After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 133

“Miss Li, this is He Lichuan. He’ll take you home. Lichuan, make sure you get Miss Li home safely.”

He Lichuan gave an honest smile. “Auntie, don’t worry. I promise I’ll get Miss Li home safe and sound.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“N-no trouble at all.” The pretty girl’s thanks made He Lichuan scratch his head sheepishly.

Li Qiao studied He Lichuan. He looked to be around twenty years old, with a decent, honest face.

Along the way, He Lichuan asked all sorts of questions about He Jingnian. It was clear he deeply admired him. Li Qiao smiled. “Is he really that impressive?”

“Of course! Ninth Master is the most outstanding and capable figure in our He clan. All of us young ones look up to him as our role model.

Miss Li, you might not know this, but the reason our He clan became the top ancestral hall in Qingshui Town isn’t because of our numbers—it’s because of Ninth Master’s wisdom and strategy!”

He spoke of He Jingnian’s past exploits with endless enthusiasm.

“Back then, during the most critical round of the ancestral clan competition, it was Ninth Master who led us to a stunning comeback. In the ‘Six Arts of the Gentleman,’ his archery skills were unmatched—hitting the bullseye from a hundred paces away secured our victory…”

As he reminisced, He Lichuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

He was practically glowing!

He was truly He Jingnian’s number one fan.

“Qiaoqiao.”

He Jingnian’s voice rang out. Both of them turned to see him standing under the streetlight, his demeanor even more composed and cool than usual.

Before Li Qiao could speak, He Lichuan was already trembling with excitement. “N-Ninth Master… I’m—”

“He Lichuan!”

“Ah! Ninth Master, you actually remember my name! I—I’m so moved!”

He Lichuan was so overwhelmed he didn’t know what to do. Though he had a thousand things he wanted to say, in this moment, he was at a loss for words.

But his excitement was palpable—Li Qiao could practically feel his nervous energy.

“Keep practicing the Six Arts. Work hard for the next clan competition.”

“Thank you—thank you, Ninth Master! I’ll do my best!”

Flushed with excitement, He Lichuan bid farewell to He Jingnian and Li Qiao, his face lit up with a brilliant smile.

Li Qiao glanced at He Jingnian beside her. “He idolizes you.”

“Mn.”

Well, this man was fully aware of his own influence.

“Why are you back so early?”

When she left, He Jingnian had still been deep in conversation with the others. Wasn’t it too soon for him to leave?

“They said it was getting late and wanted to hurry back to their wives and kids.”

“…”

Li Qiao’s gaze lingered on He Lichuan’s retreating figure. Suddenly, she called out, “He Lichuan!”

The young man, who hadn’t gone far, turned back in confusion. “Miss Li, is there something else?”

“Be careful on your way.”

“Got it! Thanks, Miss Li!”

Li Qiao wasn’t the type to casually show concern for strangers. He Jingnian sensed something deeper. “Is there something wrong with him?”

“Have you ever heard of the ‘Three Flames of Life’?”

“I’ve heard a little.”

Could it be that this clansman of his had encountered something… unnatural?

“Every living person carries three flames.

The crown of the head holds the Profound Flame, governing eternal life. The left hand’s Three Yin Meridians hold the Deceitful Flame, governing cessation and non-existence. The right hand’s Three Yang Meridians hold the Miasmic Flame, governing the harmony of yin and yang.

When the flames at the crown, left Three Yin, and right Three Yang all rise above the shoulders, they form the Three Yang Flames of a person.”

Li Qiao withdrew her gaze and continued, “The flame above the head—as the saying goes, ‘the gods watch from just three feet above’—symbolizes divine protection. Evil beings, lacking such divine favor, avoid it. That’s why people usually don’t wear hats at night, as it can suppress the flame.

The older generation says that if you’re ever scared in a certain place at night, just scratch your scalp a few times. It’ll make the flame burn brighter.”