In Great Yan's capital, at the Attendant Hall.
By the time Gu Yin returned to the Attendant Hall with the three Grand Attendants, darkness had fallen. His injuries had yet to heal, and his face was still pale, but his eyes remained sharp as an eagle's.
He walked straight into the council hall, took the main seat, and swept his gaze over Martial King Tianjiu and the other two as they followed him in.
"Speak. What exactly happened with the Dragon Soul?"
The three exchanged glances. Knowing they could not hide it, they laid out the whole affair without leaving anything out.
From the Dragon Soul's emergence in the Crouching Dragon Mountains, to Li Yun bringing it under his control, to the Redfire Martial King's failed attempt to recruit him, Martial King Cangjiu's defeated assault, and finally their own decision to come down from the mountain and act in person—they concealed not a single detail.
Gu Yin listened, then fell silent for a long time.
"A young man barely past twenty brought the Dragon Soul under his control, crossed the Beast-Grazing Land, and defeated Martial King Cangjiu and his men five against one..." he murmured, a complicated look flashing through his eyes. "He truly is a talent gifted by the heavens."
Martial King Tianjiu said cautiously, "Hall Master, Lin Zishan does have some ability. But the Dragon Soul is of great importance, and the Royal Clan is determined to obtain it. Since you are on good terms with him, perhaps you could persuade him to offer it up. That would protect him and avoid displeasing the Royal Clan..."
"Shut up," Gu Yin cut him off coldly.
Martial King Tianjiu stiffened and hurriedly fell silent.
Gu Yin rose and stood with his hands behind his back, looking out at the night