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

Therefore, no one can question her decision to preside over this meeting today, which concerns the future of the Phoenix Kingdom. Whether it is her strength, seniority, status, or relationship with the Empress, no one can object to it.

Mu Xunxiang's gaze swept calmly over everyone present, pausing briefly on Lin Fengmian before withdrawing it.

Her voice was cold and clear, echoing in every corner of the hall:

"The current Empress Su Miaoyun is currently in seclusion. However, this grand competition is related to the future of my Fengming Kingdom, and even the future direction of the entire Jueling Land human race."

Therefore, today's matter cannot be taken lightly. I will preside over this meeting in place of the Empress. Does anyone have any objections?

Her voice was calm, yet it carried an air of pressure and confidence stemming from her strength.

Inside the main hall, you could hear a pin drop.

The previously restless representatives of various sects and high-ranking officials of the court all fell silent. Faced with this Supreme Elder of the Frost Palace, who even the leaders of the other eight immortal sects had to show him deference and who had a deep connection with the Empress, who dared to raise any objections?

After all, strength is the best form of authority.

Silence is the best answer.

Mu Xunxiang nodded slightly, said no more, and got straight to the point, beginning today's discussion about Fengming Kingdom's participation in the Grand Competition.

Lin Fengmian narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the Ice Palace elder with a cold and aloof demeanor yet unparalleled elegance, and thought to himself:

"Su Miaoyun's senior sister? Interesting... That aura, that charm... she seems to be no less than Qin Hongyu. It seems the Ice Palace really does produce beauties."

He secretly compared Mu Xunxiang and Qin Hongyu in his mind. Qin Hongyu was the kind of person who was cold yet alluring, aloof yet captivating; while Mu Xunxiang was purely cold, cleanly cold, noblely cold, so cold that no one dared to even entertain the slightest thought of profanity. One was fire hidden in ice, the other was ice within ice.

Both styles have their own merits.

Lin Fengmian was secretly making plans in his heart, but his face remained calm.

Inside the main hall, Mu Xunxiang had just announced the start of the meeting, preparing to discuss the selection of participants and strategies for the competition.

A sarcastic, clearly provocative voice abruptly broke the heavy atmosphere.

"Elder Mu, wait!"

The old man with the cold, hard face and gloomy eyes from Golden Light Cave stepped forward, squinted at Lin Fengmian, and spoke with a forced smile:

"I am Qiu Qiansong from Jinguang Cave. There is something I don't understand, and I must speak out! This grand competition is of utmost importance to the fate of my Fengming Kingdom."

According to convention, those who participate should at least be elite disciples at the early Golden Core stage! But I've heard that this time, the list includes... hehe, Young Master Lin Fengmian, who is at the Foundation Establishment stage?

He deliberately emphasized the words "Foundation Building Stage," drawing everyone's attention back to Lin Fengmian.

"I'm not questioning Young Master Lin's... well, his special status." Qiu Qiansong stroked his beard, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

"However, our nine immortal sects have a long history and have produced many outstanding talents. Can't we find a few decent early-stage Golden Core disciples? Why must we send a Foundation Establishment cultivator to that fierce arena to embarrass himself?"

This arrangement is far too frivolous and shows a complete disregard for the competition! Those in the know might say it's for the competition, but those who don't would think our Fengming Kingdom has no one else to rely on and is just sending someone with connections to make up the numbers!

These words immediately caused a low commotion and discussion in the hall.

Although many people dared not speak openly because of Lin Fengmian's recent infamous reputation and his relationship with the Empress, they did indeed harbor the same question in their hearts.

Foundation Establishment cultivator versus Golden Core cultivator? Isn't this just blatantly handing over a position? Does he really think that just because he's the Empress's husband, he can so casually occupy such a precious spot?

Despite the many suspicious gazes, Lin Fengmian remained calm and didn't even bother to look at Qiu Qiansong.

He had seen plenty of these clowns in his past life. The more you paid attention to them, the more they emboldened you. Ignoring them was the cruelest form of contempt.

But some people couldn't stand it anymore.

"Elder Qiu!"

A clear, cold voice rang out. At the front of the civil officials' ranks, Lin Peishan, her pretty face frosty, faced Qiu Qiansong directly, showing no sign of backing down:

"Young Master Lin participated in the competition using a quota directly under the jurisdiction of our Fengming Kingdom, appointed by His Majesty! The entire Qingyang County is willing to vouch for Young Master Lin! Elder Qiu, what is the meaning of your veiled criticism of His Majesty's decision?!"

She knew perfectly well that the young master was definitely not at the Foundation Establishment stage. The so-called Foundation Establishment was merely a facade used to conceal his true intentions.

She stood tall and straight, her official robes impeccable, her eyes clear and sharp as swords. The strong and decisive manner she displayed in protecting Lin Fengmian drew the attention of many who knew her well.

Lin Fengmian looked at the beautiful back of the woman blocking his way and sighed inwardly.

Lin Peishan is a woman who is usually as clear as water, but when it comes to a crucial moment, she can be quite fierce in protecting her own.

"Hmph, what a sharp-tongued little brat!"

Qiu Qiansong was humiliated when Lin Peishan publicly contradicted him.

His horse-like face grew even longer, his expression darkened, and he gave her a heavy snort, flicking his sleeve and creating a gust of wind:

"When I was cultivating, you weren't even born yet! How dare a mere brat be so insolent before me!"

He paused, his sinister gaze sweeping back and forth between Lin Peishan and Lin Fengmian like a poisoned needle.

He kept stabbing them in, his tone becoming increasingly sarcastic:

"You certainly have quite the airs of an official. I'm here to discuss the matter objectively, with the best interests of Fengming Kingdom in mind, worried that someone might be faking their abilities and delaying national affairs. Since you've put it this way—"

Qiu Qiansong turned to look behind him.

There stood a young man with a gloomy face and cold, sharp eyes.

This man was quite handsome, with regular features and a well-defined profile. Unfortunately, the meanness in his eyes ruined his overall appearance, like a drop of ink splashed on a fine painting, making people feel uncomfortable at first glance.

The aura emanating from him was clearly that of the early stage of Core Formation, with faint golden light flowing around him, sharp and intimidating.

"Invaluable!"

Qiu Qiansong stroked his beard, his eyes filled with even more mockery:

"Since Prefect Lin trusts our young master so much, why not let everyone here see for themselves?"

"Let this unworthy disciple of mine go and learn from Young Master Lin's strength. I also want to see just how vast the gap is between the Foundation Establishment stage and the Core Formation stage!"

Before he could finish speaking, he added, his voice even colder:

"To prevent some people from being narrow-minded and, relying on those worthless external things, from acting recklessly and foolishly!"

"Yes, Elder!"

Upon hearing this, the cultivator named Jin Buhuan cupped his hands in greeting, his voice booming and echoing throughout the hall.

He strode confidently forward, each step accompanied by a dull thud as he trod upon the gold bricks beneath his feet.