Versatile Sword Cultivator

Chapter 221 – Do you want Old Lin to be the prince consort?

Faced with Ren Lan's futile attempt to help, Lin Jichen quickly tried to dissuade her.

"Don't come over. It won't help if anyone tries to assist me. You go do your own thing; I'll be fine."

"Really?" Ren Lan was skeptical.

"Even if it's not true, you coming to help would be pointless, silly girl," Lin Jichen retorted irritably.

"Alright, I hope you can hold on. I'll support you mentally. If it really doesn't work out, just give them the item. It's better than dying and losing experience," Ren Lan advised.

Lin Jichen had the same thought.

If he truly couldn't protect this Secret Technique, he would hand it over immediately.

Compared to a Heavenly Grade skill, his life was obviously more important.

Dying once wasn't just about losing some experience.

At this moment, Lin Jichen couldn't move.

After obtaining this Heavenly Grade jade slip, Ji Hongyue's gaze towards him changed, filled with unwillingness, regret, and a hint of malice.

The other sect leaders and disciples, seeing Lin Jichen's incredible luck, also had complex expressions.

However, these big figures had seen much of the world. Coming from major sects, how could they not have Heavenly Grade treasures, or even higher ones?

Moreover, players didn't need to worry about Lin Jichen's identity, but NPCs had to.

Offending the Tianyan Sword Sect for a Heavenly Grade Secret Technique, especially Leng Feiyan's direct disciple, would have dire consequences, as Tianyin Temple had already demonstrated.

Thinking about Leng Feiyan's terrifying cultivation and strength, and her extremely protective nature, everyone dismissed any bad thoughts.

They were just a bit jealous of Lin Jichen's luck, stumbling upon a Heavenly Grade Secret Technique. This guy really had a stroke of luck.

Since the birthday banquet was over and the Secret Techniques had been distributed, everyone bid farewell to Ji Hongyue and returned to their respective sects.

Ji Hongyue smiled as he saw them off.

Just as Lin Jichen was about to leave, Ji Hongyue called out to him.

"Young Hero Lin, no need to rush off. I still want to chat with you."

Ignoring Lin Jichen's resistance, Ji Hongyue grabbed his arm with a smile and led him back.

Lin Jichen's heart was in turmoil.

Damn, this old fellow isn't planning to go back on his word and kill me, is he?

If that's the case, even ten lives wouldn't be enough.

Ji Hongyue was also a powerful cultivator in the Feather Transformation Realm. How could he resist?

Lin Jichen decisively handed over the jade slip, crying out, "Emperor Ji, I'll give this back to you. I don't want it anymore, alright? Just don't kill me. I won't say a word. My greatest virtue is keeping secrets."

Ji Hongyue was momentarily stunned by Lin Jichen's reaction, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, boy, do you think I'm such a despicable person? Once I've given something away, there's no taking it back. Rest assured, I'm not that petty!"

Lin Jichen felt slightly relieved and forced a smile. "It was a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding."

Behind him, Ji Tongyin and Ji Linglong were stifling their laughter, their faces red.

The Empress beside Ji Hongyue also covered her mouth, laughing uncontrollably.

Lin Jichen felt extremely awkward and cautiously asked, "So, Emperor Ji, is there something else you need from me?"

If not, he needed to get out of here. He had no time to stay in this royal city.

Ji Hongyue stroked his beard and smiled. "There are two things. First, earlier I invited all the sect leaders and elders into the inner temple for a discussion. Everyone agreed, except for your Tianyan Sword Sect. So, I wanted to talk to you about it."

"Please go ahead, Emperor Ji," Lin Jichen felt at ease.

As they walked, Ji Hongyue explained, "You know about the last time the four provinces attacked the demonic sect. I've heard that the demonic sect is planning a major retaliation against our righteous sects and the court. So, I'm inviting all sects to join forces."

"Once any trace of the demonic sect is found, we must immediately inform each other. If any sect is attacked by the demonic sect, nearby sects or my Hidden Dragon Royal Family must come to their aid at once, to prevent the demonic sect from succeeding. So, I need your master, Sect Leader Leng's opinion. Will she agree?"

Lin Jichen thought it was something serious and immediately took it upon himself to say, "Emperor Ji, you can rest assured. All righteous sects would do this without being told. Although my master is in seclusion, I can guarantee she will agree."

Ji Hongyue nodded. "Then I'm relieved. Now, for the second matter."

"Please go ahead."

Ji Hongyue started to speak in riddles, smiling. "I'll let the Empress tell you."

Lin Jichen was taken aback and turned to look at the Empress.

The Empress smiled gracefully and said, "Young Hero Lin, as the direct disciple of Sect Leader Leng, are you married?"

"No," Lin Jichen instinctively shook his head.

The Empress's smile deepened, getting straight to the point.

"Then, what do you think of my daughter, Tongyin? You two know each other, and you even saved her. You should remember, right?"

Lin Jichen: "....."

What the heck!

What does this mean? Are they trying to make me a prince consort?

Ji Tongyin clearly didn't expect this to be real, and that her mother had already chosen a suitor for her.

Her face turned bright red as she said to the Empress, "Mother, how can you make such a hasty decision for your daughter?"

Beside her, Linglong wanted to speak up for her sister but was silenced by a stern look from the Empress.

The Empress gave Lin Jichen an apologetic smile and said, "Young Hero Lin, please wait a moment. I need to have a word with my daughter."

Without waiting for Lin Jichen to respond, she pulled Ji Tongyin aside and began whispering.

The Empress calmly said to Ji Tongyin, "Marriage is determined by the parents and matchmakers. As a princess of the Hidden Dragon Royal Family, you should understand this. You have no choice in this matter."

"But..."

Seeing Ji Tongyin's aggrieved expression, the Empress softened and gently comforted her, "Tongyin, you must understand that even ordinary girls listen to their parents about marriage, let alone a royal princess. Political marriages and sacrifices are normal."

Ji Tongyin lowered her head, clearly knowing her mother was right, but it was hard to accept since it was her first time facing this.

The Empress continued to persuade, "Many sect leaders and other royal families have proposed marriage to your father, but we didn't agree. We seriously chose an outstanding match for you."

"Lin Jichen, as Sect Leader Leng's direct disciple, has a noble status and is likely to inherit her position. In terms of future status, you can't compare. Besides, Lin Jichen is exceptionally handsome."

"And he once saved you, proving there's a connection between you two. I can see you have feelings for him, don't you?"

"I... I... don't..."

Ji Tongyin stammered, her face as red as a cherry, stealing nervous glances at Lin Jichen.

Meanwhile, Lin Jichen was also dumbfounded, his mind blank.

Hey, Master? I might be becoming a prince consort...