Chapter 282: Chapter 282: Being a Substitute?
Translator: 549690339
Fang Lin sighed in frustration at Han Xiaoxing’s actions. Was the Three Kingdoms Tournament really that important?
Han Yinyue tried to persuade her, “Xiaoxing, perhaps it would be better to wait until after the Three Kingdoms Tournament for Fang Lin to heal you.”
Rejecting her suggestion with a grim determination, Han Xiaoxing declared, “I must join the Three Kingdoms Tournament at my best condition and defeat everyone else there!”
Fang Lin was taken aback by her fervor. Why did she attach such significance to the tournament? What was causing this burst of passion?
Han Yinyue also frowned in confusion. “Does the fate of the tournament hinge on your participation? You would not be to blame if you decided not to join. The royal family and the Li Family would understand your absence. Why are you so adamant about this?”
Han Xiaoxing suddenly looked up. “The ones who killed my mother… were from the Yun Country’s royal family!”
At her words, both Han Yinyue and Fang Lin were wide-eyed with shock, comprehending her motivations.
No wonder Han Xiaoxing was so devoted to the tournament. Her mother, the mother of Han Yinyue too, was killed by the Yun Country’s royal family. A delegation from the royal family would surely be attending the tournament, which presented an opportunity for Han Xiaoxing to exact revenge on them.
Her urgency to restore her eyesight was also in context now as she wanted to be at her best to combat representatives from Yun country’s royal family.
Entering battle in her current blind state would be nothing but a glaring disadvantage. Han Xiaoxing would not entertain even the slightest possibility of failure.
“Our mother was killed by the Yun royal family? How do you know this?” Han Yinyue asked as her voice trembled slightly, looking at Han Xiaoxing’s vacant eyes.
Han Xiaoxing explained, “Father always knew the killers are from the Yun royal family, but he never told us. I only found out after I secretly left a Sound Bead at mother’s grave and heard him revealing the truth when he was visiting it.”
With that, Han Xiaoxing took out a Sound Bead and handed it over to Han Yinyue.
Han Yinyue took the Sound Bead and walked over to a secluded corner of the courtyard to listen.
Fang Lin sighed quietly. The two sisters’ lives had been harsh. Despite being daughters of a Sect Master, they had lost their mother all too early and developed congenital diseases as a consequence of her injury.
Ultimately, the blame lay with the Yun royal family. Fang reflected, if he were in their shoes, he would probably feel the same way.
After a while, Han Yinyue walked back holding the Sound Bead, her expression unusually calm.
“Fang Lin, you must restore Xiaoxing’s eyesight within five months,” Han Yinyue said, her voice devoid of emotion as she addressed a seemingly mundane issue.
Fang Lin looked conflicted. “I will do my best, but I can’t guarantee complete recovery within five months.”
Upon hearing this, Han Yinyue took a sweeping glance at Han Xiaoxing, then at Fang Lin and flashed a subtle smile. “Then do your best to heal Xiaoxing’s condition. When the time for the Three Kingdoms Tournament arrives, you should go too.”
Fang Lin paused, surprised. “What should I do there? Cheer for the young lady?”
Yinyue revealed a faint smile. “Not to cheer. You will be a substitute player in the Three Kingdoms Tournament.”
“What?” Fang Lin was taken aback.
Yinyue explained, “Although each country only has three spots for players in the Three Kingdoms Tournament, there is one spot for a substitute. If any of the three main competitors can’t participate due to unforeseen reasons, the substitute will take their place.”
Fang Lin was speechless. Somehow he was now pulled into this. He had absolutely no interest in participating in the Three Kingdoms Tournament, which-to him-had no meaning.
And as a substitute? Really?
Wait, isn’t this a joke? I am the Pill Sovereign, a divine figure! And you want me to become a substitute for some kids? What a laugh!
“I’m not going! I refuse to be part of this,” Fang Lin declared. Anything without obvious benefits was of little interest to him.
Upon hearing this, Yinyue smiled softly and continued, “All you need to do is be a substitute, and that doesn’t mean you have to play. If you manage to heal Xiaoxing’s eyes in time, there will be no need for you to step in. But, if Xiaoxing is not healed by then, you will have to take her place.”
Fang Lin’s face darkened. “I didn’t agree to being a substitute.”
Yinyue shook her head. “You don’t get to refuse. Besides, your participation in the Three Kingdoms Tournament could bring huge benefits for you.”
Fang Lin scoffed. “What benefits?”
Yinyue, seeing Fang Lin’s interest slowly piqued, concealed a smirk. She then went on, “There’s a Dragon Blood Spring within the territory of Qian Country. This spring is infused with dragon blood. Bathing in it strengthens the flesh and bones of a martial artist. It is a godsend for cultivation. As long as you agree to join the Three Kingdoms Tournament, once it concludes, you will be allowed to train at the Dragon Blood Spring for three months.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Lin became curious and asked incredulously, “There is a real Dragon Blood Spring? How is that possible?”
Yinyue pointed at Xiaoxing, “Xiaoxing has been there once. If not for that, do you think she could be as strong as she is today?”
Fang Lin said nothing, inclined to believe Yinyue wouldn’t mislead him. However, the notion of a spring filled with dragon blood seemed unrealistic.
“The fountain isn’t entirely composed of Dragon Blood. It is a natural hot spring where a drop of True Dragon’s blood fell into,” Han Xiaoxing explained coldly.
Fang Lin now understood. If it were truly a well full of Dragon Blood, it would have sent shockwaves across the Nine Countries.
Nonetheless, a Dragon Blood Spring, despite being only part dragon blood, was an invaluable asset.
“Alright! I’ll be the substitute, but on one condition. Even if Xiaoxing recovers in time and I’m not in the field, I should still be allowed to train at the Dragon Blood Spring for three months.” Fang Lin clarified his terms right then, to prevent any future disputes.
Yinyue nodded her agreement then added, “However, I must warn you. Despite being a substitute, you will have to vie for that position. You may need to compete with some of the prodigies from the other two nations for the substitute spot, given your current abilities, though, I believe it should not be a big problem.”
A bemused Fang Lin realized that after all this talk about being a substitute, he still had to fight for the position.
Regardless, since he had already agreed, why hesitate now? After all, he stood to gain significantly from it. Even if he was not called on to participate in the tournament, he could still conscientiously benefit from the Dragon Blood Spring, a golden opportunity he wouldn’t want to miss.
“Prepare yourself. Father will escort you to the royal city next month to compete for the substitute spot,” Yinyue concluded and left the scene with Xiaoxing.