“Where is Master State Preceptor? Wh-who’s that old guy?” Feng Ziyong quickly asked his confidante.
Soon, the entrance guard had hurried forth to explain what happened at the gates earlier. Both Feng Ziyong and Feng Zishan were shocked.
“Old Third invited him? Senior Shu? I’ve never heard of him before.” Feng Ziyong’s eyes turned wide as saucers.
“Didn’t expect Third Brother to be hiding his light under a bushel!” Feng Zishan commented thoughtfully.
They were stupefied, especially after learning that Senior Shu had subdued Master State Preceptor the moment they met, even ripping away his Rank 5 sleeve guard in the process.
Instead of being annoyed, Master State Preceptor willingly got on his knees to apologize before going home to reflect on his actions.
As a response, Feng Ziyong simply pinched himself on the thigh. Looks like he felt like he was in a dream.
Feng Zishan was quicker to react. Immediately, he pulled Feng Ziqian over, making it seem like they were closest brothers. When Senior Shu was near, he deliberately raised his voice saying, “Third Brother, you’re amazing! Quick, introduce me to this respected senior.”
However, Feng Ziqian was more surprised than they were.
“But, I-I don’t know him!”
That was Feng Ziqian’s response and the truth.
Feng Zishan’s expression stiffened. He suspected that Feng Ziqian was merely denying his approach on purpose.
“Third Brother, you’re so amusing!” Feng Zishan then bowed respectfully at Shu Xiaolou.
His action struck Feng Ziyong dumb.
Feng Zishan’s reason for doing so was clear. Since Senior Shu could force their state preceptor to beg for his forgiveness, how could he possibly be ordinary? Then, Feng Zishan recalled something. He had once heard that Heavenly Spiral Academy had too profound a background that even the nation’s royalty couldn’t influence them. There was also a legendary figure inside this academy, and rumor had it that all masters of the Beast Appraisal Pavilion were his students.
At first, Feng Zishan thought it was merely a legend. Turns out this legend was very much true, and it was playing out before his eyes.
Only with this, could they explain State Preceptor’s odd behavior.
Hence, his bowing shouldn’t be unreasonable.
Thinking further ahead, if he could befriend this legendary figure, the benefits would surely be greater than having State Preceptor’s support.
Meanwhile, Lin Jin was standing behind Shu Xiaoluo. When he saw the person in front bowing low, he figured that must be one of the princes.
He could tell from his outfit and temperament.
“Greetings, Senior Shu. My name is Feng Zishan. It’s such an honor to be able to witness your presence up close.”
Many people noticed Feng Zishan’s actions. Some were confused while others gave him a mental thumbs up. In comparison to him, the first prince, Feng Ziyong was much slower to catch onto things. Even now, he was still wondering who this old man was and wanted to clarify with State Preceptor.
In response to Feng Zishan’s greeting, Shu Xiaolou only nodded slightly. Then, she turned to Lin Jin, trying to ask if she should just head inside or wait here.
Lin Jin didn’t know either. Thankfully, Feng Ziqian finally snapped out of his reverie. Although he didn’t understand the specifics of what happened, this old man must have been invited by Appraiser Lin.
Knowing that would be enough.
Thus, Feng Ziqian hurried forward to invite Lin Jin and Shu Xiaolou into the great hall.
Behind them, Feng Ziyong and Feng Zishan began whispering to their appointed Rank 4 appraisers about Senior Shu.
When everyone was inside, Feng Zishan donned a passionate expression. From time to time, he would peer in Shu Xiaolou’s way with kindness in his eyes.
Feng Ziyong looked conflicted instead.
His greatest support had been the state preceptor, and yet, this state preceptor was chased back by Senior Shu before he could even be here. Logically speaking, that old man should be his enemy, but Feng Ziyong wasn’t an idiot.
His only option was to befriend the old man, not go against him.
He now understood why his second brother had bowed at Senior Shu.
Not all men thought the same way.
By now, Feng Ziqian had also learned from his confidante about what happened earlier. He was most ecstatic now. He wanted to ask Lin Jin for more details and there was also another question bugging him.
The Senior Shu he previously met at Lin Jin’s Peach Blossom House didn’t look like this. Could there be two Senior Shus?
He wanted to ask, but Lin Jin wasn’t in a position to explain so he waved his hand in advance. “Don’t ask me how, as I don’t know how to explain either. Let’s deal with serious business first.”
Serious business would be settling this banquet.
Feng Ziqian understood their priorities so he nodded. Still, the response he received from Lin Jin further intensified his curiosity.
After taking his seat, Shu Xiaolou didn’t move a muscle. No one dared to disturb him either. However, Lin Jin who best understood Shu Xiaolou’s character knew she was doing this on purpose.
Then, Lin Jin leaned over and whispered, “Thanks for just now.”
Lin Jin was referring to Shu Xiaolou reproaching the state preceptor for trying to give Lin Jin a hard time earlier. Shu Xiaolou opened her eyes and whispered back, “It’s nothing.”
Just then, a messenger entered to announce the arrival of Thousand Island Country’s diplomatic corps.
“Everyone, let’s receive them outside together.”
Feng Ziyong had to set an example as the eldest prince. So after saying that, he got up and went outside.
The others got up and followed after him too, as did Feng Zishan and Feng Ziqian.
The other Rank 4 appraisers followed suit. Only Shu Xiaolou stayed put without moving. However, with her identity, no one dared to say anything.
Appraiser Yan seized this opportunity to whisper to Lin Jin, “Appraiser Lin, you’re so unsporting.”
Lin Jin knew he would say that so he feigned ignorance, “Appraiser Yan, what do you mean?”
“Still keeping up with that act?” Appraiser Yan felt anger bubbling inside. “Yesterday, when Mr. Zhong and I went looking for you, it was Senior Shu who stopped us. Back then, I already suspected that you were acquainted with Senior Shu. Today, I realized that you’re not just mere acquaintances with Senior Shu. He had only reprimanded State Preceptor because he was going against you. It’s so obvious that you two are pretty close friends!”
Aware that Appraiser Yan was a veteran Rank 4 appraiser, this detail couldn’t possibly have escaped his keen observation.
“I only met him fairly recently too,” Lin Jin said honestly.
Appraiser Yan chuckled and said directly, “Introduce us to him.”
“Sure,” Lin Jin answered easily.
Then, Appraiser Yan paused before adding in a low voice, “Right, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about Appraiser Yang Ming. Strictly speaking, Appraiser Yang Ming isn’t a bad person so I think there must be a misunderstanding in all of this.”
Appraiser Yan had brought up the incident of Lin Jin being attacked.
Although no conclusion had been made, the entire academy now knew about it. The most plausible explanation was that Appraiser Yang’s envy had evolved into resentment, which fuelled the attack against Appraiser Lin. After the plan backfired, he simply escaped and was now missing in action.
Lin Jin nodded. “You’re right, Appraiser Yan. I think there must be a misunderstanding too.”
