75: Chapter 75 Lin Yin's Thoughts

The two thousand Heavy Armored Spearman units shifted rapidly, transforming from a defensive circular formation into several neat phalanxes. Although still grim and stern, their aggressiveness had slightly subsided.

Lin Tian, accompanied by Lin Yin, walked forward at a measured pace.

Lin Yin walked almost side-by-side with him, though she was half a step ahead. Her moon-white holy robes stirred without wind, and she was surrounded by a cold, aloof aura. Her clear eyes remained locked on Lord Su Wan, her vigilance not diminishing in the slightest, as if the other party were some dangerous source requiring high alert.

Her fingers, gripping her longbow, adjusted slightly to ensure she could launch an attack or initiate a defense in an instant.

Lord Su Wan naturally noticed the pair, especially the moon-white robed woman who possessed exceptional beauty and temperament but was clearly holding a sense of scrutiny and vigilance toward her.

She could feel the sharpness in the other woman's gaze, like tangible needlepoints, but she merely interpreted this as a capable subordinate's over-protectiveness toward her Lord and didn't think much of it.

Seeing Lin Tian approach, she composed herself, a proper and gentle smile appearing on her face. She took a few steps forward and spoke first, her voice like clear springs striking stones, pleasant and melodious:

"Lord Lin Tian, hello. I am the Lord of this Moonlight Grove, Lord Su Wan. We have only communicated via text in the chat interface before; today, I am finally fortunate enough to meet you in person. You truly have an extraordinary presence."

As she spoke, she extended her right hand naturally and elegantly, preparing to perform a common handshake.

"Lord Su Wan is too kind; I have long admired you as well." Seeing her straightforwardness, Lin Tian smiled and responded, naturally preparing to extend his right hand to shake hers.

However, his arm had only been raised halfway.

A moon-white figure, like the most agile shield, suddenly shifted half a step to the side, blocking right in front of Lin Tian. It was Lin Yin.

With a cold expression and calm eyes looking at Lord Su Wan, she also extended her own slender right hand, her tone businesslike and carrying an unquestionable air:

"Brother Tian was overworked yesterday and his arm is slightly uncomfortable, so it is inconvenient for him to shake hands. I shall do it on his behalf."

Before she had even finished speaking, her hand had already gently grasped Lord Su Wan's extended hand.

The two women's hands touched and separated immediately, as if they had merely completed a necessary protocol. Without lingering, Lin Yin withdrew her hand and retreated half a step back to Lin Tian's side, still maintaining her vigilant posture, though her ears seemed to flush slightly red, so quickly that one might think it an illusion.

"???" Lin Tian's half-raised hand froze in mid-air, and he looked at Lin Yin with a bewildered expression.

Arm uncomfortable? What did I do yesterday? Didn't I just stay up late killing bears for a while and then take a nap? My arm is perfectly fine! He blinked and looked at Lin Yin, only to see her beautifully lined profile and tightly pursed lips, looking serious with the air of "I am diligently executing my guard duties."

"This girl... why is she acting a bit strange today? Stealing a handshake too?" Lin Tian muttered to himself, but out of his consistent trust and care for Lin Yin, he just assumed she was overly nervous and excessively protective. He didn't think deeply about it, just smiled helplessly, and took the opportunity to turn his raised hand to rub his nose, covering up that slight awkwardness.

However, Lord Su Wan on the opposite side was a person of keen insight.

Lin Yin's abrupt interception, her stiff excuse, the momentary tension and rapid withdrawal during the handshake, and that gaze which appeared calm but hid scrutiny and a trace of... imperceptible repulsion, all fell into her eyes.

Coupled with the posture of Lin Yin staying close to Lin Tian's side, faintly separating him from the outside world...

In a flash, a realization crossed Lord Su Wan's mind, and a glimmer of understanding and a faint smile flashed in her emerald green eyes.

"So that's how it is..." She understood almost instantly that the stunningly beautiful woman before her had an extraordinary level of care for Lin Tian, which was by no means as simple as the loyalty of an ordinary subordinate to her Lord.

It was a complex emotion mixed with intense protectiveness, faint possessiveness, and... the secret thoughts of a young girl.

Having figured this out, Lord Su Wan was not annoyed at all, but rather found it quite interesting.

She had no romantic interest in Lin Tian to begin with and had chosen to form an alliance purely out of appreciation for his ability and reputation.

Now that she saw Lin Yin's thoughts clearly, she immediately knew how to interact to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and make the cooperation smoother.

Therefore, following Lin Yin's words, she offered Lin Tian an even gentler, and even slightly good-naturedly teasing smile, saying pointedly:

"Lord Lin Tian, you are truly blessed. Not only are your troops strong and horses sturdy, but you also have such... thoughtful and conscientious subordinates who are concerned for you at all times; it is enviable."

Her gaze lingered on Lin Yin for a moment, filled with friendly appreciation, before falling back onto Lin Tian, her tone natural.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yin's ears, which were originally only slightly red, suddenly deepened in color, spreading all the way to her cheeks, as if stained with a light rouge.

She subconsciously straightened her back, and her fingers gripping the longbow tightened further, while a ripple—mixed with shyness and secret joy that she herself did not fully understand—rose in her heart, along with a tiny bit of panic at having her "little thoughts" "recognized."

"Yes, I am just diligently protecting the Lord! I cannot let any strangers, especially... strange women, easily approach him! I did the right thing!" She cheered herself on internally, striving to maintain her outward cold composure.

On Lin Tian's side, he completely failed to hear the subtext in Lord Su Wan's words.

He still thought Lord Su Wan was praising him for governing his army well and winning the hearts of the troops, and that the soldiers all loved him.

He immediately waved his hand, a bit embarrassed, his smile bright and tinged with pride:

"Lord Su Wan is too kind. For me, I just treat them all as family, as brothers and sisters. If you treat others with sincerity, they naturally are more willing to follow me and protect this home. Since we have communicated on the chat interface for so long, you know something about my character. For this secret realm challenge, rest assured, with us joining forces, I guarantee you will have a bountiful harvest and it will be a trip well worth it!"

Watching Lin Tian's oblivious, straight-man demeanor as he continued to "show off" his army's unity and love, and then looking at the "diligent" holy messenger beside him, who was forcing herself to remain calm but had flushed cheeks and eyes that occasionally snuck glances at him, the smile at the corners of Lord Su Wan's mouth deepened, finding this master-servant pair quite interesting.

She nodded calmly and followed suit, saying: "I naturally trust Lord Lin Tian's strength and reputation. With your and your elite's assistance, I am full of confidence for this challenge."

With a flip of her wrist, the token flowing with the swirling luster of the secret realm appeared in her palm. "Then let us take a short rest, and then we shall open this secret realm challenge, how about that?"

"Good!" Lin Tian nodded, his eyes filled with anticipation for the unknown adventure.

Sunlight shone through the branches and leaves of the moon birch spirit wood, casting mottled light and shadows on the forest clearing. The sternness of steel and the spiritual beauty of nature intersected here, while some more subtle sentiments quietly grew in corners unnoticed by anyone.