Noticing the sudden change in the Emperor’s expression, Lin Jin realized that he must have heard of Xue Pao’s name before. However, why hadn’t he himself heard of that name before?
After all, Lin Jin was quite well-informed himself, especially when the visitors of the Visitation Hall were from different continents. They were such a diverse bunch that there were even a handful of villainous experts among the crowd. This was the reason for Lin Jin’s wide scope of knowledge. Given Xue Pao’s frequent use of underhanded tactics, Lin Jin figured he was probably just another villainous expert. However, according to Lin Jin’s knowledge, Xue Pao did not belong to the ranking of villainous experts.
Though, since the Emperor knew about him, Lin Jin thought that he could perhaps gather some information on his enemy here. It was a sound strategy that Lin Jin would rely on every time.
It was obvious from their confrontation earlier that Xue Pao would never forgive Lin Jin, so Lin Jin’s next course of action was to understand more about where he and the enemy stood.
“Your Majesty, have you heard of this man named Xue Pao before?” Lin Jin asked.
He Qian forced himself to regain his composure. Still,
He glanced at Lin Jin as if contemplating something before finally making a decision.
“Appraiser Lin, would you like to tour the city with me?” He Qian suddenly asked.
Lin Jin knew He Qian must have something to say to him. Although this was quite a huge ‘honor’, Lin Jin was not going to reject the offer out of politeness. He could afford to be direct before the Emperor.
And so, he nodded.
“Come, hop onto the carriage!” He Qian invited. However, this startled both the Lieutenant Governor and the Great Eunuch Yao Sheng.
‘His Majesty sharing a carriage with Lin Jin? Th-that won’t do!’ thought Yao Sheng, who was alerted by the Emperor’s invitation, which came seemingly out of the blue.
According to custom, it was inappropriate for Lin Jin to sit in the same carriage as the Emperor, even if he was a national guardian. He was just a ‘minister’ after all, and ministers were below the Emperor. For them to be traveling on the same carriage would imply that they were of equal standing.
However, Yao Sheng dared not advise His Majesty.
He couldn’t either.
The fact that he was aware of this meant that His Majesty was too. To Yao Sheng, His Majesty was the most intelligent individual in the Jade Dragon Kingdom. Previously when they were pressured by the jade dragon deity, His Majesty was able to step up and borrow someone else’s strength to liberate them from the jade dragon deity’s reign of terror. Even after the turmoil that had undergone, he was able to maintain order within his nation. Not many people were capable of this feat, so how could such a monarch be oblivious to the differences in rank?
It was precisely because of this reason that Yao Sheng couldn’t advise His Majesty against it.
His Majesty must have a reason for inviting Lin Jin onto his carriage.
The Lieutenant Governor didn’t think that far. He was aware that His Majesty had his own reasons for inviting Lin Jin onto this tour but he was just shocked and frankly, a little envious of Lin Jin.
After all, being able to ride with His Majesty was a great honor.
Lin Jin knew this too but he wasn’t too worried as he had faith in himself. Suddenly, he turned back and said, “Your Majesty, please give me a moment.”
He Qian nodded to show his approval.
The soldiers gave way and Lin Jin went over to Tan Xun and the other appraisers. The latter had been confused at first, but the instant these soldiers stepped back, what they saw in the middle startled them all.
What they saw was solid evidence of how closely acquainted Lin Jin was with His Majesty. It was no wonder the Emperor was willing to issue a royal decree to promote Lin Jin.
Of course, after tonight’s incident, most of the appraisers at headquarters learned just how capable Lin Jin was.
Lin Jin approached and saluted the group before debriefing them on tonight’s incident. After giving it some thought, Lin Jin decided not to tell them about Patriarch Xue Pao. He would inform Tan Xun about him in private.
Lin Jin didn’t stay silent about Yang Qingshi’s crimes though. The latter was still paralyzed by his needle, and right beside him was the fetus of the eight-headed viper. This was his evidence. Lin Jin didn’t believe that Yang Qingshi was a stubborn man, so they should be able to get him to talk by applying just a little pressure.
After explaining the situation, Lin Jin returned to He Qian and entered his carriage.
Among the group of appraisers, some were astonished, some were envious, but only one was thrilled.
That person was Ouyang Tong.
He had arrived late. While he had no idea what happened, he was at least aware of Appraiser Lin’s strength. Sure enough, the man was now stepping onto His Majesty’s personal carriage.
Even the princes and princesses, or the Emperor’s favorite ministers might not enjoy such privilege.
“Success!” Ouyang Tong was elated. He felt that he had made the wisest choice in his life by accommodating Appraiser Lin’s requests. Now that he had latched himself onto such an influential figure, he was never going to let go.
Yang Qingshi was taken away for interrogation so Lin Jin didn’t have to worry about that. With Lin Jin’s needle still intact, the man wouldn’t be able to make any unexpected moves.
Lin Jin was currently engaged in a conversation with the Emperor inside the carriage.
The emperor’s carriage was so big it was like a little room. It was lined with tatami mats and a small table in the center, and on the table was an incense burner and a tea set.
The horses pulling the carriage were strong and the vehicle moved steadily with guards accompanying them on the journey. Being an Emperor sure was a luxurious experience.
Though, one strange thing about humans was the fact that no matter how good their life was, being able to command authority or indulge in scrumptious delicacies every day would quickly turn boring. On the other hand, stress was something they could never get used to. It would only numb them until they were ultimately crushed.
In this sense, being Emperor didn’t seem like such a glorious job anymore.
Hence, there were usually more self-indulgent Emperors than they were intelligent ones.
This was just a random thought that popped up in Lin Jin’s mind, but that was all. What he had to discuss with He Qian now was Patriarch Xue Pao instead.
As expected of an emperor, He Qian was very well-informed. Lin Jin managed to gather some information on Patriarch Xue Pao from him, including some mythical tales.
“Thousands of years ago, when the path to immortality collapsed, demons wreaked havoc for hundreds of years until capable men finally came up with a way to overcome these obstacles. By establishing blood contracts, they borrowed the strength of beasts to restore peace to the world. Appraiser Lin, I assume you are aware of the three kings who split up the world into five continents?”
Inside the carriage, He Qian spoke more freely and Lin Jin took note of this.
Lin Jin nodded.
A millennium ago, three capable men divided five continents among themselves and built their respective empires. Many referred to it as the era of the three kings. Even now, temples dedicated to worshiping these three kings could be found on nearly every corner of the world.
Lin Jin was aware of this. In the beginning, three premium countries seized control over the five continents. Later on, due to internal turmoil, the strength of the three premium countries waned. Since then, the lords and princes of different regions splintered off to form their own intermediate and small countries.
This was basic history and Lin Jin was aware of it.
Since then, many premium countries began to surface and the custom of using pet beasts as a standard to measure a country’s status was established later on.
The issue here was that Lin Jin didn’t understand how this all had anything to do with Patriarch Xue Pao.
What He Qian said next made his eyelids twitch madly.
“The feud between the five continents back then had a lesser-known name. ‘Chaos of the Five Patriarchs’, they called it.”
At this, Lin Jin immediately understood why He Qian was talking about the past. Chaos of the Five Patriarchs!
Could that have something to do with Patriarch Xue Pao?
However, that happened at least eight hundred years ago so Lin Jin’s first reaction was disbelief. However, for He Qian to bring it up, there must be a connection between the two.
Lin Jin’s curiosity was instantly piqued.
He leaned forward, eager to hear what He Qian had to say next.
He Qian chuckled. “I know that Appraiser Lin would stop at nothing to satisfy his curiosity, but no matter how discreet this incident was, I believe your master knows about this. He might even know more than I do.”
