“No monk can resist a time-warping spot. He’s skipping it. There’s only one reason: he’s got his own gear like that,” Emperor Fire Cloud said slowly.
He’d pegged Lin Yun for three to five years on Shadow Sword Art, factoring in Mindforce Land. Whether there or with his own kit, real-world time’s the yardstick. Three or five years outside, that’s the test.
…
Meanwhile, at Fire Cloud Camp.
Lin Yun, after a breather, geared up for Shadow Sword Art’s third form. Just as he started, noise hit outside. He popped out of One Thought Clarity Tower, back to his room.
*Knock knock knock.* The gate rapped.
Lin Yun got up, opened it. Camp gate guard stood there.
“What’s up?” Lin Yun asked.
“Lord Lin Yun, Lord Liang Yuan from Exam Prefecture’s at the gate. He says he’s visiting,” the guard replied.
Liang Yuan’s titled, but camp’s strict—no pass, no entry.
“Brother Liang’s here? Let’s go to the gate!” Lin Yun bolted.
At the camp entrance, Lin Yun arrived. Liang Yuan waited, a young girl behind him.
“Brother Liang, you made it,” Lin Yun grinned.
“Lin Yun, seeing you now’s a mission,” Liang Yuan teased.
“Don’t say that. Anytime you come, you’re in!” Lin Yun swore.
He turned to the guard, “Lord Liang Yuan comes, take him straight to my place.”
“Yes, Lord Lin,” the guard nodded.
Lin Yun faced Liang Yuan again. “Brother Liang, something up this time?” he asked.
“What, can’t drop by for nothing?” Liang Yuan chuckled.
“Not that. Just you trekking to Fire Cloud Camp, gotta be something. Name it. If I can help, I will,” Lin Yun said boldly.
“Alright, got a favor. My daughter, Liang Qing, loves training. I want you to bring her into camp, let her crash at your place as a helper,” Liang Yuan said.
He continued, “Camp rules—each recruit can bring kin or a couple of aides, five max. I’ve read it.”
Guests could snag camp perks, like Seven Star Tower sessions. Loads brought mates or family, milking resources.
“Brother Liang, your daughter a helper? Nah, I’ll bring her in as family,” Lin Yun smiled.
“So, you’re on? Lin Yun, cheers, mate!” Liang Yuan gushed thanks.
“No sweat,” Lin Yun grinned.
“Qing, meet Lord Lin Yun,” Liang Yuan nudged her.
“Liang Qing greets Lord Lin,” she said, poised and pretty.
Her dad’s an empire bigwig—she’s proper, polished.
“No need for that,” Lin Yun smiled back.
“Lin Yun, I’ll leave her with you. Not my place to linger. I’m off,” Liang Yuan clasped his fists.
Liang Yuan split. Lin Yun took Liang Qing in, back to his courtyard.
Inside, he said, “Liang Qing, this is my spot. Loads of spare rooms—pick one.”
“Cheers, Lord Lin Yun,” her voice soft.
“I’ll be shut away training. Here’s the camp manual—read up, don’t break rules,” Lin Yun handed it over.
He’d skimmed it already.
“I’ll study it proper,” she took it, delicate hands outstretched.
“While I’m out, this token’s yours. Use it for Mindforce Land or wherever—top-tier royal perks. Make the most of it,” Lin Yun passed her Emperor Fire Cloud’s token.
“Lord Lin Yun, this is your status badge. I can’t take it!” Liang Qing waved it off.
“No fuss. Give it back when I’m done. Oh, and just Lin Yun—none of this ‘lord’ stuff. Your dad’s my mate,” Lin Yun said.
He’s helping big, for Liang Yuan’s sake.
Briefed, he hit his room, back to training. That’s his bit—rest’s on her.
Inside, he dove into One Thought Clarity Tower—third form grind!
…
Five years snapped by!
Five in the Tower, one outside. Lin Yun’d popped out two or three times—rest was sword drills, pondering.
“Still no dice!” he shook his head, slumped, knackered.
So long—third form still a mystery! Way tougher than he’d thought. Shadow Sword Art’s grind—way beyond expectations!
“If it’s not clicking, I’ll push harder!” Lin Yun gritted.
Time ticking, three-year mark closing. All he could do—go all-in!
Body and mind shot, he grabbed his sword, stood. “Keep at it. I won’t believe it won’t break!”
He wiped sweat, dived back in—full tilt!
…
Two and a half more Tower years!
Inside One Thought Clarity Tower, “No good! Still nothing!” Lin Yun—drenched—collapsed, despair etched on his face.
Panicked, no headway! He’d gone feral, mad training! Still zilch!
No effort, no win—sure. But sometimes, effort’s not enough. That’s Lin Yun’s reality, smacking him hard.
