Chapter 16: Lin Chen, I’m Back (Part 1)

Lin Fan did not wish to waste too much time on the journey.

With a gentle wave of his hand, the rules of the Void Realm surged, carrying Fairy Youyue as he traversed the void, swiftly crossing mountains and rivers, and speeding toward the Xuanyin Qin Sect.

Fairy Youyue stood beside him, a flash of admiration crossing her eyes.

"Lin Fan, your movement technique is impressive. With this kind of speed, you can be considered top-tier across the entire Five Regions."

Lin Fan smiled slightly but said nothing more.

Half an hour later, the outline of the Xuanyin Qin Sect gradually appeared on the horizon.

That mist-shrouded valley resembled a painting, fully displaying the grandeur of an immortal abode.

Lin Fan slowed his pace slightly, and his Spiritual Qi gradually stabilized.

Just as he was about to arrive, Lin Fan thought for a moment and sent a message to Lin Chen first: "I'm back."

After sending the message, he looked at the familiar name on the screen, and a hint of warmth inevitably rose in his heart.

Seeing him take out his phone, Fairy Youyue's lips curled slightly, her tone carrying a hint of teasing:

"Lin Fan, I couldn't tell, but you're quite sentimental."

Lin Fan smiled faintly, put his phone away, and said in a calm tone: "I just feel that some people are worth protecting with all my heart."

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Fairy Youyue's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

She elegantly raised her hand to adjust her long hair and said softly: "We have arrived at the Xuanyin Qin Sect. Next, it depends on your performance."

Lin Fan looked up, and the majestic main hall of the Qin Sect was already clearly visible.

Just as he stepped into the mountain gate of the Xuanyin Qin Sect, a gust of spiritual wind suddenly brushed past, accompanied by a few black swan feathers drifting down.

Lin Fan instinctively looked up and saw a slender figure landing lightly from the air.

The figure wore a black dress, the hem adorned with patterns resembling swan feathers, and her long hair danced with the wind, carrying a touch of liveliness and elegance.

The moment she landed, she stirred up a gentle breeze, and the black feathers scattered around her, appearing exceptionally dreamlike.

The person who arrived was none other than Lin Chen!

"Lin Fan!" Seeing him, Lin Chen's bright eyes instantly flashed with a light of surprise.

She ran quickly toward Lin Fan, pursing her lips slightly, as if she had a heart full of words but didn't know where to begin.

Finally, she stopped in front of Lin Fan, her pair of light green eyes shimmering with starlike brilliance, and said with both reproach and joy:

"Why are you only back now? I've been waiting for such a long time!"

Lin Fan looked at Lin Chen before him, a slight warmth rising in his heart.

He noticed that the dress she was wearing was different from before, appearing more lively and slightly more elegant,

and the faint trace of worry at the corner of her eyes had long been washed away by the joy of seeing him.

"Sorry for making you worry. I encountered some unexpected events and was delayed for a while."

Lin Chen's gaze glanced lightly, and when she noticed Fairy Youyue behind Lin Fan, a trace of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

Although she didn't ask, the action of pursing her lips already revealed the doubt in her heart.

Fairy Youyue stepped back, a faint smile hanging on her lips, and nodded slightly: "You two chat, I won't disturb you."

Her tone was soft, seemingly unconcerned, and she turned and walked toward her own Yueyin Palace, her figure quickly disappearing into the mist.

Lin Chen took Lin Fan's hand, her smile shallow yet carrying a hint of eagerness: "Let's go, hurry and come back to Qimeng Courtyard with me, I have something fun to show you!"

As she spoke, she held Lin Fan's hand and led him through the main path of the Xuanyin Qin Sect.

Qimeng Courtyard was located behind the main hall of the Xuanyin Qin Sect. As they walked along, they happened to run into Bai Youyou while passing the main hall.

Three years later, Bai Youyou was still as beautiful and enchanting as ever, a purple dress making her appear even more noble and charming.

Her eyes flickered slightly, her gaze falling on Lin Fan, revealing endless longing.

Lin Chen stopped, bowed slightly, and said in a tone that was respectful yet polite: "Greetings, Elder Bai."

Bai Youyou raised her hand, her tone calm and indifferent: "Hmm, rise."

However, her gaze did not move away from Lin Fan, her eyes complex, as if she had a thousand words to say but never spoke.

Lin Fan met her gaze, a faint ache in his heart, but not knowing how to respond, he could only nod slightly at her.

Bai Youyou remained standing there, watching Lin Fan and Lin Chen walk further and further away, her fingertips tightening slightly, but she ultimately did not ask them to stay.

"Hurry up!" Lin Chen seemed not to notice Bai Youyou's expression and continued to pull Lin Fan, walking briskly toward Qimeng Courtyard.

Along the way, Lin Chen seemed full of zest, occasionally looking back at Lin Fan, the smile on her lips never fading.

Finally, the two arrived at Qimeng Courtyard.

The scenery here was elegant, with various rare spiritual flowers planted in the courtyard, Spiritual Qi swirling around like a fairyland.

Lin Chen released Lin Fan's hand and said mysteriously: "Come quickly, I'll show you something interesting!"

She turned and ran into the depths of the courtyard, like a playful little girl.

Watching her lively appearance, Lin Fan felt a sense of relief and followed, a warm smile appearing in his eyes.

After returning to Qimeng Courtyard, Lin Chen changed into her casual daily clothes, an exquisite light blue short skirt.

The material of the short skirt was soft and elastic, clinging to her slender waist and long legs, displaying her graceful figure to the fullest.

This outfit had more of a playful air than her black swan outfit and less solemnity, so Lin Chen only wore it when she was at home.

In the pavilion of Qimeng Courtyard, the Xuanyin Qin Sect Master, Sect Master Qi Meng, was sitting with several Palace Masters around a carved sandalwood table, whispering about something.

She wore a silver-white long dress, her expression calm yet carrying a hint of majesty.

Spiritual Qi flickered around her, making her appear like a Fairy.

Lin Chen excitedly barged in with Lin Fan, breaking the quiet atmosphere in the pavilion.

She said excitedly while laughing: "Sister! Look who's back—Lin Fan!"

Sect Master Qi Meng raised her eyes to look at Lin Fan, her expression pausing slightly, a hint of surprise and gratification appearing in her gaze.

Lin Fan stepped forward, cupped his hands in a slight salute, and said with a tone of apology: "Greetings, Sect Master Qi Meng."

Sect Master Qi Meng put down the teacup in her hand and nodded slightly, her voice soft but not lacking in majesty: "No need for formalities. It's truly great that you're back. We are in need of you."

Lin Chen immediately interrupted, pouting and saying: "Oh, Sister, Lin Fan just got back. Whatever business you have, talk about it later!"

She grabbed Lin Fan's hand, giving Sect Master Qi Meng no chance to continue speaking, and turned to run toward the backyard.

"Lin Fan, hurry, hurry, I have something to show you!" Lin Chen pulled him along at a trot, her skirt swaying gently with her steps, appearing lively and playful.

Sect Master Qi Meng watched their departing backs, shook her head slightly, yet a faint smile appeared on the corners of her lips.

Afterward, she retracted her gaze and continued whispering with the several Palace Masters, clearly not intending to hold Lin Chen accountable for her abruptness.