Lin Yun turned to Huo Zhen and asked, “Huo Zhen, how has the situation in Dongyuan Prefecture been since you returned?”
“When the demon clan attacked, they occupied a county city, massacred it, and then withdrew. By the time I returned, the demons had already left, and the battle was over. I’ve been handling the aftermath and stabilising the situation,” Huo Zhen said.
“By the way, Big Brother, you mentioned an important arrangement. What is it?” Huo Zhen asked.
Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed, a chill emanating from them, “The demon clan’s attack was clearly aimed at me, and they slaughtered an entire county city. This blood debt must be repaid in blood!”
Not avenging this would be unlike Lin Yun!
The demon clan had tried to assassinate him repeatedly, and he hadn’t retaliated.
This time, he would settle all scores!
“Big Brother, are you planning a retaliation operation?” Huo Zhen asked.
“Exactly. We’ll launch a massive purge, thoroughly clearing and retaliating against the demon beasts hiding in Dongyuan Prefecture. They’ll pay a heavy price!” Lin Yun said firmly.
The demon beasts that attacked weren’t from the demon beast mountain range but were already concealed within Dongyuan Prefecture.
The prefecture was vast, with countless mountains, lakes, and remote areas—perfect hiding spots for demon beasts.
Some underground strongholds also served as their hideouts.
While Lin Yun couldn’t strike at the demons in the mountain range, he could target those within Dongyuan Prefecture!
“Big Brother, our city guard is limited. Beyond regular city defence and patrols, launching a truly comprehensive purge is nearly impossible,” Huo Zhen said helplessly.
Dongyuan Prefecture was enormous, with a population of tens of billions and an area comparable to Earth from Lin Yun’s past life.
The three million city guards seemed numerous, but spread across such a vast region, they were insufficient. City defence and patrols already consumed most of their manpower.
Liang Yuan nodded, “Huo Zhen’s right. Relying solely on us and the city guard for a large-scale purge is unrealistic. If we try, it could lead to significant losses for the guard, especially since demon strongholds are often in areas like lakes and mountains, where we’re at a disadvantage.”
“I understand. A purge with just the city guard is a pipe dream. That’s why I plan to issue a mobilisation order across Dongyuan Prefecture, rallying all sects, clans, and capable independent cultivators to join this purge!” Lin Yun said.
“That’s a good idea, but Big Brother, these clans and sects are shrewd. They won’t risk their lives for nothing. Even if they agree, they’ll likely just go through the motions,” Huo Zhen said, shaking his head.
Yang Wan added, “Big Brother, from my experience, getting them to genuinely participate in this purge will be tough. If this plan fails, your prestige and public support in Dongyuan Prefecture could take a hit.”
Liang Yuan said, “Also, once we issue a mobilisation order, the demon clan will hear of it and prepare in advance.”
“You’re all right, and I’m aware of the challenges. I know it’s difficult, but uniting all cultivators in Dongyuan Prefecture is the only way to truly purge the demons. It may not succeed, but I want to try! Are you with me?” Lin Yun looked at the three.
“We’re with you, Big Brother!” Huo Zhen, Liang Yuan, and Yang Wan replied in unison.
“Big Brother, such a bold idea—some past governors might have thought of it, but you’re the only one daring enough to act on it! Following you always means doing things others wouldn’t dream of!” Huo Zhen said, laughing.
Lin Yun immediately instructed, “Huo Zhen, Brother Liang Yuan, draft a mobilisation order in my name. Issue it to all of Dongyuan Prefecture tomorrow, rallying every available cultivator. Then, mobilise our official forces, led by our generals, to conduct the purge and restore peace to the prefecture.”
“Yes!” Huo Zhen and Liang Yuan responded together.
“If any individuals or factions deliberately obstruct, deal with them as you see fit. If necessary, heads will roll!” Lin Yun said firmly.
With a wave of his hand, Lin Yun produced a storage ring.
“This contains 1 billion spiritual crystals. Draw another 2 billion from the prefecture treasury as funding. For factions unwilling to fight, they can contribute funds instead. This is a challenging task, and it may be tough, but go all out!” Lin Yun said.
“Got it, Big Brother!” Huo Zhen replied.
The three left excitedly to organise the plan.
Lin Yun returned to his chambers and entered the One Thought Clarity Tower.
Next, he needed to focus on cultivation and advancement.
Strength was the foundation of everything!
With ample resources, Lin Yun’s path to the Ninth Turn Tribulation Realm was clear—it was just a matter of time.
He also needed to improve his swordsmanship, advance *Withered Solitude*, and begin learning the fourth turn of *Heaven-Shaking Hand*.
What Lin Yun needed most was time!
“Advancing *Withered Solitude* takes time, and my Pure Yang Body is sufficient for now. I’ll focus on reaching the Sixth Turn Tribulation Realm first!” Lin Yun murmured.
With so many areas to cultivate, Lin Yun had to prioritise.
Decided, he took out Tribulation Pills and began cultivating.
Realm was the foundation, and Lin Yun understood this clearly.
He left external matters to Huo Zhen and the others, confident in their ability to handle them.
Lin Yun would focus on cultivation while overseeing the bigger picture.
…
The next day, Huo Zhen issued the mobilisation order in Lin Yun’s name, calling on all clans, sects, and cultivators to join the purge against the demon clan. All willing participants were to gather outside the east gate of the prefecture capital in ten days for the first purge.
The order sent shockwaves through Dongyuan Prefecture.
The lower and middle classes strongly supported the plan, as the hidden demon beasts posed the greatest threat to their lives.
Demons occasionally harassed them, and they bore the losses. Even without attacks, they lived in constant fear, always on guard. Naturally, they hoped to eradicate the demons within the prefecture!
…
Demon Beast Mountain Range.
Inside Heavenly Demon Di Yong’s cave mansion.
“Lord, Lin Yun has returned to Dongyuan Prefecture. For his absence, the Huoyun Empire only demoted his rank and fined him spiritual crystals,” the Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger reported.
“What? Such a light punishment?” Di Yong’s expression darkened.
Lin Yun had committed a grave error—shouldn’t he at least have been ruined, if not killed?
Such a mild penalty shocked Di Yong and was completely beyond his expectations!
