Over the past twenty years, with Lin Yun’s resources and the aid of the Coffin of Truths, the Palace Master, White Shark, and Lone Wolf had successfully broken through to the Tribulation Realm.
Lin Yun had given them his remaining hundred thousand or so Tribulation Pills to help them progress further.
This was far from enough to reach the Nine-Turn Tribulation Realm, as Lin Yun’s only income these years had been his imperial salary, and his previous Tribulation Pills had already been distributed to others.
Du Yuanzi and the Wanderer, with Lin Yun’s help and the Coffin of Truths, had also stepped into the Tribulation Realm.
The Coffin of Truths was undeniably invaluable for cultivators below the Tribulation Realm.
Their breakthroughs were due to both resource support and, crucially, the Coffin of Truths.
Yang Wan, Huo Zhen, and Liang Yuan had reached the Nine-Turn Tribulation Realm. They were already close to it, and with Lin Yun’s Tribulation Pills, the breakthrough was inevitable.
As for Wei Qi, he had only reached the Eight-Turn Tribulation Realm, one step short of Nine-Turn, as the pills Lin Yun allocated were only enough for Eight-Turn.
Lin Yun had earned many Tribulation Pills in the past, but raising so many people to Nine-Turn Tribulation Realm still left a significant gap.
Additionally, Qin Shi, Su Yan, Jiang Jingwen, Zhao Ling, and Lin Yun’s grandfather, Liu Zhizhong, had greatly improved their strength. In a few years, they could attempt to break into the Tribulation Realm. With spirit crystals, resources, and the Coffin of Truths, their breakthroughs should be feasible.
Lin Yun helped them advance mainly to extend their lifespans.
The greatest change over these twenty years was in Lin Yun himself.
Though unable to use internal energy, leaving his cultivation stagnant, the torment of the Soul-Breaking Poison had forged an unbreakable will.
As a cripple, Lin Yun practiced swordsmanship and carving with a mindset free of desire, gaining unique insights into both arts that no one could impart.
In these twenty years, there had been no trace of the sacred relic, the Chaos Stone.
Naturally, the name “Lin Yun” had faded from this world, forgotten by most.
Thirteen years ago, a new genius, Wang Shaoqing, emerged in the Huoyun Empire. Taken as a disciple by Emperor Huoyun, he had risen rapidly with the emperor’s resources, gaining fame across the land!
The name “Lin Yun” seemed to have become a thing of the past, relegated to history…
In these twenty years, Lin Yun had not once visited Emperor Huoyun.
“Twenty years have passed. I can’t keep hoping for the Chaos Stone,” Lin Yun murmured.
He knew waiting like this was futile.
Lin Yun had given up on the Chaos Stone. Missing for over a hundred thousand years, finding it was a pipe dream.
The only other path was to enhance his physical body!
He had been working on this for years. Recently, Little Green Dragon had sent him more dragon clan resources.
His physical body had reached the late stage of the Tianhao Body.
The next stage, the Nirvana Body, was incredibly difficult to achieve!
Even with Little Green Dragon’s resources, Lin Yun couldn’t break through to the Nirvana Body.
The higher the physical realm, the more daunting the challenge.
“My ‘Withered Silence’ is one of the three ancient body-refining techniques, supposedly exceptional. But with my limited lifespan, I don’t have enough time to cultivate it,” Lin Yun sighed.
“Wait, I obtained ‘Withered Silence’ from that stone in the Land of Exile,” Lin Yun’s eyes lit up.
“I need to investigate that stone again!”
When he acquired Withered Silence, Lin Yun had found it suspicious. As one of the three ancient body-refining techniques, lost to time, why was it in that stone?
He had tried many methods back then but found nothing. Eager to leave, he hadn’t pursued it further.
Since then, he had completely forgotten about it.
With this thought, Lin Yun immediately headed out.
It was autumn, the courtyard filled with golden fallen leaves, a beautiful sight.
As Lin Yun stepped into the courtyard, he ran into Palace Master Yun Shang.
“Lin Yun, I have good news!” Yun Shang said with a hint of mystery.
“Good news? Don’t tell me… you’re pregnant?” Lin Yun smiled, glancing at her abdomen.
“How’d you guess so quickly?” Yun Shang said.
“It’s… it’s true?”
“Haha, that’s wonderful!”
Lin Yun was so thrilled he nearly jumped for joy.
Even with his limited years left, having another child was a great blessing!
Overjoyed, Lin Yun hugged Yun Shang. “Yun Shang, take care of yourself. I need to go out for a bit!”
“Out? Where? Is it safe for you to go alone?” Yun Shang asked, concerned.
“Don’t worry. With Big Bear, most dangers can’t touch me,” Lin Yun grinned.
The Metal Bear, repaired by Du Yuanzi years ago, had been returned to Lin Yun. Though weaker in strength and defense, it was still comparable to an ordinary Tribulation Realm cultivator.
“Alright, be careful out there and come back soon,” Yun Shang said, her eyes full of concern.
“Don’t worry,” Lin Yun replied with a smile, kissing her cheek gently.
…
After leaving Lin Manor, Lin Yun headed straight for the imperial palace.
To reach the Land of Exile, he’d likely need Emperor Huoyun’s help. Though reluctant to trouble him, Lin Yun had no other option.
At the palace hall’s entrance.
Lin Yun stood waiting as the imperial guards had gone to report.
Soon, the guard who had gone to inform returned.
“Lord Lin, His Majesty is meeting Lord Wang. Please wait,” the guard said.
“Lord Wang? Which Lord Wang?” Lin Yun asked, puzzled.
“His Majesty’s disciple from thirteen years ago, Lord Wang Shaoqing. He’s quite remarkable now!” the guard said.
“I see,” Lin Yun said with a bitter smile.
For some reason, Lin Yun felt an odd, uncomfortable sensation.
After a short wait, a young man with flowing hair and a dignified appearance emerged from the hall.
Lin Yun guessed he was Wang Shaoqing.
Wang Shaoqing stopped in front of Lin Yun.
“You’re Lin Yun?” he asked, looking at him.
The guard had reported Lin Yun’s presence, and Wang Shaoqing, who was inside, knew he was waiting.
Their eyes met.
“That’s right, it’s me,” Lin Yun replied.
“I’ve heard about you. Honestly, I wish you hadn’t become a cripple so I could have competed with you. What a pity,” Wang Shaoqing said, shaking his head with a sigh.
With that, he walked past Lin Yun and left.
