For some time, the demons had considered various ways to deal with Lin Yun, such as kidnapping his wife and child to lure him to a designated location and kill him.
But Dongyuan Prefecture was an impenetrable fortress, nearly impossible to infiltrate. Especially since Lin Yun’s wife and child were in the prefecture capital, the demons couldn’t touch them.
Their reach simply couldn’t extend into Dongyuan Prefecture’s capital!
“Tell me your plan,” the Demon Commander’s cold, low voice came from the front.
“My plan is simple. We identify the targets Lin Yun is likely to pursue next and set a trap in advance. The moment he shows up, we kill him! Setting an ambush in another prefecture outside Dongyuan is a million times easier than doing so in Dongyuan!” Heavenly Demon Di Jiang said, flashing a sinister grin.
“Have you chosen a location?” the Demon Commander’s icy, raspy voice asked again.
“Of course. I propose striking in Lingbo County, Beimen Prefecture. The villain He Buwei there carries immense sins and is at the calamity realm. He’s definitely one of Lin Yun’s targets,” Di Jiang said.
He continued, “He Buwei already has ties with our demon clan, making him an ideal partner. Once he learns he’s targeted, he’ll surely cooperate with us to set the trap!”
“Also, Beimen Prefecture has always had poor security, and our demon clan has deeply infiltrated it. Setting an ambush there is less likely to be noticed. Plus, we have two secret teleportation points in Beimen Prefecture linked to the Demon Beast Mountains for easy travel.”
These factors made Di Jiang believe Lingbo County was the perfect spot for an ambush!
“Hm, your plan is quite good!” the Demon Commander approved.
“Thank you, Commander!” Di Jiang’s face lit up with a smile. It had been years since he’d received such praise from the Commander, especially as he’d been gradually sidelined among the heavenly demons.
He added, “Commander, I have one concern. Lin Yun’s strength is formidable, particularly his defense, and as the Fire Cloud Emperor’s disciple, he likely has life-saving measures. This time, we must ensure absolute success. If we miss this chance, finding another opportunity will be difficult!”
Di Jiang had failed multiple times against Lin Yun, learning from each setback to account for every possibility, determined to make this plan foolproof!
The Commander said, “I heard the Fire Cloud Emperor personally attended Lin Yun’s child’s full-month banquet, showing how much he values him. If Lin Yun is in danger, the Emperor might personally intervene to save him. Have you considered this?”
“Yes, Commander. Per my plan, even if the Emperor moves to rescue him, it’ll take at least a minute for his true body to arrive. That means we must break through all of Lin Yun’s defenses and kill him within one minute!” Di Jiang said earnestly.
Having failed several assassinations, Di Jiang had reflected deeply, aiming to cover every contingency for guaranteed success!
He continued, “To ensure this plan succeeds, I need your full support, Commander. I request one of our clan’s treasures, the Soul-Severing Needle!”
“Using a Soul-Severing Needle on him is hardly worth it, but to prevent a human-Dragon Clan alliance, it’s justified,” the Commander’s raspy voice replied.
“Soul-Severing Needle, take it!”
The Commander tossed a box forward.
Di Jiang quickly caught it.
Opening it, he saw a pitch-black needle inside.
“Thank you, Commander!” Di Jiang bowed, his face breaking into a smile.
With the Soul-Severing Needle, his confidence soared!
“Di Jiang, I entrust this task to you. I’ll arrange for our demon clan forces in Beimen Prefecture to assist you fully. Also, take this Space-Time Escape Talisman to ensure your escape after success. Do this well, and I’ll reward you handsomely.”
The Commander tossed another item to Di Jiang.
The demon clan was clearly investing heavily to kill Lin Yun.
“Thank you, Commander. I won’t let you down!” Di Jiang said, visibly excited.
Having long been overlooked by the clan, this was his chance to shine. Success would restore his prominence and favor!
“This matter is top secret. Until it’s done, leak nothing—not even to our forces in Dongmen Prefecture. Just have them prepare as planned!” the Commander instructed.
“Understood,” Di Jiang replied promptly.
“Go,” the Commander’s cold voice commanded.
“I take my leave.” Di Jiang bowed and exited the hall.
Outside the Demon Commander’s Palace.
Clutching the two treasures, Di Jiang grinned sinisterly. “Lin Yun, your luck’s run out. This time, you’re dead!”
…
Meanwhile.
After finishing off all targets in Yangshan Prefecture, Lin Yun moved to Jin Prefecture, eliminating its three targets one by one.
Some were formidable, but none could match Lin Yun!
Through these battles, he sought to refine his swordsmanship, though he hadn’t made progress on his next technique, which frustrated him. He yearned to advance his sword skills and was trying hard.
After Jin Prefecture, six months had passed.
With each target felled, Lin Yun’s fortune grew rapidly.
“Next, Beimen Prefecture.”
Lin Yun reviewed his intelligence. “He Buwei, the villain of Beimen Prefecture. His sins rival Old Monster Yan’s—a damnable wretch!”
But before heading to Beimen Prefecture, Lin Yun decided to return home, having been away for half a year.
For a ninth-stage tribulation realm cultivator with a lifespan of three to four thousand years, six months was brief.
Yet Lin Yun deeply missed his daughter!
“In six months, Kexin must’ve grown a lot,” he thought, a silly smile spreading as he pictured her.
