Now that the troubles have been resolved, Lin Yun no longer needs to be in such a hurry.
Traveling by flying boat, Lin Yun made his way to Xichuan Province to pay his respects at the tomb of the Xuanming Sword Sovereign.
He still kept the heads of the Xuanming Sword Sovereign’s enemies, preserved specifically for this occasion.
After paying his respects, on his way back, Lin Yun passed through Jindu.
High above Jindu City, at an altitude of a thousand meters, the flying boat came to a halt. Lin Yun stood on the deck, looking down at the city below.
This place held many memories for Lin Yun, which is why he decided to stop and take one last look at the city.
In the future, Lin Yun might rarely return, and even if he did, it was unlikely he would visit the city again.
His divine sense covered the entire city.
“Quite a lot has changed, but this place no longer belongs to me,” Lin Yun mused as he gazed at the city.
Having left Earth for over a decade, such urban life had long since drifted away from him.
Looking down at the city, Lin Yun felt like an immortal observing the mortal world, completely detached from it.
Within Jindu, Lin Yun also spotted familiar faces.
“That little girl is already married? That’s good,” Lin Yun murmured with a smile.
Through his divine sense, Lin Yun recognized An Meng, the younger sister of his former secretary. Back then, she was still a student, passionately confessing her feelings to him, and Lin Yun remembered her vividly.
Now, in her thirties, she lived in a decent neighborhood, cradling a baby in her arms while her husband prepared formula. She had matured, shedding the youthful innocence and rebelliousness of her past.
“I won’t disturb her life,” Lin Yun whispered to himself.
Initially, he had considered greeting her since he was here, but he quickly dismissed the idea. It was unnecessary.
Lin Yun stored the flying boat, slightly altered his appearance and attire, and descended into Jindu City. He visited a hotel he had frequented before and ordered a cocktail at the bar, reminiscing about his past urban life.
The bar was as lively as ever, with patrons coming and going, but Lin Yun felt out of place.
“Here’s your drink, sir,” the bartender handed him the cocktail.
“The taste hasn’t changed, but… I can’t drink this anymore.”
Lin Yun shook his head bitterly and set down the glass.
Having consumed countless immortal brews in the cultivation world, the earthly cocktail now seemed unpalatable to him.
It wasn’t the drink that had changed; it was Lin Yun. He no longer belonged here…
Leaving a banknote on the counter, Lin Yun turned and walked out of the bar.
“Let’s go.”
“I won’t be returning to Jindu again…”
Lin Yun soared into the sky, swiftly leaving Jindu behind.
…
Before returning to the Holy Temple, Lin Yun made a stop in the capital, visiting Xiao Die’s home.
Though in her thirties, Xiao Die’s appearance hadn’t changed a bit.
Before leaving, Lin Yun told Xiao Die and her father that he would arrange for the Holy Temple to look after them. They could seek help from the Holy Temple anytime they needed.
In the evening, Lin Yun returned to the Holy Temple.
A banquet had been set up in the Holy Temple square, and Lin Yun joined the feast with everyone.
During the banquet, Lin Yun shared some basic knowledge about the cultivation continent and even showed them a map of it.
Everyone marveled at the vastness and dangers of the cultivation continent.
…
For the next week, Lin Yun mostly stayed at the Holy Temple, spending time with everyone. He set aside all other matters, indulging in drinks and conversations, enjoying the company.
Since he had returned to be with them, Lin Yun put aside his cultivation and wholeheartedly devoted himself to their company.
…
A week later.
Lin Yun stood atop the highest peak of the Holy Temple.
During this week, the Holy Temple had regained control of this world.
“It’s time to return to the cultivation continent,” Lin Yun gazed at the sky.
The day before, Lin Yun had already briefed everyone on the matters of the Holy Temple.
There would be no more issues on Earth.
Today, it was time to go back.
Though comfortable on Earth, staying in a greenhouse for too long would dull one’s fighting spirit.
This time, when Lin Yun bid farewell, the atmosphere wasn’t as somber as before. Everyone understood that since Lin Yun had returned once, he could do so again. Unlike before, when they thought Lin Yun might never return after leaving for the cultivation continent.
“Lin Yun!”
A voice called out.
Lin Yun turned to see Palace Master Yun Shang.
Over the past few days, Lin Yun had spent the most time with Yun Shang and a few others. He had already informed them the day before that he would be leaving today and had said his goodbyes.
Yun Shang gracefully approached Lin Yun.
“Yun Shang, is there something else?” Lin Yun took her delicate hand in his.
“Lin Yun, I want to go to the cultivation continent with you. Take me with you, I want to explore it too! With you!” Yun Shang’s beautiful eyes sparkled with determination.
It was clear she was eager to go.
Yun Shang continued, “Lin Yun, I’m now at the Dongxu stage, I have the strength to venture there.”
“I have many enemies there now, taking you would be dangerous,” Lin Yun said seriously.
Yun Shang coldly replied, “Lin Yun, do you think I’m someone who fears danger? You underestimate me!”
“I know you’re not afraid, but it’s really not the right time,” Lin Yun said with a bitter smile.
Lin Yun continued, “How about this, I promise you that it won’t be long before I find a way to establish a permanent teleportation array to Earth. Then we can come and go as we please, and when that time comes, I won’t stop you from going, alright?”
Lin Yun understood that Yun Shang wanted to go with him, partly to explore the cultivation continent, but more importantly, to be with him.
“Fine, I can’t argue with you. Alright, we’ll wait for you to return,” Yun Shang pouted.
“Come here, let me hug you,” Lin Yun reached out and embraced her.
“I don’t need it!”
Despite her words, Yun Shang allowed Lin Yun to hold her, quietly leaning into his embrace.
After a moment.
“Yun Shang, please take good care of the Holy Temple for me. And, keep up with your cultivation. I hope to be pleasantly surprised when I return,” Lin Yun said softly.
Lin Yun had left plenty of resources for them to cultivate to their heart’s content.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you look down on me. You’re so powerful now, I can’t fall too far behind!” Yun Shang said with determination.
“Alright, I’ll be going now.”
Lin Yun turned and pointed at the sky, slicing through the air.
Rip!
A massive black rift appeared before him.
Lin Yun stepped into the void, entering the rift.
The rift closed, and Lin Yun vanished without a trace.
“He’s gone again…”
Palace Master Yun Shang stood still, gazing at the spot where Lin Yun had disappeared into the rift…
Though Lin Yun had spent a week with them, for her, it was never enough.
However, she and the others understood Lin Yun well. None of them pleaded for him to stay, knowing full well that Lin Yun had grand ambitions and pursuits in his heart.
