Rebirth of the Medical Maiden

Lin Wanqing blinked awake from the Medical Soul Realm as dawn crept in. Rubbing her temples, she replayed last night with Zhao Xuan, smirking: Ice block last night, smiling today? Does this Wheel of Fate ship us too?

She glanced at her jade pendant, its purple glow flickering like a whisper. She'd master these "Medical Soul Realm" and "Wheel of Fate" powers fast—especially after Xue'er's dream spill about the Lin Clan Manual. If it existed, she couldn't let Xue'er and Li Fugui snag it.

About to rise, frantic footsteps echoed. Xiao Cui burst in, panicked: "Miss, trouble! Old Master's called the clan—says he's picking an heir and named you!"

Lin Wanqing froze, then squinted: What's he up to? My stunt last night shook him that fast? She snapped, "Let's go!"

The Lin Manor's council hall buzzed with tension. Old Master Lin sat at the head, face grim, clansmen whispering on either side. Xue'er stood by him, dark circles framing her smug grin—last night's nightmare seed hadn't tamed her.

Lin Wanqing strode in, all eyes snapping to her. She bowed calmly. "Grandfather."

He grunted, "Wanqing, you saved Yichen and shamed Xue'er last night—caught my eye. But an heir needs more than tricks."

She smirked inwardly: Tricks? You threw me to Zhao Xuan as a scapegoat—now you're picky? Out loud, she cooed, "Grandfather's right—I just want to serve the clan."

Xue'er cut in, shrill: "Serve? A reject like you? Last night was dumb luck—let's see you flop today!"

Lin Wanqing shot her a loaded smile. "Xue'er, your face last night wasn't luck—dare to dance again?"

Xue'er paled, nightmare haunting her, but sneered, "Stop bluffing! Grandfather, expose her today!"

Old Master Lin nodded. "Wanqing, a test. The clan holds a 'Spirit Heart Grass'—it reveals truth. Prove yourself with it, and you're an heir contender."

Lin Wanqing's pulse quickened: Spirit Heart Grass? From my Realm? She agreed, "I'll try."

He waved; an old servant brought a shimmering herb, radiant. Taking it, Lin Wanqing closed her eyes, pendant pulsing. The Realm flared in her mind. With a thought, purple mist seeped from her into the grass—it blazed gold.

Gasps erupted. Old Master Lin gawked. "What…?"

She opened her eyes, smiling. "It chose me—proof my heart's pure. Believe me now?"

Xue'er leapt up. "Witchcraft! She's faking!"

Lin Wanqing's gaze chilled. "Xue'er, your dream didn't call it witchcraft—just Li Fugui and the Lin Clan Manual. Spill it here?"

Xue'er blanched, stammering, "You're… lying!"

Old Master Lin frowned. "Xue'er, explain."

She floundered, but steady boots echoed. Zhao Xuan stormed in, black-clad guards trailing. "Old Master Lin, a word."

Lin Wanqing's heart skipped: He's here?

Zhao Xuan's eyes flicked to Xue'er. "Last night, I tracked Li Fugui. He sent men to infiltrate your manor this morning—ill intent. I came to secure Lin Wanqing."

Old Master Lin's face darkened. "Li Fugui dares?"

Xue'er's legs buckled. Lin Wanqing pounced, "Grandfather, she's in league with him for the Lin Clan Manual. I confirmed it last night—ask her!"

Xue'er shrieked, "Slander!"

Zhao Xuan snorted, signaling. Guards hauled in a masked man. He knelt, "Li Fugui ordered me to steal the manual—Second Miss knew!"

The hall exploded. Old Master Lin slammed the table. "Xue'er, you've got guts!"

She collapsed, sobbing, "Grandfather, I was wrong!"

Lin Wanqing smiled faintly. "Xue'er, dreams don't lie—reality catches up."

Old Master Lin glared, then softened to Lin Wanqing. "Well done."

Zhao Xuan stepped close, whispering, "You're ruthless."

She winked. "Like it, General?"

His ears pinked; he huffed, "Passable."

She giggled, thinking: Tough talk, soft heart—he's growing on me.

(End of Chapter)