Upon hearing this, Lindsay happily led Lucky around, running and playing chase with it. Lucky was also quite affectionate toward her, often carrying her on its back for strolls around the camp, much to the envy of the disciples from the Earthfire Pavilion and the guards.
“Mr. Chance truly is favored by the heavens—formidable strength and now the princess’s fondness,” a guard murmured.
“And that fire unicorn! Have you ever seen such majesty? Pure-blooded, they say. Fortune has kissed Mr. Chance square on the brow.”
Praise floated on the air, braided with envy and darker whispers that slithered between the guards and the disciples. But not every pair of eyes welcomed the relationship between Jared and Lindsay.
Elliot Ember, a rising prodigy of Earthfire Pavilion, watched from the shadows. Only twenty-five, handsome and sure-footed, he already stood at the Top Level Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Seven. None of the young disciples could compete with his strength. The elders lauded both his sword skills and his rare gift for alchemy; Elliot was one of the candidates for the future head of the Earthfire Pavilion.
Everyone in the Earthfire Pavilion knew Elliot had long adored Lindsay. He rated himself highly and was convinced that only a peerless talent such as his could ever be worthy of her. Volunteering as her escort had seemed the perfect chance to get close to her. Yet from the moment Jared appeared, Lindsay’s gaze clung to the newcomer. Day after day, she chatted with him or played with Lucky, offering Elliot little more than polite nods.
Seeing this, Elliot was extremely jealous. A wandering cultivator riding a few parlor tricks dares hover near the princess? Watching Jared and Lindsay laugh together, Elliot’s pleasant mask slipped, leaving only the hard glint of a simmering threat. He’s just a temporary escort. How arrogant!
In fact, Elliot tried several times to be alone with Lindsay; unfortunately, Jared was always in his way.
“Lindsay, Elder Flameheart is looking for you. He wishes to discuss something urgent,” Elliot said gently. Though his tone struck courtesy, the look he leveled at Jared was pure contempt.
“Mr. Ferdinand needs me?” Lindsay blinked, dreamlike, still caught in Jared’s tale of level ten. “Must it be right now? Can’t it wait a little?”
“The matter concerns the Flame Gorge. It’s important,” Elliot replied sternly.
With a sigh and an apologetic smile for Jared, Lindsay hurried off. Elliot did not follow. He pivoted instead, eyes leveling on Jared as the courteous warmth drained from his face. His expression was cold and threatening.
“Jared Chance, right? I don’t care what trick won you a place in the trial, nor why the princess finds you amusing. I must warn you to put yourself in your place. You’re just a short-term escort. When the mission ends, scram!” Elliot threatened. “Princess Lindsay is not someone you can get close to. Please stay away from her. It’ll do you good.”
“You worry too much. I came at the princess’s invitation, nothing else,” Jared replied calmly.
Elliot let out a curt, disdainful snort. “I hope you keep your promise. Earthfire Pavilion is no playground for wandering cultivators. If I catch a threat from you or any harm toward the princess, the consequences will crush you.”
With that, Elliot turned and left. Jared watched the retreating figure until it vanished. He shook his head and let a half-smile tug at one corner of his mouth. He had no interest in snatching Lindsay from Elliot. If not for the clue that might lead him to the Jadeheart Marrow, he would ignore the Earthfire Pavilion entirely.
However, the situation worsened. Over the next few days, Elliot’s possessiveness grew brazen. Whenever he saw Lindsay speaking with Jared, he conjured some urgent errand: a summons from an elder, a sudden alchemy question, or even the dusty excuse of “propriety.” It was so frequent that Lindsay finally noticed Elliot’s actions.
