“Are there any remnants from this demon race purge?” Lin Yun asked.
“Big Brother, there are likely some remnants. Dongyuan Prefecture is vast with many hiding spots. Though we’ve been thorough, it’s inevitable a few slipped through. But 99% have been eradicated. The remaining 1% poses no threat. They’ll stay hidden and won’t show themselves easily,” Huo Zhen replied.
Lin Yun nodded, “Good. Clearing 99% of the demonic beasts is enough.”
“By the way, Big Brother, I came to disturb you because we’ve set the victory banquet for tonight, and everyone wants you to join,” Huo Zhen said.
Lin Yun agreed, “Alright, no problem. Where is everyone now?”
“They’ve gathered at the prefectural palace square. The banquet is set there. After this great victory, everyone’s spirits are sky-high!” Huo Zhen said with a smile.
“Good, let’s head over now.”
With that, Lin Yun followed Huo Zhen and Yang Wan to the square.
The prefectural palace square was massive, with millions of seats arranged. Every cultivator who participated in the purge, regardless of strength, was invited, including all city guard soldiers who fought, all seated.
As Lin Yun reached the front of the square, he smiled, scanning the lively scene, “So festive.”
Huo Zhen grinned, “Big Brother, though we initially forced some families and sects to join the city guard in battle, they ended up enjoying it. They’re now heroes in the eyes of the people. Who doesn’t love being a hero? Even Sect Leader Jiuxuan and others joined the fighting personally later on.”
“As long as they don’t regret it,” Lin Yun said, nodding with a smile.
“It’s the Prefectural Lord!”
Some guests at the front spotted Lin Yun.
“It really is the Prefectural Lord!”
“Greetings, Lord Prefectural Lord!”
In an instant, everyone stood and saluted Lin Yun, their voices resounding.
“No need for formalities. I should be thanking you all. On behalf of Dongyuan Prefecture’s people, thank you!”
Lin Yun bowed to the entire crowd.
After the gesture, Lin Yun walked to the first row of the square.
Sect Leader Jiuxuan approached immediately.
“Lord Prefectural Lord, seeing you makes me ashamed,” he said awkwardly.
“Oh? Why do you say that, Sect Leader Hanwei?” Lin Yun asked, surprised.
“When you first issued the call, my Jiuxuan Sect chose to half-heartedly comply. Thinking back, I was foolish. This is such a noble cause! Now the people see us as heroes. This is the true purpose of a great sect like ours. I’ve finally found meaning in life!” Sect Leader Jiuxuan said excitedly.
Being celebrated as heroes by the people was deeply fulfilling.
The Lanwu Sect leader nearby added, “I feel the same. This campaign was exhilarating! Beyond what Sect Leader Jiuxuan said, it was a true tempering for our elite disciples—a rare chance for growth and transformation.”
“Exactly,” Sect Leader Jiuxuan nodded eagerly.
“Also, during this battle, Sect Leader Lanwu and I reconciled, becoming comrades. Our sects had some past grudges. I’ve also made many new friends—a great gain,” Sect Leader Jiuxuan said, smiling.
Patriarch Zhu, sitting nearby, chuckled, “You forgot one thing: the merit point rewards. Everyone earned plenty, enough to trade for valuable resources.”
“Right, haha!” Everyone laughed.
“Sect Leader Hanwei, and all sect leaders and patriarchs, I’m content knowing you don’t regret it or resent my forceful approach,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
Seeing their joy warmed Lin Yun’s heart.
“Lord Lin, you’re a wise leader, with strength and boldness. I, Hanwei, declare here: whenever you need us, just say the word, and my Jiuxuan Sect will never hesitate!” Sect Leader Jiuxuan thumped his chest.
“Sect Leader Hanwei, not just you—my Lanwu Sect won’t hesitate either. I believe everyone here feels the same!”
As the Lanwu Sect leader spoke, he turned to the square, “Everyone, am I right?”
“Absolutely!”
The crowd responded in unison, their voices booming.
Seeing this, Lin Yun felt a touch of humility.
“Thank you for your support. From now on, we’re one big family, sharing honour and disgrace!”
Lin Yun grabbed a jug of wine from a nearby table and downed it in one go.
“Drink!”
Everyone raised their cups, drinking with Lin Yun!
Suddenly, Liang Yuan ran over from a distance.
“Big Brother, a message from the capital. Emperor Xingwu summons you to the palace,” Liang Yuan reported.
“My master wants to see me?” Lin Yun was stunned.
His master rarely summoned him, usually assigning tasks to be reported on later.
“Big Brother, I reckon His Majesty wants to reward you,” Liang Yuan said with a smile.
“Is that so? I’ll go to the capital tomorrow to see His Majesty. Tonight, I’m celebrating with everyone,” Lin Yun said.
With that, the victory banquet officially began.
Lin Yun joined the millions of guests in toasting and celebrating.
While the prefectural palace celebrated, many parts of Dongyuan Prefecture also rejoiced in the victory. County cities, towns, and even villages held spontaneous celebrations.
For the middle and lower classes of Dongyuan Prefecture, this demon race purge was immensely valuable, granting them a peaceful living environment.
The entire prefecture erupted in post-victory jubilation.
Everyone knew Lin Yun had organised and led the purge, elevating his status and reputation among the people to new heights…
…
The next day, Lin Yun took a teleportation array to the capital and headed to the imperial palace.
Inside the Palace of Divine Connection, Lin Yun stepped into the hall.
“Disciple Lin Yun greets Master!” Lin Yun saluted.
“Lin Yun, you’ve done a great deed for the people of Dongyuan Prefecture,” Emperor Huoyun said.
