“Big Brother, I’ve tried, especially with the top 100 clans and sects in Dongyuan Prefecture. I sent people to persuade them, but most just pay lip service. They claim to support the cause but only send a few weaklings to go through the motions,” Huo Zhen said helplessly.
He continued, “Their reluctance to genuinely participate boils down to one thing: they don’t want to make sacrifices for nothing. A purge like this is essentially a war, and the losses won’t be small. They’re afraid heavy casualties will weaken their clans or sects. Plus, purging the demon clan offers them no tangible benefits, so they won’t commit.”
Lin Yun pondered for a few seconds before turning to give instructions, “Huo Zhen, send invitations to the top 100 sects and clans in Dongyuan Prefecture. In fifteen days, I’ll host a banquet for them at the Governor’s Palace.”
“Got it, Big Brother. I’ll arrange it,” Huo Zhen nodded.
“Also, pause the demon clan purge for now. We’ll resume after the banquet,” Lin Yun ordered.
With insufficient manpower and minimal results, continuing the purge would only waste resources and lives.
To move forward, they needed to gather enough forces first.
“Understood, Big Brother,” Huo Zhen replied again.
With that, he took his leave and hurried off.
“Phew… back to cultivation.”
Lin Yun re-entered the One Thought Clarity Tower, taking out Tribulation Pills to absorb.
Each pill dissolved into a surge of energy, which Lin Yun converted and channelled into his Dan Sea.
His Dan Sea glowed faintly, steadily expanding.
Seventy-five days later.
After absorbing another Tribulation Pill, Lin Yun slowly opened his eyes.
He could feel he was close to a breakthrough.
Calculating the time, fifteen days had passed outside, and today was the banquet. He needed to attend before resuming cultivation.
Lin Yun stood, left the tower, and returned to his chambers, summoning a guard to fetch Huo Zhen.
Within ten minutes, Huo Zhen arrived.
“Huo Zhen, have the guests arrived?” Lin Yun asked.
“Big Brother, the banquet is at 6 p.m. It’s noon now, and guests are arriving gradually. Brother Liang Yuan is handling the reception,” Huo Zhen said.
“Anything else happen while I was in seclusion?” Lin Yun inquired.
“Nothing unusual, but the demon clan purge has been a hot topic in Dongyuan Prefecture. After we paused it, there’s been some gossip, including slander and criticism of you. I suspect demon clan spies are stirring up public opinion behind the scenes,” Huo Zhen said helplessly.
“As expected. Let’s go for a walk,” Lin Yun said, heading out.
…
Leaving the Governor’s Palace, Lin Yun and Huo Zhen strolled through the streets.
“I’m ashamed to say, as governor, I haven’t explored much of the prefecture capital,” Lin Yun remarked.
Both wore plain clothes, so no one recognised Lin Yun. With the capital’s massive population, few had seen him in person, as he rarely appeared publicly.
“Greetings, friend.”
Lin Yun randomly stopped a few passersby on the street.
“What’s up?”
The group of five included both men and women.
“I’d like to ask your thoughts on the governor’s plan to purge demon beasts across Dongyuan Prefecture. Do you support it?” Lin Yun asked.
With time before the banquet, he was conducting a sort of “incognito visit.”
A young female cultivator immediately said, “Of course I support it! If we can clear out those demon beasts, Dongyuan Prefecture will be much safer. But getting the major clans and sects to willingly contribute is nearly impossible.”
“What do you think of our new governor?” Lin Yun asked with a slight smile.
“He’s probably impressive, being so young. Maybe a bit idealistic,” she replied.
A green-robed man stepped forward, annoyed, “Kid, why so many questions? She’s my girlfriend—get out of the way!”
As he spoke, he shoved Lin Yun aside!
“Insolent! This is the gov—”
Huo Zhen stepped forward, but Lin Yun cut him off.
“Sorry for disturbing you. Please, go ahead,” Lin Yun said, smiling.
The green-robed man glared at Lin Yun before leading his group away.
“Big Brother, why didn’t you reveal your identity?” Huo Zhen asked, puzzled.
“Ten years ago, I might have. Not now—it’s unnecessary,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head with a smile.
At that moment, Lin Yun noticed a commotion ahead.
He looked up, spotting activity 200 meters down the street.
“Come on, Huo Zhen, let’s check it out.”
Curious, Lin Yun quickened his pace, with Huo Zhen following.
At an inn’s entrance, a large crowd had gathered.
Lin Yun pushed through and saw a fight unfolding inside.
“It’s the young master of the Tiansha Sect. His father’s here for the banquet, and he tagged along.”
“Those Ziqing Sect disciples are unlucky, running into the Tiansha Sect’s young master.”
…
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
“Tiansha Sect? Ziqing Sect?” Lin Yun paused, recognising both names.
The Tiansha Sect was Dongyuan Prefecture’s second-ranked sect. When Lin Yun first arrived in the Huoyun Empire, he’d killed one of their elders…
As for the Ziqing Sect, Huo Zhen had mentioned them—an all-female sect, ranked only in the top 100 in Dongyuan Prefecture. Yet they had enthusiastically answered Lin Yun’s mobilisation call, sending many elites, including their sect leader, to join the demon beast purge.
By the time Lin Yun arrived, the fight inside the inn had ended.
The Tiansha Sect’s young master, with his Third-Order Great Vehicle Realm strength, had defeated all dozen Ziqing Sect disciples, several of whom were spitting blood.
