Chapter 127: The Xiling Spirit Temple Sends Envoys—The Crown Prince Gives No Face?
The Xiling Spirit Temple was the dominant force in the Western Domain, much like Tianjian City was in Beiyang, the unrivaled leader. All sects and holy lands within the Western Domain were under its jurisdiction.
Previously, Qinglian Immortal Island had sought aid from the Xiling Spirit Temple, only to be turned away. This time, however, the one seeking help was the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader.
“That Beiyang Crown Prince dared to cause trouble in the Western Seas!” the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader roared in frustration. “He extracted Yan’er’s dragon tendon! Although I am not his biological father, I raised him as my own. Seeing him reduced to a weak cripple is heartbreaking!”
The one listening to this grievance was Yue Lin, the Right Envoy of the Xiling Spirit Temple. Although Yue Lin’s cultivation wasn’t as high as the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader’s, his position within the temple afforded him considerable authority.
The clan leader knew well that even a lower-ranking official in the Xiling Spirit Temple outranked him significantly.
“Beiyang Crown Prince Lin Qi’an? Hmph, that infamous playboy who collects women everywhere, and now he’s stirring up trouble in the Western Seas?” Yue Lin’s tone was filled with disdain at the mention of Lin Qi’an’s name.
“I’ll help you report this matter, but this is no small issue…” Yue Lin trailed off meaningfully.
“I understand!” The Jiao Dragon Clan Leader immediately produced two storage rings. “This is a token of our clan’s appreciation. One ring contains gifts for the Xiling Spirit Temple, and the other is especially for you, Lord Yue.”
“Smart move.” Having accepted the gifts, Yue Lin naturally had to see the matter through. It wasn’t long before the complaint was brought to the attention of one of the temple’s higher-ranking Divine Envoys.
However, the response was unexpected.
“We cannot provoke the Beiyang Crown Prince!” The Divine Envoy sternly rejected the idea of confronting Lin Qi’an. He even issued a warning: Do not stir up trouble with Lin Qi’an.”
If any other sect or power were causing trouble in the Western Domain, the Xiling Spirit Temple could crush them without hesitation. But Lin Qi’an was a different matter entirely.
The Sword Emperor’s reputation and the strength of Tianjian City were not things anyone could afford to take lightly. Moreover, Lin Qi’an had recently garnered worldwide fame at the Beiyang Grand Hunt and Literary Assembly, where he had made a name for himself.
Confronting him would be unwise.
For the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader, this refusal was like a bolt from the blue. Desperate, he revealed his final card.
“In truth, our Jiao Dragon Clan currently has a guest from the Dao Domain—a member of the Kui Dragon Clan!” the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader explained.
“This guest had his eye on Yan’er and intended to take him to the Dao Domain. But now, thanks to Lin Qi’an, that opportunity has been destroyed! If we don’t seek justice, I can tolerate it, but the Kui Dragon Clan surely won’t!”
The Dao Domain was a realm of immense power, far beyond the Canglan Dao Domain, like a single leaf on a vast tree. The Kui Dragon Clan, in particular, was a major clan in the Dao Domain, with even emperors among its ranks. They were not to be trifled with.
“The Kui Dragon Clan has many ties to the Xiling Spirit Temple…” The Divine Envoy hesitated. “While we can’t afford to provoke the Beiyang Crown Prince, we can’t ignore the Kui Dragon Clan either. This is indeed a tricky situation!”
In the end, the Divine Envoy decided to dispatch Yue Lin to deliver gifts to Lin Qi’an and persuade him to leave peacefully. This way, the temple would give Lin Qi’an sufficient face.
After Lin Qi’an leaves, the Kui Dragon Clan could vent their anger on Qinglian Immortal Island. If Qinglian Immortal Island suffered as a result, it would be a perfect solution.
“Lord Yue, what about Yan’er’s revenge?” the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader asked.
“Revenge? Are you out of your mind? Do you dare lay a finger on the Beiyang Crown Prince? Remember Prince Nanyue? His son tried, and look how that turned out!”
The battle in the Nanyue Secret Realm, where Lin Qi’an single-handedly suppressed numerous sects and issued his Sword Decree, had sent shockwaves across the world. The Xiling Spirit Temple had not forgotten. While the temple was more powerful than Nanyue, it still could not afford to anger Lin Qi’an.
“Settle your grievances with Qinglian Immortal Island,” Yue Lin advised. “You can claim that the Jiao Dragon Divine Son was injured by the people of Qinglian Immortal Island.”
Everything was carefully arranged. But the Jiao Dragon Clan Leader hesitated. “What if the Beiyang Crown Prince refuses to leave after we ask him nicely?”
“Impossible!” Yue Lin said confidently. “We’ll offer him enough face by sending representatives from the Xiling Spirit Temple. If he refuses, it would mean he’s disrespecting us, and that would be his own problem.”
…
For the past few days, Lin Qi’an had been enjoying a leisurely time on Qinglian Immortal Island.
Finally, there was movement.
“Report! The Xiling Spirit Temple has sent an envoy!”
Upon hearing the news, the Island Lord was furious.He had previously gone to the Xiling Spirit Temple himself, only to be turned away when his island was under attack and many of his people had been killed.
At the time, the temple had said it was just part of normal sect conflicts. But now, because a single member of an outsider race had been harmed, the temple was suddenly interested in intervening?
“Outrageous…” the Island Lord muttered angrily. Despite his words, he knew he couldn’t afford to offend the Xiling Spirit Temple. It was a colossal force, as powerful as Tianjian City.
One wrong move, and the temple could wipe out his entire sect. And this was their territory—there was little Lin Qi’an could do to help him if the temple decided to take action. The Island Lord had no choice but to bend the knee and prepare for their arrival.
As a human, it seemed even his allies were siding with outsiders.
The entire Qinglian Immortal Island was seething with anger, yet no one dared to express it. Despite their frustrations, they had no choice but to serve the Xiling Spirit Temple’s envoy, Yue Lin, with the finest tea and hospitality.
This was the harsh reality of survival in this world.
“I never expected to be graced by the presence of the Xiling Spirit Temple’s Right Envoy. Please forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!” The Island Lord entered the grand hall, bowing and scraping in an attempt to curry favor with Yue Lin.
Even Lu Miaoyin, the Qinglian Saintess, had to kneel in greeting, knowing well that she couldn’t afford to make a scene.
Yue Lin, however, didn’t even bother to look at the Island Lord. He sipped his tea and, with a wave of his hand, said dismissively, “I’m here for the Beiyang Crown Prince. Call for him.”
“Of course, we’ve already sent word. I’m sure the Crown Prince will be here shortly.”
“Good. We’ll wait.” Taking another sip of tea, Yue Lin’s face contorted in disgust. He spat the tea out immediately.
“What kind of tea is this? It’s disgusting!” he growled.
Lu Miaoyin’s eyebrows twitched as her fists clenched involuntarily.
The tea he had insulted was no ordinary brew—it was Qingye Spirit Tea, grown by Lu Miaoyin herself and nurtured with spirit energy. She had spent an uncountable amount of time tending to these plants, and even she was reluctant to drink it often.
Yet here was this man, not only spitting it out but also insulting her treasured tea! Still, as with everything today, she could only swallow her anger. The Xiling Spirit Temple was not an entity anyone could afford to provoke, not if they wanted to survive in the Western Domain.
…
In the courtyard, Lin Qi’an was reclining lazily against Su Xueni’s shoulder, utterly relaxed.
“Your Highness, the Xiling Spirit Temple’s Right Envoy has requested an audience,” Zi Lianyou reported with some concern.
“Let them wait.”
Fifteen minutes later…
“Your Highness, they’ve sent someone to ask again,” Zi Lianyou said, her worry growing.
“Let them continue waiting. Tell them the Crown Prince will be there soon.”
“Understood.”
Another half an hour passed.
“Your Highness… this is the third time they’ve sent someone to summon you.”
Lin Qi’an yawned and stretched leisurely. “Ah, I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. Tell them to come back tomorrow.”
Then, with a teasing glance at Su Xueni, he added, “This is all your fault, Xueni. You wouldn’t let me rest last night.”
“Your Highness… I wasn’t…” Su Xueni’s cheeks flushed bright red as she shot him a playful glare.
Zi Lianyou, meanwhile, couldn’t help but sigh.
…
Back in the grand hall, Yue Lin was growing increasingly impatient.
Why hasn’t he shown up yet?
Despite the terrible tea, Yue Lin had already downed five cups. The Island Lord glanced at Lu Miaoyin, seeking an explanation, but she could only shake her head. She had no idea what Lin Qi’an was up to.
“Why hasn’t the Crown Prince arrived yet?” Yue Lin demanded, his temper flaring.
“I-I don’t know…”
At that moment, Zi Lianyou entered the room.
“His Highness has instructed me to inform you that he is feeling unwell and will meet with you tomorrow instead.” With that, she quickly turned and left before anyone could respond.
Bang!
Yue Lin slammed his hand on the table, leaving a visible palm print.
“Hmph! Lin Qi’an certainly knows how to act high and mighty. How dare he disrespect the Xiling Spirit Temple like this!”
The people of Qinglian Immortal Island were speechless. Not in a million years would they dare to do something like this. Only the Beiyang Crown Prince had the gall to pull such stunts.
“Fine! I’ll wait until tomorrow!” Yue Lin seethed, his fists clenched in frustration. Despite his anger, there was little he could do. After all, he couldn’t confront Lin Qi’an head-on, so he had no choice but to swallow his pride and comply.
…
The next day, Yue Lin returned to the grand hall, his face even darker than before. He sat with one foot propped up on a chair, his expression stormy. It was clear to everyone present that he was seething with rage.
As a representative of the Xiling Spirit Temple—the most powerful force in the Western Domain—he was used to being treated with the utmost respect wherever he went. Yet here, he was being forced to endure this indignity!
The members of Qinglian Immortal Island stood around him, barely daring to breathe.
“His Highness has arrived!” A voice called out from outside the hall, and soon after, Lin Qi’an, clad in pristine white robes and surrounded by his stunning maids, strolled into the grand hall.
The moment Yue Lin saw Lin Qi’an approaching, his anger evaporated. He quickly dropped any signs of temper and greeted him with a smile.
“Yue Lin of the Xiling Spirit Temple greets the Beiyang Crown Prince!” Yue Lin said, bowing respectfully.
Lin Qi’an didn’t even acknowledge him. He walked straight to the center of the hall and casually took the highest seat.
The highest seat, traditionally reserved for the person of the most authority, was taken without a second thought by Lin Qi’an.
Sitting comfortably, Lin Qi’an glanced at the cup of tea on the table. He frowned slightly.
“Qinglian Saintess, your hand-grown tea isn’t something just anyone can drink. Remember that.”
Lu Miaoyin, initially startled by his words, quickly nodded and responded, “Yes, Your Highness. I’ll prepare a fresh cup for you immediately.”
Yue Lin was left standing there, completely ignored.
He had thought that invoking the name of the Xiling Spirit Temple would intimidate Lin Qi’an, but to his shock, Lin Qi’an acted as though he didn’t exist!
Frustration built up in his chest as he stood awkwardly, feeling utterly humiliated.