Lin Yun turned to Prince Yi, sneering, “Prince Yi, when it comes to backing, I’m not lacking. Your plan to kill me has failed. Now, you can only watch me walk away.”
“You… you…” Prince Yi gritted his teeth, seething but helpless.
“Of course, if you’re not convinced, you’re welcome to challenge me one-on-one anytime, even in a life-and-death duel with a contract. I won’t hesitate! I just doubt you’d dare!” Lin Yun’s confidence was unshakable.
With that, Lin Yun turned and flew to Elder Yan and Xiao Bai.
“Elder Yan, Xiao Bai, how are your injuries?” Lin Yun asked, concern in his voice.
“Thanks to my decent defense, that casual strike couldn’t kill me,” Elder Yan said, his pale face managing a smile.
Xiao Bai grinned, “Master, I’m a bit hurt, but I’ll recover with time. No need to worry. What’s this injury compared to you surviving?”
“Xiao Bai, you’re so disobedient. I told you to stay put, but you rushed out anyway,” Lin Yun said with a helpless smile.
He was deeply touched. Xiao Bai and the others had risked their lives against an Immortal for him!
“Hehe,” Xiao Bai giggled.
“Master.”
Big Bear returned to Lin Yun’s side.
“Big Bear, are you okay? Any damage?” Lin Yun examined Big Bear.
He knew Big Bear had taken the brunt of the attacks.
“Some minor damage, but it’s not a problem. Master, don’t worry,” Big Bear replied in its hoarse, low voice.
“It was risky, but the crisis is over. Next, we return to the Huoyun Empire.”
Lin Yun sent Xiao Bai into the One Thought Bright Heart Tower to heal and cultivate, stored Big Bear in his storage space, and summoned his flying vessel.
“Elder Yan, let’s go,” Lin Yun said.
“Alright,” Elder Yan nodded.
They boarded the vessel, and it sped off.
Prince Yi and the gray-robed Immortal could only watch Lin Yun leave.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!”
Prince Yi clenched his fists, his venomous gaze fixed on Lin Yun’s departing figure, rage burning within.
He was unwilling—he’d failed to make Lin Yun kneel or kill him.
But what could he do? He could only swallow his broken pride.
After Lin Yun left, Prince Yi turned to the lingering teams below.
“Listen up! Today’s events stay buried! Anyone who spreads word is an enemy of the royal clan, and you know the consequences!” Prince Yi snarled, his words laced with menace.
“Yes, yes, yes!”
The teams hurriedly agreed. This was a scandal for the Tianqian royal clan—none dared to spread it.
…
Meanwhile.
Lin Yun’s flying vessel raced forward at full speed.
Onboard.
“Haha, that felt great!” Lin Yun laughed heartily.
Despite the many trials, this spiritual repository trip was well worth it.
In Lin Yun’s view, this was likely his third calamity, right?
If so, he’d successfully passed it—how could he not be thrilled?
“Lin Yun, I knew you weren’t ordinary, but I didn’t expect you to be Emperor Huoyun’s disciple. Your future is limitless,” Elder Yan said, looking at him.
Lin Yun smiled politely, “You’re too kind, Elder Yan. Thanks again for your help. Take this Ksitigarbha Bodhi Fruit as a token of gratitude.”
Lin Yun produced the fruit and offered it to Elder Yan.
It was his last one. With his current physical realm, one fruit wouldn’t significantly boost him anymore.
And he genuinely appreciated Elder Yan.
For those who helped him, Lin Yun spared no effort to repay.
“Haha, what use is this to a Tribulation Realm cultivator like me? No matter how I cultivate, I’ve no future. You’re young, with boundless potential. Keep it for yourself,” Elder Yan said, pushing it back with a smile.
“Is there truly no hope of breaking through to the Immortal Realm after reaching Tribulation Realm?” Lin Yun’s eyes dimmed.
“No chance. But escaping the Land of Exile has already satisfied me,” Elder Yan said, grinning.
“Elder Yan, if you need anything, just say it. If I can get it, I won’t hesitate,” Lin Yun said firmly.
“Alright, if I need something, I’ll let you know,” Elder Yan nodded with a smile.
…
On the return journey, Lin Yun tallied his spoils.
The Silver Lake battle had claimed four Tribulation Realm cultivators and several Transcending Tribulation Realm ones, their weapons and storage rings now in Lin Yun’s hands.
These were rich hauls.
Lin Yun consolidated the resources: over 200,000 Transcending Tribulation Pills, over a billion spirit crystals, seven Sacred-level weapons, and numerous other weapons, artifacts, and resources.
A massive windfall!
…
After six days of relentless travel, Lin Yun used the teleportation array outside the Tianqian Empire’s capital to return to the Huoyun Empire.
There were no issues at the array—no ambushes from the Tianqian Empire.
Back in the Huoyun Empire, Lin Yun finally relaxed.
He headed straight to the divine capital’s palace to report to Emperor Huoyun.
This time, he’d survived thanks to Emperor Huoyun’s support.
Lin Yun was deeply grateful.
Emperor Huoyun had helped him immensely.
…
In the Palace, Hall of Divine Connection.
Lin Yun entered slowly.
“Disciple Lin Yun pays respects to Master,” Lin Yun bowed.
“You’re back,” Emperor Huoyun looked up.
“Master, I’ve caused you trouble this time. I’m at fault,” Lin Yun said, taking responsibility.
He knew that, though the matter was resolved, Prince Yi would likely complain to Emperor Tianqian. Even if Emperor Tianqian, being in the wrong, didn’t pursue it further, he’d surely hold a grudge. His son was beaten, and the royal clan lost men and face!
“You’re not at fault. The conflict with Prince Yi in the repository was his doing. You’re not to blame,” Emperor Huoyun said, showing no intent to reprimand Lin Yun.
He continued, “Thankfully, you didn’t kill Prince Yi. If you had, even though he started it, it would’ve been very troublesome. Emperor Tianqian would’ve retaliated.”
“Master, I knew where to draw the line,” Lin Yun said.
He’d weighed the consequences early on.
Emperor Huoyun nodded, pleased, “Good. Bold yet cautious. Well done. This matter is over. Don’t worry about it.”
“Master, this was my third calamity, wasn’t it?” Lin Yun asked eagerly.
“Let me see,” Emperor Huoyun gazed at Lin Yun.
After a moment, he shook his head, “No, your third calamity hasn’t passed.”
