78. Ling Qingzhu’s Decision

"That person is…"

The elder was just about to say it was Chen Xuan when Ling Qingzhu interrupted him, "We don’t know who that person is. We only heard rumors, and we don’t yet know the killer’s identity."

The elder widened his eyes, filled with disbelief.

But… that’s not what the late palace master said!

Xiang Chao frowned, feeling that Ling Qingzhu might be lying.

With no proof, he could only say, "In that case, I won’t disturb you further."

As he walked away, Ling Qingzhu let out a slight sigh of relief.

Junior Brother Chen Xuan! I just helped you avoid a huge problem. How will you thank me?

At that moment, Wu Qun came in hurriedly. "Sister Qingzhu, there’s news!"

"What news?"

"The Lin Clan's competition in the Great Yan Dynasty has been moved to the tomb within the Tianyan Mountains."

"What?" Ling Qingzhu’s face turned pale upon hearing the location, and her delicate hand tightened.

A faint dark light flashed in her eyes.

"Sister Qingzhu, are you alright?" Wu Qun asked, noticing her reaction.

"Nothing," she replied, forcing a smile.

It must be Chen Xuan’s doing!

His goal? Most likely revenge against Lin Dong from the Lin Clan. Should she go?

She asked, "What are the other super sects in the Eastern Xuan Region doing?"

Wu Qun replied, "Since it was reported that Chen Xuan killed the Palace of Darkness's palace master, most sects haven’t dared to act recklessly."

Most? Ling Qingzhu caught the keyword.

"Which sects still have plans?"

"dao Sect and Yuan Gate," Wu Qun answered, exactly as Ling Qingzhu had suspected.

Dao Sect, Yuan Gate, and the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace are among the top sects in the Eastern Xuan Region.

Though weaker than the Palace of Darkness, Chen Xuan's ability to defeat Samsara Realm powerhouses made them willing to take risks.

After a moment of thought, Ling Qingzhu said, "Good. Keep a close watch. I’ll be in seclusion for a while, so discuss any urgent matters with the Grand Elder."

Seclusion? Not really.

She planned to use this as an excuse to head to the Great Yan Dynasty herself. Her goal was simple: to see if she could persuade Chen Xuan to return with her.

…

Meanwhile, in Yuan Region, at Yuan Gate.

In the misty mountains, countless figures moved back and forth.

within Yuan Gate, atop a secluded mountain, a gloomy aura spread from a broken palace where three figures sat silently. The surrounding space warped slightly, and powerful yuan energy surged with each breath, resembling the sounds of thunder.

These three figures—Yuan Gate’s three heads—were the only ones with such terrifying energy. As they finished their cultivation, a black mist flew over, coalescing into a figure cloaked in black.

With a sinister voice, the figure said, "We have orders: intercept the Dao Sect."

"Intercept the Dao Sect?"

The central figure slowly opened his emotionless eyes, a faint dark gleam flashing in them.

"That’s right. We’ve placed an important pawn in the Great Yan Dynasty, and the Dao Sect might interfere," the black-robed figure said gravely.

"What pawn?" the person on the right asked curiously.

"You don’t need to know. Just keep an eye on the Dao Sect."

"You’re not worried top experts will notice your presence?" the central figure asked.

The shadowy figure sneered, "Don’t worry. We have plans in place. Just do your part."

The central figure nodded, promising, "Rest assured. We’ll monitor the Dao Sect closely."

The shadowy figure dispersed into mist and disappeared. The figure on the right muttered, annoyed, "These people, always so secretive, as if we’re outsiders."

The central figure laughed. "It doesn’t matter. This gives us more time to study the Spatial Ancestral Symbol!"

"Who will watch over the Dao Sect?" the one on the right asked.

"Let Yuan Cang, Hua Chen, and their group handle it. If something happens, they can crush the jade talisman, and we’ll appear."

The central figure narrowed his eyes, the dark light within them flowing slowly.

…

Meanwhile, in the Tianyan Mountains.

Chen Xuan had Mo Jingtian and his men work tirelessly for two months to level a mountain near the ancient tomb, intending to use it as the platform for the Lin Clan competition.

Once preparations were complete, all that remained was to wait for the competition day.

That day, Chen Xuan approached Lin Xiao and his wife, telling them, "If you don’t want Lin Dong to die, you must follow my instructions."

They nodded repeatedly.

"Good. On the competition day, act as if nothing unusual has happened," Chen Xuan said with satisfaction.

If Lin Dong sensed something was off, it might spoil the impact of his planned revenge.

Lin Xiao asked worriedly, "But if my father isn’t here, Dong’er might become suspicious."

Lin Zhentian had been killed. It wouldn’t make sense for only their family to show up.

Chen Xuan waved his hand dismissively. "Don’t worry. We have plans for that. As for Lin Zhentian, I’ll take his place myself. He won’t notice a thing."

Even though Lin Xiao was older than Chen Xuan and held a unique familial relationship, their ranks put Chen Xuan above him.

Still, it felt strange to call him father. Nevertheless, given the circumstances, Lin Xiao could only nod and agree.

With them settled, Chen Xuan found Lin Qingtan alone. Grabbing her chin, he asked, "Lin Qingtan, you don’t want anything to happen to Lin Dong, right?"

"What… what do you want?" Lin Qingtan avoided his gaze, her eyes wary.

"I need you to play along with me," Chen Xuan said. "It’s a simple act."

Play along? Hearing this, Lin Qingtan seemed to think of something and reached for her waistband.

Ding! Lin Qingtan feels nervous, shy, and expectant. Emotion value: +300.

Chen Xuan blinked, puzzled. "What are you doing?"

"You… didn’t you want me to cooperate?" Lin Qingtan’s cheeks flushed red.

No.

Did she think "cooperate" meant… undress?

Chen Xuan said, speechless, "I meant on the day of the competition, not right now!"