“It seems… Medusa Queen wants to compete with me…”
Hearing Yan Lin’s words, Lin Qingyan stared straight at her. The aura around her became increasingly dangerous, and even Ling Xing and Ling Yue were filled with alarm.
“So what?”
Yan Lin’s gaze collided with Lin Qingyan’s. It was as if sparks burst in the void, and the atmosphere grew even more tense.
“How about this. I’ll give you a chance. I will seal my cultivation to the 1st stage King Martial Realm, and the two of us can have a proper fight.”
Hearing this, Lin Qingyan’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and Xiao Fan’s expression also changed.
At that moment, both of them seemed to understand something.
“You told her something about me?”
Lin Qingyan was extremely intelligent. From just that one sentence from Yan Lin, she instantly understood the latter’s true purpose.
So that was it.
The other party was not trying to compete for affection, but was simply looking for a reason to fight her.
As for why Yan Lin would be interested in her, a so-called “weakling,” it was obvious.
She must have learned about her background from Xiao Fan.
“Cough, I just casually mentioned that you’re not as simple as you appear. The rest was her own imagination…”
Seeing Lin Qingyan look at him, Xiao Fan spoke with some guilt.
Lin Qingyan was now even more certain.
Not only had Xiao Fan seen through her origins, he had also told this information to Medusa Queen.
No wonder this woman had shown such strong hostility toward her.
“At the same level, you are not my opponent.”
Lin Qingyan turned her head toward Yan Lin and declared confidently.
This was not arrogance. It was simply the truth.
As the reincarnation of a powerhouse of the Imperial Martial Realm, her previous life’s control over power and understanding of laws had reached a level that countless people could never attain.
Even if Yan Lin was outstanding among the generations of Medusa Queens, at the same cultivation level, she would absolutely not be her match.
“Oh? If you say that, this queen wants to try even more…”
Hearing this, Yan Lin’s competitive spirit flared up, and a surge of battle intent ignited within her.
As the Medusa Queen of this generation of the snake people tribe, Yan Lin had gone through countless battles. Among those of the same level, she had never met anyone who could truly defeat her.
She was a natural fighter, proud and unyielding.
After learning that Lin Qingyan was the reincarnation of an Imperial Martial Realm powerhouse, she could not help but want to measure herself against her.
Even if she lost, she would at least understand the gap between them in terms of control and application of power.
“Since you insist on competing with me… Tonight at midnight, meet me outside the Imperial City. We will find a place and settle this properly in private.”
Sensing Yan Lin’s battle intent and recalling her former self, Lin Qingyan replied sincerely.
Yan Lin’s eyes immediately lit up.
“It’s a deal.”
At these words, Yan Lin withdrew her aura. The hostility in her gaze toward Lin Qingyan also lessened.
The atmosphere instantly eased, leaving Xiao Fan feeling confused.
“Wait, you two… Weren’t you arguing because of me? Why are you suddenly arranging a duel? Isn’t that off topic?”
Hearing Xiao Fan’s words, Yan Lin and Lin Qingyan both turned to look at him. Their gazes carried a hint of danger.
“Why would we argue over you?”
“Are you that irresistible?”
“?!”
Xiao Fan was stunned.
What?
Sure, women can change their attitudes quickly, but not this quickly. It was too sudden.
He found it hard to accept and immediately protested, “Then just now, one of you said I could sleep with you anytime, and the other said I could marry all the snake women. Don’t tell me you were just talking nonsense?!”
Medusa Queen and Lin Qingyan showed no change in expression. They merely glanced at each other before speaking seriously.
“Did this queen say that?”
“No. But I’m also curious. Did I say that?”
“No.”
Just moments ago, they had been at each other’s throats.
Now, regarding this matter, they were surprisingly in sync. In just a few sentences, they brushed aside everything that had been said earlier.
Xiao Fan could no longer hold back.
“Are you both going back on your word?!”
As he spoke, he immediately looked at Ling Xing and Ling Yue. “Ling Xing, Ling Yue, you two be the judges. Didn’t they just say that?!”
But when they saw Yan Lin and Lin Qingyan’s gazes sweep over them, the sisters immediately said in unison, “We didn’t hear anything just now!”
Xiao Fan nearly exploded with anger.
How heartless.
So he, a dignified man, had been standing there all this time as just a tool in the rivalry between the queen and the empress.
And the disposable kind at that.
“Your man is so eager to sleep with other women… Aren’t you going to do something about it?”
Yan Lin said calmly.
Lin Qingyan merely smiled slightly. “My status in his heart is low at the moment. We are husband and wife in name only, and I once promised not to interfere with his freedom. Even if I wanted to control him, I would lack justification. As for you… you have already shared the bond of husband and wife with him. He is closer to you. If Medusa Queen finds it displeasing, then help me discipline him.”
Hearing their words, Xiao Fan’s expression changed instantly. He looked at the two women warily.
“What do you mean? Are you two planning to rely on being slightly stronger than me to commit domestic violence? I’m telling you, this heir has dignity and backbone. If either of you dares to touch me, I’ll smash my head against a block of tofu and die. Then you can both be widows!”
Medusa Queen remained silent.
Lin Qingyan also remained silent.
“Ling Xing, Ling Yue, later you two will accompany the Prince Consort and Miss Yan Lin out into the city. They are not familiar with the Imperial City, so you can act as guides. But remember, don’t let the Prince Consort act recklessly.”
After instructing Ling Xing and Ling Yue, Lin Qingyan nodded to Yan Lin. “I will return to cultivate quietly. If you are interested tonight, you may come to me anytime.”
With that, Lin Qingyan left the hall.
Yan Lin said nothing further and also walked out.
“Let’s go. Buy this king a few better outfits. Tonight, this king will dress properly to compete with your bride.”
…
Watching Lin Qingyan and Yan Lin leave, both so proud and aloof, Xiao Fan gritted his teeth in anger.
“Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river. Don’t bully the poor youth.”
“One day… this heir will make you both kneel before me, crying and calling, ‘Husband, I was wrong.’”
Hearing his muttering, Ling Xing and Ling Yue could not help widening their eyes. Xiao Fan immediately glared fiercely at them.
“You two fence-sitters. I’ll deal with you later.”
After saying that, he followed Yan Lin at her call, walking behind her and admiring her long legs.
Ling Xing and Ling Yue seemed to think of something, and a faint blush appeared on their faces. Then they hurriedly followed Xiao Fan and Yan Lin.