Chapter 2299 - In the Limelight of the World

Chapter 2299 - In the Limelight of the World
Since Lin Xiaoyun had taken over as the lord of the Swordsoul Chamber, the factional representation within had dramatically changed. It had mostly become an area for those of the third branch to gather, and many who served within the chamber were also from that branch. Even the former Third Branch Master and father of Lin Xiaoyun, Lin Yun, spent most of his time there.
Among the senior members of the Swordsoul Chamber, only a small number of them were tasked to guard the Swordsoul Purgatory. Most of the others were paying attention to the ranking event. All of Ebonia began scrutinizing the participants' actions after they had been taken to the ancestral world. The entire world had been shocked by the incident.
The seniors in the Swordsoul Chamber mostly discussed the performance of their clan's participants. In the first round of fights in the nest, the Swordgod Lin Clan had lost more than seventy of participants, which was why the mood in the chamber was rather dour. Far too many other groups across Ebonia were also at a loss, unable to do anything about their dying disciples.
However, Lin Xiaoyun and Lin Yun were still feeling rather good. The thirty-odd participants from the third branch had either been eliminated early during the event and didn't enter the ancestral world or were lucky enough to encounter weaker opponents that they could handle. So far, the third branch hadn't suffered that many casualties, which was partly why their members were still able to watch the events like a show.
Lin Wuyi of the seventh branch was also in the Swordsoul Chamber, and Lin Jie had just found his way there. Considering his high status, Lin Xiaoyun hurriedly made space for him and his father to sit at the highest seats while he and Lin Wuyi sat lower down.
"Uncle Yun," Lin Jie greeted, then turned to Lin Xiaoyun and asked, "What's going on in the ancestral world?"
"The bee rooms have enlarged in size to accommodate ten people each, but we still don't know the rules," Lin Xiaoyun explained.
"This is troubling.... It could end up leaving only the last one standing," Lin Wuyi said.
"I see...." Not even Lin Jie would be able to accept that result. Fortunately, none of his children were participating in the event. "What of the infinitum-class disciples?"
"Most of them made it through the first round. For now, they're smart enough to recall our teachings and chose to form groups to increase their chances of survival," Lin Xiaoyun said.
"Only Jianxing is a little different. He chose to join up with that luxdaemon child. Lin Mu's son is also in the same room," Lin Wuyi said.
"Lin Jianxing?" Lin Jie quickly found the relevant projection and found that Lin Yun and the rest had been paying attention to it before he came. "Interesting.... A luxdaemon, a member of the Grandnorth Dongshen Clan, Lin Lao'er's grandson, and Lin Chankong's granddaughter... what a grouping!"
"That's right. It’s quite the coincidence. We're all looking forward to Lin Jianxing's performance. He represents those of us who have the courage to embrace change. The ebons are also paying attention to this room, so he has the potential to help our cause. Dongshen Xiaoli is the darling grandchild of Dongshen Yang, and Dongshen Yue cares deeply for her as well. We have to turn against them for the ebons to properly trust us." Lin Yun stroked his long beard and focused on the youth in green robes.
"Uncle Yun, are you saying that Lin Jianxing is only pretending to form a group with Yi Zhuojun?" Lin Wuyi asked.
"Of course. I spoke to him quite a bit before he left. Given his intelligence, he'll no doubt notice that this is a huge opportunity. The harsh rules of killing in the ancestral world gives him room to act with plausible deniability. We'll soon see him working with the ebons to wipe out the Dongshen child, the luxdaemon, and Lin Xiao's grandson! We'll get rid of all three of them in one fell swoop. I'm sure our ebon friends will see it," Lin Yun proudly said.
"Not bad. Let's look forward to it," Lin Jie said. He sat deeper into his chair as he focused his gaze on a white-haired, black-armed youth. Everyone said it was a mere coincidence that he ended up there. "The changes in the Oldgod Domain even prompted Chi Hun to rush there. Despite all their research, they haven't been able to find a way to enter the ancestral world. He'll have to return to the Infinitum Swordsea either way. We should try our best to deal with Lin Changkong and Lin Chongjing before that happens. Let's hope that Lin Jianxing will mark a good start to our plans."
"That child's doing quite well. What's even better is how Lin Changkong's daughter is by his side. He'll have a chance to play the hero, too. It almost feels like the heavens themselves are watching over us, leading us along the way," Lin Wuyi said, giggling.
"To think that what happens in a small room like this could shape the future of our clan in Ebonia. What happens now depends entirely on him. If he's able to do it, we can too! This might be destiny!" Lin Yun was so agitated that he stood up as he spoke. It wasn't just the Swordgod Lin Clan’s attention that had been drawn to that room; almost every other faction, including the ebons, luxdaemons, and the Grandnorth Dongshen Clan had tuned into it as well.
There were all kinds of comments from people all over the Infinitum Swordsea.
"Lin Jianxing, Lin Feng, and Lin Linglin.... It's quite rare for there to be three disciples in a single room."
"Looks like Lin Jianxing's a rather decent fellow after all. He hasn't joined the ebons to cause trouble for Lin Feng."
"True. He's pretty gentlemanly."
"It's thanks to the spirit of the sword that our clan cultivates. Even if there are internal conflicts, we'll never kill one of our own."
"However, this is a rather good opportunity to form closer ties with the ebons. If only Lin Feng could see them in a better light as well."
"I don't think that's likely. The girl from the Grandnorth Dongshen Clan is his cousin. The ebons are also rumored to be eyeing Taia Mountain, which is their territory."
"Who cares about Lin Feng? Just kill Yi Zhuojun and Dongshen Xiaoli already!"
There were all kinds of opinions in the Swordgod Lin Clan, though a majority of the people supported siding with the ebons to step out of the trauma caused by Yi Daiyan. As such, they hoped that the clan's participants would play nicer with the ebons, and even help them. Thus, Tianming was put in quite an awkward position between Dongshen Xiaoli and Lin Jianxing.
Nobody knew how this would turn out.
Then, when the pillar of green light appeared, the spectators all gasped. That special room drew the utmost attention of everyone in Ebonia!