The figure of the imperial guard commander soon appeared, approaching Lin Yun and the old man.
This time, the commander no longer wore a cold expression but instead… bore a smile…
“Didn’t you say we’d see who’d have the last laugh? Back already?” Lin Yun glanced at the commander before closing his eyes, acting as if he couldn’t be bothered.
“Well… I’m here working for your freedom, to get you out of this torturous place as soon as possible,” the commander said with a forced laugh.
“But didn’t you just call me stubborn and ungrateful? The grand commander of the Xingwu Empire’s imperial guard, changing his tune so quickly?” Lin Yun said slowly, eyes still closed.
The commander’s ears reddened at this.
But he could only muster a sheepish smile, “Lin Yun, my attitude last time was poor. I apologise. Now, I respectfully invite you to leave the Land of Exile with me.”
The old man watching this was stunned. A cultivator cast into the Land of Exile was typically abandoned forever. Who else could be *invited* out like Lin Yun?
“Commander, didn’t I make myself clear last time? This place is great. I’m not done here and don’t want to leave. Stop wasting your time,” Lin Yun said, sounding annoyed.
“This… this…” The commander was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.
“Inviting a god is easier than sending one away. Leave, and don’t disturb me,” Lin Yun waved him off.
Though furious inside, the commander kept his smile, “Lin Yun, if you’re not ready to leave, I’ll wait here. When you change your mind, come with me.”
“Suit yourself,” Lin Yun replied casually, closing his eyes again.
With the commander nearby, Lin Yun couldn’t continue cultivating *Withered Silence*, so he took out a Tribulation Pill and began cultivating his realm.
Having been at the Fifth Turn Tribulation Realm for some time, Lin Yun could now work towards the Sixth Turn without issue.
In his cultivation state, time passed quickly for Lin Yun.
But for the commander, it was torment. He waited a full day, and Lin Yun showed no sign of stopping.
The commander could no longer sit still.
“Lin Yun!” he called, interrupting Lin Yun’s cultivation.
“I’m not leaving. Wasn’t I clear enough?” Lin Yun opened his eyes.
“Lin Yun, please… I’m begging you, come with me!” The commander lowered his stance, all but ready to kneel.
Seeing the commander resort to begging, Lin Yun grew even more certain that Little Green Dragon’s influence was at play, and Emperor Xingwu was desperate to release him.
“Begging won’t help. Your rank’s too low. Tell your Emperor Xingwu to come beg me himself. Then I might consider it,” Lin Yun said calmly.
“What did you say?!”
The commander’s face changed dramatically at Lin Yun’s words.
Ask Emperor Xingwu to beg him? What a joke!
“Lin Yun, don’t push it! Who is His Majesty, and who are you?” Anger surged on the commander’s face.
“I don’t care if he comes or not. And you, stop wasting time here. Your rank’s not high enough. No matter how long you stay, I won’t leave,” Lin Yun said, unfazed.
Fuming but helpless, the commander left.
…
Inside the imperial palace hall.
“It’s been a whole day. Why no news?” Emperor Xingwu grew uneasy.
After all, Deputy Palace Master Yao had given him only five days.
At that moment, the commander returned.
“How did it go?” Emperor Xingwu asked urgently.
“Your Majesty, no matter what I said, even begging, he wouldn’t budge. He even said… said…” The commander’s face paled.
“Said what!” Emperor Xingwu pressed.
“He said unless Your Majesty personally goes to… to beg him, he won’t leave!” the commander said weakly.
“That bastard! That damned bastard!”
Rage blazed across Emperor Xingwu’s face.
He, an immortal, the revered Emperor Xingwu.
The entire Xingwu Empire bowed to him alone!
Lower himself to beg Lin Yun?
What a joke!
It was an outright insult!
“Your Majesty, his stance is firm. What now?” the commander asked.
“Summon Princess Jin Yao’er. She’s on good terms with Lin Yun. Have her go to the Land of Exile and invite him,” Emperor Xingwu said.
He couldn’t bring himself to personally *invite* Lin Yun.
“As you command!” the commander replied.
On the other side.
Moonlit Palace, within the imperial grounds.
This was where Jin Yao’er resided.
But it was heavily guarded by imperial soldiers. After angering Emperor Xingwu last time, he had ordered her confined, forbidding her from going anywhere.
It was essentially house arrest.
Inside the hall.
“How long are they going to keep me locked up?” Jin Yao’er grumbled unhappily.
“Princess, I warned you last time not to plead for Lin Yun. You’ve thoroughly angered His Majesty this time. I fear you’ve lost his favour entirely,” her old servant said.
At that moment, the commander hurriedly entered.
“Princess, His Majesty summons you,” the commander announced.
The old servant quickly said to Jin Yao’er, “Miss, this is a rare opportunity. When you see His Majesty, apologise, and he might forgive you.”
“I’ll see him, but I’ll still plead for Lin Yun!” Jin Yao’er said, pouting.
She followed the commander out.
“Don’t do that, Princess!” the old servant called anxiously after her.
Jin Yao’er soon arrived at the main hall with the commander.
“Yao’er, you’re here! It’s been days, and Father has missed you dearly!” Emperor Xingwu said, beaming with a warm smile.
His attitude surprised Jin Yao’er. What was going on?
“Father, please spare Lin Yun!” she said immediately.
“This time, Father intends to spare Lin Yun, but he refuses to come out. So, Father is sending you to the Land of Exile to bring him back. How about it?” Emperor Xingwu said, still smiling.
“Really? Yes, yes, yes!” Jin Yao’er was so excited she nearly jumped for joy.
“That place is harsh, and you wouldn’t withstand it. Take this treasure for protection. It’ll keep you safe there for a day.”
Emperor Xingwu waved his hand, tossing a protective treasure to Jin Yao’er.
He then instructed the commander to take Jin Yao’er to the Land of Exile to invite Lin Yun once more.
It must be said, Emperor Xingwu was going to great lengths to get Lin Yun out…
