Zhao Jingyan didn’t leave at once as she still had many questions to ask Lin Jin about her phoenix after it had achieved Nirvana.
At this point, she was certain that she didn’t have to seek out Curator anymore because Appraiser Lin himself was able to solve her problems. Those closely associated with Curator were all top-class experts. It didn’t seem like anything could faze them at all.
Zhao Jingyan was aware of Lin Jin’s plan to head to Heavenly Spiral Kingdom.
“So, Appraiser Lin is going to check out the place for Curator?” Zhao Jingyan asked.
Lin Jin nodded.
Her assumption was reasonable and Lin Jin didn’t feel the need to explain himself.
Zhao Jingyan was completely different from how she initially acted. Previously, she was somewhat hesitant, but now, she was full of vigor. It was as if she herself had been reborn as someone new.
Subsequently, Zhao Jingyan began seeking his guidance, and Lin Jin answered her questions duly. Their exchange went on until midnight before Zhao Jingyan decided to stop albeit reluctantly.
“Appraiser Lin, Jingyan has received so much of your grace. If you ever need my help in the future, just summon me, and I shall do everything I can to be of your assistance,” Zhao Jingyan promised.
Lin Jin knew she was leaving.
After the death of her pet beast, she must have suffered tremendously. Now that her phoenix was reborn, Zhao Jingyan surely had things she needed to take care of at Phoenix Palace.
Speaking of which, if she manages to reclaim Phoenix Palace, that would also be beneficial for Lin Jin.
Zhao Jingyan left in the night. She was a decisive person who would carry out whatever idea that came up in her mind. There was a strong contrast between her personality and her aloof appearance.
Lin Jin hastened his pace in making the necessary arrangements at Maple City. After all, this would be a long trip, and it might take several months before he returned.
The next day, a Rank 2 beast appraiser who had departed from the royal capital arrived at Maple City. He was here to take over Lin Jin’s position.
Although he was much older and more experienced than Lin Jin, the man was still very respectful toward his predecessor.
“I’ll be leaving my responsibilities in your hands!”
After handing over all responsibilities as chief, Lin Jin glanced at Maple City’s Beast Appraisal Association. During his absence, his apprentices would be fully in charge of his consultation hall. With their skills, Lin Jin had nothing to worry about.
“I’ll be going now!’
Back at home, Shang’er begged Lin Jin time and again to let her accompany his journey, but that was all flatly refused by Lin Jin.
His purpose at Heavenly Spiral was to advance his status to Rank 4 as a beast appraiser and to borrow Daojun’s Hieroglyphic. Lin Jin could achieve both tasks on his own.
What he needed was an expert as capable as Shang’er to stay and guard Maple City while he was gone.
His confrontation with Insect Taoist was a hint to Lin Jin.
Perhaps someone out there had already begun plotting against him. The higher a tree grew, the stronger the wind. Given Lin Jin’s fame and the fact that he was tied to Curator, keeping a low profile wasn’t exactly possible.
Maple City was his home base. Should anyone come bearing ill-intentions, the city required someone to protect it.
Moreover, the demonic appraisers were still a potential threat.
Ye Yuzhou may be strong but he was still slightly lacking.
It was only with Shang’er staying behind could Lin Jin relax.
Despite her reluctance, Shang’er obeyed his instruction.
“Has Goldy waken up yet?” Lin Jin asked. Shang’er shook her head. Goldy had now achieved a new sleep record. Those who weren’t aware that he was asleep might even think the rooster was dead.
Of course, Lin Jin knew that wasn’t the case.
Goldy had only gone into a deep sleep because he ate a Rank 5 insect king and several hundred rare insects.
“Just let him sleep. Goldy’s constitution is unique and any interference would hinder his progress. Make sure that he wakes up on his own,” Lin Jin instructed.
Lin Jin would first drop by the royal capital to meet He Qian as promised. Tagging along on his journey there would be mother dragon and Senior Mo.
Prior to this, mother dragon had spoken with Lin Jin in private for about two hours.
No one knew what they had talked about but following their exchange, Lin Jin decided to take them both to the royal capital.
After settling both mother and son at an inn, Lin Jin changed into his disguise where no one was around. After putting on Curator’s mask and unleashing his aura, he entered the city.
The sun was setting but the streets of the royal capital were still packed. After all, this was the busiest city in all of Jade Dragon Kingdom. With his mask on, Lin Jin walked in the middle of the street toward the palace.
Passersby naturally took notice of him. Some began pointing fingers at him while others whispered behind his back.
The city was filled with the emperor’s spies so the instant Curator appeared, He Qian was informed of it.
He Qian grew excited.
Finally, the time had come for him to meet Curator.
As emperor of an intermediate country, He Qian recalled the last time he was this excited. It was the time when he ascended the throne.
Curator’s name had become much more formidable compared to the last time he spoke to Lin Jin.
His invading Daluo Temple alone was impressive enough. Not only did he manage to leave in one piece, but Curator was also escorted down the mountain by the temple’s high monks. It was like going to challenge a gym, beating the gym owners up, and not only weren’t the owners angry, but they even befriended the invader.
Without pure strength, such an achievement would be a pie in the sky.
With pure strength, this was reality.
For this reason, He Qian looked forward to his meeting with Curator, even if Curator wouldn’t provide him or Jade Dragon Kingdom any actual assistance.
To be able to meet Curator was itself, a massive privilege.
From He Qian’s viewpoint, being a monarch and all, he no longer focused on superficial benefits. He was instead planning for the future.
The fact that he met Curator was already itself a huge benefit.
Who was Curator?
Someone who could take on Daluo Temple on his own and be sent off by their abbot respectfully after that. He was a mighty individual who dared to instruct all monks of Daluo Temple ‘not to kill monsters indiscriminately’.
His meeting with Curator inadvertently lifted the status of Jade Dragon Kingdom. This invisible benefit and loan of influence would surely last for decades to come.
At the very least, the neighboring intermediate countries who had border disputes with Jade Dragon Kingdom would start to fear them and they would definitely consider retreating after news of their meeting gets out.
They may be able to afford to provoke Jade Dragon Kingdom, but they surely dared not test ‘Curator’.
Of course, if Curator was willing to provide them with actual assistance, that would be better.
Anyway, He Qian held this meeting in high regard, so when he heard the news of Curator’s arrival, he immediately had the palace herald make arrangements.
Their preparations had to be of the highest quality and all palace officials, no matter if they were grieving at a funeral or waiting for their child’s birth, everyone was to dress up formally and hurry over to welcome Curator, no exception.
The same was required of the royal family members. Whoever dared to slip away on this occasion would have to face He Qian’s wrath.
As for himself, He Qian was already all dressed up and waiting at the palace gates. Standing behind him were several hundred palace officials and royal descendants. This was an unprecedented display.
Before Lin Jin even reached the palace, palace guards had hurried over to escort him.
“We have come on the orders of His Majesty, the Emperor of Jade Dragon Kingdom, to escort Curator,” declared the general clad in shiny armor with his booming voice.
They surely weren’t holding back when it came to formalities.
Lin Jin replied nonchalantly with a salute, “Please show me the way!”
He was surprisingly courteous.
