“Your disciple understands. Thank you, Master, for making arrangements in advance,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists in gratitude.
The fact that being a prefecture lord allowed him to absorb fortune, and that His Majesty had planned this for him early on, deeply touched Lin Yun.
However, absorbing fortune through the lordship relied on the faith of Dongyuan Prefecture’s people, so it couldn’t be accelerated with the One Thought Clarity Tower.
“Stepping into immortality cannot be rushed. No one can achieve it quickly. Absorb fortune for hundreds or thousands of years while building a solid foundation over that time, and your chances of becoming immortal will increase significantly. When the time comes, I will also help prepare resources to aid your tribulation. Remember, do not attempt a breakthrough hastily, or you will surely fail,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Your disciple will remember,” Lin Yun replied.
Clearly, Emperor Huoyun had already charted a path for Lin Yun’s future. All Lin Yun needed to do was follow it.
Emperor Huoyun held high hopes for Lin Yun, believing his chances of successfully crossing the tribulation and becoming immortal were greater than many Ninth Revolution Tribulation Realm cultivators. His expectations for Lin Yun were immense!
“Master, what happens if one fails the tribulation?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“Typically, failing the tribulation means dying during one of the Nine Tribulations. However, some survive through special means, entering a peculiar state we call the Calamity Realm. Their aura remains that of the Ninth Revolution Tribulation Realm, but with subtle differences upon closer inspection,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
“Calamity Realm?” Lin Yun murmured, having never heard of it before.
“Calamity Realm cultivators are rare but far stronger than typical Ninth Revolution cultivators—almost half-immortals. They live a thousand years longer than ordinary Tribulation Realm cultivators but can no longer attempt the tribulation. Having no future, and often haunted by the trauma of failure, many become erratic and unstable. These people are the most dangerous to cross, so be wary if you encounter them,” Emperor Huoyun cautioned.
“Your disciple will remember,” Lin Yun nodded.
“Disciple, you’re still young, so you need to gain more experience and adventure. That’s crucial. You can’t just focus on secluded cultivation,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Your disciple understands,” Lin Yun replied.
Lin Yun’s journey to this point had been built on trials and adventures.
“I have a piece of intelligence for you. Take it.”
Emperor Huoyun waved his hand, and a scroll flew towards Lin Yun.
Lin Yun caught it immediately.
The cultivation continent was vast, with countless opportunities and encounters arising constantly.
Lin Yun knew that intelligence personally provided by Emperor Huoyun must be extraordinary.
“According to my information, a Spirit Vault will appear in the Tianqian Empire in one month. It’s said to date back 100,000 years and holds immense exploratory value!” Emperor Huoyun said.
Lin Yun’s heart raced at the mention of its high exploratory value.
Anything that caught Emperor Huoyun’s eye was rare, let alone something he deemed significant. This Spirit Vault must be exceptional.
Moreover, dating back 100,000 years made it ancient!
“Your disciple accepts the mission!” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
Without Emperor Huoyun, Lin Yun would never have learned of this classified intelligence, especially since it was in the Tianqian Empire, far beyond his reach.
“The scroll I gave you is a map with the exact location marked. Set out in half a month,” Emperor Huoyun said.
He continued, “Since the location is in the Tianqian Empire, not our Huoyun Empire, be extra cautious. It’s best to conceal your identity to avoid unnecessary trouble. Act prudently, and prioritise your life. If you lose your life, everything else is meaningless.”
“Thank you, Master, for your guidance. Your disciple will be very careful,” Lin Yun said firmly.
“By the way, do you still have the life-saving pendant I gave you?” Emperor Huoyun asked.
He had once given Lin Yun a pendant that, when activated, formed a defensive barrier capable of withstanding an immortal’s strike.
“Replying to Master, that pendant was used during the fight for the Great Kun Clan ruins in the Endless Sea,” Lin Yun said.
“Then I’ll give you another life-saving item.”
Emperor Huoyun flipped his hand, revealing a string of brown prayer beads.
“These beads, when activated, have a similar effect to the pendant, forming a defensive barrier around you.”
With a gentle wave, he sent the beads to Lin Yun.
Lin Yun caught them immediately.
“Thank you, Master!” Lin Yun bowed in gratitude.
Lin Yun knew such a powerful life-saving item was priceless, far beyond what typical Tribulation Realm cultivators could obtain.
This was the benefit of being Emperor Huoyun’s disciple—access to abundant resources, treasures, and intelligence like the Spirit Vault. Without him, Lin Yun could never have acquired these.
Of course, Lin Yun received such favour because of his excellence and Emperor Huoyun’s approval.
For less impressive disciples, Emperor Huoyun would lose interest after a few disappointments and offer them nothing.
All these resources were earned through Lin Yun’s own performance.
“Go now. A master can only guide and provide resources; the rest is up to you,” Emperor Huoyun said, waving his hand.
“Your disciple takes his leave,” Lin Yun bowed and exited the hall.
After leaving, Lin Yun headed out of the palace, planning to return to Dongyuan Prefecture and set out in half a month.
On the way back, Lin Yun pondered the tribulation.
“Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations. Master said I’ve passed two of the Three Calamities, with one remaining. I wonder what this final calamity will be and when it will come,” Lin Yun murmured.
The Nine Tribulations would come after reaching the peak of the Ninth Revolution Tribulation Realm, but the Three Calamities could appear anytime after beginning cultivation.
Since cultivation defied the heavens, the Three Calamities were heaven’s punishment.
The Nine Tribulations, however, occurred when attempting to break into immortality at the peak of the Ninth Revolution. Master said their difficulty was beyond one’s control, and the only preparation was to strengthen willpower and physical body to face them.
