Inside the second level of the dining hall at the Ghostly Duke Mansion...
After Zhu Zhuqing quietly filled her tray and found a corner to sit in, everyone around her immediately reacted as if she were a plague. Hastily, they scrambled to sit elsewhere, too afraid to even make contact with her.
At the moment, the most influential person in the entire Ghostly Duke Mansion was none other than Zhu Zhuyun, the eldest daughter. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, the second daughter, was her sworn enemy. The two sisters were like fire and water—completely irreconcilable.
Zhu Zhuyun had openly declared that no one was allowed to interact with Zhu Zhuqing. Anyone who dared to go against this would surely suffer the consequences. Naturally, this led everyone to keep their distance from Zhu Zhuqing.
But in truth, being ostracized by her peers was the least of her problems. For the strong-willed Zhu Zhuqing, it didn't faze her much.
However, under pressure from her older sister, life became much more difficult.
In the morning classes, the rooms offering useful lessons were always filled before the classes even began. No matter how early Zhu Zhuqing arrived, it was no use—the steward in charge of the keys had long pledged his allegiance to Zhu Zhuyun.
So, every time Zhu Zhuqing wanted to attend a valuable course, she found no opportunity and had no choice but to quietly study in the library. There were many books there, and Zhu Zhuyun couldn't take them all at once, leaving a few behind for Zhu Zhuqing to read.
Even so, as the live streaming became popular, Zhu Zhuyun sent people to borrow as many useful books as they could just to suppress Zhu Zhuqing.
At the Martial Soul Simulation Training Grounds, the dark-attribute environment, which was ideal for Zhu Zhuqing, was always packed. Most days, long lines stretched out the door, making it impossible for her to get in.
Lastly, there was the Soul Battle Arena. Unlike the external battle arenas, the Soul Battle Arena within the Ghostly Duke Mansion was only open to sparring between soul masters from the mansion itself. Combat was permitted only if both parties agreed to a duel.
However due to Zhu Zhuyun's oppression, no one was willing to challenge Zhu Zhuqing. Every day, she could only train by herself, pushing through grueling solo sessions to improve her combat skills.
Lin Yu wasn't aware of all of this yet, but just watching how everyone avoided Zhu Zhuqing as if she were cursed was enough to make his heart ache.
After all, Zhu Zhuqing was still just a little girl of six or seven years old, and she was being isolated by all her peers. It was even worse than the bullying he remembered from kindergarten in his past life!
She was like a poor, little kitten.
Right now, Dai Mubai was likely still in Star Luo City, and Zhu Zhuqing was only dealing with the internal ostracism from the Ghostly Duke Mansion. But one could imagine how much worse it would become once Dai Mubai ran away and left her to bear the brunt of Davis's wrath. Not only would she face the internal exclusion of the mansion, but she would also face external pressure from Davis after leaving the mansion.
How cruel would it be then?
Even though all the young people in the Ghostly Duke Mansion kept their distance from Zhu Zhuqing due to Zhu Zhuyun's threats, Lin Yu was far from intimidated by Zhu Zhuyun.
His reason for coming to the Ghostly Duke Mansion wasn't just to freeload off the mansion's collection of books; he had also come to protect Zhu Zhuqing.
There was no way he could ignore the situation she was facing.
So, while everyone else was desperately avoiding Zhu Zhuqing, Lin Yu picked up his tray and walked straight toward her, sitting down across from her.
The moment people around them saw this, they were utterly dumbfounded.
What's going on? Who is this guy?
Is he bold enough to sit with the second daughter? Does he have no fear of the eldest?
"What are you doing sitting here? You only just joined the Ghostly Duke Mansion. If you get too close to me, my sister will make things difficult for you," Zhu Zhuqing said, lowering her head slightly, her voice icy but quiet.
"It's fine. I came to the Ghostly Duke Mansion to change your fate, not for the cultivation resources," Lin Yu replied with a smile. "Besides, with my strength, do you think I'm afraid of your sister causing me trouble?"
"I'm not worried about her troubling me. I'm more worried that she won't!" he added, still smiling. "If she sends people to give me a hard time, and I show off my strength, I doubt your parents would let her continue oppressing someone as talented as me, right?"
Zhu Zhuqing opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.
He was right. Lin Yu had effortlessly defeated Zack, the Soul King who had taken her to hunt soul beasts, and he hadn't even used a soul skill. Lin Yu's strength was at least at the Soul Emperor, possibly even Soul Saint level!
There was no way Zhu Zhuyun could harm someone as powerful as him.
Moreover, Lin Yu wasn't after the Ghostly Duke Mansion's cultivation resources, so Zhu Zhuyun's threats in that regard didn't apply to him.
If Zhu Zhuyun tried to send people after him, and he demonstrated his abilities, Zhu Zhuqing knew their parents would never allow her sister to keep pushing him around.
After all, Lin Yu had told her earlier that he would be posing as a seven-year-old genius named Ye Liangchen, with a Body Martial Soul of Dual Pupils.
If Lin Yu showed his true strength under this identity, their parents would surely intervene.
Relaxing a little, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but feel a wave of complicated emotions wash over her. Lin Yu had said he came to the mansion just to protect her. Compared to her runaway fiancé, Dai Mubai, Lin Yu was like a warm ray of sunlight in her cold, lonely world.
In every way—whether it was his age, his strength, or his character—Lin Yu far outshone her so-called fiancé. With him, she felt a real sense of security.
Perhaps... she should consider relying on someone else?
Still, Zhu Zhuqing had lived too long without a real sense of safety.
Although her first impression of Lin Yu was good, and his current behavior made her feel warm inside, she decided to take her time before putting her trust in him.
After all, she had already been hurt by a fiancé much older than her, who had no sense of responsibility.
She was determined to fight against her fate, and she would be cautious when it came to choosing her future.
Temporary kindness is fleeting, but true emotions stand the test of time.
Note: If you are interested you can read up to chapter 180 atpatreon.com/MythMosaic.