Lin Yun looked at Niyin and asked, “Can you tell me why your Ziqing Sect is willing to fully participate in the great purge against the demon race?”
“Though our Ziqing Sect is a small faction, and all our disciples are women, we understand the great harm the demon race causes. As cultivators, it’s our duty to defend our homeland. Who says women are inferior to men!” Niyin’s beautiful eyes shone with determination.
“Well said!” Lin Yun nodded emphatically.
Then, he turned to address the crowd.
“Everyone, the Ziqing Sect is not a major faction, and its disciples are all women, yet they know their duty as cultivators to defend their homeland. You men, are you telling me you have less courage than these women?” Lin Yun’s voice was resonant, tinged with sarcasm.
With hands behind his back, he continued, “Yet some sects here, as major factions, dare not face the demon race but are quite adept at bullying smaller sects like the Ziqing Sect, which bravely protect our land.”
Fang Xu, the young master of the Tiansha Sect, seated in the front row, felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, cold sweat dripping down his back.
He knew full well that Lin Yun was referring to him!
“Sect leaders and patriarchs, are there any among you willing to sincerely answer the call and participate in the great purge against the demon race? Those who are, stand and declare it. I promise that any family or sect that joins wholeheartedly will be considered my friend!” Lin Yun’s gaze swept the room.
The hall fell silent, with no sect or family stepping forward.
Everyone remained in a state of observation.
Seeing no one respond, Lin Yun set down his wine cup, returned to the first table, and took his reserved seat.
“Huo Zhen, introduce the guests at this table,” Lin Yun said calmly, his eyes slightly narrowed.
“Alright, Big Brother, I’ll introduce them.”
“Big Brother, this is Sect Leader Hanwei of the Jiuxuan Sect. The Jiuxuan Sect is the top sect in Dongyuan Prefecture and is renowned throughout the Huoyun Empire!” Huo Zhen began.
The Jiuxuan Sect leader, bearded and imposing, stood and clasped his hands towards Lin Yun, “Lord Lin, I’ve long admired you.”
Lin Yun nodded in acknowledgement.
“Big Brother, this is Sect Leader Fang Sheng of the Tiansha Sect. The Tiansha Sect is the second greatest sect in Dongyuan Prefecture and also holds some fame in the Huoyun Empire,” Huo Zhen continued.
“Lord Lin, I’ve long heard of your great name. It’s an honour to finally meet you,” the Tiansha Sect leader stood and clasped his hands.
Lin Yun nodded, and Huo Zhen continued the introductions.
“Big Brother, this is the Sect Leader of the Lanwu Sect…”
…
Huo Zhen introduced each patriarch and sect leader at the table one by one.
After the introductions, Lin Yun slowly sipped a cup of wine.
Setting down the cup, he said lightly, “Everyone, you are the exemplars of Dongyuan Prefecture’s civilian forces, all Tribulation Realm experts. Regarding the joint purge of demonic beasts, state your positions first and set an example.”
“Lord Lin, we’ve already responded to the previous call and sent people to participate in the great purge against the demon race,” the Tiansha Sect leader said.
The Jiuxuan Sect leader added, “Indeed, Lord Prefectural Lord, we’ve definitely responded actively to the call!”
The others at the table echoed in agreement.
Lin Yun picked up the wine jug, pouring as he said, “Let’s be frank. Whether you’ve truly answered the call, we all know in our hearts. Don’t try to fool me with empty words. I’m a straightforward person and don’t care for bureaucratic nonsense.”
“Lord Lin, our Tiansha Sect has absolutely responded sincerely, heaven and earth can attest! We sent fewer people because we’re preparing for a major sect competition, so we could only spare so many. Please understand, Lord Prefectural Lord,” the Tiansha Sect leader said with a smile.
“Lord Lin, our Jiuxuan Sect also faces difficulties. We let our disciples volunteer, but few signed up. In fighting the demon race, we absolutely support you. Though we sent fewer people, I can offer five hundred thousand spirit crystals as funding,” the Jiuxuan Sect leader said.
“Five hundred thousand spirit crystals?” Lin Yun smiled.
For the top sect in Dongyuan Prefecture, five hundred thousand spirit crystals was something he had the gall to mention!
The other sect leaders and patriarchs at the table also began to offer explanations.
Lin Yun waved his hand, signalling them to stop.
Then, he looked up at the Tiansha Sect leader.
“Sect Leader Tiansha, let’s first discuss the matter between me and your Tiansha Sect,” Lin Yun said calmly.
“Between us? Lord Lin, this is our first meeting, and my Tiansha Sect has had no prior dealings with you. What matter does the Prefectural Lord wish to discuss?” the Tiansha Sect leader said with a smile.
“It’s indeed our first meeting, but not with your son,” Lin Yun said, his cold gaze falling on Fang Xu, the young master of the Tiansha Sect.
Fang Xu trembled under Lin Yun’s icy stare.
Since Lin Yun had sat down, Fang Xu had been on edge.
He had felt a brief relief when Lin Yun hadn’t mentioned him, but now Lin Yun had singled him out.
“Sect Leader Fang, your son is quite bold!” Lin Yun’s tone grew chilling.
Bang!
As he finished, Lin Yun slammed the table.
Fang Xu shuddered, nearly falling off his chair.
“Lord Prefectural Lord, this should be my son’s first meeting with you. How has he offended you?” the Tiansha Sect leader said.
“This afternoon, your son and I had an altercation. Didn’t he tell you?” Lin Yun said.
“There was such a thing?”
The Tiansha Sect leader’s face changed, and he looked at his son, “You said someone attacked you this afternoon. It was the Prefectural Lord?”
“Father, I… I didn’t know he was the Prefectural Lord,” Fang Xu said, his face pale.
Slap!
The Tiansha Sect leader immediately slapped Fang Xu hard across the face, knocking him to the ground.
“You wretched fool, apologise to the Prefectural Lord at once!” the Tiansha Sect leader roared.
Fang Xu, sprawled on the floor, scrambled to Lin Yun, “Lord Prefectural Lord, I apologise! I apologise!”
“Lord Prefectural Lord, my son was wrong to offend you, but he’s apologised. He’s just a child who doesn’t know better. As the esteemed Prefectural Lord, you’re surely magnanimous and won’t hold it against a child, right?” the Tiansha Sect leader said with a smile.
His words were clearly a challenge, implying that if Lin Yun pursued the matter, it would show he lacked magnanimity.
Lin Yun sipped his wine, then said coldly, “Sect Leader Fang, if apologies were enough, what need would there be for the empire’s laws?”
“This…” The Tiansha Sect leader’s face changed.
“Huo Zhen, Fang Xu injured someone in the prefectural city and offended the prefectural lord. What’s the penalty?” Lin Yun asked calmly, still seated, without turning.
“My lord, injuring someone in the city without causing death warrants the abolition of cultivation and exile from the city, per the law. As for offending the prefectural lord, that’s at your discretion,” Huo Zhen replied.
“Good. For his combined crimes, I sentence him to death, to be carried out immediately. Drag him out and execute him,” Lin Yun said lightly.
