Chapter 3 Shi Ya

While Lin Xing was lamenting how boring this life was, he had no idea that his life as the young master was the lifelong dream for which many people strive. Countless individuals would stop at nothing to achieve such a life of wealth and privilege. Many sought promotions and wealth just to enjoy this kind of existence.

Yet to Lin Xing, such a life felt like sheer torment. The comfortable life of the wealthy quietly erodes one's ambition and willpower. To build a strong person, one must start in childhood—nurturing their willpower and tempering them through hardship, not coddling.

It was precisely this mindset that allowed Lin Xing to master the fifth layer of his divine technique in just sixteen years in his previous life.

A life of ease and luxury inevitably breeds spoiled wastrels, much like some nobles today—bullying the weak and oppressing the defenseless, committing all sorts of evils, essentially becoming social parasites.

Just as Lin Xing was in the midst of these thoughts, a maid walked in and said with a smile, "Young Master, your grandfather summons you."

"Grandfather is calling me? Must be something going on. Is he going to show off his genius again? How boring." With that, he followed the maid toward the hall.

Before even reaching the door, Lin Xing could hear hearty laughter inside—one from his own grandfather, and another that sounded familiar, though he couldn't quite place it.

Stepping into the hall, Lin Xing's eyes lit up. What an exquisitely lovely little girl! Her long, dark hair flowed freely down her back. Her large, round, jet-black eyes shone like black jewels, complemented by a straight nose and delicate, rosy skin. She was utterly adorable—though still a child, she was sure to grow into a stunning beauty, one who could captivate hearts in the future.

When the little girl saw Lin Xing enter, she stared at him curiously with her big eyes, not the least bit shy.

Aside from his own grandfather, the other person in the hall was another pillar of the empire: the Imperial Minister and First-Class Duke, Xiao Lei.

Xiao Lei was also one of the four great families of the Huaxia Empire, commanding one of the four major legions—the Tiger Legion.

Outwardly, the Huaxia Empire appeared peaceful and prosperous, with its citizens living and working in contentment. But this was merely a facade. The court was a battlefield, with each faction pursuing its own interests. Interests bred conflicts, and conflicts bred contradictions. This led to the formation of various factions—major powers aligning to seek common benefits, while minor powers attached themselves to larger ones for survival and greater development, all to strengthen their families and secure their own gains.

The four great families of the Huaxia Empire were no exception. The Lin and Xiao families had always been closely united, maintaining a strong bond for centuries. The other two families of the four great clans also formed their own alliance. Beyond these two major factions, there were other officials in the court with their own power bases. Though not as influential as the four great families, their impact was still considerable.

Despite this, the Huaxia Empire remained peaceful, and its people lived in peace. Why? Not because the empire had a wise ruler, a formidable Sword Saint as emperor, or the royal family's direct Royal Legion. Rather, it was because these factions dared not make any major moves. First, they feared the emperor learning of their plots and allying with other forces to crush them. Second, for now, they still profited handsomely, at least ostensibly. As for seeking greater gains, it wasn't that they were unwilling—they simply hadn't found the right opportunity, nor did they possess the capability to seize power from the royal family. At least, there were no overt signs of such intentions.

An empire inevitably harbors ambitious conspirators and traitors who dream of one day ascending the throne and unifying the realm. However, history records few successes in such endeavors. Similar events have occurred countless times, and without exception, they ended with the extermination of entire clans. You may have hidden forces, but others likely do as well. Thus, such endeavors require the right opportunity. When that opportunity arises, all manner of demons and monsters will emerge to stir up trouble.

The Lin and Xiao families had followed the founding emperor of the empire, fighting alongside him to carve out this realm for the Long family. For hundreds, even thousands of years, they had remained loyal to the royal family, fighting campaign after campaign without complaint—utterly devoted. Generations of emperors trusted these two families unreservedly, and in return, the two families flourished and stood strong for centuries.

Lin Xing politely addressed Lin Wu, "Hello, Grandfather." Then, turning to Xiao Lei, he added, "Hello, Grandfather Xiao Lei!"

After his greetings, he said to his grandfather, "What did you call me for, Grandfather?" He deliberately fixed his innocent gaze on the old man.

The old man felt uneasy under his stare because, in the past, whenever guests visited, he would introduce and show off his grandson.

"Nothing much, really. You already know your Grandfather Xiao Lei, right? This time, I'm introducing someone to you. You two should be friends, and she's a genius too. Come here, Shi Ya, this is your Brother Lin Xing. Lin Xing, this is Xiao Shi Ya, Grandfather Xiao Lei's granddaughter. Get to know each other."

Lin Xing smiled and extended his hand to Shi Ya. "Hello, Sister Shi Ya. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Shi Ya was taken aback, unsure what to do with the hand Lin Xing offered. Lin Xing paused, then quickly realized—this was a different world, not his previous one.

Unconsciously, he had reverted to a gesture from his past life. He chuckled awkwardly and withdrew his hand.

"Hello, Brother Lin Xing," Shi Ya quickly recovered. As expected of a genius. "Grandfather says you're very impressive, is that true?" She looked at Lin Xing with innocent, admiring eyes.

Seeing Shi Ya's admiration, Lin Xing couldn't help but feel pleased. After all, who doesn't enjoy praise? And what child's vanity isn't flattered by admiration—especially from such an adorable girl?

Lin Xing was still a child—even with his past life added, he was only in his teens. Now, encountering someone who admired him so much, his vanity was greatly satisfied. He eagerly began chattering away with Shi Ya.

The two old men watched the two children getting along so well and nodded and smiled. "Lin Xing, take Shi Ya to play in the garden. Grandfather Xiao and I have matters to discuss." Xiao Lei also nodded to Shi Ya, and Lin Xing happily led her by the hand, running toward the garden.

"Brother Lin Xing, how come you're so amazing? I'm not as clever as you. Can you tell me about yourself?"

Lin Xing began boasting about himself—from speaking at three months old to reading independently by six months, and now being widely read... He spoke with such enthusiasm, gesturing animatedly.

The servants nearby watched happily as the two little ones chattered away, especially pleased to see their young master, who had recently complained of boredom, now so lively and engaged.

After all, their young master was the treasure of the entire Prime Minister's household.