“Mastering the sixth form of Shadow Sword Art is no small feat,” Lin Yun sighed.
“Forget it—time to take a break.”
He exited the One Thought Clear Heart Tower.
After such a long seclusion without progress, Lin Yun knew better than to force it. Sometimes, stepping back to rest and shift perspective was more productive.
Five years in seclusion translated to just one year outside.
Leaving his chambers, Lin Yun ran into Huo Zhen.
“Brother, you’re out!” Huo Zhen greeted eagerly.
“Yeah. You’re done with your seclusion? How’d it go?” Lin Yun asked.
“I finished half a year ago—reached Sixth Transcending Tribulation Realm and stabilized it. Yang Wan hit Seventh,” Huo Zhen said.
“Excellent,” Lin Yun nodded with a smile.
Their growth was a boon for him.
“After I emerged, Brother Liang handed me the administrative load and went into seclusion himself. He just came out recently,” Huo Zhen added.
Liang Yuan had managed affairs while Lin Yun, Huo Zhen, and Yang Wan were in seclusion, delaying his own advancement.
“How’s Wei Qi’s progress this year?” Lin Yun asked.
“Brother, Wei Qi’s improvement is insane. In just a year, his profundity mastery has skyrocketed. He’s in final seclusion now—last time he came out, he said he’s close to Transcending Tribulation Realm,” Huo Zhen said, amazed.
“Is that so?” Lin Yun chuckled.
He knew Wei Qi’s rapid progress stemmed from the resources and Profundity Coffin he’d provided.
“By the way, Brother, Liang Yuan mentioned you’re planning a trip to the Star Martial Empire. When do we leave?” Huo Zhen asked.
Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed, “Tomorrow.”
“Got it! Besides me, Yang Wan, and Liang Yuan, who else are we bringing?” Huo Zhen asked.
“Take the personal guard too. They’ve been formed for a while—time for some real combat,” Lin Yun said.
The personal guard was his private force, free to accompany him anywhere—no issue there.
“Oh, Brother, this year we recruited a Second Transcending Tribulation Realm cultivator into the city guard. His background checks out. I’ll introduce you later,” Huo Zhen said.
“Really? Good,” Lin Yun nodded with a smile.
Each new Transcending Tribulation Realm recruit was a gain.
“Brother, what about Meng Shan, Zhao Hu, and the other Transcending Tribulation Realm city guard commanders? Bring them?” Huo Zhen asked.
Excluding Huo Zhen, Liang Yuan, and Yang Wan, Dongyuan Prefecture had five Transcending Tribulation Realm generals.
There used to be more, but Wu Tong’s battle cost three who refused to surrender, dying with him, though a new one was recently recruited.
“Bring Meng Shan and Zhao Hu. The other three stay to hold Dongyuan Prefecture,” Lin Yun said, eyes focused.
To crush the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, he’d bring ample forces.
“As for the three million city guard soldiers, they stay to garrison Dongyuan Prefecture,” Lin Yun added.
With this lineup, especially so many Transcending Tribulation Realm cultivators, it was more than enough!
“Alright, Brother, I’ll get everyone ready!” Huo Zhen said.
Lin Yun nodded, “Go handle it.”
Returning to the Star Martial Empire with several Transcending Tribulation Realm cultivators required arranging Dongyuan Prefecture’s affairs.
Huo Zhen left to notify and organize.
Lin Yun, meanwhile, was free—the others handled the details.
“Been in Dongyuan Prefecture so long and haven’t visited the Bai family. While they prepare, I’ll see Bai Lu,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
When he first arrived in the Huoyun Empire, gravely injured while grasping the rudiments of lightning profundity, Bai Lu saved him. He’d never forget that debt.
He should’ve visited the Bai family upon taking office.
Seclusion had delayed him, and over a year into his tenure, he hadn’t gone—somewhat shameful.
Decision made, Lin Yun left the Lord’s Palace.
Again, he declined an honor guard or escorts, heading out alone.
As he left the city, news of his departure was quietly sent to the demonic clan…
…
Taifeng County, Bai Family Fortress.
The fortress was surrounded by a large group of cultivators.
“Bai Patriarch, my Hu family gave you a chance, but you didn’t take it. Don’t blame us today!” a white-bearded old man below laughed.
The Hu and Bai families, both prominent in Taifeng County, had long clashed over mining resources.
The Bai Patriarch and family members stood on the walls, their faces grim.
“You call that a chance? Handing over all our mines would choke our growth. How could we agree?” the Bai Patriarch spat.
“Haha, your Bai family’s on the brink of extinction, and you’re still dreaming of growth? What a joke!” the old man cackled.
“The Hu family never dared act so bold before. It’s only because they birthed a new Transcending Tribulation Realm cultivator last year that they dare trample us!” Bai Yongzhi growled.
In the enduring Huoyun Empire, families rose and fell.
The empire had stood for tens of thousands of years, but families waxed and waned. A new powerhouse could elevate a family; losing one without a replacement led to decline.
Countless families vanished daily, while new ones emerged.
The Bai family had one Transcending Tribulation Realm cultivator; the Hu family now had two.
The Bai Patriarch glared down, “Old dog Hu, my Bai family has ties to the new lord. Think carefully before attacking!”
“Haha, you’ve been saying that for a year, yet you’ve had no contact with the new lord. You think a lie like that scares my Hu family? Laughable!” the old man roared with laughter.
Since that rumor surfaced, the Hu family waited a year, finding no link between the Bai family and the new lord, before launching their attack.
Besides, how could a mere county family like the Bai connect with the lofty lord?
