After the tragic demise of Li Wei, I wasted no time. Driven by the promise I had made to him in his final moments, I set out for his residence to deliver the heart-wrenching news of his passing. The journey felt heavy, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me with each step. I had faced countless battles and foes, but this task—the act of confronting his family with the truth—felt like a challenge of a different kind.
Upon reaching the sprawling estate that served as his home, I was struck by its grandeur. The towering gates opened to reveal lush gardens and ornate architecture that spoke of both wealth and refinement. As I entered, my footsteps echoed softly against the marble pathway, carrying me closer to a destiny I could not yet comprehend.
And then I saw her.
A resplendent figure stood before me, her presence radiating an ethereal grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Dressed in garments of exquisite design, she bore herself with the poise of royalty. Her every movement was deliberate, her elegance commanding attention. For a moment, I forgot my purpose, my gaze fixed on her as though she were a living embodiment of beauty itself.
The moment did not last.
Startled by my unyielding stare, the maiden's expression shifted from serene to alarmed. Misreading my intentions, she let out a cry, her voice ringing out like a bell. Almost immediately, a group of guards appeared, their imposing figures flanking her protectively.
"Seize him!" she commanded, her voice trembling with both fear and authority.
The guards obeyed without hesitation, advancing toward me with the precision of trained warriors. Though I could have easily overpowered them, I chose not to resist. This was not a battlefield, and these were not my enemies. Instead, I allowed them to close the distance, waiting for an opportunity to explain my presence.
Just as the guards reached for me, a commanding voice echoed through the air, halting them in their tracks.
"Cease! Why do you seek to harm our visitor, Tian Wuji?"
The sound of my name sent a jolt through me. My mind raced, trying to identify the speaker, but the figure who stepped forward was unfamiliar. He was a man of regal bearing, his posture upright and his expression stern yet composed. His attire, rich and intricately detailed, marked him as someone of great importance within this household.
The guards immediately stepped back, bowing their heads in deference. The maiden, too, seemed momentarily stunned, her gaze shifting between the man and me.
The man's voice rang out again, addressing the crowd that had gathered. "This man is Tian Wuji, and he is no intruder. He is the betrothed of my daughter, the esteemed Ling Xiaolong."
His words struck me like a thunderclap, leaving me rooted to the spot. Betrothed? To his daughter? The declaration seemed almost surreal, a puzzle piece that didn't belong to any picture I could imagine.
The maiden—Ling Xiaolong—gasped audibly, her eyes widening as she turned to face me. Her earlier fear gave way to a mixture of emotions: confusion, disbelief, and something else I couldn't quite place.
For my part, I was no less bewildered. My mind churned with questions. How could I be betrothed to someone I had never met? What connection did this family have to my past, or to the journey that had brought me here? The name "Ling Xiaolong" stirred no memories, yet there was an undeniable familiarity in the way they spoke of me.
Ling Xiaolong took a hesitant step forward, her voice soft but trembling. "Is it true? Are you... Tian Wuji?"
I nodded slowly, still grappling with the weight of the revelation. "Yes, that is my name. But I am as perplexed as you are. I have no memory of any betrothal."
Her father stepped closer, his expression softening slightly. "Perhaps you do not remember, Tian Wuji. But the bond between our families was forged long ago, before you began the journey that would lead you here."
I shook my head, struggling to reconcile his words with my reality. "Forgive me, but I came here to deliver news of Li Wei's passing. He entrusted me with a message for his daughter. I had no idea I would encounter... this."
At the mention of her father's name, Ling Xiaolong's composure cracked. Her eyes filled with tears, and she clasped her hands tightly before her. "My father... he is gone?"
"Yes," I said gently, my voice heavy with sorrow. "He died in battle, but his final thoughts were of you. He wanted you to know that he loved you deeply. And he entrusted me with this."
Reaching into my pocket, I produced the credit card Li Wei had given me, holding it out to her. "This contains 50 billion Yuan. He called it a reward, but I believe it was his way of ensuring your future."
Ling Xiaolong accepted the card with trembling hands, her tears now flowing freely. Her father's death had clearly left a void that no amount of wealth could fill.
As the room fell silent, her father spoke again, his tone solemn. "You have done us a great service, Tian Wuji. My daughter's pain is immeasurable, but your actions have brought some measure of closure to this tragedy."
I nodded, unsure of how to respond. The weight of their gratitude felt almost suffocating, yet I couldn't shake the unease that lingered in my heart. There were too many unanswered questions, too many pieces of this story that didn't add up.
Ling Xiaolong wiped her tears, her gaze now steady as she looked at me. "If you are truly my betrothed, then there is much we need to discuss. But first, I must mourn my father. Please... stay. There is much I wish to know about the man who stood by his side in his final moments."
I hesitated, the conflicting emotions within me threatening to overwhelm. But one thing was clear: my journey with the Ling family was far from over.