Gu Qingxuan and Lin Xingyu were approaching the Beast Pavilion grounds when a sudden noise echoed from the East Palace. Gu Qingxuan barely flinched, his calm stride unbroken. Lin Xingyu, though curious, kept quiet. He noticed the subtle hesitation in the maids around them, the way they glanced nervously toward him, but Gu Qingxuan's indifference seemed to silence even the whispers of the wind.
As they stepped onto the pavilion grounds, cages lined the path, each containing beasts of legend.
"Isn't that a phoenix fowl?" one of Lin Xingyu's maids murmured, awe in her voice.
"And a Pegasus! The mount of the Heaven Elves!" another gasped.
Gu Qingxuan's eyes flicked over the creatures, masking the rush of excitement within. This was his first visit after transmigrating into this life, and seeing these legendary beings—ones he had only read about in ancient tomes—stirred a deep, thrilling familiarity. His face remained impassive, but inside, he felt the thrill of a novice discovering the impossible.
"Welcome, young master," greeted the disciple in charge of the beasts. He instinctively stepped forward to accompany Gu Qingxuan, but the young master waved him off. Gu Qingxuan did not want any unnecessary attention, a subtle gesture that surprised and flattered the disciple.
They continued deeper into the pavilion, passing cages of beasts both magnificent and terrifying, until they reached the section where the flood dragons were supposed to be kept.
"Gu Qingxuan… where are the flood dragons?" Lin Xingyu asked, scanning the empty enclosures.
Gu Qingxuan frowned, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. Something was off. Had his memory failed him?
"System, is there a problem with the memory I received?" he asked.
Ding: Host's memory is complete.
His confusion deepened. If his memory was intact, where were the flood dragons?
"Young master… are you looking for the young dragons?" the disciple asked, eyes sharp. "Old Master has moved them to the East Palace."
He did not mention why: the old master wanted to prevent Gu Qingxuan from embarrassing himself later. Gu Qingxuan sensed the underlying motive. It mattered to his past self, but not to him.
"We can forget about it then," Lin Xingyu said knowingly.
"No need. Let's go to the East Palace," Gu Qingxuan replied, calm as ever.
Lin Xingyu's brow furrowed. Didn't he realize his father's intention? And yet… Gu Qingxuan seemed utterly unbothered. She noticed the subtle shift in his expression—a quiet understanding of the purpose behind his father's actions, but no desire to let it affect him.
As they moved toward the East Palace, Gu Feng, previously occupied, happened to cross their path. Judging by his hurried steps and tense expression, it was clear he had been the one to move the young dragons.
Why is the young master here? Gu Feng thought, panic tinged with calculation.
He rushed in front of Gu Qingxuan. "Young master, I thought you and Miss Lin Xingyu were at the Beast Pavilion grounds," he probed, trying to gauge the situation.
"Yes. We went to see the young dragons, but since they've been moved to the East Palace, we're going to check on them," Gu Qingxuan replied coolly, his tone as calm as flowing water.
"Ah… young master, you really shouldn't… The young dragons are unwell and are being treated. Also, Third Master has returned," Gu Feng said rapidly, cramming as much information as he could into one breath. He emphasized the Third Master's presence to subtly deter Gu Qingxuan from proceeding.
"I see. No wonder there's noise coming from the East Palace," Gu Qingxuan remarked, tilting his head slightly.
"Yes, young master. Third Young Master has returned… with his friend, Mr. Lin Limo," Gu Feng continued, almost spilling the words before Gu Qingxuan's gaze cut into him like a blade.
"Limo?" Lin Xingyu's voice betrayed her surprise.
"Yes… Miss Lin Xingyu. That young man asked about you. I suppose… you know each other?" Gu Feng's mouth went dry mid-sentence. He realized the cold, piercing look from Gu Qingxuan—a gaze that warned of silent retribution. Have I forgotten something I could regret? His heart raced.
Gu Qingxuan ignored the tension. "Let's go see the dragons, Miss Lin," he said, his tone unshaken, as if Limo's mention barely registered.
Wow, system… this is getting interesting. Gu Qingxuan's inner monologue was sharp with curiosity. Why is the Son of Luck here all of a sudden? Something's off. Should he even still be in the Lin Clan?
The faint noise of wings flapping and the echo of excited roars from the East Palace hinted that the
answers—and perhaps new complications—awaited them.