Chapter 712: Protecting the Qin Family, Harming the Lin Family

Chapter 712: Protecting the Qin Family, Harming the Lin Family

Luo Xiaoxue usually organized the royal guards with Han Xiao, bearing quite a bit of pressure. She often furrowed her brows over various complicated matters, especially given the current turbulent situation. She needed both to protect herself and to launch attacks, which was quite challenging.

Just when she felt lost, she received a letter from Lin Nuo.

It was his letter, with his distinct handwriting—no mistake about it.

The letter detailed the upcoming plans from the Zhao family and Dong Wei, intending to strike against the Lin and Qin families.

Lin Nuo’s suggestion was straightforward: protect the Qin family and attack the Zhao family.

As for the Lin family, they should lure the Zhao forces over, even redirecting the troops attacking the Qin family. The plan was to lure them in and hit them hard if they couldn’t be lured.

Luo Xiaoxue wondered why they needed to lure the Zhao forces to the Lin family side. Wasn’t that Lin Daxia’s family? Wouldn’t that bring disaster upon themselves?

She thought maybe Lin Daxia had already set up an ambush. Her role was to lead them over and then wait to see Lin Daxia’s traps unfold.

Yes, it must be that way—a coordinated strike would catch the Zhao family off guard.

This was a strategic deployment letter, but Luo Xiaoxue felt as giddy as if she received a love letter.

Han Xiao was also astonished. Whenever it involved Lin Nuo, Luo Xiaoxue completely transformed. In the military, she was strict and commanding, but upon receiving Lin Nuo’s letter, she resembled a lovesick girl, full of youthful enthusiasm.

“Your Highness, is this a love letter from Lin Daxia to you?”

“Ah, how could that be… Lin Daxia is too reserved to write love letters… It’s just some strategic advice…”

At this point, Luo Xiaoxue’s face flushed rosy. If it were really a love letter, she might just explode from embarrassment.

“Strategic advice, huh… With your reaction, Your Highness, I thought you’d received a love letter from Lin Daxia.”

It was amusing how such a small thing could get her so flustered; just how infatuated was she with Lin Daxia?

“No, it’s because Lin Daxia trusts me that he is willing to write to me and give me strategic advice. Well, I was at a loss before, but now I have a plan! You need to issue my orders; we’re going to confront the Zhao family and Dong Wei!”

“Your Highness, the Zhao family isn’t weak, and with Dong Wei backing them, it might not be suitable…”

“Lin Daxia has given me a comprehensive strategy, and we must win this battle! Besides, as Lin Daxia said, if we win, we can catch the defeated forces and gain military power to expand our influence. It’s a golden opportunity, and we mustn’t let it slip away.”

Luo Xiaoxue revered Lin Nuo like a deity, believing that whatever he said was the absolute truth—just listen and obey.

Han Xiao, knowing Lin Nuo’s strategic plans, still had doubts and felt it was risky, but no matter how she tried to persuade Luo Xiaoxue, she wouldn’t listen. All she heard was Lin Nuo’s words.

And soon enough, they set out to battle.

And surprisingly, they won.

Han Xiao couldn’t even fathom how they did it; they led the Zhao family right into the Lin family—what an outrageous move! This was practically sacrificing the Lin family for a surprise attack against the enemy.

……

“Master.”

Liu Shuqin returned to reunite with Han Fairy. After all, they were supposed to go to Ziyuan Mountain together, and disappearing suddenly wasn’t wise. She needed to join Han Fairy as soon as possible.

“Shuqin, you lost contact as soon as you entered Ziyuan. The Spirit Communication Ring couldn’t sense you. What happened?”

“I’m not sure of the details; I remember running into an attack and lost consciousness. When I came to, I didn’t see the attackers. The snow on Ziyuan Mountain has melted, gradually returning to its former state.”

Liu Shuqin spoke softly, lying with such nonchalance that Han Fairy could not discern her deception.

Liu Shuqin no longer confided in Han Fairy as before; she had her own secrets to keep hidden.

Especially concerning the Demon Qi emanating from Qin Shili, she absolutely couldn’t tell her. She worried that Han Fairy would trace it back, so she decided to say nothing at all about it.

Meanwhile, Han Fairy had already concluded that it was Wu Zhao’s doing. Since they had gained something from this trip to Ziyuan Mountain, she didn’t press any further, relieved that Liu Shuqin was safe.

“Shuqin, recently, there’s an elderly mage named Wu Zhao who practices demon arts. He used to belong to the Refining Demon Sect but later left. Normally, his demon practices wouldn’t be terrifying. But now that he combines it with witchcraft—two Spirit Techniques in one—I can’t precisely gauge how strange he really is. In any case, if you encounter him, don’t act recklessly. Retreat when necessary.”

After Han Fairy’s warning, Liu Shuqin had an idea of who it was.

The elderly man they encountered on Ziyuan Mountain was indeed powerful, and even together with Qin Shili, they were no match for him.

Fortunately, her Junior Martial Brother arrived and broke his array; he was well-versed and even more formidable.

Having someone like Lin Nuo around gave her more confidence in the future.

“Mm, I understand, Master. Since we’ve resolved the matter on Ziyuan Mountain, we should return to Tianling Mountain.”

“The spirit platform crafted under the leadership of the Qin family has recently been completed, and they’re inviting me to witness it. I haven’t heard from Shili lately; I was planning to visit the Qin family. Do you wish to join?”

“Mm, yes, I would be glad to accompany you.”

Liu Shuqin agreed eagerly, excited to witness the completion of such a grand public welfare project. With the spirit platform, spirit tower, and long-term spiritual array for harsh terrains—all of which she had witnessed multiple times—now that the Qin family was leading the construction of the spirit platform, it was a good opportunity to join.

Shili would probably return, and as for her Junior Martial Brother—well, he was a mystery; usually, he wouldn’t go to such places. At least, she hadn’t encountered him there.

Thus, Liu Shuqin followed Han Fairy to the spirit platform site.

……

Lin Nuo and Qin Shili were surprisingly close, inseparable. To be fair, it was Qin Shili who clung to Lin Nuo.

“There’s no need for you to follow me all the time.”

“You’re my husband; if I don’t follow you, then who should I follow?”

“That’s not true.”

“I’m wholeheartedly devoted to you; how can you say it’s not true? Do you doubt me?”

“I mean, we’re just pretending to be a couple; it’s all for show.”

“But I already believe it’s real. I’m worried about Qin Dao and the others making a move, and I feel secure staying close to you.”

Qin Shili wrapped her arm around Lin Nuo’s, and there was no chance she would let go anytime soon.

Lin Nuo felt a headache coming on. He couldn’t understand how Qin Shili had suddenly changed so much—she used to be so independent! Now, could she really adjust her mindset to be so attached to someone else?

Was she learning from Ruo’er?

Soon, the day came to witness the spirit platform’s completion, and Qin Zhu, the head of the Qin family, came to see Lin Nuo.

Qin Zhu’s expression wasn’t particularly good. As soon as he saw Lin Nuo, he let out a slight sigh:

“Little brother, I have some bad news for you. Originally, I wanted to invite your father Lin Yuan to attend, but yesterday, something happened on the Lin family side, and he couldn’t make it.”

“Oh, is that so? If he can’t come, that’s fine. One less person, one less worry,” Lin Nuo replied nonchalantly.

“It’s not just a matter of coming or not; the situation over there is quite concerning. Do you need to go back and check?”

“No, it’s unnecessary. Even without him, I represent the Lin family. The Lin family is filled with talent and has immense strength; there’s no need to worry.”

Lin Nuo remained composed; even if the sky fell and crushed the Lin family, he wouldn’t be fazed at all.

Actually, he’d secretly relish it.

It appears that although Luo Yi seemed a bit silly, she was quite reliable and successfully completed her task.

Next, Lin Nuo and the others were on their way to the spirit platform. Many noble individuals were present there to give face to Qin Zhu and witness the spirit platform’s completion.

And then he noticed a familiar face.