In an instant, Prince Jiyuan stood before Lin Yun.
“Prince Jiyuan,” Wang Shaoqing said, hurriedly standing to greet him with a smile, his attitude markedly respectful, a stark contrast to how he treated Lin Yun.
“Jiyuan, you’re here, take a seat,” Prince Jiyuan said lightly, waving a hand at Wang Shaoqing.
Then, Prince Jiyuan turned his gaze to Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, did you see how Wang Shaoqing treats me? He’s also a disciple of His Majesty, yet he knows who to respect, while you do not,” Jiyuan said, looking down at Lin Yun.
“Prince Jiyuan, I understand respect, but I don’t know how to grovel like a dog,” Lin Yun replied with a faint smile.
Lin Yun recalled that when he first met Prince Jiyuan, he had shown him due respect, just without fawning or flattery.
“You…”
Wang Shaoqing, sitting nearby, darkened, his face sinking. Wasn’t this implying he was a dog?
“Lin Yun, don’t act so high and mighty!” Wang Shaoqing snapped viciously.
“Wang Shaoqing, he’s just a wreck with only a few years left to live, no need to bother with him,” Prince Jiyuan said.
Then, he turned to Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, do you know why your daughter wasn’t chosen by Master Tu Fan? That’s right, I made it happen! That’s the power of influence, something you no longer have! You’re at our mercy now, and this is what you get for crossing me,” Prince Jiyuan said with a smug smile.
For Jiyuan, who was accustomed to universal reverence, Lin Yun was the only one who dared defy him. Having suffered a setback at Lin Yun’s hands before, it felt exhilarating to have the upper hand now.
“Prince Jiyuan, you were sent staggering by this ‘wreck.’ Do you find that glorious? Shall I spread the word for you?” Lin Yun said with a cold smile.
“You… you wouldn’t dare!” Prince Jiyuan’s face changed abruptly.
At that moment, His Majesty appeared at the front.
“His Majesty is here! His Majesty is here!”
In an instant, everyone returned to their seats.
“Lin Yun, you wreck, you have no chance of rising again. Keep acting smug, and see how long you have left!”
Prince Jiyuan spat out these words before hurrying back to his seat.
At the front.
After Emperor Huoyun took his place at the foremost seat, he waved a hand, signaling for silence.
The hall fell into absolute stillness.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Huoyun Empire has passed another thousand years in peace and prosperity, thanks to your great efforts. On behalf of all the empire’s people, I thank you for your contributions,” Emperor Huoyun said slowly.
“Your Majesty is too kind,” the crowd responded in unison.
“I’m sure you’re all eager to know about this millennium’s Radiance Award,” Emperor Huoyun continued.
At this, the hall buzzed with discussion.
The Radiance Award was given to those who had shown the greatest excellence or made the most significant contributions to the empire over the past millennium, with the recipient chosen by His Majesty.
The awarding of the Radiance Award marked the start of the millennial celebration.
“I wonder who’ll receive it this time.”
“The past millennium hasn’t seen any particularly major events, so it’s hard to judge. For excellence, I’d guess it might be Wang Shaoqing or Prince Jiyuan.”
“Prince Jiyuan’s talent is remarkable, but he relies heavily on imperial resources. In terms of raw talent and excellence, Wang Shaoqing likely outshines him.”
“Aren’t you forgetting someone? His Majesty’s other disciple, Lin Yun. His brilliance once surpassed even Wang Shaoqing’s.”
“Lin Yun? That guy was indeed dazzling back then, but he’s fallen to ruin, swept away by the tides of time. He’s not suited for the Radiance Award.”
“Yes, the Radiance Award isn’t just about recognition and encouragement, it’s also about supporting the recipient’s future. What future does Lin Yun have?”
…
The crowd whispered and speculated.
This millennium’s Radiance Award was clearly hard to judge, as no one stood out as an undeniable choice.
Emperor Huoyun leaned back in his throne, letting the discussions continue.
At Lin Yun’s seat.
“The Radiance Award? Probably not my concern,” Lin Yun said with a smile, raising his cup and drinking.
He held no expectations, and without expectations, there could be no disappointment.
But Wang Shaoqing, seated beside him, had a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.
“It could very well be me!” Wang Shaoqing said, both excited and nervous.
Clearly, Wang Shaoqing’s ambition far exceeded Lin Yun’s. He was fiercely competitive, and winning the Radiance Award would be an immense honour.
Moments later, Emperor Huoyun raised a hand, silencing the crowd.
Then, he stood.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I now announce the recipient of this millennium’s Radiance Award. This person was the first to discover the demon clan’s secret teleportation arrays within human territory. He also quelled the beast calamity in Dongyuan Prefecture. Not only is he exceptionally talented, but he’s also a vanguard in the fight against demons! Though he was targeted and harmed by the demon clan, his resilient and fearless spirit is an example to us all!”
“I’m sure you’ve guessed it. Yes, the recipient of this millennium’s Radiance Award is none other than Lin Yun.”
Emperor Huoyun declared solemnly.
His words sent a shockwave through the crowd.
“It’s actually Lin Yun?”
“His Majesty really chose him for the Radiance Award?”
Who could have imagined that Emperor Huoyun would award it to Lin Yun?
“Is… is it me?”
Hearing his name, Lin Yun was stunned, frozen in place.
He hadn’t expected Emperor Huoyun to choose him.
Wang Shaoqing, sitting beside him, looked as if struck by lightning, his face changing dramatically.
“Why? Why you? What right do you have now?” Wang Shaoqing glared at Lin Yun.
“Why? You’d have to ask our master. Or are you questioning him?” Lin Yun replied calmly.
“This…” Wang Shaoqing was rendered speechless, choking on his words.
At that moment, all eyes in the hall turned to Lin Yun.
For the first time in twenty years, Lin Yun was once again the centre of attention.
But it was clear that his award was controversial. Many felt that, as a broken man, Lin Yun didn’t truly deserve the Radiance Award.
Regardless of what the crowd thought, the decision was Emperor Huoyun’s.
“He’s practically dead, and Father still gives him an award,” Prince Jiyuan muttered, visibly displeased.
At the seats of Chancellor Dongguo Wuji and Dongguo Lie.
Dongguo Lie was equally unhappy, “What right does Lin Yun have to win the Radiance Award now?”
“He’s dying, so it’s not surprising His Majesty gave him an award as a consolation. For someone like Wang Shaoqing or Prince Jiyuan, with long lives ahead, there’s always the next millennium. I suspect that’s His Majesty’s reasoning,” Chancellor Dongguo Wuji said slowly.
