“So that’s how it is?” A trace of desolation flickered in Lin Yun’s dim gaze.
Being unable to use internal energy was already devastating, but the truth was far worse than he had imagined.
Vice Palace Master Yao continued, “Based on my experience, after taking this pill about a thousand times, it will lose all effectiveness. At one dose per month, you’ll last roughly eighty years.”
“So, not only can I not use internal energy, but I only have eighty years left to live?” Lin Yun looked up.
“Yes.”
Yao nodded. “Moreover, producing a thousand pills requires an immense amount of resources—a costly endeavor. But your master and I have discussed it. The Heavenly God Palace and your master will each cover half the cost, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
Lin Yun felt an urge to refuse.
Now a cripple, he felt guilty letting his master waste resources on him.
It even sparked a fleeting thought of ending it all—what was the point of living as a useless burden, wasting the source of life?
But thinking of Yu Ying outside, his daughter, and his loved ones on Earth, Lin Yun dismissed the idea…
…
Outside the Bedchamber.
Heavy rain poured, large droplets pelting the roof and ground with a pattering sound.
Yu Ying stood at the door, quietly listening to the conversation inside. It wasn’t shielded, and with her Transcending Tribulation realm strength, she could hear everything.
Boom!
Lightning tore across the sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap. The rain fell harder, as if playing a mournful tune.
“How… how could this be…”
Yu Ying stumbled, clutching a pillar, her face pale.
She had overheard that Lin Yun had only eighty years left to live.
She had thought his inability to use internal energy was the worst news. She had comforted herself that even if Brother Yun lost his strength, she could protect him!
He had always protected her; for the rest of their lives, she would guard him.
But the news that Lin Yun had only eighty years left struck her like a thunderbolt!
Inside the Bedchamber.
“Master, I’ll cover the cost of the pills,” Lin Yun said to Emperor Fire Cloud, his face resolute and stubborn.
Emperor Fire Cloud gave a wry smile and shook his head. “Disciple, at a time like this, you’re still so stubborn? Don’t worry about the pills. It’s the only thing I can do for you now. Don’t refuse.”
He knew Lin Yun’s independent and strong nature.
But having failed to save Lin Yun this time, Emperor Fire Cloud felt guilty. Funding the pills was the least he could do.
Moreover, with Lin Yun now a cripple, unable to cultivate or use internal energy, cultivation resources were useless to him. This might be the last help Emperor Fire Cloud could offer.
“Alright, then I thank you, Master,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists in salute.
Yao couldn’t help but sigh. “I must say, Lin Yun, I’m impressed. The soul-severing poison is incredibly potent, yet you woke up, proving you fought it even in your coma. Your will held against its erosion—a true miracle!”
Lin Yun paused.
This reminded him of his coma, where he dreamt of countless demons attacking him. He was repeatedly knocked down, nearly dying, but hearing Yu Ying and his daughter’s calls, he stood up each time!
Now he understood—those demons were the toxin, and his dream was his will battling it.
If he hadn’t stood up, if his will had collapsed, the toxin would have overtaken his mind, and he’d likely be dead.
A chill ran through him. Thankfully, his daughter’s cries and calls gave him the strength and courage to persevere!
Yao continued, “Of course, your survival isn’t just due to your unyielding will and the medicinal wine I gave you to suppress the toxin. Your physique is remarkably strong. Your body refinement technique must be exceptional. Without it, no matter how strong your will, a weaker body wouldn’t have held up.”
This was thanks to Lin Yun’s late-stage Myriad Form Body.
“Master, Vice Palace Master, is there truly… no way to completely remove the toxin? Beyond medication, are there other methods?” Lin Yun looked at them, his eyes still holding a glimmer of hope and unwillingness.
Hearing this, both Yao and Emperor Fire Cloud felt a pang in their hearts.
They could sense Lin Yun’s reluctance to let his life end like this.
It was like a terminally ill patient hoping for a last chance at salvation.
Yao closed his eyes, shaking his head. “No, at least not in the human race. We haven’t found a solution. The pill to suppress the toxin is the best we have.”
No hope for a cure, only medication to extend life and reduce pain—nothing more…
“Since you’ve taken the pill, I should go. I need to refine more. Within a month, I’ll have the rest sent over,” Yao said.
“Thank you, Vice Palace Master,” Lin Yun saluted.
“Lin Yun, the pill you took will last about a month. Since it’s your first dose, it’s most effective and might even last a month and a half. But never use internal energy, or the toxin will flare up instantly, and you’ll die! Remember, absolutely remember!” Yao stressed repeatedly.
“I understand,” Lin Yun nodded.
“Fire Cloud, let’s go,” Yao said, turning to Emperor Fire Cloud.
Emperor Fire Cloud stepped forward to Lin Yun.
“Disciple, if you face any difficulties, come to the palace and tell me. For the next eighty years, since you can’t cultivate, just enjoy life and don’t worry about anything else,” he said.
“I understand,” Lin Yun replied.
Then, looking up, he said, “Master, if I’m not mistaken, this was my third tribulation, wasn’t it?”
Emperor Fire Cloud met his gaze and nodded. “Yes, it’s now certain.”
“I never thought I, Lin Yun, would fall to the third tribulation,” Lin Yun said with a bitter smile.
“It’s come to this. Try to accept it,” Emperor Fire Cloud could only offer such comfort.
“I understand,” Lin Yun nodded.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
With that, Emperor Fire Cloud left with Vice Palace Master Yao.
