Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 76: In the Shadows of Fate

Xu Lian informed the Lin family about his plan to return home for a few days. To make the trip meaningful, he decided to buy some gifts for the women in his family-creating a sense of ceremony, an unparalleled method for boosting goodwill.

Within the Lin household, Xu Lian was merely a guest, and Qin Liu, being his tagalong guest, had little choice but to follow him when Xu Lian left.

“When are we going to dig up those cultivators’ graves?” Qin Liu asked as they walked.

“Once I’m back in town, we’ll get to it,” Xu Lian replied.

While cultivation resources were crucial to Xu Lian, progression points were even more valuable.

The two of them strolled into the busy marketplace.

As Qin Liu watched Xu Lian buy a variety of items tailored for women, he couldn’t help but feel curious. “Are you going home because you miss women?”

Xu Lian was slightly startled. “You guessed right, but no prize for you.”

Qin Liu shrugged. “If it’s women you miss, why would you go all the way home? That bathhouse you took me to last time – well, it’s basically a brothel – had some very attractive women.”

“I’m not into women from such places,” Xu Lian responded, shaking his head.

“If you prefer cleanliness,” Qin Liu suggested, “just spend some silver and buy some daughters from impoverished families. There are many in the city and nearby villages. With your wealth, you can pick and choose.”

Xu Lian couldn’t explain that his gift-buying spree was about fostering goodwill. Instead, he redirected the conversation. “You’ve been locked in a dungeon for so long. Waiting a few more days to dig up those graves shouldn’t be a big deal for you.”

Reluctantly, Qin Liu held back any further comments.

Xu Lian made sure to buy five identical sets of gifts – no favoritism allowed. This precaution was to avoid any awkward situations in the future if the five women ever met each other.

Smart as he was, Xu Lian had a knack for thinking ahead.

With the gifts in hand, they went to the county dock and prepared to cross the river by boat.

As they approached, a young and beautiful woman caught Xu Lian’s eye – it was Lin Wan, the eldest daughter of the Lin family.

She was standing on the dock, seemingly waiting for someone. Upon noticing Xu Lian, she stepped forward.

Xu Lian handed the gifts to Qin Liu and clasped his hands in greeting. “Miss Lin, where are you going?”

Qin Liu, now holding the gifts with both hands, felt slightly resigned. Carrying Xu Lian’s things made him feel like a mere lackey. Still, considering Xu Lian’s background, being his lackey wasn’t such a bad thing.

Lin Wan met Xu Lian’s gaze, her face flushing slightly as she hesitated. “I… I was thinking of visiting the countryside. Do you mind if I join you?”

Xu Lian froze for a moment. Could it be that Lin Wan had waited for him here specifically?

Why would she choose now to visit the countryside? The timing seemed far too coincidental. Could Lin Wan possibly have feelings for him?

Although Lin Wan had been a widow for many years, she was still in her prime – her beauty and figure were beyond reproach. Xu Lian couldn’t help but feel his heart race slightly.

But then, he caught himself. Her brother, Lin Chengyu, was a friend of his. How could he possibly entertain the idea of pursuing Lin Wan?

The situation had changed. Lin Wan’s active interest in Xu Lian made things different. Even if something developed between them, it didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

Snapping back to his senses, Xu Lian quickly replied, “Of course, it would be my honor to travel with you, Miss Lin.”

Hearing his polite and formal words, Lin Wan’s nervousness faded and she couldn’t help but chuckle, covering her mouth with a hand. Her laughter, soft and melodious, captivated Xu Lian. She was already stunning, but her smile added an irresistible charm to her.

Qin Liu’s gaze also lingered, filled with envy. He wasn’t blind – he could see Lin Wan’s interest in Xu Lian.

“Do you have a travel permit?”

A port official approached the group.

Lin Wan didn’t produce her permit immediately. Instead, she remembered her mother Hua Rongjun’s advice: observe where Xu Lian’s permit was issued. Travel permits usually contained such details.

Reluctantly, Xu Lian pulled out his violet jade token.

The official’s demeanor changed instantly upon seeing it. He bowed deeply and said, “This humble servant respects the esteemed master.”

“Let’s go.”

Xu Lian put down the token and motioned for Lin Wan and Qin Liu to board the boat.

Lin Wan’s expression shifted as she processed the significance of the violet tier token. No wonder the county magistrate treated Xu Lian with such caution. Her feelings were a mixture of awe and complexity. Her mother had clearly foreseen the advantages of allying herself with someone like Xu Lian. If she became his wife, it would greatly benefit their family.

Following Xu Lian onto the boat, Lin Wan’s gaze lingered on his upright posture and confident stride. She solidified her resolve. In truth, she’d made her decision before arriving, but learning about Xu Lian’s background only strengthened it. Even putting aside his identity and background, she did not dislike Xu Lian himself.

“I’ll stay in this room,” Xu Lian said as they entered the ship’s cabin.

He deliberately chose the room where the eerie long-haired barefoot woman had stayed during his last journey. To conquer fear, one had to confront it head-on. He planned to spend the night here to overcome his lingering uneasiness.

As fate would have it, Lin Wan selected the room he had previously stayed in, while Qin Liu took the one Lin Chengyu had used. Perhaps because Xu Lian and Lin Chengyu had occupied those rooms before, they now carried a trace of warmth and familiarity, which subconsciously drew Lin Wan and Qin Liu to them.

It was like the saying: In the shadow of destiny, heaven weaves its will. Just like a barren path marked by the faint traces of footsteps, later travelers would naturally follow the same route.

The two-masted ship set off silently, without a helmsman or crew. Behind them, a line of cargo boats also began moving, similarly unmanned. It was obvious that underwater creatures – water ghosts and river demons – were at work.

After staying up at the black market the night before, Xu Lian had planned to catch up on some sleep. But with Lin Wan and Qin Liu lingering in his cabin, he reluctantly took out some snacks and engaged in small talk instead.

Most of the chatter came from Qin Liu, who recounted amusing tales from his tomb raiding days.

Lin Wan laughed gracefully at his anecdotes, her laughter spurring Qin Liu to become even more animated.

At noon, the three of them gathered on the deck around a small brazier and cooked some dried food and roasted meat for lunch.

After eating, they returned to their cabins.

When Qin Liu started another story, Xu Lian finally had enough. “That’s enough! We’ve heard enough of your legendary exploits. I didn’t sleep at all last night – I need a nap.”

“I wasn’t finished yet, but all right. I’ll save the rest for later.” Qin Liu reluctantly left the room, still eager to share more.

Lin Wan also retired to her cabin.

Xu Lian slept until dawn. When he awoke, his vitality and strength had returned to the peak of the Bright Strength stage. Stretching, he announced, “Let’s prepare dinner. We may have to deal with any demons or ghosts that board the ship later.”

Lin Wan nodded knowingly.

Qin Liu, visibly startled, rushed to help, stoked the fire, and cooked the meal.

After dinner, they all returned to their cabins, locking their doors securely to prevent any ghosts or demons from accidentally entering.

Having rested earlier, Xu Lian found himself wide awake. He tossed and turned but couldn’t fall asleep.

Suddenly, there was a soft knocking at the door.

His heart tightened, his body instinctively tensing as a chill ran down his spine. Already? Ghosts or demons boarding so early?

Fine, board the ship if you must, but why knock on my door? There are plenty of empty cabins.

Gripping his one-star sword, Xu Lian moved cautiously to the door and asked in a low voice, “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” came Lin Wan’s voice.

Xu Lian was about to open the door but hesitated. Could it be a spirit mimicking her voice to trick me into opening the door?