“Because this guy uncovered one of our demon clan’s underground strongholds in the Xingwu Empire, his merits offset his faults,” the Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger said.
“That’s just an excuse for Emperor Huoyun to protect him. I underestimated his importance to the emperor!” Di Yong’s face darkened.
Their last attack had cost them dearly. If it had successfully ruined Lin Yun, it would’ve been worth it, but with Lin Yun unscathed, they’d suffered a major loss!
Fury burned in Di Yong’s eyes at the thought.
Both assassination attempts on Lin Yun had failed, and when he reported to the Demon Commander, the commander dismissed it, which infuriated him further.
After painstakingly orchestrating a scheme to frame Lin Yun, only for it to fail, how could he not be enraged?
“By the way, Lord, after returning, Lin Yun issued a mobilisation order to rally Dongyuan Prefecture’s clans, sects, and capable independent cultivators for a massive purge of demon beasts in the prefecture,” the Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger said.
“Thinks he can get clans and sects to risk their lives for him without reward? How naive!” Di Yong sneered.
“What does Lord mean?” the tiger asked.
“Humans are selfish. They won’t sincerely risk their lives for something dangerous with no gain. Lin Yun’s plan is doomed to fail,” Di Yong said with a confident smile.
He turned and ordered, “Still, we should take precautions. Instruct all demon beasts in Dongyuan Prefecture to lie low and stay vigilant.”
“Yes!” the Scarlet Flame Demon Tiger replied.
…
News of Lin Yun’s mobilisation order in Dongyuan Prefecture quickly reached the divine capital.
Divine Capital, Dongguo Residence.
Dongguo Lie was hosting a gathering with Dongguo faction ministers, drinking in the courtyard.
“Young Prime Minister, have you heard? Lin Yun, right after returning, issued a mobilisation order in Dongyuan Prefecture to unite clans, sects, and cultivators to purge the demon beasts,” a short-haired middle-aged man said.
“Young Prime Minister” referred to Dongguo Lie.
“Does he think this is child’s play? If he succeeds, I’ll write my name backwards!” Dongguo Lie laughed, downing his wine.
“Getting clans and sects to fight for him? Haha, how naive! His plan’s bound to fail!” Shi Wen laughed.
The other ministers joined in, roaring with laughter.
To them, Lin Yun’s “naive” plan was laughably absurd.
Imperial Palace.
Emperor Huoyun also received the news.
“Lin Yun’s got guts to think and act like this. Let’s see if he can pull it off,” Emperor Huoyun said with a hint of anticipation.
Many might think of such a plan, but how many would dare implement it?
Lin Yun’s willingness to take action earned Emperor Huoyun’s admiration.
…
Dongyuan Prefecture, Governor’s Palace.
Lin Yun had been cultivating in the One Thought Clarity Tower for three months.
Most of that time was spent advancing his realm.
“A few more months, and I’ll reach the Sixth Turn Tribulation Realm,” Lin Yun said, smiling.
Calculating the time, about 18 days had passed outside.
“I wonder how the demon clan purge is going. Time to check the progress.”
Lin Yun left the tower, returning to his chambers.
“Someone!” he called towards the door.
A guard entered immediately.
“My lord!” the guard saluted.
“Summon Lord Huo Zhen to see me,” Lin Yun ordered.
“Yes, sir!” The guard exited swiftly.
While waiting, Lin Yun continued cultivating, carving a stone sculpture in his chambers.
About half an hour later, Huo Zhen hurried into the chambers.
“Big Brother, your carving skills are incredible! This sculpture is breathtaking—I didn’t know you had such talent!” Huo Zhen said, amazed.
Lin Yun turned, “Just a small trick. How’s the demon clan purge going?”
Huo Zhen’s expression dimmed, his mood sinking.
“Big Brother, it’s not going well. The sects and clans responded to the call, but they only sent a few token people, and they’re weak—hardly useful,” Huo Zhen said helplessly.
He continued, “Few independent cultivators joined voluntarily. Those who did are mostly idealists wanting to kill demons, but their strength is low, and their numbers are small, so they’re not much help.”
“In this situation, our city guard and prefecture generals are the main force. We launched a round of purging recently, but with limited manpower, the results were minimal, and progress is slow,” Huo Zhen added.
“As expected, these clans and sects are too pragmatic,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head.
“There are some who genuinely contribute. For example, the Zhu Family in Dongyuan Prefecture actively responded, sending a large number of people. Also, the Guifeng Sect—their Great Elder personally led over 2,000 elites to join. They’re sincerely committed to fighting demons. The Guifeng Sect ranks just within the top ten sects in Dongyuan Prefecture.”
“They’re commendable, with true compassion for the world. Especially the Guifeng Sect—they show real responsibility and the demeanor of a great sect!” Lin Yun said, moved.
The Zhu Family had a good relationship with Lin Yun, so their support wasn’t surprising.
But the Guifeng Sect, with no ties to Lin Yun, sent significant forces, including their Great Elder, purely out of conviction.
Some were willing to fight the demon clan without expecting rewards!
Huo Zhen continued, “There’s also the Ziqing Sect, an all-female sect, ranked only in the top 100 in Dongyuan Prefecture. Yet they fully committed, sending most of their members, with their sect leader personally participating.”
“Even women are stepping up like this. They genuinely want to contribute to humanity and eradicate demons for peace,” Lin Yun said, impressed.
“Big Brother, these are exceptions. Relying on this small minority is far from enough. The purge plan can’t continue like this. Even if we push forward, it’ll just waste manpower with little effect. We need a new approach,” Huo Zhen said helplessly.
