Chapter 521 - 313: Restarting the Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Plan
After dinner, Lin Chen also tried to probe Bai Ling, but in the end, he realized he was overthinking.
Bai Ling was still the same as before, seemingly unchanged.
"Looks like I was overthinking." While pondering, Lin Chen noticed a flash of sorrow in Bai Ling’s eyes.
Recalling the events of the afternoon, Lin Feng asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Bai Ling’s pupils dilated.
"You don’t want to return to the Spirit Academy?"
"No." Bai Ling shook her head and said, "I just feel uneasy hearing about the Celestial Capital being besieged by demon beasts."
Lin Chen paused.
Bai Ling, at heart, was kind, and her sadness was understandable.
But compared to before, there was indeed some change.
At this moment, Lin Chen thought of Zhong Nan, wondering if Bai Ling, after spending two years with him, had been influenced by him.
"Staying here won’t help much." Lin Chen said, "You might even become a burden."
"I understand, which is why I didn’t insist." Bai Ling said, "I just wonder how sad our teacher would be if they knew about this from the heavens."
Lin Chen was stunned again, realizing that this made sense.
Although it was a bit odd, considering Zhong Nan gave everything for Cangling Ancient Country, it’s not surprising that his spirit touched Bai Ling.
....
The next day, when Lin Chen woke up, he saw Liu Gu ready with his belongings.
After eating, as Lin Chen finished packing up to bid farewell to the Great Elder, guests arrived.
The visitor was none other than Gu Ning.
The Great Elder exchanged glances with Lin Chen and Liu Gu.
They had just released someone yesterday, could there be a change of mind today?
As both parties met, there was naturally some small talk.
To their surprise, just after the greeting, Gu An appeared, followed by the Lee Family patriarch, Li Hai.
Finally, the Yin Family’s deputy head, Yin Liao, also arrived.
At this point, apart from the Qin Family, all other three great families were present, including Gu Ning from the National Master’s Institute.
The Great Elder sensed something unusual.
"May I ask why you’ve all come...." The Great Elder tentatively inquired.
"Where are they planning to go?" Li Hai pointed at Lin Chen and his companions.
The Great Elder promptly replied, "They have some matters to handle at the Spirit Academy first, while I will stay in the Celestial Capital to help defend it."
"Your dedication to Cangling Ancient Country is commendable." Li Hai smiled and said, "We have a matter to discuss with you."
The Great Elder glanced at Lin Chen and his companions, then said, "This way, please."
They then disappeared, leaving Lin Chen and his two companions in place.
At this moment, Liu Gu worriedly said to Lin Chen, "They wouldn’t be after you, would they?"
The fact that Lin Chen possessed the Dragon Transformation Skill was already the most feared matter in the Celestial Capital.
If Lin Chen was exposed, they might indeed be after his life.
Now with the Great Elder taking them to the grand hall and dismissing others, he too had such concerns, worrying they were here because of Lin Chen.
By then, the Spirit Academy would have to protect them.
"May I ask what brings you all here?" The Great Elder asked.
"Here’s the thing."
Gu An said, "Great Elder, are you aware of the Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Plan?"
The Great Elder pondered and said, "I know a little."
"Last month, the Spirit Academy sent a letter to the Celestial Capital regarding the Eight Trigrams Array in Willow City, correct?" Gu An spoke again.
The Great Elder nodded.
"Now with Zhong Nan gone, Gu Ning has taken over, but he is still young, and his skill in the Dragon Transformation cannot yet contend with the Nine Netherworld Snake...." As Gu An said this, the Great Elder understood and said, "You intend to restart the plan?"
"Correct."
Li Hai said, "Through our research, we’ve found this might be the only way to combat the Demon Race."
The Great Elder secretly breathed a sigh of relief but was curious, what did this have to do with him?
In such decisions, they had never consulted the Spirit Academy.
In his confusion, Gu An continued, "You should know that the day Zhong Nan took in nine disciples, Gu Ning was not the first choice to inherit the position of National Preceptor."
"What do you mean?" The Great Elder caught onto something.
They were not after Lin Chen but Bai Ling.
"The Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Plan requires mastery of the Dragon Fighting Skill or Dragon Transformation Skill and a destiny-like presence...." Li Hai said, "The stronger the destiny, the greater the power exerted."
"We believe that the current National Preceptor Gu Ning does not possess enough talent or capability for this significant responsibility."
Upon hearing this, the Great Elder chuckled lightly and said, "Weren’t you the ones who recommended Gu Ning back then?"
"Great Elder, you understand that Cangling Ancient Country needs stability and balance." Gu An said, "Some things are unavoidable."
"So what are you proposing...."
"We hope Bai Ling can step up to host the Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Array and become its central controller, helping us resolve this demon beast attack."
"Bai Ling?!"
The Great Elder was stunned.
If it were Lin Chen, the Great Elder might believe it.
Bai Ling’s nature and capability seemed inadequate for such a heavy burden.
"I think National Preceptor Gu Ning might be more suitable." The Great Elder said.
"I have used the Qi Observation Skill for a divination...." Gu Ning said at this moment, "The best choice is Bai Ling."
"If the Great Elder doesn’t believe, I can perform a divination on the spot."
The Great Elder was momentarily stunned.
Evidently, they came prepared.
Could it be that there is an underlying destiny?
Zhong Nan had already predicted this catastrophe for Cangling Ancient Country, and Bai Ling must come forward to resolve it?
However, as a keen observer, the Great Elder trusted the Yin Family, but the other three, not so much.
"I think it’s best to ask Bai Ling herself about this matter." The Great Elder glanced at the silent Yin Liao and said.
"Of course."
Gu Ning said, "The Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Plan cannot be forced, it requires full focus, or else all efforts will be in vain."
....
Lin Chen and his companions waited outside for a long time before the Great Elder and others emerged.
Lin Chen noticed the unusual expression on the Great Elder’s face and understood that something must have happened.
Once outside, the Great Elder recounted everything in detail.
Lin Chen and Liu Gu were both stunned after hearing it.
"Miss Bai Ling, are you willing?" Gu An asked Bai Ling, "For the sake of Cangling Ancient Country, for the battle in the Celestial Capital?"
Bai Ling immediately looked at Liu Gu and Lin Chen.
This was her way of handling things.
But this time, Liu Gu and Lin Chen couldn’t help her decide.
If Bai Ling indeed was the only solution, she had to step up.
"Bai Ling, don’t be afraid, ask yourself, do you want to?" Liu Gu tried to reassure Bai Ling.
Unexpectedly, Lin Chen interrupted at this moment:
"Wait!"
Gu Ning and others looked at Lin Chen discontentedly, but he calmly said, "I want to know, is there any danger in the Eight Trigrams Nine Cities Plan?!"