Gou cultivates martial arts and seeks immortality in the world of cultivation.

Chapter 112 Prince Jing's True Purpose

Upon hearing this, Lu Lin raised an eyebrow slightly.

This was somewhat beyond his expectation.

"In the Yan Kingdom, the five major sects are high and mighty. My Murong family, though nominally royalty, is nothing more than a puppet they support, utterly powerless. Even our life and death are at their mercy!" Murong Cheng gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with anger and deep resentment. "That Lin Donghai comes from the Demonic Sect, inherently ruthless and wicked, and also a lecherous man. Any woman he sets his sights on has only one fate—to be forcibly abducted and tortured to death! My sister… was killed by that demon…"

At this point, Murong Cheng gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and the veins on the back of his hands stood out, clearly indicating that he was enduring immense pain and humiliation.

"Such a deep-seated blood feud! Now that this demon is celebrating his 300th birthday, my father actually wants to prepare lavish gifts and take me along to celebrate with him! Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"

In the end, Murong Cheng almost roared out in a suppressed voice.

Lu Lin remained silent.

The situation of the Murong royal family was even worse than he had imagined.

This Prince Jing was able to suppress the hatred of killing his daughter and go to celebrate the birthday of his enemy. Such forbearance is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.

"Young Prince, Your Highness... Your Highness had no choice but to do this. If you offend Lin Donghai, the entire Prince's Mansion will face annihilation..." The fat man beside him couldn't help but speak up to comfort him.

"Rather than live such a pathetic life, I might as well die!" Murong Cheng's anger had not subsided.

Seeing this, the fat man had no choice but to keep quiet.

He knew that Murong Cheng was angry at the moment and wouldn't listen to anything he said, so he could only wait for him to calm down.

Lu Lin gained a deeper understanding of the domineering nature of the cultivation sects in this world.

If even the imperial family is in such a state, one can only imagine the plight of ordinary people.

If the Yan state was like this, other states were probably much the same. Even the Xia Dynasty, the strongest state in Cangnan, could not escape this pattern in essence.

In this world, at its core, every mortal is like a "resource" cultivated by immortal cultivation sects.

Unless one possesses spiritual roots, there is only a sliver of a chance to break free of shackles and transform from "material" into a person who uses "material".

The stronger an ordinary martial artist is, the more they often feel that omnipresent, suffocating sense of oppression.

"Young Prince, come and practice martial arts. Focusing on martial arts may help you temporarily forget your troubles," Lu Lin said at the right moment, changing the subject.

"Okay!" Murong Cheng took a deep breath and nodded emphatically.

Three days later, it will be Lin Donghai's 300th birthday.

Murong Cheng ultimately obeyed Prince Jing's arrangement and went with him to Lin Donghai's residence to offer birthday greetings.

He also specially invited Lu Lin to accompany him.

Lu Lin did not refuse.

He also wanted to see this Demon Sect Master for himself.

Lin Donghai's mansion is ten times more luxurious and extravagant than Prince Jing's mansion.

Young and beautiful maids could be seen everywhere in the mansion, all of them outstanding in appearance, but most of them had empty and numb eyes.

Attendants led them to a magnificent hall.

The hall was already packed with guests.

Looking around, one sees nothing but imperial relatives, powerful officials, and representatives of local cultivation forces in Yanzhou.

Naturally, none of the other four major sects came.

Although the five major sects jointly established the Immortal Mansion to manage the mortal realm of Yan Kingdom, they were mortal rivals and naturally would not give Lin Donghai any face.

On the main seat in the main hall sat a tall, thin man who looked to be about fifty years old and had a sinister face.

He wore a black robe with demonic patterns, his black hair was loose, and there was a blood-red light flashing in his eyes when he opened and closed them, which made people's hearts tremble.

This person is none other than Lin Donghai!

"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment!" Lu Lin's heart skipped a beat.

Lin Donghai did not deliberately conceal his aura, so he could tell the other party's true cultivation level at a glance.

Prince Jing hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully presented his congratulatory gifts.

Lin Donghai merely glanced at him casually, then waved for Prince Jing to sit down to the side, his attitude rather cold.

"Your Majesty has arrived——"

Just then, an announcement rang out.

A man of about sixty years old, vigorous and energetic, dressed in a dragon robe, exuding an imposing presence, strode into the hall, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Congratulations on Lord Lin's three hundredth birthday! I am late, please forgive me!"

This man is none other than Murong Long, the current emperor of the Yan Kingdom.

Facing the emperor, Lin Donghai finally showed some courtesy, a smile appearing on his face: "Your Majesty, there's no need for such formalities, please sit down." As he spoke, he pointed to the empty seat to his right.

Murong Long didn't mind at all and sat down calmly to Lin Donghai's right.

To Lin Donghai's left sat a middle-aged man with an imposing aura, clearly also a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Everyone!"

Lin Donghai suddenly spoke, his gaze sweeping across the entire room.

The hall fell silent immediately.

"Since we are all gathered here today, and you are all pillars of the Yan Kingdom, I have something to announce." Lin Donghai's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "After this birthday banquet, I will go into seclusion to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. This seclusion will last for three to five years, or even several decades. During my seclusion, Junior Brother Zhang will temporarily assume the position of Lord of the Immortal Abode. From now on, you can seek his help for any matters you may have."

After saying that, he pointed to the Foundation Establishment cultivator on his left.

The man nodded slightly, indicating that he had met the crowd.

Is Lin the Demon Lord going into seclusion?
Everyone was initially delighted. This devil was finally going to leave for the time being.

But then it dawned on me that it was merely a matter of replacing one demon with another. Which of those from the Demonic Sect was someone to be trifled with?

Moreover, Lin Donghai was merely in seclusion, not dead.

"Lord Lin is about to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage? This is truly a cause for celebration! Once he succeeds, the Golden Core path will be just around the corner! It seems that there will soon be another Golden Core cultivator on the land of Yan!" Murong Long's spirits lifted, and he offered his congratulations repeatedly.

The others also realized what was happening, and soon a barrage of flattery filled the air, making Lin Donghai beam with joy.

"Hehe, it's just the later stage. How dare I hope to reach the Golden Core stage..." Lin Donghai said modestly, but he was extremely pleased. Even the terrifying aura that made people feel oppressed on his body was reduced a bit.

"However..." His tone suddenly changed, his gaze falling on a prince with gray hair, dressed in a dragon robe, sitting at the table. This was Prince Ning!

"I still need one person's help to break through this barrier..."

He paused, looked at Prince Ning, and slowly said, "Murong Ci, I have heard that your daughter, Murong Ling, possesses the rare 'Yin Kui Body,' which is incomparably nourishing and makes her a perfect match for me. Send her over tonight."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

"Wh...what?" Prince Ning's pupils contracted sharply, his body trembled violently as if he were a leaf, and he fell to his knees with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly: "Your Highness! Your Highness! Please have mercy and spare my daughter's life! She's only fourteen years old, still young and ignorant..."

"What? You're not willing?" Lin Donghai leaned forward slightly, his face instantly turning cold, bloodshot light flashing in his pupils, exuding a chilling aura.

"No, no! My lord, my daughter is still so young! Please have mercy and spare her this time! Whatever you want, I will do my best to satisfy you! If you want a beautiful woman, I will search the whole world to find her for you, I just beg you..." Prince Ning pleaded, tears streaming down his face.

"Shut up!" Lin Donghai snapped. "If I wanted a beautiful woman, couldn't I find one myself? Why would I need you to come all this way? One word: you agree or you don't?"

Prince Ning looked desperate and turned to Emperor Murong Long of Yan for help.

Prince Ning is Murong Long's younger brother, born of the same mother.

"Seventh Brother!" Murong Long's face was icy, his voice devoid of any emotion. "It's a blessing for the Manor Lord to take a liking to that girl Ling'er! Hurry up and thank the Manor Lord for his kindness!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning's body trembled violently, as if all his strength had been drained away, and he collapsed to the ground completely.

creak!

Murong Cheng clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, his chest heaving violently, and he was about to stand up abruptly. But a steady, powerful hand pressed down on his shoulder in time, forcefully pushing him back down.

It's Prince Jing!
Prince Jing shook his head slightly at him, his expression extremely solemn.

Murong Cheng's chest heaved rapidly, and veins throbbed on his forehead. In the end, he suppressed his overwhelming anger and humiliation and slowly sat back down.

This matter is now a done deal.

None of the guests in the hall dared to step forward and utter a single word.

After several rounds of drinks, everyone, with their own thoughts, took their leave.

"Outrageous! Outrageous...!"

On the way back to Prince Jing's residence, Murong Cheng could no longer contain himself and roared repeatedly, his anger almost bursting out of his chest.

Prince Jing remained silent with a gloomy face.

Lu Lin remained silent.

What could he say?
This is the rule of this world, cold and cruel.

He was merely a martial artist under the control of the Demonic Sect, insignificant and powerless, how could he possibly change anything?
Even if one feels compassion, one is powerless to help.

Moreover, he didn't want to get too involved in these royal family matters.

His primary purpose for this trip was to find an opportunity to learn the "Purple-Eyed Dragon Ape Blood Qi Technique".

……

Ten days have passed in the blink of an eye.

It was late at night.

Lu Lin's ears twitched slightly as he caught the sound of hurried footsteps.

From the sound of footsteps alone, he could tell that the person was Murong Cheng, and that the other party was hurrying towards the depths of the Prince's mansion.

Lu Lin flashed across the rooftop like a ghost and silently followed.

Soon, Murong Cheng hurriedly entered Prince Jing's bedroom.

The sleeping quarters were still guarded by experts.

However, Lu Lin used the "Sinking Abyss Concealing Spirit Technique," blending his aura into the surrounding environment. His body became like a withered tree, and he moved stealthily in the shadows, easily evading the eyes and ears of all the guards and sneaking into the bedchamber.

He hid on a tall roof beam and immediately heard the conversation coming from the bedroom below.

"Father, are we really going to make a move?" This was Murong Cheng's voice, carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement and tension.

"How can we not avenge Xiaomin?" Prince Jing's voice was deep and resolute. "That demon is about to go into seclusion to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. This is a golden opportunity! I have already pinpointed the exact location of his seclusion. I have endured until now for this day!"

"Father, I want to go with you!" Murong Cheng pleaded.

"No! You must stay and guard the palace." Prince Jing refused resolutely, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Rest assured, I have already made thorough preparations for this day and invited many experts to help. Killing him is a sure thing. You will stay in the palace and wait for my good news."

“But…” Murong Cheng wanted to argue.

"No buts! This matter is settled!" Prince Jing interrupted him, paused for a moment, and then solemnly instructed, "Remember, this matter is of utmost importance, and no one else must know about it! If word gets out, not only will my Prince Jing's mansion be in danger of destruction, but the entire Murong royal family will likely face annihilation!"

Hunting down a powerful cultivator from the Demonic Sect is a heinous crime worthy of the extermination of nine generations of one's family!

“…Yes! I understand.” Murong Cheng remained silent for a moment, but in the end, he could only compromise.

Footsteps sounded, and Murong Cheng left Prince Jing's bedroom with mixed feelings.

Not long after, Prince Jing left the Prince Jing's residence silently, accompanied by several powerful figures.

"Prince Jing... he's going to assassinate Lin Donghai!"

In the shadows, Lu Lin's eyes flickered, and he understood.

No wonder so many experts secretly sneaked into Prince Jing's bedroom late at night a few days ago.

It turns out that Prince Jing had been secretly plotting this matter since then.

"Should we follow them?"

After a moment's thought, Lu Lin decided not to follow.

If he were to directly follow Prince Jing, even if he were to rescue Prince Jing in danger, it would seem too deliberate.

To truly gain the other party's trust and obtain the "Purple-Eyed Dragon Ape Blood Qi Technique," the breakthrough still lies with Murong Cheng.

Ideally, Murong Cheng would take the initiative to lead him there, which would seem more natural.

With a firm resolve, Lu Lin swayed slightly, drifting down like a falling leaf, and then followed in the direction Murong Cheng had gone.

(End of this chapter)