Lin Yun had been silent for twenty years, and they had nearly forgotten him. Seeing him now, out of the blue, naturally sparked surprise and lively discussion.
Lin Yun could hear some of the murmurs, but he ignored them completely.
“Huo Zhen, Liang Yuan, let’s go inside.”
Lin Yun led the two of them directly into the palace.
…
Before the grand hall of the palace.
Seats were arranged in abundance on both sides.
Many guests were already seated, some chatting with those nearby, others mingling in small groups, exchanging pleasantries. With some time before the banquet officially began and His Majesty yet to arrive, they were naturally at ease.
It was rare for so many ministers, generals, and imperial relatives to gather on such a grand scale. Old friends meeting here were naturally delighted, chatting enthusiastically.
The scene was bustling with energy.
As soon as Lin Yun and his companions arrived, a guard led them to their respective seats.
Due to their differing statuses, the three were assigned different positions.
As a disciple of Emperor Huoyun, Lin Yun was given a seat relatively close to the front.
After settling in, Lin Yun scanned the surroundings, “Quite a crowd has shown up.”
At least several hundred thousand people were already present, with more guests arriving continuously.
Those gathered here were mostly prominent figures in the empire or representatives of its most powerful factions.
Of course, two-thirds of these hundreds of thousands were likely imperial relatives.
Shortly after Lin Yun took his seat, Wang Shaoqing was led to the area by a guard.
“Lord Wang, this is your seat,” the guard said, pointing to the spot beside Lin Yun.
Like Lin Yun, Wang Shaoqing was a disciple of Emperor Huoyun.
The difference was that in recent years, Wang Shaoqing had risen to prominence in the Huoyun Empire, while Lin Yun had long faded into obscurity.
“Why is Lin Yun seated here?” Wang Shaoqing remarked, looking at Lin Yun.
Their eyes met briefly.
Wang Shaoqing then turned to the guard, “Are you sure there’s no mistake? He’s really sitting here? Right beside me?”
“Lord Wang, this is His Majesty’s arrangement. Both you and Lord Lin Yun are his disciples, so it’s only natural you’re seated here,” the guard replied.
Hearing this, Wang Shaoqing took the seat beside Lin Yun, sitting down slowly.
“Wang Shaoqing, you seem displeased with me sitting here?” Lin Yun said calmly, glancing at him.
Wang Shaoqing picked up the wine on the table, pouring as he spoke, “To be honest, Lin Yun, you no longer deserve to sit in such a prominent position. The cultivation world is harsh. Though we’re both disciples of His Majesty, you’re a broken man now, no longer fit to sit as my equal.”
Lin Yun paused, then smiled, “Wang Shaoqing, you’re young, and youthful arrogance is normal. But one should have a sense of reverence. I entered the sect before you, so you should address me as senior brother.”
“Senior brother? Haha, in the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme. The strong are respected, not the old. When did age determine seniority? You should be the one calling me senior brother,” Wang Shaoqing laughed.
He continued, his tone shifting, “Of course, in your current state, you don’t even have the right to call me that.”
With that, Wang Shaoqing raised his filled cup and drank deeply.
“Wang Shaoqing, even if I’m broken, you’re not necessarily my match. Besides, you’ve had a smooth ride, haven’t you? That’s why you’re so spirited, so full of yourself. The higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall when disaster strikes,” Lin Yun said indifferently.
“Not your match? Haha, what a joke!”
Wang Shaoqing laughed loudly, then continued, “My journey has indeed been smooth. Among my peers, they’re all trash—no one has been my match. Lin Yun, even in your prime, I, Wang Shaoqing, would have surpassed you. It’s good you’re broken, or you’d only have been a stepping stone for me.”
Wang Shaoqing radiated absolute confidence.
This confidence stemmed from his long-held reputation as a genius, a prodigy.
At that moment, several middle-aged men approached, holding wine cups and smiling broadly.
“Lord Wang Shaoqing, we’ve long admired your reputation. Today, at the millennial celebration, we’re fortunate to witness you in person. Allow us to offer you a toast. I’m Huan Qin, a third-rank official of the empire.”
“Lord Wang Shaoqing, I’m…”
…
The men introduced themselves to Wang Shaoqing.
After their introductions, they raised their cups and drank deeply.
Wang Shaoqing, seated, lifted his cup and took a couple of sips as a gesture.
Though Wang Shaoqing had been a disciple of Emperor Huoyun for so long, many of these guests, who spent most of their time away, were meeting him for the first time, which was normal.
Most people at the event, including those toasting Wang Shaoqing, were strangers to Lin Yun.
After the toast, the group bid farewell and left.
Wang Shaoqing, smiling, turned to Lin Yun, “Lin Yun, do you see reality now? These people came all the way to toast me, yet you’re right beside me, and they didn’t bother to take one step to greet you.”
Lin Yun shook his head, unperturbed, “Wang Shaoqing, if you still care about such things, it only shows how young you are.”
Living with the Soul-Severing Toxin for twenty years, Lin Yun had tasted the highs and lows of life, and it had changed him greatly.
“Is that so? I suppose that’s the only way you can console yourself,” Wang Shaoqing said with a smile.
Just then, more figures approached, smiling as they came to toast Wang Shaoqing.
In recent years, Wang Shaoqing’s fame had soared, and many were eager to connect with him, even hoping to build ties.
For some time, a steady stream of people came to toast Wang Shaoqing, making his area lively and bustling.
Yet, just a metre away, Lin Yun’s spot was starkly quiet, ignored by all, not even warranting a glance.
Though Lin Yun was mentally prepared, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at how brutally realistic this world was!
Back when Lin Yun was in his prime, countless people had sought to befriend him.
During this time, only the Master of the Martial Hall came to exchange a few words with Lin Yun and share a drink.
At that moment, Prince Jiyuan arrived at the scene.
Wherever Prince Jiyuan passed, guests greeted and bowed to him.
After entering, he didn’t immediately take his seat but scanned the crowd, his gaze eventually settling on Lin Yun.
Then, Prince Jiyuan walked straight toward Lin Yun…
