After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

A vast divine consciousness surged forth like an invisible tide, carrying a chilling and murderous aura, sweeping across the entire Law Enforcement Hall.

"Lin Fengmian...the Empress's husband."

He murmured the name, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Very well. You just wait. Once I consolidate the power within the sect, your death will be imminent!"

You ruined my son and injured my father; this hatred must be washed away with your blood!

Seven days later.

Because Empress Su Miaoyun was displaying her divine power.

After Zhou Shan was slapped and sent flying in the imperial court, the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion has remained quiet, seemingly having suppressed his anger.

Throughout the entire Phoenix Cry Kingdom, all was calm and peaceful.

On this day, Lin Fengmian was leisurely instructing Yu Chan'er in sword techniques in the Imperial Garden.

The young girl was graceful and ethereal as she practiced swordsmanship, the sword light as clear and cold as water, flowing and swirling among the flowers and trees.

Lin Fengmian leaned against an old locust tree, holding a spiritual fruit in his hand, taking a bite now and then, a sight to behold.

"Sink your wrist a little deeper, keep the sword energy contained on the blade, don't let it dissipate," he said lazily.

"Yes, that's it. Not bad, not bad, you have talent."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chan'er's eyes flashed with joy, and she practiced even more diligently. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, glistening in the sunlight.

Xiao Ling'er, standing to the side, pouted, her heart filled with displeasure.

This

No one has ever given me such advice! She stood not far away with her arms crossed, her toes rubbing against the grass, her eyes filled with resentment like a neglected kitten.

Lin Fengmian caught a glimpse of her expression out of the corner of his eye and found it amusing, but he deliberately ignored her and continued to leisurely munch on his spiritual fruit.

However, at the same time, a completely different scene unfolded in the Golden Palace of Fengming Kingdom. The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

Empress Su Miaoyun suddenly announced her seclusion, and the Imperial Advisor Ling Yuanshan is now temporarily in charge of the government.

He sat upright in the chief minister's seat below the throne, his face seemingly calm, but his eyes betrayed a turbulent undercurrent. This morning's court session was destined to be anything but peaceful.

"Report!"

A hurried announcement broke the silence of the hall.

"Zhao Yuanlong, the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Lieyang Sect, has arrived!"

As soon as he finished speaking, an incomparably powerful and heart-palpitating pressure from a Nascent Soul cultivator surged into the hall like a tangible tide!

All the civil and military officials felt a tightness in their chests, and their breath caught in their throats.

Immediately afterwards, the group entered with their heads held high.

The leader was Zhao Yuanlong, who wore the crimson robe of the Lieyang Sect, had a cold face, and eyes like knives.

Behind him were several elders and elite disciples of the Lieyang Sect, their auras deep and their eyes gleaming. They were all menacing and clearly had ill intentions!

Inside the main hall, the civil and military officials immediately paled. Many broke out in a cold sweat, their hearts filled with unease.

A barely perceptible glint of calculation flashed in Ling Yuanshan's eyes, but his face plastered with a perfectly measured polite smile as he rose and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"So it's Palace Master Zhao who graces us with his presence! I, Ling, have failed to greet you properly; please forgive me. May I ask if Palace Master Zhao's visit is for matters concerning the sealing of the Demon Abyss, or the coordinated defense arrangements after the spiritual energy has recovered?"

His question was perfectly timed, as if he had no idea what the other person was trying to do.

Since being reprimanded by the Empress and Qin Hongyu, he has become much more restrained on the surface and has kept a low profile in his actions.

But he knew perfectly well about the internal strife within the Lieyang Sect and Zhao Yuanlong's breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage and his absolute power!

The person standing before me, is he no longer the palace master?

He is clearly the de facto ruler of the Blazing Sun Sect, with no room for argument!

He is also the son of Zhao Yan, the father of Zhao Yan who was crippled by Lin Fengmian, and Zhao Gang, the Grand Elder of the Lieyang Sect!

Lin Fengmian, oh Lin Fengmian, you are arrogant and domineering, a useless son, and you've also provoked such a powerful enemy. And now, the Empress happens to be in emergency seclusion.

Ling Yuanshan sneered inwardly, barely able to suppress his gloating.

Today, I'll see who can protect you!

Zhao Yuanlong's gaze swept over Ling Yuanshan and the assembled officials, his voice cold and hard as he cut to the chase:

"You're too kind, Grand Preceptor. I've come today not on official business, but for a personal vendetta—to apprehend the culprit!"

"A murderer?" A murmur rippled through the hall.

The ministers exchanged glances, their sense of foreboding growing stronger, yet none dared to question a Nascent Soul cultivator at this moment.

Ling Yuanshan was overjoyed, but his face showed just the right amount of astonishment and indignation:

"Is this really true? I wonder who this scoundrel is, so audacious that it would trouble Palace Master Zhao to make this trip in person?"

"If I can be of any help, I will do my utmost to assist Lord Zhao in capturing this scoundrel and setting the record straight!"

His words were spoken with righteous indignation, as if he truly shared a common hatred for the enemy. Seeing how agreeable he was, Zhao Yuanlong's lips curled into a slight smile.

He needed a way out, a reason that wouldn't directly sever ties with the Fengming Kingdom's royal family.

After all, Empress Su Miaoyun's strength is unpredictable, and her relationship with the other eight immortal sects is intricate.

"The Imperial Preceptor is truly wise and understanding; I thank you in advance."

Zhao Yuanlong's voice suddenly changed, filled with grief and indignation.

"To be honest with the Imperial Preceptor and everyone else, that villain's name is Lin Fengmian! This boy, relying on his talent and good fortune, has no respect for his elders and is vicious in nature!"

Not only did they use insidious methods to cripple my son Zhao Yan's cultivation foundation and sever his path to enlightenment in full view of everyone, but they also did so underhandedly.

I now strongly suspect that he murdered my father, Zhao Gang, in the Fallen Dragon Mountains. His spirit tablet is now shattered, and he has perished!

His tone was sorrowful, and the pressure of his Nascent Soul was faintly emanating, almost causing some of the lower-level officials to collapse.

"Is this really true?!"

Ling Yuanshan feigned great shock, slamming his hand on the table and rising to his feet, his face filled with heartache and disbelief.

"Young Master Lin... he's always been so gentle and refined, I never imagined he'd be such a ruthless, heartless monster!"

He took a deep breath and said righteously and solemnly:

"Palace Master Zhao, rest assured! This matter is of great importance, involving the reputation and legal system of the royal family of my Fengming Kingdom."

As the person temporarily assuming power, Ling will certainly handle this matter impartially and will absolutely not show favoritism or cover up wrongdoing!

Upon hearing this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Zhao Yuanlong's eyes.

He glanced at the side entrance of the main hall, then looked away, and asked coldly, "Then how does the Grand Preceptor intend to deal with this?"

Ling Yuanshan pondered for a moment, then said solemnly:

"According to the laws of our dynasty, if Lin Fengmian has truly committed such a serious crime, he should be imprisoned in the imperial prison to await judgment."

The truth will be ascertained before a conviction is made.

If Lord Zhao trusts me, I will personally lead men to the Imperial Garden to arrest Lin Fengmian. Lord Zhao, please wait a moment, shall we?

His words were perfectly worded, giving Zhao Yuanlong face while also making himself appear impartial and fair in enforcing the law.

Zhao Yuanlong looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and finally nodded slowly: "Very well. Then I will wait in the hall for the Grand Preceptor's good news."