To Demon Dijiang, this was utterly fantastical!
He acknowledged Lin Yun’s prodigious talent, but to build a relationship with the dragon clan’s crown prince—one strong enough for the prince to risk traveling thousands of miles to the Tianqian Empire—how could that be possible?!
“Lord, I know it sounds unbelievable, but… it’s absolutely true. Countless people witnessed it, and the dragon clan’s crown prince even called Lin Yun his brother!” the Crimson Refined Demon Tiger said below.
When Little Green Dragon arrived, billions of Tianqiong Clan members saw it with their own eyes. There was no hiding it.
Moreover, the demon clan often bribed humans, and in a massive clan like the Tianqiong, they naturally had insiders.
Demon Dijiang slumped onto his throne, growling, “How did this guy do it?! What does he have to be brothers with the dragon clan’s crown prince?!”
Dijiang had long wanted to eliminate Lin Yun, but several assassination attempts had failed. Lin Yun even retaliated, wiping out all the demon beasts in Dongyuan Prefecture, causing Dijiang significant losses, as those beasts were his subordinates.
This made him want to kill Lin Yun even more, but he was powerless to act.
He’d tried reporting to the Demon Marshal, urging him to arrange Lin Yun’s death, but his suggestion was dismissed. The Marshal didn’t take it seriously.
The Crimson Refined Demon Tiger continued, “Lord, this guy’s strength has reached the ninth-stage tribulation realm. During the battle with the Tianqiong Clan, he even killed a calamity realm elder.”
Dijiang’s face darkened further: “He’s growing so fast!”
Lin Yun’s growth rate terrified Dijiang to his core.
“I said long ago this guy’s a prodigy! I’ve always had a feeling he’d pose a massive threat to the demon clan! But the Demon Marshal thinks he’s just a tribulation realm cultivator, not even an eternal being, incapable of posing any real threat. He wasn’t willing to pay a high price to deal with him and didn’t take him seriously at all,” Dijiang said venomously.
Thinking of this, Dijiang felt a surge of frustration.
“Lord, now that Lin Yun’s tied to the dragon clan, the Demon Marshal should take notice. You can report this!” the Crimson Refined Demon Tiger said.
Dijiang paused.
“You’re right!” He stood abruptly.
“This might even be a good thing. I’ll go see the Demon Marshal now!”
With that, Dijiang rushed out.
…
Deep in the Endless Mountains, Demon Marshal’s Palace.
Inside the grand hall.
After reporting, Demon Dijiang entered the dimly lit hall.
Besides Dijiang, only the Demon Marshal was present.
The Marshal sat on his throne, shrouded in black mist, obscuring his true form, but an overwhelmingly terrifying aura emanated from him, oppressive and heavy.
“Subordinate Dijiang pays respects to the Demon Marshal!” Dijiang bowed.
“Speak. What’s the matter?” The Marshal’s voice was low and oppressive.
“Demon Marshal, Lin Yun, lord of Dongyuan Prefecture, attacked the Tianqiong Clan in the Tianqian Empire. The dragon clan’s crown prince personally came to aid him. I wonder if you’re aware of this,” Dijiang asked.
“I’m aware,” the Marshal replied.
“Demon Marshal, this man’s ability to summon the dragon clan’s crown prince shows how deep his ties are with them. He could very likely help humanity forge an alliance with the dragon clan. If that happens, it’ll pose a massive threat to our demon clan! I propose we must eliminate him!” Dijiang said passionately.
“Hm, this man cannot be spared. I’m already considering it,” the Marshal said slowly.
Dijiang’s heart surged with joy—the Marshal was finally taking Lin Yun seriously.
“Demon Marshal, this man is extremely strong and grows at an alarming rate. He’s currently ninth-stage tribulation realm but can already kill calamity realm experts. Unless a heavenly demon or eternal being acts, no one can handle him. He’s also cunning—my multiple assassination attempts failed. You must plan carefully, leaving him no chance to survive. If he escapes again, killing him will be even harder,” Dijiang said.
He continued, “If you’d acted earlier, before he grew this strong, it would’ve been much easier.”
“Are you blaming me?” The Marshal’s brow furrowed, his icy voice carrying a terrifying wave that swept toward Dijiang.
Feeling it, Dijiang shivered.
“Demon Marshal, that’s not what I meant!” he hastily explained.
The Marshal withdrew his terrifying aura: “Killing him now isn’t difficult if we’re willing to pay the price. Stand down. I’ll handle this.”
“Yes. If you need my assistance, just command,” Dijiang replied.
At the same time, Dijiang’s heart swelled with joy—this matter was finally set.
“If needed, I’ll inform you. This is top secret. Keep it to yourself and tell no one!” the Marshal said coldly.
“I understand!” Dijiang replied.
…
Dongyuan Prefecture.
The day after the banquet, Lin Yun began his hunt, targeting the most heinous sinners to both rid the world of evil and boost his fortune.
These people’s existence only caused harm, so killing them was inherently good.
Lin Yun had thoroughly reviewed the thirty-plus files and planned a hunting route.
His first stop was the two targets in Dongyuan Prefecture: one ninth-stage tribulation realm, one fifth-stage. Both were once pillars of their factions but had since gone rogue, their whereabouts erratic.
These two were manageable. After them, Lin Yun would hunt targets in other prefectures.
This would take him beyond his sphere of influence, but since it was still within the Fire Cloud Empire, he wasn’t too worried. He was confident in his strength and survival skills.
At the city lord’s mansion gate.
Yu Ying saw Lin Yun off.
“Brother Yun, let Ying’er go with you. I’m strong now, not just a vase,” Yu Ying said, clinging to his hand, her eyes filled with hope.
She longed to fight alongside Lin Yun—it was her dream!
Lin Yun smiled, embracing her: “Ying’er, you’re pregnant. Fighting isn’t suitable. Stay home and focus on the baby. Be good.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you,” Ying’er nodded.
“That’s my girl. Wait for me at home. I’m off.”
Lin Yun kissed her cheek, then turned and headed out of the city!
