Lin An's expression remained calm as he stared at Zhongchuan Xian and the many Tribulation Transcendence cultivators of the Central River Empire, without the slightest trace of fear.
He was only a Mahayana cultivator now, but with the Eye of Creation at his brow empowering him, no one dared regard him as merely a Mahayana cultivator.
Even so, no one had expected Lin An to be the first to step forward and state his position.
Back then, Lin An and the Azure Dragon Divine Envoy of the [Akatsuki] organization had been bitter enemies. It was said that they had a grudge involving gouged-out eyes and crippled cultivation, which was why their Zetsu match had drawn so many spectators at the time. Yet no one had expected them to join forces against the Lin Clan's Council of Elders.
However, after Lin He's death, their relationship was said to have eased considerably. But if one claimed they had become as close as brothers, probably very few would believe it.
Thus, many people were surprised that Lin An would be the first to stand against the Central River Empire.
For a moment, everyone looked toward Zhongchuan Xian, waiting for his decision.
After all, this was the first faction to openly reject the Central River Empire's recruitment. If the imperial family intended to make an example of someone, then moving against the Lin Clan was inevitable.
However, before Zhongchuan Xian could say anything, another voice rang out.
"Our Great Sound Pavilion makes its living by selling intelligence. Since ancient times, our foremost ironclad rule has been absolute neutrality. Otherwise, our intelligence would become biased. We appreciate Your Majesty's goodwill, but as for becoming allies, let us forget about it." A distant, ethereal voice came from the Great Sound Pavilion's palace, declaring its stance.
In