Shen Changqing's gaze darkened slightly. He tapped the table three times with his fingertips, producing a dull sound. "Your Highness, since His Majesty intends to go to war with Yantian Sect, we might as well watch from the sidelines." A gleam flashed in his eyes. "Once both sides have suffered heavy losses, we can reap the rewards."
He paused, then turned his gaze toward the distance and continued, "Also, Your Highness can secretly get in touch with the Fifth Prince. Of the Three Factions, his foundation is the shallowest. That gives us an opportunity to take advantage."
"Though Heaven Heavenly Origin Sword Sect has a Dharma Aspect Realm expert holding down the fort," he said, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smile, "that Dharma Aspect is only at the Fourth Level. I'll make the trip myself."
Ling Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window at the deepening dusk.
After a long while, he slowly nodded. "Fifth Brother has been biding his time all these years. He really has kept quite a few trump cards hidden." A streak of Sword Qi flashed from his fingertip, slicing a falling leaf in two. "But... it's fine."
He pondered for a moment, then his gaze sharpened as he issued a new order. "Also, pass down the word. Have our people make bigger moves and deliberately worsen the conflicts with Yantian Sect and Imperial Father."
"By the way," he said, remembering something and lowering his voice, "I heard that after the Sect Master of Yantian Sect was badly injured and fled back to the sect in disgrace last time, he immediately activated the Sect Protecting Grand Formation. It's left everyone in the sect on edge, feeling that a storm is coming."
Finally, he looked toward the distance, as though he could see the forces lurking in the shadows. "Contact those Marquises and Princes. Tell them all to wait for my orders."
Shen Changqing bowed his head respectfully. "Yes!"
Chen Lin lounged in a rocking chair, casually flipping through a few books spread open before him. His gaze, however, was somewhat unfocused, reflecting the lazy sunlight outside the window.
The words printed on the pages—things like "Beauty, you don't want to..." —made the corner of his mouth twitch almost imperceptibly. He simply couldn't work up any interest.
But he had nothing better to do.
His body automatically guided the absorption of the Spiritual Energy of heaven and earth, along with the plentiful resources in his Storage Ring. It was like a finely calibrated machine, running on its own. He only needed to stay here and wait for things to fall into place.
During this tedious wait, he had received some cultivation techniques sent over by Ling Tian. They were the techniques practiced by several Dharma Aspect Realm experts under his command.
As he casually browsed through them, a booklet with an ancient cover and a subtle aura caught his eye. Only two small characters were carved on it: Dao Arts.
His heart stirred. He sent his Spiritual Sense inside and was instantly astonished to discover that it was a Heaven-tier cultivation technique!
What's more, this technique seemed to differ from ordinary cultivation systems. The methods recorded in it were varied and wondrous, far beyond anything he had known before. His eyes lit up.
In the end, he brought several cultivation techniques to Great Perfection, giving him even more methods at his disposal.
Meanwhile, his body tirelessly absorbed and transformed energy. The True Essence within Chen Lin grew increasingly refined, and his realm advanced naturally and quietly to the Dharma Aspect Second Level!
The Dharma Aspect he had condensed was actually himself—a complete, unadulterated "self," not derived from any existing technique.
This wasn't a simple imitation. Instead, he had made himself the foundation of his Dharma Aspect. Once he had condensed this "Natal Dharma Aspect," he would no longer be a passive vessel. He would become a true "container."
That meant he could change the attributes of his Dharma Aspect as he pleased, switching between them as casually as changing weapons. Its potential was limitless!
While Chen Lin was relaxing, he suddenly saw a red figure dart across the courtyard.
The newcomer wore a Crimson Python Robe, its hems untouched by dust. The instant his toes touched the ground, he didn't even disturb a fallen leaf. Such Lightness Skill was extraordinary.
Cao An.
Chen Lin's gaze sharpened slightly, and he immediately locked onto the man's aura—Dharma Aspect Second Level!
It seemed these Red-robed Eunuchs really were all at the Dharma Aspect Realm.
As fate would have it, one of the cultivation techniques Ling Tian had given him earlier was specifically meant for Eunuchs to practice.
But he hadn't practiced it.
It was something he could do without, but absolutely couldn't be without.
"Lord Lin, I've come to offer you my congratulations."
At this, Chen Lin's heart stirred, but he remained composed on the surface, thinking to himself, Congratulations?
Cao An probably doesn't have good intentions.
What could it be?
Cao An smiled as he handed over a Gilded Edict and said, "His Majesty appreciates Lord Lin's meritorious service in guarding the Scripture Repository and has specially bestowed upon you three Core Gathering Pills." As he spoke, he tapped the edict three times with his fingertip, and its golden glow seemed to lend it even greater authority.
"I hope Lord Lin will break through to the Core Formation Realm soon," Cao An added, a subtle look flickering in his eyes.
At this, Chen Lin's eyes flashed with surprise. What did this mean?
Wait...
He'd done nothing at all, yet he was being rewarded?
Chen Lin instantly began "trembling" with "excitement." His hands "shook" as he accepted the Pill Casket, and his face brimmed with obsequious delight.
"Th-this is a Core Gathering Pill!" His voice "quavered." "With such a generous reward from His Majesty, this old servant is sure to break through to the Core Formation Realm!"
"His Majesty is truly a Wise Ruler Through the Ages! The Holy Lord of All Ages!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, even "forcing" a few tears into the corners of his eyes. "Even if this old servant were to give his life, he could never repay even a fraction of His Majesty's kindness!"
Cao An's perpetually narrowed eyes regarded Chen Lin with an ambiguous smile. His voice carried a faint, probing note. "His Majesty also specifically asked whether anything unusual had happened in the Scripture Repository lately. For instance, whether anything was missing when it should have been there."
Chen Lin remained unruffled within, his expression still calm and placid, as if he hadn't caught the hidden meaning. "In reply, Chief Cao, everything in the Scripture Repository is as usual. All items are in their proper places."
Cao An narrowed his eyes and seemed to nod with satisfaction. "Good. His Majesty's Omniscient Eyes can see through everything."
Those words were like a fine needle, lightly pricking Chen Lin.
Several thoughts flashed through his mind. Does he know about Little Anzi?
He couldn't be sure, but his expression remained unchanged.
"We are all loyal subjects who do our duty and serve the country." Chen Lin spoke slowly, deliberately emphasizing the words "loyal subjects."
At this, Cao An looked genuinely pleased. He even patted Chen Lin on the shoulder. "In that case, I'll have to trouble Lord Lin to continue guarding this post."
During this seemingly ordinary pat on the shoulder, Chen Lin sharply sensed a force probing into his body like a fine needle, scanning his organs and the circulation of his spiritual power.
Fortunately, the other man's cultivation was on par with his own. And since Chen Lin had already practiced the Breath Concealment Technique and suppressed his aura to the bare minimum, Cao An failed to detect anything amiss.
Only after that probing force quietly withdrew did Cao An turn and leave, wearing that inscrutable smile.
Chen Lin watched him leave.
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