บท 5: Cardboard Cutout and Another Chance?*

'Name -Yin Xifeng

Age - 9 years

Talent - extremely high

Spiritual roots - heavenly fire roots(high purity)

Comprehension - very high

Cultivation path - qi cultivation

Qi Cultivation level - 7 realm of qi condensation

Qualities - Hardworking, genius, graceful, brave and sensitive'

"Seventh level of qi condensation, huh... That sure is quite the achievement for a junior who isn't even ten, and she has a high level of comprehension to top it all off. But those qualities... This seems quite fishy. Such virtues for a mere child are questionable at best, especially for a sheltered young lady at that."

Jianyu's brows knitted like a tangled thread as he scrutinized the information detailing his future fiancee's temperament

"'Diligence' might be a guise for seclusion, locked away for solitary cultivation. 'Prodigious' might sound simple, but could be a cloak for arrogance that rivals the very heavens. 'Courageous' undoubtedly represents recklessness, and 'sensitivity' could cleverly hint at quick irritability." Xin Jianyu muttered to himself as he looked at the information in the Jade Slate that rested in his hands.

This Jade Slate was a special artifact that didn't require spiritual sense to browse through, while it couldn't contain a great quantity of information. Nevertheless, it was perfect for Jianyu who had yet to embark on the journey of qi cultivation and couldn't use the usual jade slip.

(AN- You thought it was a system, but it was me Dio WREEEEEEEEEE!!)

"She is the sole offspring of the Yin family's fourth daughter, who tragically perished in an incident. Her striking resemblance to the departed fourth daughter has earned her the favor of Matriarch Yin Meili. The matriarch herself bestowed the name Xifeng upon her, and this special bond has led to an overprotective stance from the matriarch. Consequently, other members of the Yin family approach her with caution, given the absence of a clear heir apparent within the family."

"In essence, the apparent purpose of the approaching marriage lies in her acquiring the Fire spiritual cultivation techniques of the Xin family. However, beneath this flimsy facade, the true aim is to extend her the protective shield of two of the three esteemed great families, ensuring her safety.

This arrangement does seem to be more 'equal' than what I originally had thought. An imbalance of benefits could have easily sowed the seeds of future entanglements." Jianyu mused as he gently set down the jade slate, allowing his thoughts to wander momentarily before a soft sigh slipped through his lips.

"Well, I shall meet her for myself in two days anyway.."

----------------Two Days Later-------------

Across the sky, an ethereal boat adorned with intricate carvings of an azure serpent sailed gracefully toward the territory of the Xin family. The boat's craftsmanship was exceptional, as its carved serpent seemed almost alive, especially with the gleaming golden eyes that brought it to life.

This Immortal boat belonged to the esteemed Yin family, embarking on their journey to meet the Xin family for crucial discussions regarding the engagement. Onboard the boat, a retinue of servants and guards with formidable cultivation levels bustled about, but at the heart of it, all were two individuals of prominent significance: Yin Xifeng and her second eldest aunt, Yin Wenqiang.

Yin Xifeng, adorned in exquisite azure robes embroidered with the distinguished emblem of the Yin family, was seated before an ornate mirror, her maid attentively combing her luxuriant hair.

"My lady, your hair is always so smooth and silky, it makes me so jealous!" The maid remarked with a trace of playfulness.

'We will soon reach there...and then..... Will I be able to suppress the emotions that surge within me, when I see him again??'

Yin Xifeng's gaze dropped, her delicate fingers unconsciously clenching the fabric of her robes.

"Hmm? My lady, there's no need to worry! Remember, you're the endearing granddaughter of our esteemed matriarch, and this is just a simple meeting to make you acquainted with each other."

The maid offered in consolation. Yin Xifeng met the eyes of her devoted maid and granted her a gentle smile.

'Well, I guess I am a bit anxious.'

"There's no need to be worried, I am just a bit curious about the meeting today..." she confessed.

Abruptly, the door swung open, revealing Yin Wenqiang, the second daughter of the Yin family's matriarch. Her silver-blue hair flowed like liquid silver, and her eyes mirrored the same hue.

"Feng'er, are you prepared?" Yin Wenqiang's gaze, full of concern, met her niece's.

"Yes, Aunt Qiang, I am ready." Yin Xifeng affirmed, offering a smile.

"Feng'er... should any misgivings trouble you concerning this engagement, do not hesitate to tell your aunt. I would move mountains to assist you, my dear!"

Yin Wenqiang implored, her expression etched with deep worry.

"Thank you for your concern, Aunt Qiang. I will definitely seek your help if I ever need it." Yin Xifeng assured with a bright smile.

"Very well, I shall attend to some final arrangements," Wenqiang announced before departing.

Yin Xifeng watched her aunt's retreating form, an unsettling gleam unfurling in her eyes.

'This bitch!'

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

"How much longer do we have to wait?"

Impatience weighed heavily on my thoughts as I waited for the arrival of my 'fiancee'. The monotony of waiting was almost unbearable, yet my mother, dutifully playing her role as the host, waited alongside me.

"Yu'er, it is our responsibility to extend a warm welcome to our guests." my mother's voice held a tone of gentle admonition, her cerulean eyes radiating boundless affection. The sight of her dressed in white robes looked breathtaking like a piece of art meticulously crafted by a celestial artist dedicating their entire lifetime.

"I understand... but Mother, there is no need for you to wait here, right? After all, you're the designated future head of our family. Meanwhile, our guests are mere members of the main lineage."

"My presence here isn't that as the future head, but as your mother. I wish to see this fiancée of yours firsthand," my mother's response was accompanied by a small smile, rendering any objections on my part futile.

"...."

"And, they've arrived."

"Where? Ah, now I see it. Overblown grandeur, as expected..." I remarked dismissively, casting my gaze toward the approaching celestial boat.

"Fufu, Just wait until you witness our family's celestial boat." my mother chuckled at my remark, and we engaged in a brief exchange till our guests arrived.

The Yin family's celestial boat descended, and two figures disembarked. One was a woman with hair the hue of silver-blue and eyes that mirrored the same shade. The other was a girl adorned with fiery red hair and eyes that shimmered like amber.

"Yin Wenqiang extends her greetings to Senior Yingyue and Young Master Jianyu."

"Junior Yin Xifeng extends her greetings to Senior Yingyue and Young Master Jianyu." The words of respect flowed from their lips as they addressed my mother. In response, my mother nodded her head in acknowledgment.

"Xin Jianyu extends his greetings to Lady Yin Wenqiang and Miss Yin Xifeng," I offered a polite greeting with an innocent smile. Yin Xifeng remained impassive in the face of my salutation, while Yin Wenqiang nodded with a stiff smile.

'Did she get pissed that I didn't use 'senior' while addressing her? And why is that girl glaring at me like that?'

With the formalities concluded, we proceeded to the Plum Blossom Manor, a residence reserved for guests of closer relation. Thereafter, the adults delved into discussions, with my mother posing inquiries to Yin Xifeng, while I satisfied myself with sipping tea and admiring the plum blossoms outside.

'Savoring life, like savoring plum blossoms to quench one's thirst... Admiring plum blossoms—a truly profound experience.'

However, Jianyu's serene happiness was short-lived as his gaze fell upon his fiancee-to-be's face.

'Why is she still glaring at me?!'

Moreover, it wasn't just Jianyu who had noticed Xifeng's gaze, as his mother, wore a smile as she observed the passionate admiration in Yin Xifeng's eyes as they rested upon her son.

...

"Shall we let the young ones become acquainted while we handle our discussions?" My mother's unexpected proposal nearly led to me choking on my tea.

"A-ah, yes!" Yin Wenqiang responded in an uncharacteristically rigid manner.

"Very well then. Jianyu, why don't you show little Xifeng around?" My mother's suggestion was met with a moment of surprise by me. But I swiftly regained my composure.

"Of course, Miss Xifeng, shall we?" I extended my hand toward her in courtesy.

"Mhm." she nodded affirmatively. As she accepted my hand while keeping her gaze lowered.

------------------------------------

Our steps carried us through the tranquil beauty of the plum blossoms in silence.

'Ugh... this is incredibly awkward.'

I cleared my throat, determined to break the uncomfortable quiet. "Considering our future engagement, I believe we should get to know each other better." I said with a genuinely warm smile, trying to help her relax. However...

"Yes..."

'At least add something more to the conversation!'

"Um... is there an activity you particularly enjoy, Lady Xifeng?"

"Cultivation."

"Anything beyond that?"

"Um..."

'Really? You can't think of anything else?!'

"Is there a specific type of food you prefer?" I asked, forcing a strained smile.

"I have a fondness for sweets and tea." her response came with a rather rigid expression.

'Phew, thank heavens she didn't mention elixirs.'

"Well then, how about we sample sweets prepared by my immortal chef later?"

"Mhm." she nodded in agreement.

'Is she truly this disinterested in the engagement?'

"Um... Let's give our best efforts as future partners, shall we?" With an awkward smile, I extended my hand in a display of amiability as I spoke such bullshit.

'Hm? What's this...'

"Ah, y-yes, let's give it our best," she replied, her words seeming a bit hurried as she clasped onto my offered hand.

'Even if it was fleeting, I'm quite certain I sensed a hint of hostility...'

"Well then, let's return," I suggested, and together we retraced our steps back to where my mother and her aunt awaited.

-------------------------

As my "fiancee" departed, I settled into a seat, my mind rampant with thoughts about the peculiar hostile intent emanating from Yin Xifeng.

There's undoubtedly something off about her... But, there's little I can do at this point. This engagement serves both the family's interests and mine.

One thing I'm certain of is that she's definitely not thrilled about this engagement, and she most certainly isn't fond of me...

"Hmm..."

She harbors a dislike for me(the young master), who's handsome and shows some semblance of concern(?) for her.

Her demeanor is as vibrant as a cardboard cutout.

She's the embodiment of cold, distant beauty.

She's begrudgingly trapped in an engagement she despises.

Her talent is exceptional, matched only by her innate arrogance.

'Is it possible... could she be akin to those hapless, brainless harem members that orbit around those heaven-blessed idiots? Ugh... that can't be it, right?! But what if it were? That would mean there's an unfortunate young master who's endlessly smacked down by the heaven-blessed guy... and that character is ME!!'

Damn it! Why do I always end up with the short end of the stick?! Argh...!!

Hold on a moment. I shouldn't jump to conclusions, and even if my speculation is accurate... if I handle things right, I could always maintain an advantage over the heaven-blessed.

Exactly! I'll execute a careful strategy to shape how I'm perceived within the sect, crafting an image of a kind-hearted and gallant young man. By doing so, if the engagement were to crumble, the responsibility would naturally shift onto my unwilling fiancee.

It's a plan that allows me to maintain control over the narrative and avoid becoming the scapegoat in this tangled situation. In the end, I'll turn any potential misfortune to my advantage, all while keeping a step ahead of any heaven-blessed characters who might cross my path.

----------Earlier in the Morning----------

POV: Yin Xifeng

"Feng'er... should any misgivings plague you concerning this engagement, do not hesitate to tell your aunt. I would move mountains to assist you, my dear," Aunt Wenqiang looked at me with deep concern etched on her face.

'How repulsive! She's only concerned about me breaking this engagement so that I'll be out of the race for the family head position!'

"Thank you for your concern, Aunt Qiang. I will definitely seek your help if I ever need it." I replied, forcing a reassuring smile that I hoped looked genuine.

"Very well, I shall attend to some final arrangements." Aunt Wenqiang said as she walked away.

'That bitch!'

----------Later----------

As I caught sight of 'him', I felt like time had frozen. My mind went blank, and it was only the greetings of the adults that snapped me out of my daze. I hurriedly offered my greetings as well.

We then proceeded to the Plum Blossom Manor, a serene place enveloped by ever-blooming immortal plum blossoms. The adults engaged in discussions while I found myself stealing glances at Jianyu. He gazed out the window with those captivating amethyst eyes, sipping his tea. I wanted to capture this moment in my heart forever. Lady Yingyue caught my intense gaze and smiled at me.

'Oh no, how embarrassing!' I could feel my face warm up from embarrassment.

"Why don't we let the children get to know each other while we discuss some matters in private?" Lady Yingyue's words, meant as a suggestion, caused my heart to race, and my face grew warmer.

"Ah, y-yes!" my aunt (that conniving bitch) replied in a stiff tone.

"Then, Jianyu, why don't you take young Xifeng and show her around?"

"Of course, Mother. Miss Xifeng, shall we?" Jianyu extended his hand toward me.

'Oh my... What should I do?' My heart raced faster than ever as I stared at him.

"Hm," I nodded, taking his hand while keeping my head lowered to maintain my composure.

...

We strolled through the plum blossoms, my gaze cast downward.

"Considering our future engagement, I believe we should get to know each other better."

"Yes..."

'Oh no, why didn't I say more?'

"Um... is there an activity you particularly enjoy, Lady Xifeng?"

"Cultivation."

'Nooo! Stupid me! why didn't I say more?!'

"Anything beyond that?"

"Um..."

'What do other girls like? Maybe embroidery, but I know nothing about that!'

'Alright, best not to say anything. He detests dishonesty; yes, that's the way to go!'

"Is there a specific type of food you prefer?"

'Alright, this is simple. I can just give a vague answer!'

"I have a fondness for sweets and tea," I responded with a rigid expression.

'He seems more at ease now. Thank goodness I didn't mention elixirs.'

"Well then, how about we sample sweets prepared by my immortal chef later?"

"Mhm," I nodded in agreement.

'Yes! This is a chance to spend more time together.'

"Um... Let's give our best efforts as future partners, shall we?" He extended his hand with an awkward smile, uttering words that felt like a lifeline.

'This time, I won't let anyone come between us. I'll eliminate 'that bastard' who deceived me, using me as a pawn against you. I'll put an end to that vile woman who coerced me into breaking our engagement...' Unknowingly, a trace of hostile intent escaped me.

"Ah, y-yes, let's give it our best," I hastened to hold his hand, attempting to conceal my slip-up while looking at his charming smile.

'Phew... It seems he didn't notice. I must be more cautious.'

"Well, then, let's head back," he said, and we began to retrace our steps toward the others.

'With this second chance, I vow to be the one who supports and protects you in this life!' I silently promised, resolute in not repeating my past mistakes.