Chu Yin’s cultivation had finally returned to its long-lost proper track.
Every session began with an exhausting set, deeply studying the ancient texts on Destiny Divination, squeezing out every last drop of mental energy, baiting distractions away, and forcing his kidneys to replenish essence and nourish his brain.
Then, while the kidneys’ defenses were weakened, he would hastily proceed with the qi circulation practice of [Cloud and Water Classic], completing a super set.
Such training was exhausting, but effective!
Chu Yin’s deeper study of Destiny Divination sparked some new thoughts.
“At my current level, can I specifically divinate the root cause of the ‘unfortunate outcome’ of the wedding ceremony, and then figure out a way to prepare in advance?”
He wasn’t aiming to build a close relationship with Miss Zhang Wei; rather, the tragic image left in his mind before was simply too vivid.
Now, somewhat confused, having come into contact with the Heavenly Omen of Marriage, he naturally wanted to do something to respond.
But after reading countless ancient texts, none mentioned anything about Fate-Altering.
“Let me try divination.”
Chu Yin immediately cast a hexagram, but unfortunately, the result was chaotic and unclear—and to make matters worse, it drained his energy.
He had used divination to help Lady Chunhan handle many cases, and was a barely competent expert—failure in casting was unheard of.
It seemed that divination could only alter minor matters; when it came to Fate-Altering, the response was simply “no reply.”
“If this keeps up, won’t Aunt Wen have nightmares again?”
Thinking of this, Chu Yin felt a twinge of guilt, but strengthening his abilities was undoubtedly the right path.
If he couldn’t change the outcome, then he would improve his ability to deal with it.
A few days later, the Lady of Luoshui City returned from her studies abroad.
The elders watched Miss Zhang Wei’s growth with fondness, especially since she was the Old City Lord’s daughter—their affection only grew deeper.
After the joyful welcome and festive greetings, Lady Chunhan got down to business, pulling Chu Yin along to meet her daughter Zhang Wei for introductions.
“Chu Yin? You look somewhat familiar, but I don’t remember any inner disciples like you,” Zhang Wei tried to recall him.
“Of course, because I have been in the outer sect for many years, and only crossed paths with Miss Zhang Wei a few times.”
“…Outer disciple?”
Disbelief flickered in Zhang Wei’s eyes. She had rushed back from Tianxing City thinking her mother had arranged a fine match—how could it be just an outer disciple, and one who had been stuck there for years?!
As the Lady of Luoshui City, she knew a bit about these matters; truly outstanding individuals only spent three or four years in the outer sect as a transition before quickly entering the inner sect.
Chu Yin being “trapped” in the outer sect for so many years said a lot!
Could it really be, as the Master Elder Brothers said, that they picked a husband easy to control, so they could continue to rule Luoshui City behind the scenes?
Lady Chunhan hurried to clarify for Chu Yin:
“Chu Yin is a special case. His talent lies in Destiny Divination, and recently his progress in cultivating the [Cloud and Water Classic] has also been excellent. Don’t underestimate him just because he is an outer disciple.”
“Most importantly, I have personally evaluated him. Chu Yin has a pure character and great potential. He’s very suitable to be the successor of Luoshui City!”
Zhang Wei hesitated, then forced out a somewhat stiff smile:
“To have caught Mother’s eye, he must have something to recommend him…”
Chu Yin didn’t know if this counted as an experience of a matchmaking meeting.
This young lady showed no outright disgust or rejection, but unconsciously revealed some unwillingness—though she restrained herself well in front of Lady Chunhan.
Lady Chunhan did not force Zhang Wei and Chu Yin to rapidly advance their relationship, ending the first meeting with just a touch, and letting Zhang Wei return to her room to rest.
In the following days, Chu Yin’s daytime schedule included “interactions with Miss Zhang Wei,” and Lady Chunhan told him to skip the study at night, focusing more on Zhang Wei, avoiding daytime fatigue that might cause misunderstandings—that he did not take her seriously.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ll work hard to build a good friendship with Zhang Wei; maybe that can change the outcome of the Tragic Wedding!”
With this thought, Chu Yin threw himself into contact with Zhang Wei.
He asked the elders about her preferences, took her shopping, and tried to cater to her tastes in their interactions.
At the same time, they discussed the current state of Luoshui City, its development problems and challenges, showing off his insights into major affairs.
He also mentioned his mastery of divination, letting Zhang Wei know he was constantly improving his governance skills and striving to become a qualified city lord.
This relationship-building went on for nearly a month.
Zhang Wei never refused his invitations but always responded with a lukewarm attitude—more like perfunctory compliance to avoid mother’s nagging.
This truly left Chu Yin helpless.
He wished she would outright refuse, so he’d have a reason to return to Lady Chunhan’s side.
Now that Zhang Wei responded to his invitations, Chu Yin felt compelled to arrange the next meeting, or else it would look like he was neglecting her.
No…
Was this young lady waiting for him to slip up?
Not wanting Lady Chunhan to think she was being unreasonable, she was waiting for him to show signs of irritation—so she could reject him on the grounds that Chu Yin had a bad temper.
Realizing this, Chu Yin calmed his mind.
Seeing Chu Yin about to crack, Zhang Wei suddenly composed herself—she was close to her limit.
“Chu Yin, you say your divination is powerful. Can you divinate my attitude toward this marriage?”
Chu Yin began to cast a hexagram but didn’t waste his precious divination chances on Zhang Wei.
Instead, he silently inquired about Lady Chunhan’s feelings.
[Discontent, slight resentment, uncomfortable with the loneliness of the study late at night.]
Good grief.
A month of matchmaking, daughter’s side dissatisfied, mother-in-law’s side also unhappy…
Chu Yin kept a straight face and said,
“Miss’s attitude is reluctant, but where there’s a will, I will strive to change her impression of me!”
Chu Yin’s flawless reply made Zhang Wei clench her teeth in secret.
That day’s routine matchmaking began and ended as usual.
Chu Yin hurried back to his room to cultivate, not wanting to lose progress.
Deep into the night, he finally returned to the study after a long absence.
Just as he quietly stepped into the courtyard, he heard a gentle sigh from the beautiful woman inside.
She muttered to herself:
“His heart is truly with Wei’er. Taking her shopping every day—I barely catch a glimpse of Chu Yin anymore…”
Lady Chunhan heard the maid’s daily reports, knowing that Chu Yin met Zhang Wei punctually every day, and that the two went out smoothly to deepen their understanding.
Lady Chunhan was pleased.
But over time, hearing every day that her daughter was out playing with Chu Yin while she returned to a cold, dull evening atmosphere, a slight bitterness and jealousy brewed in Lady Chunhan’s heart.
After sighing, the familiar graceful silhouette returned to the case files, carefully reviewing them.
“Shiniang, I’m here. Why don’t you leave the door open for me now?”
Chu Yin lightly knocked, then pushed open a crack, peeking his face inside to see if Lady Chunhan would let him in.
Meeting her gaze, the beautiful woman put on an expression both dignified and slightly annoyed:
“Your head’s already halfway inside—what are you standing there for?”
Chu Yin finally entered the room, skillfully sitting beside Lady Chunhan, taking a case file to work on.
He said, “Shiniang, you haven’t rested for a while, right? Tomorrow I’ll take you out for a walk, how about that?”
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