“Do you have any other requests?” Emperor Huoyun asked.
“Reporting to Master, no more,” Lin Yun replied.
“Good. Then go back and prepare. Tomorrow, you’ll take up your post in Dongyuan Prefecture,” Emperor Huoyun said, slowly closing his eyes.
“Your disciple takes his leave!” Lin Yun saluted and withdrew.
“Your humble servant takes his leave!” Huo Zhen also saluted and stepped back.
The two then exited the hall.
Once outside, Huo Zhen spoke up. “Lord Lin, I’ve heard some things about you lately. They say the Dongguo Party tried to recruit you and failed, then ordered everyone to isolate you. Yet you still didn’t join them. Lord Lin, you’ve got guts and spirit. There aren’t many in the court who don’t fear the Dongguo Party.”
Lin Yun smiled. “Not only did I not join them, I also snatched a prefect position from one of their own. They probably see me as a thorn in their side now. Huo Zhen, by following me, you might end up on their bad side too. Be prepared for that.”
“I can’t stand those Dongguo Party types—forming cliques, acting arrogantly, and running roughshod over the court. I’ve never understood why His Majesty doesn’t just deal with them,” Huo Zhen said.
Lin Yun shook his head with a smile. “Huo Zhen, you’re oversimplifying it. The stakes are enormous. The Dongguo Party’s roots run deep—uprooting them would damage the empire’s foundation. Sure, they form cliques and throw their weight around, but they remain loyal to His Majesty.”
“Besides, who founded the Dongguo Party? The Chancellor’s father, a war hero who fought alongside His Majesty. That alone means His Majesty won’t touch them lightly. With the demon clan threat looming, internal chaos is the last thing we need. There’s a lot more to it than can be explained in a sentence or two. One thing’s certain: as long as the Dongguo Party doesn’t cross His Majesty’s bottom line, he won’t act—unless they push him too far.”
Lin Yun had long understood these dynamics.
“Seems like you’ve got a good grasp of the game, Lord Lin. Me, I just focus on cultivation—I’ve never been good at these power struggles,” Huo Zhen said with a grin.
He added, “Oh, and Lord Lin, I’m with you now. I’m a straightforward guy—since I’ve promised His Majesty to follow you, I’ll give it my all.”
“Then I’ll thank you in advance, Huo Zhen,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Lord Lin, you’re my superior—no need to be so formal. Just call me Huo Zhen. In the cultivation world, strength and ability rule, right?” Huo Zhen laughed.
Though Lin Yun was far younger, his strength and rank outstripped Huo Zhen’s, making him the greater figure.
“Huo Zhen, brother, you don’t need to be so polite either. Go settle your family affairs. We’ll set out for Dongyuan Prefecture tomorrow morning on time,” Lin Yun said.
“No problem!” Huo Zhen replied cheerfully.
After leaving the palace, Huo Zhen headed straight to his residence.
Lin Yun, meanwhile, made his way to Liang Yuan’s home.
…
Elsewhere.
At Liang Yuan’s residence.
“Father, it’s all my fault. Now you’ve fallen out with the Dongguo Party because of me,” Liang Qing said, blaming herself.
“Qing’er, how could this be your fault? Don’t worry—if worst comes to worst, I’ll just leave the court,” Liang Yuan comforted her.
At that moment, a guard rushed into the courtyard.
“Lord Liang, trouble! Lord Shi Wen and people from the Judicial Office are storming toward the mansion. We couldn’t stop them!” the guard reported.
“What does he want? Even bringing the Judicial Office’s enforcers?” Liang Yuan’s expression darkened.
“Father, Shi Wen’s definitely here to make trouble!” Liang Qing’s face paled.
Just then, Shi Wen entered the courtyard with a group of armored soldiers and the Judicial Office’s commander.
The servants in the courtyard panicked at the sight of the Judicial Office’s commander.
The Judicial Office was a fearsome entity—tasked with monitoring and interrogating imperial officials, it could arrest anyone below third rank without needing Emperor Huoyun’s approval. Everyone feared it!
“Lord Shi Wen, Lord He Changya, what brings you both here?” Liang Yuan asked, struggling to stay calm.
“Lord Liang, what do you think I’m here for?” Shi Wen sneered.
Shi Wen was seething today.
The prefect position in Dongyuan Prefecture, which should’ve been his, had been snatched by Lin Yun. How could he swallow that?
Though Chancellor Dongguo Wuji had a plan to deal with Lin Yun, Shi Wen still wanted his own revenge.
He knew Lin Yun and Liang Yuan were close. He didn’t dare touch Lin Yun directly, but Liang Yuan? He was a soft target he could crush.
“Lord Liang, the Judicial Office is investigating a major case, and you’re suspected of involvement. Come with us!” the Judicial Office commander, He Changya, said arrogantly.
Naturally, He Changya was a Dongguo Party member.
“Father, you can’t go!” Liang Qing grabbed Liang Yuan’s arm in a panic.
She’d heard of the Judicial Office’s ruthless methods. Even if her father was innocent, once they took him, innocence could turn into guilt.
It wouldn’t just be a matter of losing his rank—his life could be at stake.
“Not go? Hmph, that’s not up to you!” Shi Wen sneered.
He Changya waved a hand. “Men, take Lord Liang away.”
“Yes!” The Judicial Office enforcers moved toward Liang Yuan.
He Changya smirked at Liang Yuan. “Lord Liang, you’d best not resist—or you know the consequences!”
A look of despair crossed Liang Yuan’s face as he imagined what awaited him.
“I’ll go with you, but I have one request—leave my daughter alone,” Liang Yuan said through gritted teeth.
“Lord Liang, once you’re in the Judicial Office, your daughter will be all alone. How could that do? Don’t worry—I’ll take good care of her for you. Haha!” Shi Wen laughed mockingly.
“You… you… Shi Wen, even a cornered rabbit bites—don’t push me too far!” Liang Yuan roared.
“What? Want to fight? That’d just be digging your own grave!” Shi Wen grinned viciously.
“Stop!”
Just as Shi Wen’s group prepared to act, a sharp shout rang out.
Shi Wen, Liang Yuan, and everyone present turned to look.
It was Lin Yun.
“You!”
Shi Wen’s eyes turned venomous at the sight of Lin Yun.
Lin Yun had offended him yesterday and taken his prefect position today—seeing him now sent Shi Wen’s anger boiling over.
Lin Yun strode confidently into the courtyard, reaching the group in moments.
“Brother Liang, are you alright?” Lin Yun asked, looking at Liang Yuan.
“I’m fine for now, but… I’m afraid big trouble’s coming. You should leave—I can’t drag you into this,” Liang Yuan said, his face ashen.
