Chapter Forty-Seven: Outer Sect Steward

The commotion at the rear of the convoy had long been noticed by Lin Qingxuan, the outer gate steward, seated in the foremost carriage. Tasked by the clan leader and elders, Lin Qingxuan was participating in this escort mission. With the strength of a mid-tier five-star fire mage, she served as the steward for the Hortonklin family in the imperial capital, doubling as the caretaker for all their disciples studying at Cloudrise Academy. She was responsible for assisting outstanding inner disciples and handling any emergencies along the way— even Marlon had to obey her command.

The journey had been peaceful thus far, and Lin Qingxuan had not made an appearance, much like Xu Wen. But when she sensed the friction between the Sylan Academy students and the Moyun family members at the rear, she stepped out of her carriage into the torrential rain.

She knew the strength of the convoy guards well— all were four-star warriors, a mix of fire mages and fire-aligned swordsmen. Marlon himself was a fire magic warrior. Because of the gifted youth in that luxurious carriage, their numbers were three times greater than in previous years; should they act, the Moyun family would surely be beaten soundly.

But offending the Moyun family was no trivial matter. Though victory was certain and justified, it seemed the opposing party was also escorting their disciples to Cloudrise Academy, which could make the situation complicated. To provoke the Moyun family over the reckless behavior of a few Sylan Academy youths would be a costly mistake.

Yet, to Lin Qingxuan’s surprise, just as she was about to intervene, she overheard Xu Wen and Marlon’s whispered conversation.

The fifteen-year-old, upon learning of the Moyun group's strength from Marlon, advised the duty-bound Marlon not to defend the Sylan Academy students just yet. Even Lin Qingxuan was startled by his reasoning: As they drew closer to the capital, encounters with other family convoys would only become more frequent. Today, dealing with a mid-tier family like Moyun was manageable, but if the Sylan students continued acting rashly and offended a power beyond even the Hortonklin family’s reach, what would they do then?

Xu Wen’s suggestion perfectly matched Marlon’s thoughts, and the two swiftly reached an agreement in the rain.

Lin Qingxuan felt reassured and returned to Xu Wen’s luxurious carriage to await his return. Though she had heard the clan leader praise this eccentric’s talent and been instructed to take special care, none of that compared to the impression just left upon her.

How could such meticulous thought come from a child not yet fifteen? Lin Qingxuan suddenly wished to understand everything about this youth upon whom the clan leader placed such hopes.

When Lin Qingxuan saw Xu Wen, he too was taken aback. His first impression was… beautiful, a captivating woman. If not for the family crest on her chest, he would have asked why she was in his carriage. The fire mage insignia beside the crest made her identity clear… Realizing this, Xu Wen calmed himself, climbing into the carriage while taking in the sight of her graceful figure.

Though her curves were mostly concealed by her mage’s robe, the tailored cut still suggested feminine allure. Her face was gentle and enchanting, her brows hinted at charm— being watched by such a woman, Xu Wen’s youthful heart involuntarily tightened. She was not someone the three naive girls beside him could compare to.

“Greetings, Steward Xu. I am Lin Qingxuan, outer gate steward of Hortonklin in the imperial capital. We’ll be working together often in the future.” Lin Qingxuan smiled, extending her jade-like right hand to Xu Wen.

“Steward?” The three girls, Jin Yu and her companions, were startled and looked at Xu Wen as he entered, “Aunt Lin, are you saying Brother Xu is a steward of our family?”

“Ha, it seems your master hasn’t told you yet?” Lin Qingxuan smiled gently, her gaze settling on Xu Wen. “The clan leader and elders were right: Steward Xu is truly a rare talent in Hortonklin. Besides his aptitude in alchemy and fire magic, his mind is exceptionally meticulous. I believe Steward Xu will become a prominent figure at Cloudrise Academy, rising swiftly.” Her tone was sincere, not the usual flattery given to juniors.

Xu Wen shook her hand, replying, “Sister Lin, you flatter me.”

The four women in the carriage were momentarily stunned by his words. Xiang Nan laughed, as if she’d caught Xu Wen’s weakness, correcting him, “Sister? Aunt Lin is thirty-one! Surprised, aren’t you? She doesn’t look it, does she?”

“Really?” Xu Wen feigned shock, glancing at Lin Qingxuan and then at the three girls snickering behind their hands. “She looks only a few years older than you, maybe twenty-one or twenty-two at most… She hardly seems like an aunt.”

What woman doesn’t like such words? Lin Qingxuan was no exception. Xu Wen’s praise made her beam with delight. “You have such a sweet tongue, little brother.” She forgot the miserable weather outside, drawing Xu Wen closer and changing her address from “Steward Xu” to “little brother.”

Yet Xu Wen found this name rather grating.

Little brother?

Heavens, he should have called her aunt after all.

Xu Wen felt a deep sense of grievance.

“Sister Lin, my master told me the outer gate steward in the capital is responsible for providing all possible assistance to us inner disciples. Does the Hortonklin family have businesses in the capital?”

“Of course,” Lin Qingxuan nodded, her demeanor returning to normal. She was the kind of woman who became quickly composed when discussing her duties. “But we only have a few strongholds. The imperial capital, both overtly and covertly, is controlled by the eight great houses and the royal family. For trades like forging and alchemy, small families like ours cannot compete.”

“If you need materials or expenses for cultivation at Cloudrise Academy, just tell me directly. As long as it’s within your capabilities, we will do our best to acquire it for you.”

With these words, Lin Qingxuan glanced purposefully at the three girls behind Xu Wen. “The clan leader gave special instructions this year: all needs of inner disciples are to be met with special priority for Steward Xu. So long as your requests are within our abilities, we will fulfill them.”

“Anything?” Xu Wen’s heart stirred. The three girls were astonished as well. Lin Qingxuan’s words amounted to an announcement of the Hortonklin family’s full support for Xu Wen— what an honor and advantage!

“Yes,” Lin Qingxuan affirmed, yet she could not detect the slightest hint of wild joy on the boy’s face. He seemed pleased, but remained remarkably composed. Considering his background and age, Lin Qingxuan found it hard to reconcile the youth before her with the dossier she’d read.

It was truly difficult.