Fate is unpredictable.
From Lin Daiyu to Qin Keqing, they were all acutely aware of how their original destinies would have played out.
Compared to the tragedies of their original paths, their current circumstances were nothing short of blissful.
Qin Keqing found herself in an entirely new world, one full of boundless opportunities. She had been reborn as a hero, gaining unimaginable strength.
More importantly, her current lord was someone she admired greatly.
Unlike the tyrants she had once known, Lucian was among the finest of men.
During the thirty-day rookie trial, Lucian never abused his power. Even with absolute authority, he never mistreated anyone. Instead, he worked alongside his subordinates, often resting on the ground with them when tired.
Because of this, Qin Keqing felt a complex mix of emotions toward Lucian.
She was grateful for his kindness and leadership, but at the same time, she deeply admired him.
Yesterday, when Lin Daiyu borrowed her phoenix crown and bridal robes, Qin Keqing's first reaction wasn't one of congratulations—it was tinged with jealousy and resentment.
"What's there to say?"
Lucian chuckled and waved dismissively. "You're one of mine now, and I'm honored to have changed your fate."
"Young Master..."
Qin Keqing lowered her gaze, her beautiful eyes glistening with emotion.
As she tilted her head slightly, the golden ornaments on her phoenix crown swayed, producing a soft tinkling sound.
Seeing this, Lucian reached out and gently removed the crown from her head, setting it on the table.
As he gazed at her with her long hair cascading down her back, his heart began to race.
"Young Master..."
Qin Keqing hesitated for a moment, then bravely asked, "Would you like to complete the wedding I never had?"
"Of course!" Lucian's eyes lit up. "We can't leave a wedding unfinished. Besides, if your original groom, Jia Rong, knew he missed his wedding night, he'd be heartbroken! I'll just take his place and help him out."
"Young Master speaks such strange things."
Qin Keqing looked both amused and helpless.
She could sense some logic in Lucian's words but couldn't fully grasp his meaning.
The two exchanged lighthearted banter, gradually easing any remaining tension between them.
Qin Keqing giggled softly, raising her wine cup. Her phoenix-like eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and allure.
Understanding her intent, Lucian also raised his cup, linking his arm with hers as they drank together.
This was "cross-cupped wine", an ancient wedding ritual symbolizing the union of husband and wife.
"Is this the Mystic Ice Fireproof Wine?"
Lucian's eyes lit up as he sipped the drink, surprised by its quality.
Qin Keqing smiled sweetly and nodded. "Yes, it is."
"It tastes amazing. My whole body feels warm now," Lucian remarked, glancing at his status panel.
To his astonishment, his experience points had increased slightly.
Lucian (abridged):
Level: 11 (3/600)
+1!
+1!
+1!
His experience points kept climbing until they had increased by 20 points before stopping.
"Wait... Can this Mystic Ice Fireproof Wine help me level up?"
Lucian's eyes sparkled with excitement.
However, after considering it for a moment, he decided against the idea.
The information from the Mystic Tavern was clear—each bottle of Mystic Ice Fireproof Wine required 100 void crystals to produce.
Though this might not seem like much, it wouldn't be feasible to consume enough to level up significantly.
"Who could possibly drink thousands of bottles of wine in one day? What am I, a faucet?"
"Young Master, why are you zoning out again?"
Qin Keqing's gentle voice broke his train of thought. Her tone carried a faint hint of frustration.
A stunning, captivating woman sat before him, and he was daydreaming about wine?
"Ahem!"
Lucian snapped back to reality, laughing awkwardly.
He grinned and said, "Well, the wine's finished. How about we move on to the bridal chamber?"
"Extinguish the lights..."
Qin Keqing's head lowered, her cheeks flushed with shyness.
"No way!"
Lucian decisively refused. He stepped forward and swept the beautiful bride into his arms, ignoring her startled cry.
The heavy, luxurious bridal robes fell to the floor.
Lucian's focus shifted entirely to Qin Keqing, who could only offer a weak protest.
The next morning, 9:00 AM.
Lucian woke up feeling refreshed. Sitting up in bed, he stretched, his joints cracking audibly.
It felt as though thunder roared within his body.
"I broke through! No more worrying about running out of stamina!"
Lucian clenched his fists with a smug grin, feeling the surging vitality within him. He was confident he could go three days and nights without rest.
Looking down, he saw Qin Keqing curled up beside him, her arms wrapped around his waist.
Her face wore a contented smile, though faint tear streaks were visible on her fair skin.
Lucian gently smoothed her messy hair, careful not to disturb her.
Quietly, he slipped out of bed, got dressed, and prepared to start his day.
The moment Lucian left the room, Qin Keqing opened her phoenix-like eyes, her expression tinged with embarrassment.
"I'm hopeless..."
She grabbed a pillow and playfully smacked it, her lips curling into a smile.
"My Young Master... truly is wonderful."
At Mirror Lake.
The morning was peaceful, with few people around.
Lucian leaned against the lakeside, enjoying the cool, refreshing water.
The lake wasn't just any ordinary body of water—it was a territorial building.
The water was naturally clean and continually refreshed, capable of washing away impurities and revitalizing the body.
After a quick bath, Lucian felt reinvigorated.
"Ah... so relaxing!"
As he lay back, ready for a quick nap, ripples suddenly spread across the lake.
He turned his head to see a beautiful figure entering the water.
The woman's elegant demeanor and stunning face were instantly recognizable.
"Young Master, how did you sleep last night?"
It was Lin Daiyu.
Lucian smirked. "Don't worry; the victor is clear!"
"Young Master is so bold!"
Lin Daiyu's lips curled into a smile, though a flicker of jealousy flashed in her eyes.
"New love replaces old... Truly, you're a man who forgets the past easily."
"Don't say nonsense! It's not what you think—it's just... friendship."
Lucian hastily denied her accusation.
"Really?"
Blushing, Lin Daiyu removed her jade hairpin, letting her long hair flow freely.
"I'd like to test that friendship myself."
Lucian: "..."
Back at the main hall.
Lucian changed into modern clothes, his face slightly pale.
"Daiyu... She's truly something else!"
He gritted his teeth, checking the time.
It was almost time for school.
The clock read 1:00 PM.
Skipping breakfast to appease Lin Daiyu, Lucian quickly prepared himself and left for class.