When Lin Yun’s resolute words rang out, the crowd was even more shocked. They hadn’t expected their earlier speculations to be true—Lin Yun really intended to challenge Cao Jun!
“I heard he overcame the Supreme Golden Thunder Tribulation, a monstrous talent, but he’s been in the Immortal Realm for less than a month. Where does he get the courage to challenge Cao Jun?”
“Relying on his talent, isn’t this lad a bit too arrogant?”
“Indeed, even if he’s a prodigy, he hasn’t been in the Immortal Realm long enough to build a solid foundation. Challenging across realms in the Immortal Realm is no easy feat!”
…
The Immortals in attendance, while discussing, couldn’t help but feel that Lin Yun was overly conceited.
Even the master of Xiaoyao Tower, seated nearby, showed a surprised expression, equally puzzled by Lin Yun’s actions.
After all, those who reached the Immortal Realm were no pushovers. People like Cao Jun, before entering the Immortal Realm, weren’t they also geniuses and prodigies? Moreover, Cao Jun had been in the Immortal Realm for thousands of years, deeply entrenched, while Lin Yun was a newcomer to the realm.
Emperor Xingwu, seated opposite, was momentarily stunned by Lin Yun’s words, but then burst into laughter.
“Haha, interesting! Lin Yun, I admit I underestimated you back then, but if you think the Immortal Realm is as easy to leapfrog as before, you’re gravely mistaken. The Immortals of the Heavenly God Palace aren’t as easy to deal with as you might think,” Emperor Xingwu said, leaning back in his chair, his smile unwavering.
Even Emperor Xingwu hadn’t anticipated that Lin Yun would attempt to challenge Cao Jun at such a moment.
At this point, all eyes in the arena were fixed on Lin Yun and Emperor Xingwu.
“No, disciple, you’ve only just entered the Immortal Realm. You’re still a novice in this realm, while Cao Jun has been an Immortal far longer and is at the Third Eternal Realm, whereas you’re only at the First Eternal Realm,” Emperor Huoyun immediately objected.
Emperor Huoyun was unwilling to let Lin Yun take this risk, as there was almost no chance of victory.
He was trying to protect Lin Yun.
After all, Lin Yun had just entered the Immortal Realm. If he suffered a defeat, especially after initiating the challenge, it wouldn’t bode well for his reputation and influence in the Heavenly God Palace.
Bing Yi, standing nearby, hurriedly tried to dissuade Lin Yun as well, “Lin Yun, Cao Jun isn’t just in the Third Eternal Realm—he’s among the better ones at that level. Even I was defeated by him. You must be cautious!”
“Master, I want to try. You know me—I wouldn’t say this without some confidence. I’ve just observed Cao Jun’s moves and have a rough understanding of his strength,” Lin Yun said firmly, showing no intention of backing down.
Emperor Xingwu, seated opposite, laughed, “Huoyun, since your disciple is so eager, why stop him? I think you should respect his decision.”
Emperor Huoyun turned to Lin Yun, seeking confirmation once more.
“Disciple, are you truly set on this?”
“Yes, Master. Win or lose, I want to try. The Haoyue Crystals and face you lost just now—I’ll take them back for you!” Lin Yun’s tone was resolute.
“Lin Yun, if you’re doing this just to save my face, there’s no need to take such a risk. It was merely a spar between juniors, not something to make a big deal of,” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Master, though it was just a spar between juniors, others don’t see it that way. They think it’s also a contest between you and Emperor Xingwu,” Lin Yun replied.
“Very well, since you’re determined, I’ll respect your decision,” Emperor Huoyun said after a moment’s contemplation, finally nodding in agreement.
Emperor Huoyun knew Lin Yun was exceptional, but as a newcomer to the Immortal Realm with such a vast gap between him and his opponent, he had no confidence in Lin Yun’s chances.
Yet Lin Yun’s resolve sparked a glimmer of hope in him. Could Lin Yun actually have a chance?
Emperor Huoyun suddenly felt a spark of anticipation. Could his disciple create a miracle?
After all, Lin Yun was someone who often turned the impossible into possible.
If it were anyone else, Emperor Huoyun would have steadfastly refused, but Lin Yun was different…
“Thank you, Master, for granting my request,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists.
Then, Lin Yun turned to face Emperor Xingwu.
“Emperor Xingwu, my master just lost a thousand Haoyue Crystals to you. I now challenge your disciple. If I win, we call it even. How about it?” Lin Yun’s voice was clear and steady, neither servile nor overbearing.
Emperor Xingwu smiled, “I’m more curious about what happens if you lose, since that’s the most likely outcome.”
“If I lose, in addition to the thousand Haoyue Crystals my master owes you, I’ll also give you the five hundred Haoyue Crystals he once gifted me,” Lin Yun said, revealing the five hundred crystals.
“So, you’re betting five hundred Haoyue Crystals as a stake, are you? Fine. If you win, not only will I waive the thousand Haoyue Crystals your master owes me, I’ll give you an additional thousand. But let’s see if you have the ability to take them,” Emperor Xingwu said with a playful smile.
“Is that so, Emperor Xingwu? Then it’s a deal,” Lin Yun replied, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Lin Yun hadn’t expected Emperor Xingwu to raise the stakes himself.
With that, Lin Yun leaped onto the stage ahead.
As for Cao Jun, he had already returned to Emperor Xingwu’s side.
“Cao Jun, go. Set a goal—defeat him in ten moves. That shouldn’t be difficult, right?” Emperor Xingwu said casually.
“Master, ten moves? Three will suffice!” Cao Jun replied with a confident smile.
What a joke—he had defeated Bing Yi, a Third Eternal Realm Immortal. Why would he fear Lin Yun, who had just entered the Immortal Realm and was only at the First Eternal Realm?
Even if Lin Yun was a prodigy, he was still a newcomer to the Immortal Realm!
With that, Cao Jun also flew onto the stage.
“Interesting. They’re actually going to fight. Is Lin Yun confident or just reckless?” the master of Xiaoyao Tower remarked with a sigh.
Even he felt this was an oddly mismatched contest.
It was like a first-year primary school student challenging a sixth-year student—a bizarre match!
Then, the master of Xiaoyao Tower turned to Emperor Huoyun, “Huoyun, how much confidence do you have in your disciple?”
“Would you believe me if I said I have no confidence at all?” Emperor Huoyun replied with a wry smile.
