Divine Capital City, Dongguo Residence.
“Father, according to reliable sources, Lin Yun was released in the Xingwu Empire and will likely return to the Huoyun Empire soon,” Dongguo Lie said.
Dongguo Wuji’s brows furrowed slightly, “This kid really has some luck to survive that.”
They had assumed Lin Yun’s defiance of Emperor Xingwu’s decree in the Xingwu Empire would lead to his certain death.
“Father, even if he comes back alive, his crimes here are waiting for him!” Dongguo Lie said venomously.
At that moment, a subordinate rushed in.
“Prime Minister, Young Master, news from the city gate: Lin Yun, the Governor of Dongyuan Prefecture, has entered the city,” the subordinate reported.
“He’s back? Good. Instruct everyone to collectively impeach him tomorrow. This kid has repeatedly opposed our Dongguo faction. This time, we’ll make sure he falls into the abyss!” Dongguo Wuji’s eyes glinted with cold intent.
…
On the other side.
After entering the city, Lin Yun headed straight for the imperial palace.
Inside the Palace, Hall of Divine Connection.
“Your Majesty, the Governor of Dongyuan Prefecture requests an audience outside,” a guard reported, entering the hall.
“Let him in,” Emperor Huoyun, seated at the front, said calmly.
“Yes!” The guard bowed and exited.
Soon, Lin Yun stepped into the hall.
The hall was so quiet that his footsteps echoed clearly.
At this moment, Lin Yun felt a tinge of unease.
He knew his unauthorised absence had allowed the demon clan to launch an attack, causing a severe impact.
Would his master be angry or disappointed? Lin Yun wasn’t sure.
Since becoming Emperor Huoyun’s disciple, Lin Yun had strived to excel in every test, never wanting to disappoint his master.
He had always passed with flying colours, delivering satisfactory results without ever letting Emperor Huoyun down.
His appointment as Governor of Dongyuan Prefecture was both a training exercise and a test!
This was the first time Lin Yun had failed under Emperor Huoyun’s tutelage, and it had caused a profoundly negative impact.
It was as if a student the teacher took pride in had suddenly flunked an exam—and badly.
“Master, your disciple has come to confess his guilt!” Lin Yun said, dropping to one knee.
Emperor Huoyun slowly opened his eyes, looking at Lin Yun, “You abandoned your post, allowing the demon clan to attack. Lin Yun, you’ve failed as Governor of Dongyuan Prefecture.”
His slightly cold voice reverberated through the hall.
Hearing this, Lin Yun’s heart trembled, a mix of nervousness and discomfort.
Deep down, he didn’t want to disappoint Emperor Huoyun.
“It was my failure. Whatever punishment Master decrees, I accept without complaint!” Lin Yun said loudly.
“Then tell me, do you regret it?” Emperor Huoyun asked, still watching him.
“I have no regrets!” Lin Yun said firmly.
“No regrets? Most would claim regret in your position, even if they didn’t mean it,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“What I feel, I say. Returning to the Xingwu Empire was to settle a grudge and repay a debt. The grudge is settled, the debt repaid—I have no regrets. As for Master’s punishment, I stand by my word: I’ll accept it without complaint!” Lin Yun’s voice rang out.
He truly didn’t regret it. This trip had fulfilled a long-held wish, not only destroying the Zhutian Alliance but also revitalising the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Had he delayed a few years, the Zhutian Alliance might have grown stronger and attacked the Heavenly Sword Sect. Returning late, he might have found the sect annihilated.
Emperor Huoyun stood, stepping down from his throne.
“As your master, I won’t blame you. It’s only human to settle grudges and debts,” he said, hands behind his back.
His tone shifted, “But as the emperor of the Huoyun Empire, your absence has caused widespread discontent in the court. If I don’t punish you, the consequences would be severe.”
“Whatever punishment Master decides, I’ll bear it,” Lin Yun said resolutely.
He then looked up, “Master, before that, I have intelligence to report—concerning the demon clan.”
At the mention of “demon clan,” Emperor Huoyun’s attention sharpened.
“What intelligence? Speak,” he said, looking at Lin Yun.
“While in the Xingwu Empire, I discovered what I believe to be a demon clan underground stronghold beneath the Soul Refining Sect’s grounds,” Lin Yun said.
“A demon clan stronghold? Does Emperor Xingwu know? How certain are you of its existence?” Emperor Huoyun asked, hands still behind his back.
“Master, Emperor Xingwu is unaware. I’m 90% certain,” Lin Yun replied.
He continued, “If the stronghold exists, it would confirm the Soul Refining Sect’s leadership is colluding with the demon clan, and the sect—”
Emperor Huoyun nodded, “Good. This is significant. I’ll report it to the Heavenly God Palace, and they’ll handle it. If confirmed, you’ll have earned a merit.”
Though the stronghold was in the Xingwu Empire, when facing the demon clan, humanity acted as one.
Even if it wasn’t in the Huoyun Empire, reporting this to the Heavenly God Palace was a notable contribution.
“Heavenly God Palace? What’s that?” Lin Yun asked, puzzled.
The name was unfamiliar, and even Emperor Huoyun spoke of reporting to it, suggesting the Heavenly God Palace was extraordinary.
“It’s an alliance of humanity’s top powerhouses, you could say. If you reach immortality, you’ll join it,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
Lin Yun nodded, enlightened.
He had long sensed the world’s structure was more complex than it appeared, with immortals rarely seen, hinting at a higher circle.
He quietly noted the name “Heavenly God Palace.”
“One more thing. What did you learn from this Dongyuan Prefecture incident?” Emperor Huoyun asked, looking at Lin Yun.
“I learned how determined the demon clan is to kill me,” Lin Yun said.
Emperor Huoyun nodded, “You’re sharp. The demon clan’s sudden attack on Dongyuan Prefecture while you were gone was a ploy to use the empire to eliminate you.”
Lin Yun hadn’t expected his master to see through it so clearly.
No wonder Emperor Huoyun wasn’t as angry as he’d feared or reprimanded him harshly.
“So, my disciple, you must be even more cautious. The demon clan’s intent to kill you is strong,” Emperor Huoyun warned.
