110: The Prince's Special Envoy, Debating with Tianyang

The Main Hall of the Star Palace was brightly lit. The atmosphere inside was as heavy as iron. The Six Elders of the Lin Family were gathered, seated on both sides. The main seat was empty, reserved for the Clan Chief. Lin Fan, as the Young Clan Leader, occupied the first seat below the main seat. In the guest seats, three people were seated.

The foremost among them was a middle-aged scholar with a pale, beardless Face, wearing a Dark Gold Brocade Robe and a jade crown, fiddling with a Dragon-shaped Jade Pendant in his hand. He carried an arrogant demeanor, and when his gaze swept over everyone in the hall, it carried undisguised contempt. This person was Zhao Wuji, the confidant of the Third Prince, Xia Yuanhao—a Special Envoy with a cultivation at the Condensing Origin Seventh Layer.

Behind him stood an old man and a young man.

The old man was hunched over, his eyelids drooping, looking as if he could fall asleep at any moment, yet occasional glimpses through his half-open eyes revealed a heart-palpitating sharpness. This was the retainer of the Third Prince's Residence, Old Man Mo, the 'Ghost Hand,' at the Divine Power Realm Early Stage.

The younger one was a richly dressed youth in his early twenties, with a sinister Face and a cold smirk playing on his lips. He was the Third Prince's cousin, the legitimate son of the Zhou Family—one of the four great families of Tianyang City—Zhou Yunfei, cultivating at the Condensing Origin Fifth Layer.

"Young Clan Leader Lin certainly puts on airs," Zhao Wuji spoke slowly and deliberately. "We are here under the command of His Highness the Third Prince and have been waiting for half an hour. Could it be that the Lin Family has grown so powerful that you don't even regard a Prince's Special Envoy seriously?"

These words were designed to attack the heart.

Second Elder Lin Canghai frowned, about to speak, but Lin Fan raised his hand to stop him.

"Special Envoy, you exaggerate," Lin Fan said calmly. "The Meteor Star Ancient Domain has been busy with many matters recently. I was handling urgent affairs just now and failed to greet you promptly; I hope you can forgive me. However, may I ask why His Highness the Third Prince has dispatched a Special Envoy?"

Zhao Wuji stared at Lin Fan, his eyes sharp as blades: "Two matters. First, the death of Lin Feng."

He paused, his tone turning cold: "Although Lin Feng was a member of your Lin Family, he had long pledged allegiance to His Highness the Third Prince, serving as a Guest Elder in the Prince's residence. Half a month ago, His Highness sent him back to the Lin Family to handle some private matters, but he ended up mysteriously dead in the Meteor Star Ancient Domain. On this matter, the Lin Family must give His Highness an explanation."

The hall fell silent.

The Faces of several Elders looked grim. On the surface, this was an inquiry, but in reality, it was proclaiming that Lin Feng belonged to the Third Prince, and the Lin Family had no right to deal with him. More crucially, this was a warning to the Lin Family—even your own Family members are my Prince's people, so what is your Lin Family?

"An explanation?" Lin Fan suddenly smiled. "What kind of explanation does the Special Envoy want?"

"Simple," Zhao Wuji held up two fingers. "First, hand over the murderer who killed Lin Feng. Second, the Lin Family must compensate His Highness for his losses—I hear that before his death, Lin Feng carried a treasure bestowed by His Highness, the 'Netherworld Mirror'; this item must be returned."

"The Netherworld Mirror?" Lin Fan feigned confusion. "I have never seen such an item. As for the murderer..."

He stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and said clearly: "Lin Feng colluded with the Shadow Clan, cultivated Demonic Techniques, and harmed his own kin. The evidence is conclusive. According to Family rules, he deserves the severest punishment. The executioner was our Lin Family's Hall of Punishment. Do you mean the Third Prince wants me to hand over the entire Hall of Punishment?"

"Insolence!" Zhou Yunfei shouted sharply. "Lin Fan, what status do you have to speak to Special Envoy Zhao like that!"

Lin Fan glanced at him and quietly activated his Delusion-Breaking Divine Pupils.

[Name: Zhou Yunfei]

[Cultivation: Condensing Origin Fifth Layer (Unstable, forcefully raised by Medicinal Pills)]

[Cultivation Technique: Blood Fiend Art (Incomplete)]

[Condition: Internal hidden injuries, old ailment three inches below the right chest; severe pain when circulating Yuan Qi]

"And what status do you have to shout so loudly in my Lin Family's Main Hall?" Lin Fan said lightly. "Is this the upbringing of the Zhou Family?"

"You!" Zhou Yunfei's Face flushed red, ready to explode.

"Yunfei, step down," Zhao Wuji said coldly. He looked at Lin Fan, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Young Clan Leader Lin has quite a sharp tongue. But whether Lin Feng colluded with the Shadow Clan or cultivated Demonic Techniques is solely the Lin Family's assertion. That he was the Third Prince's man is a fact. A Prince's man, even if guilty, should be dealt with by the Prince's residence, not by your Lin Family using private punishment."

"Special Envoy, that is incorrect," Third Elder Lin Jingtang could not help but interject. "Lin Feng was first and foremost a member of our Lin Family. Having violated Family rules, he must naturally be dealt with according to those rules. This is only right and proper; even His Majesty himself could not claim otherwise."

"Oh?" Zhao Wuji sneered. "Then what if I say Lin Feng was carrying out a secret mission assigned by His Highness? His death caused the mission to fail, which concerns the safety of the Imperial Dynasty?" As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall drastically changed.

Attaching the label of 'safety of the Imperial Dynasty' changed the nature of the issue entirely.

Lin Fan sneered internally—it was coming, they intended to exert overwhelming pressure.

"Does the Special Envoy have proof?" Lin Fan remained unhurried. "If there truly was a mission involving the safety of the Imperial Dynasty, why did His Highness not communicate with the Lin Family through official channels? Instead, he sent someone who colluded with an external clan and cultivated Demonic Techniques to act in secret? If this news gets out, it might damage the reputation of the Third Prince..." He did not finish, but the implication was clear.

Zhao Wuji's Face darkened.

He hadn't expected this seventeen-year-old youth to be so troublesome, with words so sharp, hitting the nail on the head with every sentence.

"Enough," Zhao Wuji suddenly changed tack. "The matter of Lin Feng will be set aside for now. Let's discuss the second matter."

He took out a Golden Scroll and slowly unrolled it: "His Highness the Third Prince heard that Young Clan Leader Lin possesses extraordinary talent and has shone brightly in the Meteor Star Ancient Domain, inspiring His Highness's admiration for talent. He specially ordered this Envoy to invite the Young Clan Leader to join the 'Tianyang Guard' as a Centurion. This is His Highness's personal letter of appointment."

On the Golden Scroll, the calligraphy was bold and flowing, sealed with the Third Prince's Private Seal.

The Elders in the hall exchanged glances.

The Tianyang Guard was a private army personally established by the Third Prince. Nominally, it was to protect Tianyang City, but in reality, it was a tool for the Third Prince to Cultivate his core strength. To join the Tianyang Guard was a tremendous honor for ordinary Martial Artists, signifying that they had attached themselves to the Third Prince.

But for Lin Fan, and for the Lin Family, this was poison wrapped in honey.

Once Lin Fan joined, it meant the Lin Family was pledging loyalty to the Third Prince. In the future struggle for the throne between the Third Prince and the Crown Prince, the Lin Family would inevitably be dragged into the vortex. If he refused, it would be publicly disrespecting the Third Prince, creating an enmity.

"A good scheme," Second Elder Lin Canghai sighed inwardly.

Agreeing or refusing presented a dilemma.

Everyone's gaze focused on Lin Fan.

Lin Fan looked at the Golden Scroll and suddenly smiled: "I am deeply grateful for His Highness the Third Prince's favor; I am humbled. However..."

He changed his tone: "As the Young Clan Leader of the Lin Family, I bear heavy responsibilities for the Family and cannot simply abandon my post. Furthermore, my cultivation is shallow—merely Condensing Origin Third Layer. How could I possibly serve as a Centurion in the Tianyang Guard? Wouldn't that be a laughingstock?"

"Cultivation is not an issue," Zhao Wuji seemed to have anticipated his refusal. "His Highness can bestow Medicinal Pills and treasures to help you break through quickly. As for Family affairs, the Lin Family is full of talented people; others can manage while the Young Clan Leader is away."

"Special Envoy, are you suggesting I abandon my Family and disregard my duties?" Lin Fan's eyes grew cold.

"Not at all," Zhao Wuji shook his head. "This is an opportunity His Highness is granting you. Although the Lin Family is strong, it is ultimately confined to a corner of the world. Joining the Tianyang Guard means you belong to His Highness. In the future, you could Be Granted Noble Titles and Military Ranks, bringing glory to your ancestors. Wouldn't that be better than being trapped in this Ancient Domain?"

"What if I insist on refusing?"

"Then you are refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit. His Highness values talent, but he despises those who do not know what is good for them."

The threat was obvious.

Old Man Mo, who had been silent, slightly raised his eyes at this moment.

An invisible pressure spread out, vast and oppressive, like an abyss or a prison. This was the aura of a Divine Power Realm expert; although not fully released, it already caused everyone in the hall to gasp for breath. Cold sweat broke out on the foreheads of several Condensing Origin Realm Elders.

However, Lin Fan's expression remained unchanged.

The Eternal Indestructible Body operated autonomously, a Jade-like luster faintly appearing beneath his skin, shielding him from the pressure. He even took a step forward, looking directly at Zhao Wuji, "Is this Special Envoy threatening me?"

"It is a sincere warning," Zhao Wuji said lightly. "Although the Lin Family is powerful, they are ultimately just a Noble Family. His Highness the Third Prince is the Emperor's direct son, with the potential to inherit the throne in the future. Making an enemy of him is not a wise move."

"Who can say what the future holds?" Lin Fan suddenly smiled. "Moreover, my Lin Family has been loyal for generations, serving only the Emperor and the Great Xia. As for the struggle between the Princes... I apologize, the Lin Family will not get involved."

These words were spoken decisively, leaving no room for negotiation.

Zhao Wuji's expression turned completely gloomy: "Lin Fan, do you know what you are saying?"

"Very clearly," Lin Fan said word by word, "The Lin Family will not take sides."

"Good, very good." Zhao Wuji slowly stood up and put away the Golden Scroll. "Since the Lin Family's intentions are set, this Special Envoy will not press further. I only hope that in the future, the Lin Family will not regret today's decision."

He turned to leave.

"Special Envoy, please stay," Lin Fan suddenly spoke.

Zhao Wuji stopped and turned back: "What, have you changed your mind?"

"Not exactly." Lin Fan took an item from his robes; it was a shadow recording stone. "I just have something I'd like to ask the Special Envoy to deliver to His Highness the Third Prince."

He activated his Yuan Power, and the shadow recording stone shone brightly, projecting an image into the air. It was the scene from the Ancient Domain where Lin Feng conversed with the Black-robed figures of the Shadow Clan, cultivated Demonic Technique, and slaughtered Lin Family disciples. The picture was clear, the sound distinct, and the evidence conclusive. Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted.

"Lin Feng colluded with an outside clan; the evidence of his crime is mountainous." Lin Fan put away the shadow recording stone. "Ten copies of this item have been made; one has already been sent to the Supervision Department in Tianyang City for filing. The remaining nine copies can be made public if necessary. By then, everyone in the world will know that His Highness the Third Prince has such scoundrels under his command."

He stared at Zhao Wuji, his voice not loud, but every word struck like a hammer: "If His Highness still intends to pursue the death of Lin Feng, perhaps he should first explain to the world why he employed such a person? Or perhaps His Highness was unaware and was deceived by Lin Feng?"

Zhao Wuji's Face alternated between blue and white.

These words were venomous.

If the Third Prince admitted to knowing, it meant he condoned his subordinate colluding with an outside clan, utterly ruining his reputation. If he admitted ignorance, it meant he lacked judgment and mismanaged his appointments, which would also damage his prestige.

Whichever path he chose led to a dead end.

"You dare plot against His Highness!" Zhou Yunfei roared.

"I am merely stating facts," Lin Fan replied calmly. "What, Young Master Zhou thinks colluding with the Shadow Clan and harming compatriots should not be exposed?"

Zhou Yunfei was speechless.

Zhao Wuji stared intently at Lin Fan, then after a long pause, suddenly smiled, though the smile was chillingly cold: "Young Clan Leader Lin, Zhao has noted today's lesson. We have plenty of time ahead of us."

"I bid the Special Envoy farewell," Lin Fan cupped his hands.

Zhao Wuji said no more, flicked his sleeves, and departed. Old Man Mo gave Lin Fan a deep look, his gaze as cold as a venomous snake, before turning to follow. Zhou Yunfei glared fiercely at Lin Fan before quickly leaving.

Only after the three figures disappeared did the people in the hall breathe a sigh of relief.

"Young Clan Leader, offending the Third Prince so completely today, I fear..." the Fifth Elder, Lin Jingtang, said worriedly.

"If we don't offend him, will he let the Lin Family go?" Lin Fan retorted. "Lin Feng was his man; killing him already created enmity. His coming today was nothing more than probing and coercion. If we yield even an inch, he will push further until he completely swallows the Lin Family."

Everyone fell silent.

"But the Third Prince's power is immense. If he truly seeks revenge..." the Third Elder frowned.

"We will deal with threats as they arise," Lin Fan walked to the front of the hall and looked up at the night sky. "The Lin Family has inherited for a thousand years; what storms haven't we seen? Furthermore..."

He turned around, a golden glint flashing in his eyes: "We may not be without allies."

"Allies?" Everyone was startled.

Lin Fan did not explain, merely stating: "Second Elder, issue an order. Starting today, the Lin Family enters a state of alert. All departing disciples must travel in groups of three or more. Increase patrols in the Ancient Domain, especially in areas bordering Tianyang City."

"Yes!"

"Third Elder, you will personally visit 'Danxia Valley' to purchase a batch of healing Medicinal Pills and Formation Talismans. The price can be slightly higher, but the quantity must be sufficient."

"Understood."

"Fifth Elder, speed up the progress of upgrading the Guard Hall's Formation. If Spirit Stones are insufficient, draw from my private treasury."

Orders were issued methodically, and everyone accepted their tasks and departed.

When only the Second Elder remained in the hall, Lin Fan lowered his voice: "Second Uncle, is there any news from Father?"

Lin Canghai shook his head: "The Clan Chief is still in seclusion, attempting a Breakthrough to the Late Stage Divine Power Realm. However, he sent a secret message the day before yesterday, saying he has sensed the opportunity for a Breakthrough. It will take half a month at most, or a month at most, before he succeeds."

"That's good," Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief.

If Father could achieve a Breakthrough, the Lin Family would have another Late Stage Divine Power Realm expert, which would greatly reduce the pressure from the Third Prince.

"You handled things well today," Lin Canghai looked at Lin Fan, his eyes full of relief. "But you must also be careful. Zhao Wuji is narrow-minded; having been thwarted today, he will surely retaliate. And that 'Ghost Hand' Old Man Mo—that man is an infamous expert of the Evil Path, skilled in poisons and hidden weapons, making him impossible to guard against."

"I understand," Lin Fan nodded. "Second Uncle, I have one more matter to attend to."

"What is it?"

"I need to go to 'Starfall Ancient City'."

Lin Canghai's expression changed: "That place is only ten thousand miles from Tianyang City; it is within the Third Prince's sphere of influence! Going there now is too dangerous!"

"Precisely because of that, I must go." A sharp light flashed in Lin Fan's eyes. "Starfall Ancient City has a branch hall of the Star God Clan; there might be something there that can quickly enhance my strength. Moreover..."

He paused: "I also want to see just how far the Third Prince's reach extends."

"But..."

"Don't worry, Second Uncle, I will be careful." Lin Fan took out the star god token. "With this, I can change my appearance and aura. As long as I don't expose the Eternal Indestructible Body, no one will recognize me."

Seeing that he could not be persuaded, Lin Canghai could only sigh: "Then take more people with you."

"No, I will go alone." Lin Fan shook his head. "Too many people will draw attention. Keep this matter secret; do not tell anyone except you."

"Be careful in everything."

"Mm."

The night was deep, and Lin Fan returned to the secret chamber in the back garden.

He took out the Incomplete Manual of the 'Star God Body Tempering Art' and the three drops of Star God Marrow, beginning his seclusion.

In three days, he needed to be in peak condition to head to Starfall Ancient City.

Meanwhile, ten thousand miles away in Tianyang City, at the Third Prince's Residence.

"Trash! All of you are trash!"

Exquisite porcelain shattered into pieces. Xia Yuanhao's Face was ashen, murderous intent boiling in his eyes: "A mere seventeen-year-old boy dares to humiliate this Prince so much! Zhao Wuji, is this how you handle things?"

Zhao Wuji knelt on the ground, his forehead touching the floor: "Your Highness, please calm your anger. That Lin Fan is sharp-tongued, and he holds evidence; your subordinate truly..."

"Evidence?" Xia Yuanhao sneered. "What use is evidence for a dead man? Old Man Mo!"

"Your old servant is here." From the shadow, a stooped old man slowly emerged.

"You will personally visit the Meteor Star Ancient Domain." Cold light flickered in Xia Yuanhao's eyes. "This Prince wants Lin Fan's head, and the star god token on his person. Remember, do it cleanly; do not leave any evidence."

"Yes." Old Man Mo bowed, his figure vanishing like a phantom.

Xia Yuanhao walked to the window, gazed in the direction of the Meteor Star Ancient Domain, and a cruel arc curved on his lips.

"Lin Fan, I'd like to see just how long you can remain arrogant."

The night wind blew, carrying an atmosphere of killing intent.

A storm was brewing.