"Your Imperial Majesty is even bolder than I imagined," Lin Yun said with a smile, and he wasn't joking. "Anyone else would not dare to be alone with me at this time."
Although others might possess great strength, they also knew the price of being alone with Lin Yun, especially at such a close distance. If he wanted to kill them, it would be almost too easy.
Chen Suning just smiled serenely. "Are you saying you intend to kill Us? You should know that in the current situation, to you, We are more like a life-saving rope."
As expected, this Empress possessed her own methods and courage. Faced with Lin Yun's words, she showed not a trace of fear, instead retorting with a smile.
Lin Yun had become the enemy of most powerful factions in the Daye Dynasty. At the same time, by association, the Beast Taming Sect had also offended Prince Zuo Cheng. While this situation seemed stable for now, one day, when the Beast Taming Sect ran into trouble, these people would surely kick them while they were down.
It was precisely because Chen Suning had seen through this that she had invited Lin Yun here. She wanted to use this as a way to cooperate with him, to make this man willingly become a sword in her hand. Chen Suning believed that Lin Yun had the ability, and the qualification, to be that sword.
"Your Majesty is correct. My current situation is indeed very awkward," Lin Yun admitted. "However, I do not believe that eliminating Prince Zuo Cheng with my own power would be a problem."
Hmph. You want me to work for you? Lin Yun sneered inwardly. Although he was surprised by the Empress's identity, he would not be so easily drawn into such troublesome affairs. Not to mention that these matters had nothing to do with him in the first place, and even if they did, so what? How could he so easily trust an emperor?
Sure enough, after Lin Yun said this, Chen Suning's expression turned a little grim.
"Indeed. In such a short time, your strength and cultivation have improved far too quickly. This time, Prince Zuo Cheng arranged for so many people to try and kill you, yet he still failed in the end. From this point alone, your capabilities are clear."
Chen Suning stood up and slowly walked toward Lin Yun. "Is it because you see that We are young that you are unwilling to cooperate?"
Lin Yun shook his head. "The conflict between Your Majesty and Prince Zuo Cheng has nothing to do with me. If I were to rashly interfere in this matter, it would be tantamount to asking for trouble. I have always been a person who dislikes trouble. If others provoke me, I will naturally not let them go. But I will not go out of my way to bother others either."
Chen Suning stared intently into Lin Yun's eyes. After a moment, she laughed aloud. "How interesting. Lin Yun, you actually know in your heart why We have summoned you here, don't you? And you also know that you have no choice but to agree."
She spoke with absolute certainty. She knew the reason Lin Yun was refusing her again and again was simply because the benefits she had offered so far were not enough.
"Rest assured. As long as you help Us accomplish three things, We can grant you one request."
Lin Yun was originally going to refuse. After all, this didn't seem like anything special to him. But then, he subconsciously glanced at his own panel and his eyes immediately widened.
[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]: Discovers a Grotto-Heaven within the Imperial Palace of the Daye Dynasty, but having no way to enter, can only stare helplessly.
He had never expected there to be a hidden land of treasure within the Imperial Palace. Looking at Chen Suning's serious expression, Lin Yun began to wonder if he should ask for it as his price. To advance from his current realm would likely be a very slow process. This didn't mean he would give up, but with powerful enemies surrounding him, he had to increase his strength much faster. Therefore, no matter the cost, it would be worth it to him.
At this thought, Lin Yun looked at Chen Suning and asked, "Is Your Majesty truly willing to agree to anything?"
Chen Suning was taken aback, not understanding why Lin Yun had suddenly changed his mind. "We are a person of Our word."
Hearing this answer, Lin Yun nodded with satisfaction. "Originally, I did not wish to get involved in this troublesome affair. But since Your Majesty has put it this way, if I, as your subject, were not to agree, it would be somewhat rebellious. Since that is the case, I will reluctantly agree to Your Majesty's request."
Hearing Lin Yun's reply, Chen Suning clenched her fists. Looking at his cheeky, smiling face, she had the urge to punch him squarely.
"We would like to hear what it is you want."
Lin Yun didn't hide it. "I know that within the Imperial Palace, there is a Grotto-Heaven that ordinary people have no way of entering. Your Majesty also knows that my current cultivation has reached a bottleneck. If I do not have the guidance of a great master, I fear it will take a great deal of time. I can, of course, help Your Majesty solve your problems. But Your Majesty must take me to that Grotto-Heaven."
Chen Suning's face changed, and she instantly took several steps back. "Lin Yun, you have some nerve!" she roared. "Do you have any idea that the place you wish to go is the Imperial Clan's Secret Realm!"
For so many years, the reason her Chen clan had been able to continue its bloodline was because of this very secret realm. Yet now, Lin Yun wanted to go inside and take a look. Wasn't this proof that the boy before her was plotting treason?
Seeing Chen Suning's furious expression, Lin Yun just waved his hand. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have no other meaning. I had only heard about this Grotto-Heaven; I did not know it was the Imperial Clan's Secret Realm. And I have no intention of usurping the throne. But if Your Majesty cannot agree to this, then I'm afraid I will be unable to help you deal with Prince Zuo Cheng."
After saying this, Lin Yun bowed once, then turned to leave.
Chen Suning watched his retreating back, a thousand thoughts flashing through her mind.
Should I agree, or not? That was, after all, her imperial clan's secret. If she let an outsider know of it, who knew what might happen? But her current situation was indeed awkward. Without Lin Yun's help, she feared she would be unable to move a single step.
For a moment, Chen Suning was caught in a dilemma.
Seeing that Lin Yun was about to leave, she finally shouted, "Very well! If the tasks are accomplished, We can agree to your request!"