“Haha, great! Worthy of being Father’s favoured disciple—such boldness! Most people shy away from my status and dare not fight me. It’s rare to find someone willing,” Prince Jiyuan said, beaming.
He continued, “Lin Yun, the palace isn’t suitable for sparring. Let’s go to the martial arena outside the palace gates.”
With that, Prince Jiyuan strode out, and Lin Yun quickly followed.
…
Meanwhile, in the Dongguo Mansion, inside Prime Minister Dongguo Wuji’s study, Dongguo Lie spoke, his face grim, “Father, I heard Dongyuan Prefecture has reported success, with a major victory in the demonic beast purge. Lin Yun entered the palace today, likely to be rewarded by His Majesty. He’s stealing the spotlight again.”
When Dongguo Lie first heard of Lin Yun’s plan, he had boldly declared to others that Lin Yun was naive and delusional, even saying he’d write his name backwards if Lin Yun succeeded.
Back then, he thought Lin Yun’s plan was a colossal joke.
But learning that Lin Yun had actually pulled it off, he was shocked and apprehensive…
Dongguo Wuji, seated at his desk, looked grave, “This man actually succeeded. He’s becoming increasingly formidable!”
As Lin Yun’s achievements grew, Prime Minister Dongguo Wuji felt unease, especially since such a talent couldn’t be swayed to their side.
By Dongguo Wuji’s nature, he wouldn’t tolerate such an outlier in the imperial court.
“Indeed, Father. This man is our Dongguo faction’s enemy. If he keeps gaining His Majesty’s favour and growing stronger, he’ll pose a massive threat to us,” Dongguo Lie sighed.
“Are you suggesting we continue to suppress him, ruining his prospects?” Dongguo Lie whispered.
“His Majesty dotes on him so much that even his last unauthorised absence went unpunished. Suppressing him through normal means is too difficult,” Dongguo Wuji shook his head.
“Father, then there’s only one way—assassination!” Dongguo Lie’s sinister face flashed with killing intent.
“Assassinate him? Even harder. We can’t use Dongguo faction members, or it could be traced back to us. Plus, his strength isn’t weak—killing him isn’t easy. Assassination is a risky move that could backfire. We can’t use it lightly,” Dongguo Wuji shook his head.
Even if they succeeded, Lin Yun’s death would prompt a thorough investigation by Emperor Huoyun. If linked to the Dongguo family, the consequences would be dire!
The best way to deal with Lin Yun was through legitimate means to bring about his downfall.
Assassination was a last resort, to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Dongguo Wuji stood, gazing into the distance, “Stay calm and wait for the right opportunity…”
…
Back at the palace gates, Lin Yun followed Prince Jiyuan out.
There, Hall Master He of the Martial Examination Hall was approaching and spotted Lin Yun and Jiyuan.
“Prince Jiyuan!” Hall Master He saluted Jiyuan first.
Then, smiling at Lin Yun, he said, “Lin Yun, didn’t expect to run into you here. You know Prince Jiyuan?”
“I just met Prince Jiyuan. He wants to spar, and I couldn’t refuse, so I agreed,” Lin Yun explained with a smile.
Lin Yun had few acquaintances in the capital, but Hall Master He was one he got along with.
“What? You’re sparring with Prince Jiyuan?” Hall Master He was startled.
Jiyuan chimed in, “Hall Master He, since we’ve met, and you seem close to Lin Yun, come watch the spar.”
“Well… since Prince Jiyuan says so, I’ll observe,” Hall Master He agreed with a smile.
“Great, let’s go,” Jiyuan led the way to the martial arena.
Lin Yun and Hall Master He followed behind.
Using divine sense, Hall Master He transmitted to Lin Yun, “Lin Yun, you shouldn’t have agreed. If you win, Prince Jiyuan loses face. If you lose, it’s bad for you.”
“Hall Master He, I didn’t think that far. It’s just a spar, stopping at first touch. Victory or defeat depends on skill. I don’t think Prince Jiyuan is a sore loser. If I lose, I’ll only blame my own inadequacy,” Lin Yun transmitted back.
Hall Master He continued, “Lin Yun, heed my advice. Even if you can win, it’s better to lose to Prince Jiyuan. Don’t embarrass him, or it won’t bode well for you.”
“Thank you for the warning,” Lin Yun replied with a smile via transmission.
Soon, they reached the martial arena outside the palace gates.
Prince Jiyuan stomped and leapt onto the vast platform.
“Lin Yun, come up,” Jiyuan called, looking at him.
Lin Yun ascended the platform via the side steps.
“Look, isn’t that Prince Jiyuan on the martial arena?”
“The other person looks like Lord Lin Yun, His Majesty’s disciple. Are they going to spar?”
…
Their appearance drew the attention of many palace guards.
Even passing royals, court officials, and those entering or leaving the palace noticed Lin Yun and Jiyuan on the arena.
“Prince Jiyuan loves fighting. He’s a known battle maniac, challenging someone every few months or so. He probably couldn’t find a sparring partner recently, saw Lord Lin Yun, and asked him to fight.”
“Let’s go watch!”
Royals and officials gathered around the arena.
On the martial arena, Jiyuan asked, “Lin Yun, what’s your realm?”
“Prince Jiyuan, I’m at the sixth-stage Tribulation Realm,” Lin Yun replied with a polite smile.
“I’m ninth-stage Tribulation Realm. To be fair, I’ll suppress my realm to sixth-stage throughout the fight. Don’t hold back—show me your true strength,” Jiyuan said.
With that, he drew a sword.
“A Heavenly Dao-grade sword?” Lin Yun’s eyes flickered.
Lin Yun also used a Heavenly Dao-grade sword.
Most Tribulation Realm cultivators he faced wielded Saint Spirit-grade swords, so his Heavenly Dao-grade Purple Qiong Sword gave him a two-realm advantage.
This was key to his ability to fight above his level. Without it, past battles would’ve been much harder.
“As expected of a prince, wielding a Heavenly Dao-grade weapon,” Lin Yun couldn’t help but remark.
