Night.
Lin Xiao glanced at the disciples of Wushuang Sect, who were drinking and laughing merrily. The corner of his lips twitched slightly.
He suddenly wondered. Could it be that the reason he always suffered setbacks in Yun Jin's hands was simply because… he was not as shameless as Yun Jin?
Forget it, just a bit of wine. No need to fuss!
Lin Xiao took a deep breath, forcing a smile at the corner of his lips. He turned his head to look at Di Xiao: "Senior Di, Yun Jin's temperament has always been arrogant and flamboyant. It must not have been easy for you to endure so much while traveling with her?"
Di Xiao's gaze shifted slightly.
He gave Lin Xiao a cool glance and replied calmly: "It was fine."
Lin Xiao sighed, then spoke with a seemingly sincere, heartfelt tone: "Senior, you need not hide things in front of me. Everyone under heaven knows that Yun Jin and I are at odds. Because of that, Ji Wusi and the others all bear strong resentment toward me, but I have no regrets! Yun Jin is indeed a rare genius, but with her wild and ostentatious nature, she will surely bring catastrophic disaster upon the Human race one day."
Di Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Pavilion Master Lin is truly well-intentioned. But your Human matters, why tell them to me?"
Lin Xiao sighed again: "I have heard everything. I never imagined Yun Jin would be so insolent, daring to contract Senior's younger sister! With your esteemed identity, is her action not tantamount to publicly humiliating you? I only wish for you to understand, this was Yun Jin's personal doing and has nothing to do with the Human race."
Di Xiao slanted him a look.
They always said Humans were full of schemes. Now it seemed… it was completely true.
So, Lin Xiao was trying to sow discord?
Interesting. Truly interesting.
The corner of Di Xiao's lips curved into a faint smile: "Pavilion Master Lin, why say such things? Yun Jin exposed the Demon race's plot and saved the young Tongtian Hou. My Spirit Beast race has nothing but gratitude toward her."
Lin Xiao's eyes narrowed.
This Di Xiao was no fool. Even after his words had been laid bare, he refused to take the bait. Nothing but gratitude toward Yun Jin? What a lie fit only to fool ghosts!
Judging others by himself, Lin Xiao absolutely did not believe Di Xiao would let Yun Jin grow unchecked. He smiled lightly. Though a small soundproof barrier was already set up around them, he instinctively lowered his voice further.
"Senior Di. All you need to know is that I am different from Ji Wusi and the others. If you ever wish to take action, perhaps I can be of assistance." From hints, he shifted into open invitation.
Di Xiao gave him a strange look and said evenly: "I don't understand what Pavilion Master Lin means. But there is one matter that troubles me. The Xuan Yin Crystal and Tian Zhao Stone are indeed in my possession. How did Pavilion Master Lin come to know of this?"
Di Xiao's gaze bore down on him, studying his expression.
Lin Xiao explained smoothly, as if prepared: "The Xuan Yin Crystal and Tian Zhao Stone are not of this realm, but descended from the outer-realm by chance. Thus, few living beings here know of them. The first Sect Master of Qingxiao Pavilion, however, gained certain opportunities, and learned of some outer-realm treasures.
He once sensed the aura of these two rare objects in the Spirit Beast Forest, and recorded his findings. I could not be sure whether they were truly in Senior's possession, but since Senior is the foremost of Spirit Beasts, it was only natural to inquire with you first."
After giving this excuse, Lin Xiao feigned puzzlement: "Why? Do these two stones hold some problem?"
Di Xiao gave him a meaningful look: "Since you and Yun Jin do not get along, why were you so kind as to direct her toward these stones?"
Lin Xiao sighed again, his face showing great grievance: "Indeed, I dislike Yun Jin. But Ji Wusi and the others treat her like some priceless treasure. When she disrespected me before, I merely offered a slight reprimand, yet Ji Wusi immediately threatened me as though we were enemies to the death. Senior must forgive me, but even as a Master of a Holy Land, I can do nothing against her.
When Yun Jin listed the items she wanted, she specifically named those two stones. My expression must have shifted, and she noticed. She pressed me relentlessly, so I had no choice but to speak honestly. Had I refused, Ji Wusi would have sent more vicious threats my way." As he spoke, Lin Xiao let out one sigh after another, looking just like a bullied little concubine.
Di Xiao raised an eyebrow: "So… you and Yun Jin truly cannot get along?"
Lin Xiao grew even more direct: "She repeatedly challenges my authority. How could I possibly live in harmony with her? To speak plainly, if someone could make Yun Jin vanish completely, not only would I welcome it, I would give my utmost support."
Di Xiao's eyes flickered.
This Lin Xiao's words had grown even bolder. Was this not a direct invitation for him to join hands against Yun Jin?
"My younger sister was contracted by Yun Jin," Di Xiao said slowly.
"A mere equal contract," Lin Xiao lowered his voice further. "Under such a contract, if the master dies, the spirit beast will suffer serious injuries, but life is rarely endangered. With some of the spirit medicines I have, after a few hundred years of recuperation, Di Ying will fully recover."
Di Xiao narrowed his eyes, concealing the cold gleam deep within them.
A mere equal contract?
Just serious injuries?
What did this Lin Xiao take his sister for? And what did he take him for?
He had already publicly declared that Yun Jin would be safe for five years, yet some people refused to believe it.
Very well then. He would make them believe.
As a chill aura began radiating from Di Xiao and he was about to speak—
Suddenly.
Boom!
A surge of spiritual power blasted forth.
The soundproof barrier surrounding them shattered instantly.
Yun Jin strolled in, fists swinging playfully as she smiled: "Pavilion Master Lin, why are you whispering here with Senior Di instead of drinking wine with the rest of us?"
Lin Xiao shot her a glance. He had just been fretting over how to make Di Xiao trust him, and then Yun Jin appeared in her usual domineering fashion.
He immediately donned a look of forbearance and grievance: "Sect Master Yun, we were merely exchanging a few words. There is no need for such violence. Does Sect Master Yun have some business with us?"
Yun Jin smiled sweetly: "Nothing much. We've drunk enough. It's time for us to return."
Lin Xiao nodded: "Very well. I have also arranged accommodations for Senior Di, then—"
"No need. Senior Di will be my guest," Yun Jin cut him off directly.
Lin Xiao glanced at Di Xiao.
Di Xiao lowered his gaze, not saying a word.
Lin Xiao could only say: "Then I must trouble Sect Master Yun."
Yun Jin nodded: "Senior Di, let's go."
Di Xiao shot her a faintly irritated glance. Was that tone of hers trying to order him?
Still, with some annoyance, he rose to his feet.
After Yun Jin and her people left.
Lin Xiao remained where he was, a dark gleam flashing in his eyes, a sinister smile curling on his lips.
Yun Jin was clearly guarded against Di Xiao. But she had no idea about the two stones. In her mind, Di Xiao had no reason to kill her.
Di Xiao would definitely make a move against Yun Jin. And this truth, for now, was known only to him. Though Di Xiao had not given a clear answer during their talk, Lin Xiao believed without doubt that very soon… Di Xiao would come find him.
"Yun Jin, oh Yun Jin.
I truly want to see the look on your face when Di Xiao suddenly strikes!"