The No.1 Undercover in the Immortal World-Chapter 400 - 390 Zhao Hao’s Ambition

Zhao Hao indeed coveted Lin Yun to the extent that he wished he could devour him right then and there.

"To think that this person could possess Golden Destiny, even surpassing a Dragon Vein—it’s truly beyond belief that such a creature exists in the world!"

It was precisely the shock of what he had seen that made Zhao Hao, the Emperor who had long grown accustomed to hiding his emotions, reveal his own greed.

He was genuinely tempted.

Unfortunately, Lin Yun misunderstood his intentions entirely, believing that he was simply so handsome that the Emperor wanted to fence with him.

Zhao Hao did not act rashly, for the Spiritual Energy Lin Yun carried made it clear he was no ordinary eunuch, yet he maintained his composure and said, "Very well, from now on you shall serve as a Companion Reader by our side, what do you think?"

Lin Yun felt a chill down his spine, but to scheme for the things on the Emperor’s person, Lin Yun had no choice but to agree, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You may leave now!"

Having ordered Lin Yun to withdraw, Zhao Hao’s gaze on Consort Shu was no longer as fervent as before.

Originally, his plan hinged on using Consort Shu to set a trap for Zhao Lingyu. Among the members of the Imperial Family, only Zhao Lingyu’s destiny was the strongest, and Zhao Hao had long set his sights on her, now being the perfect opportunity to devour her Spiritual Energy.

Otherwise, why would he bother visiting Consort Shu? Women only hindered the speed of his energy absorption.

But having seen Lin Yun today, he suddenly found Zhao Lingyu less appealing.

Of course, having prepared for so long, he was still going to eat the meat that was already in his mouth—it would serve as an appetizer before enjoying the main course.

Originally, Zhao Lingyu was the main course, but with Lin Yun present, Zhao Lingyu became just the appetizer.

"Speaking of which, how has Lingyu been lately?"

When Zhao Hao inquired about Zhao Lingyu’s condition, Consort Shu was visibly irritated, but as a noble consort, she must maintain her dignity. Not very familiar with the recent affairs of Zhao Lingyu, she could only say, "That child doesn’t let one’s heart rest, always running off somewhere."

Consort Shu’s words carried indulgence for Zhao Lingyu, and though she was complaining, she still managed to portray a loving mother’s image rather well.

Lin Yun observed in secret and couldn’t help but admire; compared with Consort Shu, Zhao Lingyu was indeed too naive.

This is truly mastery!

No wonder she managed to become a consort in the midst of the palace struggles.

Of course, Lin Yun didn’t care for such pretentious people. Despite her good looks and the charm of a mature woman, Lin Yun wouldn’t look at her the same way he saw Zhao Lingyu.

Zhao Lingyu’s little schemings were somewhat cute, but Consort Shu’s shrewd maturity only bred contempt in Lin Yun’s heart.

Your daughter is about to be married off as a political tool, and you claim she’s out wandering—it’s an appalling way to be a mother.

No wonder Zhao Lingyu wanted to rebel, without any hesitation in her heart. Perhaps there truly is nothing in the Royal Family worth her fondness.

Including Zhao Hao who appeared to care about Zhao Lingyu, Lin Yun had just caught a whiff of malice.

"It just so happens I haven’t seen Lingyu for a long time as well, why not summon her to the palace for you both to have an intimate mother-daughter chat?"

Zhao Hao, who indeed had other intentions besides wine, said this in a consultative tone, but it really left no room for discussion.

Consort Shu, already impatient, was dissatisfied with Zhao Hao’s delay in broaching the main topic, and she had no choice but to reply with a smile, "It’s so late, isn’t it troubling?"

"No matter, the palace gates haven’t closed yet! Servants, summon Lingyu back to the palace and tell her that her mother misses her."

Lin Yun silently stood in the corner, watching the grand palace drama unfold.

The Emperor clearly knew Zhao Lingyu’s whereabouts already, yet he purposely asked Consort Shu.

He wanted to meet Zhao Lingyu, and could do so in his own name, so why trouble to use Consort Shu’s instead?

Even Lin Yun who was adept at boldly guessing from details, at this moment, could not figure out how to guess correctly.

"Whatever, once I find the chance, I’ll just act!"

After the message-bearing eunuch left, Zhao Hao and Consort Shu chatted casually about the matters of state, even bringing up the Shenxiao Sect.

"Your Majesty, those strong individuals from the Shenxiao Sect have been very arrogant. They probably won’t stay quiet these next few days!"

"My beloved needs not worry, as today my Divine Skill has reached completion. Shenxiao Sect’s Lin Yu and Fang Yu, if they dare to come, I shall ensure they are trapped in the depths of the palace," Zhao Hao said confidently.

Consort Shu provocatively asked, "Has Your Majesty been thinking about them for a long time?"

Zhao Hao said arrogantly, "Everything under the heavens belongs to me, these mere two women also dare not obey my commands, in the future they shall only end up as either slaves or maids."

Lin Yun heard this and his eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not let any killing intent show.

You’re quite bold. Just wait until Xiao Qing’s cooldown is over, then we’ll see if I don’t put an end to you.

Just an Emperor, and look how smug you are!

"Young Lin."

Zhao Hao suddenly called out to Lin Yun, who quickly responded, only to hear Zhao Hao ask, "Where are you from, and how did you enter the palace?"

This was an inquiry into Lin Yun’s background. Lin Yun had already concocted a cover story when he lied to Consort Shu previously, which now came in handy.

"I am originally from Haizhou. Some time ago, Haizhou was hit by floods, and I got separated from my family. Then I was captured by a strong man and brought into the palace."

The origins of one’s identity could not be clearly verified, so it was fortunate that Emperor Zhao Hao did not inquire about Lin Yun’s experiences in the palace, who had castrated him, or which chief eunuch he had been assigned to, otherwise Lin Yun would not have been able to answer.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhao Hao immediately expressed his indignation, "I had thought this world was at peace, yet such violent men exist who would commit such acts. Little Linzi, how about I take revenge for you?"

Lin Yun: "..."

There was something off about this emperor!

Offering to take revenge with such feigned loyalty must surely be a trap.

Instinctively, Lin Yun sensed something was amiss. There were always strong men in the world, and times were never truly peaceful. Besides, he was the Emperor; why would he need to ask a eunuch what he wanted to do!

There must be something fishy going on!

As cautious as Lin Yun was, he immediately responded, "There is no need to trouble Your Majesty. Moreover, that strong man trafficked humans, perhaps out of some compulsion. I don’t blame him."

Lin Yun exuded an almost saintly radiance with his response, leaving Emperor Zhao Hao feeling frustrated internally. After finally finding an opportunity, he didn’t expect Lin Yun to be so obstinately upright, letting a perfect chance slip by.

Lin Yun’s instinctual reaction had indeed helped him.

Emperor Zhao Hao practiced a cunning and mysterious Divine Skill called the Devouring Heavens Record. At its ultimate level, it could even devour the heavens themselves.

This Devouring Heavens Record did not consume Spiritual Energy, but Qi destiny.

Everyone had Qi destiny, but each person’s Qi destiny was unique.

Emperor Zhao Hao, who had cultivated the Devouring Heavens Record, also mastered the method of seeing others’ Qi destiny.

Qi destiny came in several colors. The worst was black, which usually meant death was not far off.

Many exceptional people among the common folk also specialized in the art of observing Qi, such as fortune-tellers, who could see a person’s brow darkening, which was actually the darkening of their Qi destiny.

The Qi of normal people was white, turning red as they moved towards good fortune, and turning black if moving towards misfortune.

Those with astonishing Qi destiny usually became extremely wealthy and nobly born, so much so that they would be enveloped in purple Qi, known as the phrase "prosperous and illustrious."

Emperor Zhao Hao, cultivating the Devouring Heavens Record, saw the "prosperous and illustrious" Qi destiny in Zhao Lingyu.

But the strongest Qi destiny he had seen was the Dragon Vein.

Blazing red with a hint of gold, it was dazzling to behold.

He had thought that this crimson gold was already the pinnacle of Qi destiny in the world since the Dragon Vein represented the Human Race’s destiny. The Human Race, such a grand tribe, suppressed the Northern Prairie, stood firm against the Southern Demon Race, all of which evidenced the strength of the Central Plains Human Race.

With the Dragon Vein gathering the Human Race’s destiny, who in the world could compete?

And yet, Lin Yun brought forth a Golden Legend that nearly blinded Zhao Hao.

For such a person with astonishingly strong Qi destiny, not even Emperor Zhao Hao, in this day and age, could act rashly. Killing Lin Yun would not be difficult, but claiming Lin Yun’s Qi destiny would not be so easy. Thus, he set a trap.

The most useful move in the Devouring Heavens Record was when someone made a promise and responded to it, establishing a sort of bridge between them. With this bridge as a bond, Emperor Zhao Hao could then steal the other’s Qi destiny. If the other’s Qi destiny was weaker than his own, he could swallow it whole.

He had not consumed Zhao Lingyu’s Qi destiny earlier, not because of familial consideration, but because he was busy assimilating the power of the Dragon Vein at the time of Zhao Lingyu’s birth.

The power of the Dragon Vein, long infused with the essence of the Zhao Clan, had also taken on the clan’s mark, which was why Emperor Zhao Hao could entertain the notion of targeting the Dragon Vein.

However, he did not anticipate the overwhelming dominance of the Dragon Vein. It took too long to assimilate its power, which is why only now was he able to contemplate consuming Zhao Lingyu’s Qi destiny.

But this time was different from before. Empowered by the Dragon Vein, he should not need much time to devour and assimilate Zhao Lingyu’s Qi destiny. The case with Lin Yun might be more troublesome. They had not established a bridge, and Lin Yun’s Qi destiny was so robust, he could not steal Qi destiny from Lin Yun and would have to bide his time.

When one plan failed, Emperor Zhao Hao conceived another. He said to Lin Yun, "Since you were captured by a strong man, I now restore your freedom and will send you to reunite with your family. How does that sound?"

Hearing Emperor Zhao Hao’s words, Lin Yun was even more convinced that something was wrong. Did he really need to fawn over a mere eunuch as if I were his father?

Not knowing the underlying principle, the best course of action was to do the opposite.

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. As a broken man, I do not wish to face my parents again. Let them think that I have already died."

Seeing Lin Yun refusing again, Emperor Zhao Hao finally realized his error—he had been too eager, alerting Lin Yun.

Indeed, someone with such a great Qi destiny, even if somewhat dull-witted himself, would be guided by their Qi destiny towards their advantage and away from harm.

It seemed the usual tricks might not work.

Emperor Zhao Hao internally began to consider other, subtler schemes.

He looked at Lin Yun meaningfully and said, "Little Linzi, I feel a certain affinity with you and sincerely want to help you. There is no need for you to be so tense."

Lin Yun felt another chill. Was Emperor Zhao Hao planning to expose his dagger now?

Lin Yun had an inkling that it was time for Zhao Hao to lay his cards on the table.

Consort Shu, standing to the side, was the most bewildered person present. What was going on? Why was the Emperor ignoring her, his enchanting and beautiful consort, and engaging so thoroughly with a handsome young eunuch?

While that Little Linzi was indeed very handsome, did the Emperor...

Could it be, that after all these years of celibacy, he had taken a liking to new pursuits?