The Fourth Prince looked at Lin Yun with eyes full of hostility.
Lin Yun had never met this Fourth Prince before, yet the man harboured such intense enmity towards him. Lin Yun felt there could only be one explanation. The prince’s hostility and hatred towards the human race were extremely strong.
“Fourth Uncle, you are being far too malicious,” said Zi Tong, her expression changing.
She stepped forward and said, “Grandfather, he saved my life. If we still imprison him, word will spread that we repay kindness with ingratitude. Where would that leave our reputation? How would the entire world view us? Moreover, Grandfather, you just said you would pardon his crime of trespassing into the elf territory. You are a man of your word.”
The clan leader waved his hand to silence her. “Enough arguing. Since I have already given my promise, I will naturally honour it. Of course, there is one exception. If he is a spy sent to gather intelligence on our elf clan, then my promise will no longer apply.”
The clan leader turned to Lin Yun again. “You will stay in the palace for the time being. I will arrange a place for you to live. As for you, I need to investigate your background first. Once everything is clear, I will make my final decision.”
“No problem. I came here solely to rescue someone. I have no other intentions, and I am certainly not a spy gathering intelligence. I serve no faction whatsoever. You may investigate me however you wish,” Lin Yun declared, holding his head high and speaking in a resounding voice.
Since the clan leader had already decided to investigate first, the Fourth Prince naturally could say nothing more.
“Father, for the investigation, I suggest we assign it to Cang Chen. He is currently stationed in Xin Cheng, so it would be easier for him to gather information on the human race,” the Fourth Prince said.
These words immediately made Lin Yun tense inside.
If Cang Chen were truly sent to investigate him, who knew what kind of picture that man would paint of his background.
“There is no need. I have my own arrangements for this matter,” the elf clan leader replied.
“Sol,” the clan leader called towards the door.
An elf guard captain entered the hall from outside and saluted the clan leader.
“Sol, take this human to the vacant Shun Qing Palace and settle him there. Protect him well,” the clan leader instructed.
This “protection” clearly carried the meaning of surveillance.
“Yes, sir,” the elf guard captain acknowledged.
He then turned to Lin Yun. “Please follow me.”
Lin Yun said nothing more and followed him out.
Zi Tong quickly followed as well.
“Fourth son, you may leave for now,” the elf clan leader said.
“Yes,” the Fourth Prince replied, and could only withdraw from the side hall.
After the Fourth Prince had left, the elf clan leader summoned a shadow guard and ordered him to investigate Lin Yun’s background.
…
On the other side.
The elf guard captain brought Lin Yun to a slightly remote sleeping palace and arranged for him to stay there temporarily.
At the entrance to the palace.
“Lin Yun, I have already tried my very best to plead for you, but Grandfather insists on investigating you first. There is nothing more I can say. I am truly sorry for not being able to resolve this properly,” Zi Tong said, looking very guilty.
“It’s alright. It is good that your grandfather wants to investigate thoroughly. I am already very grateful that you spoke up for me like that,” Lin Yun replied with a smile.
“Now we can only wait for Grandfather’s investigation. I will continue to do my best to plead on your behalf,” Zi Tong said.
“Zi Tong, although the clan leader has not yet agreed to release anyone, may I at least see An Yun first?” Lin Yun asked earnestly.
“That should not be difficult. I will do my utmost to arrange it for you,” Zi Tong replied.
“Then thank you, Zi Tong,” Lin Yun said, a faint smile on his face.
“You saved my life. This is nothing. You do not need to be so polite,” Zi Tong said, revealing a beautiful smile of her own.
She then took her leave.
Lin Yun entered the sleeping palace.
For now, all Lin Yun could do was wait.
After sitting idly in the hall for a short while, Lin Yun stood up, intending to go out and look around. However, as soon as he stepped out of the palace, he was stopped by the elf guards.
Without a doubt, without permission, he would certainly not be allowed to wander freely within the royal palace.
Lin Yun could only return to his room and continue waiting.
It was not long before Zi Tong arrived at the palace again.
“Lin Yun, Grandfather has agreed. He has agreed to let you meet An Yun first,” Zi Tong announced the moment she entered, bringing the good news to Lin Yun straight away.
Lin Yun immediately stood up, his face filled with joy.
“That is wonderful. Zi Tong, thank you so much!” Lin Yun said happily, expressing his gratitude at once.
Of course Lin Yun wanted to see An Yun as soon as possible, to check on her condition and make sure she was safe and well.
