Chapter 982: Sister, Are You Reluctant to Let Go? (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Inside the Imperial Palace of Emperor Miaozhang.

Xu Jin, following proper etiquette, paid respects as a junior disciple and presented a gift list.

The gift list was slightly increased from the one his Master provided—it should be quite appropriate.

It was mainly because of the relationships and status involving his Master’s generation that he consulted his Master.

During the Tongxuan War Zone, Xu Jin’s worst-case scenario had been to cause trouble and walk away.

But the Thousand Stars War Zone is different.

His Master, Mistress, Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, and others all had close ties with Xu Jin and had given him rare warmth; thus, he had to consider his actions more carefully.

Emperor Miaozhang, at this level, did not care about the value of such a gift list from Xu Jin.

What mattered was the intention and respect.

After a few casual exchanges, Ning Yuchan introduced Xu Jin to her disciples, and then she asked about Xu Jin’s cultivation status.

“In just over a decade, you’ve advanced to the peak of Star-Commander realm—your talent is exceptional, truly worthy of my Yuchan.”

“How about your battlefield record?” Emperor Miaozhang asked.

“Respected elder, I’ve slain True Persons in actual combat.”

“Then your combat ability is even better—have you ever slain a Mid-Stage True Person?” Emperor Miaozhang asked.

“I have.”

Hearing this, Emperor Miaozhang nodded in satisfaction, then glanced at his third disciple Li Ziyun and said, “There’s one thing I’ll tell you upfront, so you don’t harbor resentment.”

“Elder, please speak plainly.”

“We cultivators pay no mind to worldly rules.”

We only seek sincerity.

So my third disciple has taken great interest in Yuchan—he made advances before, as you just saw,” said Emperor Miaozhang.

“I noticed.”

Xu Jin nodded slightly, but his expression darkened.

Knowing Ning Yuchan was his wife, yet still pursuing her—though cultivators seek only to follow their hearts, this went too far; Xu Jin had already decided that if he got the chance, he’d teach him a lesson.

“Xu Jin, I know you’re displeased, but I have one more thing to say: we cultivators seek only to follow our hearts, yet I have one demand.”

As for other disciples, I don’t care—but if any of my own disciples fall in love or fight, it must be entirely voluntary!”

So I know my third son adores Yuchan, but Yuchan has never given him the slightest favor.

That’s because Yuchan doesn’t want him!

Both my third son and Yuchan are my disciples, so I won’t interfere.

I won’t stop him, nor will I encourage her—it’s their freedom.

My third son’s love for Yuchan is beyond my control; Yuchan’s repeated rejections are her right, and I support her—that’s her freedom.

Do you understand why I’ve gone to such lengths to explain this to you?” Emperor Miaozhang suddenly asked.

Hearing this, Xu Jin’s expression eased slightly—it was indeed true.

“Disciple doesn’t understand. Please, Elder, clarify,” said Xu Jin.

Yuchan has deep feelings for you, while my third son is infatuated with her. I don’t know your character—I fear she might suffer under you, so I’ve taken the time to explain.

“I hope you understand my intentions,” said Emperor Miaozhang.

“I understand, Elder. Please rest assured—I trust Yuchan, and she trusts me,” Xu Jin bowed.

“Good.”

Emperor Miaozhang nodded. “Now, it’s up to you younger ones. As I said: my third son’s affection for Yuchan is his freedom; Yuchan’s refusal is hers.”

As long as no underhanded methods or violations of worldly propriety are used, I, as Master, won’t interfere.”

“Understood!”

Xu Jin truly understood.

Emperor Miaozhang had said all this merely as preparation.

He was creating opportunity for his third disciple, Li Ziyun.

Any honorable means were acceptable.

For example, undermining Xu Jin’s reputation, showcasing his own strength, and so on.

Sure enough, as soon as Emperor Miaozhang finished speaking, Li Ziyun stepped forward and said, “Brother Xu, I’ve heard from Yuchan that you slay enemies across realms like cutting scallions! I’ve heard countless tales of your heroic victories against stronger foes.”

“I’m unworthy, but I’d like to challenge you, Brother Xu.”

“Third Brother Li, my husband’s cultivation is only at Star-Commander peak—your victory would be dishonorable!”

“Besides, my husband and I have already pledged our lives to each other.”

“Even if you defeat him, you’ll only earn my hatred and destroy our fellow-disciple bond!”

“Please, Third Brother Li, think carefully,” Ning Yuchan said at once.

Xu Jin glanced at Emperor Miaozhang, frowned, and immediately sent a Starlight Message to Fenghua Emperor.

Someone dares to pursue his wife right before his face—failing to slap him would be unacceptable.

But how hard to hit him? That depended on his Master’s approval.

“Little sister, don’t rush.”

“I’m not using my cultivation to bully you!”

“I’ll ask my Master to seal my cultivation to Star-Commander peak, and I won’t use True Person weapons—I’m willing to fight Brother Xu fairly!” said Li Ziyun.

“Third Brother Li, why must you do this?”

“My husband and I are bound by unbreakable love—even if you defeat him, I won’t change my heart one bit. Withdraw now, or you’ll harm our fellow-disciple bond!”

“Otherwise, if you dare humiliate my husband today, I swear I’ll fight you to the death!” Ning Yuchan roared, and a dark-golden hammer-shaped artifact suddenly materialized, crashing to the ground with surging killing intent!

Hearing this, Li Ziyun’s face and eyes filled with sorrow.

At this moment, before his Master and so many fellow disciples, and right before Xu Jin’s eyes, she had spoken so decisively—he knew he had no chance at all.

But he truly loved Ning Yuchan.

Though, given his status, countless beauties would flock to him if he so much as hinted.

Yet at his level of status and cultivation, ordinary women had long ceased to interest him.

Ning Yuchan’s aura, spirit, and willpower fascinated him.

But now, the chance was gone entirely.

He didn’t feel hatred born of love—he wasn’t that fragile.

But he grew even more curious about Xu Jin!

Now, he only wanted to fight Xu Jin, to see the gap between them.

Or, in some way, to prove himself.

“Brother Xu, I’ve sealed my cultivation to Star-Commander peak—dare you fight me?” Li Ziyun challenged.

Xu Jin said nothing—he was actually pleased.

Ning Yuchan had always been blunt, never using endearments—yet now, before outsiders, to defend him, she called him “my husband” and even invoked “unbreakable love.” Her devotion, spoken so openly, filled Xu Jin with one feeling.

Satisfaction!

“Why not?”

Xu Jin accepted on the spot.

Ning Yuchan spun around, her eyes fixed on Xu Jin, as if asking.

Xu Jin gently patted her hand, signaling her to relax.

A look of doubt flickered in Ning Yuchan’s eyes, but she chose to trust him.

Because before this, Xu Jin had never let her down.

“Third Brother Li, I’ll fight you—no need to seal your cultivation,” Xu Jin said directly.

Xu Jin had disliked Li Ziyun, but hearing his offer to seal his cultivation showed integrity, slightly improving his impression.

“No seal?”

Li Ziyun stared in shock. “Brother Xu, are you certain? I’m an Eighth-Cycle True Person at peak—your cultivation is only Star-Commander peak. This gap—don’t joke with me!”