Versatile Sword Cultivator

Jiang Luoyu was clearly taken aback. She had always been the one lending money to others, never the one asking for a loan.

After a moment of consideration, she smiled and said, "I don't usually ask for a loan. How about selling it to me? Name your price."

Lin Jichen shook his head and replied, "I don't need money; I need Spirit Stones. Selling is out of the question."

Jiang Luoyu chuckled, "You're really strange. Aren't you playing the game to make money? Spirit Stones will depreciate over time as they become more abundant. Cash is the real deal. Are you sure you don't want to exchange?"

"I'm sure," Lin Jichen said firmly.

What a joke. Money would become worthless in a few years. Why would he need so much of it? Just enough to live on for a few years was fine.

"Alright then, I'll borrow six hundred thousand Spirit Stones from you and promise to return them in full within ten days," Jiang Luoyu said, immediately drafting a virtual contract for Lin Jichen.

Lin Jichen didn't refuse and signed it, making the contract effective.

He then transferred six hundred thousand Spirit Stones to Jiang Luoyu.

"This is the first time I've borrowed money from someone, even if it's just game currency. It feels quite novel," Jiang Luoyu teased.

Lin Jichen didn't think she was exaggerating. The daughter of the world's richest man, needing to borrow money from someone else?

The answer was obviously no.

Being Jiang Luoyu's creditor was an honor in itself.

With Lin Jichen's support, Jiang Luoyu successfully purchased the third large shop.

The two of them were about to leave the royal city when they heard a chorus of respectful greetings outside the City Administration Hall.

"Greetings, Your Highness! Long live the Princess!"

Before Jiang Luoyu could react, a graceful figure walked in.

"Young Master Lin, long time no see."

It was Ji Tongyin.

Lin Jichen smiled slightly and responded, "Long time no see, Princess. How have you been?"

"Thank you for your concern, Young Master Lin. I've been well," Ji Tongyin replied with a smile, her eyes showing a hint of jealousy as she glanced around.

"And who might this be?" she asked.

"I'm his good friend, Jiang Luoyu," Jiang Luoyu introduced herself confidently, not waiting for Lin Jichen.

She didn't take Ji Tongyin seriously at all, considering her just an NPC.

Ji Tongyin, however, was different. Her eyes showed a trace of vigilance as she turned to Lin Jichen and said, "Young Master Lin, are you free today? I have some good news to share with you."

"Uh... sure," Lin Jichen agreed, turning to Jiang Luoyu, "I have some things to take care of. I won't be leaving just yet."

"Alright, I'll head out first," Jiang Luoyu said, leaving confidently.

Lin Jichen stayed behind to accompany Ji Tongyin for another stroll in the Imperial Garden.

Ji Tongyin's mood brightened immediately as she introduced various exotic flowers and plants to Lin Jichen, without mentioning any news.

After two hours, Lin Jichen couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Princess, you mentioned you had some good news for me. What is it?"

Ji Tongyin smiled and said, "I knew you couldn't resist asking."

Lin Jichen nodded awkwardly, "I'm just curious."

Just as Ji Tongyin was about to tell him, a hearty laugh came from outside the Imperial Garden.

"Hahaha, it was I who asked Tongyin to keep it from you. You won't blame me, will you?"

Lin Jichen turned to see Ji Hongyue striding in, accompanied by the Empress and several princes, even the youngest princess, Ji Linglong.

Lin Jichen had a bad feeling.

Ji Hongyue approached Lin Jichen and smiled, "Young Master Lin, how do you find my Imperial Garden?"

"It's very nice, very beautiful," Lin Jichen replied quickly.

"Haha, you have a good eye. This Imperial Garden has been meticulously maintained. The royal gardens of the other three states can't compare to mine," Ji Hongyue said proudly.

Lin Jichen smiled and nodded, but his anxiety grew.

The Empress then stepped forward and said with a smile, "If you like it, you're welcome to visit the Imperial Garden anytime. Tongyin gets quite bored in the palace; you should keep her company more often."

"Mother," Ji Tongyin said shyly.

Ji Linglong then stepped forward, glaring at Lin Jichen, "You better treat my sister well. If you dare to bully her, I won't let you off easily, hmph!"

Lin Jichen was completely confused.

At this moment, Ji Hongyue spoke earnestly, "Young Master Lin, let me tell you the good news."

He paused, then continued, "You've been out gaining experience and haven't returned to the sect for a long time. You might not know, but I just found out yesterday that the Sect Leader of the Sword Sect, your master, has come out of seclusion."

Lin Jichen's heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down his spine.

Ji Hongyue didn't notice and continued to smile, "I was worried you might not explain things clearly, so I sent someone to the Sword Sect today to discuss the marriage alliance. The envoy should be back by now."

Just as he finished speaking, a eunuch hurriedly reported.

"Your Majesty, Envoy Liu has returned to seek an audience."

Ji Hongyue was delighted and laughed, "See, I just mentioned it, and he's back. Quickly, summon him in."

"Your... Your Majesty, Envoy Liu returned injured..." the eunuch reported nervously.

Ji Hongyue was puzzled, "How did Envoy Liu get injured? Did he encounter demonic cultivators on the way?"

"Well..." the eunuch couldn't explain.

Ji Hongyue impatiently ordered him to bring Envoy Liu in.

Lin Jichen covered his face in despair. He had already guessed how Envoy Liu got injured...

If he wasn't mistaken, it was most likely Leng Feiyan who did it...

Soon, an old man in official robes walked in, crying and kneeling on the ground.

"Your Majesty, you must seek justice for me~"

Ji Hongyue frowned, "As an envoy, crying like a woman, what kind of behavior is this? Raise your head!"

The old man raised his head, revealing a face covered in bruises. His official robes were dusty and torn in many places.

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Ji Hongyue's eyes widened as he demanded, "What happened? Who dared to assault a court official?"

The old man tearfully explained, "It was the Sect Leader of the Tianyan Sword Sect... Leng... Leng Feiyan."

Everyone was shocked.

"Why did Leng Feiyan hit you? Explain yourself!" Ji Hongyue sensed something was wrong and questioned immediately.

The old man explained, "Your Majesty, I went to the Sword Sect as ordered. The disciples recognized my identity and reported it. Leng Sect Master even received me."

"Then why did she hit you? Did you say something inappropriate?"

"No, I swear I didn't. After I explained my purpose, Leng Sect Master suddenly became furious, her attitude changed, and she threw me down the mountain with a flick of her sleeve. I rolled all the way down and was then driven out by the Sword Sect disciples."

The old envoy continued to cry, feeling utterly wronged.

Ji Hongyue and the Empress were silent, utterly confused.

Only Lin Jichen felt a growing sense of dread.

Proofreader & Editor: Lotas