Chapter 36
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Chapter 36: Master’s Arrangement
In the main building of Shouchun Garden, Lin Zhi Shou was calmly drinking tea, while beside him sat a stunning woman with bright eyes and white teeth.
The woman wore a luxurious, intricate purple long dress. Beneath her delicate and lovely features, a trace of displeasure flickered.
"Grandfather, why must I marry an outsider coming into the family?"
She stared at Lin Zhi Shou, her voice tinged with anger.
The woman was called Lin Si Qi, Lin Zhi Shou’s granddaughter.
Unlike Lin Nian’s status as a collateral descendant, she was Lin Zhi Shou’s direct descendant and the only junior possessing Sixth Grade spiritual roots.
This was why she dared to voice her dissatisfaction before him.
"Si Qi, Zhou Luo cannot be considered an outsider. He is already part of the Lin Family now," Lin Zhi Shou set down his teacup and said.
"What does that matter? How could a Ninth Grade ever be worthy of me? Especially when he’s already married so many women," Lin Si Qi countered.
"Though he carries Ninth Grade spiritual roots, his talent in alchemy is exceptional. In just two years, he’s nearly become a middle first-level Pill Master."
"Look at your elder male cousin. He’s followed me for so long yet remains only a beginner."
"Zhou Luo may even become a second level Pill Master someday. Staying with him wouldn’t belittle you."
"Never mind how many wives and concubines he has now — none compare to you. Once married, you’d undoubtedly be the main wife. What is there to worry about?"
Lin Zhi Shou reasoned with her.
Hearing Zhou Luo’s potential to become a second level Pill Master, a glimmer of surprise flashed in Lin Si Qi’s beautiful eyes.
Though not an alchemist herself, she knew precisely what such a rank signified.
Among all the long-life families, second level Pill Masters were rare and difficult to reach. Achieving it would undoubtedly earn the Family’s highest regard.
Even beyond the family estate, wherever he traveled, he would be welcomed as an esteemed guest.
Though Zhou Luo possessed only Ninth Grade spiritual roots, the stature of a second level Pill Master alone would compel even Foundation Establishment cultivators to set aside their pride and treat him respectfully.
"He truly might become a second level Pill Master?" Lin Si Qi questioned uncertainly.
Lin Zhi Shou allowed himself a faint smile. "I have a good eye for talent. Given sufficient time, reaching the Second Level is inevitable. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to take him as my disciple."
At this, Lin Zhi Shou was reminded of a prior discussion with the family head.
At the time, Family Head Lin Tian Xiong intended for Zhou Luo to remain apprenticed at his side. Yet through their interactions and his performance at the Spiritual Pill Conference, Lin Zhi Shou grew increasingly convinced of Zhou Luo’s boundless potential—prompting him to accept the young man without hesitation.
Hearing her grandfather’s assured confidence, Lin Si Qi’s resolution wavered.
She understood perfectly well.
Though blessed with Sixth Grade spiritual roots, as a woman, she was ultimately destined to marry.
And marrying a second level Pill Master… perhaps was not a bad fate.
Moreover, she recognized that this arrangement wasn’t solely her grandfather’s doing—it also bore the Family’s intentions.
Seeing his granddaughter silent, Lin Zhi Shou spoke earnestly. "I called you here today so you might meet him. Should you get along? Then be together. Truly find no shared ground? Then this grandfather won’t force you into hardship."
After all, this was his most cherished granddaughter. Had it not been the Family Head’s instruction, he’d have preferred she focus solely on cultivation.
"Mn," Lin Si Qi quietly acknowledged.
At that moment, Zhou Luo stepped into the hall.
As soon as he entered, he spotted Lin Si Qi, pausing briefly before bowing to Lin Zhi Shou. "Master."
"Sit," Lin Zhi Shou said.
Once Zhou Luo was seated, Lin Zhi Shou casually introduced his granddaughter.
Hearing this, Zhou Luo looked the young lady over.
Her appearance and aura were exceptional. Though not quite rivaling the Fifth Miss he’d encountered earlier, she could hold her own among his own wives and concubines.
"I asked you here today so you could get acquainted. I am occupied with alchemy, so take your time to chat."
After a brief introduction, Lin Zhi Shou excused himself to give them privacy.
Zhou Luo sensed his master was matchmaking.
Fine.
Lately, most of his wives and concubines were already pregnant anyway.
Taking another wife would significantly boost his probability of conception, earning him more lot-draw chances.
As Lin Zhi Shou departed, Zhou Luo nodded politely. "Miss Si Qi, greetings."
Lin Si Qi didn’t answer, her beautiful eyes studying him intently.
Truthfully, it was their first meeting.
Occasional rumors about him had reached her ears, but she’d little interest in this live-in son-in-law.
Today, however, she noted his pleasing features—better than expected. Most arresting were his starry eyes: clear, bright as though piercing human hearts.
Suddenly, her initial aversion faded. Marrying him seemed… acceptable after all.
Silenced by her stare, Zhou Luo wondered inwardly.
An ice mountain, perhaps?
After a long pause, Lin Si Qi finally spoke, blunt as could be: "Do you like me?"
Such directness startled Zhou Luo.
It reminded him of his first encounter with Lin Qing Han.
Were all Lin Family women this bold?
No pleasantries?
Still, he answered sincerely, "Miss Si Qi, one of rare grace. Surely all admire you."
A faint smile touched her lips at these words, clearly satisfied.
Her smile eased the conversation onward.
Coldness hadn’t been her nature—only bias against Zhou Luo.
With the ice broken, she grew talkative.
Outside the hall, Lin Zhi Shou lingered.
Eavesdropping, a smile formed on his aged face.
His granddaughter seemed pleased.
Through their exchange, Zhou Luo learned more about her.
Most striking: she possessed Sixth Grade spiritual roots.
With her, bearing children of even greater spiritual talent became possible.
With that thought, his attention deepened.
But when the topic shifted to marriage, Lin Si Qi turned firm.
"If I marry, I must be the main wife. And my husband may never marry wives or take concubines hereafter…"
As her demands piled up, Zhou Luo’s heart sank.
Moments ago, her Sixth Grade spiritual roots had sparked hope. Now her words extinguished it entirely.
No more wives? No concubines?
How then could he complete Changsheng?
However reasonable her terms sounded, Zhou Luo could never accept them.
Thus he responded lightly, "Quite right, Miss Si Qi. One as beautiful as you deserves exclusive devotion."
"Unlike me—a common man. If I could, I’d wed more wives and concubines."
Lin Si Qi had voiced marital ideals—daring hints aimed at him, yet unspoken.
So Zhou Luo feigned ignorance, stating his own stance plainly.
Just as he’d hoped, Lin Si Qi’s bright expression froze.
Frowning coldly, she demanded, "What do you mean by this?"
