After hearing the truth of her situation, both elders frowned.
Elder Feng Yu was still adamant about keeping Zhao Jingyan at Phoenix Palace since she was their commander. It was unreasonable that she should leave at a time like this.
It was at this moment that Elder Huo Yu spoke up, “I’ve heard a little about Curator. Indeed, I found it strange when you said your phoenix achieved Nirvana. You aside, even Feng Yu and I likely would have failed to achieve such a feat. Curator seems well-informed about phoenixes to know about the rebirth method. No doubt, he is a world-class expert. Since he is your benefactor, it makes sense for him to summon you. Go, leave Phoenix Palace to Elder Feng Yu and me.”
Zhao Jingyan was delighted by her response. She bowed quickly to thank her while Elder Feng Yu was dumbstruck and confused.
“Elder Huo Yu, you…”
Elder Huo Yu raised a hand, indicating they should leave this discussion for later.
Although Elder Feng Yu was upset, she could only swallow her complaints. She waited until Zhao Jingyan rode away on one of Phoenix Palace’s carrier phoenixes before raising her concerns.
Elder Huo Yu replied, “It’s not that simple. You saw how Jingyan’s strength has increased several folds after her phoenix underwent Nirvana. Frankly speaking, neither you nor I was able to do it. This proves how remarkable Curator is. Did you know that my senses picked up an intrusion into our Phoenix Palace? It was an invisible force that I couldn’t touch or stop. It was a unique method, and Curator seems to be behind it. Tell me, how could we ever afford to offend an expert who is probably stronger than our sect? Nothing good would ever come of it. In fact, I feel that if we maintain friendly relations with him, it might be beneficial for Phoenix Palace.”
Having heard Elder Huo Yu’s sincere explanation, Elder Feng Yu pondered briefly in silence before nodding in agreement.
She agreed.
“Feng Yu, you and I both are aging, and our days are numbered. We thought we could live out the remaining of our lives in seclusion, but we never saw internal strife coming. This is considered a catastrophe. Now that our forces have been greatly hampered, if word about this incident gets out, I can foresee the return of our old enemies. Even if Jingyan stays to defend our sect, how long can she protect us? However, if we manage to lend someone else’s strength, Phoenix Palace will likely be able to overcome this trial.”
Elder Huo Yu had thought it through.
Elder Feng Yu considered her words and nodded again.
“Though, given what we heard from Jingyan, Curator seems to be in trouble himself. If our Phoenix Palace gets dragged down…” Elder Feng Yu began to voice her other concern.
“That will be our fate then. We can’t expect only good things to happen to us. Sometimes, luck is also important,” said Elder Huo Yu as she chuckled.
“That will be all. Let’s watch over Phoenix Palace for the next few days and investigate what has happened at Heavenly Spiral City. The way I see it, something huge is about to happen.”
After Lin Jin left the Visitation Hall, he discreetly changed into Curator’s getup.
He wanted to meet with Heavenly Spiral Kingdom’s emperor, Feng Junwu, to borrow Daojun’s Hieroglyphic.
In Lin Jin’s opinion, he could not afford to have any delays.
During his journey, Lin Jin thought of another person who could help him defeat Corpse Taoist and the demonic appraisers – Daluo Temple’s Master Abbot. Lin Jin had battled him before, so he acknowledged him as a genuine expert. Each of his Four Cardinal Guardian Beasts was Rank 5, allowing him to stand up against a premium country on his own.
If Lin Jin could get the help of Daluo Temple’s Master Abbot, he would feel more confident.
However, he was just too far away and Lin Jin had no means of contacting him. Also, after careful deliberation, he knew he couldn’t invite Master Abbot over as Lin Jin; he had to play the character of Curator.
The last time he visited Daluo Temple as Curator, he had given them great trouble. Although they agreed to bury the hatchet following the incident, who was to say that they wouldn’t change their minds after he left?
What’s more, when he had appeared as Curator, Lin Jin had behaved as if he was the greatest being the world had ever seen. Remembering how insufferably arrogant he had acted, Lin Jin realized how shameful it would be if he were to ask them for help now.
The main concern was still the lack of time. Heavenly Spiral City was too far away from Daluo Temple and god knows how much time was required to make a return trip.
Still deep in thought, Lin Jin arrived outside Heavenly Spiral Palace.
Someone inquired about his purpose here and Lin Jin revealed his identity. That person quickly went to announce his arrival.
Shortly after, Lin Jin saw the emperor’s internal officer and main steward, Yan Quan, hurrying over.
“Are you Curator?” Yan Quan studied Lin Jin in his disguise.
A beast-patterned mask, long robes, strikingly tall and possessing a dignified appearance.
Just his temperament showed how remarkable he was.
“Indeed. I have come to pay my respects to the emperor,” said Lin Jin, who now had a rich experience in putting on airs.
Experts should have a dignified stance and manner of speech. After his experience at Daluo Temple, Lin Jin’s performance was practically flawless.
“This way please, Curator!” Yan Quan was an experienced man himself. Despite this, he felt an immense pressure bearing down on him the moment he met Curator.
As a result, Yan Quan did not dare to even glance at Curator’s mask.
Yan Quan was leading the way ahead while Lin Jin followed behind. Following behind them both were a few guards and their pet beasts. They were probably afraid of trouble.
Lin Jin could sense a surge of energy around him. Many experts hid in their designated spots, ready to give their guest hell should things turn problematic.
Lin Jin could understand that.
If he was the emperor, he would be just as apprehensive when meeting a world-class expert, even if he was already expecting his guest.
Had this place been Daluo Temple, Lin Jin would have unleashed his deterrence ability to stun all pet beasts within a several hundred-meter radius. Those outside that area of effect would also be influenced and sense fear.
This time, he was here as a guest, with the intention of borrowing Daojun’s Hieroglyphic so Lin Jin couldn’t be that forceful.
Thus, Lin Jin ignored these minor issues and just followed Yan Quan.
Once they arrived outside a large hall, Yan Quan had Lin Jin wait for a moment while he went inside to announce his arrival.
Lin Jin nodded.
After Yan Quan went inside, Lin Jin became the only person standing outside.
While the place seemed dead quiet, his surrounding was overflowing with strong auras. This was clearly different from when Lin Jin visited as himself. His last visit felt incredibly casual compared to this time; they seemed to be prepared for an all-out war with a great foe.
Fortunately, Yan Quan reappeared quickly to invite Lin Jin inside.
Upon entering the hall, Lin Jin suddenly paused.
There was an invisible pressure in the empty space ahead. Lin Jin hadn’t actually sensed it. Instead, he felt a sudden disturbance from the Visitation Hall’s door behind him.
There was definitely something fishy ahead and Lin Jin assumed it to be a formation.
The moment he stepped inside the formation, it would turn into a death trap should it be activated.
However, Lin Jin wasn’t scared.
No matter how strong the formation was, Lin Jin could just escape into the Visitation Hall. Hence, he merely hesitated briefly before making his way forward with a chuckle.
Sitting on his throne, Emperor Feng Junwu was surprised by his carefree reaction.
As the emperor, he could obviously tell that Curator had picked up on something. However, the accomplished and courageous man was indifferent to such a trap, and that sent chills down Feng Junwu’s spine.
