Everyone has their own purposes

White Tiger City.

At this moment, in a corner of the splendid and magnificent palace in the Eastern District, a particularly oppressive atmosphere enveloped the relatively small study.

Crown Prince Lin Xuan approached respectfully, presenting the Token of Heaven to his father: "Father, I have completed the task!"

"Hmm."

A middle-aged man in a golden robe nodded slightly. While his appearance was ordinary, there was an inherent majesty in his demeanor. His tone was deep, and years of being in a position of power made the atmosphere so heavy that the Crown Prince dared not even breathe.

Without taking the Token of Heaven, the man calmly said, "For now, let Xuan'er hold onto this token."

"Thank you, Father!"

Lin Xuan couldn't contain his joy.

Holding the Token of Heaven meant that the Sword God Dongfang Yixin had to pledge allegiance and obey him. The value of this token was evident, and in Lin Xuan's eyes, his father's actions held significant meaning.

"Speak."

Emperor Lin Shang turned his gaze to Dongfang Yixin behind Lin Xuan, his tone slowing down. "Why did you repeatedly assist the Dark Swordsman in secret?"

"What reasons could there be? Don't you know?" Dongfang Yixin, who usually had a carefree demeanor, now spoke calmly.

"I know you have many grievances against me, but you must understand that, as the emperor of the dynasty, the ruler of a nation, I am not entirely in control..."

"Enough."

Dongfang Yixin interrupted, indifferent. "Do you not know about the actions of the Radiant Temple?"

"I am well aware of their deeds, and I share your disdain. However, there are intricate relationships between forces. Even as the emperor, I cannot easily act against them, for fear of jeopardizing our own interests."

"In other words, it's just to protect your own interests," Dongfang Yixin frowned. "Do you think a painless purge is possible?"

Lin Shang's eyes flashed with coldness, growing impatient. "When did you become so concerned about the country and the people?"

"Don't talk about state affairs. The decline of the Sword Pavilion from its peak to its current state, all thanks to you!" Dongfang Yixin's tone was indifferent. "You want me to remain indifferent?"

"Enough!"

Lin Shang erupted in anger, slamming the table. "Reflect on yourself! If it weren't for the oaths of the past, I would have beheaded you long ago!"

Clutching his fists, Dongfang Yixin took a deep breath and turned to leave.

"Hahaha..."

Lin Shang, in extreme anger, laughed mockingly. "Too bad you'll never achieve that in your lifetime. And, let me tell you some good news, I've decided to let Xuan'er marry you!"

"Clang—"

The next moment, a sharp sword unsheathed, the edge of its intent filling the entire study. Before making a move, the walls were already marked with horrifying sword scars, and more were appearing.

"The emperor said, immediately leave without damaging a single flower or grass in the imperial palace!" Lin Xuan, heart pounding, decisively took out the Token of Heaven.

The strength of the Sword God was indeed formidable, but the power of the oath was enough to firmly restrain her. If she harbored rebellious thoughts, she would be struck down by divine punishment.

Dongfang Yixin, expressionless, swept his cold gaze over the father and son, reluctantly sheathing his sword.

...

As Dongfang Yixin left the study, the atmosphere calmed once again.

"Father, calm your anger." Lin Xuan approached to pour tea.

"Xuan'er, what do you think?" Lin Shang tapped the back of the chair, his voice deep. "The Sword God's strength is indeed formidable, but she is only a step away from breaking through to the divine level. Her true lifespan cannot be estimated, and her appearance is unparalleled. The reason she doesn't usually groom herself is just a matter of habit. Allowing you to marry her is not a hardship."

Surprised, Lin Xuan asked, "Father, are you really letting me marry the Sword God?"

He thought his father was just venting.

Her strength as the strongest Sword God in the history of the Sword Pavilion, coupled with her attractive appearance, fueled his desire to conquer. To say he didn't want to conquer her would be a lie.

"Well, Xuan'er, do you not want to?"

"Willing, willing!"

"Very well!"

Lin Shang looked at his son with a meaningful gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The time for this will be after the martial arts competition..."

...

Having dealt with the corrupted boars, Jiang Han picked up the scattered coins and quickly sought the next respawn point.

While he could use his flying ability to survey the entire area from above, the dense foliage of the Verdant Forest obstructed the view, making ground exploration more efficient.

"Swoosh!"

Systematically dealing with the corrupted boars, a gentle breeze suddenly lifted around Jiang Han.

Turning his head, he saw Raelph, dressed in blue, standing by his side.

"Are you really going to have an uncontested battle with the Crown Prince?" Raelph frowned.

"Yes."

"But why do I always feel that you have some ulterior motives?" Raelph looked at Jiang Han with a skeptical gaze.

"I do not. I can guarantee with my life that everything is for saving the Sword God and fulfilling the wishes of the Eastern Elder!" Facing baseless suspicion, Jiang Han spoke passionately, exuding an air of resolute determination. "The strength of the Sword God is terrifying. If she can betray the Radiant Camp, it would be a great boon for the Dark Camp. As a member of the Dark Camp, I, Jiang Han, am willing to sacrifice myself!"

At this moment, he couldn't help but reveal his true feelings.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Upon hearing this, Raelph praised three times in succession, almost shedding tears of emotion. "Your ideological awareness is remarkable, truly a blessing for the Dark Camp!"

Ignoring the possibility of hidden motives, these words were enough to move him!

"Tell me, how do you plan to ensure an undisturbed battle between me and the Crown Prince?" Jiang Han asked curiously.

"In three days, the Eastern District will host a grand martial arts competition," Raelph explained. "The champion of the martial arts competition can make a request to the Emperor of the Tianfeng Dynasty. As long as it's not excessive, the Emperor will fulfill your request."

"???"

This explanation was concise enough for Jiang Han to easily grasp Raelph's plan.

"You... are you serious?" Jiang Han couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

To have an undisturbed battle with the Crown Prince, revealing the plan openly in front of the emperor during a martial arts competition was akin to seeking death.

"Of course!"

Raelph nodded. "I can ensure that the emperor won't see through your disguise in a short time. As for safety concerns, you can add a condition to your request: for several hours after the battle, neither side can obstruct the other from leaving peacefully."

"This request may not be recognized by the rules, but..."

He hesitated, then reminded, "It's the only chance for you to face the Crown Prince alone. I have no

 other choice."

"Yes."

"..."

Jiang Han fell into silence.

To be honest, this was quite different from what he had imagined, and...

"Is the date of the martial arts competition your secret manipulation, or was it originally planned to be held three days later?" Jiang Han asked.

"The latter."

Raelph honestly confessed, "I can only ensure that you are disguised as a native, gaining the right to participate."

"That's quite a coincidence!" Jiang Han sneered, immediately seeing through the truth. "This is a play of 'luring the tiger from the mountain' and 'borrowing a knife to kill.'"