CHAPTER 1895: CHAPTER 1896: PACIFYING INTERNAL AFFAIRS WHILE REPELLING EXTERNAL THREATS

Within the Capital Royal Palace

"Girl, did you discover anything on the trip to Demon Slayer Tower?"

The sudden question froze Lin An, who had assumed this meeting was just a routine summons. She looked up at her father, seated high on the dragon throne, and for a moment, he felt so unfamiliar.

"What? What’s with that expression? Don’t really think I wouldn’t know what you intended at the Demon Slayer Tower, do you?"

Is he testing, or is he serious?

Lin An’s mind was at a loss, without time to hesitate, she decisively said, "Ziyuan does not understand what Father means."

Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled lightly at Lin An, who still refused to reveal anything, and calmly said, "Alright, since you still prefer not to be open, I won’t force it. But there’s one thing I hope you understand."

Lin An forced herself to remain calm, and spoke, "Please, Father, go ahead."

"Although I didn’t personally partake in all of Yang Chengyin’s actions, I ultimately failed to set things right. But as a father, I’m also human, and I also make mistakes. Can you understand?"

Inwardly hesitant, Lin An didn’t know how to respond to Zhao Xuanzhen’s words at that moment.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled without rushing and continued, "Back then, you wanted to help that Su family boy investigate those matters, go ahead, I won’t stop you. But, for the public, there is one thing I hope you can do."

Lin An looked up at Zhao Xuanzhen, "What is it, Father?"

"Now the orthodoxy has returned to Dragon and Tiger, and we’ve almost completed the suppression of the Nine Ancient Tribes. Although that fellow’s return was quite unexpected, I must admit, what he did to the Yu Clan really helped me a great deal."

Lin An was startled and looked up in surprise. Zhao Xuanzhen noticed something and immediately said,

"Don’t misunderstand, Su Zhedian was indeed a prodigy of his generation. I admit I didn’t really have any good feelings toward him back then, after all... your Senior Feng finally ended up being fond of him. Now that you also have someone you like, you should understand that, right?"

Lin An’s heart tightened as she nodded, seizing the opportunity to ask, "So, Father, do you approve of Su Chengyu?"

"Half and half, really. His family background and abilities are indeed worthy of my daughter, but as of now, it’s still not enough."

Hearing this, Lin An couldn’t help but frown, "Not enough? Beyond Long Xuan and Ye Qingci of a slightly older generation, who else compares to him in excellence?!"

"Aren’t you one as well?"

"I..."

"Moreover, if he didn’t have so many women and thoughts outside, I wouldn’t be so strict with him. I can’t bear to let my daughter share a husband with others. So I said, he’s still not enough now, do you understand?"

Lin An bit her lower lip; if she had been the first one by Su Chengyu’s side, she naturally wouldn’t have accepted this situation either.

But in the Kunwu Realm, after seeing Xu Nanzhi and Su Chengyu, and understanding what happened in Lin Jiang, Lin An couldn’t help but feel that she couldn’t blame this as a latecomer.

After all, she was the woman who stayed by Su Chengyu during his most difficult times.

"I will obey you, Father."

"Mm, good girl. Back to the main topic, the current situation in Xia Country is quite stable. Hence, I wish for you to go abroad on behalf of your father."

"Abroad?"

"Yes. Beyond Bei Luo to the north is the Dark Sea, and on the other side of the Dark Sea are the Big Inverted Empire and the South and North Federal United States. Both possess national power rivaling Bei Luo, consistently posing significant concerns for our Xia Country."

With these words, Lin An realized and looked up, "Father, you aim for unification?"

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled, "Surprised? Now that you have reached the Void Middle Stage, you should know a bit about the Great Catastrophe of Heaven and Earth. Under such a tide, we must unite. I’ve been orchestrating this move for many years."

"Suppressing the Ancient Tribes and unifying orthodoxy, these are means of internal stabilization?"

"Exactly."

Zhao Xuanzhen turned his head, revealing Ji Yuguang, who had been in the shadows, and continued.

"For decades, His Majesty’s support of Dragon and Tiger, and suppression of Qingcheng, Wudang, and even Quanzhen were to prepare for this moment. Perhaps with the Ancient Tribes as well, though I wasn’t involved, I know little of it."

Lin An was shocked as she gazed at Zhao Xuanzhen, realizing for the first time the grand ambitions and ideals her father harbored throughout the years.

"Father wants me to confirm the foreign situation and dynamics?"

"Yes, since it’s highly confidential, I don’t wish for others to know. Originally planned for Yang Chengyin, but under current circumstances."

Lin An blinked, "Even so, there must be other options."

"But I chose you."

Feeling the pressure, Lin An said, "Father doesn’t want me heading to Southern Xinjiang?"

"Haha, I thought you wouldn’t break this silence. It seems that Su family boy holds a deeply significant place in your heart. Alright, I admit I did have that thought, but today’s discussion isn’t an excuse, I do have others in mind, albeit not many. Frankly speaking, that Su boy is also an option. However, he’s currently not in the Capital City."

"What exactly is happening in Southern Xinjiang?"

"The Demonic Path is in turmoil. According to reliable insiders, several deep mountains within Xia Country have suspected Land Immortal Level Demonic activities, many heading towards Southern Xinjiang. And furthermore..."

"Doesn’t that mean Su Chengyu is in great danger!"

"Not necessarily, someone is assisting him in secret. Many are heading there, not just his friends. Even Long Xuan has gone."

Hearing Long Xuan’s name, Lin An felt somewhat reassured. She might not know the external situation, but the mention of secret assistance told her enough about who might be behind it.

"Girl, I know you’re worried about that fellow. But rest assured, even if we can’t find him, the Demonic Path won’t either."

Lin An pouted, "Didn’t you fail to find the Demonic Path yourself after all these years?"

Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled, "That’s different. During their dormant period, I hadn’t even ascended to this dragon throne, naturally unable to grasp the whole picture. But none of Su Saint Envoy’s moves have escaped my notice. Without your and those old fellows’ help in covering up, even fewer would go unnoticed."

Lin An felt a jolt inside, looking up at Zhao Xuanzhen, unable to fathom just how much her father truly knew.

To Zhao Xuanzhen, Lin An’s feelings at this moment transcended mere respect, tinged with a touch of awe.

"So, Father, if I agree to this, can you ensure not to trouble Su Chengyu?"

"Of course, these are minor matters. I’ve always seen it this way, hence my toleration until now. Girl, you must understand. Only you are of paramount importance to me."

Zhao Xuanzhen’s words provided Lin An a sliver of comfort, exhaling a long breath, she compromised and spoke,

"Understood, Father, I will adhere to your arrangement."

"Which do you choose, the Big Inverted Empire or the Federation United States?"

"The Federation United States."

"I will arrange for an Earth Immortal to accompany you. He won’t make any moves lightly, but the moment he does, it signifies you’ve been completely exposed, and that’s when you should return. Remember, your safety is paramount."