Peach Sis’s outburst drew every camp member’s eye.
“What’s this? Someone’s squaring off with Peach Sis!”
“That’s His Majesty’s disciple, Lin Yun—facing her head-on!”
“Does he reckon he’s still the Emperor’s darling? Word is, post-apprenticeship, he’s been off the radar. Maybe His Majesty’s forgotten him. Does he still think he’s a big deal?”
…
Snarky chatter rippled round. Clashing with Peach Sis at Fire Cloud Camp? Suicide move.
On the scene, “Peach Sis, no offense meant. Just reckon I’ve earned the right to say it, that’s all,” Lin Yun said, calm.
“You…” Peach Sis’s fury flared hotter. “Lin Yun, defying a superior here? I’m locking you in confinement for six months. Camp guards—where are you?”
Four guards dashed over. “Peach Sis!” they saluted.
“Take him to the confinement cell!” she barked.
“Yes, ma’am!”
They grabbed Lin Yun, pinning him.
The scene pulled a bigger crowd—chatter about Lin Yun spiked.
He didn’t resist, just looked at Peach Sis with a faint smile. “Peach Sis, you sure about locking me up?”
She sneered, “Think I’m joking? Today you’ll learn who runs this place!”
As she spoke, a squad of imperial guards marched in, all pomp and power.
“Imperial guards at Fire Cloud Camp?”
Everyone gawked, puzzled.
The squad bee-lined for Peach Sis.
She saw them, swapped her scowl for a grin. “Commander Wu, not at the palace—what brings you here?” she asked, all smiles.
“Here to deliver His Majesty’s decree!” The deputy commander stayed stern.
He clocked Lin Yun, pinned by guards.
“Outrageous! Who ordered Lord Lin held?” he roared.
Peach Sis blinked, confused. “Commander Wu, he broke camp rules. As manager, I’ve got to punish him.”
“Then I’ll read His Majesty’s decree first.”
He pulled out the edict. Everyone dropped to their knees.
He unfurled it, boomed, “My disciple Lin Yun excels. I grant him full privileges in Fire Cloud Camp. The camp head must obey his every order—no defiance. So decreed!”
The words hit Peach Sis like a thunderbolt—like a bucket of ice water dumped on her—numb all over!
“How… how’s this possible?” Her eyes bulged.
The crowd erupted.
“Blimey, even Peach Sis has to jump at his say-so!”
“What’s he done to earn His Majesty’s favor like that?”
…
“Decree’s delivered—release Lord Lin now!” Commander Wu bellowed.
The four guards, spooked, let Lin Yun go quick.
“Decree’s here. No one dares defy His Majesty, right? Peach Sis, watch yourself. I’m off,” Commander Wu said, then led his squad out.
Guards gone, everyone stood.
Now, it was crystal clear—His Majesty rated Lin Yun high!
Lin Yun turned to Peach Sis, still smiling faintly. “Peach Sis, I said I’ve earned skipping field missions. Believe me now?”
She forced a grin. “Yes, yes, yes!”
“Lin Yun—no, Lord Lin! I was just joshing earlier. Don’t take it to heart, please,” she said, all grovel.
Peach Sis ran the camp—decent rank. Back when she’d been nice, it was polite, warm—not this boot-licking.
“Joking? How about I ‘joke’ you into confinement then?” Lin Yun crossed his arms, smirking.
Her face paled. “Lord Lin, you’re the bigger man—don’t stoop to my level. I’m sorry!”
“No need for apologies. If my kin get blocked from Mindforce Land again, you know the consequences,” Lin Yun dropped the smile, voice chilling.
“Clear! Crystal clear!” Peach Sis nodded, dry laugh stuttering.
Lin Yun said no more—turned and headed home.
…
Back in the courtyard, Liang Qing was there.
“Liang Qing, from today, hit Mindforce Land as usual,” Lin Yun told her.
“Brother Lin Yun, won’t that stir trouble for you?” she fretted.
“No worries—sorted it. No issues. You won’t even need the token—just go. No one’ll stop you,” he said.
“Thanks, Brother Lin Yun!” she said, grateful.
“I’m off to shut in again.”
Lin Yun headed to his room.
“Back at it already?” Liang Qing gaped.
Too hardcore! Last shut-in just ended—barely a day off, and he’s diving back.
Most monks, post-retreat, chill out, unwind. It’s lonely, dull work, after all.
Next up—Tribulation realm!
In his room, “Here’s my last 400,000 spirit crystals—all yours. Take your time,” Lin Yun said, dumping them into the Green Vine Gourd space for Xiao Bai.
Then he hit One Thought Clarity Tower, pulled out the Heart of Light.
This’d help him grasp the Mystery of Light’s basics—not too tricky with it.
“Here goes!”
He gripped it, poured in inner force. A weird energy pulsed out…
…
Two months later, Lin Yun’s eyes flicked open, a faint white glow rippling round him.
“Mystery of Light—basic form done!” He cracked a smile.
With the Heart of Light, nailing the basics was a cinch.
Next—from basic to full mastery.
On his own, that jump’s a slog—tough too. His Wind Mystery took ages, loads of effort, even risks.
Now, with the Crystal Coffin’s help, basic to full? Piece of cake!
