Lin Xiao sighed softly and stood up, respectfully bowing to Zhao Yunzhong:
"I have learned much today."
Whether the previous king truly died from absorbing the royal seal, as Zhao Yunzhong claimed, was no longer important. What mattered now was that Zhao Yunzhong had successfully conveyed everything he wanted Lin Xiao to know.
Thus, the situation changed from Lin Xiao only grasping a small part of the Zhao royal family's secret regarding the royal seal to now being forced to understand some of the secrets behind the royal seals of various nations.
Zhao Yunzhong had shifted from a position where his secrets were held by others to one where he held Lin Xiao in his grasp.
However, the secret Zhao Yunzhong now held over Lin Xiao was indeed state-level classified information, something not easily used in exchange for a single individual.
In this way, the two men became like grasshoppers on the same string, bound together.
No matter what kind of person Lin Xiao was, it was now impossible for him to easily reveal these secrets.
Zhao Yunzhong smiled and nodded in response:
"Daoist Lin, you are a man of integrity and righteousness. I feel as though we've been lifelong friends upon first meeting. In the future, we must keep in frequent contact."
Lin Xiao smiled as he rose:
"Of course. I also feel a strong connection with you, Lord Zhao. I hope that my future visits won't become a burden."
A relationship built on mutual restraint is the most stable.
This could also serve as a proper foundation for future diplomatic relations between the Lingxian Sect and the Huanyou Kingdom.
However, at this moment, Lin Xiao did not bring up the matter of establishing diplomatic ties.
First, after the recent exchange, it was clear that he had fallen behind in the situation, and it would not be easy to regain the upper hand. Now was not the right time to negotiate.
Second, Zhao Yunzhong was currently in a downtrodden position. Friendly cooperation should be discussed when both parties are on equal footing. To discuss such matters when the other party is struggling would seem opportunistic, and it wouldn't benefit future cooperation.
However, Lin Xiao did not take his leave just yet.
Instead, he sat back down properly, his eyes shining as he eagerly asked Zhao Yunzhong:
"So, Lord Zhao, could you tell me how your Zhao family lost the royal seal several centuries ago, and how the dynasty changed?"
Seeing Lin Xiao's eager expression waiting for an answer, Zhao Yunzhong felt a bit stifled.
This Daoist Lin, how could he be so perceptive one moment, and then…
In the end, unable to withstand Lin Xiao's thick-skinned persistence, Zhao Yunzhong recounted the humiliating event in the history of the Zhao royal family from the Huanyou Kingdom.
Lin Xiao carefully recorded every word, even noting down the details about the royal seal, the previous king, ancient teachings, and bloodlines.
When one already has many secrets, a few more don't make a difference. Since he had already been taught a lesson, Lin Xiao naturally wanted to enrich his records as much as possible.
After a long time, seeing that Lin Xiao still looked eager to continue questioning him, Zhao Yunzhong quickly clutched his chest and began coughing.
"Oh… oh…"
He put on the appearance of an internal injury flaring up.
Only then did Lin Xiao reluctantly lift the soundproof barrier and call in the Qinglian Sect disciples who had been waiting outside.
While the disciples of the Qinglian Sect served him medicine, Zhao Yunzhong gestured to Lin Xiao, who stood nearby:
"Ah… Daoist Lin, take your time leaving."
Lin Xiao: ...
"Alright then, I'll be going. Lord Zhao, please take care and rest well. We'll meet again when you have the time."
And just like that, Lin Xiao was indirectly sent away by Zhao Yunzhong.
As fate would have it, just as Lin Xiao stepped out, he ran into someone. This person was dressed in a light purple gown, with a tassel jade pendant hanging from their waist, their hair adorned with jade hairpins and ringing bells.
Her beauty was stunning, but there was a hint of melancholy between her brows, making her look fragile and pitiful. Who else could it be but Shen Yingzi?
Shen Yingzi happened to lift her head and saw Lin Xiao.
"Brother Lin Xiao!"
Upon seeing Lin Xiao, her eyes lit up, and she immediately ran over with a lively and charming demeanor, entirely in the manner of a young girl.
"Earlier, with so many people around, I didn't have the chance to thank you properly." As she spoke, she bowed deeply to Lin Xiao. "Thank you, Brother Lin Xiao, for your timely intervention. My father was only saved because of your help. This great kindness, I have no way to repay. Please accept my bow!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she knelt down to bow deeply to Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao hurriedly helped her up.
"Brother Shen, there's no need for this. I only did what little I could. Please, rise quickly."
After helping Shen Yingzi to her feet, Lin Xiao asked her:
"How is your father's health now?"
Speaking of this, Shen Yingzi's previously bright expression dimmed slightly. She lowered her head and spoke with some difficulty:
"My father's health is fine, but his cultivation… Aunt Jiang said that at most, they can preserve his Golden Core from shattering, but compared to others in the Golden Core stage, his strength is far inferior."
"And going forward, his cultivation will become even more difficult…"
As she spoke, her voice grew low and filled with guilt as she whispered:
"It's all my fault… If it weren't for me, my father wouldn't have ended up like this…"
"Hey, Brother Shen, you're taking this too hard." Lin Xiao patted her shoulder.
Shen Yingzi looked at him in confusion.
Lin Xiao sighed helplessly:
"If your father hadn't bought you time, you and those other girls would have already become sacrifices in that National Master's formation. The fact that you are alive now is the best outcome your father could have hoped for in exchange for his cultivation."
"If you feel guilty and sad, then think about how you can repay your father's sacrifice, rather than dwelling on these negative thoughts alone."
Shen Yingzi looked at Lin Xiao, somewhat dazed.
"But I don't know how I can repay my father…"
"Then put more thought into it. Just don't waste your time on these self-indulgent emotions."
Hearing this, Shen Yingzi seemed lost in thought, staring off into the distance, pondering something.
The two of them stood in silence near the camp for a while.
After waiting for a bit and seeing no further response from her, Lin Xiao glanced at the sky, remembering the situation in Huyang Village and thinking about Tuantuan. Unable to hold back, he spoke:
"Well… you should probably head back to your tent to think. I'll…" Just leave now.
However, before he could finish his sentence, Shen Yingzi suddenly lifted her head, her eyes shining with a glimmer of hope as she asked:
"Although my father never said it explicitly, I can feel that he wants me to cultivate."
"Brother Lin Xiao, do you think I should cultivate? If I work hard, even though I'm not very talented, my father always says that effort can make a difference!"
"If I can successfully embark on the path of cultivation, I might be able to find a way to restore my father's strength! That way, he won't have to walk the long and lonely road ahead all by himself… He would have me by his side…"
Hearing this, Lin Xiao glanced at Shen Yingzi.
The sky had grown darker, but in Shen Yingzi's eyes, Lin Xiao saw the glimmer of starlight.
"Brother Shen, our sect is currently in need of a musician. I've noticed your talent in music is quite remarkable. If you're willing, you could try your luck at the Lingxian Sect in Pusi Kingdom. Perhaps there, you might find a different path."
"Of course, if your father is willing, he's welcome to come along as well."