“My lord, the report has been sent. Such a severe incident—the empire won’t stand idly by. The Chancellor will surely advocate for action,” Zhou Cheng said.
“Good. These unruly mobs think they can challenge the empire? They’re doomed! And those disobedient city guard commanders will face consequences too!” Shi Wen’s eyes gleamed with venom.
Outside the lord’s palace.
“Master of the Nine Mysteries Sect, why don’t we storm the palace and seize Shi Wen? The city guards won’t stop us, and with so many Tribulation Realm cultivators, Shi Wen’s men can’t hold us back!” a family patriarch suggested.
“No. We’re peacefully protesting. If we storm in and seize Shi Wen, we’d truly become rebels and thugs,” the Nine Mysteries Sect Master said.
“Yes, the Sect Master makes sense,” the others nodded in agreement.
…
The divine capital, inside the imperial palace’s court.
Ministers gathered below, with Emperor Huoyun seated high on his throne.
“Your Majesty, a severe riot has erupted in Dongyuan Prefecture. Large numbers of rioters have stormed the city, and the city guards are practically mutinous, fueling the chaos.”
“The entire prefecture is paralyzed. The Huoyun Empire hasn’t seen such a grave incident in millennia. Please, Your Majesty, order troops to suppress the riot!” Dongguo Lie’s voice rang out firmly.
“Please, Your Majesty, quell the Dongyuan riot, restore order, and uphold the empire’s authority!” several other ministers echoed.
Emperor Huoyun slowly opened his eyes. “From what I know, Dongyuan Prefecture has indeed seen massive protests, not just in the capital city but across its counties and towns. Ninety percent of the populace has joined this upheaval.”
Then, his tone shifted. “Dongguo Lie, you suggest military force. With ninety percent of the populace involved, should we slaughter the entire prefecture?”
Such a major event had naturally reached Emperor Huoyun’s ears. The Huoyun Pavilions, spread across every prefecture, county, and town, conducted business openly but secretly gathered intelligence for the emperor.
“This…” Dongguo Lie’s face paled.
Chancellor Dongguo Wuji’s expression shifted slightly, and the other ministers fell silent.
“If it were a small-scale riot, it might be mere troublemaking. But with the entire prefecture in protest, it only proves Shi Wen’s incompetence and his failure to control the situation!” Emperor Huoyun said coldly.
“Your Majesty, these rioters are openly defying the court. If we don’t suppress them, where is the court’s authority? In this chaotic state, the demon race could exploit the situation,” a minister said.
“From what I know, though the protests are widespread, no bloodshed or deaths of court officials have occurred. This matter must be resolved peacefully,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Peacefully? Your Majesty, with this momentum, how can it be resolved peacefully?” a minister asked.
“This was sparked by Shi Wen’s failure, inciting public outrage. He cannot control Dongyuan Prefecture, proving his incompetence and unfitness as prefecture lord. Remove him from office and investigate him to appease the public,” Emperor Huoyun said slowly.
The Dongguo faction ministers’ faces changed.
“Also, issue my decree: summon Lin Yun to the palace immediately,” Emperor Huoyun ordered.
…
The divine capital, Lin Manor.
Lin Yun was practicing his sword in the courtyard.
“Daddy, if you’re tired, rest a bit,” Lin Kexin said.
Lin Yun stopped, smiling at his daughter. “Daddy’s not tired.”
As he spoke, he wiped sweat from his forehead, his face slightly pale.
It had been some time since his last pill, and the poison’s torment was growing.
At that moment, a group of imperial guards rushed into the courtyard.
“Lord Lin, come receive the decree,” the guard captain’s voice boomed.
Lin Yun sheathed his sword and approached them.
“Lin Yun receives the decree,” he said, saluting.
“Lord Lin, His Majesty’s oral decree commands you to enter the palace immediately. The carriage awaits outside. Please,” the captain gestured.
Lin Yun followed them out, wondering why his master had summoned him so suddenly.
…
The imperial palace, inside the court.
“Lord Lin Yun has arrived!”
As the announcement rang out, Lin Yun walked slowly into the hall.
Instantly, all the ministers turned to look at him.
“Disciple Lin Yun pays respects to Master,” Lin Yun said, saluting Emperor Huoyun at the front.
Emperor Huoyun opened his eyes and looked at Lin Yun. “Lin Yun, have you heard of the riot in Dongyuan Prefecture?”
“I’ve heard some details,” Lin Yun replied.
At that moment, Dongguo Lie stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I suspect Lin Yun is the mastermind behind the Dongyuan riot. The factions there were once scattered—how could they suddenly unite so strongly? Someone must be organizing them in secret.”
“I believe Lin Yun wants to reclaim the prefecture lord position. He’s trying to turn Dongyuan Prefecture into his own independent kingdom!”
Dongguo Lie emphasized the last four words heavily.
“Hmm, that’s possible,” many ministers nodded.
Hearing this, a cold smile crossed Lin Yun’s face. He turned to Dongguo Lie and said, “Dongguo Lie, accusations require evidence. If baseless claims are taken as fact, can’t I say your Dongguo family colluded with the demon race to harm me, all to seize my position as prefecture lord? After all, Shi Wen is your family’s lackey!”
His words stunned the ministers.
Everyone knew of the “Dongguo faction,” but no one dared mention it openly.
Yet Lin Yun had boldly brought up the Dongguo faction in front of His Majesty—a clear violation of their taboo!
Chancellor Dongguo Wuji, who had been silent, erupted in anger.
“You insolent brat!”
Dongguo Wuji stepped forward, shouting, “My Dongguo family fought alongside His Majesty to build this empire. How dare you slander us?!”
His voice echoed through the hall.
“I, Lin Yun, fought the demon race and ended up like this. How dare you slander me?” Lin Yun stepped forward, his aura undaunted.
Dongguo Wuji’s face turned livid. In the court, aside from Emperor Huoyun, who dared challenge him like this?
Lin Yun continued coldly, “As for saying I want to create an independent kingdom? That’s laughable. Everyone knows I have only decades left to live. What use would an independent kingdom be to a dying man? I think it’s your Dongguo family that wants to carve out an independent kingdom within the Huoyun Empire!”
