The next day.
Lin Yun entrusted the aftermath to Huo Zhen, tasking him with reorganizing the city guard. Liang Yuan continued forming the personal guard while taking on the duties of the Civil Affairs Office.
With the demonic beast traitor in Dongyuan Prefecture now eliminated, Lin Yun felt some relief.
Among the remaining generals, Lin Yun sensed no demonic beast aura, meaning Fan Xiao was likely the only traitor among them.
Still, there was no guarantee some hadn’t been bought by the demonic clan.
Such people would be genuine humans, with no demonic aura, undetectable by Lin Yun or Little White.
Lin Yun’s story spread through the entire city guard, even reaching those absent last night.
Beyond his strength and composure, his ability to pinpoint the demonic beast traitor left everyone in awe.
At noon.
Lin Yun was cultivating in the One Thought Clear Heart Tower when he sensed a disturbance and returned to his room.
“My lord.”
Sun Butler’s voice came from the door.
“Come in,” Lin Yun called.
Sun Butler pushed the door open.
“My lord, some guests have arrived—Lord of the Xiaoyao Tower and Master of the Taixu Tavern, here to pay their respects,” Sun Butler said.
“Since they’re here, I’ll see them,” Lin Yun said, standing.
This was his third day in office. They hadn’t visited the first two days, clearly observing, hesitant to choose sides too soon, unsure if Lin Yun could overcome Wu Tong.
Now, with Wu Tong dead and Lin Yun’s reputation soaring, their visit was no surprise.
In the reception hall.
The Lord of Xiaoyao Tower and Master of Taixu Tavern sat, attended by servants with hot tea.
Lin Yun entered.
“Lord Lin!”
Both stood, bowing with smiles, courteous and warm.
“Lord Lin, I’m Wen Qing, chief lord of Xiaoyao Tower in Dongyuan Prefecture. Congratulations on your appointment. I’ve brought a modest gift.”
As he spoke, Wen Qing produced a Heartless Herb and offered it to Lin Yun.
Lin Yun showed a trace of surprise, “Heartless Herb? Lord Wen, this is too valuable—I can’t accept.”
“Lord Lin, you’re too kind. A gift for you shouldn’t be trifling. Offering congratulations to a new lord is our custom, as it is in all prefectures. Please accept it,” Wen Qing said with a smile.
“Well… alright, I appreciate your kindness.”
Lin Yun took the Heartless Herb.
This herb was rare and hard to preserve—left unused within ten years of picking, it would wither and lose potency, making it scarce and precious.
Its effects were remarkable, capable of stabilizing Lin Yun’s realm fully.
The Master of Taixu Tavern stepped forward.
“Lord Lin, I’m Zhong Yuanchen, chief master of Taixu Tavern in Dongyuan Prefecture. Congratulations on your appointment. I hope for your favor henceforth. Here’s a small gift.”
He presented his offering.
Lin Yun saw it was a Blood Calamity Stone, a valuable rarity.
“I heard you wield a Heavenly Dao-grade sword—this stone can enhance it,” Zhong said.
Having accepted Wen Qing’s gift, Lin Yun couldn’t refuse Zhong’s.
“Master Zhong, you’re too thoughtful. Please, both of you, sit,” Lin Yun said, taking the gift and gesturing with a smile.
“Lord Lin, we heard about last night. To face such pressure, root out a traitor, and slay him—your courage and resolve are truly admirable,” Wen Qing said with a sigh.
…
Lin Yun chatted with them, learning more about Dongyuan Prefecture through their insights.
About half an hour later, Sun Butler hurried in.
“My lord, the Grand Commander of the Demon-Suppressing Army, stationed at the Demonic Beast Mountains, has returned specifically to see you,” he reported.
“Oh? The Grand Commander’s here?” Lin Yun stood.
The Demon-Suppressing Army was an elite imperial force, permanently stationed at the mountains’ base to prevent demonic beast incursions.
This Grand Commander wasn’t under Lin Yun’s command but answered directly to the empire. In military matters, they could consult together, and if the demonic clan invaded, they’d fight side by side.
Lin Yun knew this Grand Commander was Ninth Transcending Tribulation Realm. Above that, Eternals enjoyed great freedom and wouldn’t linger at borders daily, especially with human-demon tensions spanning tens of thousands of years.
Of course, if war erupted and a Demon Monarch appeared, the empire would dispatch Eternals immediately.
Below Eternals, Ninth Transcending Tribulation Realm was the pinnacle of power.
“Since the Grand Commander is visiting, we won’t impose further,” Wen Qing and Zhong Yuanchen said, standing.
“Sun Butler, see our guests out,” Lin Yun instructed.
As they left, the Grand Commander, clad in armor, strode in.
“Grand Commander, we meet again,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Lord Lin, years apart, and now you’re Dongyuan Prefecture’s lord—I never would’ve dreamed it,” the Grand Commander said with a sigh.
When Lin Yun crossed the Demonic Beast Mountains and emerged, the Demon-Suppressing Army spotted him.
A deputy commander had brought Lin Yun to meet this Grand Commander, who, after confirming Lin Yun wasn’t demonic, let him go.
Back then, Lin Yun and the Grand Commander had a brief acquaintance.
“Come, Grand Commander, sit!” Lin Yun gestured invitingly.
Once seated.
“When I heard you crossed the Demonic Beast Mountains and survived, I knew you were no ordinary man, destined for great things, fame across the lands. But your rise is faster than I imagined—mere years, and you’re the emperor’s disciple, lord of Dongyuan Prefecture, equal to my rank,” the Grand Commander said with a sigh.
“You flatter me. Crossing the mountains was mostly luck,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
He’d survived thanks to Little Monkey plotting a relatively safe route—otherwise, he’d have died!
“I almost regret not recruiting you harder for the Demon-Suppressing Army back then,” the Grand Commander said.
“Grand Commander, whether I joined there or not, we’re all serving the empire, the human race—same difference,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Haha, well said, Lord Lin—I was too narrow-minded,” the Grand Commander laughed.
“By the way, how’s the situation down at the Demonic Beast Mountains?” Lin Yun asked.
