“You’re too kind, Master. The credit belongs mainly to the families and sects of Dongyuan Prefecture. Without their participation, this wouldn’t have succeeded,” Lin Yun said humbly.
“You always downplay your achievements, never arrogant or impatient. Truly a disciple I’m proud of,” Emperor Huoyun said, a rare smile of satisfaction on his usually stern face.
He was clearly very pleased with Lin Yun.
“Your achievement lies in uniting those families and sects with genuine commitment—a most difficult feat, yet you accomplished it. Eradicating the demonic beasts in Dongyuan Prefecture is a great deed. Tell me, what reward do you want?” Emperor Huoyun asked, still smiling.
“As the prefectural lord of Dongyuan Prefecture, it’s my duty to do this. No reward is needed. Besides, I erred last time and am still atoning. I can’t accept a reward,” Lin Yun replied.
“You may not want it, but I must reward you. I’ll restore your second-rank official title and grant you one free Heavenly Dao-grade secret manual. Since you have *Shadow Sword Art* for offence, I suggest choosing a Heavenly Dao-grade body-refining manual,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Thank you, Master!” Lin Yun bowed quickly.
Heavenly Dao-grade manuals were extremely rare, seldom accessible to Tribulation Realm cultivators. Getting another thrilled Lin Yun.
As for a body-refining manual? He already had *Withered Silence*, so he’d choose something else.
Emperor Huoyun, unaware of *Withered Silence*, naturally suggested a body-refining manual.
“There’s one more reward,” Emperor Huoyun said, rising slowly from his throne. “I’ll personally demonstrate a set of *Shadow Sword Art*. Watch closely.”
Lin Yun’s face lit up with excitement, “Thank you, Master!”
Having Emperor Huoyun demonstrate in person was invaluable!
Over the past ten months, Lin Yun had trained *Withered Silence* and *Shadow Sword Art*, but the sixth form still eluded him.
This demonstration might be his breakthrough.
Emperor Huoyun drew a crimson sword.
Whoosh!
A sword light flashed, and where the blade passed, space seemed to dissolve into nothingness.
…
Ten minutes later, Emperor Huoyun sheathed his sword, ending the demonstration.
“What formidable swordsmanship,” Lin Yun marvelled inwardly.
Without deliberately using inner energy, Emperor Huoyun had performed the sword art with exquisite precision, broadening Lin Yun’s horizons!
Swordsmanship could reach such heights!
Yet Lin Yun felt many aspects were still beyond his grasp.
This live demonstration was far more vivid than studying the manual’s depictions in his mind, with Lin Yun clearly sensing the flow of sword energy.
“Some things, with your current understanding of swordsmanship, you may not fully comprehend. How much you grasp and deduce is up to you,” Emperor Huoyun said, returning to his throne.
“Thank you, Master. I’ll diligently study it,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
The scenes of Emperor Huoyun’s sword dance were etched in his mind.
“Also, for your achievement, I’ll publicly commend you across the Huoyun Empire and urge other prefectural lords to learn from you. Now, go select your manual,” Emperor Huoyun said.
Lin Yun didn’t leave immediately.
“Master, I have a question about reaching the Immortal Realm. After achieving the ninth-stage Tribulation Realm, how does one step into immortality?” Lin Yun asked.
“You must pass the tribulation—succeed, and you enter immortality. Specifically, it’s overcoming the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, an immensely difficult feat. Most who fail perish entirely,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations?” Lin Yun murmured.
“The Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations are terrifying. Their intensity depends on many factors, like fortune. A person laden with sins faces an almost insurmountable tribulation. High fortune makes it relatively easier,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
“My fortune isn’t bad,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Fortune is just one factor. Yours is decent but not heaven-defying—it won’t hold you back. Beyond fortune, there are many other factors. Focus on reaching the ninth-stage Tribulation Realm, but don’t rush to its peak. Prepare thoroughly. The Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations are extraordinarily difficult. Many cultivators prepare for a thousand years and still fail,” Emperor Huoyun cautioned.
“I understand,” Lin Yun replied.
He was inwardly stunned. For Emperor Huoyun to call it extraordinarily difficult underscored its immense challenge.
It made sense—among countless Tribulation Realm cultivators, how many ever reached immortality?
“Go select your manual,” Emperor Huoyun waved.
“Yes.”
Lin Yun left the hall, elated, heading to the imperial treasury to choose his manual.
Not far from the hall, he encountered a man in a python robe.
“You must be Father’s beloved disciple, Lin Yun?” the man said, sizing him up curiously.
“Indeed. And you are?” Lin Yun asked.
“Lord Lin Yun, this is Prince Jiyuan,” the man’s attendant introduced.
“So it’s Prince Jiyuan. I’m Lin Yun,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
“Lin Yun, I’ve heard of your exploits—your exceptional martial prowess and ability to fight above your level. I love facing strong opponents and have long wanted to spar with you. Since we’ve met, would you indulge me?” Prince Jiyuan asked eagerly.
“Prince Jiyuan, that… might not be appropriate,” Lin Yun said with an awkward smile.
“What’s inappropriate? You’re Father’s disciple, trained by him, as am I. A spar is perfect,” Jiyuan said, smiling.
“Lord Lin Yun, Prince Jiyuan loves a challenge. Humour him—it’s just a spar,” the attendant said.
“Well… since Prince Jiyuan wants to test me, let’s spar, but we’ll stop at the first touch,” Lin Yun said after a moment’s thought.
Deep down, Lin Yun was also a fighter, always eager to face strong opponents.
He hadn’t met a worthy adversary in a while and was curious about the prince’s skills.
