The soft rays of morning sunlight crept into the guest room, warming the sheets and the two figures tangled in silence. I opened my eyes slowly, feeling the light pressure of someone beside me.
Yun Ling'er was still asleep.
Her breathing was soft, delicate… peaceful in a way that made me forget everything—if only for a moment.
Carefully, I slipped out of the bed, making sure not to disturb her. As my feet touched the floor, a sharp chime echoed in my mind.
Ding!
Host, you have successfully completed the "Change Fate" mission.
Reward Granted: Authority Over Evil God's Eyes.
A jolt surged through my body. My eyes burned for a moment, and when I looked in the mirror, they had turned deep crimson—glowing faintly with an unnatural light.
I smirked.
"So this… is what real power feels like."
Then I turned to look at Yun Ling'er again. She stirred, stretching slightly, before suddenly realizing where she was—and who was beside her.
She sat up quickly, yanking the blanket up to cover herself.
"D-Don't misunderstand anything! I-I just… If you ever try to harm my clan again, I'll kill you!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then why did you have so much fun last night?"
Her face turned bright red. "You—! I don't know why it happened, okay!? Just shut up. Unless you have a problem with what happened?"
I chuckled. "Nope. No problem at all."
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
"Young Miss, are you awake? Everyone is waiting for you at the hall," a maid called from outside.
Yun Ling'er and I froze.
Panic flashed in her eyes. "What if someone finds out you stayed here!?"
"Relax," I whispered. "Just tell her you're getting ready."
She narrowed her eyes. "Do you want to get both of us killed?"
"You want to see your husband dead already?" I smirked.
Rolling her eyes, she responded through the door, "I'm coming out soon after I finish getting ready. You may go."
The maid bowed and left.
"Huff... that was close," I exhaled.
"You should leave through the back," she muttered, still blushing. "And don't be late to the hall."
"Of course. I wouldn't miss it," I grinned, stepping out quickly.
With a burst of speed, I dashed toward my own guest room… thinking I'd gotten away unnoticed.
But behind a corner, sharp eyes tracked my movement.
Back in my room, I saw the torn clothes from last night's assassination attempt. I changed into a fresh black robe, brushed back my hair, and headed toward the main hall of the Yun Clan.
When I stepped inside, the room went silent for a moment.
All eyes turned to me. Every one of them stronger, older, and far more experienced. I swallowed. But then I spotted her—my mother, Wu Yun—sitting elegantly among the elders.
Relief swept over me like a tide. I stood tall and announced, "I am Wu Tangge, youngest son of the Wu Clan."
Whispers rippled through the room.
One of the Yun Clan elders stood with a warm smile.
"Young Master Wu, you are officially our son-in-law now. There's no need for formality. Please, take your seat."
I nodded and sat in the place prepared for me.
Another elder leaned forward. "Will you be joining the Immortal Dao Academy?"
"The what?"
A stunned silence.
Even the younger cultivators looked at me like I'd grown two heads. I glanced around awkwardly.
Immortal Dao Academy?
That must be the elite academy in this world. A place where only the best cultivators are accepted. Even the ancestors of the great clans had studied there…
Suddenly, a surge of powerful aura burst across the room. I instinctively turned toward it.
It was my mother.
Wu Yun stood, her expression dark with disappointment.
I chuckled nervously. "Ah… mother, I must've forgotten about the academy. It just slipped my mind."
In the blink of an eye, she was in front of me.
"You little brat! Did you forget your own mother graduated from there too!?"
Smack!
She slapped the back of my head in full view of the Yun Clan's most respected elders.
"Ouch! Mother! Everyone's watching!"
The room burst into laughter. Even Yun Ling'er, trying to hide it behind her sleeve, giggled.
Wu Yun huffed and returned to her seat, shaking her head with a sigh.
The tension faded. And for once… it felt like I belonged.