Chapter 17 – The Veil of Shadows
Morning sunlight spilled through the tall glass windows, casting golden rays across the plush bedroom. Meilin Xue stirred slowly under the silken sheets, her eyes fluttering open to a room unfamiliar yet comforting. For a moment, she almost forgot everything—the betrayal, the pain, the past.
Then the memories came flooding back.
She sat up slowly, brushing strands of black hair away from her face. Her body felt light, but her heart was heavy. The events of the past few days replayed in her mind: the confrontation with her mother, the twisted schemes of the Xue family, and the way Li Yanzhou had stepped in—without demanding anything in return.
She had expected power games, manipulation, maybe even cold indifference. But instead, he gave her space, shelter, and a strange sense of calm.
> [Celestial Marriage System Notification]
🌸 Favorability with Li Yanzhou has increased.
💠 Trust Level: 45%
🎁 Reward Unlocked: Passive Skill – [Heart's Sense]
▪ Description: You can sense when someone close to you harbors dangerous intent.
Her eyes widened.
A skill like that… it could have saved her in her previous life. So many smiles had hidden knives.
She whispered, "Thank you, System."
> ✨ "You are welcome, Celestial Bride."
The words echoed with a faint warmth, as if the System itself had emotions. But Meilin shook off the thought. This wasn't the time to overthink. There were people who still wanted her destroyed. She couldn't afford to let her guard down.
She changed into a fresh white blouse and a soft blue skirt she found neatly arranged in the closet—simple, elegant, tasteful. Clearly Yanzhou's people had anticipated her needs.
When she stepped out of the room, a delicious scent greeted her.
Li Yanzhou stood in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, preparing what looked like an elaborate breakfast spread—porridge, dumplings, sautéed greens, and even freshly pressed soy milk.
"You're awake," he said without turning. "Good. Sit. Eat."
Meilin tilted her head. "You really are a man of surprises."
He smirked. "You'll learn that about me."
As she sat down and began eating, a strange but comfortable silence fell between them. The kind that only existed between people who didn't feel the need to fill every second with words.
But it didn't last long.
A sharp buzz sounded from Yanzhou's phone. He glanced at it once—and his expression darkened subtly.
"Trouble?" Meilin asked.
He didn't answer immediately, but set his utensils down and unlocked his screen. A few quick swipes, and he showed her the phone.
A news article was displayed.
> [BREAKING: Xue Corporation Under Government Investigation for Money Laundering and Illegal Ritual Practices]
Sources claim that the company's finances show signs of supernatural transactions. Netizens question: Is black magic real?
Meilin's heart clenched. "They're being exposed already?"
"I moved a few pieces on the board," Yanzhou said calmly. "I won't let anyone touch you again—not even from the shadows."
Her eyes stayed fixed on the headline. She should have felt triumph. Relief, even. But instead, all she felt was cold.
Because she knew her father, Xue Tianlei, and Lin Haoxuan were capable of far worse when cornered.
"They won't stay quiet for long," she whispered.
"I know," Yanzhou replied. "That's why you need to be stronger. Fast."
Meilin's eyes met his.
"I'm training someone," he continued, "who will be your personal guard. You'll meet him later. But in the meantime, I want you to come with me."
"To where?"
"To a place that teaches people like you and me how to survive—spiritually and otherwise."
—
Two hours later, Meilin stood before the hidden gates of a massive estate on the outskirts of Huajin City. From the outside, it looked like an abandoned temple. Inside… it felt like another world.
Energy pulsed through the air. Wards shimmered faintly against the sunlight. People in flowing robes and modern tactical wear sparred, meditated, and studied sacred scrolls.
"Welcome to the Lotus Veil Sanctuary," Yanzhou said. "Not many know about this place. It's where I trained when I awakened."
Meilin's heart skipped. "You're awakened?"
He nodded. "Half-human, half-spirit. My mother was from the Hidden Realm."
She stared. No wonder he always felt different—more than just powerful in business. There was something otherworldly about him. Something ancient.
"And now you've been chosen by the Celestial Marriage System," he added, his voice low. "That means you have potential far beyond what mortals can understand. But if you don't unlock it… the enemy will win again."
The enemy. The words echoed in her chest like a curse. Lin Haoxuan wasn't acting alone. The dark ritual he used to sacrifice her in her past life wasn't born of his own knowledge—it was passed down. From something… or someone darker.
Meilin clenched her fists. "I want to train."
Yanzhou smiled. "Good. Then let me introduce your teacher."
A figure stepped out from the shadows—a woman with silver hair braided down her back, eyes like mirrors, and a presence that chilled the air.
"This is Mistress Bai," Yanzhou said. "She trained me. She's strict, cruel, and terrifying… but she gets results."
Mistress Bai didn't bow or smile. "You're the Celestial Bride?"
Meilin straightened. "Yes."
"I expected more aura. More power. But perhaps it's buried deep."
"I will find it," Meilin said firmly.
Mistress Bai narrowed her eyes. Then, without warning, she raised her palm—
—and a surge of spiritual energy slammed into Meilin's chest.
Meilin gasped, staggering back.
"Lesson one," Mistress Bai said coldly. "No warnings. No mercy. Only survival."