The Invincible Young Master-Chapter 216 - - Reverse

As everything pointed toward Silica heading for the temple, Reynold made his decision. "Let's head to the temple."

Ling Yan and her masked guard exchanged a brief glance but followed without hesitation.

The towering temple in the distance loomed over the landscape, its dark silhouette cutting against the sky like an ancient guardian watching over the land.

Despite the distance ahead, they did not rush. If Lina's words were true, this minor world was vast, stretching far beyond what they could see. Their allies had likely been scattered to its furthest reaches, lost in the unpredictable shifts of this unstable world. And they would likely take some time arriving at the temple.

The journey continued in silence for a while, the only sounds being the crunch of their boots against the earth.

Ling Yan, walking slightly behind, studied Reynold's composed expression, his sharp eyes never once straying from the path ahead.

His posture was relaxed and composed, without a sign of worry. She had been observing him for some time, curiosity lingering in the back of her mind, and finally, she spoke.

"You don't seem too worried about her," she remarked, her voice casual but probing, breaking the stillness between them.

Reynold didn't turn to look at her. He flicked his gaze toward her briefly before returning his focus to the temple in the distance.

"She's big enough to protect herself," he said,

"And yet," she said, a knowing look in her eyes, "you still came looking for her."

There was a slight pause, barely noticeable, before Reynold responded.

"She just tends to get reckless sometimes," he admitted, his tone quieter now. "I should've kept a closer eye on her."

Ling Yan's lips curled into a small, thoughtful smile.

"I can see why she was confident you would come for her." She shifted her gaze toward the temple, its presence growing larger with every step they took. "With a protective brother like you, she wouldn't be afraid of anything."

Reynold remained silent.

After a few moments, Ling Yan spoke again, her voice softer this time, as if she wasn't sure if she should say the words aloud.

"I'm envious of your sibling relationship," she admitted, almost wistfully. "Both of your siblings must be very fond of you."

At that, Reynold's steps faltered. It was slight, nearly imperceptible, but Ling Yan caught it.

He recovered quickly, continuing his steady pace as if nothing had happened.

"Ever since she was little, I spoiled her too much," he said at last, his voice quieter than before.

A flicker of something, maybe regret or Fondness, crossed his face, but it was gone before it could be truly seen.

"In the end, as she grew, she became somewhat reliant on me…" His voice trailed off.

And then he stopped, his eyes frowning.

The words had come so naturally, flowing from his mouth as if they had been waiting to be spoken. Yet something about them felt off.

Reynold wasn't the type to share personal thoughts so easily, especially not with a temporary ally.

Ling Yan was strong and capable, but she was still an outsider in many ways. And yet, here he was, speaking as though they had known each other for years, as though the barrier of guardedness he had always maintained had been quietly pulled down without him even realizing it.

His gaze flickered slightly. Was this a work of magic?

Just as Ling Yan was about to speak again, Reynold's voice cut through the silence. His tone was calm, as though the question had been waiting to be asked.

"Aren't you the same, Princess?" he said evenly, his gaze focused on the path ahead. "You must also have loving siblings."

The question caught her off guard. Loving siblings? The phrase felt foreign to her. Unfamiliar. For a brief moment, her carefully maintained composure wavered.

Then, again, she regained control.

"No," she said at last, her voice flat, devoid of emotion. "In the imperial family, it's not the same."

She averted her gaze, staring into the distance. "Everyone is trying to suppress another."

Reynold tilted his head slightly as if considering her words.

"What do you mean?" His voice was calm, almost detached. "Aren't siblings supposed to be harmonious?"

Ling Yan let out a small, humorless chuckle.

"Indeed, that's how it should be... but we are siblings in name only." Her expression darkened slightly. "They want nothing to do with me, and everyone desires the crown."

Reynold remained quiet for a moment, his eyes unreadable. Then, he spoke again.

"Have they ever acted against you for the throne?"

A faint sigh escaped Ling Yan's lips.

"On a few occasions, I've been a target of assassination," she admitted. The words slipped out before she even realized it, as if the burden of her past had loosened her tongue. "Once when I was-"

Before she could finish, a voice interrupted her. The masked guard, who had been trailing behind them at a respectful distance, spoke up. His tone was neutral, though there was an undertone of concern.

"Princess."

Ling Yan's words stopped short, the air around her suddenly feeling heavier, tighter.

Her gaze flickered toward the guard for only a split second and then quickly returned to Reynold's back.

Her thoughts scrambled to make sense of what had just happened, the realization dawning on her with sharp clarity.

What was I saying?

Her thoughts raced, her mind piecing together the last few moments with chilling clarity. She had been speaking too naturally. It wasn't like her to lower her guard so easily.

She stared at Reynold's back, now fully aware of the situation. This man… Did he just use my magic against me?

A sharp chill ran through her veins. She had been using her magic subtly earlier, a gentle push, a mere whisper in the flow of conversation.

Her ability allowed her to loosen a person's defenses, to make them more inclined to speak, to reveal what lay hidden beneath their carefully chosen words. It was a magic meant to coax, to make others feel at ease, to draw out their deeper thoughts. Yet somehow, Reynold had reversed it.

Had he noticed? Had he sensed her magic and turned it back on her?

Either way, the realization settled in her chest like a cold stone. She had been played.

Her fingers curled slightly, tension coiling in her limbs. She had always prided herself on being in control, on always staying a step ahead. But now, for the first time in a long while, she felt like she had miscalculated. And she hated that feeling.

"Princess, you're quiet all of a sudden."

Reynold's voice broke through her thoughts again, as if he were unaware of the wariness growing in her. He didn't turn back. His pace remained steady.

"Is there something bothering you?"

For a fraction of a second, Ling Yan debated her response. A flicker of irritation crossed her heart, but she quickly masked it, forcing an easy smile.

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"No, no, I'm well," she said lightly, waving off the question before he could press further. Then, as if to regain control of the conversation, she quickened her pace, stepping forward. "Let us speed up our pace. They might be waiting for us."