Edited by Molly and Ea
On the day when the imperial concubine of the East Sovereign arrived in Ethereal City, all the common people in Ethereal City went out to greet them, the entire city turned up.
They didn’t necessarily admire the powerful imperial concubine in their heart, but no matter whether they were secular or reclusive, when speaking about the most legendary person in the world, apart from Demon Venerable You Ming, the beauty who could make King Ye give up on politics and not want the country to love him, it was Lin Guangling, who was said to have come from a small world, with average talent, average appearance, and no backing, but climbed to the position of high power — under one person but above ten thousand people — in the East Land.
When all was said and done, the accomplishment from this type of “grass-roots nobody counterattacking and becoming the imperial concubine was a unique event in the Nine Lands. Even You Ming, who was extremely weird, was still a Demon Venerable, wasn’t he?
You Ming held a third of the authority of the demon realm and was the last disciple of the former head of Fuyao Sect. His status was definitely worthy of King Ye. It’s just that his bloodline was a little damning.
This Lin Guangling, however, was really a nobody with no power, no potential, and no looks. It was said that he used to be just a favored toy who warmed the bed for the East Sovereign, but later he was promoted, step by step. As early as ten years ago, he was already declared and sealed as the East Empress through an imperial edict by the East Sovereign to the world. After that, he also sent an invitation letter to major families and Sects in the Nine Lands. Under the witnesses of the entire Nine Lands, he married him and swore to the heavens they would never part.
At that time, the Nine Lands was in an uproar, and they were all competing to ask about Lin Guangling’s identity, and many people were scrambling to follow in suit, working hard to climb into beds, hoping to be like Lin Guangling and gain favor and rise.
Although the common people of Ethereal City withdrew from worldly affairs, they heard a lot of gossip coming from the outside.
Today was the first time that the East Empress had personally set foot in Ethereal City. No one wanted to let go of this opportunity.
Therefore, when Lin Zhan’s imperial carriage had just arrived in Ethereal City, the gate opened to greet the guests, and he saw the common people who were standing on both sides of the wide road, who were sticking their heads out to look at him.
Even restaurants and high-rise houses were crawling full of people.
Lin Zhan was amused by this matter. Because of the carriage he rode, nothing inside could be seen on the outside, but he could see the outside from the inside. Lin Zhan looked at both sides and said, “Oh, it’s like watching monkeys in the zoo, it makes me quite shy.”
Beside Lin Zhan, there was a handsome man with half closed eyes sitting in meditation. He wore a pure black robe embroidered with a gold rim, and when he heard he opened his eyes and looked to the side, and his facial expression suddenly looked a little ugly.
“Why do they not clear the way?” Xuan Wushe whispered.
When Lin Zhan heard this, he knew that he was displeased. He said as if he was coaxing a child, “This is already considered a clear path. Look, no one is crossing the road, and you didn’t say you were going to come. Their control must not be too severe. Besides, they can’t see inside, so it’s nothing.”
Xuan Wushe was even more dissatisfied and said, “Isn’t your status important enough? They are too negligent.”
Lin Zhan saw his frown and his heart tightened. He reached out his hand and gently pressed Xuan Wushe’s temple and said, “Are you uncomfortable again? The journey was tiring; you didn’t get much rest on the road. If you are uncomfortable, you should lean on me and rest for a while. When we get to Myriad Dao Academy, I will go deal with it alone. You should change your identity and go to the place they have arranged to rest.”
The banners were swaying, the imperial carriage was dignified, and the tall and vigorous demonic beasts that had no expression opened up the road. The East Sovereign’s Imperial Guards rode on horseback to escort the imperial carriage, and the whole team made a synchronous sound when the horses lifted their hooves and stepped. It really gave the people the feeling of the imperial household’s majestic presence.
In addition to Lin Zhan, several of the powerful ministers in the East Land also came along. The most striking one was Yin Xingli, who was dressed in a divination robe, holding an astrological staff, and wearing a high crown.
Yin Xingli was the number one advisor of the East Sovereign. Since childhood, he had cultivated his divination and prophet abilities. It was rumored that he could see secrets only the heavens knew and divine someone’s life and death. He was known as Yin Xingli — the one feared by immortals and loathed by ghosts. It was because he had repeatedly predicted people’s date of death when making light conversation, and those people really could not live past the time he said.
The corner of Yin Xingli’s lip was hooked into a cynical smile. Although it seemed like he looked directly forward, he had already looked around many times, and his fingers gently fiddled with a string of wooden purple beads. It seemed very casual, but in fact it was in tempo.
Next to him, a young man dressed in a purple robe wearing a purple crown asked, “What are you divining?”
Yin Xingli laughed twice and said with deep implications, “This Ethereal City is really a good place with illustrious people. Before, I had thought about why Ethereal City would stand proudly for so many years and remain unchanged after many great changes. Today, I got some answers.”
The youth became interested and asked, “What’s the reason? ”
Yin Xingli said, “Under this island, there is a dragon’s vein circling around. The dragon circles around this island, guarding Ethereal City for generations. Naturally, all dangers will not be able to invade — Xinglan, go to that wine store later and buy some wine. I heard that in Ethereal City, Plum Blossom Snow is a must.”
When Zhuang Xinglan heard this, his eyes lit up, and his saliva almost fell down. He said, “Yes, can I go now? I’ve heard of Plum Blossom Snow, which is brewed with the first snow in Ethereal City every year and the most magnificent plum blossoms.”
Yin Xingli said, “I am preparing to give it to Master. Wait until we come back to talk about it. Don’t mess things up because you drank too much.”
Zhuang Xinglan said, “You look down on me too much. When did I mess things up because of drinking?“
Yin Xingli fought like this with Zhuang Xinglan the entire way, and came five miles outside Myriad Dao Academy.
The Imperial Carriage stopped, and Lin Zhan just placed Xuan Wushe on the couch in the carriage, and then raised his head and looked outside. He saw the three Hall Masters and the other Saints in front. All those related to City Lord Qin, as well as those with high positions in Myriad Dao Academy, were standing there and displaying a welcoming attitude.
They were led by Lin Xuanshi, who was wearing all white, with his long hair tied up with a jade hairpin.
Lin Zhan’s face revealed a pleasantly surprised expression. He hurriedly pulled open the curtain, drifted down from the two-story carriage and landed in front of the armed troops. Lin Xuanzhi lined up to perform the etiquette for welcoming guests, and said in a warm voice, “Myriad Dao Academy’s Lin Huarong, on behalf of the elders, welcomes the guests from the East’s arrival.”
Lin Zhan looked at that familiar face. His eyes almost became wet.
It’s just that he was worried about the occasion, and so naturally he restrained himself. He also returned the ritual and said, “I heard that Ethereal City is a paradise with outstanding people. When I saw it today, it really deserves this reputation. This humble one is Lin Guangling, greeting everyone on my emperor’s behalf.”
After greeting each other, Lin Zhan and Lin Xuanzhi walked together, and took the carriage sent by the sect to Myriad Dao Academy.
The carriage was pulled by six lion tiger horses. It was transparent on all sides, like a moving pavilion, several sect elders and Lin Zhan sat down and talked together. Tianshu Sword Saint looked at Lin Zhan and said with a smile, “When I saw you that day, I felt that the East Sovereign treated you differently. Now, it seems I had a prophetic vision.”
Lin Zhan and Tianshu Sword Saint were considered old acquaintances, so they talked rather casually.
Lin Zhan said with a smile, “Tianshu Sword Saint has always had a good eye. Before I came here a few days ago, the East Sovereign specifically asked me to ask you for some rare books.”
Tianshu Sword Saint actually wasn’t best known for his swordsmanship, but for his erudition.
He had almost finished reading all the books in this world, and he had seen more rare books than others had eaten Five Colored Rice. Tianshu Sword Saint readily promised, saying, “If the East Sovereign made the request, I will have to properly look for some.”
Lin Zhan thanked him and turned his attention to Lin Xuanzhi, who was sitting beside him.
Although he and Lin Xuanzhi kept in touch, he hadn’t seen him for several years.
On the surface, Lin Zhan came to Myriad Dao Academy in order to reach a consensus on the matter of the Fiends, but in fact, only he knew that he had come here for the sake of his lover and child.
Lin Zhan said with a smile, “Has Xuanzhi often been secluded on Little Penglai, deep in closed-door cultivation and not leaving?”
Lin Xuanzhi said in a warm tone, “Not in the recent days. In a troubling time full of important problems, one can’t stay on the island and be isolated from the world.”
Tianshu Sword Saint teased, “Speaking of which, ever since Prince Ye came to the sect, our Huarong Sword Immortal, who usually never leaves the island, suddenly went out way more frequently. The smiles on his face increased by who knows how much — there was the smell of romance here.”
Lin Zhan raised his eyebrows, playfully looking at Lin Xuanzhi, he said, “Ah Hen and you get along well?”
Lin Xuanzhi said with a smile, “Spending time with him is joyful and is quite relaxing.”
Lin Zhan nodded, gratified and said, “I am relieved that my baby son has you to look after him in Myriad Dao Academy.”
Everyone next to them suddenly felt a little surprised and Tianshu Sword Saint asked, “Prince Ye’s relationship with the East Empress….”
“He is my foster son.” Lin Zhan made no secret of the two of them’s relationship, saying, “When I was in the small world, we used to live together and get along with the status of father and son for many years, but after I came to Nine Lands, I never made it public.”
Yaoguang Sword Saint said in surprise, “So it’s like that, the East Empress conceals so much.”
Other people couldn’t help thinking about it in their minds.
The relationship between the East Land and the Purple Emperor’s Heavenly Capital had recently been tense. It was said that recently, the spies of the East Sovereign were causing some stir in the Purple Emperor’s Heavenly Capital, and the atmosphere was still a little tense. Unexpectedly, Prince Ye had such an intimate relationship with the east.
After today, the news would likely spread all over Nine Lands.
Lin Zhan said with a smile, “I know the rules of Myriad Dao Academy. After the disciples enter school, their families can’t come in to visit them. I want to use such a reason to visit my baby son, when the time comes please give me some deniability.”
Lin Xuanzhi said, “That is natural. A guest that comes from the far east, and it is also for business. It is not considered a violation of the rules.”
Lin Zhan couldn’t resist touching Lin Xuanzhi’s face, feeling it and said, “This small mouth is so sweet.”
Lin Xuanzhi paused, revealing a speechless expression.
And on the side Tianshu, Yaoguang, and others were already dumbfounded, looking at each other in dismay — Is the East Empress flirting with Huarong Sword Immortal?
Yin Xingli, who was riding a horse and following beside them, almost had his eyes come out of their sockets. His back went cold and he glanced at the back and prayed silently that Xuan Wushe hadn’t seen the scene just now.
Otherwise, that would be disastrous.
Yin Xingli also studied Lin Xuanzhi’s appearance, revealing a thoughtful expression.