When it came to the Daye Dynasty, Jiang Zhengqing was indeed deeply worried.
No matter what the Flowing Cloud Sect or the Shangqing Temple were planning, they were, in the end, just regional powers. What they could accomplish was quite limited. And with their resources, it was completely impossible for them to monitor Lin Yun's every move. Shaking them off was merely a matter of tactics.
But the Daye Dynasty was different. The Daye Dynasty ruled over the entire cultivation world. The intelligence and information they could command were unimaginable. Not to mention, over the years, the Dynasty had secretly established its own intelligence networks in various regions, all for the purpose of monitoring the development of the entire cultivation world.
Although they usually preferred not to interfere in the affairs of the cultivation world, allowing the various sects to manage their own disciples, this did not mean they would allow the cultivation world to develop without any oversight.
"So what if those things happened before? In the end, there is reason and evidence on our side. I believe the Daye Dynasty must have some wise people among them," Lin Yun argued. "Not everyone will be as unreasonable and ignorant of justice as Prince Zuo Cheng."
At the mention of Prince Zuo Cheng, Lin Yun's anger flared. If it weren't for that man's interference back then, so many absurd things would not have happened. Lin Yun naturally had no favorable impression of him now.
"What you say is, of course, correct," Jiang Zhengqing conceded. "But we also have to admit that with Prince Zuo Cheng's power, he holds considerable influence even within the entire Daye Dynasty."
Just as Lin Yun and Jiang Zhengqing were in the middle of their discussion, a man's voice echoed from outside.
"Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect, Jiang Zhengqing, receive the Imperial Decree."
Jiang Zhengqing looked out of the great hall with some surprise. In this world, the only one who could come directly to the Beast Taming Sect to deliver a decree was that supreme figure, high above all others. Jiang Zhengqing had never imagined that he would personally send a message here.
At this thought, Jiang Zhengqing's mood immediately became tense. Although he didn't know what His Majesty the Emperor intended to do, he figured it was most likely related to Lin Yun.
He glanced at Lin Yun and said in a low voice, "The people from the Daye Dynasty are here. But no matter what, you cannot go with them this time."
Prince Zuo Cheng's enmity towards Lin Yun had not dissipated in the slightest. If Lin Yun were to go to the Daye Dynasty at this time, it would be impossible for him to leave alive. With Prince Zuo Cheng's methods, he would absolutely ensure Lin Yun was buried in that vortex of intrigue.
Jiang Zhengqing was prepared to bear the pressure and let Lin Yun escape.
But Lin Yun knew that if the Beast Taming Sect were to do that, they would be setting themselves against the entire Daye Dynasty. Before, their conflict was only with Prince Zuo Cheng. But if this escalated to involve the entire cultivation world, it would be a massive problem.
"Sect Master, rest assured. I am quite confident this time," Lin Yun said. "No matter what the Daye Dynasty wants, I just need to follow their arrangements. And I believe His Majesty the Emperor will not be so quick to act against me."
As he spoke, he naturally glanced at his own panel.
[Name]: Lin Yun
[Realm]: Spirit Cauldron Realm - Stage 1
[Destiny Template]: Sword Master (Purple)
[Attributes]: Immaculate Sword Physique (Purple), Asura (Purple), Pure Sword Heart (Blue) [Fate]: Travels to the Purple Bamboo Forest in the Southern Frontier to find the second volume of the Azure Origin Sword Style, but is ambushed and tragically killed by Prince Zuo Cheng's men along the way!
[Recent Turning Point]: Is summoned by His Majesty of the Daye Dynasty to the capital city, Wangjing.
There wasn't much change on the panel, which also indicated that Lin Yun would indeed go to the Daye Dynasty for an audience with the Emperor. But his ultimate fate had not changed because of it. This meant that the journey itself should be relatively safe, or at the very least, he would be able to turn peril into safety. With this, Lin Yun no longer had to worry as much as before.
Jiang Zhengqing was still filled with anxiety. He knew he was powerless to stop this now. If he forcefully concealed this matter, he feared the entire Beast Taming Sect would be dragged into enormous trouble. As the master of a sect, he truly could not make such a decision. But his fondness for Lin Yun also made him unhappy.
Just then, the man's voice came from outside again. "Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect. His Majesty the Emperor's sacred decree has arrived. Do you still not intend to come out and receive it?"
Hearing the voice, Jiang Zhengqing finally walked out of the great hall with Lin Yun. In the air, a man in magnificent robes looked down at them coldly.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims…"
Just as Jiang Zhengqing had thought, the content of the decree was very simple. It specifically requested a meeting with Lin Yun by name. For this renowned Emperor to suddenly want to meet with Lin Yun, his purpose was easy to imagine.
But right now, Lin Yun was given no choice in the matter. Either he obediently met with the Emperor, or he would likely be dragged into even greater trouble. Under these circumstances, Lin Yun could only accept with a smile.
The man responsible for reading the decree nodded with satisfaction. He beckoned with his hand, and a horse-drawn carriage appeared in their line of sight. Pulling the carriage were several Sky-Soaring Realm exotic beasts.
"Lin Yun, since you have already agreed to His Majesty's summons, then you shall accompany me."
Lin Yun was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected them to come with such momentum. He had originally planned to wait for some time, but he never thought the Emperor would have already arranged for his travel.
"As expected of His Majesty the Emperor. Truly considerate," Lin Yun remarked with a smile. He was genuinely surprised by the Emperor's thoroughness.
"Lin Yun," the messenger said, "His Majesty has heard of your great achievements this time, which is why he wishes to meet with you. You shouldn't delay. Hurry up and come with me."
Lin Yun had originally planned to meet with his friends in the Beast Taming Sect before leaving, but now, he could only obey. He bid farewell to Jiang Zhengqing and boarded the carriage.
Just as the man was about to depart, Jiang Zhengqing stepped forward and asked, "Your Excellency, I wonder, for what reason has His Majesty summoned Lin Yun this time?"
As he spoke, Jiang Zhengqing slipped a ring into the man's hand.
The man glanced at the ring, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. His attitude immediately became much more courteous.
"Oh my, Sect Master Jiang, what are you doing? You're asking me to make a mistake, aren't you?" he said, even as he pocketed the ring.
"I do not know what His Majesty intends to do," he said, his voice now lower. "Actually, the Imperial Palace has been in a state of turmoil recently. Many are spreading rumors that Prince Zuo Cheng is planning a rebellion."