In the eyes of Emperor Huoyun, appointing Lin Yun as lord of Dongyuan Prefecture was a far greater challenge than any previous trial. Past tasks relied on talent and martial prowess.
This time, the complexities were far greater.
Yet Lin Yun had once again delivered a stellar performance.
At that moment, a guard hurried in.
“Your Majesty, this is a memorial from Lord Lin of Dongyuan Prefecture, sent today,” the guard said, presenting the document.
Emperor Huoyun took it and read it through.
He looked up and ordered, “By my command, send a ticket to the Lost Island and a Heavenly Restoration Stone to Dongyuan Prefecture for Lord Lin.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
The guard bowed and withdrew.
After the guard left, the red-furred cat hopped out.
“Master, Lin Yun asked you for a Heavenly Restoration Stone and a Lost Island ticket? He’s already broken through to Transcending Tribulation Realm—why does he need them?” the cat asked.
“Likely for his subordinates. He’s generous—not asking for himself but for his men,” the emperor said with a smile.
“You’re generous too, agreeing so readily. You really dote on this disciple,” the cat teased.
…
In a cave within the Demonic Beast Mountains.
“Your Excellency, we have a problem!” a demonic beast rushed in.
“What is it?” the Demon Monarch looked up.
“Our spy in Dongyuan Prefecture’s city guard was killed by that Lin Yun,” the beast reported.
“What?!” The Demon Monarch’s face darkened.
“Our spy had no demonic aura—how could Lin Yun tell?” the Demon Monarch stood abruptly.
Typically, demonic beasts carried an aura, even in human form, which skilled cultivators could detect despite efforts to conceal it.
But their spy was crafted at great cost to have no demonic aura, indistinguishable from a human—a significant investment.
Losing it was a major blow.
“I… I don’t know how he figured it out. Given the situation, if he’d killed the wrong person, he’d have been doomed, but he was absolutely certain. By killing our spy, he won the full trust of everyone present,” the beast said.
“That bastard—causing our demonic clan losses!” The Demon Monarch’s fury surged, chilling the cave to a freezing point.
“Your Excellency, this man’s no weakling. They say he fought Wu Tong, a Seventh Transcending Tribulation Realm, one-on-one and defeated him,” the beast added.
“What?”
The Demon Monarch froze, then pressed, “Is this confirmed?”
Such a leap in combat ability? He could hardly believe it.
The beast replied, “Your Excellency, it’s certain. A general we bought in Dongyuan Prefecture, bound by a soul contract, sent the report. He witnessed it himself.”
“No wonder our last assassination failed. His ability to fight above his level is absurd. At least now we know his true strength,” the Demon Monarch said coldly.
He looked up and ordered, “Since his strength is clear, keep waiting for an opportunity. Next time we strike, deploy enough force to crush him in one blow.”
“Yes, sir!” the beast responded.
…
Dongyuan Prefecture, Lord’s Palace.
“My lord, an envoy from the divine capital is here to see you!” Sun Butler reported.
“Oh? That was quick—bring the envoy in,” Lin Yun instructed.
Soon, the envoy was ushered in.
“Lord Lin, these are from His Majesty,” the envoy said, handing over the Heavenly Restoration Stone and Lost Island ticket.
“Thank you,” Lin Yun said, taking them.
“No trouble—it’s my duty to serve His Majesty. With the items delivered, I’ll take my leave,” the envoy said, departing.
Lin Yun looked at the items, a smile spreading across his face.
He’d sent the request that morning, and they arrived by afternoon.
He headed straight to Wei Qi’s courtyard.
After knocking, Wei Qi quickly opened the door.
“Brother!” Wei Qi saluted with a fist clasp.
“Wei Qi, how’s your training these past few days?” Lin Yun asked with a smile.
“With the crystal coffin, I’m progressing fast,” Wei Qi said, grinning.
“I’ve brought you two more gifts today,” Lin Yun said, revealing the Heavenly Restoration Stone and Lost Island ticket.
“These will help you master the remaining two profundities. With them and the coffin, breaking through to Transcending Tribulation Realm should be a sure thing, right?” Lin Yun said, smiling.
“Brother, these… you got these for me specifically?” Wei Qi stared at the items.
“To be honest, I asked His Majesty for them,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Brother, you’re so good to me—I… I don’t know how to repay you!” Wei Qi said, overwhelmed with shame.
He felt he’d done little for Lin Yun, yet Lin Yun was pouring resources into him!
“I promised to help you reach Transcending Tribulation Realm, and I keep my word. Just focus on training hard,” Lin Yun said, handing him the items.
“Brother, don’t worry—I’ll train with everything I’ve got. I, Wei Qi, will serve you to the death!” Wei Qi said resolutely.
Lin Yun’s kindness touched him deeply. An orphan who’d endured a harsh life, Wei Qi had gained his archery skills through a fortunate inheritance. No one had ever treated him with such genuine care.
“Who needs you to die for me? Live well and train,” Lin Yun said, patting his shoulder with a laugh.
“Alright, Brother, I’m off to train!” Wei Qi said.
“Go on,” Lin Yun nodded with a smile.
After Wei Qi left.
“I should train too.”
Lin Yun returned to his chambers and entered the One Thought Clear Heart Tower.
Inside the tower’s space.
Lin Yun produced the Heartless Herb gifted by the Xiaoyao Tower lord.
Their gifts were akin to paying protection fees—after all, they ran businesses in Dongyuan Prefecture.
Though Xiaoyao Tower and Taixu Tavern were powerful, Lin Yun was the local overlord. A strong dragon doesn’t overwhelm a local snake—they chose to curry favor to avoid trouble.
By accepting, Lin Yun reassured them, signaling no intent to clash.
“This Heartless Herb is gentle—it’ll fully stabilize my realm. Once that’s done, I can aim for Fourth Transcending Tribulation Realm,” Lin Yun said, smiling.
He consumed the herb and entered a cultivation state.
