At that moment, the imperial envoy soared from the front, landing on the stage beside Lin Yun.
“Envoy,” Lin Yun saluted with clasped fists.
“Lin Yun, your performance was a real eye-opener—a cracking talent,” the envoy beamed.
Clearly, Lin Yun’s skills had wowed him, earning high marks.
“You’re too kind, Envoy,” Lin Yun smiled humbly.
“Here’s the prefecture champ medal—I’m handing it to you myself.”
The envoy pulled out a medal, presenting it to Lin Yun under countless envious stares.
“Cheers,” Lin Yun took it.
“Three days from now, I’ll take you to the Divine Capital for the national round—I’m keen to see you shine,” the envoy grinned.
Fire Cloud Empire’s capital—Divine Capital.
“I’ll do my best,” Lin Yun replied, steady and respectful.
Then, the Prefecture Lord stood, addressing the crowd, “Top 20 from the prefecture round, join me at the palace tonight for dinner.”
It was tradition—every year, the top twenty dined with the Prefecture Lord, a massive honor.
Normally, they’d never get near him, let alone eat at his palace.
Post-dinner, he’d recruit most of them.
With that, the Prefecture Lord left, the envoy trailing.
Dongyuan’s annual Martial Exam officially wrapped.
This year’s showdown was a once-in-a-millennium thriller for Dongyuan.
The crowd dispersed amid gasps and chatter.
Below the stage.
“Brother Lin Yun, your strength’s beyond what we could’ve dreamed!”
As Lin Yun stepped down, the Zhu duo rushed up, buzzing.
“Hero Lin Yun, congrats on the prefecture crown—next, you’re off to the Divine Capital for the national round, barring shocks, you’ll end up a Fire Cloud Empire general—your future’s boundless!” Clan Leader Zhu gushed.
National round entry pretty much guaranteed an empire gig.
“You’re too generous, Clan Leader Zhu,” Lin Yun smiled.
“Hero Lin Yun, if you soar one day, don’t forget us Zhu Clan,” Clan Leader Zhu chuckled dryly.
“Course not,” Lin Yun’s grin held.
Then, Lin Yun and the Zhu duo headed back to Zhu Clan.
It was noon when they returned—still hours till the palace banquet.
From then on, Zhu Clan’s gates buzzed.
Tons of Dongyuan families and figures flocked over, congratulating Lin Yun on his crown, hefty gifts in tow.
They were angling to connect with him—even just a familiar face would do.
Lin Yun didn’t turn them away, letting Clan Leader Zhu usher them in to meet him.
The courtyard was packed, a lively throng all vying to chat him up, snag some recognition.
…
Come evening, Lin Yun finally saw the last guest off.
Time to head to the palace banquet!
Dusk fell as Lin Yun reached the palace gates.
He recognized the guards—last time, they’d blocked him, especially that tall one, etched in his memory.
A steward stood at the entrance, greeting arrivals.
“Champion Lin Yun, this way!” the steward welcomed with a smile.
Lin Yun paused at the gate.
“You’re not stopping me this time, eh?” he eyed the tall guard.
“No… no way,” the guard forced a laugh, sheepish.
He’d never dreamed the guy he’d barred would become Dongyuan’s new champ.
The steward led Lin Yun in, down a long corridor to the reception hall.
Twenty tables lined the hall’s sides.
Most of the top 20 were seated, though the Prefecture Lord and envoy hadn’t shown.
“Champion Lin Yun, your spot,” the steward guided him to the leftmost front table.
“Ta,” Lin Yun thanked politely, sitting.
Soon, the last few top-20 stragglers arrived and took their places.
Seating followed the rankings, naturally.
“Hm? Where’s Cao Zheng?” Lin Yun murmured, puzzled.
All but Cao Zheng were here.
Shi Lu, sat nearby, said, “Reckon Cao Zheng’s a no-show—he won’t settle for just joining Dongyuan.”
Shi Lu, third place, had faced Lin Yun and got trounced.
Another chimed in, “Cao Zheng’s proper ace—without Fellow Lin Yun, he’d have nabbed the crown easy.”
“Fellow Lin Yun’s just too strong!”
The top 20 sighed in awe.
They’d lost to him, but his edge was so vast, they had to tip their hats.
Then, the Prefecture Lord and envoy strolled in.
Everyone stood, buzzing with nerves and excitement—dining with the Prefecture Lord was a rare thrill.
Lin Yun rose too.
The pair reached the front tables and sat.
“Hm? Cao Zheng’s not here?” The Prefecture Lord scanned, noting one missing.
He shook his head, “Arrogant sod—if he’s not coming, we won’t wait.”
“Sit, all of you,” he waved, settling in.
They sat back down.
Then, the Prefecture Lord toasted them.
After three rounds, his gaze landed on Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, Yi Cheng says you came here over three months back, asking to see me face-to-face?”
“Yep, true story,” Lin Yun answered, unfazed.
“What was it about?” the Prefecture Lord pressed.
“Something huge—ties to Dongyuan’s safety, even Fire Cloud Empire’s,” Lin Yun said.
“Oh? Let’s hear it,” the Prefecture Lord leaned in, curious.
“Best said to you alone, my lord,” Lin Yun replied.
With so many here, he couldn’t blab—if it leaked to that beast, trouble’d brew.
“Fair enough, stay after the banquet, we’ll talk,” the Prefecture Lord said.
Lin Yun’s status had shifted—making it this big a deal, he’d get a private chat.
“Cheers, my lord,” Lin Yun saluted.
He mused inwardly—finally, a shot to tell the Prefecture Lord solo.
Who’d have thought it’d take three months to get here?
The banquet rolled on.
Maids filed in with rare delicacies, setting them on each table.
