“What’s wrong, Deputy Palace Master Yao?” Emperor Xingwu, seeing Yao’s reaction, was utterly astonished.
With their limitless lifespans, having lived for so long, it was rare for anything to cause them such shock and dismay.
Deputy Palace Master Yao slowly closed the letter and looked up at Emperor Xingwu.
“Emperor Xingwu, this time, you’ve brought trouble upon our human race,” Deputy Palace Master Yao said, his face growing cold.
Hearing this, Emperor Xingwu’s heart jolted.
But more than that, he was confused and bewildered.
When had he caused trouble for the human race? What was this about?
“Deputy Palace Master Yao, I’ve had no dealings with the dragon race. Could you… could you have misunderstood?” Emperor Xingwu said.
He wasn’t foolish. For Yao to say this after reading an urgent letter from the dragon race, it must be related to them. Yet, no matter how hard he racked his brain, he couldn’t think of any connection to the dragon race.
“The dragon race’s letter is clear. They demand that we release Lin Yun back to the Huoyun Empire within ten days of receiving this letter. Otherwise, the dragon race will declare war on the Xingwu Empire!” Deputy Palace Master Yao’s face was ashen.
“What… what?”
Emperor Xingwu’s face turned pale in an instant.
This news struck him like a bolt from the blue, a blow to the head.
“The Xingwu Empire is part of the human race’s territory. If the dragon race declares war on the Xingwu Empire, it’s equivalent to declaring war on the human race. You understand the gravity of this, Xingwu!” Deputy Palace Master Yao said gravely.
As a member of the Heavenly God Palace, and one of high standing, Emperor Xingwu knew that a declaration of war on the Xingwu Empire by the dragon race would mean war against the human race and the Heavenly God Palace.
“Of course I understand, but… how could this happen? The dragon race would wage war against our human race for Lin Yun? He’s just an ant! Why would this happen?” Emperor Xingwu could hardly believe it.
“I’m just as puzzled, but this letter is undoubtedly from the dragon race,” Deputy Palace Master Yao sighed.
The dragon race had always considered themselves a superior race, rarely deigning to interact with humans.
During the great war between humans and demons, countless attempts to ally with the dragon race failed. Fortunately, the dragon race also rejected the demons’ overtures, staying out of the human-demon conflict.
If the dragon race had chosen to intervene, siding with either party would have been catastrophic for the other.
After humans defeated the demons and drove them back to the demon beast mountain range, several attempts at diplomacy with the dragon race were made, but all ended in failure.
Yet now, the dragon race was acting this way for a human in the tribulation realm?
“With our situation with the demon race worsening, another great war is inevitable—it’s only a matter of time. If we clash with the dragon race now, and both the dragon race and demon race attack, the consequences would be unimaginable!” Deputy Palace Master Yao was acutely aware of the severity of the situation.
He then looked up at Emperor Xingwu, “Emperor Xingwu, hurry back and release him!”
“Deputy Palace Master Yao, even if it’s a letter from the dragon race, their talk of war might just be a bluff to scare us into releasing him. I don’t believe they’d actually declare war. This matter is too significant!” Emperor Xingwu said.
Deputy Palace Master Yao gave a cold laugh, “Emperor Xingwu, this concerns the fate of the human race. Can you afford to gamble?”
“This…” Emperor Xingwu was speechless.
“Hurry back and release him! You have five days to send him back, or you’ll face the entire human race holding you accountable!” Deputy Palace Master Yao raised his voice, his tone carrying anger and authority.
The dragon race had given ten days to release Lin Yun, but he gave Emperor Xingwu only five.
For Deputy Palace Master Yao, releasing Lin Yun cost him and the Heavenly God Palace nothing, nor did it harm the human race. But failing to release him carried enormous risks—even if the dragon race didn’t declare war, it could sour relations with them.
This was something the Heavenly God Palace and the human race absolutely did not want.
So the choice was obvious.
“I… I’ll release him…” Despite his reluctance and frustration, Emperor Xingwu had no choice but to nod in agreement.
He then quickly took his leave.
Deputy Palace Master Yao remained in the hall.
Though Emperor Xingwu had agreed to release Lin Yun, resolving the matter, Yao still had questions.
Why would the dragon race step in to save this Lin Yun?
Could a human in the tribulation realm have ties to the dragon race? For the dragon race to intervene, the connection would have to be significant.
“Could it be because of Emperor Huoyun? Is this his doing?” Deputy Palace Master Yao wondered aloud.
He couldn’t believe a tribulation realm human cultivator like Lin Yun could have a substantial connection to the dragon race.
Without reaching immortality, lifespans were limited. Having lived for so long, Deputy Palace Master Yao had seen countless tribulation realm cultivators rise and fall. To him, such cultivators were insignificant.
So, after much thought, he concluded it might be Emperor Huoyun’s work.
…
On the other side.
After leaving the hall, Emperor Xingwu was filled with questions.
“Why would this guy prompt the dragon race to intervene? Why!” Emperor Xingwu’s face was grim.
“Could it be because of that dragon?”
He suddenly recalled that Lin Yun once had a dragon as a pet.
“But that dragon was originally just a black flood dragon, later transforming into a dragon. It wasn’t a purebred dragon. Even if it went to the dragon race, its status wouldn’t be high, and it certainly wouldn’t have the authority to prompt the dragon race to send such a letter!” Emperor Xingwu muttered to himself.
He couldn’t make sense of it.
But regardless, the dragon race’s letter was a reality, and releasing Lin Yun was now inevitable.
Unable to figure it out, Emperor Xingwu stopped dwelling on it and decided to return and release him.
“You got lucky, kid!” Emperor Xingwu said venomously.
…
Xingwu Empire.
Inside the imperial palace of Xingwu City.
Upon his return, Emperor Xingwu immediately summoned the commander of the imperial guard.
In the hall.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” the commander said, entering and bowing to Emperor Xingwu.
“Go to the Land of Exile and bring Lin Yun back. Release him to the Huoyun Empire,” Emperor Xingwu ordered, looking up.
“Release him? Your Majesty, didn’t you specifically throw him into the Land of Exile to punish him?” The commander, hearing the order, was visibly confused.
“No need for questions. Just do as I say,” Emperor Xingwu said coldly.
“Yes!” The commander clasped his fists, accepting the order, and turned to leave.
…
In the Land of Exile.
Lin Yun was still voraciously absorbing the ‘barren’ energy of this realm.
“This guy’s absorption is immense, and he’s been at it for a full day without even pausing?” The old man watched Lin Yun with admiration.
Lin Yun’s absorption efficiency was beyond his reach.
As he continued absorbing and cultivating, Lin Yun’s flesh, bones, muscles, and organs were gradually being strengthened.
His skin even began to emit a faint golden glow.
