Emperor Huoyun continued, “In fact, the Heavenly God Palace doesn’t force immortals to join. Those who do can access the palace’s resources. If you don’t join, your cultivation path will be severely limited.”
“Moreover, the Heavenly God Palace was originally established to counter the Demon Clan, so immortals joining the palace has been a tradition since then. The palace also bears the responsibility of leading the human race against the Demon Clan.”
“This is the duty of all immortals. After all, with great power comes great responsibility. If we immortals refuse to stand against the Demon Clan, humanity risks extinction!”
Hearing this, Lin Yun suddenly understood.
Though he had only recently stepped into immortality, his understanding of this world’s deeper workings was steadily growing.
Yet, Lin Yun remained curious about where the Heavenly God Palace obtained the Bright Moon Crystals.
He knew pressing further was futile; if even Emperor Huoyun didn’t know, how could he find out?
This only made the Heavenly God Palace seem even more mysterious in Lin Yun’s eyes.
“Master, these Bright Moon Crystals are so rare, and you must need them for your cultivation. You should keep them. I don’t need them,” Lin Yun said, trying to return the Bright Moon Crystals to Emperor Huoyun.
After all, Lin Yun had his Qiankun Crystals.
“You rascal, I’m giving them to you, so take them. At my current realm, advancing requires a vast amount, and these won’t make much difference, but you need them more,” Emperor Huoyun said.
Lin Yun nodded and stopped protesting.
“Master, are there any immortals who haven’t joined the Heavenly God Palace?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“Of course. A few independent immortals refuse to join. They live in seclusion, and even we don’t know their whereabouts,” Emperor Huoyun replied.
“There really are such people?” Lin Yun murmured.
He had always assumed every immortal joined the Heavenly God Palace without exception.
“They’re the exception. Most immortals join the palace because the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The only obligation is to follow the palace’s orders in the fight against the Demon Clan,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
Joining the Heavenly God Palace didn’t restrict personal freedom, except when it came to battling the Demon Clan.
“Disciple, you’ve just stepped into immortality and probably have many questions. Let’s go to the Heavenly God Palace, and I’ll explain more along the way,” Emperor Huoyun said, standing up.
“Yes, Master,” Lin Yun replied.
He was quite curious about where the Heavenly God Palace was located.
Emperor Huoyun led Lin Yun out of the hall and out of the city.
Outside the divine capital, 10,000 meters in the air.
“Master, why are we stopping here?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
Weren’t they going to the Heavenly God Palace?
“The Heavenly God Palace’s Sky City isn’t on the mainland but in a miniature barrier space,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
“This is the key to that space!”
Emperor Huoyun revealed a communication bracelet and activated it.
As the bracelet emitted a brilliant light, the space before them tore open, revealing a rippling barrier gate.
“Disciple, let’s go.”
Emperor Huoyun grabbed Lin Yun, and they stepped through.
After passing through the gate, the spatial ripples faded, and Lin Yun and Emperor Huoyun vanished.
When the blinding white light subsided, Lin Yun opened his eyes to see a massive city before him.
This must be the Heavenly God Palace’s Sky City.
Lin Yun and Emperor Huoyun stood before the city.
“This city could probably hold billions of people,” Lin Yun remarked.
“It can house billions. If the mainland ever falls to the Demon Clan, humanity’s last remnants would be sheltered here to ensure our survival and plan a counterattack. This is humanity’s final refuge,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“That day won’t come, will it?” Lin Yun murmured.
“I hope not, but we must prepare for the worst,” Emperor Huoyun replied.
He continued, “Don’t worry. If that day comes, your family and friends can all come here. As an immortal, you have that privilege.”
Lin Yun nodded. This was the privilege of the strong.
A privilege earned through strength and effort, as immortals in the Heavenly God Palace would fight on the front lines in a demon war.
“Don’t just stand there. Follow me inside.”
Emperor Huoyun led the way into Sky City.
Once inside, he took Lin Yun into the air, flying directly to the Heavenly God Palace’s central hall.
At the Heavenly God Palace.
Lin Yun and Emperor Huoyun landed before the hall.
To the left stood a massive stone with the words “Heavenly God List” carved boldly at the top.
Below was a detailed ranking.
**Heavenly God List**
1. Palace Master Mobai
2. Supreme Elder Rongzhen
3. Vice Palace Master Yao Chuan
4. Song Lin
5. Shadow Hall Master
6. Emperor Huoyun
7. Xiaoyao Tower Master
8. Emperor Qianyuan
9. Taixu Tavern Master
10. Emperor Xingwu
…
126. Xu Bin
“Master, is this Heavenly God List a strength ranking for the palace?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“Correct, but the list rarely changes, especially at the top. Many haven’t fought seriously in thousands or tens of thousands of years,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“What are the benefits of being on the list?” Lin Yun asked.
“You receive Bright Moon Crystals. Every thousand years, the palace distributes them based on your rank,” Emperor Huoyun explained.
“Master, you’re ranked sixth. You must be very strong,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Haha, don’t flatter me, disciple. Vice Palace Master Yao is inside. Let’s go in. You’ll learn more in time,” Emperor Huoyun said, leading Lin Yun into the hall.
Before departing, Emperor Huoyun had already informed Vice Palace Master Yao of Lin Yun’s arrival via the communication bracelet.
