Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 514 Negotiation With Lin Ancient Family

As the small fleet of Flying Ships soared through the vast expanse of the cosmos, Wang Jian couldnʼt help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with apprehension. He was seated beside Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan, surrounded by the other beautiful elders of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, each one brimming with determination.

The journey continued as the Flying Ships traversed the cosmic landscape at breakneck speed. Wang Jian stole glances out of the viewport, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending confrontation.

ʼJust a little while longer,ʼ he reassured himself silently, steeling his resolve for the challenges that awaited them in the Lin Familyʼs Starry Expanse.

After nearly two days of travel through the vast expanse of the cosmos, the Flying Ships of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion finally arrived at the Lin Familyʼs Starry Expanse. Despite the speed granted by the Spatial Nodes, the journey had felt like an eternity, each passing moment tinged with anticipation and uncertainty.

As they approached the Spatial Barrier surrounding the Lin Familyʼs Starry Expanse, Wang Jianʼs heart pounded with nervous excitement. He had made arrangements with Lin Xingya beforehand, ensuring that the Spatial Barrier would remain open for their arrival.

Now, as the Flying Ships breached the barrier and entered the starry expanse, a sense of relief washed over him.

”Looks like our plan worked,” Wang Jian remarked, casting a satisfied glance at Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan beside him.

She nodded in agreement, her expression one of quiet determination. ”Indeed. Now letʼs make the most of this opportunity,” she replied, her voice steady with resolve.

As the Flying Ships docked at the main star where the Lin Family resided, Wang Jian and the others disembarked, greeted by the sight of Lin Xingya and several formidable ancestors of the Lin Family.

One of the elder Lin Family members, a stern-looking man with a formidable aura, stepped forward, his gaze piercing as he addressed Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan. ”Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan, we welcome you and your esteemed guests to the Lin Familyʼs Starry Expanse,” he said, his tone respectful but tinged with a hint of wariness.

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan inclined her head in acknowledgment. ”Thank you for your hospitality, Elder Lin,” she replied, her voice carrying a note of authority. ”We have come seeking assistance in a matter of great urgency.”

Elder Linʼs expression softened slightly, though the air of caution remained. ”Of course, Pavilion Mistress. Please, come with us. We will discuss this matter further with our familyʼs council.”

The ancestors of the Lin Family, though proud and haughty, showed deference to Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan and her entourage. Despite their formidable strength, they recognized the prestige of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion and the authority of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan.

Meanwhile, amidst the exchange of pleasantries, Wang Jian emerged from the Flying Ship alongside Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan, drawing curious glances from the Lin Family ancestors.

”Who is that man?” whispered one of the Lin Family elders to his companion, eyeing Wang Jian with suspicion.

”I have no idea,” replied the other, furrowing his brow. ”But he emerged from the same Flying Ship as Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan. He must be important.”

Wang Jian, however, paid little heed to the speculative whispers around him. His attention was fixated on Lin Xingya, who was beaming with excitement at the sight of him.

Lin Xingyaʼs face lit up with excitement as she caught sight of Wang Jian among the group. ”Jian!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to greet him with open arms.

Wang Jian smiled warmly, returning her embrace. ”Xingya, itʼs good to see you,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine affection.

The elders of the Lin Family observed the exchange with keen interest, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

It was clear that they were puzzled by Wang Jianʼs presence among the Heavenly Jade Pavilionʼs entourage, particularly his proximity to Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan.

As they were led towards the Lin Familyʼs council chamber, Wang Jian couldnʼt help but feel a surge of nervous energy. He knew that their success in securing the Lin Familyʼs support would depend on their ability to navigate the delicate politics of the situation.

ʼJust stay calm and focused,ʼ he reminded himself silently, steeling his resolve for the negotiations that lay ahead.

As Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan and the other elders of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion sat down with the council of the Lin Family, the atmosphere in the chamber was charged with tension and anticipation. Wang Jian observed the proceedings with keen interest, his mind racing with thoughts of their missionʼs success.

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan wasted no time in laying out the situation, her voice steady and commanding as she addressed the gathered members of the Lin Family. ”As you are aware, some of our elders have been abducted by Star Lords in this territory,” she began, her gaze sweeping across the room. ”We are here to request your assistance in locating and rescuing them.”

Lin Zhiqui, the patriarch of the Lin Family, listened intently, his expression grave. ”This is indeed a grave matter,” he remarked, his tone somber. ”But you must understand, Pavilion Mistress, that engaging with Star Lords is no small task.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan nodded in acknowledgment. ”Of course, we do not expect you to engage in direct conflict with the Star Lords,” she reassured him. ”Rather, we seek your assistance in utilizing your formidable arrays to locate the abducted elders.”

The council members exchanged wary glances, clearly deliberating over Pavilion Mistress Cui Lanʼs proposal. It was evident that they were hesitant to involve themselves in such a risky venture.

Lin Zhiqui considered her words carefully, his brows furrowed in thought. ”It is a risky proposition,” he admitted. ”But the Heavenly Jade Pavilion has always been a valued ally of the Lin Family. We will consider your request.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan breathed a sigh of relief, her expression hopeful. ”Thank you, Patriarch Lin. We are willing to offer generous compensation for your aid,” she said, her voice earnest.

Lin Zhiquiʼs eyes gleamed with interest at the mention of compensation. ”Please, enlighten us on what rewards the Heavenly Jade Pavilion can offer,” he requested, his curiosity piqued.

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan wasted no time in listing the rewards, each one more enticing than the last. ”In return for your assistance, the Heavenly Jade Pavilion pledges to provide the Lin Family with rare treasures, ancient artifacts, and exclusive access to our defensive array formations and some of our exclusive alchemy pellets,” she declared, her words carrying the weight of their sincerity.

The members of the Lin Family exchanged knowing glances, their interest visibly piqued by the tantalizing offer. It was clear that the prospect of such rewards was difficult to resist, even for an ancient family like theirs.

”I must consult with my council before making a decision,” Lin Zhiqui announced, his tone measured. ”But rest assured, Pavilion Mistress, your proposal will be given due consideration.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan nodded in understanding. ”Of course, Patriarch Lin. We await your decision,” she replied, her expression hopeful yet determined.

As the council chamber emptied and the members of the Lin Family dispersed to deliberate, Wang Jian couldnʼt help but feel a surge of optimism. It seemed that their plan was one step closer to fruition, thanks to Pavilion Mistress Cui Lanʼs shrewd negotiation tactics.

A couple of hours passed by as Patriarch Lin Zhiqui discussed this matter with his council while hearing their responses.

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan knew that she had put forth a compelling case for Lin Familyʼs assistance in rescuing the abducted elders of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, but she knew that the final decision rested in the hands of the Lin Familyʼs patriarch.

After what felt like an eternity, they were called into the council again.

Patriarch Lin Zhiqui spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority. ”We have deliberated on your request, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan,” he began, his tone measured. ”While we are willing to offer our assistance, I must make it clear that the Lin Family will not engage in direct conflict with the Star Lords.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan nodded in understanding, her expression calm yet resolute. ”Your terms are acceptable, Patriarch Lin,” she replied, her voice unwavering.

Patriarch Lin Zhiqui offered a faint smile of approval, his demeanor regal. ”Very well, Pavilion Mistress. We shall lend our aid in whatever capacity we can,” he declared, his words echoing through the chamber.

With Patriarch Lin Zhiquiʼs agreement secured, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan felt a wave of relief wash over her. It was a small victory, but a significant one nonetheless.

As the council chamber emptied and the members of the Lin Family dispersed to make preparations, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan turned to Wang Jian with a grateful smile. ”Thank you for your assistance, Wang Jian,” she said, her voice tinged with appreciation. ”Your connection with Lin Xingya proved invaluable in securing the Lin Familyʼs support.”

Wang Jian returned her smile with a nod of acknowledgment. ”I am glad I could be of help, Pavilion Mistress,” he replied, his tone humble. ”I will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our abducted elders.”

With their alliance with the Lin Family forged, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan wasted no time in coordinating their next steps. ”We must act swiftly,” she declared, her voice firm. ”We will rendezvous with the Lin Familyʼs array masters and strategize our approach to locating the abducted elders.”

The group quickly made their way to the designated meeting point, where they were greeted by a team of skilled array masters from the Lin Family. As they exchanged pleasantries and discussed their plan of action, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan couldnʼt help but feel a sense of optimism. With the combined expertise of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion and the Lin Family, they stood a fighting chance against the Star Lords.

Wang Jian observed the proceedings with keen interest, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that the success of their mission hinged on their ability to outmaneuver the powerful Star Lords, and he was determined to do whatever it took to ensure their victory.

As the discussion continued late into the night, plans were drawn, strategies were devised.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as they prepared to embark on their daring rescue mission.