Chapter 34 034 Mu Wuxian is nothing more than a control freak...
034
While others might not have noticed, Ling Qingshu couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine.
There are some things that outsiders don't know.
Everyone in this region has heard that Lin Xue'an has a beloved son, Lin Bing, who is exceptionally talented and also very handsome.
Many people have heard of it, but few have actually seen it.
Few people know the child's age or appearance.
Lin Bing in front of me is indeed the same as she was two years ago, and she looks the same age. Two years ago she looked like a ten-year-old child, and she still looks the same now.
Two years have passed, and the child seems to be frozen at the age of ten, which only intensifies his strange, pseudo-human quality.
A chill ran through Ling Qingshu's heart, and a coldness spread through her body.
However, since others had no such experience and could not empathize with Ling Qingshu, they did not think much of the strange words spoken by the father and son.
Upon careful consideration, it is probably simply that Lin Bing is not good at socializing and has an introverted personality, which is why his father asked him about his feelings in public.
That doesn't seem strange at all.
On the contrary, the opening of the Bixia Sect today was unexpected, with even the Suxin Sect coming to offer their congratulations.
After all, Lin Xuean was always aloof and didn't like to interact with people.
Jiang Bin smiled and went over to greet her, but Lin Xue'an remained indifferent and didn't seem particularly enthusiastic. Others had heard rumors that Jiang Bin and Lin Xue'an didn't get along.
Jiang Bin is a guest elder of the Tianchi Sect. He is nominally affiliated with the Tianchi Sect and has the support of the sect behind him.
Coincidentally, Lin Xue'an had previously held the title of Guest Elder of the Tianchi Sect, making them essentially from the same lineage as Jiang Bin. Since both factions shared the same backer, the Tianchi Sect would often intervene to mediate any conflicts that arose between them.
However, five years ago, Lin Xuean relinquished his title as a guest elder of the Tianchi Sect and climbed the social ladder to the Jiuyi Immortal Sect.
In comparison, although Jiang Bin was ruthless, Liuli Pavilion's development was ultimately inferior to that of Sexinmen.
From this perspective, Lin Xuean's vision is indeed more far-sighted.
Rumors circulated that Jiang Bin harbored jealousy, and Lin Xue'an was arrogant and haughty, and that they were quite at odds with each other.
There are rumors, but there is no overt conflict.
Moreover, Lin Xue'an only gave Jiang Bin a cold look today, which didn't seem like a confrontation.
Shen Zhiwei complained that Jiang Bin had changed his attitude again.
This fellow is very obedient in front of Xie Qingyu, but he is fierce and domineering towards Yaoguang Sect. He is aggressive towards Shen Zhiwei, but now he is acting familiar and friendly towards Lin Xuean, the leader of the number one sect in the second level of heaven.
I don't know where he learned this kind of behavior.
Of course, Jiang Binxue knew who Shen Zhiwei was, and his cheeks flushed slightly.
Lin Xue'an's arrival today was something no one had expected, and everyone secretly speculated about his purpose.
However, although Lin Xuean had a cold face, she did not seem to have any ill intentions.
He chatted casually with Shen Zhiwei: "I heard that Sect Leader Shen's daughter, Shen Xiaochun, is currently cultivating in Tianyuan Prefecture?"
As Lin Xuean had predicted, the woman with the child was definitely the most proud of her little girl.
Shen Zhi smiled, her smile usually somewhat formulaic, but now she was genuinely delighted: "It's because Xiao Chan is talented and capable that she was selected for Tianyuan Mansion. As her mother, I didn't really do anything."
She spoke modestly, but her eyes and brows betrayed her pride.
Lin Xue'an chuckled and then said, "Xiao Xiu has better talent, so there's really no need for him to go to Tianyuan Prefecture. Tianyuan Prefecture has a great reputation, but it also has many rules and teaches a lot of different things. You have to learn all sorts of bits and pieces of knowledge. What difference does it make whether you understand the Four Realms Immortal History or not?"
"With so many people watching, there are a lot of restrictions. How can a novice cultivator not suffer during his cultivation? Take Bing'er, for example. Although he has exceptional talent, I don't want him to go to Tianyuan Mansion. I'd rather teach him myself."
It's fortunate that Lin Xue'an said such a witty remark; if it were someone else, they would definitely think it was just sour grapes.
However, when Lin Xue'an said it this way, others felt it made some sense. Although the second heaven was also considered the lower realm, the Jiang family girl could be sent to Tianyuan Prefecture, so it wouldn't be difficult for Lin Bing to enroll.
Tianyuan Prefecture has many rules, but they can't control cultivators at the Immortal Realm. Rong Yuejun often gives Rong Xiao private lessons, and it's said that the cultivation methods are quite cruel and not in accordance with the rules. However, Tianyuan Prefecture turns a blind eye and doesn't really enforce them.
Lin Xuean was very confident, clearly believing that he was the best person to teach his son.
Lin Bing usually keeps to himself and is rarely seen, so his rare appearance today has piqued everyone's curiosity, drawing curious glances from all sides.
Many people were seeing Lin Bing for the first time. Although she was only ten years old, her childlike eyes held an indescribable indifference.
His pupils shone with a divine light that was awe-inspiring to behold, and judging from the earth-grade magic weapon he wielded, he was at least at the Jade Liquid Realm.
But he looks only ten years old!
No wonder Lin Xuean is so arrogant.
In the cultivation world, strength is paramount, so even if Lin Bing seems a bit eccentric, it doesn't seem to be a big problem.
Shen Zhiwei glanced at Lin Bing. This child was so aloof and beautiful. They said she had a bright future, but she looked like a little monster.
When Lin Xuean said this, Jiang Bin quickly echoed it, and everyone else followed suit.
Shen Zhiwei also chimed in with a couple of comments, and it's not shameful to follow the trend.
Unexpectedly, Lin Xue'an's gaze shifted slightly and landed on Shen Zhiwei. She slowly said, "Sect Leader Shen, Bing'er is quite lonely cultivating alone and needs to spar with others. I've heard that your Xiao Chan is exceptionally talented and lively. How about she keep my son company? If the two of you cultivate together, I certainly won't favor one over the other in terms of resources."
Everyone was surprised by Lin Xue'an's suggestion.
Lin Xuean was clearly not happy to be rejected by saying it in public, otherwise he would lose face.
They said they would practice together, but one shouldn't think too much about it.
Upon closer examination, it does seem to hint at a childhood betrothal.
The sect leader was handsome, so his daughter was naturally beautiful as well. It is said that Shen Xiaochun, though young, was already a beauty in the making, just a little too young.
But Lin Bing wasn't very old either, about the same age. Although she had a cold demeanor, she was extremely striking in appearance.
In this way, it seems that we are not at a disadvantage.
Not only would they not suffer a loss, but since the Shen family had only just arrived at the second level of heaven and their foundation was shallow, if they could establish a connection with the Suxin Sect, it would be of great help in many things in the future, and no one else would dare to mess with the Bixia Sect.
However, everything has its advantages and disadvantages; after discussing the benefits, it's time to talk about the drawbacks.
Lin Xue'an's words implied that Shen Xiaochan was considering dropping out of Tianyuan Academy.
Since the two of them are cultivating together at the Suxin Sect, Lin Xue'an will definitely pay more attention to her own son, and Shen Xiaochan's resources may not be able to keep up.
If this goes on and on, Shen Xiaochun's cultivation might be delayed.
Even so, at first glance, it seems that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
At least in the short term, that is the case.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Bin, that ruthless fellow, secretly curled the corners of his lips and smiled inwardly.
For the disciples of the Bixia Sect, forming an alliance would greatly benefit the sect, and they might not be unwilling to do so.
However, Shen Zhiwei regarded her daughter as a precious gem and might not be happy for her to accompany the Crown Prince in his studies.
As a result, the Bixia faction was divided.
Even if the Bixia Sect disciples hadn't expected it, Jiang Bin could still step forward and offer some pointers.
Jiang Bin was undoubtedly the most adept at sowing discord.
He thought to himself that Shen Zhiwei was cunning and shrewd, and most likely wouldn't agree.
Lin Xue'an was aggressive, and although Shen Zhiwei was good at maneuvering, she would never give a clear promise.
However, although Shen Zhiwei was skilled in clever words and eloquence, Jiang Bin knew Lin Xue'an well. Once Lin Xue'an opened his mouth, he would not let it go and would not allow Shen Zhiwei to give a perfunctory response.
The Shen family will inevitably be forced to reveal their true intentions, with absolutely no possibility of reversal.
In addition, Jiang Bin stirred things up from the sidelines, adding fuel to the fire with his words, which immediately ignited a spark.
The so-called "using someone else's knife to kill" is just a minor trick.
Furthermore, he couldn't stand the Su Xin Sect's smugness, so he killed two birds with one stone.
Jiang Bin quickly reviewed the plan and roused himself.
However, plans are subject to change. Shen Zhiwei did not soften her tone as Jiang Bin had expected, but instead went straight to the point: "That is absolutely not going to happen."
"Naturally" and "absolutely"—Shen Zhiwei's choice of words was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
Lin Xuean was stunned! Shen Zhiwei's rejection showed him no respect whatsoever.
He hadn't felt so humiliated in a long time. At least on the second level of heaven, few could slap him in the face.
Given the Bixia Sect's foundation, Shen's reaction was entirely within expectations. Even if Shen Zhiwei secretly suspected and felt sorry for her daughter and refused, she would at most politely decline.
Lin Xuean had already made his plans and was determined not to let the Shen family cause any trouble or resort to those unsavory and underhanded tricks.
Shen Zhiwei didn't bother with any pretense of polite refusal; she simply slapped him across the face.
Even though the other person was being honest, Lin Xuean wasn't necessarily happy about it, feeling that it would be a loss of face.
His expression suddenly darkened.
Jiang Bin had no opportunity to use his talents, but by nature, he was a troublemaker.
He spoke insincerely: "What does Sect Leader Shen mean by this? Brother Lin is simply showing his affection. Do you look down on him? You should think of the Bixia Sect and care more about the disciples in the sect."
Shen Zhiwei was waiting for Jiang Bin to make a move when she suddenly turned her head, looked at Jiang Bin, and said sharply, "Sect Leader Jiang, why do you need to sow discord again! Who doesn't know about your various tricks in the Yao Guang Sect? You humiliated Fairy Mei Yue, destroyed her pride, broke her backbone, ruined her reputation, caused the Yao Guang Sect to be divided, and even destroyed it because of you!"
"And now you're going to use the same old trick again?"
"The so-called compromise is nothing more than letting others attack us from all sides, making us seem weak and easy to bully! In fact, although Yao Guang Sect has no half-immortal cultivators, if everyone is of one mind, even if Liuli Pavilion swallows us up, they will pay a price and will not dare to offend us lightly. My Bixia Sect will never repeat the same mistake. Moreover, although Bixia Sect is a small sect, it still has me, a half-immortal cultivator."
"Even if I, Shen Zhiwei, die and my soul is destroyed, I am not afraid. At most, it will be a mutual destruction! Even if I cannot kill you, Jiang Bin, I am afraid that Pavilion Master Jiang will be seriously injured!"
"We, the entire Bixia Sect, are united in life and death!"
Shen Zhiwei unleashed a barrage of attacks, and being on home turf, the Bixia Sect disciples present all chimed in!
This is quite a big deal.
Jiang Bin hadn't expected Shen Zhiwei to not refuse, and now he certainly hadn't expected her to put on such a show.
Jiang Bin was furious, thinking to himself, "What a load of crap, acting is pointless."
Shen Zhiwei is a drama queen, busy creating a persona all day long, but her actual skills are probably quite weak.
As Jiang Bin racked his brains for words, Shen Zhiwei called on him by name: "Sect Leader Jiang, the so-called taking Xiao Chan away is just a test to see if my Bixia Sect has any backbone and can fight to the end. If I, as the sect leader, am willing to give up my beloved daughter, wouldn't people think that the Bixia Sect is easy to bully? You are just testing whether the Bixia Sect will comply."
Wait a minute! Jiang Bin finally realized something was wrong.
What did Shen Xiaochun have to do with him? He had absolutely no interest in that blond-haired girl.
Jiang Bin was surprised to find himself being led astray, which infuriated him.
He immediately said, "Sect Leader Shen, it is Sect Leader Lin who wants to take your daughter and son to cultivate together. These matters have nothing to do with me."
Jiang Bin felt that persimmons shouldn't be squeezed if they were soft.
Thinking this way, Jiang Bin felt a little angry. When did he become such a pushover?
Shen Zhiwei said confidently, "Fine, if Pavilion Master Jiang really wants to get involved in this matter, then I will fight you to the death. I will accept that the Bixia Sect will be left without anyone to take care of it. Does Pavilion Master Jiang really want to fight me to stand up for Sect Master Lin?"
Jiang Bin realized that he had really become an easy target.
When did he say he wanted to fight Shen Zhiwei?
But if you avoid it, it inexplicably becomes avoiding war.
Jiang Bin's original intention was to stir up trouble, and he didn't want to get himself involved. But if he avoided the battle, no matter what his excuse was, others would probably think he was afraid of Shen Zhiwei, that warmongering madman.
Shen Zhiwei is setting a trap for herself here.
He figured that Shen Zhiwei was a smart man and wouldn't really want to fight between two half-immortals today, so he wanted to gain the upper hand in a verbal battle.
But as the words were about to come out, Jiang Bin felt a chill run down his spine.
Because Shen Zhiwei is a smart person, she is indeed ruthless in her actions.
Whether it's true or false, the only thing a mere thousand-strong alchemy sect can rely on is its sect leader's semi-immortal realm.
Shen Zhiwei can only maintain this persona.
Because Shen Zhiwei is intelligent, Fang will inevitably be ruthless.
Just as Shen Zhiwei had predicted, Jiang Bin, that scheming bastard, did not confront her directly.
Jiang Bin took a step back, a hint of indignation on his face, and said, "I offered my advice with good intentions, but Sect Leader Shen is ungrateful. Forget it, your affairs are none of my business."
Shen Zhiwei smiled inwardly. If Jiang Bin retreated, she guessed that Lin Xue'an would also retreat.
Originally, Lin Xue'an was in a fit of anger and felt she had lost face, so she might have acted recklessly. After all, when emotions run high, even if it is clear that it will harm oneself, one may not be able to weigh the pros and cons.
But Jiang Bin's behavior will surely calm Lin Xue'an down.
In the second level, Lin Xue'an was the eldest, and Jiang Bin was the second eldest. The second eldest was clearly sitting back and watching the tigers fight, so it would be pointless for the eldest eldest to foolishly jump into the pit.
Moreover, the news that Shen Zhiwei was of pure Yin nature was reported by Jiang Bin.
Even a child could figure out what was going on with their toes.
Lin Xuean must have sensed something was wrong and didn't want to be a victim of injustice.
Everyone knows that Jiang Bin is a venomous snake.
Therefore, although the shore of Lin Xue was cold, it did not have any fighting spirit of fighting to the death.
But Lin Xuean had no intention of being polite anymore.
Lin Xuean said coldly, "I meant well, but the Shen family is so ungrateful. Farewell!"
After saying that, he turned and left. Lin Bing didn't say a word and followed her father.
Shen Zhiwei, with her sharp eyes, also noticed the strangeness of the father and son.
Lin Xue's face was as cold as frost, with a hint of iron-blue color showing through the frost.
A strange anger also seemed to rise on Lin Bing's face, which was somewhat similar to the anger on Lin Xue'an's face.
Jiang Bin knew that Lin Xue'an's retreat today was merely because he was unwilling to provoke a war and act hastily, and it was not because he truly wanted to forgive the Shen family.
Knowing Lin Xue'an's temperament, Jiang Bin knew Lin Xue'an would never swallow this insult. In this conflict between his two enemies, Jiang Bin was certain to gain one.
Jiang Bin estimated that Lin Xuean would definitely win.
Lin Xue'an had a plan after defeating Jiang Bin, and the Su Xin Sect, the number one sect in the second level of heaven, would surely not fare well. Rumors about Shen Zhiwei were flying everywhere, and there were quite a few scandals circulating. With so many scandals, especially the outrageous claim that she had an affair with Young Master Mu, the rumors actually lost their credibility.
But Jiang Bin knew that Xie Qingyu really had feelings for Shen Zhiwei.
But Lin Xuean was unaware of this.
Shen Zhiwei still had a few thorns in Xie Qingyu's side, clearly playing hard to get.
If Lin Xue'an were to injure or kill Shen Zhiwei at such a crucial moment, he would inevitably incur Xie Qingyu's displeasure. This Sect Master Xie, displeased, might not be willing to allow the Su Xin Sect to advance in its cultivation level.
With this two-birds-with-one-stone strategy, Jiang Bin felt that everything was under his control.
—But there was no sense of pride in him.
After all, there is a big difference between winning first and winning later. Although Shen Zhiwei only won on the surface, she really enjoyed herself.
Jiang Bin was a little indignant.
Watching the Bixia Sect disciples' excited expressions as they overcame the odds and won another victory by uniting the entire sect and relentlessly repelling the enemy, Jiang Bin felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.
Shen Zhiwei may have a weak foundation, but he's a master storyteller.
And then there's the fact that her acting skills are quite good.
Once the Suxin Sect gains overwhelming power over the Bixia Sect, these Bixia Sect disciples will be so terrified they'll cry for their parents.
He was slightly taken aback when his eyes met Shen Zhiwei's.
Shen Zhiwei's eyes were extremely deep and black, like ink or lacquer. Her gaze was somewhat strange, possessing an indescribable confidence? In short, she looked rather odd.
Jiang Bin was very uncomfortable, which he attributed to Shen Zhiwei's skill in creating a persona and her excellent acting skills.
This woman is so weak, yet she's so arrogant.
After Lin Xuean left, some of the guests dispersed, but quite a few remained.
The Su Xin Sect is powerful, but not overwhelmingly so. There's no need for sects with tens of thousands of disciples in this realm to avoid it. Moreover, since the Su Xin Sect is the number one sect in the second level of heaven, it naturally attracts attention and has made many enemies.
Moreover, Lin Xue'an withdrew today on his own, which is a loss of face for Lin Xue'an.
At this time of year, people still come to give gifts.
The person who came was dressed in black, and their face was completely covered.
The person who brought the gift did not bring a visiting card, but only handed over a box.
As soon as Shen Zhiwei answered the call, the person quickly retreated without any intention of speaking to her.
Everyone present was intrigued, and even Jiang Bin peeked out curiously.
Shen Zhiwei, being very perceptive, satisfied everyone's curiosity by opening the box in front of everyone.
Inside the box was a spirit hairpin, exquisitely crafted, and most importantly, brimming with spiritual power.
Shen Zhi smiled slightly, and with a gentle flick of her fingers, the hairpin was already nestled in her hair.
A bright red stone adorns the hairpin, its brilliance dazzling, its vivid red color seemingly about to drip blood.
Sect Leader Shen was already a beauty, and this outfit made her even more radiant, making her look extremely flamboyant.
Shen Zhiwei recalled that back in Yuanyuan Heaven, Mu Wuxian pulled out the hairpin that suppressed her face, revealing her true appearance.
At that time, Mu Wuxian pulled out the hairpin and gently shook it, and the hairpin that pressed down on his face instantly turned into dust. It was just a casual act of destroying someone else's property, but no one held it against him.
The main reason is that I don't dare to.
Now, however, a hairpin has been given as compensation.
Even so, Young Master Mu's intentions are not very good.
When Shen Zhiwei examined it closely, he noticed a familiar method: a tracking thread, which meant it had the ability to locate the target at any time.
The method was extremely ingenious; the moment Shen Zhiwei's fingers touched the hairpin, the trailing silk thread planted in it could be implanted into her body.
Young Master Mu is just that kind of person; he has an extremely strong desire for control. He sends out numerous spies and trains clones—all of this is precisely to keep the four realms under his surveillance.
Shen Zhiwei pretended not to know and casually pinned the hairpin in her hair.
Everything is going according to plan.
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