CHAPTER ONE -- Lin Xue
SOUTH CONTINENT
WU DYNASTY
PEACE VILLAGE
Under the vast night sky, a cloaked woman hurriedly placed a small basket on the doorstep of the Lin Mansion before disappearing into the darkness.
As dawn broke over the peaceful village, a servant opened the gate and was startled to find a basket resting on the stone steps. He knelt to inspect it and gasped in shock—inside lay a newborn baby, sleeping soundly. Without hesitation, he rushed to call his master, Lin Xu Lang, the esteemed patriarch of the Lin family.
Moments later, Lin Xu Lang arrived. His sharp gaze softened the moment he laid eyes on the tiny infant. Carefully, he lifted the child into his arms, cradling it with an unexpected tenderness. As he did, he noticed a letter tucked beneath the baby's blanket. He unfolded it and scanned its contents, his expression darkening.
With a deep frown, he crushed the letter in his hand. Turning to his trusted bodyguard, he whispered, "Find Xiao Xuli and a wet nurse for the baby. Summon Physician Lin, and prepare everything the child needs."
"Yes, Master." The bodyguard bowed and swiftly departed.
With the baby still nestled in his arms, Lin Xu Lang carried the child into his mansion, stepping into a future neither of them could foresee.
---
15 Years Later...
"Mistress! Mistress! Mistress!"
Panicked voices filled the grand halls of the Lin residence. Four maidservants huddled together, their faces filled with worry.
"What should we do? Today is her Marriageable Age Ceremony!"
In the Wu Dynasty, when a girl turned fifteen, she was required to undergo a Marriageable Age Ceremony—a tradition signifying that she was now eligible to meet her destined partner. It was believed that when a person met their fated one, a glowing mark would appear on their forehead, visible only to the pair. This sacred event was meant for both men and women.
"If we don't find her soon, the Great Master will have our heads!"
"We can't return without her!"
"Buddha, please watch over our young miss!"
Desperation laced their voices as they scoured the bustling market, searching for their wayward mistress.
---
Meanwhile…
Dressed in a young man's attire, Lin Xue—the so-called "missing" mistress—sat leisurely inside Luo Gambling House, surrounded by spectators.
She was deeply engrossed in a game of Liuno, a traditional Chinese board game played between two opponents. The board, decorated with intricate summer-ethical patterns, relied on six throwing sticks to determine moves—similar to dice in other racing games. The first to accumulate six points was declared the winner.
And Lin Xue? She had won seven rounds in a row.
Across from her sat a bald, middle-aged man, his face red with frustration.
"Uncle, you've lost seven times already." Lin Xue smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
The man slammed his fist on the table, his anger barely contained. "You—!"
"Take heart, Uncle. Losing to a young man isn't so bad," she added mockingly, her eyes glinting with amusement.
The bald man pointed at her, speechless with rage.
"Bald Uncle, don't get too angry—you're already ugly enough," she chuckled.
The man, Mr. Heng, shot up from his seat, his hand raised to strike her.
"Mr. Heng!" a calm yet authoritative voice intervened.
It was Shopkeeper Xa, the owner of the gambling house.
"Don't forget the rules of this establishment." His smile was polite, but his warning was clear.
Instantly, Mr. Heng's furious expression twisted into a forced grin. "Of course, Shopkeeper Xa, you misunderstand! I was merely trying to… greet the young master!"
Shopkeeper Xa ignored him and turned to Lin Xue with a respectful nod.
"Young Master Xu, here are your winnings. Feel free to count them." He handed her a small pouch filled with silver taels.
Lin Xue weighed the pouch in her palm, nodding in satisfaction. "No need. I trust you, Shopkeeper Xa." She cupped her fists in farewell. "I'll take my leave."
"We look forward to your next visit, Young Master Xu." Shopkeeper Xa returned the gesture with a bow.
With a mischievous smile, she waved. "Goodbye, Bald Uncle!"
The bald man trembled with fury as she disappeared from sight.
---
Still Inside Luo Gambling House…
Shopkeeper Xa approached a man seated in the shadows. His features were refined yet sharp, exuding a quiet authority. This was Luo Si Cheng, the third young master of the Luo family.
"Young Master, I have delivered the money. The boy introduced himself as Xu."
Luo Si Cheng's lips curled into a knowing smirk as he watched the departing figure.
"She's interesting."
Shopkeeper Xa raised a brow, momentarily stunned. Did his young master suspect the truth?
---
Meanwhile, in the Forest…
Lin Xue strolled leisurely through the trees, her arms outstretched, letting the wind dance through her fingertips. A wide, carefree smile graced her lips.
Suddenly, she halted, pressing herself against the rough bark of a tree, peeking through the dense foliage.
Before her, an intense battle unfolded. Swords clashed, and figures darted like phantoms, their movements swift and deadly.
"Waaaah!" she whispered in awe, eyes sparkling like a child witnessing a grand spectacle.
Lost in her fascination, she failed to notice the arrow speeding toward her hiding spot.
With a sharp whistle, the deadly projectile sliced through the air.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The moment she realized she'd been discovered, her lips curved into a breathtaking smile, her white bunny teeth glinting under the sunlight.
She didn't run.
She didn't panic.
Instead, she stood her ground, waiting to see what would happen next.