As the Fire Cloud Emperor poured another cup of wine, he asked, “Vice Palace Master Yao, you didn’t summon me just to drink Taiwei wine, did you? When things are out of the ordinary, there’s bound to be a reason. What’s the matter? Speak plainly.”
“Fire Cloud, I did call you for a reason. Keep drinking, and I’ll explain,” Vice Palace Master Yao said with a smile, continuing, “Your disciple really stole the show this time. The dragon clan’s crown prince personally went to the Tianqian Empire to help him, even calling him brother. Such capability leaves us all in the dust. You’ve taken on an impressive disciple!”
Even Yao, a vice palace master, wouldn’t be acknowledged by the dragon clan if he tried to curry favor. The dragon clan was notoriously proud!
Yet Lin Yun was brothers with their crown prince…
“This caught me by complete surprise. I had no idea before. That boy Lin Yun is something else,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said, sipping Taiwei wine with a proud smile.
No doubt, Lin Yun had brought him great honor this time.
The fact that he was sitting here drinking Taiwei wine was thanks to Lin Yun. The Fire Cloud Emperor knew this well.
“Last time, when the Xingwu Emperor suddenly released Lin Yun, it was because of the dragon clan, wasn’t it?” the Fire Cloud Emperor asked, pausing his cup to look at Yao.
“Of course. Didn’t you know? He’s your disciple. I thought you were aware,” Yao said, surprised.
“I just told you, I had no clue!” the Fire Cloud Emperor said with a wry smile, spreading his hands.
Then, he chuckled, “Speaking of which, I owe the Xingwu Emperor thanks. Lin Yun was developing in his empire and could’ve become his disciple, but he stood by and did nothing, forcing Lin Yun to my Fire Cloud Empire, letting me take him under my wing.”
“Perhaps that’s just fate at work,” Yao sighed.
Then, looking at the Fire Cloud Emperor seriously, he said, “This time, the green dragon crown prince personally brought his forces to help Lin Yun. It’s a far cry from the dragon clan merely sending a letter to make the Xingwu Emperor release him!”
“Indeed,” the Fire Cloud Emperor nodded, understanding the distinction.
The letter last time already showed Lin Yun’s significant connection to the dragon clan, but sending a threatening letter was relatively easy.
This time, however, the crown prince traveled thousands of miles from the depths of the Endless Sea, taking risks to bring forces to aid Lin Yun in the Tianqian Empire. That showed the depth of their bond!
Writing a letter was simple; traveling such a distance was no small feat!
The difference was stark!
This event made them realize just how profound Lin Yun’s relationship with the dragon clan’s crown prince was!
“Fire Cloud, Lin Yun is a treasure now. We’ve long wanted to establish ties with the dragon clan but made no progress—they don’t care to deal with us. Now, with Lin Yun’s deep bond with their crown prince, he could be the bridge for humanity to connect with the dragon clan!” Yao said excitedly.
The Fire Cloud Emperor smiled: “Vice Palace Master Yao, you went all out, offering me this pot of Taiwei wine. That’s your real purpose for calling me, isn’t it?”
Yao’s intention was something the Fire Cloud Emperor had already guessed.
“Since you’ve said it, I won’t hide it. That’s exactly it,” Yao nodded with a smile.
He continued, “We’re not close to Lin Yun, but you’re his master. This matter, only you can discuss with him in the entire Heavenly God Palace. We’ll need you to take the trouble to talk to your disciple. This concerns humanity. If we can secure some support from the dragon clan, it’ll have profound significance for our war against the demon clan! You understand the stakes, Fire Cloud.”
The Heavenly God Palace could only entrust this to the Fire Cloud Emperor to discuss with Lin Yun.
The Fire Cloud Emperor laughed: “I understand. After drinking your wine, how could I refuse? I’ll talk to him when the chance arises, but I’ll only convey the message. Whether he agrees is up to him—I won’t force him.”
He knew this was highly beneficial for humanity.
The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. As a top human powerhouse, the Fire Cloud Emperor felt duty-bound to act for humanity’s benefit.
“Good. Talk to him and make sure he understands the significance and benefits of an alliance between humanity and the dragon clan,” Yao urged.
“Don’t worry, I’ll say what needs saying. But if the Heavenly God Palace wants Lin Yun’s help, shouldn’t they offer him something in return?” the Fire Cloud Emperor said with a sly smile.
“Haha, you’re trying to secure benefits for your disciple from the Heavenly God Palace? You really look out for him,” Yao laughed.
“Of course, I’ve got to look out for my disciple,” the Fire Cloud Emperor grinned.
“Rest assured, if he can facilitate ties with the dragon clan, the Heavenly God Palace will reward him handsomely!” Yao promised.
“That’s more like it.” The Fire Cloud Emperor smirked, raising his cup and drinking deeply.
“Fire Cloud, Lin Yun’s a treasure now. You must ensure his safety and keep him from harm,” Yao cautioned.
If Lin Yun died, the Heavenly God Palace’s only hope of connecting with the dragon clan would be lost.
“Don’t worry. He’s my beloved disciple. I’ll protect him well. Within the Fire Cloud Empire, no matter what danger he faces, I can be there in a minute!” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
Then, a trace of worry crossed his face: “But his third calamity hasn’t passed. The third calamity is usually a fatal threat. That’s my only concern.”
Normally, if a danger could be easily resolved by his protection, it wouldn’t qualify as the third calamity.
“The third calamity is beyond our control. Do your best to protect him,” Yao said.
…
Elsewhere.
In Demon Dijiang’s cave dwelling.
His subordinate, the Crimson Refined Demon Tiger, had reported Lin Yun’s battle with the Tianqiong Clan in the Tianqian Empire, detailing the dragon clan crown prince’s personal arrival.
Upon hearing this, Demon Dijiang’s expression changed drastically.
“What? The dragon clan’s crown prince was there in person? You’re sure?!” Dijiang shot to his feet, eyes wide, voice sharp with shock and disbelief.
