Whisper
Meilin woke up the next morning with a strange sensation—not just in her chest, but within her soul.
The events of the previous day felt like a dream: the motorcycle ride, the golden sunset, and the kiss that lingered in her thoughts even now. Her fingers brushed her lips absentmindedly.
She still couldn't believe she kissed him—Li Yanzhou, the cold CEO, the enigma wrapped in shadows. And he had kissed her back.
But something else stirred within her now. A tingling sensation in her fingertips. It wasn't just emotional—it was power.
She sat up quickly as the system interface blinked open in her mind.
---
[ System Alert ]
> Skill "Emotional Vision" has awakened.
You can now sense the emotional states of those with whom you share a Celestial Bond Thread.
Warning: Using this ability too often may cause fatigue.
> Passive Buff: "Spiritual Sensitivity" increased.
You are now more attuned to spiritual energy and dark forces.
---
Meilin's eyes widened.
No wonder she'd felt strange. Her rebirth wasn't just offering her a second chance at love and power—it was changing her.
Strengthening her.
There was a knock at her door, and before she could reply, it opened.
Li Yanzhou stepped in. Today, he wasn't dressed in tailored suits or casual clothes. He wore dark robes embroidered with celestial runes—ancient symbols that shimmered faintly, as if alive.
She blinked. "You look like a warlock."
He raised a brow. "Close. I'm heading to the Li family's Inner Domain."
"The one that trains gifted bloodlines?" she asked carefully, recalling what he had told her about his childhood.
"Yes." His expression turned serious. "And I want you to come with me."
She stared at him. "Why?"
"Because I want them to see you. And I want you to see what kind of world you're truly tied to now. It's time you understood the power that runs beneath the surface of our society."
She hesitated. "Are you sure they'll accept me?"
He stepped forward, cupped her cheek gently, and said, "Let them try not to."
---
The Inner Domain of the Li family wasn't just a compound—it was a realm hidden in plain sight.
Nestled within the mountains, protected by ancient formations, it was a place of cultivation, arcane combat, and ancestral secrets. The very air shimmered with spiritual energy.
As soon as Meilin stepped through the boundary gate with Li Yanzhou, her breath caught.
Spiritual beasts grazed in the mist. Disciples in flowing robes trained with swords that pulsed with aura. An enormous spirit tree towered in the distance, its leaves glowing faintly.
But as awe filled her, so did unease.
Because she could feel them—the stares.
Dozens of pairs of eyes watched her as they walked past. Murmurs whispered on the wind.
"That's her."
"The outsider bride."
"Why would Young Master Li bring a woman like her here?"
Meilin straightened her spine and lifted her chin. She had walked through hell before—these cold eyes meant nothing.
She glanced at Li Yanzhou beside her. He looked unbothered, even proud.
As they neared the Grand Hall, a young woman with sharp features blocked their path.
She was beautiful in a cold, dangerous way, her eyes filled with the arrogance of someone used to power.
"Li Yanzhou," she said smoothly. "You finally returned. But what's this? A mortal concubine? Have you grown soft in the outside world?"
Meilin's eyes narrowed.
Before she could speak, Yanzhou's voice rang out like a blade.
"Mind your tongue, Li Rouxin."
The woman blinked. "Did I strike a nerve?"
"She is my wife," he said flatly. "And if you insult her again, I will erase your presence from the spiritual registry."
Gasps echoed around them.
Li Rouxin's face twisted in fury. "You would threaten your own cousin over—"
Meilin suddenly stepped forward.
"It's alright," she said calmly. "If she needs to measure her self-worth by putting other women down, I pity her."
Li Rouxin's face flushed red. "You—!"
But Meilin didn't stop. She stepped closer, her voice quiet but cutting. "I may be an outsider, but I'm not weak. If you want to test me, go ahead. But don't cry when you lose."
A pause.
Then—
[ Ding! ]
> Favorability with Li Yanzhou +5
Total: 25% – Growing Affection
> Reputation in the Li Clan: +2
Some disciples now regard you with curiosity instead of disdain.
> Hidden Trait Activated: "Silver-Tongued Empress" – Temporarily boosts charisma and defense against social attacks.
Yanzhou chuckled lowly. "Beautiful and fierce. I'm impressed."
Li Rouxin's lip curled, but she turned and stalked away.
---
Inside the Grand Hall, a dozen elders sat in silence, each cloaked in different colored robes representing various branches of the Li family.
The Patriarch sat at the head—a wizened old man with silver hair, his eyes sharp like a blade sheathed in velvet.
Li Yanzhou stepped forward and bowed slightly. "I've returned."
The Patriarch nodded. "And you bring… a woman."
Meilin bowed respectfully. "Meilin Xue, Patriarch."
An uncomfortable silence followed.
One of the elders spoke. "She is not from a known cultivation family. She has no spiritual roots. Why bring her into the fold?"
Yanzhou didn't flinch. "Because she has more strength than most born with divine blood."
The elder laughed coldly. "How can you—?"
Suddenly, the system pinged again.
[ System Prompt ]
> Situation Detected: "Prove Your Worth"
Activate temporary challenge?
☑ Yes
☐ No
Meilin hesitated, then chose Yes.
At once, a faint golden rune flared across her wrist. A circle of glowing energy appeared beneath her feet. Gasps rang out in the hall.
She felt warmth rush through her veins—not from herself, but from the system.
A voice echoed from the circle itself:
"Divine Compatibility Detected: 67% with Celestial Core."
The elders fell silent.
Even the Patriarch narrowed his eyes. "Interesting. That's higher than most of our direct descendants."
Li Yanzhou smirked.
"She's not just my wife. She's my match—in power, in soul, and in destiny."
---
Later that evening, Meilin stood beneath the spirit tree alone. Moonlight bathed the clearing in silver light.
Li Yanzhou appeared quietly beside her.
"You handled them well," he said.
She turned to him, smiling softly. "I've had practice."
He didn't speak for a moment, then reached into his robes and pulled something out—a pendant shaped like a twin phoenix.
"This belonged to my mother," he said. "She gave it to me before she died."
Meilin accepted it gently. "It's beautiful."
"I want you to have it."
She blinked. "Why?"
"Because you're the only person who ever made me believe I wasn't alone."
Their eyes met again.
Soft.
Unspoken promises passed between them.
[ System Alert ]
> Bond Level: 30%
Relationship Stage: Mutual Affection
> New System Feature Unlocked: "Shared Destiny Inventory"
You may now share spiritual energy and certain artifacts across the bond.
> Hidden Affection Milestone Reached
— You have become the light in his darkness.
As the wind rustled through the leaves and the moon glowed high above, Meilin felt it deeply—
She had stepped into a world of magic, danger, and ancient bloodlines.
But she wasn't afraid anymore.
Because she no longer stood alone.