Chapter 084: Brothers by Fate

Earlier, on the road, Golden Lion had already taken some healing pills to ease his injuries. However, the backlash he suffered from using Lion’s Roar across a higher cultivation realm was not something that ordinary medicine could cure. Lin Zhan placed his right hand on Golden Lion’s wrist, slowly channeling the Nine Star Aura from within the Nine Star Diagram into his body.

Besides possessing a weapon enhancer that could augment others’ attacks, Lin Zhan had another cauldron-like special ability: healing. Although he rarely used this power to heal others, with the sentience of the Nine Star Diagram, the process felt as natural as circulating the Nine Star Aura within his own body—there was no unfamiliarity at all.

Nevertheless, to avoid suspicion, Lin Zhan produced a pill from his person and had Golden Lion take it on the spot. It was nothing more than a common fasting pill, of which Lin Zhan had plenty.

“This is a divine elixir I obtained by chance from a reclusive master. It can open the meridians and heal wounds, and with my unique method of channeling energy, Brother Jin, you should recover,” Lin Zhan said, lying through his teeth with a straight face.

If he didn’t say so, it would certainly arouse doubt.

Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the Nine Star Aura had circulated several cycles through Golden Lion’s body, mending his injuries substantially. As for the external wounds, Lin Zhan deliberately left them as they were.

Now was the perfect opportunity for Golden Lion to win Lian Fengying’s heartfelt affection. The wounds on his face and body would surely earn him extra points, and undoubtedly, Lian Fengying herself would tend to him.

This was what Golden Lion deserved—he’d risked his life for Lian Fengying. Lin Zhan couldn’t help but admire such a man.

“Brother Jin, you’re out of danger now, but to win the beauty’s sympathy, why not pretend you’re only half recovered? Heh heh.” Lin Zhan flashed him a knowing smile that only a man could understand.

Golden Lion was momentarily stunned, then suddenly saw the light, and wanted to bow down in worship—clearly, a kindred spirit!

“Haha, Brother Lin, such a great favor I don’t even know how to thank you for! You’ve saved my life today, and on top of that, your skill in wooing ladies is extraordinary—I’m thoroughly impressed!”

Chasing women was hardly Lin Zhan’s forte, so he modestly waved his hand, saying, “Not at all, not at all. Your superficial wounds just happened to work in your favor, so you should thank yourself. But if you think your injuries have healed too much, I could always throw in a couple more punches, haha!”

“Let me wish you victory in advance, Brother Jin—may you win the beauty’s heart!”

“Ahem, well, so Brother Lin saw right through everything from the start? I’ve thoroughly embarrassed myself!”

“A gentle lady is a fine match for a gentleman. Besides, you truly risked your life without a second thought—you’re a model for all men who’d sacrifice everything for love.”

“Brother Lin, if you keep talking like that, I’ll laugh myself into trouble and ruin the act!”

The two of them exchanged compliments and banter, quickly warming up to each other. There was a sense that they should have met sooner, their temperaments perfectly matched.

It seemed that Lin Zhan, usually reserved and ineloquent, became lively and witty in the presence of the cheerful Golden Lion—a clear case of kindred spirits and shared aspirations, and it felt oddly pleasant.

Brotherhood is a matter of fate, not timing; friendships are forged by destiny. Who says brotherhood is easier than romance? A lifelong bond is simply meeting the right person at the right time.

While Lin Zhan and Golden Lion were becoming fast friends, outside, Nightingale was reporting to Lian Fengying about Lin Zhan, the mysterious VIP guest in the premier suite that evening, and Lian Fengying was full of amazement.

Lian Fengying and Cui Cui had removed their black veils, revealing faces that, if not enough to topple kingdoms, were certainly of rare and exquisite beauty. The two servants from Golden Lion’s household dared not look at them directly.

“Nightingale, why do you always look so shy and excited when you mention Young Master Lin? Have you already fallen head over heels for him?” Cui Cui’s spirits had recovered, and she teased playfully.

“Cui Cui, all you do is mock me!” Nightingale covered her face, her heart fluttering. “Of course I have—he’s my young master. How could I not be smitten with him?”

Lian Fengying smiled at Nightingale, and, observing her closely, noticed the affection and smile at the corners of her eyes and lips—something was definitely brewing.

Nightingale had been adopted by Lian Fengying’s father since childhood; though nominally a personal maid, she was treated as a sister. Lian Fengying thought to herself that if Nightingale truly had feelings for her benefactor, Young Master Lin, helping them come together would also be a way to repay his kindness.

She began planning quietly, the more she looked at Nightingale, the more promising the match seemed.

“Are you ready? I’m opening the door! Lie back, rein in your expression a bit—yes, and make your gaze a bit more desolate, that’s your specialty!”

Of course, nobody outside had any idea about this kind of coaching.

Then Lin Zhan opened the door, signaling everyone to enter. When his gaze fell on Nightingale, he gave her a dazzling smile.

Handsome indeed! Lin Zhan had always been above average in looks. Now, after the Nine Star Diagram had refined and transformed his body, his very presence had changed. Even disguised as someone else, he exuded an irresistible charm.

Such a smile, if shown with his real face, would be even more captivating.

“Wow, there’s definitely something going on!” Lian Fengying noticed the heated eye contact between Lin Zhan and Nightingale and made up her mind. “Yes, when Father arrives, I must ask him to agree!”

As the auction was winding down, Lin Zhan had to deliver his spirit stones. Nightingale led him backstage to collect the two treasures he’d won: a peerless alchemical text and the Cloud-Devouring Demon Armor.

As for missing out on the subsequent important treasures, Lin Zhan felt no regret. What could be more valuable than gaining a true brother?

The transaction went smoothly. After paying, Lin Zhan stored the two items away. Thanks to his storage ring, no one knew the items were actually placed in another mysterious space—the Nine Star Diagram’s own realm.

Uncle Lian had rushed over upon hearing that his young lady was in trouble, just missing Lin Zhan at the exchange site.

On the way back, Lin Zhan wondered about the situation at the inn. Having been out so late, he didn’t know whether Young Master Wei, the scion of Fuyang City’s leading power, had caused any more trouble.

Sensing Lin Zhan was distracted, Nightingale took his arm, rose on tiptoe, patted his head, and looked at him with genuine concern. “Young Master, please don’t worry. I’ll explain everything to Miss and Uncle Lian later, appeal to their feelings and reason, and if that doesn’t work, well—no matter what, I’ll go wherever you go.”

Lin Zhan laughed awkwardly, “I’m... I’m not worried.”

Being comforted like this by a young girl, with her gently patting his head, was rather a pleasant feeling.