About two days later, the prefectural governor arrived at the castle.
After all, the prefectural city was far from here, and even travelling at full speed, it took the governor considerable time.
Upon his arrival and learning Lin Yun’s identity, the governor was naturally very courteous toward him.
Of course, his courtesy differed from the city lord’s extreme deference.
As a prefectural governor, he didn’t need to flatter Lin Yun, though politeness was inevitable.
Lin Yun directly explained the situation here to the governor.
“I never would’ve thought the demon race had managed to create a teleportation array,” the governor marvelled.
“Governor, you’re the ruler of this prefecture. Since you’re here, I’ll leave the aftermath and subsequent investigation in your hands,” Lin Yun said.
The follow-up matters naturally didn’t require Lin Yun’s involvement.
“No problem, this is my duty and responsibility,” the governor readily agreed.
After handing over the matter, Lin Yun prepared to leave, as it was time to return.
“Lord Lin, Lord Lin!”
Just as Lin Yun stepped out of the castle gates and was about to summon his flying vessel to depart, the city lord came chasing after him.
“City Lord, is there something else?” Lin Yun turned to him.
“Lord Lin, I’m afraid a city lord like me might never have a chance for promotion in my lifetime. I hope you’ll lend me a hand in the future,” the city lord said with utmost respect.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Lin Yun replied perfunctorily.
This city lord wasn’t a bad person, but his eagerness for quick success and obsession with merit and promotion led Lin Yun to dismiss him outright.
With that, Lin Yun leapt into the air, landing on his flying vessel, and piloted it straight toward the prefectural city.
…
After three days of travel to reach the prefectural city, Lin Yun took a teleportation array and returned directly to the Fire Cloud Empire’s capital—Divine City!
Walking through the bustling streets of Divine City.
“Next, I’ll wait for the effects of the Heaven-Returning Divine Stone to wear off, then break through to the Tribulation Realm,” Lin Yun murmured to himself.
Once he reached the Tribulation Realm, he could see his master again.
Lin Yun made his way back to the Fire Cloud Camp.
Inside the camp.
“While waiting to break through to the Tribulation Realm, I’ll continue studying the Shadow Sword Technique,” Lin Yun decided.
The fifth form of the Shadow Sword Technique was undoubtedly extremely difficult.
But with the guidance from the Fire Cloud Emperor, it would certainly be much faster than fumbling through it on his own.
Moreover, Lin Yun had already witnessed the power of the Shadow Sword Technique. With each form mastered, its strength surged dramatically!
Returning to his quarters, Lin Yun resumed his cultivation.
After just a few days of training in the One Thought Clarity Tower, a knock sounded at the door.
Lin Yun immediately left the tower’s space, got up, and opened the door.
Standing before him was Sister Peach.
“Lord Lin, an edict just came from the palace. His Majesty summons you to an audience,” Sister Peach said with a highly courteous smile.
“Oh? My master is summoning me on his own initiative?” Lin Yun was somewhat surprised.
“Lord Lin, you’re truly blessed. According to records, His Majesty rarely summons his disciples for an audience on his own accord. This shows how much he values you,” Sister Peach said with a smile.
“You’re too kind.”
After responding, Lin Yun headed straight for the palace.
Lin Yun didn’t know why his master had summoned him this time, which left him both expectant and a little nervous.
At the palace, in the Hall of Divine Connection.
“Your disciple Lin Yun pays respects to Master,” Lin Yun said, bowing to the Fire Cloud Emperor as he entered the hall.
“Lin Yun, the matter of you discovering the demon race’s hidden fortress has been reported to me by Haiqing Prefecture,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said slowly.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yun realised his master had summoned him because of this incident.
Originally, Lin Yun had planned to mention it to the Fire Cloud Emperor after breaking through to the Tribulation Realm, but he hadn’t expected his master to bring it up first.
“Master, the fortress matter is no small thing. The empire should investigate thoroughly to find out who helped the demon race build this teleportation array. Since Haiqing Prefecture has such a place, other prefectures might too!” Lin Yun said earnestly.
“I’ve already ordered my trusted aides to investigate this matter. The empire knows exactly which array masters are capable of constructing such a teleportation array. We’ll check each one of them! This will be pursued to the end,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
Hearing this, Lin Yun felt somewhat reassured. Since the Fire Cloud Emperor was taking it seriously, there shouldn’t be any issues.
The Fire Cloud Emperor continued, “This time, you’ve performed a great service. If you hadn’t discovered this, and we ended up at war with the demon race, a sudden influx of demon beasts in our rear would’ve cost us dearly.”
“You’re too generous, Master. I’m just glad to contribute to humanity,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
After a pause, Lin Yun added, “By the way, Master, you just mentioned ‘if we end up at war with the demon race.’ Does that mean… there might be another great war?”
“Though humanity has enjoyed tens of thousands of years of peace, a war is inevitable in the future. It’s only a matter of time. For tens of thousands of years, our race has been preparing for it,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
His expression grew grave as he added, “Recently, I’ve had a premonition that this day isn’t far off.”
“Not far off?” Lin Yun murmured.
“No one can say exactly how long it’ll be. For now, focus on improving your strength. If that day comes and you’re strong enough, you might be able to make a difference,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
“I understand, Master. I’ll do my utmost to grow stronger,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
“I’ve always been clear about rewards and punishments. Since you’ve earned merit this time, you deserve a reward. I’ll grant you 200,000 merit points,” the Fire Cloud Emperor declared.
Merit points could be used to purchase anything from the empire’s treasury, including Tribulation Pills, and they weren’t easy to come by.
For Lin Yun to receive 200,000 merit points at once was no small sum—ordinary imperial soldiers would struggle to earn that much.
“Thank you, Master,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
“And there’s one more thing for you,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said, flicking his hand to toss out a translucent pendant.
Lin Yun quickly caught it and looked up, “Master, what’s this?”
“It’s a defensive artifact. Carry it with you at all times. If you encounter a life-threatening danger you can’t resolve, inject your inner energy into the pendant to activate it. It’ll create a barrier around you for protection. Even a full-strength attack from an Eighth or Ninth Transition Tribulation Realm cultivator would take significant effort to break through, and it can even withstand a single strike from an Eternal Being of the Myriad Realms,” the Fire Cloud Emperor explained.
Hearing this description, Lin Yun was inwardly astonished. This treasure was incredibly valuable!
“Thank you, Master,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists in gratitude.
With that, Lin Yun placed the pendant around his neck. It was essentially a life-saving talisman, its value beyond measure!
