Chapter 46 - An Unexpected Turn of Attitude
Chapter 46: An Unexpected Turn of Attitude
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Sect Master Zhou raised his hand and grabbed the jade token. The quality and workmanship were only average. On the front were the words “Mount Sword Token”.
“It’s from Mount Sword?”
Sect Master Zhou frowned slightly and subconsciously looked intently at the jade token. In an instant, his expression changed drastically, as if his entire body was being pointed at by countless sharp blades. If he moved slightly, he would be cut into minced meat!
At the same time, an extremely dignified voice sounded in his mind. “I’ll visit you soon. Sect Master Zhou, please wait. If you dare to run away, there will be no place for you in the world!”
The sword intent dissipated in an instant, but Sect Master Zhou’s clothes were already drenched in cold sweat. His face was pale and he was trembling as if he had just experienced a life-and-death battle!
“Sect Master! Are you alright?”
The disciple hurriedly went forward to ask, but Sect Master Zhou was in no mood to answer.
The dignified voice seemed to still echo in his ears. He could not help but think of the terrifying scene of a young man defeating the entire army with a tree branch and severely injuring Elder Xie with a single strike!
“It’s Lin Ran! It’s that mountain guard!”
Sect Master Zhou muttered to himself with lingering fear, his eyes filled with deep despair. Without a doubt, this jade token was sent by Lin Ran!
The two disciples looked at each other, completely unaware of what had happened.
One of them took the jade token and examined it carefully, but the sword intent in it had already dissipated. Naturally, they could not find any clues. They only knew that their sect master was frightened out of his wits by a Mount Sword Token.
Many years later, this matter was still a laughing stock circulating among the martial artists.
As the sender of this token, Lin Ran did not know what an impact the token had left. At this moment, he was eating the delicacies sent by the imperial kitchen in Mingzhao Hall.
After eating half the table of delicacies, Lin Ran burped with satisfaction.
In fact, with Lin Ran’s current realm, he could already abstain from eating. However, the delicacies in the palace were too tempting. Compared to the simple meals in Mount Sword, they were simply irresistible!
After eating and drinking his fill, Lin Ran changed into the clothes of the guard commander and prepared to go out for a walk. After all, in the disguise of the Sword God, he had to maintain the surging sword intent at all times. It was too tiring.
Lin Ran was already familiar with the palace. After strolling for a while, he suddenly encountered a group of guards walking towards him.
The leader wore a purple-gold crown and a red-toothed sea python robe. He looked extraordinary and dignified.
Seeing Lin Ran walking over from afar, the man’s eyes lit up. He immediately rushed forward and knelt on the ground. “Greetings, Commander Lin! I’m Zhou Hao.”
“It’s you?”
Lin Ran recognized the person. It was Zhou Hao, who was ranked second in the martial arts examination with him. He couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
The last time the two of them met, Zhou Hao looked down at him. The sudden change of attitude made Lin Ran confused.
The accompanying guards with Zhou Hao were also puzzled.
They didn’t know Lin Ran’s strength yet and thought that he didn’t deserve the title of the commander of imperial guards. Seeing this, they couldn’t help but tease him.
“Yo! Isn’t this the commander of the guards, Lord Lin? You must be happy to have Lord Zhou bow to you, right?”
“I guess so! Look at how smug he is!”
“Don’t be arrogant! You were lucky to become the commander of the guards. When His Majesty finds out that you’re not qualified, you will be severely punished.”
Hearing them ridiculing Lin Ran, Zhou Hao’s face turned pale as he knelt on the ground. He hurriedly turned around and shouted sternly, “How dare you! Not only did you not greet Lord Lin, but you’re even behaving so impudently. Slap yourself 20 times!”
The guards thought that Zhou Hao was mocking Lin Ran, so no one took it seriously and was still jeering.
Seeing this, Zhou Hao became even angrier. He stood up and walked to them. He raised his hand and knocked one of them to the ground!
“I asked you to slap yourself twenty times! Didn’t you hear me?!”
Only then did the guards realize that he was serious. They immediately panicked and looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
Seeing that everyone was disobeying, Zhou Hao felt embarrassed. His eyes turned cold and he was about to do it himself when he heard Lin Ran ask in a low voice, “Lord Zhou, what is this show you put on about?”
“Lord Lin, I’m teaching them to show respect to you!”
Zhou Hao hurriedly turned around and replied with a flattering smile. “These guys are insensible. I didn’t teach them well. Don’t worry, I’ll teach them a lesson later!”
Lin Ran was no longer the same as before, but when he saw Zhou Hao’s attitude, he couldn’t help but be curious. “What I mean is, why did you do this?”
“Lord Lin! Because I sincerely admire your strength!”
Zhou Hao cupped his hands and replied with a serious expression, “I was lucky enough to participate in the same examination with you last time and learned a lot. It also made me realize that your strength is beyond my reach! Therefore, after I returned, I told myself that you were the role model from whom I should learn for the rest of my life.”
After hearing his speech, Lin Ran interpreted it as Zhou Hao was scared out of his wits.
He could not help but find it funny. He did not expect Zhou Hao to be a sensible person even though he looked arrogant.
After figuring out the reason, Lin Ran was no longer in the mood to stay. He chuckled and turned to leave. Unexpectedly, Zhou Hao followed him again.
Lin Ran frowned and asked coldly, “What’s the matter?”
Zhou Hao smiled obsequiously and said, “Lord Lin, I’m afraid you’re not familiar with the palace. Where are you going? I can lead the way for you!”
Lin Ran had a strange expression on his face. He thought to himself, ‘I know the palace better than you!’
However, he could not say this out loud. After all, in the eyes of others, he took office only a few days ago. If he showed that he was familiar with the palace, it might arouse suspicion.
Thinking of this, Lin Ran’s expression turned serious. “Thank you then, Lord Zhou.”
“What are you talking about, Lord Lin? It’s my great fortune to be able to serve you!”
Without another word, Zhou Hao knelt down again with a pious attitude, making his subordinates dumbfounded.
Actually, Lin Ran came out because he wanted to take a walk after a big meal. He didn’t have any special purpose, so he asked Zhou Hao to show him around.
Unknowingly, they arrived near the imperial garden.
This was the garden for the royal family. Even with Lin Ran’s official status, he was not allowed to enter unless summoned.
After introducing the garden briefly, Zhou Hao was about to lead Lin Ran away when a purple-robed figure walked out of the garden. It was the head eunuch, Li Tianyi.
“Greetings, Enunch Li!”
Zhou Hao hurriedly knelt down. The guards he brought also knelt down. In this way, Lin Ran, who was still standing on the spot, was especially conspicuous.
Li Tianyi naturally knew Lin Ran. It was his idea to let Lin Ran go to Mount Sword.
Although Lin Ran had been transferred back to the palace, he was only a commander of the guards. Seeing that he did not kneel, Li Tianyi was immediately displeased. He made up his mind to teach this arrogant kid a lesson!