[Ding! You have triggered a rare opportunity with the Hidden Dragon Royal Family! Become the Hidden Dragon Royal Family's son-in-law! Do you accept?]
Hearing this prompt, Lin Jichen didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
If he agreed, he could indeed become a prince consort.
But Lin Jichen knew that if he really chose to become a prince consort, Leng Feiyan would be furious.
It wasn't just personal feelings that couldn't accept it; on a larger scale, he was a disciple of the Sword Sect and a direct disciple of the Sect Master.
He represented the entire Tianyan Sword Sect.
In "Tale of Immortal," the various sects and factions were intertwined with complex interests and relationships that couldn't be summarized in a few words.
If he acted on his own and became the prince consort of the Hidden Dragon Royal Family, it would mean binding the sect's interests with another faction.
This was something no sect could accept.
Even if Leng Feiyan had no objections, the other twelve elders would definitely unite to impeach him and kick him out of the Sword Sect.
In other words, even if Lin Jichen wanted to become a prince consort, he would have to ask for Leng Feiyan's opinion first. It would only proceed with her consent.
But anyone could guess what Leng Feiyan's attitude would be.
At this moment, Ji Chen smiled and congratulated him, "Brother Lin, you're in luck. My royal sister is as beautiful as a goddess and extremely talented, having already reached the Golden Core Realm. You two would make a perfect pair as Dao companions. I don't think you would refuse, right?"
Ji Hongyue also stared at Lin Jichen, as if ready to explode if he dared to say no.
Facing this situation, Lin Jichen felt bitter inside. What kind of mess was this?
At this moment, the Empress had already returned with Ji Tongyin.
Seeing Ji Tongyin blushing and obediently following the Empress, Ji Hongyue and Ji Chen exchanged smiles.
Clearly, Ji Tongyin no longer opposed this marriage.
So next, it was up to Lin Jichen's attitude.
As long as he agreed, Ji Hongyue would immediately set the wedding date.
The other princes also knew that Lin Jichen was now Ji Hongyue's prospective son-in-law and immediately came over to build a relationship with him.
Lin Jichen forced a bitter smile and cupped his fists toward Ji Hongyue, "Your Majesty's kindness is overwhelming."
Ji Hongyue waved his hand, clearly not wanting to hear such polite words, and asked directly, "I only ask you, do you agree or not?"
Lin Jichen knew that if he directly refused now, it would definitely anger Ji Hongyue, and he might even get beaten up.
At this moment, his experience as an old hand came into play.
He sighed, "Your Majesty treats me so generously, and Princess Tongyin is as beautiful as a flower. Anyone would find it hard to refuse."
Ji Hongyue was delighted.
Ji Tongyin was also secretly pleased, her face turning as red as blood.
But Lin Jichen changed his tone and said with difficulty, "But I am, after all, a disciple of the Sword Sect and a direct disciple of the Sect Master. I can't make this decision on my own. I need to seek my master's opinion. I hope Your Majesty can understand; a teacher for a day is like a father for life, and parents' orders and matchmakers' words must be respected."
Ji Hongyue thought it over and found it reasonable. Indeed, if Lin Jichen agreed but the Sword Sect didn't, what use would he be as a son-in-law?
He admired Lin Jichen, but more importantly, he valued the alliance with the Tianyan Sword Sect, a union of strong forces.
More importantly, Leng Feiyan, as a peak Feather Transformation Realm expert, was the most likely to break through to the Immortalization Realm and become a supreme powerhouse.
If he could establish a good relationship with her now, it would mean having a super-strong ally in the future, solidifying the Hidden Dragon Royal Family's position.
"Young Master Lin speaks reasonably. It was my oversight. How about this: you go back first, and when your master comes out of seclusion, discuss this matter with her. Given the good relationship between our Hidden Dragon Royal Family and the Tianyan Sword Sect, I don't think she will refuse."
Ji Hongyue was confident that Leng Feiyan had no reason to refuse.
After all, Leng Feiyan's father and the former emperor, Ji Hongyue's father, were close friends, so there was even less reason to refuse.
"Alright, I will definitely convey the message," Lin Jichen quickly agreed, intending to deal with it later.
Ji Hongyue nodded in satisfaction, though a bit disappointed, but not in a hurry.
He said to Lin Jichen, "Since that's the case, I have other matters to attend to. Let Tongyin accompany you around the royal city, and then see you out."
After saying this, he left with the Empress and everyone else.
Ji Linglong wanted to stay but was pulled away by the Empress.
Now, only Lin Jichen and Ji Tongyin were left in the imperial garden.
A perfect setting for a private moment.
Ji Tongyin stood there nervously, her hands hidden in her sleeves, not knowing where to place them, her head lowered, staring at the ants on the ground.
Lin Jichen wasn't much better off; this sudden matchmaking had left him dizzy.
The two 'newcomers' stood there in silence, like two wooden stakes.
Finally, Lin Jichen spoke first.
"Um... Princess Tongyin..."
Before he could finish, Ji Tongyin took the initiative to comfort him, "Young Master Lin, I know you might not like me, and I understand. We are both members of prominent families and can't decide our personal matters."
Lin Jichen was silent, acknowledging her words.
Don't think you can mess around in the game just because you're a player. He was no ordinary disciple now.
He was Leng Feiyan's direct disciple, representing the Tianyan Sword Sect. Many things were no longer under his control.
His status brought him countless conveniences, but it also took away other things, like freedom.
Looking at Ji Tongyin in front of him, with her dignified appearance, noble temperament, blushing cheeks, and graceful figure, she was undoubtedly a stunning beauty.
Such a person being offered to him as a wife, asking him to be a prince consort, would be hard for any man to refuse.
Moreover, Ji Tongyin already had a good impression of Lin Jichen.
As long as Lin Jichen was willing, their affection level could quickly reach a new height.
But Lin Jichen knew he had to hold back.
If he rashly agreed, it would mean choosing between Leng Feiyan and Ji Tongyin.
If he had to choose, he would choose Leng Feiyan without hesitation, even if given ten Ji Tongyins.
After all, Leng Feiyan was his master and had helped and protected him countless times.
She was like Gu Qiuxue in real life, always unconditionally good to him.
How could he bear to leave Leng Feiyan to become a son-in-law of the Hidden Dragon Royal Family?
"Thank you for understanding, Princess Tongyin. Let me go back and discuss this with my master," Lin Jichen reassured her.
"Okay," Ji Tongyin nodded, her voice as soft as a mosquito's.
[Ding! Ji Tongyin's affection level for you +10! Current affection level: 35 points (Growing Affection)]
Lin Jichen smiled bitterly. See, if he agreed, with Ji Tongyin's parents' orders, it wouldn't take long to max out the affection level and become Dao companions.
Even if his cultivation stagnated in five years, he could still rely on his status as a prince consort and the protection of the Hidden Dragon Royal Family to live a life of luxury without worries.
But this was not what Lin Jichen wanted.
Living off someone else was fine, but it had to be done with dignity!