“Brat, what nonsense are you spouting! Lin Yun’s already done for—how could he possibly show up!” The elder of the Soul Refining Sect shot to his feet, shouting at Gu Dong.
Gu Family Head also snapped coldly, “Gu Dong, stop talking rubbish!”
In their eyes, Lin Yun was finished, no different from a dead man. How could he reappear?
Gu Dong hurriedly said, “Family Head, esteemed seniors, how could I dare make this up? Lin Yun’s entry into the city was witnessed by many—it’s absolutely true!”
Hearing this, Gu Family Head began to waver.
“Great Elder, go investigate immediately!” Gu Family Head ordered the Gu Family’s Great Elder.
“Understood, I’ll go now!” The Great Elder nodded and headed out.
“If Lin Yun has truly been released without charge, that spells trouble for us. With him around, our counterattack plan will surely be hindered!” the leader of the Shadowless Sect said.
“Exactly!” The others nodded in agreement.
Gu Family Head waved his hand, “Everyone, if it’s confirmed that Lin Yun has been released, it only means our counterattack plan will face obstacles. He can’t stay in the Xingwu Empire watching over the Heavenly Sword Sect forever, can he? Once he leaves, we’ll have our chance to strike!”
“But I’m worried that if Lin Yun has really returned, he’ll first come after us,” the Great Elder of the Soul Refining Sect said.
“Haha, we’re in Xingwu City, the safest place in the Xingwu Empire. What can he do to us?”
Gu Family Head laughed, “Why do you think I set our headquarters here? It’s secure. Even if Lin Yun wants to deal with us, he can’t start a fight in Xingwu City without severely violating imperial authority!”
“Especially for Tribulation Realm cultivators—the commotion from a fight would be massive. The empire’s immortals would arrive instantly, and he’d be done for!”
The leader of the Shadowless Sect nodded, “True. Even if he’s back alive, if he dares to make a move in Xingwu City, he’ll be guilty beyond redemption and dead for sure!”
The others nodded in agreement.
“So, if he’s really back, I’d actually hope he comes looking for trouble. That way, he’s as good as dead!” Gu Family Head said with a smile.
…
Xingwu City, Xiaoyao Tower.
Lin Yun stepped into the tower’s main hall and approached the counter.
“Please inform Master Hong that Lin Yun is here to visit,” Lin Yun said politely, smiling at the servant behind the counter.
His purpose was to thank Master Hong.
When the Zhutian Alliance had surrounded him, it was Master Hong who sent a message urging Lin Yun to flee quickly, promising to protect the Heavenly Sword Sect. This allowed Lin Yun to escape with peace of mind.
After his escape, Master Hong kept his word, safeguarding the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Lin Yun had always remembered this kindness!
Having fled back then, he hadn’t had the chance to thank Master Hong in person.
Now, returning to Xingwu City, Lin Yun naturally wanted to express his gratitude face-to-face!
“Lord… Lord Lin Yun!” The servant gasped, instantly recognising him.
“Lord Lin Yun, please wait a moment. I’ll inform the master at once,” the servant said, hurrying to the tower’s rear courtyard.
The hall was filled with guests, and at that moment, all eyes turned to Lin Yun.
They had clearly heard the servant’s exclamation.
“That’s really Lin Yun! I saw him at the Thousand Sects Tournament!”
“That’s the killing god who single-handedly destroyed the Gu Family and the strongholds of eleven prominent sects. They say not a single soul was left alive in those clans and sects!”
…
The hall buzzed with excitement.
The guests looked at Lin Yun with admiration and awe.
They knew this seemingly young Lin Yun had achieved countless astonishing feats!
“With his humble demeanour, if he hadn’t revealed his identity, I’d never have guessed he’s Lin Yun.”
…
At that moment, Master Hong hurried out from the rear courtyard.
“Brother Lin Yun, it’s really you!” Master Hong said, beaming.
“Master Hong, when the Zhutian Alliance surrounded me, thank you for protecting the Heavenly Sword Sect. I’m here today to personally express my gratitude. I owe you a great debt!”
Lin Yun spoke, bowing deeply to Master Hong with utmost sincerity.
“Haha, you’re too polite! Since we’ve called each other brothers, how could I stand by when you were in trouble? Come, let’s head to the courtyard!”
Master Hong, smiling, led Lin Yun to the rear courtyard.
“Brother Lin Yun, when Emperor Xingwu captured you and threw you into the Land of Exile, I was truly worried for you. I never expected you’d return safely,” Master Hong said with a smile.
“This time, it was a close call, but I made it through,” Lin Yun replied, smiling.
In the courtyard, Master Hong warmly hosted Lin Yun.
Lin Yun wanted to repay Master Hong, but as a Ninth Turn Tribulation Realm cultivator, Master Hong lacked for no cultivation resources. Lin Yun could only promise that if Master Hong ever needed help, he’d be there, no matter the cost!
Lin Yun stayed at Xiaoyao Tower for a full day, also waiting for the sect leader and others to arrive.
The next day.
In the rear courtyard of Xiaoyao Tower.
“Lin Yun, what’s your next plan? You may have wiped out the Gu Family and eleven prominent sects, but Gu Family Head and their elite forces escaped. They’re bound to plot a counterattack—a ticking time bomb,” Master Hong said.
“Once the sect leader and the others arrive, I’ll take action.”
At that moment, a servant led a group of people into the courtyard.
Lin Yun looked up—it was the Heavenly Sword Sect leader, the Wanderer, Du Yuanzi, Liang Yuan, Yang Wan, and Wei Qi.
“Lin Yun, you’re really okay!”
The sect leader, seeing Lin Yun, was overcome with excitement.
“Haha, I knew my disciple would overcome this!” the Wanderer laughed heartily.
“Big Brother! You’re really fine!”
Liang Yuan, Yang Wan, and Wei Qi were equally thrilled.
When Lin Yun had been taken by Emperor Xingwu’s men, they had been deeply worried.
Seeing him now, unharmed, how could they not be overjoyed?
They hurried to Lin Yun, greeting him warmly.
Lin Yun, smiling, shook hands or embraced each of them.
After the greetings, Lin Yun got to the point.
“Sect Leader, Master, I called you here because I plan to settle the score with the Zhutian Alliance once and for all,” Lin Yun said.
“Settle the score?” The group was taken aback.
“Lin Yun, you have a plan?” the sect leader asked.
“Correct. We move today!” Lin Yun said seriously.
