Chapter 451 - Do as I Say (1/2)

Seeing that he couldn't do anything Leng Jin Yu didn't waste time with another attempt and cut straight to the matter. ”It was discovered that His Highness, the Son of Heaven, used something known as the soul-engraving dagger and the Heavenly Emperor fears that his soul might have been injured because of that. His Majesty sent me to inquire if you might be able to help in this matter.”

Xin Lan frowned. ”So they want me to take a look?”

Leng Jin Yu nodded and cupped his fists. ”If you would.”

Xin Lan snorted. ”Why would I? I don't have anything to do with the Son of Heaven. I don't care what happens to his soul.”

The two of them stared at each other. The leaves of the plum tree rustled in the breeze.

Leng Jin Yu looked up, his thoughts returning to the moment he met Jinde. He sighed. Somehow, he could understand the dragon king a little better after meeting him. If he imagined that something could happen to Jinde … And they weren't even a couple. They didn't even know each other that well. Not in this life, at least.

”Aren't you part of the dragon race? The crown prince is the beloved of your king. Shouldn't you want to make sure there is nothing wrong with his soul?”

Xin Lan smirked. ”You said it yourself. He's his lover, not mine. If he can't protect his lover, then he can't expect me to do it. So if the Heavenly Emperor wants someone to take a look at his son's soul, shouldn't he let you ask him?”

Leng Jin Yu hesitated. What this Senior Xin said wasn't completely wrong but was this really how he should talk as an ally of the gods? ”Senior Xin, this matter is very important to the Nine Heavens. As far as I know, you are very knowledgeable. The Son of Heaven would have the best chances if you took a look.”

Xin Lan wanted to retort but finally rubbed his brow. Whatever. This person was his master's lover. He might not like it but he had to live with it.

Leng Jin Yu straightened when he saw this gesture. It somehow seemed as if this Senior Xin was relenting? It couldn't be that he was the type that was susceptible to praise, could it? He really couldn't imagine that but he had no idea what else could have swayed him.

Xin Lan looked up again. He didn't look happy at all but still started to explain. ”You don't understand. Souls are fragile things. There is no way to casually take a look. That could have serious consequences for the person.”

”Which is why His Majesty had hoped you could do this.”

Xin Lan frowned. ”That —” He stopped himself and took a deep breath. ”It won't change regardless of whether the person taking a look is me or not. In fact, the Heavenly Emperor might have better chances at success than I because he has a connection with the Son of Heaven that I lack. The soul is a vital part of a person. In a sense, it is even more vital than the body. Because even if you destroy the body, the soul could live on. But without a soul, the body would inevitably stop functioning and start to rot and decay. Something this important, you wouldn't think it is just something floating around somewhere in the body, right?”

Leng Jin Yu lowered his gaze. Honestly, he had never thought about that. But being asked like this … ”That is unlikely. It should be well-protected.”

”It is. And taking a look without that person's conscious and unconscious acquiescence will most likely end in injury. Both to the one whose soul is being examined and to the one who examines it.”