On the other side.
Atop Xiaoyao Tower.
“The commander is leading the imperial guard against the Zhutian Alliance?” Master Hong gazed towards the Zhutian Alliance headquarters in the distance, his face filled with shock.
Knowing Emperor Xingwu’s desire to eliminate Lin Yun, he had been deeply worried for Lin Yun when the imperial guard rushed to the scene.
This outcome was completely beyond his expectations!
Master Hong then smiled and sighed, “Lin Yun is truly remarkable.”
Though he didn’t know how Lin Yun had managed to get Emperor Xingwu to act against the Zhutian Alliance, he was certain it was Lin Yun’s doing.
He also finally understood why Lin Yun had been so confident in guaranteeing he could act in the city without issue.
…
Atop Taixu Tavern.
“What’s going on? The imperial guard is attacking the Zhutian Alliance?” The tavern master stared towards the city, his eyes brimming with shock, his entire being stunned.
This was far from what he had imagined.
At that moment, a servant hurried up to report.
“Master, the Zhutian Alliance has been completely eradicated by the imperial guard. Gu Family Head and the alliance’s top figures are all dead. The Zhutian Alliance is finished!”
The tavern master, hands behind his back, sighed deeply, “Lin Yun, what a prodigy!”
He knew full well that Lin Yun had initiated the attack at the Zhutian Alliance’s headquarters. By all logic, the imperial guard should have targeted Lin Yun.
Yet, the guard had somehow “altered” the facts, condemning and annihilating the Zhutian Alliance?
“Master, this Lin Yun has the power to turn black into white and shift the heavens!” the master’s trusted aide exclaimed.
“I can’t fathom how he managed to twist the truth like this. This man must be befriended, never offended!” the tavern master said, gazing at the sky.
He then turned to his aide, “In the name of Taixu Tavern’s Xingwu Empire main branch, establish ties with the Heavenly Sword Sect. Offer support for their expansion and recruitment, and prioritise supplying any resources they need!”
“As you command!” the aide replied, clasping his fists.
…
The news of the Zhutian Alliance’s complete destruction spread through Xingwu City at a breakneck pace.
When people heard, they were astounded. The Zhutian Alliance, safe in the city, had been wiped out? Not only did Emperor Xingwu not hold Lin Yun accountable, but he also aided him in destroying the alliance?
Such a “fantastical” maneuver shocked everyone who learned of it.
With the Zhutian Alliance eradicated, it became clear that the conflict between them and the Heavenly Sword Sect was truly over.
From now on, the Heavenly Sword Sect was destined to become a super force!
…
After leaving the Zhutian Alliance headquarters, Yan Hequn, the old man, came to bid farewell to Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, now that your matters here are settled, it’s time for me to return to the Tianqian Empire,” he said.
“Senior Yan, leaving so soon? You’ve been in the Land of Exile for nearly a thousand years—the world outside has changed. Do you have a place to go in the Tianqian Empire? If not, you can come with me to the Huoyun Empire,” Lin Yun offered.
Yan Hequn smiled and shook his head, “I’ve been trapped for so long. Now that I’m free, I need to go back and see what’s left.”
“Alright. If you ever wish, you can come find me anytime in the Xingwu Empire’s Dongyuan Prefecture,” Lin Yun said.
“Lin Yun, though we haven’t known each other long, I can see you’re a rare talent. And since you got me out, I owe you my life. If you ever need me, contact me anytime.”
As he spoke, Yan Hequn handed Lin Yun a communication jade slip.
“Got it,” Lin Yun said, accepting the slip.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Farewell,” Yan Hequn said, clasping his fists before turning to go.
“Big Brother, who was that? He seemed extraordinary,” Wei Qi asked curiously.
“Someone I met in the Land of Exile. He gave me a significant opportunity,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
Turning to the others, Lin Yun grinned, “Everyone, with the Zhutian Alliance completely eradicated, let’s return to the Heavenly Sword Sect to celebrate!”
“Great!” The sect leader nodded enthusiastically.
“Lin Yun, this time we’re drinking till we drop!” the Wanderer said, grinning.
“Whatever Master says,” Lin Yun replied with a smile.
Before heading back, Lin Yun bid farewell to Master Hong at Xiaoyao Tower, then left Xingwu City with the group to return to the Heavenly Sword Sect.
…
Inside the imperial palace.
“Your Majesty, as per your orders, the Zhutian Alliance has been completely eradicated,” the imperial guard commander reported.
“Good. You may go,” Emperor Xingwu said, eyes closed, waving his hand.
But the commander didn’t leave immediately.
“Your Majesty, I don’t understand. Lin Yun started the fight—this was a perfect chance to eliminate him. Why help him destroy the Zhutian Alliance?” the commander said.
Emperor Xingwu’s face twitched slightly, clearly stung by the question.
He didn’t want to be used as Lin Yun’s tool, but it was one of Lin Yun’s conditions for leaving the Land of Exile, and he had no choice.
“Some things must be done, no questions needed. Leave,” Emperor Xingwu waved again.
…
On the other side.
Huoyun Empire, imperial palace.
After returning from the Heavenly God Palace, Emperor Huoyun began planning to rescue Lin Yun.
For him, a disappointing disciple would be cast aside without a second thought, but one he valued was like his own child.
He couldn’t sit idly by while Lin Yun was trapped in the Land of Exile.
At that moment, an intelligence officer rushed into the hall.
“Your Majesty, latest news: Lord Lin Yun has appeared in Xingwu City of the Xingwu Empire, meaning he’s been released!” the officer reported.
“He’s been released? And he’s in Xingwu City?” Emperor Huoyun’s deep eyes flickered with surprise.
The Heavenly God Palace had already settled on Lin Yun’s punishment. How could he suddenly be freed? Emperor Huoyun couldn’t make sense of it.
Did Emperor Xingwu release him willingly? Impossible!
“Is the information reliable?” Emperor Huoyun pressed.
“Your Majesty, it’s absolutely reliable!” the officer affirmed.
“No matter how, it’s good that he’s out,” Emperor Huoyun nodded slowly.
Though baffled, Lin Yun’s release was undoubtedly a positive outcome.
…
Elsewhere.
In the demon beast mountain range.
Heavenly Demon Di Yong was cultivating in his cave mansion.
A few days ago, he had learned that Lin Yun had been captured in the Xingwu Empire for defying Emperor Xingwu’s decree.
The Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger rushed into the cave.
“Lord, latest news: Lin Yun has been released by Emperor Xingwu! The reason is unknown!” the tiger reported urgently.
Di Yong’s brows furrowed, and he snapped his eyes open, “What? Released? How is that possible!”
“Lord, I find it strange too, but it’s the truth,” the Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger said.
“No matter. Even if he escaped this ordeal in the Xingwu Empire, he’ll face a death sentence back in the Huoyun Empire. Dead either way—it doesn’t matter,” Di Yong said with a cold laugh.
