“Good, I’ll help you reply to the letter,” Emperor Huoyun agreed.
After leaving the palace, Lin Yun returned to his residence.
Lin Mansion.
“Father.”
As soon as Lin Yun entered the courtyard, his son Lin Yi, who was practising swordsmanship, bowed to him.
Now fifteen years old, Lin Yi had grown up in privileged conditions, so at just fifteen, he was already one metre eighty, taller than Lin Yun, and bore a strong resemblance to him.
It couldn’t be helped; Lin Yun had grown up in poverty, malnourished during his growth years. Though it would be easy for Lin Yun to increase his height now, he saw no need for it.
“Yi’er, how’s your sword practice going?” Lin Yun asked.
“Lin Yun, your son can’t compare to you. Without my supervision, he slacks off in his training. I’m at my wit’s end with him,” Palace Master Yunshang said, displeased.
“Father, I tried hard at first, but sword practice and cultivation are so dull. With you protecting us, why do we need to work so hard?” Lin Yi said with a smile.
“You, even your sister Kexin is tougher than you. A girl, and she endures more hardship than you,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head helplessly.
Over the years, Lin Yun had travelled often, returning home every few months or a year, so he was well aware of his son’s situation.
He had lectured Lin Yi countless times, urging him to train hard and explaining many principles.
But Lin Yi couldn’t handle hardship. Lin Yun’s words went in one ear and out the other. He’d agree wholeheartedly during lectures but revert to his old ways afterwards.
As a young child, he’d listened somewhat, but the older he got, the more he dismissed Lin Yun’s words.
So Lin Yun had given up lecturing, no longer expecting him to train diligently.
As long as Lin Yi put in some effort and didn’t make major mistakes, Lin Yun was content.
After all, his son had lived a smooth life, never facing setbacks, with plenty of family wealth to squander, so he lacked the drive and determination to strive, unlike some great clans where internal competition was fierce despite wealth.
“Yi’er, remember this: even if you don’t train hard, be kind to others and don’t do wrong,” Lin Yun instructed.
“Don’t worry, Father,” Lin Yi readily agreed.
“Daddy, you’re back!”
His daughter Lin Kexin’s voice rang out.
Lin Yun turned to see Lin Kexin running towards him with a radiant smile, then throwing herself into his arms.
“Daddy, it’s been a year since you last came back. I missed you so much,” Lin Kexin said, acting coy.
That past incident had taught Lin Kexin that her parents were the ones who cared for and loved her most. Even when she had doubted her father, he never blamed her and even borrowed the Qiankun Mirror to help her see the truth.
“Kexin, you’re grown up now, yet you act like a teenage girl,” Lin Yun said with a wry smile.
“In front of you, Daddy, I’ll always be a child,” Lin Kexin said with a playful grin.
“Lin Yun, you’re truly blessed to have such a loving family,” a voice called from outside.
Lin Yun turned to see Vice Palace Master Yao approaching. Though he seemed to walk slowly, he reached Lin Yun in the blink of an eye.
“Greetings, Vice Palace Master Yao.”
Lin Yun bowed upon seeing him.
“Lin Yun, you’re luckier than us, with so many loved ones around you. An old soul like me has no family left in this world,” Vice Palace Master Yao sighed.
Immortals had endless lifespans, but they also witnessed their loved ones reach the end of their lives.
“If Vice Palace Master Yao wants family, why not have a child?” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Having a child only leads to watching them pass before you. It’s better not to. The odds of achieving immortality are too slim,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, shaking his head, clearly having experienced and come to terms with this.
Seeing Yao’s response, Lin Yun didn’t press the topic further.
But Yao’s words made Lin Yun wonder if he, too, would face this fate one day.
“By the way, Vice Palace Master Yao, what brings you here in person? If there’s something, you could’ve contacted me via the communication bracelet, and I’d have come to the Heavenly God Palace. No need for you to make the trip,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“I had to come in person. Lin Yun, shall we have a private chat?” Vice Palace Master Yao said, smiling.
“Of course, Vice Palace Master. Let’s talk in the reception hall, please.”
Lin Yun led Vice Palace Master Yao to the reception hall.
Inside the hall.
“Lin Yun, your master has told me about your trip to the Dragon Clan. I came specifically for this matter,” Vice Palace Master Yao said directly as soon as they sat down.
“Is Vice Palace Master Yao asking me to do my best to facilitate cooperation between the Dragon Clan and the human race? Rest assured, though I can’t guarantee results, I’ll do my utmost,” Lin Yun said.
“Lin Yun, this matter is critical. It’s in your hands. Here are five thousand Haoyue Crystals as your reward.”
With a wave of his hand, Vice Palace Master Yao presented five thousand Haoyue Crystals.
“So many!” Lin Yun was startled by the sight.
“This mission is of great importance to the Heavenly God Palace and the entire human race. Naturally, the reward reflects that,” Vice Palace Master Yao said with a smile.
Immortals rarely earned Haoyue Crystals at the Heavenly God Palace, except through the Heavenly God List or by completing missions or making significant contributions.
This mission of Lin Yun’s was undoubtedly significant.
“Vice Palace Master Yao, I haven’t even gone to the Dragon Clan yet, and the mission hasn’t started. Isn’t it a bit early to give the reward, given we don’t know the outcome?” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“These five thousand Haoyue Crystals are your effort fee. They’re yours, success or failure,” Vice Palace Master Yao said.
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony,” Lin Yun said, smiling as he accepted the five thousand Haoyue Crystals.
Though Lin Yun was currently at a bottleneck and didn’t need the crystals yet, if he broke through to the Mahayana realm, he’d need vast amounts to advance quickly, far more than in the Eternal realm.
