Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 236: Recruitment
Translator: Lynn
Yun Lie dispelled the sword field, maintaining his indifferent expression. As Xu Ziqing approached, Yun Lie’s eyes softened slightly.
Relieved that his shixiong was unharmed, Xu Ziqing suggested, “Shixiong, you just used a powerful technique. Why not take an elixir to replenish your energy?”
Yun Lie nodded, accepted the elixir, and consumed it. His aura no longer stood out as it did before but returned to normal. Though still indifferent, the overwhelming sense of danger dissipated.
Understanding his shixiong’s unspoken message, Xu Ziqing recounted the recent events, leaving no detail unmentioned.
On the other side, when Yun Lie retracted the fourth-level sword field, the illusory sword field above Xi Lin’s head shattered instantly. The aura on his ice and snow long sword dimmed, indicating significant vitality loss. Thankfully, the withdrawal of the sword field prevented harm to Xi Lin.
Putting away his natal spirit sword, Xi Lin returned to the silver-clothed youth’s side.
Concerned, the silver-clothed youth inquired, “Are you seriously injured?”
Xi Lin shook his head, explaining, “The fourth stage is formidable. I suffered internal injuries, and my foundation was shaken.”
Frowning, the silver-clothed youth expressed concern. Xi Lin reassured him, saying, “Fortunately, my cultivation realm remains intact. With some quiet meditation, I’ll recover from these injuries.”
The silver-clothed youth raised an eyebrow, maintaining a solemn expression. “Can you discern this person’s origin?”
Xi Lin’s demeanor turned serious as he analyzed, “In his sword intent, the killing intent is pure, without any impurities. Initially, I believed someone from the Southern Ten Thousand Swords Immortal Sect could defeat me in swordsmanship. However, encountering him now dispels that notion. If I’m not mistaken...” After a pause, he continued, “This person is likely a newly-promoted Golden Core Stage cultivator on the Tianlong List. He quickly climbed to the fifth position upon entering the list. Killing Sword Yunlie is the core disciple head of the 382nd generation disciples in the Wuling Immortal Sect. The sword method he practices is the ‘Ruthless Killing Swordsmanship.’ The characteristics exhibited align with this description.” Visjt novelbin(.)com for new updates
In a few sentences, Yun Lie’s background was elucidated.
The silver-clothed young man raised his eyebrows, remarking, “Oh? I recall the thirty-first brother being on that list.”
The Tianlong List comprised individuals who achieved golden cores before turning a hundred. The thirty-first brother had abundant resources and royal responsibilities, making condensing the golden core within a century challenging.
Unless the individual on the Tianlong list has achieved something remarkable or possesses considerable potential, they might not be easily remembered. Hearing Xi Lin talk extensively about Yun Lie and witnessing his recent actions, the silver-clothed youth became intrigued.
Seeing the host’s kindness, Xu Ziqing expressed his gratitude repeatedly, engaging in a lengthy conversation.
Eventually, the silver-clothed youth said, “I’ve been talking for a while now but forgot to introduce myself. My name is Xuanze, the twelfth son of Emperor Yan.” He gestured to the left, continuing, “These few are my disciples, having been with me for years, no different from real brothers.”
Xu Ziqing was momentarily surprised but composed himself upon reflection.
The silver-clothed youth had been distinctive since his arrival, and his residence in the city hinted at an extraordinary background. Learning that he was the twelfth prince of the Dayan Empire didn’t astonish Xu Ziqing much; it merely seemed fitting. However, there had to be a reason why the twelfth prince was showing such courtesy to them.
Xu Ziqing’s thoughts raced, and though he had contemplated various possibilities, his expression betrayed a hint of surprise as he clasped his hands and said, “So the senior’s status is quite distinguished. I apologize for any rudeness on my part.”
Xuanze responded with a generous smile, “Brother Xu, not being from the Western Regions, my identity holds no weight right now. I neglected to mention it earlier, so it would be unfair to consider you rude.”
The two exchanged pleasantries courteously.
Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but sigh inwardly as he navigated the interactions with the prince. While dealing with royalty, he felt a sense of internal helplessness. Uncertain about when the prince would finally get to the point and reveal his true purpose, Xu Ziqing remained patient.
During his conversation with Xu Ziqing, Xuanze began to realize that the younger man was still quite inexperienced.
Despite his straightforward temperament, Xu Ziqing was principled and not given to capricious or malicious behavior.
With over two hundred years of experience dealing with people, Xuanze grasped Xu Ziqing’s background and perceived Yun Lie’s temperament. He decided to abandon the circumlocution and directly stated his purpose: “I, Xuanze, hold the title of Tiancheng King in the Dayan Empire. I aim to advance further and gain more court benefits, requiring assistance from many reliable individuals. Witnessing the potential of Fellow Daoist Yun, I admire it greatly. I wish to invite both of you to be guests at my palace. May I know if you are willing?”
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing was taken aback.
Was he being recruited? Xu Ziqing couldn’t fathom that the Tiancheng King truly held affection for him. It seemed more plausible that the king sought his shixiong’s strength and brought him along. However, with his shixiong’s elevated status in the Wuling Immortal Sect, enjoying abundant resources, why would he consider joining a prince from the Western Regions? Tiancheng King’s aspirations appeared overly optimistic.
Recognizing that Tiancheng King Xuanze wasn’t one to speak frivolously, he clarified, “I don’t intend for Fellow Daoist Yun to serve me for a lifetime. I’m inviting both of you to stay at my palace for a while. The term ‘door guest’ is merely a formality, and my invitation is to ensure a bit more certainty when seizing the secret treasure.”
...Secret treasure?
Indeed, it must be the recently discovered Tianlan secret treasure, a topic known to cultivators with some influence.
Continuing his discourse, Xuanze inquired, “Have you two heard of... sword-shaped wood?” This time, his gaze was fixed on Yun Lie.
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